Columbus public meetings in 2021

General

The Mayor and City Council will discuss the approval of a K-9 training program and a service agreement with Waggoner Engineering. The meeting includes a presentation regarding ARPA and non-ARPA funding strategies.

• Discussion/approval of K-9 Training/Program
• Discussion/approval of general service agreement and task order #1 for Waggoner Engineering (ARPA Spending)
• Presentation by Waggoner Engineering on ARPA/Non-ARPA funding strategy implementation

The Columbus City Council approved two items at a special meeting: funding for a new police K-9 dog and travel to Indiana, and a General Service Agreement with Waggoner Engineering for ARPA-related consulting. Both motions passed unanimously 6-0. The Waggoner presentation on ARPA funding strategy was discussed under item B, with no separate action taken.

• Approved K-9 dog purchase and travel to Indiana, with city covering difference between raised funds and $10,000 (6-0)
• Approved General Service Agreement and Task Order #1 with Waggoner Engineering for $55,700, payable from ARPA funds (6-0)

City Council

The Columbus City Council will consider several infrastructure contracts, including fuel tank replacement and street paving payments. The council also plans to review monthly department reports and address various board vacancies. Additionally, the agenda includes permit requests for local community events.

• Awarding CLCA Jet-A Fuel Tank Replacement project to Cobb Environmental & Technical Services for $185,148.00
• Accepting an FAA Airport Rescue Grant in the amount of $32,000.00
• Payment application No. 9 for Walters Construction for 2020 City Street Paving totaling $374,348.35
• Tax exemption request for new equipment at Johnson Tombigbee in the amount of $19,045.91
• Permit requests for 'Catfish in the Alley' and 'Catfish in the Alley 5K'

The Columbus City Council approved several contracts and appointments, including a $185,148 fuel tank replacement at the airport, a $32,000 FAA grant, and Waggoner Engineering as the ARPA consulting firm. They also appointed Kegdra Gray to the Housing Authority board and approved a docket of claims totaling $909,391.13. A tax exemption for Johnson Tombigbee failed due to lack of a second.

• Approved Docket of Claims for $909,391.13 (6-0)
• Appointed Kegdra Gray to Housing Authority board (4-2)
• Approved CLCA Jet-A Fuel Tank Replacement to Cobb Environmental for $185,148 (6-0)
• Accepted FAA Airport Rescue Grant of $32,000 (6-0)
• Approved Waggoner Engineering as ARPA Consulting Firm (4-2)
• Approved Beech Street Drainage Pipe Replacement (~$251,000) (6-0)
• Approved 2020 City Street Paving payment No. 9 to Walters Construction for $374,348.35 (6-0)
• Denied JTB tax exemption for new equipment (motion failed, no second)

City Council

The Columbus City Council will discuss several policy proposals, including a rate increase for Golden Triangle Waste Services and new food truck ordinances. The agenda also includes appointments for local boards and the approval of training expenses for police and fire personnel.

• Proposed Golden Triangle Waste Services rate increase effective January 1, 2022
• Approval of $4,000.00 for CPD Investigator training in Tupelo
• Discussion of speed hump installations on O'Leary Lane and 22nd Street North
• Proposed drainage improvements at 808 North 20th Avenue
• Approval of $3,655.00 for Fire and Rescue training in Orlando

General

The Columbus City Council will consider several policy changes, including a potential four-day workweek for city employees and various pay adjustments. The agenda also includes presentations on ARPA funds and discussions regarding the Columbus Light & Water bond issue.

• Engineering contract discussion for CLCA's Taxiway Pavement Rehabilitation Project
• Bids for roof replacements at the CPD building and the Strip Mall
• $4,163.84 for MML 2022 Mid-Winter Legislative Conference travel expenses
• Discussion of the Columbus Light & Water bond issue
• $1,560.00 for MS Department of Health EMT certification payments

City Council

The Columbus City Council will consider a $137,570.85 payment for the CLCA Hangar Rehab Project and a quote to replace the Bluecutt Road guardrail. The agenda also includes permit requests for community festivals and discussions regarding staff hiring.

