Columbus public meetings in 2022

City Council

The Columbus City Council will review monthly reports from various city departments and consider several personnel promotions within the Fire and Rescue department. The agenda also includes discussions regarding insurance renewals and training expenses for police and fire personnel.

• $94,236.05 payment to Waggoner Engineering, Inc. for professional services using ARPA funds
• Approval of $20,000 in tuition and clothing allowances for five CPD officers' training
• Promotion of one Fire and Rescue Engineer to Captain and three Firefighters to Engineers
• Travel expenses for Mayor Gaskin to attend the Mayor's Innovation Project in Washington, DC
• Discussion regarding the City's 2023 property, casualty, and liability insurance renewal

The City Council approved the 2023 Property, Casualty and Liability Insurance renewal and a large docket of claims. The council also authorized the abatement of three derelict properties and approved several fire department promotions. Training and travel requests for city personnel were approved via the consent agenda.

• Approved Property, Casualty and Liability Insurance renewal for $458,649.00 (6-0)
• Approved Docket of Claims in the amount of $587,864.79 (6-0)
• Approved $94,236.05 payment to Waggoner Engineering, Inc. from ARPA funds (6-0)
• Adjudicated three properties as derelict and ordered abatement (6-0)
• Approved promotion of Joe Denton to Captain (6-0)
• Approved promotion of Joshua Connors, David Tousley and Brandon Wade to Engineer (6-0)
• Approved $3,600 tuition and $350 clothing allowance for five CPD Officers/Cadets (6-0)
• Approved $1,650 for Mayor Gaskin to attend Mayor’s Innovation Project (6-0)

City Council

The Columbus City Council will consider several personnel appointments, including a firefighter and city maintenance technician. The council will also review a grant application for Waggonner Engineering, Inc. using ARPA funds and a lease for laboratory equipment. Additionally, the agenda includes discussions regarding the derelict property docket.

• Grant application by Waggonner Engineering, Inc. using local ARPA funds
• 60-month lease of one GC-MS-FID
• MOU for Lowndes County's purchase of a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer
• $4,600.00 payment for Fire and Rescue personnel training
• Swearing in of CPD Officers Dustin Capps and Neosha Dozier

The City Council approved a modified Docket of Claims and authorized Waggoner Engineering, Inc. to apply for a water grant using ARPA funds. The council also approved several new hires and granted extensions for two derelict property cases.

• Approved Docket of Claims for $1,079,813.73 (original $1,174,049.78 less $94,236.05 for Waggoner Engineering, Inc.) (6-0)
• Approved Waggoner Engineering, Inc. to apply for Mississippi Municipality and County Water Grant using local ARPA funds (6-0)
• Approved MOU for Lowndes County's purchase of a Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer for the Forensic Lab (6-0)
• Approved hiring Dalton Cook as Entry-Level Firefighter (6-0)
• Approved hiring Frederick Hill as Custodian at $12.50 per hour (6-0)
• Approved hiring Rickey Hudson as City Maintenance Technician at $16.64 per hour (6-0)
• Granted 10-day remediation extensions for derelict properties at 1801 3rd Avenue South and College Street Lot (6-0)
• Tabled 60-month lease of one GC-MS-FID (6-0)

City Council

The Columbus City Council will review monthly departmental reports and consider several policy items. Proposed actions include authorizing an annexation and redistricting study and a utility easement from Stone Real Estate, LLC. The council also plans to fill vacancies on the City Planning Commission and Historic Preservation Commission.

• $3,540.00 for Fire and Rescue personnel to attend FDIC Conference
• Commendations for seven Columbus Police Department officers
• Utility easement from Stone Real Estate, LLC
• Annexation and redistricting study by Golden Triangle Planning and Development District, Inc.
• Bids for HWY 45 landscaping and HWY 82 maintenance contract

The City Council approved a docket of claims totaling $2,523,100.24 and announced the hiring of Police Chief Joseph M. Daughtry, Sr. The council also authorized several infrastructure bids and appointed members to the City Planning and Historic Preservation Commissions.

