Council Agenda - Regular Meeting 09/10/2024 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 Pastor Wayne Anthony, St. Peter UMC of Columbus, Georgia

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Henderson

 

MINUTES

• 1.Approval of minutes for the August 27, 2024 Council Meeting and Executive Session.

PROCLAMATIONS:

• 2.Proclamation:     Public Safety Week  

      Receiving:       Wayne Anthony, St. Peter UMC of Columbus, Georgia

• 3.Proclamation:     Big Brothers Big Sisters Month 

      Receiving:       Erin D. Griffin, Regional Program Manager 

• 4.Proclamation:     Childhood Cancer Awareness Month 

      Receiving:       Kathleen McRae 

• 5.Proclamation:     Hispanic Heritage Month  

      Receiving:       Natalie Bouyett, Community Reinvestment

• 6.Proclamation:     Constitution Week  

      Receiving:       Julie Hobbs, Daughters of the American Revolution

PRESENTATION:

• 7.Board of Assessors Update (Presented by Suzanne Widenhouse- Chief Appraiser) 

CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA

ORDINANCES

• 1.2nd 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.) (as amended by substitute 9-10-24) (Councilor Cogle)

• 2.1st Reading- REZN-07-24-1562: An ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia to change certain boundaries of a district located at 5710 Warm Springs Road (parcel # 101-031-003) from Neighborhood Commercial (NC) Zoning District to General Commercial (GC) Zoning District with conditions. (Planning Department and PAC recommend conditional approval) (Mayor Pro-Tem)

• 3.1st Reading- An ordinance providing for the demolition of various structures located at:

  1)                1119 37th Street (168 ADELINE AVE LLC, Owner)
  2)                1821 St. Elmo Drive (AMY M OURSO & ROBERT BRADFORD BICKERSTAFF II, Owner)
  3)                2734 Mimosa Street (WILLIE J. PASSMORE, Owner)
  4)                2935 Schaul Street (GLEN E. HEINZELMAN, Owner)
  5)                4207 Bellamy Street (GREEN PRIOR LEWIS, JR., Owner)
  6)                4245 Meritas Drive (JERAQUIS CHANEY, Owner)
  7)                4703 Connor Road (YAUNITA ARRINGTON, Owner)
  8)                245 Robert E. Lee Drive (CORTEZ TAYLOR, JR., Owner)

  and for demolition services for the Inspections and Code Department in accordance with the attached Tabulation of Bid sheet. (Mayor Pro-Tem)

• 4.1st Reading- An ordinance amending the procurement ordinance, Section 2-3.03 of the Columbus Code, to revise procurement purchasing limits; and for other purposes. (Councilor Tucker)

• 5.1st Reading- An ordinance amending Section 2-298(b) of the Columbus Code to allow members of the Liberty Theatre & Cultural Arts Center Advisory Board to serve on more than one Council appointed board; and for other purposes. (Councilor Thomas)

RESOLUTIONS

• 6.A resolution authorizing execution of Federal Aviation Administration Grant Airport Improvement Program (AIP) runway improvement. GRANT NO. 3-13-0035-062-2024 (Request of Columbus Airport Commission)

• 7.A resolution authorizing execution of Federal Aviation Administration Grant Airport Improvement Program (AIP) equipment. GRANT NO. 3-13-0035-061-2024  (Request of Columbus Airport Commission)

• 8.A resolution approving a Mutual Aid Agreement between the Columbus Fire and EMS Department and the Columbus Airport Commission for the provision of emergency services. (Request of the Columbus Airport Commission)

PUBLIC AGENDA

• 1.Rev. Lynn Meadows-White, representing The Methodist Children's Home, Re:  Information on the new Foster Child Success Tax Credit.

• 2.Mr. Marvin Broadwater, Sr., Re: Treatment of private citizens.

• 3.Rev. Johnny Flakes, III, representing IMA, Re:  Ethics.

• 4.Ms. Theresa El-Amin, Re:  Lame Duck Politicians and Term Limits.

• 5.Mrs. Stacy McDowell, Re:  Animal control procedures. 

• 6.Mrs. Sandy Gunnels, Re:  Hiring Practices at CCG. 

CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA

• 1.FY 2025 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 2025 Transportation Planning Work Activities of the Columbus-Phenix City Transportation Study (C-PCTS) and to amend the Multi- Governmental Fund by the amount of the contract and local match. This is an annual contract with the Georgia Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration which will require a 20% match of 84,787.30.

