Council Agenda - Regular Meeting

~~POST SUMMARY MINUTES~~ Council Chambers September 23, 2025 C. E. “Red” McDaniel City Services Center- Second Floor 5:30 PM 3111 Citizens Way, Columbus, GA 31906 Regular Meeting M A Y O R’ S A G E N D A PRESENT: Mayor B. H. “Skip” Henderson, III and Mayor Pro Tem R. Gary Allen and Councilors John Anker, Travis L. Chambers, Joanne Cogle, Glenn Davis, R. Walker Garrett , Byron Hickey and Bruce Huff and Toyia Tucker. Deputy City Manager Pam Hodge, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Assistant City Attorney Lucy Sheftall, Clerk of Council Lindsey G. McLemore and Deputy Clerk of Council Tameka Colbert. ABSENT: Councilor Charmaine Crabb was absent. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor B.H. "Skip" Henderson, III, Presiding INVOCATION: Offered by Karen Connally – Tri City Prayer Initiative PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Quincy Munoz- Association of Sickle Cell, Lower Chattahoochee Region Youth Ambassador MINUTES: Mayor’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: APPROVED 1. Approval of minutes for the September 16, 2025, Council Meeting and Executive Session. PROCLAMATIONS: Mayor’s Agenda #2: No Action Taken (Proclamation read into the record by Councilor Huff) 2. Proclamation: National Sickle Cell Awareness Receiving: Lois Williams Mayor’s Agenda #3: No Action Taken (Proclamation read into the record by Mayor Pro Tem Allen ) 3. Proclamation: National Diaper Need Awareness Week Receiving: Jamie Thomas PRESENTATIONS: Mayor’s Agenda #4: Vote Result: APPROVED request for half of the $34,748 cost associated with the Housing Solutions Group Plan. 4. Housing Solutions Group – Pat Frey, Vice President of United Way CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA ORDINANCES City Attorney’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: ADOPTED 1. 2nd Reading- REZN-07-25-1262: An Ordinance rezoning property located at 109 23rd Street from Residential Multifamily – 2 (RMF2) Single Family Residential 4 (SFR4). (The Planning Department and PAC recommended Approval.) (Councilor Cogle) City Attorney’s Agenda #2: Vote Result: ADOPTED 2. 2nd Reading- REZN-07-25-1264: An ordinance rezoning property located at 5350 Veterans Parkway from Single Family Residential 3 (SFR3) zoning district to General Commercial (GC) zoning district. (The Planning Department and PAC recommend Approval.)(Councilor Garrett) City Attorney’s Agenda #3: Vote Result: ADOPTED 3. 2nd Reading - REZN-07-25-1303: An ordinance rezoning property located at 2210 Wynnton Road from Neighborhood Commercial (NC) zoning district to General Commercial (GC) Page 2 of 15  zoning district. (The Planning Department and PAC recommended Approval.) (Councilor Huff) City Attorney’s Agenda #4: Vote Result: ADOPTED 4. 2nd Reading: An Ordinance amending the Columbus Code Section 8-14.1. to provide permitting and inspection fees for solar panel work; and for other purposes. (Mayor Pro-Tem) City Attorney’s Agenda #5: Vote Result: ADOPTED 5. 2nd Reading: An ordinance providing for the demolition of various structures located at: 1) 3407 Victory Drive (Ricky Johnson, Owner) 2) 1209 Carmel Court (Latasha Burns, Owner) 3) 1553 Holland Avenue (Holmer Jenkins Jr., Owner) 4) 225 21st Avenue (Marcelo Ramirez, Owner) 5) 517 Chesterfield Avenue (Tawana Mckelvey, Owner) 6) 2614 Jones Avenue (Alice Butler, Owner) 7) 4212 7th Avenue (Winston Marchan Jr., Owner) 8) 2928 10th Street (Audrey Palmore & Robert Holston, Owner) and for demolition services for the Inspections and Code Department in accordance with the Tabulation of Bid sheet attached as Exhibit A; and for other purposes. (Mayor Pro Tem) City Attorney’s Agenda #6: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 6. 1st Reading- REZN-06-25-1190: An ordinance rezoning property located at 2506 Riverside Drive from Residential Multifamily– 2 (RMF2) zoning district to Residential Multifamily – 1 (RMF1) zoning district with conditions. (Planning Department and PAC recommended Approval.)