Council Agenda - Regular Meeting 01/23/2024 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 Ralph Huling, St. James Baptist Church of Columbus, Georgia

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Henderson

MINUTES

• 1.Approval of minutes for the January 9, 2024 Council Meeting and Executive Session.

• 20240109.COUNCIL.pdf (0.08 MB)

PRESENTATION:

• 2.External Audit - (Presented by Charlie Peeler with Troutman Pepper)

• Troutman Pepper - 1.23.24 - City Council Presentation PowerPoint.pdf (0.33 MB)
• 1. Columbus Public Report 1.2024 FINAL.pdf (1.08 MB)
• 2. Supplemental Report Regarding Internal Auditor's Findings FINAL.pdf (1.59 MB)
• Response to Troutman Presentation.pdf (0.50 MB)
• Response to Troutman Report dated 12-05-23.pdf (0.67 MB)
• Internal Auditor Report 12-05-2023.pdf (161.13 MB)

CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA

ORDINANCES

• 1.2nd Reading- An Ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia to change certain boundaries of a district located at 4228 3rd Avenue (parcel # 013-001-041) from Light Manufacturing/Industrial (LMI) Zoning District to Residential Multifamily - 1 (RMF1) Zoning District. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.) (Councilor Garrett)

• Ordinance REZN-10-23-1988 1st Reading 1-9-24.pdf (0.02 MB)
• REZN-10-23-1988 Council Staff Report.pdf (0.99 MB)

• 2.2nd Reading- REZN-10-23-2056: An Ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia to change certain boundaries of a district located at 3300 6th Avenue (parcel # 014-019-010A) from Residential Multifamily- 2 (RMF2) Zoning District to Residential Multifamily - 1 (RMF1) Zoning District. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.)(Councilor Garrett)

• Ordinance REZN-10-23-2056 1st Reading 1-9-24.pdf (0.02 MB)
• REZN-10-23-2056 Council Staff Report.pdf (2.28 MB)

• 3.2nd Reading- An Ordinance amending the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) of the Columbus Code to revise the text of a section in Chapter 6 pertaining to the application process for Resource Conservation Subdivisions. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.) (Mayor Pro-Tem)

• Ordinance REZN-11-23-2222 1st Reading 1-9-24.pdf (0.02 MB)
• REZN-11-23-2222 Council Staff Report.pdf (0.27 MB)

• 4.2nd Reading- An Ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, to change certain portions of a district known as the Conversation Use Valuation Assessment, from RE1 (Residential Estate 1) Zoning District to RE10 (Residential Estate 10) Zoning District. (Planning Department recommends approval.) (Mayor Pro Tem and Councilor Davis)

• Ordinance_Conservation Use Valuation Assessment (CUVA)_03 1st Reading 1-9-24.pdf (0.02 MB)
• Council Staff Report_Conservation Use Valuation Assessment (CUVA)_03.pdf (0.06 MB)

• 5.1st Reading- REZN-11-23-0218: An ordinance amending the text of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) for Columbus, Georgia to add a new Section 4.2.25 pertaining to key lockboxes and to add a new Article X to Chapter 4 pertaining to Electric Vehicle Infrastructure. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.) (as amended) (Mayor Pro-Tem) (continued on 1st Reading from 12-5-23)

• Ordinance REZN-11-23-0218 Txt Amd 1st Reading as amended 1-23-24.pdf (0.03 MB)
• REZN 11-23-0218 Council Letter Staff Report.pdf (0.34 MB)

• 6.1st Reading - An ordinance providing for the demolition of various structures located at: 2937 10th Street (Robin Thompson & Robert J. Holston, Owner); 2928 10th Street (Hardy Williams, Owner); 480 Timberlane Drive (Estate of Kathryn/Jacquelyn Wiggins, Owner); 406 17th Avenue (Lamroz LLC, Owner);                4131 2nd Avenue (Jonnie L. General, Owner); 5210 Forrest Road (Premium Oil Station No. 6, Owner); 5912 Gleneden Drive (Willie C. Smith, Owner); and 2904 9th Street (Malissa Hall, Owner) and for demolition services for the Inspections and Code Department in accordance with the attached Tabulation of Bid sheet. (Mayor Pro-Tem)