• $137,570.85 payment for CLCA Hangar Rehab Project
• Quote to replace Bluecutt Road guardrail
• Permit requests for 'CommUNITY Fun and Family Festival Day' and 'Wassail Fest'
• $3,000.00 for fire and personnel training fees
• Hiring of a Laborer and Forensic Scientist Trainee

City Council

The Columbus City Council is reviewing several policy items, including a major purchase for Engine 25 and repairs to the CLCA Open Hangar. The agenda also includes discussions regarding a potential four-day work week for city employees and the acceptance of various staff resignations.

• Contract to purchase Engine 25 for $879,993
• $32,000 change order for CLCA Open Hangar roof replacement
• $940 advertising contract for The Commercial Dispatch Magazine
• Discussion of a potential four-day work week for city employees
• Acceptance of resignations for IT and police department staff

General

The Columbus City Council will discuss two items regarding the Mayor's recent vetoes. These include a veto related to conducting a forensic audit and a veto regarding Mike Bernsen performing interim CFO duties. The council will also address hiring procedures for vacant COO, CFO, and City Registrar positions.

• Discussion of Mayor's veto regarding a forensic audit
• Discussion of Mayor's veto regarding Mike Bernsen performing interim CFO duties
• Hiring processes for the COO, CFO, and City Registrar positions

City Council

The Columbus City Council will review forensic audit presentations and discuss ARPA RFQ submissions. The council is also considering a $43,103.56 contract for Fire Station 5 repairs and several police department personnel actions.

• $43,103.56 repair contract for Fire Station 5 by Bostick Construction
• Hiring of three CPD Reserve Officers
• Forensic Audit Presentations (1 of 2)
• Lowndes County Veterans' Day Parade permit request
• Appointment of Acting Secretary-Treasurer Patricia Mitchell

City Council

The Columbus City Council will review departmental reports and permit requests for local events. The agenda also includes discussions on infrastructure grants and the potential sale of surplus city property.

• $15,000 engineering contract for CLCA Jet-A Fuel Tank Replacement project
• MDOT TAP Grant Application for 5th Street Corridor Improvements
• Declaring the Rollins-Crigler building as surplus property for sale
• Permit request for 'Chain Fest' at Zachary's Restaurant
• Donation of K-9 equipment valued at $432 to Lowndes County Sheriff's Department

General

The Mayor and City Council are scheduled to discuss and consider approving the 2021-2022 proposed budget. The agenda also includes a call to order and invocation.

• Proposed 2021-2022 budget

General

The Columbus Mayor and City Council are meeting to discuss the 2021-2022 proposed budget. The council will also consider approving proposed tax levies.

• Discussion and potential approval of proposed tax levies
• Discussion of the 2021-2022 proposed budget

City Council

The council will consider accepting a $194,535.00 MDOT grant for a fuel tank replacement project. The agenda also includes discussions on hiring new firefighters and supervisors, as well as reviewing various event permits.

• Acceptance of $194,535.00 MDOT Multi-Modal Grant for Jet-A Fuel Tank Replacement
• Hiring of three entry-level firefighters and a work program supervisor
• Permit requests for the Downtown Art Walk and Columbus High Homecoming Parade
• Agreement with Bridge & Watson, Inc. regarding redistricting services
• Authorization to advertise for consultants for American Rescue Plan Act funding

General

The Columbus Mayor and City Council will meet to discuss several policy items. Agenda topics include reviewing a city-wide mask mandate and restructuring a 2014 bond issue. The council will also consider sponsorship requests and appointments to the Golden Triangle Development Link Board.

• Review of City-Wide Mask Mandate
• Restructuring of 2014 Bond Issue
• Appointment to Golden Triangle Development Link Board
• Henson A. Roast N Boast 2021 Sponsorship Request
• Vaughn B. Mobile Cigar Lounge Request

City Council

The meeting includes approvals for firefighter training, software purchases, and cemetery maintenance contracts. The council will also discuss several requests to hire new personnel for public works and maintenance departments.