(Delayed on 1st Reading from 9-16-25)(Councilor Garrett) RESOLUTIONS City Attorney’s Agenda #7: Vote Result: APPROVED 7. A Bond Resolution of the Council of Columbus, Georgia to regulate and provide for the issuance of $48,790,000 in aggregate principal amount of Columbus, Georgia, General Obligation Sales Tax Bonds, Series 2025 (the “bonds”), to provide money for the purpose of completing the acquisition, construction and equipping of judicial facilities in Columbus, Page 3 of 15  Georgia and to pay costs associated with issuance of the bonds; and for other purposes. (Mayor Pro-Tem) PUBLIC AGENDA 1. Mrs. Betty Lawrence, Re: Business and Alcohol License Delays. Not Present 2. Mr. Timothy Veals, Re: Community Concerns. No Action Taken 3. Mrs. Monica Luker, Re: Appreciation for Addressing Traffic Concerns on Preston Drive. No Action Taken 4. Ms. Jennifer Le Denney, representing the Disabled Community, Re: Absence of Housing Assistance for Special Needs on CAPERS. No Action Taken 5. Dr. Marvin Broadwater, Sr., Re: Speaking for the Homeless. No Action Taken 6. Dr. Natalie Nicole, representing Role Model Academy of Arts, Re: Taxpayer Dollar for Philanthropy. Crime Prevention Grant Program Metrics and Outcomes. No Action Taken 7. Ms. Velicia Watkins, representing Rena’s Hope Project, Re: Upcoming Event – HIV Awareness Walk. Not Present CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA City Manager’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: APPROVED 1. Street Acceptance – That portion of Mountain Ivy Drive and Climbing Ivy Court Approval is requested for the acceptance of that portion of Mountain Ivy Drive and Climbing Ivy Court located in Section Two, Phase Two, North Ivy Park. 2. 2026 Legislative Agenda Approval is requested of the resolution for the 2026 Legislative Session of the Georgia General Assembly, which the Mayor and Council deem appropriate. City Manager’s Agenda #2 (1): Vote Result: WITHDRAWN (Requested by Councilor Chambers) Page 4 of 15  2 (1). COUNCIL APPOINTMENT – 30 DAYS AFTER VACANCY: The Columbus Council requests that the local delegation to the Georgia General Assembly introduce an amendment to Section 6-201 so as to allow at least 30 days after a Council vacancy before a council appointment to fill an unexpired term pursuant to this Section. (Request of Councilor Travis Chambers) City Manager’s Agenda #2 (2): Vote Result: APPROVED 2 (2). SENIOR HOMESTEAD EXEMPTIONS REFERENDUM: The Columbus Council requests that the local delegation to the Georgia General Assembly enact local legislation so that the homestead exemption of $21,500 for qualified residents 65 years of age and older be increased to $30,000, for Muscogee County ad valorem taxes and Muscogee County School District ad valorem taxes, beginning in tax year for January 1, 2027, and thereafter; and that the homestead exemption for residents qualifying under OCGA 48-5-52 and defined as qualified residents 62 years of age and older, be increased for Muscogee County School District ad valorem taxes to $30,000, beginning in tax year for January 1, 2027, and thereafter. The exemptions granted herein shall not become effective and shall not apply unless this act is approved by a majority of Muscogee County voters at a referendum set as specified by the General Assembly for November 2026. (Request of Councilor Toyia Tucker) City Manager’s Agenda #2 (3): No Action Taken (Delay requested during discussion until the October 14, 2025 Council Meeting) 2 (3). PUBLIC SAFETY DIRECTOR AMENDMENT: The Columbus Council requests that the local delegation to the Georgia General Assembly enact local legislation to amend the Charter of Columbus, Georgia to remove the Mayor’s assigned duties to direct, supervise, and coordinate the administration and activities of the Department of Public Safety; to create a new position of Public Safety Director; and to provide for the qualifications, appointment, removal of that position. The Charter amendments referred to herein shall not become effective and shall not apply unless this act is approved by a majority of Muscogee County voters at a referendum set as specified by the General Assembly for November, 2026. (Request of Councilor Toyia Tucker) City Manager’s Agenda #2 (4): Vote Result: APPROVED 2 (4). OPEN MEETINGS AMENDMENT: The Columbus Council requests that the local delegation to the Georgia General Assembly introduce legislation at the 2026 Legislative Session to amend O.C.G.A 50-14-1(g) so that telephonic or video meetings can be held by local boards and commissions under non-emergent circumstances as long as the public can hear, view and participate in the meeting contemporaneously. (Request of Councilor Charmaine Crabb) Page 5 of 15 City Manager’s Agenda #2 (5): Vote Result: AMENDED to include additional language “This prohibition will not apply to the grounds surrounding the recreation building." 