CALL TO ORDER: Mayor B. H. “Skip” Henderson, III, Presiding
INVOCATION: Offered by Zion Daise, Student at Columbus High School
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Columbus Georgia Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Inc.
MINUTES
PROCLAMATION:
Receiving: Lisa Goodwin, Deputy City Manager
Receiving: Warden Herbert Walker
PRESENTATION:
CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA
ORDINANCES
1) 1655 Elvan Avenue (Murtuza Ali Khan, Owner); 2) 2545 Pye Avenue (Clark Property Management LLC, Owner); 3) 32 Woodland Circle (Edna Anderson, Owner); 4) 2903 10th Avenue (Dustin Cooper, Owner); and 5) 2409 Heard Street (Estate of Catherine Greene, Owner);
and for demolition services for the Inspections and Code Department in accordance with the attached Tabulation of Bid sheet. (Mayor Pro-Tem)
1) 1118 Broadway (Mary C Wohlwender, Owner)
2) 1120 Broadway (Mary C Wohlwender, Owner)
and for demolition services for the Inspections and Code Department in accordance with the attached Tabulation of Bid sheet. (Mayor Pro-Tem)
PUBLIC AGENDA
CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA
Approval is requested to file the FY25 Annual Action Plan submission to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The sources of federal funding and programs are the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and the HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME).
Approval is requested to apply for and accept if awarded, a grant in the amount of $27,015.00 or as otherwise awarded from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation with no matching funds required.
Approval is requested to apply for and accept if awarded, a grant in the amount of $153,232.99 or as otherwise awarded from the FY25 Congressionally Directed Spending project with no matching funds from the city.
Approval is requested to accept a grant in the amount of $28,992.00 or as otherwise awarded for Hazmat equipment, from the Homeland Security Grant Program with amendment made to the Multi-Government Fund by the like amount with no matching funds required.
Approval is requested to apply for and accept, if awarded, a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) for funds to improve the delivery of and access to mental health and wellness services for the Sheriff’s Office, in the amount of $200,000, or as otherwise awarded, with no local match required, and amend the Multi-governmental Fund budget by the amount of the award.
Approval is requested to submit a grant application and if awarded, accept funds up to $750,000 from the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council for the operation of the Muscogee County Juvenile Court and amend the Multi-Governmental Fund by the amount of the grant award. The grant period is from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.
Approval is requested to apply for and accept if awarded, a U.S. Department of Justice COPS grant award, in the amount of $908,000, or as otherwise awarded, for crime reduction technology, with no local match required, and amend the Multi-governmental Fund budget by the amount of the award.
PURCHASES
INFORMATION ONLY: EXIGENT “OFF THE LOT” VEHICLE PURCHASE:
On April 8, 2024, a purchase order was executed for one (1) 2024 Ford Explorer for the Information Technology Department due to exigent circumstances, as approved by Council per Resolution No. 106-24.
The vehicle will be purchased from Rivertown Ford (Columbus, GA) at a unit price of $46,231.43. The vehicle will be used by Technical Operations staff to transport staff and equipment to various locations throughout the City. This is a replacement vehicle.
Funds are budgeted in the FY24 Budget: General Fund – Information Technology – Information Technology – Light Trucks; 0101-210-1000-ISS-7722.
ONE (1) 2024 FORD EXPLORER FOR THE CITY MANAGER/PRINT SHOP
On April 8, 2024, a purchase order was executed for one (1) 2024 Ford Explorer truck for the City Manager/Print Shop due to exigent circumstances, as approved by Council per Resolution No. 106-24.
The vehicle will be purchased from Rivertown Ford (Columbus, GA) at a unit price of $40,157.43. The vehicle will be used for delivering Print Shop materials/publications to various Columbus Consolidated Government Departments when needed. This is a replacement vehicle.
Funds are budgeted in the FY24 Budget: General Fund – Chief Administrator – Print Shop – Light Trucks; 0101-130-2550-PRNT-7722.