• Demo_1stReading_01-23-24.pdf (0.03 MB)
• January Demo Bid Tabulation Sheet.pdf (0.09 MB)

• 7.1st Reading- An Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 23-038 which adopted the Fiscal Year 2024 Salary and Wages Pay Plan for the Consolidated Government to provide a $5,000.00 pay increase to Sworn Officers and Emergency 911 Technicians effective February 3, 2024; to incorporate a new payscale for the  Public Safety Personnel of the Columbus Police Department; and for other purposes. (Mayor Pro-Tem)

• Pay Increase Ordinance for CPD Sworn and E911 Techs 1st Reading 012324.pdf (0.02 MB)
• ATTACHMENT A Public Safety Pay Scale 02-03-24.pdf (0.12 MB)

• 8.FY24 MID-YEAR BUDGET AMENDMENT

  Approve an Ordinance amending the budgets for the Fiscal Year 2024 by appropriating amounts in each fund for various operational activities.

• FY24 Mid Year Budget Amendment Ordinance 1st Reading 1-23-24.pdf (0.03 MB)
• FY24 Mid Year Budget Amendment Agenda Report.pdf (0.02 MB)
• FY24 Mid Year Budget Amendment attached chart.pdf (0.20 MB)

• 9.1st Reading- An Ordinance amending Section 2-68 of the Columbus Code to provide that the internal auditor/compliance officer shall be solely subject to the direction of the Columbus Council; and for other purposes. (Councilor Tucker)

• Ordinance amending Columbus Code 2-68 Internal Auditor 1st Reading 1-23-24.pdf (0.02 MB)

RESOLUTIONS

• 10.A Resolution authorizing Sunday sales of alcoholic beverages at all on-premises locations within Columbus, Georgia on Sunday March 17, 2024. (Councilor Cogle)

• St. Patrick's Day 2024 Resolution - Sunday Sales 1-23-24.pdf (0.02 MB)

• 11.A Resolution authorizing variances for Wasserman Group, LLC for Subdivision located off 2045 Old Guard Road. (Request of Wasserman Group, LLC)

• Exhibit A.pdf (0.42 MB)
• Resolution - Old Guard Road Variances 1-23-24.pdf (0.01 MB)
• Agenda Report UDO Variance- 2045 Old Guard Road.pdf (0.02 MB)

• 12.A Resolution concerning the Northwest Georgia Housing Authority’s issuance of bonds to finance facilities to be located in Columbus, Georgia (Request of Wasserman Group, LLC)

• Exhibit A Resolution No 3455 Authorizing the Northwest Georgia Housing Authority to Issue Bonds.pdf (0.06 MB)
• Exhibit B 2024-01-10 Hearing Officer's Certificate.pdf (1.60 MB)
• TEFRA Resolution - Columbus Georgia (Senior Life Foundation Old Guard Road) 1-23-24.pdf (0.02 MB)

PUBLIC AGENDA

• 1.Ms. Pat Frey, representing GA 505 Continuum of Care, Re: 2024 Point in Time Count.

• 2.Mr. Mick Etchison, representing St. Thomas Episcopal Churches Creation Keepers, Re:  A request for the Columbus City Council to join with other Georgia cities in voicing opposition to the mining proposal of our State’s national treasure, the Okefenokee Swamp.

• 3.Mr. Marvin Broadwater, Sr., Re: Professional Baseball in Columbus, Georgia.

• 4.Mr. Nathan Smith, Re:  Baseball.

• 5.Rev. Richard Jessie, representing The Friends of Historic Claflin, Inc., Re:  To announce the return of the FHC and to present our plan to help restore social order. 

CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA

• 1.Street Acceptance

  Approval is requested for the acceptance of Brownie Lane, that portion of Elliotts Avenue, and that portion of Providence Lane located in Phase Two, Elliotts Walk.