2 (5). WEAPONS IN RECREATION CENTERS: The Columbus Council requests that the local delegation to the Georgia General Assembly work with the office of Legislative Counsel to introduce or support general legislation to amend Part 3 of Chapter 11 of Title 16 of the Georgia Code to prohibit the carrying of firearms and other dangerous weapons in Recreation Centers/facilities which are owned and run by local governments. (Request of Councilor Toyia Tucker) City Manager’s Agenda #2 (6): Vote Result: APPROVED 2 (6). AMENDMENT OF CONFLICT-OF-INTEREST PROVISION FOR REDEVELOPMENT POWERS LAW: The Columbus Council requests the local legislative delegation introduce/support legislation to revise and to clarify the conflict-of-interest provisions in the Redevelopment Powers Law which address the participation of local government elective and appointive officials and employees in the creation and administration of Tax Allocation Districts. (Request of Councilor Toyia Tucker, Glenn Davis and Charmaine Crabb/Carry Over From Previous Years) City Manager’s Agenda #2 (7): Vote Result: APPROVED 2 (7). MILITARY RETIREE STATE TAX EXEMPTIONS: The Columbus Council is requesting that the legislative delegation support efforts to exempt military retiree pay from state income tax in order to attract military retirees to Columbus, Georgia as recommended by the Greater Columbus, Georgia Chamber of Commerce. (Request of Councilor Tucker /Carryover From Previous Years) City Manager’s Agenda #3: Vote Result: APPROVED 3. FY2027 5303 Grant Application for Planning Assistance Approval is requested to authorize the Department of Transportation/METRA to apply to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) for a capital, planning, and operating grant in the amount of $166,692.00 or otherwise awarded. Approval is also requested to authorize the City to accept the grant, if awarded, and execute any contracts with the Federal Transit Administration and/or the Georgia Department of Transportation relating to the grant. Page 6 of 15  4. PURCHASES City Manager’s Agenda #4 (A-E): Vote Result: APPROVED A. Contract Extension for Post-Accident Drug Screening: After-Hours, Weekends, Holidays B. Contract Extension for Elevator Maintenance Services (Annual Contract) – RFB No. 19- 0025 C. Declaration of Surplus and Donation of Taser Cartridges to the Eufaula, Alabama Police Department D. Software as a Service (SAAS) Renewal Agreement for Tyler Odyssey Court Management System E. Telecom Billing Error Detection and Correction Management Services (Annual Contract) – City of Jacksonville, Florida Cooperative Contract Purchase 5. UPDATES AND PRESENTATIONS A. Columbus Water Works Campus Master Plan Update – Jeremy Cummings, President No Action Taken B. Pension Update - Reather Hollowell, Director, Human Resources No Action Taken C. FY25 CAPER Update - Robert Scott, Director, Community Reinvestment No Action Taken BID ADVERTISEMENT DATE: September 23, 2025 TO: Mayor and Councilors FROM: Finance Department SUBJECT: Advertised Bids/RFPs/RFQs October 8, 2025 2. Double Churches Pool Repairs – RFB No. 26-0006 Scope of Bid Provide all labor, equipment and materials to repair the pool at Double Churches Park. A Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference is scheduled at 09:30 AM on Friday, September 26, 2025. Page 7 of 15  October 1, 2025 1. Used & Confiscated Firearms for credit or Swap – RFB No. 26-0005 Scope of Bid The Columbus Consolidated Government (the City) Police Department is offering used and confiscated firearms for sale to a licensed firearms dealer who can issue a credit to purchase or swap for Heckler & Koch VP9A1F 9mm semi-automatic pistols with accessories. Inspections by Appointment Wednesday, September 17, 2025. October 3, 2025 1. Course Instructors for the HR Department/The Learning Center (Annual Contact) – RFP No. 26-0015 Scope of RFP The Department of HR/The Learning Center is seeking multiple contractors to provide instructors in various