• Approved docket of claims for $2,523,100.24 (6-0)
• Appointed Jarvis Fenster to City Planning Commission (6-0)
• Appointed Robert Ivy to Historic Preservation Commission (6-0)
• Approved $3,540 for two Fire and Rescue personnel to attend FDIC Conference (unanimous)
• Authorized Stone Real Estate, LLC to convey a general utility easement to the City (6-0)
• Hired Titus Wilson as Boom Truck Operator at $14.00 per hour (6-0)
• Approved $4,900 for sandblasting and painting the Bullet Trap, cost split with County (6-0)
• Tabled annexation and redistricting study by Golden Triangle Planning and Development District (4-3)

City Council

The City Council will consider awarding a contract to APAC – Mississippi for the CLCA Taxiway Pavement Rehabilitation project. The agenda also includes discussions regarding the hiring of two police officers and a deputy court clerk. Additionally, officials will review items related to drainage easements and a speed hump for Emerald Drive.

• Awarding $542,275 contract to APAC – Mississippi for CLCA Taxiway Pavement Rehabilitation
• Approval of various travel and registration expenses for city personnel
• Discussion of hiring two CPD officers and a Deputy Court Clerk
• Permit request for the Veterans' Day Parade on November 5, 2022
• Proposed speed hump installation for Emerald Drive

The City Council approved a contract for taxiway pavement rehabilitation at the Columbus-Lowndes County Airport and authorized several personnel hires and promotions. The council also granted extensions to multiple property owners to remediate derelict properties and denied non-urgent police travel requests until a new chief is hired.

• Awarded CLCA Taxiway Pavement Rehabilitation project to APAC-Mississippi for $542,275.00 (6-0)
• Approved $400,400.64 Docket of Claims (5-1)
• Hired Stephanie Buchanan-Davis as Deputy Court Clerk at $12.50 per hour (6-0)
• Hired Dustin Capps and Neosha Dozier as Entry-Level Police Officers (6-0)
• Promoted Officer Nick Hairston to Corporal (6-0)
• Approved installation of a speed hump on Emerald Drive (6-0)
• Denied non-urgent police travel requests until a new chief is hired (6-0)
• Granted 15 to 45-day remediation extensions for five derelict properties (6-0)

City Council

The Columbus City Council is reviewing monthly department reports and several permit requests for local festivals. The agenda includes discussions on a $10,000 grant application and travel funding for officials. The council will also address staff vacancies and personnel matters.

• Travel expenses of approximately $18,797.50 for the National League of Cities Conference
• Application for a $10,000 Certified Local Government Grant
• Permit requests for 'Fall Festival,' 'Christmas Tree Lighting,' and 'Wassail Fest'
• Hiring a Public Works Laborer at $12.50 per hour
• Training and conference travel expenses for Police and Fire personnel

The Columbus City Council approved a consent agenda including resignations, event permits, and travel requests; approved a docket of claims for $569,400.51 (5-1); authorized a grant application for Leadership Plaza revitalization; declared four properties as public nuisances and ordered abatement; rezoned 1123 Shady Street to multi-family residential; permitted a short-term rental at 1025 2nd Avenue North; approved a $10,000 Certified Local Government Grant application; hired a Public Works laborer; granted a non-exclusive easement for a hotel site; and in executive session rehired a former police officer, authorized meeting with a municipal court employee, and approved a pay adjustment for an accounts payable clerk.

• Approved docket of claims for $569,400.51 (5-1)
• Authorized grant application up to $50k for Leadership Plaza revitalization (6-0)
• Declared 1215 5th Street South, 1804 10th Avenue North, 509 20th Street North, and 804 15th Street North as public nuisances; ordered abatement (6-0 each)
• Granted 45-day extension for 312 6th Avenue North and 15-day extension for 1411 Schoolhouse Avenue (6-0 each)
• Rezoned 1123 Shady Street from R-1 to R-3 Multi-Family Residential (6-0)
• Approved short-term rental (Airbnb) at 1025 2nd Avenue North (6-0)
• Approved $10,000 Certified Local Government Grant application (6-0)
• Rehired former police officer (ID 962) at $17.44/hour (6-0)

City Council

The council will discuss the derelict property docket and potential actions regarding Sandfield Cemetery (East). The agenda also includes permit requests for various community events and training expenses for city personnel.

