Council Agenda - Regular Meeting

~~POST SUMMARY MINUTES~~ Council Chambers December 9, 2025 C. E. “Red” McDaniel City Services Center- Second Floor 9:00 AM 2960 Macon Road, Columbus, GA 31906 Regular Meeting M A Y O R’ S A G E N D A PRESENT: Mayor B. H. “Skip” Henderson, III, Mayor Pro Tem R. Gary Allen and Councilors John Anker, Travis L. Chambers, Joanne Cogle, Charmaine Crabb, Glenn Davis, R. Walker Garrett, Byron Hickey, Bruce Huff, and Toyia Tucker (arrived at 9:07 a.m.). Deputy City Manager Pam Hodge, Deputy City Manager Lisa Goodwin, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Assistant City Attorney Lucy Sheftall, Clerk of Council Lindsey G. McLemore and Deputy Clerk of Council Tameka Colbert. ABSENT: N/A. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor B.H. "Skip" Henderson, III, Presiding INVOCATION: Offered by Reverend Adriane Burgess, St. Mary’s Road United Methodist Church PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Skip Henderson MINUTES: Mayor’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: APPROVED 1. Approval of minutes for the November 18, 2025, Council Meeting and Executive Session. PRESENTATIONS: Mayor’s Agenda #2: No Action Taken 2. Historic Westville Update – Presented by April Kirk, Executive Director, and Thornton Jordan, Board President ADD-ON PROCLAMATION: Mayor’s Agenda ADD-ON: No Action Taken (Proclamation read into the record by Councilor Chambers) Proclamation: Parks & Recreation Day Receiving: Holli Browder, Director, Columbus Parks & Recreation CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA ORDINANCES City Attorney’s Agenda #1: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 1. 1st Reading- REZN-10-25-1930: An Ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, to change certain boundaries of a district located at 2047 Cusseta Road (parcel # 041-003-003) from Residential Multifamily – 2 (RMF2) Zoning District to Neighborhood Commercial (NC) Zoning District. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.) (Councilor Cogle) City Attorney’s Agenda #2: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 2. 1st Reading- REZN-10-25-1931: An Ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, to change certain boundaries of a district located at 2361 South Lumpkin Road (parcel # 059-053-001) from Neighborhood Commercial (NC) Zoning District to General Commercial (GC) Zoning District. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.) (Councilor Cogle) City Attorney’s Agenda #3: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 3. 1st Reading- REZN-10-25-1941: An Ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, to change certain boundaries of a district located at 4454 Warm Springs Road (parcel # 083-028-031) from General Commercial (GC) Zoning District to Light Manufacturing/ Industrial (LMI) Zoning District. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.) (Councilor Crabb) Page 2 of 16 City Attorney’s Agenda #4: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 4. 1st Reading- REZN-10-25-2079: An ordinance amending various provisions in the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) for Columbus, Georgia pertaining to Single Family Detached structures; and for other purposes. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.) (Mayor Pro-Tem) City Attorney’s Agenda #5: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 5. 1st Reading- REZN-11-25-1962: An Ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, to change certain boundaries of a district located at 100-800 Havenbrook Court (parcel #040-016-006/7/8/9/010/011/012/013) from Light Manufacturing/ Industrial (LMI) Zoning District to Residential Office (RO) Zoning District. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.) (Councilor Cogle) City Attorney’s Agenda #6: PUBLIC HEARING HELD; Vote Result: AMENDED to add the condition that the green space as shown on the site plan will be preserved and maintained with no development in perpetuity regardless of ownership. 6. 