Council Agenda - Regular Meeting

~~POST SUMMARY MINUTES~~ Council Chambers October 28, 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 Pro Tem R. Gary Allen and Councilors John Anker, Travis L. Chambers, Joanne Cogle, Charmaine Crabb, Glenn Davis, R. Walker Garrett (via teleconference), Byron Hickey, Bruce Huff (arrived at 6:26 p.m.) and Toyia Tucker. Deputy City Manager Lisa Goodwin, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Clerk of Council Lindsey G. McLemore and Deputy Clerk of Council Tameka Colbert. ABSENT: Mayor B. H. “Skip” Henderson, III was absent. Assistant City Attorney Lucy Sheftall was also absent. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Pro Tem R. Gary Allen, Presiding INVOCATION: Offered by Pastor Wayne Anthony, St. Peter UMC of Columbus, Georgia PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Girl Scout Troop 50272 MINUTES: Mayor’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: APPROVED 1. Approval of minutes for the October 14, 2025, Council Meeting and Executive Session. PROCLAMATIONS: Mayor’s Agenda #2: No Action Taken (Proclamation read into the record by Councilor Chambers) 2. Proclamation: Down Syndrome Awareness Month Receiving: Toya Barnes Mayor’s Agenda #3: No Action Taken (Proclamation read into the record by Councilor Anker) 3. Proclamation: House of Heroes 25th Anniversary Week Receiving: Susan Wood and Pastor Wayne Anthony PRESENTATIONS: Mayor’s Agenda #4: No Action Taken 4. Columbus Water Works – Rate Model Study Presented by: Jeremy Cummings, President of Columbus Water Works Mayor’s Agenda #5: No Action Taken 5. Transition Audit Report for Clerk of Council Presented by: Donna McGinnis, Internal Auditor/Compliance Officer CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA ORDINANCES City Attorney’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: ADOPTED 1. 2nd Reading - REZN-07-25-1385: An Ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, to change certain boundaries of a district located at 1420 Wynnton Road (parcel # 026-024-001) from Residential Office (RO) Zoning District to Single Family Residential 2 (SFR2) Zoning District. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.) (Councilor Cogle) City Attorney’s Agenda #2: Vote Result: ADOPTED 2. 2nd Reading - REZN-08-25-0015: An Ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, to change certain boundaries of a district Page 2 of 17  located at 9055 & 9067 Veterans Parkway (parcel # 079-001-004/034) from Residential Estate - 1 (RE1) Zoning District to Residential Office (RO) Zoning District. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.) (Councilor Davis) City Attorney’s Agenda #3: Vote Result: DELAYED for 30 days 3. 2nd Reading - REZN-08-25-1511: An Ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, to change certain boundaries of a district located at 6839 Mitchell Drive (parcel # 013-014-009A) from Single Family Residential - 2 (SFR2) Zoning District to Single Family Residential – 4 (SFR4) Zoning District. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.) (Councilor Tucker) City Attorney’s Agenda #4: Vote Result: ADOPTED 4. 2nd Reading - REZN-08-25-1513: An Ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, to change certain boundaries of a district located at 4627 Milgen Road (parcel # 083-044-001B) from Light Manufacturing/ Industrial (LMI) Zoning District to General Commercial (GC) Zoning District. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.) (Councilor Crabb) City Attorney’s Agenda #5: Vote Result: ADOPTED 5. 2nd Reading - REZN-08-25-1514: An Ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, to change certain boundaries of a district located at 4459 Cusseta Road (parcel # 090-033-011) from Single Family Residential - 1 (SFR1) Zoning District to Heavy Manufacturing/ Industrial (HMI) Zoning District. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.) (Councilor Huff) City Attorney’s Agenda #6: Vote Result: ADOPTED 6. 2nd Reading - REZN-08-25-1515: An Ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, to change certain boundaries of a district located at 800,802,804 7th Avenue, 800, 801,804, 805, 808, 809, 812 8th Avenue and 801, 805, 809, 811 9th Avenue (parcel # 019-020-012/13/14/19/20/21 & 019-021- 009/12/29/30/31/32/33/34) from Residential Office (RO), General Commercial (GC), or Light Manufacturing/ Industrial (LMI) Zoning District to Uptown (UPT) Zoning District. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.)(Councilor Cogle) City Attorney’s Agenda #7: Vote Result: ADOPTED 7. 