TWO (2) 2024 CHEVROLET EQUINOX LS VEHICLES FOR THE TAX ASSESSOR’S OFFICE
On April 8, 2024, a purchase order was executed for two (2) 2024 Chevrolet Equinox LS w/1LS 4-dr Front Wheel Drive for the Tax Assessor’s Office due to exigent circumstances, as approved by Council per Resolution No. 106-24.
The vehicles will be purchased from Sons Chevrolet (Columbus, GA) at a unit price of $27,243.00 and an extended cost of $54,486.00. The vehicles are replacements for two (2) 2023 Ford Escapes that were ordered as “emergency purchases” from Alan Vigil Ford. The vendor has informed Fleet Management the vehicles will not be available this year. Therefore, the purchase order issued to Alan Vigil Ford was cancelled.
Funds are budgeted in the FY24 Budget: General Fund – Boards and Commissions – Tax Assessor – Automobiles; 0101-290-1000-TAXA-7721.
THREE (3) 2024 FORD BRONCOS FOR THE COLUMBUS FIRE & EMS DEPARTMENT
On April 17, 2024, a purchase order was executed for three (3) 2024 Ford Broncos (Sport Big Bend 4dr 4x4) for the Columbus Fire & EMS Department due to exigent circumstances, as approved by Council per Resolution No. 106-24.
The vehicle was purchased from Rivertown Ford (Columbus, GA) at a unit price each of $31,063.00, $31,223.00, and $32,413.00, respectively, for a grand total of $94,699.00. The vehicles will be used by Community Risk Reduction Lieutenant Inspectors. These are replacement vehicles.
Funds are budgeted in the FY24 Budget:
2021 Sales Tax Project Fund – 2021 SPLOST – 21 SPLOST Public Safety – Light Trucks - Heavy Equipment/Vehicles Public Works; 0567 – 696 – 3111 – STPS – 7722 – 54152 – 20230. – [$31,063.00]
2021 Sales Tax Project Fund – 2021 SPLOST – 21 SPLOST Public Safety – Light Trucks - Heavy Equipment/Vehicles Public Works; 0567 – 696 – 3111 – STPS – 7722 – 54152 – 20230. – [$31,223.00]
2021 Sales Tax Project Fund – 2021 SPLOST – 21 SPLOST Public Safety – Light Trucks - Heavy Equipment/Vehicles Public Works; 0567 – 696 – 3111 – STPS – 7722 – 54152 – 20240. – [$29,263.00] and 2021 Sales Tax Project Fund – 2021 SPLOST – 21 SPLOST Public Safety – Light Trucks - Heavy Equipment/Vehicles Public Works; 0567 – 696 – 3111 – STPS – 7722 – 54152 – 20230. – [$3,150.00]
ONE (1) 2024 FORD TRANSIT-350 PASSENGER VAN FOR THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
On April 17, 2024, a purchase order was executed for one (1) 2024 Ford Transit-350 Passenger Van for the Engineering Department, Stormwater Division, due to exigent circumstances, as approved by Council per Resolution No. 106-24.
The vehicle was purchased from Rivertown Ford (Columbus, GA) at a unit price of $60,248.25. The vehicle will be used by Stormwater Division employees to facilitate some requirements set out by the EPD MS4 Phase 1 Medium Permit for the Columbus Consolidated Government, primarily during creek walking season along with providing transportation for City VIPs or other guests coming to the City. This is a new vehicle.
Funds are budgeted in the FY24 Budget: Sewer (Stormwater) Fund – Engineering – Stormwater – Light Trucks; 0202 – 250 – 2600 – STRM – 7722.
ONE (1) 2024 FORD TRANSIT-250 CARGO VAN FOR THE COLUMBUS POLICE DEPARTMENT
On April 17, 2024, a purchase order was executed for one (1) 2024 Ford Transit-250 Cargo Van for the Columbus Police Department, due to exigent circumstances, as approved by Council per Resolution No. 106-24.
