Council Agenda - Regular Meeting 05/13/2025 09:00 AM

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

INVOCATION: Offered by Chaplain Emilio Rosa – Love in Action Outreach

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Skip Henderson

MINUTES

1.Approval of minutes for April 29, 2025, Consent Agenda/Work Session.

PROCLAMATIONS

Proclamation:    Salvation Army of Columbus, Georgia Week

Receiving:   Director Andre Pereira and Development & Communications Manager Drew Hunt

Proclamation:    Mental Health Awareness Month

Receiving:    Chloe Landreth

PRESENTATIONS

2.STEAM Project Update – Presented by Katrina Long, Principal, Reese Road Leadership Academy
3.Police Retention Update – Presented by Roderick Graham, Deputy Chief
4.Audit Committee Update – Presented by John Redmond, Committee Chair & Michael Bruder, Committee Member
5.Transitional Audit of the Office of the Solicitor General – Presented by Donna McGinnis, Internal Auditor/Compliance Officer, Jonathan Smith, Benjamin Meadow & Grant Conaway, Forensic Auditors

CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA

ORDINANCES

1.1st Reading- An Ordinance amending Sections 3-1 (mm) and 3-12(e) of the Columbus Code pertaining to the various regulations pertaining to on-premises alcohol consumption; and for other purposes. (Councilor Chambers, Mayor Pro-Tem and Councilor Garrett)

RESOLUTIONS

2.A resolution approving a Special Exception to allow for a Club or Lodge, Not for Profit located at 6655 Lynch Road located in the Residential Estate – 1 (RE1) zoning district. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.)(Mayor Pro-Tem)

PUBLIC AGENDA

1.Ms. Ashlee Williams, Re: Leadership Concerns.
2.Mr. Russell Pickron, Re: Transparency in our Government.
3.Dr. (Rev.) Johnny Flakes, III, Re: Contradictions
4.Mr. George Shoultz, Re: Ethics of Council
5.Mr. Mark Lawrence, Re: Caring for Others.
6.Mr. Gary Johnson, representing Home Hardware, Inc., Re: Spiderweb
7.Mrs. Audrey Holston-Palmore, Re: Property located at 2928 10th Street.

CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA

1.Approval is requested to enter into contracts with the Georgia Department of Transportation to accept Federal/State Transportation Planning Funds for three transportation planning studies: 1) School Traffic Impact Study, 2) Edgewood Road Study, and 3) Master Plan for Trails/Sidewalks, and to amend the Multi-governmental Fund by the amount of the award, which includes a 20% local cash match (match funded in FY24).
2.South Commons Redevelopment

Approval to request the Development Authority to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Redevelopment of South Commons and allocate $250,000 to the Development Authority to cover costs for site development-related expenses
3.1242 Broadway - Balcony Encroachment

Approval is requested to approve the encroachment for the balcony at 1242 Broadway (KMC Urgent Care) to construct a balcony that will extend five feet zero inches into the public right-of-way from the existing building face.
4.Sidewalk and Maintenance Easement Acceptance

Approval is requested for the acceptance of that portion of a five-foot sidewalk and maintenance easement located at 3340 Buena Vista Road (Lot 100) (C-Store) adjacent to the right-of-way for Buena Vista Road. Due to conflicts with existing infrastructure in the right-of-way, an easement was necessary in order to provide a public sidewalk as required by the UDO.
5.Lakebottom Public Art

Approval is requested to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with Peach Little League, Inc. for a Public Art Mural at Lakebottom Park, and approve the design. Peach Little League, Inc., will be financially responsible for all aspects of this project and for all maintenance of the mural on the wall during the period of the contract, and the city will be responsible for any general maintenance of the structure.
6.Public Art- Frank D. Chester Rec Center Hitting Wall

Approval is requested to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with Regional Prosperity Initiative, Inc., a/k/a Columbus 2025 (“RPI”) and approve the final design of the three murals to be located on the hitting wall at Frank D. Chester Recreation Center.
7.FY25 Local Road Assistance (LRA)

Approval is requested to submit an application and accept if awarded, FY25 Local Road Assistance (LRA) from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). The FY25 LRA allocation for Columbus-Muscogee County from GDOT is $3,014,642.47 to be used toward the Morris Road Bridge Replacement Project. NO local match is required.
8.Georgia Cities Foundation Youth Placemaking Grant

Approval is requested to apply for and, if approved, accept a grant up to $500.00 on behalf of the Youth Advisory Council through the Georgia Cities Foundation, GeorgiaForward Grant for the “Kindness Rocks Project”. This project involves painting rocks with uplifting messages or designs and hiding them in public locations such as the Pop Austin Recreation Center. A twenty percent match for a total of $100.00 is required.

