Council Agenda - Regular Meeting 10/24/2023 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 Pastor Vince Allen, Faith Nation of Columbus, Georgia

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Henderson

MINUTES

• 1.Approval of minutes for the October 10, 2023 Council Meeting and Executive Session.

• 20231010.COUNCIL.pdf (0.08 MB)

PRESENTATIONS

• 2.Water and Sewer Rate Study (Presented by Steve Davis, President Columbus Water Works)

• CWW_2024 Rates_PublicHearing_Draft.v2.pdf (6.52 MB)

CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA

ORDINANCES

• 1.2nd Reading-  REZN-06-23-0111: An Ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia to change certain boundaries of a district located at 119 Bascom Court (parcel # 073-027-003) from Residential Office (RO) Zoning District to General Commercial (GC) Zoning District with conditions. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.) (continued on 1st Reading from 9-12-23) (as amended 10-10-23) (Councilor Davis)

• Ordinance REZN-06-23-0111 (as amended ) 2nd Reading 10-24-23.pdf (0.02 MB)
• Council Staff Report REZN-06-23-0111.pdf (1.50 MB)

• 2.2nd Reading- REZN--09-23-0017: An ordinance amending the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) of the Columbus  Code  to revise the text of a definition in Chapter 13. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.)(Mayor Pro-Tem)

• Ordinance REZN--09-23-0017 1st Reading 10-10-23.pdf (0.01 MB)
• Council Staff Report REZN-09-23-0017_Text Amendment_BHAR.pdf (0.25 MB)

• 3.2nd Reading-    REZN-08-23-0159 : An Ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, to change certain boundaries of a district located at 3617 2nd Avenue (parcel # 008-009-010) from Residential Office (RO) Zoning District to Single Family Residential - 4 (SFR4) Zoning District. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.)(Councilor Garrett)

• Ordinance REZN-08-23-0159 1st Reading 10-10-23.pdf (0.02 MB)
• Council Staff Report REZN-08-23-0159.pdf (1.30 MB)

• 4.2nd Reading- REZN -04-23-0630: An Ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia to change certain boundaries of a district located at 910 Talbotton Road (parcel# 016- 027-016) from Neighborhood Commercial (NC) Zoning District to Residential Office (RO) Zoning District. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.) (Councilor Cogle)

• ORDINANCE REZN -04-23-0630 1st Reading 10-10-23.pdf (0.02 MB)
• Council Staff Report REZN-04-23-0630.pdf (2.34 MB)

• 5.2nd Reading- An ordinance providing for the demolition of various structures located at:
  1) 923 39th Street (Douglas & M Elliott, Owner); 2) 353 Marlboro Avenue (Wallace Biggers, Owner); 3)                815 Hardegree Drive (Valencia Melvin, Owner); 4) 529 Chesterfield Avenue (Hiawatha Covington, Owner); 5) 318 24th Street (Leonard III & Lorenzo Brown, Owner);6) 1544 11th Avenue (Jean Rodgers, Owner); and 7) 2015 5th Avenue (Lewis P. Green Jr., Owner) and for demolition services for the Inspections and Code Department in accordance with the attached Tabulation of Bid sheet. (as amended) (Mayor Pro-Tem) 

• Demolition Ordinance _(as amneded) 2nd Reading_10-24-23 (2).pdf (0.03 MB)
• Attachment to Demo Ord October 2023 Bid Tabulation Sheet.pdf (0.09 MB)

• 6.2nd Reading- An Ordinance amending Section 2-296  of the Columbus Code to add two members to the Liberty Theatre & Cultural Arts Center Advisory Board; and for other purposes. (Councilor Cogle) 

• Ordinance amending Liberty Theatre and Cultural Arts Center Advisory Board 1st Reading 10-10-23.pdf (0.03 MB)

• 7.1st Reading- An ordinance suspending the enforcement of penalties and interest on business and occupational tax due and owing for  years 2023 and prior through December 31, 2023; and for other purposes. (Councilors Cogle, Crabb, Davis and Garrett)

• Business License Occupational Tax Suspension 2023 and prior 1st Reading 10-24-22.pdf (0.03 MB)

RESOLUTION

• 8.A Resolution approving the employment of two  temporary non-classified employees to serve as the Project Manager and Quality Assurance Manager (Mayor Pro-Tem)

• Resolution - Appointment of Judicial Center Project and QA Managers 10-24-23.pdf (0.01 MB)
• Resolution Attachment Judical Center Project Manager JD.pdf (0.11 MB)
• Resolution Attachment Quality Assurance Manager JD.pdf (0.11 MB)

PUBLIC AGENDA

• 1.Mr. Timothy Veals, Re: Cleanup of the neighborhood. 

