Council Agenda - Regular Meeting 01/09/2024 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 Thad Haygood, St. Luke Church of Columbus, Georgia

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Henderson

MINUTES

• 1.Approval of minutes for the December 12, 2023 Council Meeting and Executive Session and December 21, 2023 Special Called Meeting and Executive Session.

RECOGNITION:

• 2.Saudi Aramco Group and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)

PROCLAMATION:

• 3.Proclamation:      National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day 

   
  
  
  

CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA

ORDINANCES

• 1.2nd Reading- An Ordinance providing an increase to the Local Supplement for Muscogee County Sheriff Gregory Countryman effective January 1, 2024; and for other purposes (As amended) (Councilor Tucker)

• 2.1st Reading- An Ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia to change certain boundaries of a district located at 4228 3rd Avenue (parcel # 013-001-041) from Light Manufacturing/Industrial (LMI) Zoning District to Residential Multifamily - 1 (RMF1) Zoning District. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.) (Councilor Garrett)

• 3.1st Reading- REZN-10-23-2056: An Ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia to change certain boundaries of a district located at 3300 6th Avenue (parcel # 014-019-010A) from Residential Multifamily- 2 (RMF2) Zoning District to Residential Multifamily - 1 (RMF1) Zoning District. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.)(Councilor Garrett)

• 4.1st Reading- An Ordinance amending the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) of the Columbus Code to revise the text of a section in Chapter 6 pertaining to the application process for Resource Conservation Subdivisions. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.) (Mayor Pro-Tem)

• 5.1st Reading- An Ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, to change certain portions of a district known as the Conversation Use Valuation Assessment, from RE1 (Residential Estate 1) Zoning District to RE10 (Residential Estate 10) Zoning District. (Planning Department recommends approval.)(Councilors Allen and Davis)

RESOLUTIONS

• 6.A resolution establishing qualifying fees for county offices of the Consolidated Government to be filled in the 2024 elections. (Mayor Pro-Tem)

• 7.A resolution authorizing payments to The Medical Center, Inc. dba Piedmont Columbus Regional Midtown for indigent care services provided during fy 2023. (Councilors Barnes, Cogle, Davis, and Tucker)

PUBLIC AGENDA

• 1.Ms. Lisa Sparks, Re: To discuss neglect of the elderly.

• 2.Mr. Marvin Broadwater, Sr., Re:  The purchase of a business cell phone for City Council Members.

• 3.Ms. Rachel Glance, Re:  The dangerous pit bulls in the neighborhood.

• 4.Ms. Evelyn Golden, Re: To discuss neglect of the elderly.

• 5.Ms. Theresa El-Amin, representing Southern Anti-Racism Network, Re:  Wage gap and poverty.

• 6.Mr. Nathan Smith, Re: Internal audit response.

• 7.Mr. Timothy Veals, Re:  Concerns about the neighborhood not being cleaned up and safety on Head Street for pedestrians.

CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA

PURCHASES

• A.Weather Alert Radios – RFB No. 24-0015

• B.1^st Avenue Sidewalk Project – RFB No. 24-0014

• C.Change Order 2 – METRA Park and Ride PI #0011435

• D.Demolition Services (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 23-0024

• E.Staffing Software for Fire & EMS Department – RFP No. 19-0004

• F.Membership Dues for Georgia Municipal Association

• G.Video Wall Addition for Police Department

• H.Camera Integration Platform for Police Department

• I.Additional License Plate Reader (LPR) Cameras for Police Department

EMERGENCY PURCHASES

• 1.DRONE FOR FIRE & EMS:

  On December 19, 2023, the Information Technology Department, on behalf of the Fire & EMS Department, requested the emergency purchase of a drone to be utilized by the Fire and EMS Department.

  The DJI Matrice 250 RTK drone will be purchased from Flymotion (Tampa, FL), in the amount of $37,966.22, by Cooperative Contract purchase via Sourcewell Contract #011223-FLM. The Drone has the ability to drop a personal flotation device to a person in distress in the river.