2nd Reading - An ordinance amending the “Official Street Map, City of Columbus, Georgia”, by changing the official street name of the public roadway designated as “Masterbuilt Court” to Master Wall court, to be one street name consistent with the length of roadway; authorizing the street name change; repealing any conflicting ordinances; and for other purposes. (Mayor Pro-Tem and Councilor Crabb) Page 3 of 17 PUBLIC AGENDA 1. Mrs. Betty Lawrence, Re: The Time it Takes to Receive Business and Alcohol Licenses, and the Costs Associated with the Delays. No Action Taken 2. Mr. Paresh Patel, Re: Request for Refund of Survey Fees Associated with Lottery Machines. No Action Taken 3. Mr. Pieter Friedrich, Re: Requesting Action to Prevent the Imposition on Free Speech of Residents. No Action Taken 4. Ms. Rosetta Demming, Re: Appreciation for Excellent Services. Not Present 5. Ms. Leigh Matty, Re: Culvert Maintenance on City Owned Property No Action Taken 6. Ms. Theresa El-Amin, representing the Southern Anti-Racism Network, Re: How to Run a City, United Way, Pay for Performance, and Lame Ducks. No Action Taken 7. Mrs. Lauren Chambers, representing The Mill District, Inc., Re: Community Dinner for The Mill District Community. No Action Taken 8. Dr. Natalie Nicole, representing Role Model Academy of Arts, Re: Practicing Leadership Without Accountability. A Call for Codified Ethics & Responsive Governance. No Action Taken 9. Mr. Ify Agbasi, representing Children’s 1st, Re: Purchase of Property Located at 1429 Morris Road. No Action Taken 10. Mr. Gernard Hatcher, representing Neicy’s BBQ, Re: Road Construction & Restaurant Closure. No Action Taken CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA City Manager’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: APPROVED 1. Annual HUD Entitlement, Capital Fund Program, and Moving to Work Funding – Environmental Reviews and Request for Release of Funds Approval Approval is requested to execute approvals of environmental review records and requests for release of funds for the building and site improvements annually performed through HUD Entitlement, Capital Fund Program (CFP), and Moving to Work (MTW) funds. HUD entitlement funds, as the HOME Program requires a 25% match, which is required from HOME-awarded subrecipients. There are no direct fiscal considerations for the City regarding CFP and MTW funds, which are administered by the Housing Authority. As the Federal grantee of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds, the City of Columbus serves as the Responsible Entity for approving these actions. Page 4 of 17 City Manager’s Agenda #2: Vote Result: DELAYED until November 4, 2025, Council Meeting; Vote Result (2nd Action Taken): RECONSIDERED original motion to delay and APPROVED item 2. BJA FY25 Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program to Support Law Enforcement Agencies – Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office Approval is requested to apply for, accept, and expend any awarded funds as per the grant guidelines and City regulations, if awarded, a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Assistance for funds to properly implement BWC programs that can strengthen the evidentiary foundation for criminal prosecutions, provide reliable documentation of officer-citizen encounters, and deter assaults on officers, with the federal amount requested being $200,000 and with a local in-kind match of 50% required ($200,00) totaling a project cost of $400,000 or as otherwise awarded, and amend the Multi-governmental Fund budget by the amount of the award. City Manager’s Agenda #3: Vote Result: DELAYED until November 4, 2025, Council Meeting 3. FY25 Office of Justice Programs Community-Based Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative (CVIPI) – Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office Approval is requested for the Mayor, or their designee to apply for, accept, and expend any awarded funds as per the grant guidelines and City regulations, if awarded, a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Assistance for funds to reduce violent crime and improve police-community relations through a range of cross-sector enforcement, prevention, and intervention strategies, in the amount of $2,000,000 or as otherwise awarded, with no local match required, and amend the Multi-governmental Fund budget by the amount of the award. City Manager’s Agenda #4: Vote Result: APPROVED 4. Bright from the Start – Snack Grant – Parks & Recreation Approval is requested to apply for and accept a grant in the amount of $67,989.00, or as otherwise awarded, from the Georgia Department of Early Childcare and Learning, Bright from the Start, to continue the Child and Adult Care Food Program and amend the Multi-Government Grant Funds by the amount awarded. The grant will cross over the 2025 and 2026 Fiscal Years. City Manager’s Agenda #5: Vote Result: APPROVED 5. Firehouse Subs Grant Approval is requested for the mayor or his designee to apply for and accept, if awarded, a grant application in the amount of $16,011.62 to fund the purchase of a simulator manikin for EMS Page 5 of 17 training through the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation and to amend the multi-government fund by the amount of the award. There are no matching funds required. City Manager’s Agenda #6: Vote Result: APPROVED 6. Peach Little League Hill, Creek, and Wilkinson Field Improvements Donation – Parks & Recreation Approval is requested to accept the donation of several improvements to Hill, Creek, and Wilkinson Field in Lakebottom Park valued at $22,147.50 as outlined in Exhibit A. City Manager’s Agenda #7: Vote Result: APPROVED 7. Donation of Peace Pole – Parks & Recreation Approval is requested to accept a donation from the North Columbus Rotary Club for a Peace Pole