PURCHASES

A.Amendment 20 for Construction Manager as General Contractor Services for Columbus Government Center Complex - RFQ No. 20-0002
B.Maintenance Repair and Operations (MRO) Supplies, Parts, Equipment and Materials – OMNIA Partners Cooperative Contract
C.Contract Extension for Banking & Smart Card Services (Annual Contract) – RFP No 19-0002
D.Breathing Apparatus for the Fire and EMS Department (Annual Contract) – Sourcewell Cooperative Contract
E.Stage Curtains for Columbus Civic Center – RFB No. 25-0008
F.18 Yard Dump Truck for Public Works – Georgia State Contract Cooperative Purchase
G.7 Yard Dump Truck for Public Works – Georgia State Contract Cooperative Purchase
H.Security Gate for Public Works/Fleet Management – Federal GSA Cooperative Purchase
I.Network Switches and Access Points for the Judicial Center – Georgia Statewide Contract Cooperative Purchase
J.Sound System Upgrade for the Civic Center
K.Replacement Rubber Flooring and Flooring Base for the Civic Center – Annual Contract Purchase
L.Replacement Glass Doors for the Civic Center – The Interlocal Purchasing System (TIPS) Cooperative Purchase
M.Crowd Control Barriers for the Civic Center – OMNIA Partners Cooperative Purchase
N.Golf Cart for the Civic Center – Sourcewell Cooperative Purchase
O.Haulers for the Civic Center – Sourcewell Cooperative Purchase
P.One 11 Yard Viper Rear Load Refuse Truck for Public Works Department – Sourcewell Cooperative Contract

UPDATES AND PRESENTATIONS

A. FY25 Budget Update – Danielle Forté, Clerk of Superior Court
B.Combined Sewer Overflow Update. - Vance Beck, Director, Engineering

BID ADVERTISEMENT

DATE: May 13, 2025
TO:                Mayor and Councilors

FROM:                Finance Department

SUBJECT:                Advertised Bids/RFPs/RFQs

May 14, 2025
1. Hot Asphalt, Micro Surfacing & General Road Repair Services (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 25-0004
Scope of RFP

Columbus Consolidated Government is seeking proposals from qualified vendors to provide hot asphalt, micro surfacing, and/or general road repair services to include removing old asphalt, resurfacing roads, asphalt patching, concrete patching, milling existing asphalt paving, etc. on an “as needed” basis to the Columbus Consolidated Government (the City).

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

June 6, 2025
1. Grant Writing Services (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 25-0020
Scope of RFP

Columbus Consolidated Government (the City) is seeking qualified, experienced individuals, groups, or firms to provide Grant Writing Services. The Successful Proposer will secure grant funding through the preparation and submittal of grant proposals to federal, state agencies, and any other applicable entities.

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

CLERK OF COUNCIL’S AGENDA

ENCLOSURES - INFORMATION ONLY

1.Memo from Clerk of Council - Public Agenda Application
2.Resolution approved by the Board of Health, adopting the Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia Administrative Code in Title 511 – Georgia Department of Public Health.

ENCLOSURES - ACTION REQUESTED

3.Email correspondence from Director Lisa Thomas-Cutts, requesting the seat of David Houser be declared vacant on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.
4.Email correspondence from Charlotte Ingram, resigning from her seat as the District 1 Representative on the Community Development Advisory Council (CDAC).
5.Minutes of the following boards:

Board of Tax Assessors, #14-25, #15-25

Board of Zoning Appeals, 03.05.25

Columbus Iron Works Convention and Trade Authority, 03.27.25

Hospital Authority of Columbus, 03.25.25

BOARD APPOINTMENTS - ACTION REQUESTED

1. MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS – ANY NOMINATIONS MAY BE CONFIRMED FOR THIS MEETING:
1. COLUMBUS SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT AUTHORITY:
.

New Member                                                                                                            Open for Nominations

(Certified Public Accountant)                                                                (Mayor’s Appointment)

New Member                                                                                                           Open for Nominations

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

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.
1. COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS – READY FOR CONFIRMATION:
1. DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: Allen Taber was nominated to serve another term. (Councilor Crabb’s nominee) Term expires: August 15, 2027
1. DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: Brad Coppedge was nominated to serve another term. (Councilor Crabb’s nominee) Term expires: August 15, 2027
1. DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: Karl Douglass was nominated to serve another term. (Councilor Crabb’s nominee) Term expires: August 15, 2025
1. APPOINTMENTS – NOMINATIONS ARE CONFIRMED BY COUNCIL:
1. COLUMBUS SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT AUTHORITY:
New Member                                                                                                                City Manager’s Nomination

(Deputy City Manager)                                                                                   (Confirmed by Council)

Ex Officio/Non-Voting Member

*City Manager Hugley is nominating Deputy City Manager Lisa Goodwin to serve.