training modules to employees interested in growing and developing their skills within the Columbus Consolidated Government. Training will be conducted on an ‘as needed’ basis. October 15, 2025 1. Plumbing and Irrigation Supplies (Annual Contract) – RFB No. 26-0002 Scope of Bid Provide plumbing & irrigation supplies on an “as needed basis” to be picked up or delivered to Columbus Consolidated Government. The contract term will be for two (2) years with the option to renew for three (3) additional twelve-month periods. CLERK OF COUNCIL’S AGENDA ENCLOSURES - ACTION REQUESTED Clerk of Council’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: APPROVED 1. Resolution – A resolution excusing the absence of Councilor Charmaine Crabb from the September 23, 2025, Council Meeting. Clerk of Council’s Agenda #2: Vote Result: APPROVED 2. Resolution – A resolution canceling the Consent Agenda / Work Session on September 30, 2025. Page 8 of 15 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #3: Vote Result: RECEIVED 3. Minutes of the following boards Board of Tax Assessors #30-25 Board of Tax Assessors #31-25 Columbus Iron Works Convention and Trade Center Authority 06-20-25 Development Authority of Columbus 08-11-25 Development Authority of Columbus 09-03-25 Planning Advisory Commission 11-20-24 Planning Advisory Commission 12-18-24 Planning Advisory Commission 01-15-25 Planning Advisory Commission 03-05-25 Planning Advisory Commission 03-19-25 Planning Advisory Commission 04-16-25 Planning Advisory Commission 05-21-25 BOARD APPOINTMENTS - ACTION REQUESTED 4. MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS – ANY NOMINATIONS MAY BE CONFIRMED FOR THIS MEETING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #4(A): No Action Taken A. BUILDING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS: _______________ Open for Nominations Vacant (Mayor’s Appointment) Term Expired: March 24, 2025 Terms are two years. Meets as needed. Women: 1 Senatorial District 15: 0 Page 9 of 15  Senatorial District 29: 3 Vacancies: 2 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #4(B): Nomination: Mayor Henderson nominated Miller Robinson to succeed Lauren Becker on the Convention & Visitors Board of Commissioners; Vote Result: CONFIRMED B. CONVENTION & VISITORS BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS (CVB): Lauren Becker Open for Nominations Not Eligible (Mayor’s Appointment) Term Expires: December 31, 2025 Miles Greathouse Open for Nominations Not Eligible (Mayor’s Appointment) (Restaurant/Retail Trade) Term Expires: December 31, 2025 NOTE: These appointments are to be in July of each year prior to the expiration of the term with the new appointment term beginning in January. Terms are three years. Meets monthly. Women: 4 Senatorial District 15: 5 Senatorial District 29: 4 Vacancies: 0 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #4(C): No Action Taken C. PENSION FUND, EMPLOYEES’ BOARD OF TRUSTEES: __________________ Open for Nominations Vacant (Mayor’s Appointment) (Business Community) Term Expires: June 30, 2026 The terms are four years. Meets monthly. Page 10 of 15  Women: 4 Senatorial District 15: 9 Senatorial District 29: 2 Vacancies: 1 5. COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS – READY FOR CONFIRMATION: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #5(A): Vote Result: CONFIRMED A. ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY BOARD: Dr. Jo April Brown was nominated to fill the vacant seat designated for a Georgia Licensed Veterinarian. (Councilor Crabb’s nominee) Term expires: October 15, 2026 6. COUNCIL DISTRICT SEAT APPOINTMENTS- ANY NOMINATIONS MAY BE CONFIRMED FOR THIS MEETING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #6(A): No Action Taken A. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL: __________________ Open for Nominations Vacant (District 2 – Davis) Term Expires: March 27, 2026 __________________ Open for Nominations Vacant (District 6 – Allen) Term Expires: March 27, 2026 __________________ Open for Nominations Vacant (District 8 – Garrett) Term Expires: March 27, 2026 The terms for the Mayor’s Appointments are three years and Council’s Appointments are two years. Meets quarterly. Women: 4 Senatorial District 15: 7 Senatorial District 29: 1 Page 11 of 15  Vacancies: 4 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #6(B): No Action Taken B. PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION: Paul T. Berry, III Open for Nominations Eligible (District 5 – Crabb) Term Expires: October 31, 2025 *Not interested in serving another term. Scott Taft Open for Nominations Not Eligible (District 9 – Anker) Term Expires: October 31, 2025 The terms are three years. Meets monthly. Women: 3 Senatorial District 15: 4 Senatorial District 29: 3 Vacancies: 0 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #6(C): No Action Taken C. YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL: District 9 Nominee: ______________ District 10 Nominee: 7. COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS – ANY NOMINATIONS WOULD BE LISTED FOR THE NEXT MEETING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #7(A): No Action Taken __________________ Open for Nominations Vacant (Council’s Appointment) (Georgia Veterinary Technician) Term Expires: October 15, 2025 Page 12 of 15  __________________ Open for Nominations Vacant (Council’s Appointment) (Animal Rescue Shelter Representative) Term Expires: October 15, 2025 The terms are two years. Meet as needed. Women: 7 Senatorial District 15: 3 Senatorial District 29: 4 Vacancies: 3 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #7(B): No Action Taken B. KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION: __________________ Open for Nominations Vacant (Council’s Appointment) (Senatorial District 29) Term Expires: June 30, 2026 The terms are three years. Meets every other month. Women: 4 Senatorial District 15: 5 Senatorial District 29: 3 Vacancies: 1 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #7(C): No Action Taken C. LIBERTY THEATRE & CULTURAL ARTS CENTER ADVISORY BOARD: __________________ Open for Nominations Vacant (Council’s Appointment) Term Expired: August 14, 2025 __________________ Open for Nominations Vacant (Council’s Appointment) Term Expired: August 14, 2026 The terms are four years. Meets every other month. Page 13 of 15  Women: 5 Senatorial District 15: 7 Senatorial District 29: 4 Vacancies: 2 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #7(D): No Action Taken D. NEW HORIZONS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH – MENTAL HEALTH, ADDICTIVE DISEASES AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES- COMMUNITY SERVICE BOARD: Judge David Ranieri Open for Nominations Does not desire reappointment (Council’s Appointment) Term Expired: June 30, 2025 The terms are three years. Meets every other month. Women: 2 Senatorial District 15: 3 Senatorial District 29: 1 Vacancies: 0 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #7(E): Nomination: Mayor Pro Tem Allen nominated Natalie N. McDowell, who currently serves as Alternate Member 5, to fill the vacant seat as the Regular Member 5 on the Personnel Review Board. E. PERSONNEL REVIEW BOARD: __________________ Open for Nominations Vacant (Council’s Appointment) (Regular Member 5) Term expires: December 31, 2025 *Human Resources is recommending Natalie N. McDowell, who currently serves as Alternate Member 5. Page 14 of 15  __________________ Open for Nominations Vacant (Council’s Appointment) (Alternate Member 1) Term expires: December 31, 2027 __________________ Open for Nominations Vacant (Council’s Appointment) (Alternate Member 2) Term expires: December 31, 2027 __________________ Open for Nominations Vacant (Council’s Appointment) (Alternate Member 3) Term expires: December 31, 2027 The terms are three years. Meets monthly. Women: 3 Senatorial District 15: 3 Senatorial District 29: 3 Vacancies: 4 PUBLIC AGENDA (continued): 4. Ms. Jennifer Le Denney, representing the Disabled Community, Re: Absence of Housing Assistance for Special Needs on CAPERS. No Action Taken 5. Dr. Marvin Broadwater, Sr., Re: Speaking for the Homeless. No Action Taken With there being no further business to discuss, Mayor Henderson entertained a motion for adjournment. Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Allen to adjourn the September 23, 2025, Regular Council Meeting, seconded by Councilor Garrett and carried unanimously by the nine members present, with Councilor Crabb being absent from the meeting, and the time being 10:54 p.m. Page 15 of 15