• $9,497.50 payment to JLD Preservation Consulting for historic district nomination
• BAM's, LLC proposal for cemetery maintenance at $3,827 per cut
• Purchase of IT inventory software for $1,404.00
• Purchase of Cellebrite Mobile Forensics training course software for $2,295.00
• Requests to hire a Mechanic and three Laborers

City Council

The Columbus City Council will discuss applying for a grant to repair three city bridges. The agenda also includes reviewing permit requests for local festivals and religious assemblies, as well as discussing the hiring of new police, fire, and labor personnel.

• MDOT ERBR Grant Application for repairs on three City Bridges
• Permit request for 7th Avenue Heritage Festival at 7th Avenue North and 15th Street North
• Police officer training with a clothing allowance not to exceed $350.00 per officer
• A $300.00 refund to Terrica Thomas for a Convention Center rental cancellation
• Hiring of entry-level firefighters, police officers, and laborers

City Council

The Columbus City Council will meet to select a new Vice Mayor and consider appointing Mark G. Alexander Jr. as Interim Chief Operating Officer. The council will also discuss hiring several laborers and police officers, as well as funding for the 7th Avenue Heritage Festival. Additionally, the agenda includes reviewing recommendations from the Planning Commission.

• Selection of a new Vice Mayor
• Appointment of Mark G. Alexander Jr. as Interim Chief Operating Officer
• Hiring request for six laborers and three police department positions
• Funding and beer sales permission for the 7th Avenue Heritage Festival
• Awarding the CLCA Open Hangar Rehabilitation project

City Council

The Columbus City Council will meet on June 15, 2021, to discuss personnel changes, including firefighter and police officer hiring. The agenda also includes reviewing monthly department reports and addressing board vacancies. Additionally, the council will consider a real property sale on 5th Street South and a waiver for Mt. Vernon Mills.

• Resolution regarding the sale of real property west of Stone Real Estate LLC on 5th Street South
• Landlord's Waiver and Consent for Mt. Vernon Mills to secure finances using City property
• Promotion of two Public Works Department Laborers to Crew Leaders
• Hiring of one entry-level firefighter and one CPD Reserve Officer
• Retirement of K-9 Stanley and K-9 Black from the Columbus Police Department

City Council

The Columbus City Council will consider a 10-year tax exemption for renovations at 322 5th Street South. The agenda also includes discussions on installing speed humps on Shannon and Bennett Avenues and filling various city staff vacancies. Additionally, the council will review permit ratifications and emergency personnel training requests.

• 10-year tax exemption for TGV Properties at 322 5th Street South
• Installation of speed humps on Shannon Avenue and Bennett Avenue
• Ratification of Ring Doorbell Neighbors for Public Safety agreement
• Payment for referee fees and trophies for Dizzy Dean State Tournaments
• Approval of training requests for Fire, Rescue, and Crime Scene investigators

The Columbus City Council approved a 10-year ad valorem tax exemption for renovations by TGV Properties at 322 – 5th Street North, upheld a ZBA variance at 202 – 8th Avenue South, and approved multiple personnel hires and promotions. The council also approved speed humps on Shannon and Bennett Avenues, accepted a drainage easement, and ratified agreements for the Ring Neighbors program and Dizzy Dean tournaments.

• Approved 10-year ad valorem tax exemption for TGV Properties renovation (unanimous)
• Upheld ZBA variance at 202 – 8th Avenue South (unanimous)
• Approved hiring Kelvin Bryant as Diesel Mechanic at $16.22/hour (unanimous)
• Approved hiring Veleria Scott as Site Supervisor at $10.00/hour, 30 hrs/week (unanimous)
• Approved speed hump on Shannon Avenue (unanimous)
• Approved two speed humps on Bennett Avenue (unanimous)
• Approved promotion of Robert C. Wright to Assistant Garage Superintendent (unanimous)
• Approved Dizzy Dean State Tournaments and referee/trophy expenses (unanimous)

City Council

The Columbus City Council will discuss several infrastructure projects, including new all-way stops and a traffic signal on U.S. Highway 45. The meeting also includes discussions regarding the 2021 COLA payment and contract awards for the Home Investment Partnership Grant. Additionally, the council will review various permit requests for local community events.