• Elliotts Walk Phase Two - Resolution.pdf (0.03 MB)
• Elliotts Walk Phase Two.pdf (0.06 MB)

• 2.Memorandum of Understanding with Columbus Youth Soccer Association (CYSA) for 2024

  Approval is requested to allow the City Manager to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with CYSA for the 2024 seasons.

• 01.24.24 MOU CYSA 2024.pdf (0.02 MB)
• MOU CYSA 2024 Final.pdf (0.07 MB)

• 3.FY24 HUD Annual Action Plan Substantial Amendment

  Approval is requested for the submission  of the FY24 Annual Action Plan Substantial Amendment to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

• Agenda Report - City FY24-HUDPY2023 Annual Action Plan Substantial Amendment v.1.pdf (0.04 MB)

• 4.FY25 Holiday Schedule

  Approval is requested to approve the Holiday Schedule for the FY25 Budget Year.  It is recommended that Thursday, December 26, 2024 be designated as the floating holiday.

• Fy25 Holiday Schedule Agenda Report.pdf (0.02 MB)

• 5.Firehouse Subs Grant

  Approval is requested to apply for and accept if awarded, a grant funded by Firehouse Subs in the amount of $27,015 for the purchase of a Yamaha Four Alarm Ambulance. The Multi-Governmental Fund will be amended by the amount if awarded.

• 2024 Firehouse Subs Grant - Fire and EMS.pdf (0.03 MB)

• 6.International Associations of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Donation of Equipment

  Approval is requested to accept the donation of three (3) Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) kits valued at approximately $14,285. No local match is required.

• 2024 IAFC Donation.pdf (0.03 MB)

PURCHASES

• A.Firefighter Cancer Insurance Policy Renewal

• A. Firefighter Cancer Insurance Policy Renewal.pdf (0.03 MB)

• B.Mott’s Green Plaza P.I. #0015287 (Re-Bid) – RFB No. 21-0037

• B. Mott’s Green Plaza P.I. #0015287 (Re-Bid) – RFB No. 21-0037.pdf (0.03 MB)

• C.One (1) 2024 Ford F-150 Police Responder Pursuit Rated for Muscogee County Prison – Georgia State Contract Cooperative Contract

• C. One (1) 2024 Ford F-150 Police Responder Pursuit Rated for Muscogee County Prison.pdf (0.03 MB)

• D.Facial Recognition Software (Afix Face) and Maintenance for Police Department

• D. Facial Recognition Software (Afix Face) and Maintenance for Police Department.pdf (0.03 MB)

UPDATES AND PRESENTATIONS

• A.Recorders Court Update - David Ranieri, Chief Judge, Recorder's Court 

• 2023 Annual Report, Recorder's Court (City Council Presentation).pdf (13.35 MB)

BID ADVERTISEMENT

• DATE:                 January 23, 2024

  TO:                Mayor and Councilors

  FROM:                Finance Department

  January 24, 2024

  1. Design and Construction Services for Golden Park Improvements – RFP No. 24-0019

  Scope of RFP

  Columbus Consolidated Government (the City) is requesting proposals from qualified contractors to engage a Design-Builder to design and construct improvements to Golden Park in order to bring it up to standards required by Major League Baseball. Applicants should have experience in designing and building baseball facilities. The estimated project cost is $50 million. Project must be completed by April 2025. The selected Design-Builder will be responsible for all programing, design, and construction.

  January 31, 2024

  2. Swim Gear and Lifeguard Accessories (Annual Contract) – RFB No. 24-0021

  Scope of RFB

  It is the intent of the Columbus Consolidated Government (the City) to secure an annual contract with a vendor to provide various types of swimming gear and lifeguard accessories, on an “as needed” basis, to the Columbus Parks and Recreation Division of the City of Columbus, Georgia.

