CALL TO ORDER: Mayor B. H. "Skip" Henderson, III, Presiding
INVOCATION: Offered by Chaplain (MAJ) Michael Johnson, Brigade Chaplain, 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade, Fort Moore, Georgia
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Henderson
MINUTES
CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA
ORDINANCES
PUBLIC AGENDA
CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA
Approval is requested to authorize payment to employees for unused sick leave in accordance with 16B-15-6 (2) of the Columbus Code of Ordinances.
Approval is requested to apply for and accept a grant in the amount of $7,452.05 or as otherwise awarded, from the Georgia Trauma Commission – Georgia Trauma Care Network Commission, with no local match required and amend the Multi-Government Fund by the award amount. The grant funds will be used to purchase equipment that will be used to better equip Columbus Fire and EMS in the treatment of trauma patients.
PURCHASES
EMERGENCY PURCHASE
POST-ACCIDENT DRUG SCREENING – AFTER HOURS, WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS:
On October 16, 2023, the City Manager was notified by Human Resources, that the vendor under contract to perform Employee Physicals will no longer be able to provide services for Post-Accident Drug and Alcohol Screening – After Hours, Weekends and Holidays due to staffing issues.
The City awarded a five (5) year contract to Occupational Medicine of Columbus on April 27, 2021, per Resolution No. 125-21. The original RFP for Employee Physicals was revised to include the services prior to being awarded.
Occupational Medicine of Columbus has worked with Human Resources to identify a vendor who can perform the post-accident screenings. Fastest Labs of Columbus is able to perform the screenings after-hours, as well as on weekends and holidays. The vendor has agreed to charge $45.00 for the screen and $50.00 per hour charge (one hour minimum). There may be an additional charge if a Medical Review Officer (MRO) is needed. The number of accidents that occur after-hours/weekends/holidays is minimal and estimated to be approximately twenty-five (25) occurrences or less per year.
For a period of sixty (60) days, ending on December 17, 2023, Occupational Medicine of Columbus will act as a pass-through for Fastest Labs of Columbus. After that date, the City will work directly with Fastest Labs of Columbus to perform the services for a period of ten (10) months, ending December 17, 2024. During this time, Purchasing will prepare an RFP for a contract.
The City Manager approved the emergency purchase on October 16, 2023.
Funds are budgeted each fiscal year for this on-going expense: Various Departments – Pre-employment Physicals.
UPDATES AND PRESENTATIONS
BID ADVERTISEMENT
TO: Mayor and Councilors
FROM: Finance Department
SUBJECT: Advertised Bids/RFPs/RFQs
November 8, 2023
1st 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
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 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.
REFERRALS:
CLERK OF COUNCIL’S AGENDA
ENCLOSURES - ACTION REQUESTED
457 Deferred Compensation Board, July 20, 2023
Airport Commission, June 21, August 3, and August 23, 2023
Board of Tax Assessors, #35-23 and #36-23
Board of Water Commissioners, September 11, and October 16, 2023
Columbus Golf Course Authority, July 18, 2023
Development Authority of Columbus, September 7, 2023
Hospital Authority of Columbus, September 26, 2023
Planning Advisory Commission, October 4, 2023
Public Safety Advisory Commission, September 21, 2023
Tree Board, October 5, 2023
BOARD APPOINTMENTS - ACTION REQUESTED
BOARD OF ELECTIONS & REGISTRATION: Mr. Edwin Roldan was nominated to serve another term of office. (Councilor Crabb’s nominee) Term expires: December 31, 2027
BOARD OF ELECTIONS & REGISTRATION: Ms. Diane Scrimpshire was nominated to serve another term of office. (Councilor Crabb’s nominee) Term expires: December 31, 2027
BOARD OF ELECTIONS & REGISTRATION: Ms. Annettee Williams was nominated to succeed Ms. Margaret Jenkins. (Councilor Tucker’s nominee) Term expires: December 31, 2027
BOARD OF HEALTH: Dr. Sylvester McRae was nominated to serve another term of office. (Councilor Huff’s nominee) Term expires: December 31, 2028
BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS: Mr. Nick Smith was nominated to fill the unexpired term of Mr. Clint W. Cox (Relocating outside of Muscogee County). (Councilor Thomas’ nominee) Term expires: December 31, 2026
LAND BANK AUTHORITY: Mr. Carson Cummings, Jr. was nominated to fill the unexpired term of Mr. Chris Phillips (Relocating outside of Muscogee County). (Councilor Begly’s nominee) Term expires: October 31, 2026
LIBERTY THEATRE & CULTURAL ARTS CENTER ADVISORY BOARD: Ms. Evelyn “Mimi” Woodson was nominated to serve as a member on the newly created board. (Councilor Cogle’s nominee) Term Expires: August 14, 2027
LIBERTY THEATRE & CULTURAL ARTS CENTER ADVISORY BOARD: Dr. Shikha Shah was nominated to serve as a member on the newly created board. (Councilor Cogle’s nominee) Term Expires: August 14, 2027
TREE BOARD: Ms. Farah Dewsbury was nominated to serve another term of office as the At-Large Member. (Councilor Crabb’s nominee) Term expires: December 31, 2026
TREE BOARD: Mr. Robert Hecht was nominated to serve another term of office as the Commercial or Industrial Development Representative. (Councilor Crabb’s nominee) Term expires: December 31, 2026
TREE BOARD: Ms. Amy J. Spencer was nominated to fill the expired term of Ms. Chris Henson as the Environmental Advocacy Representative. (Councilor Cogle’s nominee) Term expires: July 1, 2025
COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS- ANY NOMINATIONS WOULD BE LISTED FOR THE NEXT MEETING:
ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY BOARD:
Jayne Dunn Open for Nominations
Not Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment)
Term Expired: October 15, 2023
Councilor Garrett is nominating Nancy A. Anderson to succeed Jayne Dunn.
The term is two years. Board meets as needed.
Women: 9
Senatorial District 15: 3
Senatorial District 29: 7
BOARD OF HEALTH:
James Lopez Open for Nominations
Not Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment)
Term Expires: December 31, 2023
Councilor Barnes is nominating Dr. Bantwal Baliga to succeed Dr. James Lopez.
These are five-year terms. Board meets monthly.
Women: 3
Senatorial District 15: 1
Senatorial District 29: 4
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION ADVISORY BOARD:
Lawanna Williams Open for Nominations
Does not desire reappointment (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
TREE BOARD:
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
The City of Columbus strives to provide accessibility to individuals with disabilities and who require certain accommodations in order to allow them to observe and/or participate in this meeting. If assistance is needed regarding the accessibility of the meeting or the facilities, individuals may contact the Mayor’s Commission for Persons with Disabilities at 706-653-4492 promptly to allow the City Government to make reasonable accommodations for those persons