Council Agenda - Regular Meeting 07/28/2026 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 Chaplain Wallace Jackson – Fort Benning

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Zion Daise from Columbus High School

MINUTES

• 1.Approval of minutes for the July 14, 2026, Council Meeting and Executive Session.

PROCLAMATIONS:

• 2.Proclamation:     National Health Week

  Receiving:      Asante’ Hilts, CEO of Valley Healthcare System, and Virginia Dickerson, Vice Board Chair

• 3.Proclamation:     Columbus Lions Day

         Receiving:     Columbus Lions Team

CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA

ORDINANCES

• 1.2nd Reading: An Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 26-032 which provided the establishment of taxing districts, including a county-wide general services district and three (3) urban services districts and three (3) Business Improvement Districts (BID); providing for the levy, assessment, and collection of taxes for Columbus, Georgia within such districts for the year 2026 as provided under the Charter of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia; providing penalties for violations of the provisions of said ordinance; and for other purposes.  (Budget Review Committee)

• 2.1st Reading:  REZN 05-26-0955: An Ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, to change certain boundaries of a district located at 3849 N Linden Drive (parcel # 087-028-012) from Neighborhood Commercial (NC) Zoning District to Single Family Residential – 2 (SFR2) Zoning District. )Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.) (Councilor Barnes)

• 3.1st Reading:  An ordinance amending Article XIV of Chapter 13 of the Columbus Code to revise and modernize the Article; to adopt current state rules and regulations; to provide for a penalty for violations; and for other purposes. (Request of Muscogee County Board of Health)(Mayor ProTem)

• 4.1st Reading:  An Ordinance amending Chapter 5 of the Columbus Code to rename and update the provisions pertaining to the Animal Services Advisory Board; and for other purposes. (Councilors Tucker, Crabb, and Garrett)

PUBLIC AGENDA

• 1.Ms. Kim Decker, Re: PAWS.

• 2.Mrs. Lauren Chambers, representing The Mill District, Inc., Re: 2nd Annual Community Dinner Event.

• 3.Mrs. Jennifer Smith, Re: Youth Development, Affordable Housing, and Resources.

• 4.Ms. Amy Spencer, Re: 287g Task Force Model in Muscogee County.

• 5.Ms. Mary Reynolds, Re: Proposed Data Center.

• 6.Mr. John Fitzpatrick, Re: A Motion, Second, and a Vote.

• 7.Mr. Paul Olson, Re: (1) Bus Route #6 Columbus State/Milgen Road, (2) Midland Commons, (3) Dial-A-Bus, and (4) Taxaition .82 Mills in USD#2.

• 8.Mr. Val McGowan, Re: Beer, Wine, Lottery, and Slot Machines.

• 9.Mrs. Kimberly Williams, Re: Trash and Leaves Pickup.

• 10.Ms. Theresa El-Amin, representing Southern Anti-Racism Network, Re: Councilor Support of Legislative Agenda in 2027 and Conditions at Muscogee County Jail.

• 11.Ms. Pat Weekley, Re: Appreciation.

• 12.Mr. Ric Rivera, Re: Sheriff’s Department. 

• 13.Mr. Gregory Foster, Re: Muscogee County Residents – Civic Lesson.

• 14.Ms. Carolyn Weinbaum, Re: Noise Pollution in Columbus.

• 15.Ms. Monica Whatley, Re: Federal Government Deportation – Not Muscogee County’s Role.

• 16.Mr. Corie Wilson, Re: Economical Plans.

• 17.Mrs. Christine DiFeliciantonio, Re: Community Response to Data Centers.

• 18.Ms. Andrea Atkins, Re: Civility and Transparency in Local Governance.

• 19.Dr. Natalie Nicole, representing Role Model Academy of Arts, Re: City Budget & Community Impact.

• 20.Mrs. Kim Hicks, Re: Data Centers.

• 21.Ms. Z Lawrence, representing Music and Entertainment Council, Re: Request for Council Consideration to Establish a Music Office or Public-Private Partnership.

CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA

• 1.Columbus Airport Commission & Development Authority Funding Support

  Approval is requested to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Columbus Airport Commission and the Development Authority to support the economic development activities at the airport.

• 2.Columbus Airport Commission Funding Support

  Approval is requested to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Columbus Airport Commission to support the airport operations.

• 3.Lease Agreement – 921 5^th Avenue – First African Baptist Church Parking Lot

  Approval is requested to enter into a lease agreement with First African Baptist Church to lease the parking lot at 921 5^th Avenue, Columbus, Georgia 31901

• 4.FY27 Public Defender Contract

  Approval is requested to enter into an agreement for Indigent Defense Services between the Circuit Public Defender Office of the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit and Muscogee County in the amount of $2,826,718 from July 2026 to June 2027 and authorize monthly payment to Georgia Public Defender Council (GPDC)  for said services in the amount of $161,603.04 per month. The monthly amount includes $1,846,892 for personnel services and $92,345, a 5% administrative fee (The GPDC payment is included in the total amount of $2,826,718).