1st Reading- REZN-07-25-1260: An Ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, to change certain boundaries of a district located at 8828 Veterans Parkway and 4885 Charleston Way (parcel # 079-002-002A) from Planned Unit Development (PUD) Zoning District to Planned Unit Development (PUD) Zoning District with conditions. (Planning Department recommends approval with conditions. PAC recommends denial.) (Mayor Pro-Tem) EXECUTIVE SESSION: Mayor Henderson entertained a motion to go into Executive Session to litigation as requested by City Attorney Fay. Councilor Tucker made a motion to go into Executive Session, seconded by Councilor Hickey and carried unanimously by the ten members present, with the time being 11:06 a.m. The Regular Meeting was reconvened at 12:10 p.m., at which time, Mayor Henderson announced that the Council did meet in Executive Session to discuss litigation; however, there were no votes taken. CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA (continued) City Attorney’s Agenda #7: PUBLIC HEARING HELD Page 3 of 16 7. 1st Reading- An ordinance amending the budgets for the Fiscal Year 2025 by appropriating amounts in each fund for various operational activities. (Final amendment) (Budget Review Committee) RESOLUTIONS City Attorney’s Agenda #8: Vote Result: APPROVED 8. A Resolution concerning the Housing Authority of Columbus, Georgia's issuance of bonds to finance a project located in Columbus, Georgia. (Request of the Housing Authority of Columbus, Georgia) City Attorney’s Agenda #9: Vote Result: APPROVED 9. A Resolution authorizing a settlement in the matter Frederick Bailey. Georgia Department of Community Supervision, et al. 4:24-CV-00173 in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia. (Mayor Pro-Tem) PUBLIC AGENDA 1. Mr. Val McGowan, Re: Stronger Zoning Laws, Stormwater Runoff & Development No Action Taken 2. Ms. Ilana Kearns, representing GoatMatters.com, Re: Approval Request for an Urban Agriculture Project Not Present 3. Dr. Marvin Broadwater, Sr., Re: Appreciation for Veterans & Disabled Parking No Action Taken 4. Ms. Theresa El-Amin, representing Southern Anti-Racism Network, Re: Hiring from Within and Other Good HR Practices No Action Taken 5. Mr. Steven Kelly, Re: Pause in Search for City Manager No Action Taken 6. Mrs. Audrey Holston-Palmore, Re: Heir Property No Action Taken 7. Dr. Natalie Nicole, representing Role Model Academy, Re: Acknowledgement and Appreciation for the Open Records Request Fulfilled on November 24, 2025 No Action Taken 8. Ms. Z Lawrence, representing Columbus Jazz Society and MEC, Re: Christmas Cantata, Jazz & Music Impacting the Quality of Life – Citywide Invitation No Action Taken Page 4 of 16 9. Mrs. Kaitlynn Etheridge, representing Columbus Collective Museums, Re: Request to Amend Parks & Recreation’s Special Event Fee for Park Rentals No Action Taken CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA City Manager’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: APPROVED 1. GDOT Street Lighting Agreement - SR 520/US 280 @ Chattahoochee River Project Approval is requested to authorize payment to employees for unused sick leave in accordance with 16B-15-6(2) of the Columbus Code of Ordinances. City Manager’s Agenda #2: Vote Result: APPROVED 2. Flint Electric Membership Corporation Right of Way Easement for Fire Station 5 Approval is requested to apply for and accept a grant in the amount of $10,662.66 or as otherwise awarded, from the Georgia Trauma Commission – Georgia Trauma Care Network Commission, with no local match required, and to amend the Multi-Government Fund by the award amount. The grant funds will be used to purchase equipment that will be used to better equip the Columbus Fire and EMS in the treatment of trauma patients. City Manager’s Agenda #3: Vote Result: APPROVED 3. Historic Westville, Inc. Lease Agreement Approval is requested to execute a Lease Agreement with Historic Westville, Inc. for the operation of a living history museum. City Manager’s Agenda #4: Vote Result: APPROVED 4. Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Safety Action Plan Approval is requested to approve the Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Safety Action Plan for Columbus. ADD-ON RESOLUTION: Clerk of Council’s Agenda – Add-On Item (Submitted by Councilor Davis): Vote Result: APPROVED Resolution - A resolution of the Council of Columbus, Georgia (The “Council”), requesting that Page 5 of 16 the Columbus Airport Commission (“The Commission”) nominate three new members to the commission from the Council’s recommended slate as vacancies arise; recognizing the critical role of the Columbus Airport in regional economic development; and for other purposes. City Manager’s Agenda #5: Vote Result: APPROVED 5. Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP) Annual Update Approval is requested for the annual update to METRA’s Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP), and authorization is requested to approve, submit, and implement this Safety Plan through METRA and in compliance with federal requirements. City Manager’s Agenda #6: Vote Result: APPROVED 6. FY26 Local Government & Improvement Grant (LMIG) Approval is requested to submit an application and accept if awarded, FY26 Local Government & Improvement Grant (LMIG) from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) for the proposed use of funds toward the Intersection Improvements along Buena Vista Rd.(Columbus Spiderweb Network Project) The FY 26 LMIG allocation for Columbus-Muscogee County from GDOT is $2,772,003.15 with a local 10% match requirement. City Manager’s Agenda #7: Vote Result: APPROVED 7. 2025-2026 Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Grant – DA’s Victim Witness Assistance Program Approval is requested to submit and, if approved, accept a grant for $144,246 or as otherwise awarded from the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council of Georgia along with $132,077 from the 5% Crime Victim Surcharge Fund allocated in the FY26 Budget to provide funding for Crime Victim Assistance in the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026. The grant no longer requires the use of volunteers, although the use of volunteers is crucial to operations. It is requested that the multi-governmental fund be amended by the amount awarded plus the local match. ADD-ON RESOLUTION: City Managers (Add-on): Vote Result: APPROVED Approval is requested to apply for a grant and, if awarded, accept a grant in the amount of $75,000.00 or the amount awarded with no local match requirement. The funds will provide additional opportunities to expand and improve support for all students in the regular school year, as well as in the City's summer programs, and will amend the Multi-governmental Fund by the amount awarded. Page 6 of 16 8. PURCHASES City Manager’s Agenda #8(A-G & I-K): Vote Result: APPROVED A. Design and Construction Services for Columbus Pickleball Facility – RFP No. 26-0006 B. Seven (7) 2025 Police Interceptors for the Columbus Police Department-Georgia Statewide Contract Cooperative Purchase C. Three (3) 2025 Police Responders for the Columbus Police Department-Georgia Statewide Contract Cooperative Purchase D. Alcohol Management Services for Columbus Civic Center Locations (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 24-0005 E. First-In Alerting Smart Station System for Fire & EMS – Sourcewell Cooperative Contract Purchase F. Declaration of surplus and trade-in of Harley Davidson Motorcycles for the Columbus Police Department G. One (1) 2026 E350 Transit Van for the Columbus Fire Department – Georgia Statewide Contract Cooperative Purchase City Manager’s Agenda #8(H): Item H was pulled from the agenda at the request of the Deputy City Manager Goodwin H. Bus Refurbishment Services for METRA – Washington State Bus Cooperative Contract Purchase I. Drones for the Police Department J. Weapons for the Police Department Via Used & Confiscated Firearms for Credit or Swap – RFB No. 26-0005 K. Real and Personal Property Mail Processing for the Tax Commissioner’s Office (Annual Contract) - RFP No. 25-0017 9. UPDATES AND PRESENTATIONS A. Columbus Safe Streets for All Plan - Alex Henry, Project Manager, Benesch No Action Taken B. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Tiny Homes Update - Will Johnson, Director, Planning. Delayed Page 7 of 16 C. Comprehensive Pay Update for Elected Officials - Angelica Alexander, Director, Finance. Delayed Page 8 of 16  BID ADVERTISEMENT DATE: December 9, 2025 TO: Mayor and Councilors FROM: Finance Department SUBJECT: Advertised Bids/RFPs/RFQs December 10, 2025 1. Bus Shelters (Annual Contact) – RFP No. 26-0019 Scope of RFP The Columbus Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia (the City) is seeking qualified vendors to provide bus shelters to METRA on an “as needed” basis. The contract term will be for three years. 