Council Agenda - Regular Meeting 03/25/2025 05:30 PM C. E. “Red” McDaniel City Services Center- Second Floor

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

INVOCATION: Offered by Reverend Bruce Conage, Sconiers Funeral Home

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Skip Henderson

MINUTES

• 1.Approval of minutes for March 11, 2025, Council Meeting and Executive Session.

PRESENTATIONS

• 2.Proclamation:           St. Anne Pacelli Vikings Day

                Receiving:    St. Anne Pacelli’s Girls and Boys Basketball Team

CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA

ORDINANCES

• 1.2nd Reading- REZN-01-25-0079: An ordinance amending the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) for Columbus, Georgia to add certain property development regulations for single family detached homes in the Uptown (UPT) zoning district.

• 2.2nd Reading- An Ordinance adopting amendments to Article II of Chapter 4 of the Columbus Code pertaining to the Recreation Advisory Board; repealing Article IV of Chapter 4 of the Columbus Code pertaining to the Columbus Aquatics Commission; and for other purposes.  (Mayor Pro-Tem)

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

  1) 2903 10th Avenue (Vision Investment Properties LTD, Owner)
  2) 1024 Henry Avenue (Christina Williams & Joseph Philippe, Owner)
  3) 2610 Jones Avenue (Green Pryor Lewis Jr, Owner)
  4) 3826 3rd Avenue (BSL Investment Group LLC, Owner)
  5) 3822 3rd Avenue (BSL Investment Group LLC, Owner)
  6) 831 Barklay Way (Eloise Elaine Dale, Owner)
  7) 2475 Walker Street (William D. Holland, Owner)
  8) 615 Parkchester Drive (Gerardo Ledesma Angeles, 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 Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave Policy and renaming it the Paid Parental Leave Policy to be consistent with the definitions contained in EEOC guidelines. (Councilor Chambers) (Mayor Pro-Tem)

• 5.1st Reading- An Ordinance adopting new pay rates for the Parks and Recreation Aquatic staff for the  Consolidated Government and amending Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Ordinance No. 24-027; and for other purposes. (Mayor Pro-Tem)(Councilor Tucker)

RESOLUTIONS

• 6.A resolution amending Resolution No. 077-21 to consent to the extension by the  Columbus Water Works of a $24,705,000 Clean Water State Revolving Fund Loan from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority up to and until August 2027. (Request of Columbus Water Works)

• 7.A resolution amending Resolution No. 019-23 to consent to the extension by the  Columbus Water Works of a $8,869,800 Clean Water State Revolving Fund Loan from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority up to and until August 2027. (Request of Columbus Water Works)

PUBLIC AGENDA

• 1.Mr. Howard Jackson Turner, Re: The Long-Standing Practice of Inverse Condemnation and Illegal Eminent Domain. The Amount Due from CCG to Potentially Hundreds of Citizens from Illegal Takings.

• 2.Mrs. Monica Luker, Re: Request for a Traffic Study and the Implementation of Speed Reduction Measures. 

• 3.Ms. Jennifer Le Denney, representing the Disabled Community, Re: ADA Compliance Concerns with City Hall, Lack of Response, and Status Update Request.

• 4.Mr. Marvin Broadwater, Sr., Re: Perception & the City Charter.

• 5.Mr. Henry Wimberly, Re: Appointment of John Anker.

• 6.Ms. Carolyn Chaney, Re: Support for City Manager Isaiah Hugley.

• 7.Ms. Royal Anderson, representing the Muscogee County Democratic Committee, Re: John Anker.

• 8.Ms. Theresa El-Amin, representing the Southern Anti-Racism Network, Re: Stop Attempting to Terminate City Manager Isaiah Hugley.

• 9.Mr. John Fitzpatrick, Jr., Re: City Government, on the Outside Looking In. Who’s next?

• 10.Ms. Simi Barnes, Re: City Government.

• 11.Mrs. Kathryn Tanner, Re: Changes to the Code of Ordinances to Ensure Transparency.

• 12.Mr. James Ogburn, Re: Representative Leadership for our Community.

• 13.Mr. Harry Underwood, representing Columbus, GA Indivisibles, Re: Opposing the Appointment of John Anker to an At-Large Seat on Council.

• 14.Mr. Marquese Averett, Re: Appointments.

• 15.Mr. Melvin Tanner, representing the NAACP, Re: To Address the Appointment of a Councilor.

• 16.Ms. Pamela Moss, Re: RFP for the Development of South Commons.

• 17.Dr. Natalie Nicole, representing Role Model Academy of Arts, Re: Transparency, Accountability, and Equitable Decision-Making from Staff in the Mayor’s Office.