The vehicle was purchased from Rivertown Ford (Columbus, GA) at a unit price of $52,058.00. The vehicle will be used by the CPD hazardous device response team (HDRT) members. The vehicle will be used to transport multiple pieces of large/bulky equipment needed by HDRT when they respond to calls. The vehicle will only be driven on calls, training, etc., but not by anyone for day-to-day use. This is a replacement vehicle.
Funds are budgeted in the FY24 Budget: LOST-Public Safety Fund – Police – Public Safety-LOST – Heavy Trucks; 0102 – 400 – 9900 – LOST – 7723.
ONE (1) 2024 FORD F-250 PICKUP TRUCK FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
On April 17, 2024, a purchase order was executed for one (1) 2024 Ford F-250 Pickup Truck for the Public Works Department, Animal Control Division, due to exigent circumstances, as approved by Council per Resolution No. 106-24.
The vehicle was purchased from Rivertown Ford (Columbus, GA) at a unit price of $55,318.53. The vehicle will be used by staff to pull the animal control adoption trailer and horse trailer. This is a new vehicle.
Funds are budgeted in the FY24 Budget: General Fund – Public Works – Animal Control – Light Trucks; 0101 – 260 – 2400 – SPCL – 7722.
UPDATES AND PRESENTATIONS
BID ADVERTISEMENT
REFERRALS:
CLERK OF COUNCIL’S AGENDA
ENCLOSURES - ACTION REQUESTED
Board of Tax Assessors, # 11-24, and # 12-24
Development Authority, March 7, 2024
Land Bank Authority, March 13, 2024
Planning Advisory Commission, March 6 & 20, 2024
BOARD APPOINTMENTS - ACTION REQUESTED
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Mayor’s Nominee: ______________
COUNCIL APPOINTMENT- READY FOR CONFIRMATION:
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS: Mr. Will White was nominated to succeed Mr. Heath Schondelmayer. (Councilor Davis’ nominee) Term expires: April 30, 2028
KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION: Ms. Taylor G. Martin was nominated to fill the expired term of Mr. Lee Jordan. (Councilor Huff’s nominee) Term expires: June 30, 2026
COUNCIL’S DISTRICT SEAT APPOINTMENT- ANY NOMINATIONS MAY BE CONFIRMED FOR THIS MEETING:
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:
VACANT (Council District 2- Davis)
Term Expired: March 27, 2024
Virginia Dickerson (Council District 3- Huff)
Not Eligible to succeed
Term Expired: March 27, 2024
Councilor Davis is nominating Mr. Marty O. Wynn to serve in the seat vacated by Mr. Christopher Poirier.
Members appointed by Council shall serve for two-year terms and members appointed by Mayor shall serve for three-year terms. Board Meets quarterly.
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL:
District 1 Nominee: _____________ District 6 Nominee: ______________
District 2 Nominee: _____________ District 7 Nominee: ______________ District 3 Nominee: _____________ District 8 Nominee: ______________
District 4 Nominee: _____________ District 9 Nominee: ______________
District 5 Nominee: District 10 Nominee:
COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS- ANY NOMINATIONS WOULD BE LISTED FOR THE NEXT MEETING:
HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD:
Jack Hayes Open for Nominations
(Columbus Homebuilders Association) (Council’s Appointment)
Resigned
Term Expires: January 31, 2025
Libby Smith Open for Nominations
(Historic District Resident Seat) (Council’s Appointment)
Not eligible to succeed
Term Expires: January 31, 2025
*Mr. Michael Moore was confirmed to serve in the Historic District Resident seat; however, he is not a registered voter of Muscogee County.
Women: 2
Senatorial District 15: 5
Senatorial District 29: 3
KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION:
VACANT Open for Nominations (SD-29 Representative) (Council’s Appointment)
Term Expires: June 30, 2026
These are three-year terms. Meets every even month.
Women: 6
Senatorial District 15: 6
Senatorial District 29: 3
UPCOMING BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
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