at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park on Lawyers Lane. 8. PURCHASES City Manager’s Agenda #8 (A-C): Vote Result: APPROVED A. Two (2) 2025 Ford Police Pursuit Explores For the Sherriff’s Office – Georgias Statewide Contract Cooperative Purchase B. One (1) Electric Paratransit Bus for METRA – Georgia State Contract Cooperative Purchase C. Waste Management Software System and Equipment for Public Works HGACBUY Cooperative Contract 9. UPDATES AND PRESENTATIONS A. HARP Update - Rob Scott, Director, Community Reinvestment. No Action Taken BID ADVERTISEMENT DATE: October 14, 2025 TO: Mayor and Councilors FROM: Finance Department SUBJECT: Advertised Bids/RFPs/RFQs Page 6 of 17  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. October 22, 2025 1. Loss Control Services (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 26-0011 Scope of Bid The Columbus Consolidated Government invites qualified firms to submit proposals to provide comprehensive loss control services to its workforce of approximately 3000 employees. The primary purpose of these services is to assist CCG/Risk Management in identifying, evaluating, and mitigating risks across its various departments and operations, thereby reducing the frequency and severity of losses, improving safety, and controlling insurance costs. The initial term of the contract will be for two years, with the option to renew for three additional twelve-month periods. 2. Emergency Remediation & Reconstruction Services (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 26-0012 Scope of Bid The Columbus Consolidated Government seeks proposals from qualified contractors to provide emergency remediation and reconstruction services on an as-needed basis for city-owned facilities. The contractor shall furnish all necessary labor, materials, tools, equipment, and supervision. The initial term of the contract will be for two years, with the option to renew for three 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 approving an application submitted by Brandi Jones for an Honorary Designation to install an AED unit at Lakebottom Park in honor of her son, Anthony Bonner. Clerk of Council’s Agenda #2: Vote Result: APPROVED 2. Resolution – A Resolution approving an application submitted by J. Phillip Thayer for an Honorary Designation plaque at Pop Austin Recreation Center in honor of Angie Shehane. Page 7 of 17 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #3: Vote Result: RECEIVED 3. Resignation – Douglas Lee Koppang has submitted his resignation from the Uptown Façade Board. Clerk of Council’s Agenda #4: Vote Result: RECEIVED 4. Minutes of the following boards Board of Tax Assessors #32-25 Board of Tax Assessors #33-25 Board of Tax Assessors #35-25 Board of Tax Assessors #36-25 Board of Water Commissioners 08-11-25 BOARD APPOINTMENTS - ACTION REQUESTED 5. MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS – ANY NOMINATIONS MAY BE CONFIRMED FOR THIS MEETING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #5(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 Senatorial District 29: 3 Vacancies: 2 Page 8 of 17 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #5(B): No Action Taken B. HOUSING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS: Tiffany N. Stacy Open for Nominations Eligible (Mayor’s Appointment) Term Expires: November 16, 2025 Ordinance No. 11-23 removes the two-term limit previously in place for board members. The terms are five years; Resident Position serves a 1-year term. Meets monthly. Women: 4 Senatorial District 15: 3 Senatorial District 29: 4 Vacancies: 0 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #6(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. Women: 4 Senatorial District 15: 9 Senatorial District 29: 2 Vacancies: 1 6. COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS – READY FOR CONFIRMATION: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #6(A): Vote Result: CONFIRMED A. KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION: Kristasia Heath was nominated to fill the vacant seat for Senatorial District 29. (Councilor Crabb’s nominee) Term expires: June 30, 2026 Page 9 of 17 7. APPOINTMENTS – CONFIRMED BY COUNCIL: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #7(A): No Action Taken A. AIRPORT COMMISSION: Art Guin Open for Nominations Eligible (Commission’s Nominee/Confirmed by Council) Term Expires: December 31, 2025 The Commission submits three (3) nominees for consideration, from which Council appoints one new member. Ordinance No. 11-23 removes the two-term limit previously in place for board members. Terms are five years. Meets monthly. Women: 1 Senatorial District 15: 3 Senatorial District 29: 2 Vacancies: 0 8. COUNCIL DISTRICT SEAT APPOINTMENTS- ANY NOMINATIONS MAY BE CONFIRMED FOR THIS MEETING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #8(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 Page 10 of 17  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 Vacancies: 4 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #8(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 #8(C): Nomination(s): Councilor Chambers nominated Carl Tuttan to serve on the Youth Advisory Council; Vote Result: CONFIRMED C. YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL: District 9 Nominee: ______________ District 10 Nominee: 9. COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS – ANY NOMINATIONS WOULD BE LISTED FOR THE NEXT MEETING: Page 11 of 17 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #9(A): No Action Taken A. ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY BOARD: __________________ Open for Nominations Vacant (Council’s Appointment) (Georgia Veterinary Technician) Term Expires: October 15, 2025 __________________ 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 #9(B): No Action Taken B. BOARD OF HEALTH: Yasmine Cathright Open for Nominations Not Eligible (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: December 31, 2025 The terms are five years. Meets monthly. Women: 4 Senatorial District 15: 0 Senatorial District 29: 5 Vacancies: 1 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #9(C): Nomination(s): Councilor Crabb renominated Wes Kelley to serve another term on the Board of Water Commissioners. Page 12 of 17  C. BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS: Wes Kelley Open for Nominations Eligible (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: December 31, 2025 The terms are four years. Meets monthly. Women: 1 Senatorial District 15: 2 Senatorial District 29: 2 Vacancies: 0 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #9(D): No Action Taken D. 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. Women: 5 Senatorial District 15: 7 Senatorial District 29: 4 Vacancies: 2 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #9(E): No Action Taken E. 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) Page 13 of 17  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 #9(F): Nomination(s): Councilor Crabb renominated Natalie N. McDowell to serve another term on the Personnel Review Board. F. PERSONNEL REVIEW BOARD: Willie Butler Open for Nominations Not Eligible (Council’s Appointment) (Regular Member 1) Term Expires: December 31, 2025 Yolanda Sumbry Sewell Open for Nominations Not Eligible (Council’s Appointment) (Regular Member 4) Term Expires: December 31, 2025 Natalie N. McDowell Open for Nominations Eligible (Council’s Appointment) (Regular Member 5) Term Expires: December 31, 2025 *NOTE: Confirmation on 10-14-2025 authorized this member to serve through the remainder of 2025. Delano Leftwich Open for Nominations Not Eligible (Council’s Appointment) (Alternate Member 4) Term Expires: December 31, 2025 _________________ Open for Nominations Vacant (Council’s Appointment) (Alternate Member 1) Term expires: December 31, 2027 Page 14 of 17  __________________ 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 __________________ Open for Nominations Vacant (Council’s Appointment) (Alternate Member 5) Term expires: December 31, 2025 The terms are three years. Meets monthly. Women: 3 Senatorial District 15: 3 Senatorial District 29: 3 Vacancies: 4 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #9(G): Nomination(s): Councilors Crabb & Huff renominated Lawrence R. Stanford, Lane Ogletree-Battle, Rodney L. Lawrence and Brantley Pittman to serve another term on the Recreation Advisory Board. G. RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD: Lawrence R. Stanford Open for Nominations Eligible (Council’s Appointment) (At-Large) Term Expires: December 31, 2025 Lane Ogletree-Battle Open for Nominations Eligible (Council’s Appointment) (At-Large) Term Expires: December 31, 2025 Rodney L. Lawrence Open for Nominations Eligible (Council’s Appointment) (Senatorial District 15) Term Expires: December 31, 2025 Page 15 of 17  Brantley Pittman Open for Nominations Eligible (Council’s Appointment) (Senatorial District 15) Term Expires: December 31, 2025 The terms are four years. Meets bimonthly, except November. Women: 1 Senatorial District 15: 4 Senatorial District 29: 3 Vacancies: 0 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #9(H): No Action Taken H. UPTOWN FAÇADE BOARD: ___________________ Open for Nominations Vacant (Council’s Appointment) (Uptown Business Improvement District) Term Expires: October 31, 2026 Terms are five years. Meets monthly. Women: 6 Senatorial District 15: 4 Senatorial District 29: 5 Vacancies: 1 EXECUTIVE SESSION: Mayor Pro Tem Allen entertained a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss security plans for public buildings as requested by City Attorney Fay. Councilor Tucker made a motion to go into Executive Session, seconded by Councilor Cogle and carried unanimously by the ten members present, with the time being 9:17 p.m. The Regular Meeting was reconvened at 9:42 p.m., at which time, Mayor Pro Tem Allen announced that the Council did meet in Executive Session to discuss security plans for public buildings; however, there were no votes taken. Page 16 of 17 With there being no further business to discuss, Mayor Pro Tem Allen entertained a motion for adjournment. Motion by Councilor Tucker to adjourn the October 28, 2025, Regular Council Meeting, seconded by Councilor Hickey and carried unanimously by the nine members present, with Councilor Garrett being absent for the vote, and the time being 9:42 p.m. Page 17 of 17