• 18.Mr. Donald Moeller, representing Veterans with PTSD, Re: Awareness of Substandard Veterans PTSD Treatment and Examinations by the Columbus Veterans Administration Clinic.

• 19.Mr. Wane Hailes, representing The Courier Eco Latino Newspaper, Re: Request of Mayor.

• 20.Mr. Edward DuBose, Re: Discuss the Appointment of John Anker to Council and Request the Mayor to Call for an Investigation.

• 21.Ms. Monica Whatley, Re: Making Time for Democracy When a Councilor Resigns.

• 22.Dr. Melvin Steed, representing The Melting Pot/Grace Apostolic Center, Re: Proposed Land Use by a Non-Profit Organization at 10th Avenue & 4th Street.

• 23.Rev. Johnny Flakes, III, Re: Process for City Council Appointment.

• 24.Mr. Demetrius McBride, representing the Urban League of the River Valley Young Professionals, Re: Review of the City Charter on the Process of Appointing Individuals to Fill Vacant Seats.

• 25.Ms. Laura Irvin, Re: Transparency and Citizen Representation.

• 26.Dr. John Van Doorn, Re: Defense of Public Servants and Reconsideration of Council Appointment.

• 27.Rev. Richard A. Jessie, representing The Friends of Historic Claflin, Inc., Re: Request to Establish the Historic Liberty District Restoration & Preservation Foundation.

CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA

• 1.Trade Center Authority – Trade Center Master Plan

  Approval is requested to accept the Trade Center Master Plan adopted by the Trade Center Authority for the construction of a 300-vehicle parking garage to be operated and maintained by the Consolidated Government. It will be used by hotel patrons, Trade Center patrons and the general public. 

• 2.South Commons Redevelopment

  Approval to request the Development Authority to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Redevelopment of South Commons to potentially include a hotel, retail/office, multifamily, parking deck, workforce housing, and other uses.

• 3.Fiscal Year 2022 Homeland Security Grant Program

  Approval is to apply for and accept, if awarded, a grant from the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for funds to assist with resources (food & supplies) for Explosive Ordnance Disposal with K9 Partners designated to help strengthen the Nation’s communities against potential terrorist attacks, in the amount of $3,000, or as otherwise awarded, with no local match required, and amend the Multi-governmental Fund budget by the amount of the award.

• 4.Fiscal Year 2023 Homeland Security Grant Program

  Approval is requested  to apply for and accept, if awarded, a grant from the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for funds to assist with resources (food, supplies, & body armor) for Explosive Ordnance Disposal with K9 Partner designated to help strengthen the Nation’s communities against potential terrorist attacks, in the amount of $4,500.00, or as otherwise awarded, with no local match required, and amend the Multi-governmental Fund budget by the amount of the award.

• 5.FY26 Congressionally Directed Funding Grant

  Approval is requested to apply for and accept,if awarded, a grant in the amount of $150,056.00 or as otherwise awarded from the FY26 Congressionally Directed Spending project for a vehicle and equipment to implement a Mobile Integrated Healthcare program.  There are no matching funds required.

• 6.Columbus Police Department: Donation

  Approval is requested to accept a donation in the amount of $2,500 for sponsorship of the Columbus Police Department’s participation in the 2025 World Police & Fire Games and other employee activities.

PURCHASES

• A.Design and Construction Services for Columbus Convention and Trade Center – RFP No. 25-0002

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

• C.Bullet Recovery System – RFP No. 25-0010

• D.Temporary Staffing Services (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 17-0017

• E.Additional Sources for Temporary Staffing Services (Annual Contract) – Georgia Statewide Contract

• F.Three (3) Paratransit Buses for METRA – Georgia Statewide Contract Cooperative Purchase

• G.One (1) Low Floor Paratransit Cutaway Bus for METRA – Georgia Statewide Contract Cooperative Purchase

• H.One (1) E-Rescue/Pumper Fire Service Apparatus with Equipment for Fire & EMS – HGAC Cooperative Contract

• I.Household Trash Carts for Public Works – Sourcewell Cooperative Contract Purchase

• J.Household Recycling Carts for Public Works – Sourcewell Cooperative Contract Purchase

• K.Vector Check Software Module for Fire & EMS – National Purchasing Partners (NPPGOV) Cooperative Purchase

• L.Upgrade/Purchase of Fast Fare Fareboxes with Accessories for METRA

• M.Camera Equipment for the Civic Center – OMNIA Partners Cooperative Purchase

• N.Metal Storage Buildings for the Civic Center – Sourcewell Cooperative Purchase

• O.Battery Operated Ice Edger for the Civic Center – Sourcewell Cooperative Purchase