• Installation of all-way stops at Sylvan Road and Stewart Avenue
• MOU for a traffic signal on U.S. Highway 45
• Contract awards for the Home Investment Partnership Grant
• Resolution for the 2021 COLA payment
• Permit requests for the 2021 Market Street Festival

City Council

The Columbus City Council approved the May 4, 2021 docket of claims totaling $522,950.54 and the consent agenda, which included accepting three Public Works resignations and approving compensation for two employees. The council also approved naming a southside park 'Joe Edwards Park,' accepted a right-of-way donation for Union Drive, and approved hiring summer/seasonal recreation workers and promoting two truck drivers. Several derelict property orders were issued under Section 21-19-11, with one case receiving no action and two receiving 10-day extensions.

• Approved docket of claims for $522,950.54 (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including resignations and vacation pay (unanimous)
• Named southside park 'Joe Edwards Park' (unanimous)
• Accepted right-of-way for Union Drive Turnaround (unanimous)
• Approved hiring 6 summer workers at $8/hr and 2 seasonal workers at $10/hr (unanimous)
• Promoted Rhonda Bailey and Gregory Wright to Boom Truck Operators at $15/hr (unanimous)
• Approved Municipal Court Clerk seminar attendance (5-1, Mickens opposed)
• Approved Code Enforcement conference attendance (5-1, Mickens opposed)

City Council

The Columbus City Council will discuss requests to sell beer at the Annual Juneteenth Festival and purchase security cameras for Sim Scott Community Center. The meeting also includes the swearing-in of five new police officers.

• Request to sell beer at the Annual Juneteenth Festival in Sim Scott Park
• Purchase of security cameras for Sim Scott Community Center
• Swearing-in of five new Columbus Police Department officers
• Hiring a Public Relations/Educational Officer for Fire & Rescue

City Council

The Columbus City Council will consider a $15,000 payment for the 2021 Townsend Park Blues-Southside Festival. The agenda also includes discussions on tax exemptions for renovations in the Central Business District and Historic District. Additionally, the council will review requests to fill several public works and police positions.

• $15,000 payment for the 2021 Townsend Park Blues-Southside Festival
• Ad valorem tax exemptions for renovations in the Central Business District and Historic District
• Hiring five vacant Laborer positions in the Public Works Department
• Approval of a permit for the 'Pie K .5K Fun Run'
• Discussion regarding the current Face Mask Ordinance

The Columbus City Council voted 4-1 to end the mandatory face mask requirement, following the Governor's mandate except in city buildings. The Council also adopted a resolution declaring intent to grant a 10-year ad valorem tax exemption for renovations to property at 216-224 5th Street South, and approved the 2021 Townsend Park Blues-Southside Festival with a $15,000 payment and a 3-2 vote to allow beer sales inside the park on July 3. The Council approved the docket of claims for $715,535.18 and several personnel hires.

• Ended mandatory face mask requirement, following Governor's mandate except in city buildings (4-1).
• Adopted resolution declaring intent to grant 10-year ad valorem tax exemption for renovations at 216-224 5th Street South.
• Approved 2021 Townsend Park Blues-Southside Festival and $15,000 payment per Interlocal Agreement.
• Approved beer sales inside the park at the 2021 Festival on July 3 (3-2).
• Approved Docket of Claims for $715,535.18.
• Hired five laborers for Public Works at $10.30/hour, contingent on medical exam and drug screen.
• Hired Joey Winford as a Police Officer, contingent on medical exam and drug screen.
• Awarded Legal Publications bid to The Commercial Dispatch.

City Council

The Columbus City Council will consider several personnel actions, including the hiring of four police officers and the promotion of two firefighters. The meeting also includes reviewing monthly departmental reports and discussing permit requests for local events. Citizens are scheduled to provide input on topics such as a mask ordinance.

• Hiring of four Columbus Police Officers
• Promotion of two Fire & Rescue Department Firefighters to Engineers
• Permit request for 'Catfish in the Alley' event on April 10, 2021
• Replacement of two part-time employees for the Trotter Center
• Payment for poll workers for the April 6, 2021, Primary Election

The Columbus City Council approved the Docket of Claims for $525,077.15 and a consent agenda covering travel, permits, and poll worker pay. They also approved hiring four police officers, two part-time maintenance technicians, and promoting two firefighters to engineer. Several derelict property cases were adjudicated, with extensions granted to some owners and abatement orders issued for others.

