Council Agenda - Regular Meeting 07/09/2024 09:00 AM C. E. “Red” McDaniel City Services Center- Second Floor

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

INVOCATION:  Offered by Reverend Dr. Grace Burton Edwards, Rector, St. Thomas Episcopal Church of Columbus, Georgia

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Henderson

OATH OF OFFICE:

• 1.Oath of Office administered to the newly appointed Columbus Councilor District 1- Byron Hickey by Chief Superior Court Judge Arthur L. Smith, III.

MINUTES

• 2.Approval of minutes for the June 18, 2024 Council Meeting and Executive Session.

PROCLAMATIONS:

• 3.Proclamation:     Heart of the Village Coalition, Inc. 

     Receiving:       Judy Tucker

• 4.Proclamation:     Mayor's Commission on Unity, Diversity, and Prosperity

      Receiving:      Norman Hardman, Past Chair

PRESENTATION:

• 5.Update on Memorial Marker – Norman Harman, Past Chair, Mayor’s Commission on Unity, Diversity, and Prosperity

CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA

ORDINANCES

• 1.2nd Reading- An ordinance amending the Columbus, Georgia Pension Plan for General Government Employees, and the Columbus, Georgia Pension Plan for Employees of the Department of Public Safety (collectively, the “Plans”) to address the treatment of retirees in pay status who are thereafter appointed or elected to the Columbus Council. (Councilor Davis)

• 2.2nd Reading- REZN-06-23-0113: An ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia to change certain boundaries of a district located at 1720, 1728, 1730, 1744 Warm Springs Road and 1818 Spring Circle (parcel # 036-013-002/036-013-003/036-013-004/036-013-005/036-013-007/036-013-008) from Neighborhood Commercial (NC) Zoning District to General Commercial (GC) Zoning District. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.) (Councilor Garrett)

• 3.2nd Reading- REZN-03-24-0630: An ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, to change certain boundaries of a district located at 3711 Hamilton Road (parcel # 030-019-011) from General Commercial (GC) Zoning District to Residential Multifamily - 2 (RMF 2) Zoning District. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.) (Councilor Garrett)

• 4.2nd Reading- REZN-03-24-5716: An ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia to change certain boundaries of a district located at 5617 Eastside Drive (parcel # 083-014-019) from Single Family Residential -1 (SFR1) Zoning District to General Commercial (GC) Zoning District. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.)(Councilor Crabb)

• 5.2nd Reading-  REZN-04-24-0767: An ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia to change certain boundaries of a district located at 5470 Schatulga Road (parcel # 111-015-027) from Light Manufacturing/Industrial (LMI) Zoning District to General Commercial (GC) Zoning District. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.)(Mayor Pro-Tem) 

• 6.2nd Reading- An ordinance renewing Business Improvement Districts in Columbus, Georgia through December 31, 2034; and for other purposes. (continued from 6-4-24 and 6-18-24) (Mayor Pro-Tem)

• 7.2nd Reading- An ordinance to amend Article VIII of Chapter 14 of the Columbus Code to revise certain requirements on businesses that offer Class B Coin Operated Amusement Machines on their premises; and for other purposes. (Councilors Huff, Cogle and Tucker)

• 8.2nd Reading- An ordinance providing for the levy, assessment, and collection of taxes for the public school system of Columbus, Georgia; and for other purposes. (Request of Muscogee County School District)

• 9.2nd Reading- An ordinance to revise and clarify certain provisions of the Columbus Code which provide for the foreclosure of liens on property for which funds are due and owing to the consolidated government; and for other purposes. (continued on 2nd Reading from 6-11-24)(Councilor Garrett)

• 10.1st Reading- REZN-05-24-0918: An Ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia to change certain boundaries of a district located at 1953 7th Avenue (parcel # 016-025-001) from Residential Office (RO) Zoning District to General Commercial (GC) Zoning District with Conditions. (Planning Department Recommends Approval with conditions. PAC recommends denial.) (Councilor Cogle)

• 11.1st Reading- An ordinance to revise and clarify certain provisions of Article XIII of  Chapter 20 of the Columbus Code to revise and update provisions relating to parking management districts and enforcement areas; and for other purposes. (Councilor Cogle)

PUBLIC AGENDA

• 1.Ms. Pat Liddell, Re:  Discuss the Veterans’ Day Parade.

• 2.Mr. Jose Ruiz, Re:  Information on the elimination of parking minimums and elimination of zoning codes for rent and housing affordability.

• 3.Ms. Theresa El-Amin, Re: 13th Avenue Street Closure and Building a Village.

• 4.Mr. Marvin Broadwater, Sr., Re: Thanks to all City Employees for Columbus being named 12th Best Run City in the nation and (2) Tax Commissioner Election.

• 5.Ms. Angela White, representing Tuesday’s Taco Truck, Re: Revenue Division – Business License.

• 6.Mrs. Kathy Tanner, Re: City Tethering Ordinance

• 7.Mrs. Sandy Gunnels, Re: Columbus Animal Control’s progress toward becoming a “No Kill Shelter”. 

CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA

• 1.Memorandum of Understanding - Columbus Area Habitat for Humanity, Inc.

  Approval is requested to authorize a MOU with Columbus Area Habitat for Humanity, Inc. to administer CCG’s Homeowner Accessibility Rehabilitation Program funded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

• 2.Memorandum of Understanding - Uptown Playground and Splash Pad

  Approval is requested to authorize a Memorandum of Understanding with Uptown Columbus Inc. for improvements to the Uptown Playground and Splash Pad.

• 3.Street Acceptance – Georgia Fire Street

  Approval is requested for the acceptance of Georgia Fire Street located in Old Town, a Mixed Community.

• 4.Hazard Mitigation Grant Program

  Approval is requested to apply for and accept a grant, if awarded, in the amount of up to $1,404,713.00, or as otherwise awarded, from the Georgia Emergency Management Agency, with a $351,178.25 local match requirement, and amend the Multi-governmental Fund by the amount of the award. Funds will go toward purchasing and installing eleven full-service generators at eleven of CCG’s fire stations.

• 5.Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic (H.E.A.T.) Grant

  Approval is requested to submit an application and, if approved, accept funds from the Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety for Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic (H.E.A.T.) Grant for traffic enforcement and to amend the Multi-Governmental Fund (or applicable fund) by the amount of the grant awarded. The grant amount requested is $335,000.00, or otherwise awarded, to be used to enforce traffic laws that concern aggressive driving, DUI, speeding, etc. to reduce the traffic fatalities within Muscogee County.

• 6.Columbus Police Department: Donation

  Approval is requested to accept a donation of $10,000.00 from Columbus Affordable Housing Services, Inc. to help support the Columbus Police Department's crime reduction initiatives.

• 7.Donation of Pottery Chairs

  Approval is requested to accept a donation of eight (8) pottery wheel chairs to the Columbus Parks and Recreation Department having a value of approximately $1,000.00.

PURCHASES

• A.Fuel Purchases for Fiscal Year 2025

• B.Federal and State Mandated Fees for Fiscal Year 2025

• C.Cancer Screening Kits for Fire & EMS Department

• D.Repair of Landfill Excavator for Public Works

• E.Change Order 3 – METRA Park and Ride Project PI #0011435

• F.Ergonomic Training Services for Human Resources

UPDATES AND PRESENTATIONS

• A.Columbus Phenix City Transportation Study Metropolitan Planning Organization (CPTS - MPO) Metropolitan Transportation Plan Process Update – Kat Onore, Pond Company

• B.Department of Labor (DOL) Overtime Rule Update - Reather Hollowell, Director, Human Resources

• C.Tyler Technology Odyssey Update - Forrest Toelle, Director, Information Technology 

• D.Finance Update - Angelica Alexander, Director, Finance

BID ADVERTISEMENT

• DATE:                 July 9, 2024

  TO:                Mayor and Councilors

  FROM:                Finance Department

  SUBJECT:                Advertised Bids/RFPs/RFQs

  July 19, 2024

  1. Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Plan – RFB No. 24-0036

  Scope of RFP

  The Columbus Consolidated Government (the City) is accepting proposals from qualified firms to support the creation of a city-wide Safety Action Plan in accordance with Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) guidelines.  The SS4A Action Plan will be in accordance with the U.S. Department of Transportation guidelines.

  July 31, 2024

  1. PI 0015285 Infantry Road and Follow Me Trail – RFB No. 24-0040

  Scope of Bid

  Project PI No. 0015285 consists of an extension of the existing Follow Me Trail which will be constructed from the current southern end point to Infantry Road and will follow Infantry Road parallel to the roundabout on S. Lumpkin Road. The DBE goal for this project is 10%.

  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, 2021 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, 2024

  1. Flood Abatement Project 19^th Street System – RFB No. 24-0016

  Scope of Bid

  The project's Bid consists of 4,628 feet of 8-foot x 6-foot reinforced concrete box culvert, 128 feet of 84-lnch to 36-lnch, 129 feet of 24-lnch, 50 feet of 18-lnch, 16 feet of 15-lnch reinforced concrete pipe; 49 feet of 48-lnch, 192 feet of 24-inch, 237 feet of 16-lnch Ductile Iron Pipe; cast-in-place structures; precast concrete manholes, catch basins and headwalls; 45 feet of 12-inch and 80 feet of 6-lnch ductile iron pipe water main, including line stops, tapping sleeves & valves, water service changeovers and cleanup & testing of water lines; 229 square yards of light duty pavement replacement, 4,138 square yards of heavy duty pavement replacement and 2,277 square yards of asphalt resurfacing, 2,599 feet of 30-inch curb & gutter, asphalt milling and pavement marking; 5-inch thick concrete sidewalks, pedestrian access ramps and concrete driveway apron; Norfolk Southern railroad crossing; grading of a flood basin, Meritas Mill site and reconstruction of the ball field parking. Erosion, sedimentation & pollution control of the site.