• P.2025 Ford F-350 Truck for the Civic Center – Sourcewell Cooperative Purchase

• Q.Hockey Glass Support Posts and Gaskets for the Civic Center – Sourcewell Cooperative Purchase

• R.Additional Staging Equipment for the Civic Center

• S.Compressor Replacement for the Civic Center

• T.Outdoor Tables for New Pools for Parks and Recreation – OMNIA Partners Cooperative Purchase

• U.Forklift for the Civic Center – Sourcewell Cooperative Purchase

• V.Scissor Lift for the Civic Center – Sourcewell Cooperative Purchase

• W.Event Radios and Earpieces for the Civic Center – Sourcewell Cooperative Purchase

• X.Mobile Light Tower for the Civic Center – Sourcewell Cooperative Purchase

• Y.One (1) 2025 Ford Transit 350 Van for the Civic Center – Sourcewell Cooperative Purchase

• Z.Carpet and Related Flooring for the Civic Center – Annual Contract Purchase

EMERGENCY PURCHASES

• 1.Information Only: Emergency Purchase

EMERGENCY PURCHASES

• 1.Information Only: Exigent “Off the Lot” Vehicle Purchases – Resolution No. 354-24

BID ADVERTISEMENT

• DATE:                 March 25, 2025

  TO:                Mayor and Councilors

  FROM:                Finance Department

  SUBJECT:                Advertised Bids/RFPs/RFQs

  April 2, 2025

  1. Muscogee County Board of Elections & Registration Voting Equipment Delivery Services (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 25-0016

  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 June 17, 2025, Special Primary Election.

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

  April 11, 2025

  1. Medical Evaluation Services for Columbus Fire & EMS Department (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 25-0014

  Scope of RFP

  Columbus Consolidated Government invites qualified firms to submit proposals for medical evaluation services for employees of the Fire & EMS Department on an annual basis.  

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

EMERGENCY PURCHASES

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

CLERK OF COUNCIL’S AGENDA

ENCLOSURES - ACTION REQUESTED

• 1.Resignation of Councilor John Anker from the Board of Tax Assessors.

• 2.Minutes of the following boards:

       Board of Elections & Registration, February 6, 2025

  Board of Tax Assessors, #07-25, #08-25 & #09-25

  Board of Zoning Appeals, January 8 & February 5, 2025

  Crime Prevention Board, February 21, March 20, April 17, July 22 & July 29, 2024

  Crime Prevention Board, February 26, 2025

  Hospital Authority of Columbus, January 28, 2025

  Housing Authority of Columbus, September 20, October 18 & December 13, 2023

  Housing Authority of Columbus, January 25, March 20, April 23, May 15, June 19, July 24, August 28, September 25, October 23 & December 18, 2024

  Liberty Theatre & Cultural Arts Center Advisory Board, November 20, 2024

BOARD APPOINTMENTS - ACTION REQUESTED

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

  BUILDING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:

  Renee Sturkie – Not Interested in serving                        Open for Nominations

  Eligible to succeed                                                (Mayor’s Appointment)

  Term Expires: March 24, 2025

  The terms are two years. Meets as needed.

  Women:  2

          Senatorial District 15:   2

          Senatorial District 29:   3

  COLUMBUS SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT AUTHORITY:

  New Member                                                         Open for Nominations              

  (Certified Public Accountant)                                (Mayor’s Appointment)

  Term Expires:

  New Member                                                         Open for Nominations              

  (Corporate/Employment Attorney)                                (Mayor’s Appointment)

  Term Expires:

  New Member                                                         Open for Nominations              

  (Law Enforcement Representative)                                (Mayor’s Appointment)

  Ex Officio/Non-Voting Member

  The terms are three years, with the terms beginning July 1, 2025, and the term expiration of the first appointments being staggered pursuant to Ordinance 25-011.

  COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:

  Benjamin Link – Seat vacant                                (Mayor’s Appointment)

  Resigned                                                        

  Term Expires: March 27, 2025

  The terms are three years. Meets quarterly.

  Women:  5

          Senatorial District 15:   21

          Senatorial District 29:   3

  HOUSING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:

  John F. Greenman                                                 (Mayor’s Appointment)

  Eligible to succeed                                                        

  Term Expires: April 30, 2025

  The terms are five years. Meets once a month.

