Council Agenda - Regular Meeting 07/22/2025 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 Rev. Grace Burton Edwards – St. Thomas Episcopal Church

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Skip Henderson

MINUTES

• 1.Approval of minutes for the July 8, 2025, Council Meeting.

PROCLAMATIONS

• 2.Proclamation:    Community Healthcare Week

    Receiving:    Asante Hilts

• 3.Proclamation:    Wynnton Neighborhood Network

                Receiving:    Jason Wade

• 4.Proclamation:    West Georgia Dixie Baseball

         Receiving:    West Georgia Dixie Baseball Team

• 5.Proclamation:    Columbus High School Boys Golf Team

         Receiving:    Coach Chris Parker and the Columbus High School Boys Golf Team

RESOLUTIONS

• 6.A Resolution requesting a transition audit by the Internal Auditor of the Clerk of Council’s Office. (Requested by the Clerk of Council)

CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA

ORDINANCES

• 1.2nd Reading: An Ordinance amending Chapter 14 pertaining to Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions of the Columbus Code to insert a code section 14-24 to provide for fees for lift assistance service calls made by the Columbus Department of Fire and Medical Emergency Services to licensed healthcare and affiliated facilities; to provide penalties for violations thereof; and for other purposes. (Mayor Pro-Tem)

• 2.2nd Reading: An Ordinance amending the Columbus Code to add a new Article V to Chapter 11 to require safety standards pertaining to powered bicycles, powered mobility devices and storage batteries; and for other purposes. (Councilor Cogle)

• 3.1st Reading:  An Ordinance amending the Columbus Code to repeal and replace Section 14-13. with a new code section that prohibits camping on public property within Columbus, Georgia, and for other purposes. (Councilor Crabb)

RESOLUTIONS

• 4.A Resolution amending Resolution No. 020-23 to consent to the extension by the Columbus Water Works of a $11,230,000 Clean Water State Revolving Fund Loan from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority up to and until February 1, 2027. (Request of Columbus Water Works)

• 5.A Resolution amending Resolution No. 076-21 to consent to the extension by the Columbus Water Works of a $13,300,000 Clean Water State Revolving Fund Loan from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority up to and until February 1, 2027. (Request of Columbus Water Works)

• 6.A Resolution amending Resolution No. 078-21 to consent to the extension by the Columbus Water Works of a $22,439,000 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Loan from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority up to and until November 1, 2026. (Request of Columbus Water Works)

PUBLIC AGENDA

• 1.Mr. John Michael Watford, representing Mike Watford, Re: Mud Buildup on Roaring Branch Creek Road.

• 2.Mr. Ladarius Colbert & Dr. Jaketra Bryant, representing New Blaq Order LLC and Dr. Jaketra Bryant Coaching and Speaking, LLC, Re: Conditions of South Columbus.

• 3.Mr. Atlantic Cole, representing: Cole’s Towing & Recovery, Inc., Re: Request for Reconsideration of Resolution No. 182-25.

• 4.Ms. Theresa El-Amin, representing: Southern Anti-Racism Network, Re: National Night Out, Paws Humane, and Underfunded Pension Plans. 

• 5.Ms. Audrey Holston Palmore, Re: Property Located at 2928 10th Street.

• 6.Mr. Mark Lawrence, Re: Next Steps

• 7.Dr. Johnny Flakes, III, Re: Who do you want people to believe you are? 

CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA

• 1.FY26 Public Defender Contract

  Approval is requested to enter into an agreement between the Circuit Public Defender Office of the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit and Muscogee County for Indigent Defense Services in the amount of $2,761,935 and to authorize monthly payments to the Georgia Public Defender Standards Council (GPDSC) for said services in the amount of $167,963.72 per month. The monthly amount is included in the total contract amount of $2,761,935 and covers the cost of personnel services at $191,586, as well as a 5% administrative fee of $95,979.

• 2.Amendment to Extend the Subrecipient Agreements for Occupational Training and Retention

  Approval is requested to amend the subrecipient agreements for Occupational Training (Internships, Work Experience, On-the-Job Training, and/or post-secondary training; and retention services) for economically disadvantaged (low-income) individuals residing in Muscogee County (for a total amount of $995,503 or otherwise awarded Council approved the subrecipient agreements for Occupational Training on August 27, 2024.  Request is made for the subaward periods of performance, budget periods, and expenditure reporting periods end date listed in Article II General Award Information; Sec. 15.1 Article XV Term; and Exhibit D Expenditure Reporting Schedule to be extended to September 30, 2026. 

PURCHASES

• A.Election Equipment, Supplies and Services

• B.Household Trash Carts and Lids for Public Works – Sourcewell Cooperative Contract Purchase

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

UPDATES AND PRESENTATIONS

• A.FY25 Bull Creek Golf Course Budget Update – Jim Arendt, Director of Golf, Golf Authority

• B.Pension Fund Process Update - Angelica Alexander, Director, Finance

• C.Revenue Department Update - Angelica Alexander, Director, Finance

• D.Business License Tax, Revenue Collection Services RFP Update – Pam Hodge, Deputy City Manager, Finance, Planning & Development

• E.ARP Update Pam Hodge, Deputy City Manager, Finance, Planning & Development

BID ADVERTISEMENT

• DATE:                 July 22, 2025

  TO:                Mayor and Councilors

  FROM:                Finance Department

  SUBJECT:                Advertised Bids/RFPs/RFQs

  August 15, 2025

  1. Design and Construction Services for Columbus Pickleball Facility – RFP No. 26-0006

  Scope of RFP

  Columbus Consolidated Government (the City) is requesting proposals from qualified contractors to engage a Design-Builder to design and construct the new Columbus Pickleball Facility. The facility will be located at 1641 3^rd Avenue and be compromised of twenty-seven (27) pickleball courts, including sixteen (16) covered courts. The facility will also include bathroom and concession facilities. Approximately one-hundred four (104) parking spaces will be constructed to support the facility within the existing rights of way of 3^rd Avenue and 17^th Street.  The estimated budget for this project is $7,000,000.

