Council Agenda - Regular Meeting 07/28/2020 05:30 PM

CALL TO ORDER: Mayor B.H. "Skip" Henderson, III, Presiding

INVOCATION: Offered by Councilor Valerie A. Thompson.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Henderson.

MINUTES

• 1.Approval of minutes for the July 14, 2020 Council Meeting and Executive Session.

UPDATES:

• 2.An update on COVID-19

• 3.Census 2020

APPOINTMENT:

• 4.Appointment of New Chief of Fire/Ems

CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA

ORDINANCES

• 1.2nd Reading – REZN-05-20-1679:  An ordinance rezoning 1.15 acres of land located at 4204 / 4216 / 4220 Buena Vista Road.  The current zoning is NC (Neighborhood Commercial).  The proposed zoning is GC (General Commercial).  The proposed use is Pawn Shop.  The Planning Advisory Commission and the Planning Department recommend approval.  The applicant is DSBV Property, LLC.  (Councilor Barnes)

• 2.2nd Reading – REZN-05-20-1772:  An ordinance rezoning .32 acres of land located at 4228 Buena Vista Road.  The current zoning is NC (Neighborhood Commercial).  The proposed zoning is GC (General Commercial).  The proposed use is Convenience Store, with Gas Sales.  The Planning Advisory Commission and the Planning Department recommend conditional approval based on Staff Report and compatibility with existing land uses.  The applicant is Rajeshree Shah.  (Councilor Thompson)

• 3.2nd Reading - An Ordinance providing for the levy, assessment, and collection of taxes for the public school system of Columbus, Georgia; and for other purposes.  (To be amended) (Budget Review Committee)

• 4.2nd Reading -  An ordinance amending Ordinance No. 11-61 so as to remove the residency and citizenship requirement for two members representing professional sports leagues on the Civic Center Advisory Board; and for other purposes.  (Mayor Pro-Tem)

• 5.1st Reading -  Public Safety Advisory Commission Ordinance – An Ordinance amending Sections 2-234 and 2-234.1 of the Columbus Code so as to provide that the Public Safety Advisory Commission may review certain investigations of the Columbus Police Department and may subpoena persons concerning certain investigations; and for other purposes.  (Councilor Barnes)

• 6.1st Reading -  An ordinance amending Sections 2-234 and 2-234.1 of the Columbus Code so as to provide that the Public Safety Advisory Commission will participate in certain training; to provide for Commission review of certain closed investigations of the Columbus Police Department based on use of force reports provided to them; and for other purposes.  (Mayor Pro-Tem)

• 7.1st Reading - An Ordinance amending Chapter 2 of the Columbus Code by adopting a new Article XXII to be known as the Columbus, Georgia Non-discrimination Ordinance; and for other purposes.  (Councilor Garrett)

• 8.1st Reading - An ordinance amending Section 17-21.1 of the Columbus Code so as to remove the school-crossing guards section from the Bureau of Patrol Services; and for other purposes.  (Mayor Pro-Tem)

RESOLUTIONS

• 9.Resolution -  A resolution providing policy guidelines that are or will be included in the Columbus Police Department Manual.  (Councilor Barnes)

• 10.Resolution - A resolution concerning the Americus and Sumter County Hospital Authority's issuance of bonds to refinance facilities located in Columbus, Georgia.  (For TEFRA Approval)  (Request of Americas-Sumter Hospital Authority)

• 11.Resolution - A resolution concerning the issuance of revenue bonds by the Development Authority of Columbus, Georgia for the benefit of Columbus Highland Terrace II, LP.  (Request of Development Authority of Columbus) 

• 12.Resolution - A resolution designating additional temporary alternative locations for all Superior, State, Municipal, and Magistrate Courts sitting in Muscogee County to hold proceedings during the COVID-19 emergency and reopening period.  (Request of Chief Judge Bemon McBride, State Court Judges Andy Prather and Ben Richardson, and Municipal Court Judge Stephen Smith) 

• 13.Resolution - A resolution authorizing payment of attorney fees which may be incurred for legal services rendered regarding Risk Management issues during Fiscal Year 2021.  (Mayor Pro Tem)

• 14.Resolution - A resolution expressing our sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to the family of Congressman John Robert Lewis, American civil rights icon and beloved Georgian.  (Councilor House)

PUBLIC AGENDA

• 1.State Representative Carolyn Hugley, Re:  Ordinance sponsored by Councilor Barnes regarding positive police improvements.