  Women:  3

          Senatorial District 15:   4

          Senatorial District 29:   3

  COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS – READY FOR CONFIRMATION:

  CRIME PREVENTION BOARD: Richard Kelly was nominated to succeed Marcus Gibson. (Mayor Pro Tem Allen’s nominee) Term expires: March 31, 2028

  PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION: Zarome Lakey was nominated to succeed Dr. Xavier McCaskey. (Councilor Huff’s nominee) Term expires: March 31, 2028

  VALLEY PARTNERSHIP JOINT DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: Ben Moser was nominated to fill the unexpired term of Monte Galbraith. (Councilor Crabb’s nominee) Term expires: June 30, 2026

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

  COLUMBUS SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT AUTHORITY:

  New Member                                                         Open for Nominations              

  (Commercial Businessperson)                                (Council’s Appointment)

    *Councilor Cogle is nominating Mike Welch.

  New Member                                                         Open for Nominations              

  (Marketing Background)                                        (Council’s Appointment)

  *Councilor Davis is nominating Andy Luker.

  New Member                                                         Open for Nominations              

  (Promotional Entity – Professional Hockey)                (Council’s Appointment)

  Ex Officio/Non-Voting Member

  New Member                                                         Trade Center’s Nomination              

  (Trade Center Representative)                                (Confirmed by Council)

  New Member                                                         RiverCenter’s Nomination              

  (RiverCenter Representative)                                (Confirmed by Council)

  New Member                                                        CVB’s Nomination              

  (Convention & Visitors Board Representative)                (Confirmed by Council)

  New Member                                                         Sports Council’s Nomination              

  (Sports Council Representative)                                (Confirmed by Council)

  New Member                                                         Golf Authority’s Nomination              

  (Golf Authority Representative)                                (Confirmed by Council)

  The terms are three years, with the terms beginning July 1, 2025, and the term expiration of the first appointments being staggered pursuant to Ordinance 25-011.

  COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND CULTURAL LIAISON ENCOUNTERS (CIRCLE):

        Samantha Wooden                                        Open for Nominations

              Eligible to succeed                                        (Council’s Appointment)

              Term Expired: March 1, 2025

              Councilor Crabb is nominating Brandon Wilkens to succeed Samantha Wooden.

              The terms are two years. Meets as needed.

              Women:  7

          Senatorial District 15:   5

          Senatorial District 29:   5

  CRIME PREVENTION BOARD:

  Lane Jimmerson                                                Open for Nominations

  (At-Large)                                                        (Council’s Appointment)

  Not Eligible to succeed                                                

  Term Expires: March 31, 2025

  These terms are three years; Law Enforcement Rep. is two years. Meets quarterly.

  Women:  3

          Senatorial District 15:   2

          Senatorial District 29:   4

  EMPLOYEE BENEFITS COMMITTEE:

  Holli Browder                                                Open for Nominations

  (Dept. Director/Assistant Director)                                (Council’s Appointment)

  Eligible to succeed

  Term Expires: April 30, 2025

  Nancy Boren                                                        Open for Nominations

  (Dept. Director/Assistant Director)                                (Council’s Appointment)

  Eligible to succeed

  Term Expires: April 30, 2025

  Shannon Hubbard                                                Open for Nominations

  (General Government Employee)                                (Council’s Appointment)

  Eligible to succeed

  Term Expires: April 30, 2025

  Troy Vanerson                                                Open for Nominations

  (General Government Employee)                                (Council’s Appointment)

  Not Eligible to succeed

  Term Expires: April 30, 2025

  Ardria McGruder                                                Open for Nominations

  (Selected by General Government Employees)                (Confirmed by Council)

  Eligible to succeed

  Term Expires: April 30, 2025

  Rachel S. Banks                                                Open for Nominations

  (Selected by Public Safety Employees)                        (Confirmed by Council)

  Eligible to succeed

  Term Expires: April 30, 2025

  Timothy Smith                                                Open for Nominations

  (Sworn Officer)                                                (Council’s Appointment)

  Not Eligible to succeed

  Term Expires: April 30, 2025

  The terms for General Government Representatives are three years, and two years for Public Safety.  Meets once a month.

  Women:  5

          Senatorial District 15:   n/a        

  Senatorial District 29:   n/a

  LAND BANK AUTHORITY:

  VACANT                                                        Open for Nominations

  Term Expires: October 31, 2026                                (Council’s Appointment)
  
  

  These terms are four years. Meets once a month.

  Women:  4

          Senatorial District 15:   5        

  Senatorial District 29:   1

  PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION:

   Ralph King                                                         Open for Nominations              

  Not Eligible to succeed                                        (Council’s Appointment)

  Term Expires: March 31, 2025

  Larry Derby                                                         Open for Nominations              

  Not Eligible to succeed                                        (Council’s Appointment)

  Term Expires: March 31, 2025

  These terms are three years.  Meets twice a month.

  Women:  2

          Senatorial District 15:   7

          Senatorial District 29:   2