• Purchase of a Rosenbauer Aerial, including chassis and Viper Aerial, for $975,000
• Promotion of one Fire & Rescue personnel from Captain to Battalion Chief
• Appointment of Stewart Stafford as appraiser for the Blight Elimination Program at $550 or less per unit
• Permit requests for community events including a Christmas Parade and Halloween Street Carnival

The council approved the purchase of a Rosenbauer aerial fire apparatus for $975,000 (5-1) and rescinded an abatement order for Oak Manor after the owner presented a renovation plan. It also approved a premium pay resolution for law enforcement and firefighters, promoted a fire captain to battalion chief, and took action on multiple derelict properties. The consent agenda and docket of claims were approved, and board appointments were made.

• Approved purchase of one Rosenbauer Aerial Fire Apparatus for $975,000 (5-1)
• Rescinded abatement order for Oak Manor property (6-0)
• Approved Premium Pay Resolution for law enforcement and firefighters (6-0)
• Promoted Captain Wes Mims to Battalion Chief (6-0)
• Approved Docket of Claims for $500,886.31 (5-1)
• Appointed Jerry Fortenberry to Columbus-Lowndes Public Library (6-0)
• Reappointed Chuck Bigelow and MacArthur Inge to City Planning Commission (6-0)
• Approved derelict property orders for multiple properties (6-0 each)

City Council

The Columbus City Council will consider rejecting a $3,550,694.00 bid for Propst Park baseball field improvements and re-advertising the project. The agenda also includes reviewing monthly department reports and discussing a memorandum of understanding with the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics.

• Rejection of $3,550,694.00 bid for Propst Park Youth Baseball Field Improvements
• Permit request for Columbus High School Homecoming Parade on October 20
• Permit request for Heritage Academy 2022 Homecoming Parade on September 29
• Proposed memorandum of understanding with the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics
• Approval of 'Trunk or Treat' event at 1207 Fifth Avenue North

The Columbus City Council approved the consent agenda, docket of claims, and several property remediation orders. It rejected the sole $3,550,694 bid for Propst Park Youth Baseball Field Improvements and will readvertise. The council also approved a child daycare permit, a narcotics MOU, and terminated a Public Works employee in executive session.

• Approved consent agenda with amendment adding title work for Blight Elimination (6-0)
• Approved docket of claims for $506,370.55 (6-0)
• Approved derelict property orders for RAAVI Properties, Temple T. Henderson, and Joan M. Estes (6-0 each)
• Approved child daycare at 2322 Highway 45 North, Suite 2 (6-0)
• Approved MOU with Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics (6-0)
• Rejected sole bid of $3,550,694 for Propst Park Youth Baseball Field Improvements (6-0)
• Terminated Public Works employee I.D. 1499 for failure to report to work (5-1)

City Council

The Columbus City Council is reviewing several infrastructure proposals, including new speed humps on multiple streets. The council will also schedule a public meeting to discuss upcoming budget and tax levies. Additionally, various permits for local community festivals are up for approval.

• Proposed speed hump installations on Tuckaho Drive, Williamsburg Road, and 21st Avenue North
• Acceptance of a $22,186 MDOT matching grant for the CLCA Parallel Taxiway Project
• Public hearing scheduled for September 15, 2022, to adopt proposed budget and tax levies
• Discussion regarding pay raises for the Mayor and City Council
• Approval of permits for the 7th Avenue Heritage Festival and Oktoberfest/Burns Bottom Arts Festival

The council voted 4-2 to increase the mayor's salary by $10,000 to $93,596.24 and each council member's salary by $8,000 to $25,500, effective 30 days after passage. Jason Spears was appointed to the Redevelopment Authority Board (4-2) after a substitute motion for Matt Bogue failed. The council also approved a consent agenda with 27 items, a docket of claims for $721,122.34, and several other actions including speed humps on three streets and a roof repair contract.