2. Dragonfly Trail – Midtown Connector Phase I - RFB No. 26-0003 Scope of Bid This project consists of constructing a connection from the existing trail at the intersection of Warren Road and Wynnton Road following Bradley Street and Warren Williams Road to Dinglewood Park. The trail also travels through Dinglewood Park to the intersection of 18th Avenue and 13th Street. The project is within the City of Columbus property and public right of way. The project length is approximately 4,956 LF and includes a 10’ wide concrete trail, landscape improvements, stormwater improvements, and trail amenities. Additional work associated with the project includes minor demolition and clearing, erosion control, grading, and signage. December 19, 2025 1. Aerial Ground Ladder and Apparatus Pumps Inspection & Testing Services (Annual Contract) - RFB No. 26-0010 Scope of RFP Provide aerial and ground ladder inspection and testing services to the Columbus Consolidated Government Fire and EMS Department. This specification applies to all fire apparatus equipped with a fire pump and outlines the procedures for annual pump testing, including requirements for equipment, site selection, test procedures, and documentation. The contract period shall be for two (2) years, with the option to renew for three (3) additional twelve-month periods. 2. 24ft Rolling Scaffolding for METRA- RFB 26-0014 Scope of RFP METRA Transit System in Columbus, Georgia is seeking bids for one (1) Heavy-Duty 24’ Rolling Maintenance Scaffolding in order to perform rooftop maintenance and access on large transit buses. The large transit buses are 30’, 35’ and 40’ in length. The scaffolding must also be able to provide rooftop access to electric bus batteries for the purpose of maintenance and replacement. Page 9 of 16 3. Muscogee County Board of Elections & Registration Voting Equipment Delivery Services (Re-Bid) (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 26-0010 Scope of RFP Muscogee County Board of Elections and Registration is seeking proposals from qualified moving firms to deliver voting equipment to voting sites before the scheduled election events, and to retrieve the same equipment after the election event. The election schedule consists of up to five election events in a presidential election cycle, up to four election events in a mid-term election cycle, and the possibility of special elections in odd-numbered years. Deliveries vary from county- wide (25 precincts) to district elections (as few as five) based on the type of election. Note: The first election expected to be serviced under this contract, if awarded, will be May, 2026. The contract term shall 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 appointing Douglas M. Jefcoat to the Board of Tax Assessors. (NOTE: Mr. Jefcoat was confirmed by Council on November 18, 2025.) Clerk of Council’s Agenda #2: Removed by the Clerk of Council due to Councilor Hickey being in attendance. 2. Resolution – A Resolution excusing the absence of Councilor Byron Hickey from the December 9, 2025, Regular Council Meeting. Clerk of Council’s Agenda #3: Vote Result: RECEIVED 3. Minutes of the following boards: Animal Control Advisory Board 11-17-2025 Board of Tax Assessors #39-25 Board of Tax Assessors #40-25 Board of Water Commission 10-14-25 Conventions & Visitors Board 10-15-25 Page 10 of 16  Planning Advisory Commission 11-05-25 Retirees' Health Benefits Committee 11-19-25 Uptown Facade 07-19-21 Uptown Facade 09-20-21 Uptown Facade 10-18-21 Uptown Facade 11-15-21 Uptown Facade 12-14-21 ADD-ON RESOLUTION: Clerk of Council (Add-on): Vote Result: INCONCLUSIVE Resolution – A Resolution rescheduling the December 16, 2025 – Regular Council Meeting to 9:00 a.m. BOARD APPOINTMENTS - ACTION REQUESTED Clerk of Council’s Agenda #4(A): Delayed at the request of the Clerk of Council 4. VOTE TABULATION: A. BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS: At the November 18, 2025, Council Meeting two nominees were submitted for the seat of Wes Kelley (Not Eligible). - Councilor Anker nominated Brooks Yancey. - Councilor Cogle nominated Ernie Smallman. (NOTE: Each member of Council will vote for one of the nominees submitted when their name is called. The nominee that receives the most votes will then be confirmed.) 5. COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS – READY FOR CONFIRMATION: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #5(A): Vote Result: CONFIRMED A. PERSONNEL REVIEW BOARD: Donna Tompkins was nominated to succeed Willie Butler (Not Eligible) as the Regular Member #1. (Councilor Crabb’s nominee) Term Expires: December 31, 2028 Page 11 of 16 6. COUNCIL DISTRICT SEAT APPOINTMENTS- ANY NOMINATIONS MAY BE CONFIRMED FOR THIS MEETING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #6(A): No Action Taken A. CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY BOARD: __________________ Open for Nominations Vacant (District 9 – Anker) Term Expires: March 1, 2026 The terms are three years. Meets quarterly. Women: 3 Senatorial District 15: 5 Senatorial District 29: 4 Vacancies: 3 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 Airport Commission has renominated Art Guin. (NOTE: On November 18, 2025, Council chose to take no action on the renomination of Art Guin until after receiving an update from the Columbus Airport scheduled for the December 18, 2025, Council Meeting.) The Commission submits one (1) nominee for consideration and confirmation. Ordinance No. 11-23 removes the two-term limit previously in place for board members. Terms are five years. Meets monthly. Women: 1 Page 12 of 16  Senatorial District 15: 3 Senatorial District 29: 2 Vacancies: 0 8. COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS – ANY NOMINATIONS WOULD BE LISTED FOR THE NEXT MEETING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #8(A): No Action Taken A. 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 #8(B): Nomination(s): Clerk of Council McLemore stated Councilor Cogle is nominating Chris Henson. B. HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD: ___________________ Open for Nominations Vacant (Council’s Appointment) (Historic District Preservation Society Rep.) Term Expires: January 31, 2028 *Councilor Cogle is nominating Chris Henson. The terms are three years. Meets monthly. Women: 4 Senatorial District 15: 6 Senatorial District 29: 1 Vacancies: 2 Page 13 of 16 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #8(C): No Action Taken. C. PERSONNEL REVIEW BOARD: Yolanda Sumbry Sewell Open for Nominations Not Eligible (Council’s Appointment) (Regular Member 4) Term Expires: December 31, 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 __________________ 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 Delano Leftwich Open for Nominations Not Eligible (Council’s Appointment) (Alternate Member 4) __________________ Open for Nominations Vacant (Council’s Appointment) (Alternate Member 5) Term expires: December 31, 2025 The terms are three years. Meets monthly. Page 14 of 16  Women: 3 Senatorial District 15: 3 Senatorial District 29: 3 Vacancies: 4 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #8(D): No Action Taken D. UPTOWN FAÇADE BOARD: ___________________ Open for Nominations Vacant (Council’s Appointment) (Uptown Business Improvement District) Term Expires: October 31, 2026 ___________________ Open for Nominations Vacant (Council’s Appointment) (Uptown Business Improvement District) Term Expires: October 31, 2027 ___________________ Open for Nominations Vacant (Council’s Appointment) (Uptown Columbus) Term Expires: October 31, 2026 Terms are five years. Meets monthly. Women: 6 Senatorial District 15: 4 Senatorial District 29: 5 Vacancies: 1 PUBLIC AGENDA (continued): 6. Mrs. Audrey Holston-Palmore, Re: Heir Property No Action Taken Page 15 of 16 With there being no further business to discuss, Mayor Henderson entertained a motion for adjournment. Motion by Councilor Garrett to adjourn the December 9, 2025, Regular Council Meeting, seconded by Councilor Hickey and carried unanimously by the eight members present, with Councilors Anker and Cogle being absent for the vote and the time being 2:53 p.m. Page 16 of 16