• Approved Docket of Claims for $525,077.15 (unanimous)
• Approved hiring four police officers contingent on medical/drug screening (unanimous)
• Approved promoting Justin Martin and Baron McKee to Fire Engineers (unanimous)
• Approved hiring two part-time Maintenance Technicians at $11/hour (unanimous)
• Approved 'Catfish in the Alley' event for April 8, 2021 (unanimous)
• Approved $9,497.50 payment to JLD Preservation Consulting for historic survey (unanimous)
• Granted 45-day extension to Angie Verdell for property at 1624 4th Ave South (unanimous)
• Approved street dedication of 15th St North as Helen Karriem Lane (unanimous)

City Council

The Columbus City Council will meet to discuss infrastructure projects, personnel changes, and board vacancies. The agenda includes awarding a sidewalk and street improvement contract and filling several local board positions. The council will also review fire department reports and training requests.

• Awarding the 2021 Sidewalk and Street Improvements project to the lowest bidder
• Filling vacancies on the Zoning Board of Adjustment & Appeals and Development Codes Board
• Appointing a new member to the Columbus Municipal School District board
• Approving a permit for the 'Catfish in the Alley' event on April 10, 2021
• Discussing hazardous pay for poll workers

The City Council approved the 2021 Sidewalk and Street Improvements bid for $317,000 to JEM Contracting, LLC, after rejecting the lowest bidder for lacking a required state certificate. The Council also approved $50 hazardous pay for poll workers, reappointed Kevin Stafford to two boards and Dr. Jo Shumake to the school board, and voted 3-2 to continue the mask mandate until the next meeting.

• Approved Docket of Claims for $421,106.71
• Approved Consent Agenda with amendments, including accepting resignations and retirement, and approving training for a firefighter
• Appointed Kevin Stafford to Zoning Board of Adjustment & Appeals for 3-year term
• Reappointed Kevin Stafford to Board of Adjustment & Appeals of Development Codes for 1-year term
• Reappointed Dr. Jo Shumake to Columbus Municipal School District Board for 5-year term (4-1 vote)
• Approved recruitment for Public Fire and Life Safety Education Officer
• Adopted Columbus Fire and Rescue Annual Compliance Report 2021 and Annual Program Report 2020
• Awarded 2021 Sidewalk and Street Improvements bid to JEM Contracting, LLC for $317,000

City Council

The Columbus City Council will review departmental reports and address several personnel matters. The agenda includes discussions on police officer promotions, a speed hump request for Sweet Gum Lane, and potential board appointments. The council will also consider a proclamation regarding the existence of a local emergency.

• $15,000 allocation for the 2021 Market Street Festival
• Promotion of three Columbus Police Department officers
• Request for a speed hump on Sweet Gum Lane
• Authorization for CPD Community Liaison Officer to solicit donations for two K-9s
• Proclamation of the existence of a local emergency

The Columbus City Council approved the February 17, 2021 docket of claims totaling $833,506.76, and adopted a proclamation declaring a local emergency due to winter weather from February 13 to March 13, 2021. The council also approved the consent agenda with amendments, including a 2% tourism tax payment and a $15,000 allocation for the 2021 Market Street Festival. Three police officers were promoted to Corporal, and an all-way stop was approved for Park Circle at Prince George Street.

• Approved Docket of Claims for $833,506.76 (unanimous)
• Approved proclamation of local emergency for winter weather Feb 13-Mar 13, 2021 (unanimous)
• Approved 2% tourism tax payment to Lowndes County, Golden Triangle Development LINK, and Columbus CVB (unanimous)
• Approved $15,000 allocation to Main Street Columbus for 2021 Market Street Festival (unanimous)
• Promoted Glenn Jenkins, Mark Underwood, and Chris Ware to Corporal at $17.30/hour (unanimous)
• Approved all-way stop at Park Circle and Prince George Street (unanimous)
• Appointed Bo Harrison to Zoning Board of Adjustment & Appeals for 3-year term (unanimous)
• Accepted resignations of Shelby Cole and Richard Dye (unanimous)

City Council

The Columbus City Council will discuss funding and contracts for the CLCA Open Hangar Rehabilitation project. The council will also consider a bid award for Fire and Rescue Department radios and review the derelict property docket. Additionally, the agenda includes personnel updates and board vacancy appointments.