• 2.Mr. Norman Easterbrook, representing River Center for the Performing Arts, Re:  Plans for the new Judicial Building.  

• 3.Mr. Jose V. Ruiz, Re:  A request to reduce / eliminate mandatory parking minimums.

• 4.Mr. Marvin Broadwater, Sr., Re: Vetting citizens’ presentations appearing before City Council.

• 5.Mr. Paul Pierce, representing Springer Opera House, Re: Judicial Center Design.

• 6.Mr. Trinidad Villegas, representing Outdoor Solutions, Re:  The Purchasing Division.

• 7.Mr. Jack Rosenhammer, representing Columbus Street Hockey, Re:  Proposal for a ball hockey rink to be built at Frank Chester Recreation Center.

• 8.Mrs. Audrey Holston Palmore, Re: Vacant housing- demolitions providing information concerning heir property in the city.

CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA

• 1.Transit Trust Fund Program (TTFP) grant request for electric bus charging and maintenance equipment at METRA’s campus located at 814 Linwood Blvd.

  Approval is requested to apply for and accept, if awarded, funds made available to METRA by the State Fiscal Year 2024 (SFY24) Transit Trust Fund Program (TTFP) to be used for the installation of electric bus charging and electric bus maintenance equipment at the METRA campus in the amount up to $277,958, or as otherwise awarded, and amend the Transportation Fund by the amount of the grant award.

• 10.24.23_TTFP_Grant_Agenda_Item.pdf (0.03 MB)

• 2.2023 Brownfield Assessment Grant Re-Write

  Approval is requested to apply and accept if awarded, and amend the Multi-Governmental Fund by the amount awarded up to $300,000 from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The grant funding will be utilized to conduct Brownfield Assessments of properties and cleanup activities within the south and midtown areas of Columbus.

• Agenda Report - 2023 Brownfield Assessment Grant.pdf (0.04 MB)

• 3.BOOST Grant 2023 YEAR 3

  Approval is requested to apply for a grant and, if awarded, accept a grant valued at approximately $200,000.00 or the amount awarded with no local match from the city. The funds provide assistance to the City in administering programs to keep youth productively engaged and off the streets.

• Boost Grant 2023 YEAR 3 Agenda and Resolution.pdf (0.02 MB)

• 4.Maximus, Inc. for Georgia’s Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) Program of the Bright from the Start Program.

  Approval is requested to apply for funding and, if awarded, accept a reimbursement amount valued up to approximately $27,218.00. The funds provide an opportunity to offer expanded and improved support for all students in the Before and After School Programs.

• Maximus Inc 2023-2024 Agenda and Resolution.pdf (0.02 MB)

• 5.Bright from the Start – Snack Grant

  Approval is requested to apply for and accept a grant in the amount of $67,989.00, or as otherwise awarded, from the Georgia Department of Early Childcare and Learning, Bright from the Start to continue the Child and Adult Care Food Program and amend the Multi-Government Grant Funds by the amount awarded. The grant will cross over 2023 and 2024 Fiscal Years.

• Snack Grant Proposal to Council 23-24.pdf (0.02 MB)

• 6.Georgia Department of Natural Resources Grant, Recreational Trails Program

  Approval is requested to submit an application for a Georgia Department of Natural Resources Grant, and if approved, accept funds from the Recreational Trails Program for the Dragonfly Trails

• Agenda Resolution DNR RTP 2023.pdf (0.02 MB)

• 7.Donation of Supplies – Columbus Police Department

  Approval is requested to accept donations of building materials from The Home Depot for the construction of K-9 Training Aids at no cost to the city.

• Donations.Agenda and Resolution.K9.08.11.2023.pdf (0.03 MB)

• 8.Bingo Machine Donation

  Approval is requested to accept a Bingo Blower Professional Table Top with a five-foot long flashboard to be donated to the Frank D Chester Senior Center of the Parks and Recreation Department by the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office. The total value of the bingo machine is $3,495.00 at no cost to the city.