New Member                                                                                             Parks & Rec. Director’s Nomination

(Parks & Rec. Director or Designee)                                           (Confirmed by Council)

Ex Officio/Non-Voting Member

*Director Holli Browder will be serving.

New Member                                                                                Inspections & Code Director’s Nomination

(Inspections & Code Director or Designee)                                 (Confirmed by Council)

Ex Officio/Non-Voting Member

*Director Ryan Pruett will be serving.

New Member                                                                                                                  IT Director’s Nomination

(IT Director or Designee)                                                                               (Confirmed by Council)

New Member                                                                                                          Trade Center’s Nomination (Trade Center Representative)                                                      (Confirmed by Council)

New Member                                                                                                                     RiverCenter’s Nomination

(RiverCenter 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.
1. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS COMMITTEE:
Ardria McGruder – Interested in serving another term                            Open for Nominations

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

Eligible to succeed

Term Expires: April 30, 2025

Rachel S. Banks – Interested in serving another term                            Open for Nominations

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

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
1. HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD:
Tyler Pritchard                                                                                                Open for Nominations

(Historic Columbus Foundation)                                                                      (Council’s Appointment)

Term Expired: January 31, 2025

*Councilor Cogle is nominating John Sheftall.

The terms are three years. Meets monthly.

Women: 6

                Senatorial District 15:   10

                Senatorial District 29:   1
1. COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS – ANY NOMINATIONS WOULD BE LISTED FOR THE NEXT MEETING:
1. COLUMBUS SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT AUTHORITY:
New Member Open for Nominations

(Promotional Entity – Professional Hockey) (Council’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.
1. DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY:
Billy Blanchard – Interested in serving another term                (Council’s Appointment)

Eligible to succeed

Term Expired: August 15, 2023

Stephen Butler – Interested in serving another term                (Council’s Appointment)

Eligible to succeed

Term Expired: August 15, 2023

VACANT                                                                                                                 (Council’s Appointment)

Term Expired: August 15, 2023

Ernest Smallman, IV                                                                                (Council’s Appointment)

Not Eligible to succeed – Currently serves on Board of Zoning Appeals

Term Expired: August 15, 2023

The terms are four years. Ordinance No. 11-23 removes the limitation of two full consecutive terms for this authority.

Women: 0

                Senatorial District 15:   3

                Senatorial District 29:   3
1. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS COMMITTEE:
Shannon Hubbard – Interested in serving another term                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

Timothy Smith                                                                                                Open for Nominations

(Sworn Officer)                                                                                                (Council’s Appointment)

Not Eligible to succeed

Term Expires: April 30, 2025

Tommy Beauchamp (Stormwater Manager, Public Works) has been submitted by HR as a nominee to succeed Troy Vanerson.

Jules Hazen (Deputy Fire Chief) has been submitted by HR as a nominee to succeed Timothy Smith.

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

ADD-ONS

457 Deferred Compensation Board
Audit Committee
Board of Family & Children Services
New Horizons Community Service Board
Pension Fund, Employees’ Board of Trustees
Retirees’ Health Benefits Committee
Tree Board

CALL TO ORDER: Mayor B.H. "Skip" Henderson, III, Presiding INVOCATION: Offered by Chaplain Emilio Rosa – Love in Action Outreach PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Skip Henderson

MINUTES

PROCLAMATIONS Proclamation: Salvation Army of Columbus, Georgia Week Receiving: Director Andre Pereira and Development & Communications Manager Drew Hunt Proclamation: Mental Health Awareness Month Receiving: Chloe Landreth

PRESENTATIONS

CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA

ORDINANCES

RESOLUTIONS

PUBLIC AGENDA

CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA

PURCHASES

UPDATES AND PRESENTATIONS

BID ADVERTISEMENT

CLERK OF COUNCIL’S AGENDA

ENCLOSURES - INFORMATION ONLY

ENCLOSURES - ACTION REQUESTED

BOARD APPOINTMENTS - ACTION REQUESTED

ADD-ONS

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

INVOCATION: Offered by Chaplain Emilio Rosa – Love in Action Outreach

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Skip Henderson

PROCLAMATIONS

Proclamation: Salvation Army of Columbus, Georgia Week

Receiving: Director Andre Pereira and Development & Communications Manager Drew Hunt

Proclamation: Mental Health Awareness Month

Receiving: Chloe Landreth