PURCHASES

• A.Arts & Craft, Hobby and Recreational Supplies (Annual Contract) – RFB No. 26-0024

• B.Customized Fleet Supply Chain and Parts Inventory Management AKA Integrated Business Solutions (Annual Contract) – Georgia Statewide Contract Cooperative Purchase

• C.Loss Control Services (Annual Contract) – RFB No. 26-0011

• D.Stone Supplies (Annual Contract) – RFB No. 26-0037

• E.Agricultural Chemicals (Annual Contract) – BuyBoard Cooperative Contract Purchase

• F.Integrated Transit System (Annual Contract) – Only Known Source

• G.Ten (10) Ford FPIU Explorers For Columbus Police Department– Georgia Statewide Contract Cooperative Purchase

• H.One (1) Ford Explorer 4DR 4X4 (K8D) for Information Technology Department – Georgia Statewide Cooperative Contract Purchase

• I.Contract Extension for HVAC Preventive Maintenance Services (Annual Contract) – RFB No. 19-0014

• J.Contract Amendment for Fire Station No. 4 Renovation via Construction Manager as General Contractor Services for SPLOST Fire Stations – RFQ No. 23-0002

• K.Contract Amendment for Fire Station No. 8 Renovation via Construction Manager as General Contractor Services for SPLOST Fire Stations – RFQ No. 23-0002

EMERGENCY PURCHASES

UPDATES AND PRESENTATIONS

• A.Compensation and Classification Study Update - Mark Holcomb, Project Manager, Evergreen Solutions

• B.Fire/EMS FY26 Budget Update – Chief Sal Scarpa, Fire & EMS (ADD-ON)

BID ADVERTISEMENT

• DATE:  July 28, 2026

  TO: Mayor and Councilors

  FROM: Finance Department

  SUBJECT: Advertised Bids/RFPs/RFQs

  July 29, 2026

  1. Portable Toilet Rental & Service (Annual Contract) – RFB No. 26-0036

  Scope of RFB

  The Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia (the City) is seeking vendors to provide portable toilets, hand washing stations and grey water collection containers at various City location sites.  The contract term will be for two (2) years, with the option to renew for three (3) additional twelve-month periods.

  1. Consultant Services for Edgewood Road Corridor Study – P.I. #20289 – RFP No. 26-0034

  Scope of RFP

  Requesting proposals for a Consultant Team to perform a study to develop actionable recommendations to improve traffic flow, enhance safety, and expand active transportation options along Edgewood Road. All Proposers must be prequalified by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). The work shall be performed in accordance with GDOT Plan Development Process (PDP), Plan Presentation Guide (PPG), Design Policies and Manuals, and current software version approved by the Project Manager.

  2. Consultant Services for Master Study for Trails/Sidewalks Throughout the City of Columbus - P.I. #0020290 – RFP No. 26-0005

  Scope of RFP

  Requesting proposals for a Consultant Team to perform a study that will assess the current state of trails and sidewalks throughout the city to identify areas for improvement, ways to enhance connectivity and add additional trails/sidewalks, and evaluate the safety of existing facilities. All Proposers must be prequalified by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). The work shall be performed in accordance with GDOT Plan Development Process (PDP), Plan Presentation Guide (PPG), Design Policies and Manuals, and current software version approved by the Project Manager. August 19, 2026

  1. HVAC Maintenance & Repair Services – (Annual Contract) – RFB No. 27-0003

  Scope of RFB

  Provide HVAC Preventive Maintenance & Repair Services at various locations. The contract term shall be for three (3) years, with the option to renew for two (2) additional twelve-month periods.   A Non-Mandatory Site Visit is scheduled for 10:00 AM (Eastern) on Thursday, July 30, 2026.  Vendors shall convene at the Columbus Consolidated Government City Hall, ground floor located at 1111 FIRST AVENUE, COLUMBUS, GEORGIA 31901, before proceeding to the work area.   August 21, 2026

  2. Environmental Consulting Services for Multipurpose Brownfield (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 270001

  Scope of RFP

  The Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia (the City) is seeking a qualified environmental consultant to provide assistance with its United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) Multipurpose Brownfield Grant. The environmental consultant will assist with the implementation of environmental assessment, site cleanup, remedial planning, and other components of the grant for which funding is secured. The contract will be for three (3) years with the option to renew for two (2) additional twelve-month periods. 

  3. Community Engagement Services for Multipurpose Brownfield Grant (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 27-0002. Scope of RFP: Columbus Consolidated Government (the City) is seeking a qualified vendor to provide community engagement services for the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) Multipurpose Brownfield Grant. The community engagement vendor will coordinate and execute a public engagement strategy for the Multipurpose Grant.

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

CLERK OF COUNCIL’S AGENDA

ENCLOSURES - ACTION REQUESTED

• 1.Honorary Designation Application: Submitted by Mr. W. Greg Herring to rename the Boxwood Recreation Center to the “Jerry ‘Pops’ Barnes Center”. (Request to forward to the Board of Honor for consideration.)

• 2.Travel Authorization: A travel authorization request for Councilor Simi Barnes to attend the 2026 National Foundation for Women Legislators Annual Conference in Nashville, TN.

• 3.Resolution: A Resolution excusing Mayor Pro Tem R. Gary Allen from the July 28, 2026, Council Meeting.

• 4.Resolution: A Resolution excusing Councilor Toyia Tucker from the July 28, 2026, Council Meeting.

• 5.Minutes of the following boards:

  Board of Tax Assessors #25-26

  Board of Tax Assessors #26-26

  Columbus Sports & Entertainment Authority 06-08-26

  Development Authority of Columbus 06-11-26

  Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission 12-11-25

  Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission 02-12-26 & 04-09-26

  Liberty Theatre & Cultural Arts Center 01-08-26, 03-12-26 & 05-14-26

  Pension Fund, Employees Board of Trustees 03-11-26

  Public Safety Advisory Commission, 2024 Minutes

  Public Safety Advisory Commission, 2025 Minutes

  Public Safety Advisory Commission, 06-19-25

  Public Safety Advisory Commission, 01-16-26 & 02-19-26

BOARD APPOINTMENTS - ACTION REQUESTED

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ADD-ONS