• 2.FY 2025 Georgia Department of Transportation – Y410 Funds - Transportation Planning Contract

  Approval is requested to authorize the execution of a contract with the Georgia Department of Transportation for Financial Assistance to carry out the FY 2025 Y410 Planning funds for Safe & Accessible Transportation Options - (H.R. 3684 - Sect, 11206), as outlined in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). This funding is required to be included in the Transportation Planning Work Activities of the Columbus-Phenix City Transportation Study (C-PCTS). The Y410 Transportation planning funds in the amount of $8,696.12 is requested in the form of a contract with the Georgia Department of Transportation and to amend the Multi-Governmental Fund by the amount awarded. This is a five-year annual contract with the Georgia Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration which began in FY 2023 and will conclude in FY 2027, as outlined in the IIJA. This will require the creation of a new budget by the Finance Department.

• 3.TIA 1 Agreement for METRA

  Approval is requested to execute and enter into a contractual agreement with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) to receive TIA 1 funds available in METRA project PI# 0011435 in the amount of $3,500,000 or as otherwise made available in a supplemental agreement with GDOT. This agreement is drafted and proposed by GDOT.

• 4.American Rescue Plan – Public Safety Project Reallocation

  Approval is requested to authorize the reallocation of available American Rescue Plan funding to the Fire/EMS Department for one ambulance and Fire/EMS Mobile Integrated Healthcare Program for $545,145.90 and Columbus Police Department IBIS overage for $7,297 and Columbus Police Department equipment for $292,703.

• 5.American Rescue Plan – Project Reallocation

  Approval is requested to authorize the reallocation of available American Rescue Plan funding to the Liberty Theatre HVAC project for $600,000 for a total allocation of $950k and the Trade Center HVAC project for $350,000 for a total allocation of $2.6 million and to authorize an additional $600k from the General Fund Reserves for the HARP program.

• 6.Inclement Weather Policy for Pools

  Approval is requested to accept the attached policy as the applicable policy for all public pools operated by the City.

• 7.Retiree Health Insurance Plan

  Approval is requested to authorize the renewal of the Medicare-eligible healthcare plan benefits and the United Healthcare Medicare Advantage plan.

• 8.FY2025 Exigent Vehicle Purchases

  Approval is requested, due to on-going supply chain issues, to make “off the lot” vehicle purchases for vehicles that have been approved as part of the budget for FY25, with the exception of vehicles purchased using federal funds, that have been either directly awarded or passed through another entity to CCG.  

• 9.Donations Accepted on Behalf of Greenpower Racing Program

  Approval is requested to accept any and all cash and in-kind donations to the Columbus Parks and Recreation Department on behalf of the Greenpower Racing program for Fiscal Year 2025 and 2026, ending on June 30, 2026.

• 10.Columbus Police Department: Donations

  Approval is requested to accept a donation of $2,000 for sponsorship of the Columbus Police Department’s 2nd annual Family Fun Day and other employee activities and a donation of $100 to support the recently created Heritage Center of the Columbus Police Department.

PURCHASES

• A.One (1) 2024 Ford Explorer for Parks and Recreation – Georgia Statewide Contract Cooperative Purchase

• B.Sixteen (16) John Deere Zero Turn Mowers for Parks and Recreation – Georgia Statewide Contract Cooperative Purchase

• C.CISCO Smartnet Software Maintenance Renewal for Information Technology – Georgia Statewide Contract Cooperative Purchase

• D.Provision and Installation of Playground Equipment at Charlie Hill Park – Sourcewell Cooperative Contract Purchase

• E.Provision and Installation of Playground Equipment at Lakebottom Park – Sourcewell Cooperative Contract Purchase

• F.Provision and Installation of Playground Equipment at Boxwood Park – Sourcewell Cooperative Contract Purchase

• G.Outdoor Speakers with Accessories for the Civic Center – OMNIA Partners Cooperative Contract Purchase

• H.Tables and Table Truck Carts for the Civic Center – BuyBoard Cooperative Contract Purchase

• I.Additional Telescopic Seating for the Civic Center Arena Bowl – Sourcewell Cooperative Contract Purchase

• J.Provision and Installation of Outdoor Stage, Deck and Handrail for the Civic Center – OMNIA Partners Cooperative Contract Purchase

• K.Repair of Bulldozer (Vehicle # 11300) for Public Works

• L.Repair of Bulldozer (Vehicle # 11554) for Public Works

• M.Automatic External Defibrillators (AED) and Accessories for Risk Management (Annual Contract)– BuyBoard Cooperative Purchase

• N.On-Call Services for Installation or Replacement of Storm Sewer/Combined Sewer Systems (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 23-0035

• O.Multi-Purpose Dog Handler Packages (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 24-0018

UPDATES AND PRESENTATIONS

• A.FY24 Budget Update Sheriff’s Office – Greg Countryman, Sheriff, Sheriff’s Office 

• B.Sign Ordinance Enforcement Update – Ryan Pruett, Director, Inspections & Code

• C.Columbus Animal Control & Care Center Update – Drale Short, Director, Public Works

BID ADVERTISEMENT

• DATE:                 September 10, 2024

  TO:                Mayor and Councilors

  FROM:                Finance Department

  SUBJECT:                Advertised Bids/RFPs/RFQs

  September 11, 2024

  1. Liberty Theater Re-Roofing Project – RFB No. 25-0003

  Scope of Bid

  Provide all labor, equipment and materials to remove the existing roof at the Liberty Theater and install a new fully-adhered Colonial Red FiberTite KEE fleeceback roof system (or equal), in full compliance with the project manual.