  The equipment and the technology aspects of the purchase were vetted by Fire & EMS and the Information Technology Departments.

  The purchase will be 100% funded by the 2023 SMART (Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation) grant.   The purchase had to be expedited to take advantage of the 2023 grant funding.   Consequently, the City Manager approved the emergency purchase on December 19, 2023, as a matter of public safety.

UPDATES AND PRESENTATIONS

• A.Godwin Creek Golf Course Update – Jim Arendt, Golf Director, Bull Creek/Oxbow/Godwin Creek Golf Courses

• B.Columbus Police Department Recruitment and Retention – Reather Hollowell, Director, Human Resources, Pam Hodge, Deputy City Manager, Finance, Planning & Infrastructure and Angelica Alexander, Director, Finance

BID ADVERTISEMENT

• DATE:         January 9, 2024

  TO:        Mayor and Councilors

  FROM:        Finance Department

  January 12, 2024

  General Contractor Services and Housing Inspection Services for the Community Reinvestment Department (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 24-0012

  Scope of RFP

  Columbus Consolidated Government (the City) invites qualified vendors to provide general contractor services (Option A) and housing inspection services (Option B) for rehabilitative single-family housing located throughout Columbus-Muscogee County. The Community Reinvestment Department will procure the services on an as-needed basis.  Vendors may submit proposals for one, both or all options.

  Some activities could be a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funded project which utilizes Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding. Contracts utilizing CDBG funding are subject to state and local laws, as well as federal regulations found in §2 CFR 200.317 through §2 CFR 300.327 and §24 CFR 570.611. Potential bidders must assure that all project activities will be administered in compliance with labor and civil rights laws and regulations for CDBG funded projects. 

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

  January 19, 2024

  Professional Surveying Services for Finance Department/Revenue Division and Engineering Department (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 24-0002

  Scope of RFP

  Provide the Finance Department Revenue Division professional surveying services, on an “as needed” basis, in conjunction with the following: a) Application process for an Alcoholic Beverage License; and b) Application process for Class B Coin Operated Amusement Machines.  Additionally, provide the Engineering Department with professional surveying services, on an “as needed” basis, in conjunction with various projects.

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

  January 24, 2024

  Design and Construction Services for Golden Park Improvements – RFP No. 24-0019

  Scope of RFP

  Columbus Consolidated Government (the City) is requesting proposals from qualified contractors to engage a Design-Builder to design and construct improvements to Golden Park in order to bring it up to standards required by Major League Baseball. Applicants should have experience in designing and building baseball facilities. The estimated project cost is $50 million. Project must be completed by April 2025. The selected Design-Builder will be responsible for all programing, design, and construction.

  January 31, 2024

  Swim Gear and Lifeguard Accessories (Annual Contract) – RFB No. 24-0021

  Scope of RFB

  It is the intent of the Columbus Consolidated Government (the City) to secure an annual contract with a vendor to provide various types of swimming gear and lifeguard accessories, on an “as needed” basis, to the Columbus Parks and Recreation Division of the City of Columbus, Georgia.

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

REFERRALS:

CLERK OF COUNCIL’S AGENDA

ENCLOSURES - INFORMATION ONLY

• 1.Notice from Chief Appraiser- Suzanne Widenhouse, in accordance with Resolution No. 218-23, Re:  Update to prior notice of August 1, 2023 and October 2, 2023, Tax Abatement Agreement on 2023 Series Bonds.

ENCLOSURES - ACTION REQUESTED

• 2.RESOLUTION - A resolution excusing Councilor Toyia Tucker from the December 21, 2023 Special Called Meeting.

• 3.Minutes of the following boards:

  Audit Committee, August 16, 2023

  Board of Elections & Registration, November 2, 2023

  Board of Tax Assessors, #41-23 and #42-23

  Board of Water Commissioners, December 11, 2023

  Civic Center Advisory Board, November 16, 2023

  Development Authority, November 16, 2023

  Planning Advisory Commission, July 19, September 20, October 18 and November 1, and November 15, 2023

  Recreation Advisory Board, May 27, July 29, and September 30, 2020 and March 31, August 25, September 29, and November 17, 2021

BOARD APPOINTMENTS - ACTION REQUESTED

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

  CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY BOARD:

                  

                  
  Orrin Hergott- Interested in serving another                (Mayor’s Appointment)               

  (Columbus Hockey Assoc. Rep.)