• 2.Mr. Jacobe Love, Re:  A Feature Documentary titled, A Dangerous Silence. The film focuses on Domestic Violence in Columbus, Georgia.

CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA

• 1.FY 2021 Georgia Department of Transportation – Transportation Planning Contract

  Approval is requested to execute a contract with the Georgia Department of Transportation for Financial Assistance to carry out the FY 2021 Transportation Planning Work Activities of the Columbus-Phenix City Transportation Study (C-PCTS).

• 2.Columbus Fire and EMS Strategic Plan and Standards of Cover/Community Risk Assessment Update

  Approval is requested approval of the Columbus Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services Strategic Plan and Standards of Cover/Community Risk Assessment documents. These documents are updated annually. The updated Strategic Plan and Standards of Cover will be forwarded to the Mayor, City Council and City Manager’s Office.

• 3.Old Guard Road Residential Development-Variance for Cul-de-Sac Length

  Approval is requested for granting a variance to Section 7.8.3.H.1  of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) excusing the requirements for Design Standards for Streets, Maximum Length for Dead End Streets and Cul-de-Sac.

• 4.Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security EOD K9 Program Grant

  Approval is requested for the Sheriff’s Office to accept a grant from the Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security for $6,000, or as otherwise awarded, for operation of the explosive detection canine program, and to amend the Multi-governmental fund by the amount awarded.  This is a one-time grant with no local match requirement.

• 5.GEMA/HS EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE DISPOSAL/BOMB SQUAD GRANT

  Approval is requested for the Sheriff’s Office to accept a grant from the Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security for $88,553.00, or as otherwise awarded, for operation of the Columbus Hazardous Devices Response Team, and to amend the Multi-governmental fund by the amount awarded.

• 6.Resolution Requesting Harris County Commissioners To Require Additional Traffic Studies and Coordination For The Proposed Redevelopment Of Woodland Hills In Harris County

  Approval is requested allowing the Harris County Commission to request that additional traffic studies be performed for the redevelopment of the Woodland Hills area.  The redevelopment of this area has the potential to significantly impact the current interchange at County Line Road and Manchester Expressway (US Alternate 27) causing the area within Muscogee County to become further congested.  The resolution also calls for the coordination of development efforts for this project between our two governments.

ADD-ON RESOLUTION:

• .CARES Act - Coronavirus Relief Funds

  Approval is requested to accept CARES Act funding, authorize the Mayor and/or his designee to execute all necessary documents, and establish and amend the budget to create a CARES Act Fund.

PURCHASES

• A.Service Truck for METRA – Georgia Statewide Contract

• B.Grab-All Truck for Public Works – Sourcewell Cooperative Contract

BID ADVERTISEMENT

• .

  August 5, 2020

  1. Bus Route Signs & Poles (Annual Contract) – RFB No. 21-0001

  Scope of Bid

  The Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia is requesting bids for bus route signs and poles for METRA Transit System.  The signs and poles will be procured on an as-needed basis.

  The contract term shall be for three (3) years.

  2. Mott’s Green Plaza P. I. #0015287 (Re-Bid) – RFB No. 21-0007

  Scope of Bid

  The Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia (the Owner) invites bids for construction of the proposed trail and landscape improvements along the Columbus Riverwalk.  The work primarily involves installation of concrete paving and decorative planters and structures with landscaping, as depicted on the drawings.  The DBE goal for this project is 8%.

  The Bidder is advised that the governing specifications for this project, including such items as bidding requirements, general conditions, technical specifications and related items, shall be in accordance with the State of Georgia, Department of Transportation Standard Specifications, 2013 Edition, and applicable Supplemental Specifications and Special Provisions.  The Owner assumes the Bidder is a pre-qualified bidder with the Department of Transportation and therefore is familiar with the stated reference documents or has access to same.

  August 7, 2020

  1. Inmate Commissary Services for Muscogee County Prison (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 20-0026

  Scope of RFP

  The Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia is seeking proposals from qualified vendors to provide inmate commissary services for the Muscogee County Prison.