• MDOT Multimodal Grant Funding Agreement for CLCA Open Hangar Rehabilitation
• Engineering Contract for CLCA Open Hangar Rehabilitation project
• Bid Award for Fire and Rescue Department radios
• Derelict Property Docket
• Swearing in of CPD Officer Joinay Watts

City Council

The Columbus City Council will review monthly department reports and consider several personnel appointments. The agenda includes proposals for hiring firefighters, police officers, and laborers, as well as a request for an all-way stop at Park Circle.

• Proposed hiring of one entry-level firefighter and one part-time CPD officer
• Request for an all-way stop at Park Circle and Prince George Street
• Permit request for Franklin Academy Bicentennial Celebration street closure
• Approval of training expenses for Fire and Rescue personnel
• Appointment of candidates to the City Planning Commission

The Columbus City Council approved a rezoning request for a tract at Waverly Ferry Road and Wilkins Wise Road from A-1 General Agricultural to C-1 Neighborhood Commercial, and approved renaming Port Access Extension to Henry Weiss Boulevard. The council also approved several personnel hires, including a firefighter, two laborers, and a part-time police officer, and approved an all-way stop at Park Circle and Prince George Street. All votes were unanimous among present members.

• Approved rezoning of tract #2 at Waverly Ferry Road & Wilkins Wise Road from A-1 to C-1 (unanimous)
• Approved renaming Port Access Extension to Henry Weiss Boulevard (unanimous)
• Approved hiring Kyler Kidder as Entry-Level Firefighter (unanimous)
• Approved hiring Anthony Williams and Jeremy Winston as Laborers at $10.30/hr (unanimous)
• Approved hiring Richard Dye as part-time CPD Officer at $15.75/hr (unanimous)
• Approved all-way stop at Park Circle at Prince George Street (unanimous)
• Approved advertising for professional services for 2018 HOME Grant (unanimous)
• Approved Docket of Claims for $509,082.75 (unanimous)

City Council

The Columbus City Council will review requests for Fire and Rescue training expenses and EMT certification vouchers. The agenda also includes discussions regarding the hiring and promotion of police officers and forensics lab staff. Additionally, the council will address board vacancies and the derelict property docket.

• Approval of training and registration costs for Fire and Rescue personnel
• Hiring one Columbus Police Department officer
• Promotion of a police officer to Corporal
• Promotions within the Columbus Forensics Lab
• Review of the derelict property docket

The Columbus City Council unanimously approved the January 5, 2021 docket of claims totaling $866,744.39 and the consent agenda, which included fire department training and equipment purchases. The council also approved several personnel actions: hiring one police officer, promoting one officer to corporal, promoting a forensic scientist to assistant director, and promoting two forensic lab trainees to Forensic Scientist I. In executive session, the council voted to hire an attorney for pending litigation, discuss one personnel matter in February, and terminate one Public Works employee for policy violation and misconduct.

• Approved Docket of Claims for $866,744.39 (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including firefighter training and EMT vouchers (unanimous)
• Reappointed Alan Lewis to Board of Adjustment & Appeals (unanimous)
• Authorized advertising for Forensic Scientist Trainee and Help Desk Technician positions (unanimous)
• Hired Joinay Watts as Entry-Level Police Officer contingent on drug screen and physical (unanimous)
• Promoted Aaron Andrew to Police Corporal at $17.30/hour (unanimous)
• Promoted Claudette Gilman to Assistant Director of Forensics Lab, pay from $22.28 to $22.60/hour (unanimous)
• Promoted Shanna Cunningham and Hunter Mooney to Forensic Scientist I, pay from $14.43 to $16.83/hour (unanimous)