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

  February 2, 2024

  1. Multi-Purpose Dog Handler Packages (K-9) (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 24-0018

  Scope of RFP

  The Columbus GA Police Department (CPD) is seeking proposals for the provision of Multi-Purpose Dog Handler Packages (K-9) to assist in providing added public safety for the City of Columbus, Georgia, on an “as needed” basis. The CPD requires a vendor with the capability of providing quality and healthy canines, handler training, equipment, vehicle upfitting and full support. An initial purchase of two (2) packages is anticipated. The contract term shall be for one (1) year with the option to renew for four (4) additional twelve-month periods.

  February 7, 2024

  1. Used Oil & Antifreeze Recycling Services (Annual Contract) – RFB No. 24-0020

  Scope of RFB

  Vendor will pay a fee for the contractual right to remove and recycle used oil & Antifreeze, at the following locations: 1011 Cusseta Road, 3950 Schatulga Road and 814 Linwood Blvd, Columbus, Georgia. The initial term of this contract shall be for three years, with the option to renew for two additional twelve-month periods.

• Bid Advertisements. 01-23-2024.pdf (0.02 MB)

REFERRALS:

• Referrals 01.23.24

• Referrals. 01-23-2024.pdf (1.29 MB)

CLERK OF COUNCIL’S AGENDA

ENCLOSURES - INFORMATION ONLY

• 1.Certificate of Need Application submitted on behalf of Southeastern Cardiology Associates, P.C. to establish a Positron Emission Service in Columbus, Georgia.

• CON for Southeastern Cardiology Assoc..pdf (0.77 MB)

ENCLOSURES - ACTION REQUESTED

• 2.RESOLUTION - A resolution excusing Councilor Jerry "Pops" Barnes from the January 23, 2024 Council Meeting.

• RES excusing Cnclr Barnes.pdf (0.01 MB)

• 3.Travel Authorization Request for Councilor Bruce Huff to attend the ACCG Annual Conference during the month of April 2024.

• Travel Authorization Form. Huff.pdf (0.08 MB)

• 4.Minutes of the following boards:

  Board of Tax Assessors, #43-23 

  Board of Water Commissioners, January 8, 2024

  Board of Zoning Appeals, November 1, and December 6, 2023

  Employees’ Pension Fund, Board of Trustees, August 16 and September 13, 2023

  Housing Authority of Columbus, October 18, 2023

  Land Bank Authority, December 13, 2023

• Min. Bd of Tax Assessors. 43-23.pdf (0.09 MB)
• Min. Board of Water Com. 01-08-2024.pdf (0.29 MB)
• Min. BZA. 11-01-2023.pdf (0.02 MB)
• Min. BZA. 12-06 -2023.pdf (0.02 MB)
• Min. Employee's Pension Board. 08-16-2023.pdf (0.17 MB)
• Min. Employee's Pension Board. 09-13-2023.pdf (0.17 MB)
• Min. Housing Aut. 10-18-2023.pdf (0.26 MB)
• Min. Land Bank Aut. 12-13-2023.pdf (0.17 MB)

BOARD APPOINTMENTS - ACTION REQUESTED

• .MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS- ANY NOMINATIONS MAY BE CONFIRMED FOR THIS MEETING:

  CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY BOARD:

  Jed Harris, Jr.                                                    (Mayor’s Appointment)

  Not Eligible to succeed

  Term Expired: March 1, 2023       

  These terms are three years.  Meets quarterly.

  Women:  3

          Senatorial District 15:   8

          Senatorial District 29:   5

  COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & CULTURAL LIAISON ENCOUNTERS (CIRCLE): 

  
  

  Aaron Guest- Interested in serving another term                (Mayor’s Appointment)              

  Eligible to succeed                                                

  Term Expires: March 1, 2024                

  Merrill Rushin                                                (Mayor’s Appointment)              

  Does not desire reappointment                                

  Term Expires: March 1, 2024

  Akear Mewborn (Vacant)                                            (Mayor’s Appointment)

  Does not desire reappointment

  Term Expired: March 1, 2022       

  
  

  The terms are four years. Board meets monthly.