  Eligible to succeed                                                

  Term Expires: March 1, 2024

  Jed Harris, Jr.                                                    (Mayor’s Appointment)

  Not Eligible to succeed

  Term Expired: March 1, 2023       

  These terms are three years.  Meets quarterly.

  Women:  3

          Senatorial District 15:   8

          Senatorial District 29:   5

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

  Aaron Guest                                                         (Mayor’s Appointment)              

  Eligible to succeed                                                

  Term Expires: March 1, 2024                

                  
  Merrill Rushin                                                (Mayor’s Appointment)              

  Eligible to succeed                                                

  Term Expires: March 1, 2024

  Akear Mewborn (Vacant)                                            (Mayor’s Appointment)

  Does not desire reappointment

  Term Expired: March 1, 2022       

  
  

  The terms are four years. Board meets monthly.

  Women:  7

          Senatorial District 15:   7

          Senatorial District 29:   4

  COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS- READY FOR CONFIRMATION:

  HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD:  Ms. Marjorie “Mollie” Smith, as the Historic District Resident, was nominated to serve another term of office. (Mayor Pro Tem Allen’s nominee) Term expires:  January 31, 2027

  TREE BOARD:  Mr. Clifton Ruehl was nominated to succeed Mr. Troy Keller for the Educator Seat. (Councilor Cogle’s nominee) Term expires:  December 31, 2026

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

  COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:

  
  

  Charlotte Ingram- Interested in serving another term        (Council District 1- Barnes)

  Eligible to succeed                                                

  Term Expires: March 27, 2024                                                

                  
  Tracy Belt- Interested in serving another term                 (Council District 4- Tucker)

  Eligible to succeed                                                

  Term Expires: March 27, 2024

  Michael L. Ernst                                                 (Council District 5- Crabb)

  No longer a resident of District 5                                        

  Term Expires: March 27, 2024

  Mary B. Garcia                                                 (Council District 7- Cogle)

  Eligible to succeed                                        

  Term Expires: March 27, 2024

  Glenn Kyle Albright                                                 (Council District 8- Garrett)

  Eligible to succeed                                        

  Term Expires: March 27, 2024

  Mike Welch- Interested in serving another term                   (Council District 9- Thomas)

  Eligible to succeed                                        

  Term Expires: March 27, 2024

  Evan M. Collins                                                 (Council District 10- Begly)

  Eligible to succeed                                        

  Term Expires: March 27, 2024

  VACANT                                                         (Council District 2- Davis)

  Term Expires: March 27, 2024

  Virginia Dickerson                                                 (Council District 3- Huff)

  Not Eligible to succeed                                        

  Term Expires: March 27, 2024

  John Partin                                                         (Council District 6- Allen)

  Not Eligible to succeed                                        

  Term Expires: March 27, 2024

     Mayor Pro Tem Allen is nominating Adrian Wade to succeed John Partin.

  Councilor Crabbs is nominating Tollie Strode to fill the expiring term of Michael   Ernst.

  Members appointed by Council shall serve for two-year terms and members appointed by Mayor shall serve for three-year terms.  Board Meets quarterly.        

  PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION:

  Jennifer S. Upshaw (Vacant)                                (Council District 5- Crabb)

  Appointed to another board

  Term Expires: October 31, 2025

  David Rohwedder (Vacant)                                        (Council District 8- Garrett)

  (Resigned)

  Term Expires: October 31, 2026

  Councilor Crabb is nominating Daniel Street, Jr. to fill the unexpired term of Jennifer S. Upshaw.        
  
  

  Councilor Garrett is nominating David Horiuchi to fill the unexpired term of David Rohwedder.

  
  

  The terms are three years.  Board meets monthly.