• 10.24.23 Bingo Machine Donation to Parks & Recreation.pdf (0.03 MB)

PURCHASES

• A.Retail Space for Park & Ride on Manchester Expressway (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 24-0003

• A. Retail Space for Park & Ride on Manchester Expressway (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 24-0003.pdf (0.03 MB)

• B.Grounds Maintenance Services II (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 24-0008

• B. Grounds Maintenance Services II (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 24-0008.pdf (0.03 MB)

• C.Mental Health Services for Muscogee County Prison

• C. Mental Health Services for Muscogee County Prison.pdf (0.03 MB)

• D.Repair of Compactor for Public Works Department

• D. Repair of Compactor for Public Works Department.pdf (0.02 MB)

UPDATES AND PRESENTATIONS

• A.Trade Center Update – Hayley Tillery, Executive Director, Columbus Convention & Trade Center

• City Council FY23 .pdf (108.92 MB)

• B.Sheriff’s Office Administration Building Update – Ryan Pruett, Director, Inspections & Code

• SheriffAdminUpdate_10242023.pdf (3.03 MB)

BID ADVERTISEMENT

• DATE:                 October 24, 2023

  TO:                Mayor and Councilors

  FROM:                Finance Department

  SUBJECT:                Advertised Bids/RFPs/RFQs

  November 8, 2023

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

  Scope of Bid

  The scope of work includes clearing, excavation and removal, earthwork and grading, pavement and miscellaneous site improvements, soil erosion control measures, landscaping and tree planting.  

  This is a U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funded project, which utilizes Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding.  The awarded contractor shall adhere to all HUD and CDBG project requirements, including Section 3.  The requirements are listed on pages 15 - 35 of the Request for Bids (RFB) document.

  November 17, 2023

  1. Ambulance Billing and Collection Services for Columbus Fire & EMS Department (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 24-0004

  Scope of RFP

  Columbus Consolidated Government (the City) invites qualified vendors to provide ambulance billing and collection services for the Columbus Fire & EMS Department.  The services are required to enhance and develop an internal revenue cycle and will be procured on an as-needed basis.

  The initial 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.

• Bid Advertisements. 10-24-2023.pdf (0.02 MB)

REFERRALS:

• Referrals: 10.10.23

• Referrals 10.10.23.pdf (0.47 MB)

CLERK OF COUNCIL’S AGENDA

ENCLOSURES - ACTION REQUESTED

• 1.Minutes of the following boards:

  Board of Elections & Registration, July 6, and August 3, 2023

  Board of Tax Assessors, #34-23

  Civic Center Advisory Board, September 21, 2023

  Land Bank Authority, August 9, and September 13, 2023

  Pension Fund, Employees’ Board of Trustees, April 12, May 10, and June 21, 2023

  River Valley Regional Commission, August 23, 2023

  Tree Board, October 24, 2022 and February 9, 2023

• Min. Bd of Elections. 07-06-2023.pdf (0.10 MB)
• Min. Bd of Elections. 08-03-2023.pdf (0.08 MB)
• Min. Bd of Tax Assessors. 34-23.pdf (0.10 MB)
• Min. Civic Center Adv Bd. 09-21-2023.pdf (0.23 MB)
• Min. Land Bank Aut. 08-09-2023.pdf (0.18 MB)
• Min. Land Bank Aut. 09-13-2023.pdf (0.16 MB)
• Min. Pension Bd. 04-12-2023.pdf (0.18 MB)
• Min. Pension Bd. 05-10-2023.pdf (0.17 MB)
• Min. Pension Bd. 06-21-2023.pdf (0.17 MB)
• Min. RVRC. 08-23-2023.pdf (0.13 MB)
• Min. Tree Board. 10-24-2022.pdf (0.02 MB)
• Min. Tree Board. 02-09-2023.pdf (0.01 MB)

BOARD APPOINTMENTS - ACTION REQUESTED

• .COUNCIL APPOINTMENT- READY FOR CONFIRMATION:

  BOARD OF TAX ASSESSORS:  Mr. Todd Hammons was nominated to serve another term of office.  (Councilor Crabb’s nominee) Term expires:  December 31, 2029

  COUNCIL APPOINTMENT: NOMINATION FROM THE COMMISSION AND MAY BE CONFIRMED FOR THIS MEETING:

  AIRPORT COMMISSION:

  James Barker                                                        (Council’s Confirmation)

  Eligible to succeed

  Term Expires: December 31, 2023             

  *The Columbus Airport Commission has submitted its nominee of James Barker to serve another term of office.

  These are five-year terms. Board meets monthly.