  Women:  7

          Senatorial District 15:   7

          Senatorial District 29:   4

  COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS- READY FOR CONFIRMATION:

  BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS:  Ms. Kathleen Mullins was nominated to serve another term of office. (Councilor Crabb’s nominee) Term expires:  March 31, 2027

  BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS:  Mr. Douglas M. Jefcoat was nominated to serve another term of office. (Councilor Crabb’s nominee) Term expires:  March 31, 2027

  BUILDING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:  Ms. Olive Vidal-Kendall was nominated to serve another term of office. (Councilor Huff’s nominee) Term expires:  March 24, 2026

  BUILDING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:  Mr. Christopher Smith was nominated to serve another term of office. (Councilor Thomas’ nominee) Term expires:  March 24, 2026

  COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & CULTURAL LIAISON ENCOUNTERS (CIRCLE):  Mr. Pythias “Pete” Temesgen was nominated to serve another term of office. (Councilor Garrett’s nominee) Term expires:  March 1, 2028

  COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & CULTURAL LIAISON ENCOUNTERS (CIRCLE):  Ms. Chie Canady was nominated to serve another term of office. (Councilor Huff’s nominee) Term expires:  March 1, 2028

  PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION:  Mr. Brad P. Baker was nominated to serve another term of office. (Councilor Crabb’s nominee) Term expires:  March 31, 2027

  PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION:  Ms. Lakshmi Karthik was nominated to succeed Ms. Patricia A. Weekley. (Councilor Davis’ nominee) Term expires:  March 31, 2027

  PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION:  Mr. Michael Ernst was nominated to succeed Mr. James Dudley. (Councilor Crabb’s nominee) Term expires:  March 31, 2027

  
  
  

  COUNCIL’S DISTRICT SEAT APPOINTMENT- ANY NOMINATIONS MAY BE CONFIRMED FOR THIS MEETING:

  COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:

  
  

  Mary B. Garcia                                                 (Council District 7- Cogle)

  Ineligible (city employee)                                        

  Term Expires: March 27, 2024

  Glenn Kyle Albright                                                 (Council District 8- Garrett)

  Does not desire reappointment                                        

  Term Expires: March 27, 2024

  Evan M. Collins                                                 (Council District 10- Begly)

  No longer a resident of Muscogee County                                        

  Term Expires: March 27, 2024

  VACANT                                                         (Council District 2- Davis)

  Term Expires: March 27, 2024

  Virginia Dickerson                                                 (Council District 3- Huff)

  Not Eligible to succeed                                        

  Term Expires: March 27, 2024

  Members appointed by Council shall serve for two-year terms and members appointed by Mayor shall serve for three-year terms.  Board Meets quarterly.

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

  BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS:

  Tomeika Farley                                                 Open for Nominations              

  Not Eligible to succeed                                        (Council’s Appointment)

  Term Expires: March 31, 2024

          Councilor Huff is nominating Angela Strange to succeed Tomeika Farley.

  The terms are three years.  Meets monthly.

  Women:  2

          Senatorial District 15:   1

          Senatorial District 29:   4

  COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & CULTURAL LIAISON ENCOUNTERS (CIRCLE):

  
  
  

  Alia Teetshorn                                                 Open for Nominations              

  Not Eligible to succeed                                        (Council’s Appointment)

  Term Expires: March 1, 2024

  The terms are four years.  Meets monthly.

  Women:  2

          Senatorial District 15:   1

          Senatorial District 29:   4

  HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD:

  Libby Smith                                                         Open for Nominations              

  Historic District Resident                                        (Council’s Appointment)

  Not Eligible to succeed                                                

          Term Expires: January 31, 2024        
  
  

  The term is three years.  Meets monthly.

  Women:  5

          Senatorial District 15:   9

          Senatorial District 29:   2

  TREE BOARD:

  
  

  
  Frank Tommey                                                 Open for Nominations              

  Residential Development Seat                                (Council’s Appointment)

  Not eligible to succeed        

  Term Expired: December 31, 2020

  
  

  The term is three years. Meets as needed.

  Women:  7

          Senatorial District 15:   5

          Senatorial District 29:   6

• Board Appointments. 01-23-2024.pdf (0.03 MB)