  September 13, 2024

  1. Auditing Services (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 25-0006

  Scope of RFP

  Columbus Consolidated Government is requesting proposals to establish a contract for the professional services of a Certified Public Accountant for financial and compliance audits.  The contract will be for five consecutive fiscal years beginning with the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, and ending with the fiscal year ending June 30, 2029, with an option to renew for five additional twelve-month periods.

  September 20, 2024

  1. Consulting Services for Recycling Center – RFP No. 25-0009

  Scope of RFP

  The Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia (the City) invites qualified and interested individuals or firms to provide consulting services to perform a needs assessment/recommendation.  The consultant will assist with the purchasing of equipment, technology and the writing of specifications for these and other management services pertaining to the efficient operations of the City’s Recycling Facility, To include the processing, sales, marketing of the single stream recycling materials.

  2. Bullet Recovery System for the Police Department – RFP No. 25-0010

  Scope of RFP

  The Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia (the City) invites qualified and interested parties to furnish and install one Bullet Recovery System for use in forensic firearms examinations for the Columbus Police Department.

  On Hold

  1. Comprehensive Inmate Healthcare Services for Muscogee County Jail (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 25-0005

  Scope of RFP

  Columbus Consolidated Government, on behalf of the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office, is seeking proposals for the provision of healthcare services for offenders incarcerated at the Muscogee County Jail.  The requested services consist of medical, dental, and mental health, as well as healthcare personnel.  Medical services include but are not limited to x-ray, laboratory, and prescription drug services for a rated capacity of 1069 inmates. 

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

REFERRALS:

• Referrals 9.10.24

CLERK OF COUNCIL’S AGENDA

ENCLOSURES - ACTION REQUESTED

• 1.RESOLUTION - A resolution excusing Councilor Byron Hickey from the September 10, 2024 Council Meeting.

• 2.RESOLUTION - A resolution excusing Councilor R. Walker Garrett from the September 10, 2024 Council Meeting.  (Add-On)

• 3.Travel Authorization Request for Councilor Tucker to attend the 2024 GARC Annual Conference in St. Simons Island, Georgia.

• 4.Email Correspondence from Emma Kimbrel, Board Secretary for the Community Development Advisory Council, requesting that the seats of Mr. Armando Fernendez (Mayor’s Appointment) and Tamika McKenzie (Mayor’s Appointment) be declared vacant due to a lack of attendance.

• 5.Email Correspondence from Jeremy Cummings resigning from his seat on the Tree Board.

• 6.Minutes of the following boards:

  Board of Tax Assessors, #29-24

  Board of Zoning Appeals, May 1, June 5, and July 5, 2024

  Columbus Golf Course Authority, August 20, 2024

  Columbus Ironworks Convention & Trade Center Authority, June 27, 2024

  Convention & Visitors Board of Commissioners, June 20, 2024

  Hospital Authority of Columbus, June 25, and July 30, 2024

  Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission, April 11, 2024

  Retirees’ Health Benefits Committee, November 15, 2023, February 21, and May 15, 2024

BOARD APPOINTMENTS - ACTION REQUESTED

• .MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS- ANY NOMINATIONS MAY BE CONFIRMED FOR THIS MEETING:

  COLUMBUS IRONWORKS CONVENTION & TRADE CENTER AUTHORITY: 

  
  
  

  S. Carson Cummings                                    (Mayor’s Appointment)

  Not Eligible to succeed

  Term Expires: October 24, 2024      

  
  

  The terms are three years. Board meets bi-monthly.

  Women:  1

          Senatorial District 15:   1

          Senatorial District 29:   4

  COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS- READY FOR CONFIRMATION:

  ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY BOARD:  Ms. Karen Gaskin was nominated to succeed Ms. Channon Emery. (Councilor Hickey’s nominee) Term expires:  October 15, 2026

  BOARD OF TAX ASSESSORS:  Mr. John Anker was nominated to fill the unexpired term of the late Mr. Todd Hammonds. (Councilor Crabb’s nominee) Term expires:  December 31, 2029

  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       

  Nancy Anderson                                                 Open for Nominations              

  (Resigned)                                                        (Council’s Appointment)        

          Term Expires: October 15, 2025

  These are two-year terms. Board meets as needed.

  Women:  6

          Senatorial District 15:   3

          Senatorial District 29:   3