  Women:  2

          Senatorial District 15:   2

          Senatorial District 29:   3

  COUNCIL NOMINATIONS- THREE NOMINEES ARE SENT TO THE AUTHORITY FOR SELECTION:

  THE MEDICAL CENTER HOSPITAL AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS: 

  John Bucholtz                                                   Open for Nominations

  Eligible to succeed                                                (Council’s Nomination)

  Term Expires: December 31, 2023       

  Fredrick McKnight                                                   Open for Nominations

  Eligible to succeed                                                (Council’s Nomination)

  Term Expires: December 31, 2023       

  *The Council submits three (3) nominees to the Medical Center Hospital Authority for each seat and the Medical Center Hospital Authority selects the successor for Council’s confirmation and the recommendations are as follows:

  For the seat of John Bucholtz: John Bucholtz, Tracy L. Sayers and Murray Solomon

  For the seat of Fredrick McKnight: Fredrick McKnight, Tracy L. Sayers and Murray Solomon

  The terms are five years. Board meets quarterly.

  Women:  3

  Senatorial District 15:   3

  Senatorial District 29:   6        

  
  
  

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

  BOARD OF ELECTIONS & REGISTRATION:

  Edwin Roldan                                                Open for Nominations

  Eligible to succeed                                                (Council’s Appointment)

  Term Expires: December 31, 2023            

  Margaret Jenkins                                                Open for Nominations

  Rotating off the board                                                (Council’s Appointment)

  Term Expires: December 31, 2023            

  Diane Scrimpshire                                                 Open for Nominations

  Eligible to succeed                                                (Council’s Appointment)

  Term Expires: December 31, 2023            

  Councilor Tucker is nominating Annette Williams for the seat of Margaret Jenkins.

  These are four-year terms. Board meets monthly.

  Women:  3

          Senatorial District 15:   2

          Senatorial District 29:   3

  BOARD OF HEALTH:

  Sylvester McRae- Interested in serving another term        Open for Nominations

  Eligible to succeed                                                (Council’s Appointment)

  Term Expires: December 31, 2023            

  James Lopez                                                        Open for Nominations

  Not Eligible to succeed                                        (Council’s Appointment)

  Term Expires: December 31, 2023       

  
  

  These are five-year terms. Board meets monthly.

  Women:  3

          Senatorial District 15:   1

          Senatorial District 29:   4

      

  BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS:

  Clint W. Cox                                                        Open for Nominations

  No longer a resident of Muscogee County                        (Council’s Appointment)

  Term Expires: December 31, 2026            

  Councilor Thomas is nominating Nick Smith for the seat of Clint W. Cox.

  This is a four-year term. Board meets monthly.

  Women:  1

          Senatorial District 15:   2

          Senatorial District 29:   2

  COOPERATIVE EXTENSION ADVISORY BOARD:

  Lawanna Williams                                                 Open for Nominations              

  Eligible to succeed                                                (Council’s Appointment)

          Term Expires: December 31, 2023

  VACANT                                                         Open for Nominations              

  Term Expires: December 31, 2028                                (Council’s Appointment)

          

  The terms are six years.  Meets quarterly.

  Women:  4

          Senatorial District 15:   2

          Senatorial District 29:   2

  LAND BANK AUTHORITY:

  Chris Phillips                                                         Open for Nominations              

  No longer a resident of Muscogee County                        (Council’s Appointment)

  Term Expires: October 31, 2026

  The term is four years. Board meets monthly.

  Women:  4

  Senatorial District 15:   4

  Senatorial District 29:   2

  TREE BOARD:

  Farah Dewsbury                                                 Open for Nominations              

  At-Large Member                                                 (Council’s Appointment)

  Eligible to succeed        

  Term Expires: December 31, 2023

  Robert Hecht                                                         Open for Nominations              

  Commercial or Industrial Dev. Seat                        (Council’s Appointment)

  Eligible to succeed        

  Term Expires: December 31, 2023

  Chris Henson                                                         Open for Nominations              

  Environmental Advocacy Representative                        (Council’s Appointment)

  Does not desire reappointment        

  Term Expired: July 1, 2022

  
  

  Troy Keller                                                         Open for Nominations              

  Educator Seat                                                (Council’s Appointment)

  Not eligible to succeed        

  Term Expired: December 31, 2020

  Frank Tommey                                                 Open for Nominations              

  Residential Development Seat                                (Council’s Appointment)

  Not eligible to succeed        

  Term Expired: December 31, 2020

  These are four-year terms. Meets as needed.

  Women:  7

          Senatorial District 15:   5

          Senatorial District 29:   6

• Board Appointments. 10-24-2023.pdf (0.03 MB)