  The selected Design-Builder will be responsible for all aspects of the design and construction.

CLERK OF COUNCIL’S AGENDA

ENCLOSURES - INFORMATION ONLY

• 1.Memo: Board Quorum Challenges

• 2.Memo: Columbus Golf Course Authority Minutes

ENCLOSURES - ACTION REQUESTED

• 3.Request to declare the seat of Julio Portillo (District 8) as vacant on the Community Development Advisory Council (CDAC).

• 4.Resignation of Adrian Wade (District 6) from his seat on the Community Development Advisory Council (CDAC).

• 5.Minutes of the following boards:

  Board of Tax Assessors, #23-25

  Columbus Golf Course Authority, 01.14.2025

  Columbus Golf Course Authority, 02.11.2025

  Columbus Golf Course Authority, 04.22.2025

  Columbus Golf Course Authority, 05.28.2025

BOARD APPOINTMENTS - ACTION REQUESTED

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

  COLUMBUS SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT AUTHORITY:

  New Member                                                                     Open for Nominations              

  (Certified Public Accountant)                                       (Mayor’s Appointment)

  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.

  PENSION FUND, EMPLOYEES’ BOARD OF TRUSTEES:

  __________________                                                          Open for Nominations

  Vacant                                                                           (Mayor’s Appointment)

  (Business Community)

  Term Expires: June 30, 2026

  The terms are four years. Meets monthly.

  COUNCIL DISTRICT SEAT APPOINTMENTS- ANY NOMINATIONS MAY BE CONFIRMED FOR THIS MEETING:

  COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:

  __________________                                                (District 1 – Hickey)

  Vacant                                                                

  Term Expires: March 27, 2026

  The terms for the Mayor’s Appointments are three years and Council’s Appointments are two years. Meets quarterly.

  YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL:

  District 5 Nominee:                                            

          District 9 Nominee:  ______________

          District 10 Nominee:                                     

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

  KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION:

  __________________                                                    Open for Nominations

          Vacant                                                                       (Council’s Appointment)

  (Senatorial District 15)                                                                 

  Term Expires: June 30, 2027

  The terms are three years. Meets every other month.

  NEW HORIZONS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH – MENTAL HEALTH, ADDICTIVE DISEASES AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES- COMMUNITY SERVICE BOARD:

  Judge David Ranieri                                                                     Open for Nominations

          Does not desire reappointment                                       (Council’s Appointment)

  Term Expired: June 30, 2025

  The terms are three years. Meets every other month.

  PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION:

   Ralph King                                                         Open for Nominations              

  Not Eligible to succeed                                        (Council’s Appointment)

  Term Expired: March 31, 2025

  *Councilor Chambers is nominating Anthony Smith

  Larry Derby                                                         Open for Nominations              

  Not Eligible to succeed                                        (Council’s Appointment)

  Term Expired: March 31, 2025

  *Councilor Cogle is nominating Haley Lyman

  These terms are three years.  Meets twice a month.

  RETIREES’ HEALTH BENEFITS COMMITTEE:

  Thomas Barron                                                                  Open for Nominations

  Not Eligible                                                                       (Council’s Appointment)

  Term Expired: June 30, 2025

  The term of the Mayor’s appointee is two years. The terms of Council’s appointees are four years. Meets once a month.

• .ADD-ON: BOARD APPOINTMENTS – ACTION REQUESTED

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

  1. BUILDING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:

  _______________                                                                                                                Open for Nominations              

  Vacant                                                                                                                                                (Mayor’s Appointment)

  Term Expired: March 24, 2025

  Terms are two years. Meet as needed.

  Women:	1
  Senatorial District 15:			0
  Senatorial District 29:			3
  Vacancies:		2

  10. COUNCIL’S CONFIRMATION - RECOMMENDATION FROM ORGANIZATIONS / AGENCIES:

  1. UPTOWN FACADE BOARD:

  James Lewis                                                                                                                Open for Nominations              

  (Uptown Business Improvement Dist. Rep)                                (Council’s Appointment)

  Not Eligible to succeed

  Term Expires: October 31, 2024

  *Fredrick Hill is being recommended by the Uptown Business Improvement District.

  Hannah Israel                                                                                                Open for Nominations              

  (Uptown Business Improvement Dist. Rep)                                (Council’s Appointment)

  Not Eligible to succeed

  Term Expires: October 31, 2024

  *Ginger Surprise is being recommended by the Uptown Business Improvement District.

  The terms are three years.  Board meets monthly.

  Women:	5
  Senatorial District 15:			4
  Senatorial District 29:			3
  Vacancies:		2

  11. COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS – ANY NOMINATIONS WOULD BE LISTED FOR THE NEXT MEETING:

  1. BUILDING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:

  _______________                                                                                                                Open for Nominations              

  Vacant                                                                                                                                                (Council’s Appointment)

  Term Expires: March 24, 2027

  *Seat previously held by Johnny W. Byrd, II, who recently passed.

  Terms are two years. Meet as needed.

  Women:	1
  Senatorial District 15:			0
  Senatorial District 29:			3
  Vacancies:		2