  The contract term shall be for two (2) years, with the option to renew for three (3) additional twelve-month periods.  Contract renewal will be contingent upon the mutual agreement of the City and the Contractor.

  August 12, 2020

  1. Playground Mulch (Annual Contract) – RFB No. 21-0006

  Scope of RFB

  Columbus Consolidated Government is requesting bids from qualified vendors to provide playground mulch to be purchased on an “as needed” basis by the Department of Parks and Recreation. 

  The contract term shall be for two (2) years, with the option to renew for three (3) additional twelve-month periods.

       2.                Landscape Materials (Annual Contract) – RFB No. 21-0003

                  Scope of RFB

  Provide landscape material consisting of pine straw, wheat straw and hay on an “as needed” basis to the Columbus Consolidated Government (the City) to be utilized by Park Services, Public Works and Cooperative Extension departments.  The contract term will be for two years with the option to renew for three additional twelve-month periods.

        3.                Electrical Fixtures, Parts and Supplies (Annual Contract) – RFB No. 21-0004

                  Scope of RFB

  Provide various electrical fixtures, parts and supplies to Columbus Consolidated Government on an “as needed” basis. The contract period will be for two years with the option to renew for three additional twelve-month periods.

      

  August 14, 2020

  1. Environmental Monitoring Services (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 21-0001

  Scope of RFP

  The Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia (the City) is soliciting proposals from qualified firms to conduct environmental monitoring services at all Columbus-owned municipal solid waste landfills: Pine Grove, Schatulga Road, and Wilson Camp / Satilla landfills.  Environmental services may also be required on an as-needed basis for Granite Bluff Inert Landfill. 

  The term of the contract shall be for two (2) years, with the option to renew for three (3) additional twelve-month periods.  Contract renewal will be contingent upon the mutual agreement of the City and the Contractor.

  2. Speed Limit Feedback Radar Signs (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 21-0003

  Scope of RFP

  Columbus Consolidated Government invites qualified firms to submit proposals for the provision of speed limit feedback radar signs for use by the Traffic Engineering Division.

  The term of the contract shall be for two (2) years, with the option to renew for three (3) additional twelve-month periods.  Contract renewal will be contingent upon the mutual agreement of the City and the Contractor.

  August 19, 2020

  1. Playground Mulch (Annual Contract) – RFB No. 21-0008

  Scope of RFB

  Provide traffic sign materials on an “as needed” basis to Columbus Consolidated Government (the City) to be utilized by the Traffic Engineering Division. The contract term will be for two (2) years with option to renew for three (3) additional twelve-month periods.

CLERK OF COUNCIL’S AGENDA

ENCLOSURES - ACTION REQUESTED

• 1.RESOLUTION:  A resolution cancelling the August 4, 2020 Proclamation Session.

• 2.FINANCE REPORT RESOLUTION:  A resolution receiving the report of the Director of Finance concerning certain alcoholic beverage licenses processed during the month of June 2020 and approving the same.

• 3.MInutes of the following Boards:

  Board of Tax Assessors, #23-20 and #24-20.

  Development Authority of Columbus, June 4, 2020.

  Hospital Authority of Columbus, February 25, April 28 and May 26, 2020.

  Planning Advisory Commission, May 20 and June 3, 2020.

BOARD APPOINTMENTS - ACTION REQUESTED

• .

  4. COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS- READY FOR CONFIRMATION:

  1. BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS:  Mr. Rodney Close was nominated to serve another term of office.  (Councilor Huff’s nominee) New Term expires:  December 31, 2024.

  2. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:  Mr. Chris Poirier is being nominated to succeed Angela Wagenti as the District 2 Representative.  (Councilor Davis’s appointment) New Term expires:  March 27, 2022.

  5. COUNCIL’S APPOINTMENTS- ANY NOMINATIONS WOULD BE LISTED FOR     THE NEXT MEETING:

  1. COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & CULTURAL LIAISON ENCOUNTERS:

  Tatsiana Savashynskaya                                                                                Open for Nominations

  Vacant                                                                                                                                (Council’s Appointment)

  Term Expires: March 1, 2021

  These are four-year terms. Board meets monthly.

  Women:  9

                  Senatorial District 15:   7

                  Senatorial District 29:   4

  The Chairman- John Jackson is recommending Samantha Wooden.