REFERRALS:

CLERK OF COUNCIL’S AGENDA

ENCLOSURES - ACTION REQUESTED

• 1.RESOLUTION – A resolution excusing Councilor Travis Chambers from the July 9, 2024 Council Meeting.

• 2.HOSPITAL AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS: Email Correspondence from Attorney Jack Schley, Board Secretary, advising of the selection of John R. “Bob” Jones to fill the unexpired term of Betty Tatum. (Council confirms the appointment.)

• 3.Email Correspondence from Ms. Julee Fryer resigning from her seat on the Animal Control Advisory Board.

• 4.Minutes of the following boards:

  Airport Commission, May 22, 2024

  Board of Honor, July 3, 2024

  Board of Tax Assessors, #19-24, #20-24 & #21-24

  Board of Water Commissioners, June 17, 2024

  Columbus Golf Course Authority, June 25, 2024

  Convention & Visitors, Board of Commissioners, May 15, 2024

  Hospital Authority of Columbus, February 27, March 26, April 30, and May 28, 2924

  Pension Fund, Employees’ Board of Trustees, June 13, 2024

  Planning Advisory Commission, May 15, 2024

  Tree Board, June 20, 2024

ADD-ON RESOLUTION:

• RESOLUTION - A resolution excusing Councilor R. Walker Garrett from the July 9, 2024 Council Meeting. 

BOARD APPOINTMENTS - ACTION REQUESTED

• .BOARD APPOINTMENTS - ACTION REQUESTED

  COUNCIL’S DISTRICT SEAT APPOINTMENT- ANY NOMINATIONS MAY BE CONFIRMED FOR THIS MEETING:

  YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL:

          

  District 2 Nominee:  _____________                District 5 Nominee:                              

  District 4 Nominee:    Javi Moore      

                 

  COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS- READY FOR CONFIRMATION:

  HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD: Mr. Mike Johnson was nominated to fill the expired term of Ms. Libby Smith as the Historic District Resident. (Councilor Cogle’s nominee) Term expires:  June 30, 2027

  KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION: Mr. David Houser was nominated to serve another term of office as the SD-15 Representative. (Mayor Pro Tem Allen’s nominee) Term expires:  June 30, 2027

  REGION 6 REGIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL FOR DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES:    Ms. Jennifer LeDenney was nominated to succeed Mr. Christopher Posey. (Councilor Cogle’s nominee) Term expires:  June 30, 2027

  COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS- ANY NOMINATIONS WOULD BE LISTED FOR THE NEXT MEETING:

  ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY BOARD: 

  Sabine Stull                                                           Open for Recommendation

  (Animal Rescue Representative)        by Animal Rescue

  Not Eligible to succeed         (Council’s Appointment)

  Term Expired: April 11, 2024       

                  

  Councilor Garrett is nominating Paige Shields- Director of Operations at Animal Ark Rescue for the seat of Sabine Stull as the Animal Rescue Representative.

  Councilor Cogle is nominating Claire Anna Daniels for the seat of Julee Fryer.

  The term is two years. Board meets as needed.

  Women:  6

          Senatorial District 15:   3

          Senatorial District 29:   3

  DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:

  Travis Chambers                                                 Open for Nominations              

  Elected to Council                                                (Council’s Appointment)

  Term Expires: April 30, 2028

  The term is four years.  Board meets monthly.         
  
  

  Women:  2

  Senatorial District 15:   3

  Senatorial District 29:   3

  KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION:

  William Bandy                                                Open for Nominations              

  Not seeking reappointment                                        (Council’s Appointment)

  (SD-29 Representative)

  Term Expired: June 30, 2023

  The term is three years.  Board meets every even month.

  * Ms. Skyler Dexter was confirmed to serve; however, she was unable to accept the appointment.         
  
  

  Women:  7

  Senatorial District 15:   6

  Senatorial District 29:   3

  LAND BANK AUTHORITY:

  Lance Hemmings                                                Open for Nominations              

  Not Eligible to succeed                                        (Council’s Appointment)

  Term Expired: October 31, 2023

  The term is four years.  Board meets monthly.         
  
  

  * Ms. Jackie Leonard was confirmed to serve; however, she is not a resident of Muscogee County.         

  Women:  4

  Senatorial District 15:   4

  Senatorial District 29:   2

UPCOMING BOARD APPOINTMENTS:

• A.Animal Control Advisory Board – (Council’s Appointment)

• B.Board of Honor – (Council’s Appointment)

• C.Columbus Ironworks Convention & Trade Center Authority – (Mayor’s Appointment)

• D.Uptown Facade Board – (Council’s Appointment)

COUNCIL HEARINGS

• 5.Request for Waiver of Penalty and Interest on property tax as submitted by Mr. Tom Flowers of TLEGMF for property located in Columbus, Georgia.

• 6.Request for Waiver of Penalty and Interest on property tax as submitted by Mr. Geoffrey & Mrs. Jennifer Edsell for property located in Columbus, Georgia.