  COUNCIL’S CONFIRMATION– RECOMMENDATIONS FROM ORGANIZATIONS / AGENCIES MAY BE CONFIRMED FOR THIS MEETING:

  UPTOWN FACADE BOARD:

  Ramon Brown                                                 Open for Nominations              

  (Uptown Columbus Inc. Rep)                                (Council’s Appointment)

  Not Eligible to succeed

  Term Expired: October 31, 2023

  Uptown Columbus, Inc. is recommending Douglas L. Koppang to succeed Ramon Brown.
  
  

  The term is three years.  Board meets monthly.

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

  BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS:

  Kathleen Mullins- Interested in serving another term         Open for Nominations              

  Eligible to succeed                                                (Council’s Appointment)

  Term Expires: March 31, 2024                                                

                  
  Douglas M. Jefcoat- Interested in serving another term         Open for Nominations              

  Eligible to succeed                                                (Council’s Appointment)

  Term Expires: March 31, 2024

  Tomeika Farley                                                 Open for Nominations              

  Not Eligible to succeed                                        (Council’s Appointment)

  Term Expires: March 31, 2024

  Councilor Crabb is re-nominating Kathleen Mullins and Douglas Jefcoat for another term of office.

  The terms are three years.  Meets monthly.

  Women:  2

          Senatorial District 15:   1

          Senatorial District 29:   4

  BUILDING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:

  Olive Vidal-Kendall                                                 Open for Nominations              

  Eligible to succeed                                                (Council’s Appointment)

  Term Expires: March 24, 2024                                                

                  
  Christopher Smith                                                 Open for Nominations              

  Eligible to succeed                                                (Council’s Appointment)

  Term Expires: March 24, 2024

  The terms are two years.  Meets as needed.

  Women:  2

          Senatorial District 15:   2

          Senatorial District 29:   3

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

  
  
  

  
  

  Pythias “Pete” Temesgen- Interested in serving another         Open for Nominations              

  Eligible to succeed                                                (Council’s Appointment)

  Term Expires: March 1, 2024                                                

                  
  Chie Canady- Interested in serving another                         Open for Nominations              

  Eligible to succeed                                                (Council’s Appointment)

  Term Expires: March 1, 2024

  Alia Teetshorn                                                 Open for Nominations              

  Not Eligible to succeed                                        (Council’s Appointment)

  Term Expires: March 1, 2024

  The terms are four years.  Meets monthly.

  Women:  2

          Senatorial District 15:   1

          Senatorial District 29:   4

  HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD:

  Libby Smith                                                         Open for Nominations              

  Historic District Resident                                        (Council’s Appointment)

  Not Eligible to succeed                                                

          Term Expires: January 31, 2024        
  
  

  The term is three years.  Meets monthly.

  Women:  5

          Senatorial District 15:   9

          Senatorial District 29:   2

  PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION:

  
  

  
  Brad P. Baker- Interested in serving another term                Open for Nominations              

  Eligible to succeed                                                (Council’s Appointment)

  Term Expires: March 31, 2024                                                

                  
  Patricia A. Weekley                                                 Open for Nominations              

  Does not desire reappointment                                (Council’s Appointment)

  Term Expires: March 31, 2024

  James Dudley                                                         Open for Nominations              

  Not Eligible to succeed                                        (Council’s Appointment)

  Term Expires: March 31, 2024

  Councilor Davis is nominating Lakshmi Karthik to succeed Patricia A. Weekley.

  Councilor Crabb is re-nominating Brad Baker for another term of office and nominating Michael Ernst to succeed James Dudley.

  
  

  The terms are three years.  Meets twice a month.

  Women:  2

          Senatorial District 15:   6

          Senatorial District 29:   3

  
  
  

  TREE BOARD:

  
  

  
  
  

  Frank Tommey                                                 Open for Nominations              

  Residential Development Seat                                (Council’s Appointment)

  Not eligible to succeed        

  Term Expired: December 31, 2020

  
  

  The term is three years. Meets as needed.

  Women:  7

          Senatorial District 15:   5

          Senatorial District 29:   6