• Approved pay raises for mayor (+$10,000) and council members (+$8,000 each) (4-2)
• Appointed Jason Spears to Redevelopment Authority Board (4-2)
• Approved consent agenda with 27 items (6-0)
• Approved docket of claims for $721,122.34 (6-0)
• Approved speed humps on Tuckaho Drive, Williamsburg Road, and 21st Avenue North (6-0 each)
• Accepted lowest quote of $37,350 from Graham Roofing for CPD and Strip Mall roof repairs (6-0)
• Approved amendment to interlocal jail agreement with Lowndes County (6-0)
• Approved MDOT matching grant of $22,186 for airport parallel taxiway project (6-0)

City Council

The City Council will consider the search committee, job description, and salary increase for a new Police Chief. The agenda also includes approving training expenses for fire and police personnel and clearing Masonic drainage for $2,850.00. Various monthly department reports are also scheduled for review.

• Search committee and salary increase for Chief of Police
• Hiring four entry-level firefighters
• Clearing Masonic drainage in the amount of $2,850.00
• Travel and training expenses for fire and police personnel
• Resolution supporting a Rural Transportation Planning Organization

The Columbus City Council approved a search committee and job description for a new police chief, with a salary range of $74,000–$90,000, by a 5-1 vote. The council also approved two rezoning requests, a derelict property docket for four properties, clearing of Masonic drainage for $2,850, and a resolution supporting a rural transportation planning organization. The consent agenda, including hiring four firefighters and approving travel for personnel, was passed unanimously.

• Approved police chief salary range $74,000–$90,000 (5-1)
• Approved police chief job description and selection committee (5-1)
• Approved rezoning of 2124 Bell Ave from R-1 to C-1 (6-0)
• Approved rezoning of 420 31st Ave N from R-1 to C-1-R (6-0)
• Approved derelict property orders for four properties (6-0 each)
• Approved clearing of Masonic drainage for $2,850 (6-0)
• Approved resolution supporting rural transportation planning organization (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda including hiring four firefighters and travel for personnel (6-0)

City Council

The Columbus City Council will discuss bidding for Propst Park baseball field improvements and the derelict property docket. The agenda includes approving various training expenses for fire and police personnel. Additionally, the council will address citizen concerns regarding downtown trash.

• Advertising for bids for Propst Park Youth Baseball Field Improvements
• Training and travel expenses for Fire and Rescue personnel
• $7,200 tuition and clothing allowances for CPD officers
• Permit request for 'In Our Nation Day Parade' at Annunciation Catholic School
• Application for the $12,852 Edward Byrnes Justice Assistance Grant

The Columbus City Council approved the consent agenda, docket of claims, and several policy items, including advertising for bids for Propst Park baseball field improvements and applying for a $12,852 Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant. In executive session, the council voted 4-3 to suspend a police department employee for 30 working days without pay and require repayment of overtime pay, rescinded a police applicant's job offer, and denied a request to hire a volunteer accountant as a part-time employee. The council also approved derelict property orders for three properties and a remediation order for one property.

• Approved consent agenda including training trips, resignations, permits, and notary commissions (6-0)
• Approved docket of claims for $354,836.54 (6-0)
• Approved derelict property orders for Hilbert Williams, Belvin Duck, and Katrina L. Watkins (6-0 each)
• Approved remediation order for Lawrence Wilson property (6-0)
• Approved advertising for bids for Propst Park Youth Baseball Field Improvements (6-0)
• Approved rehiring Robin Conner as CPD officer contingent on screening (6-0)
• Approved applying for FY 2022 Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant of $12,852 (6-0)
• Suspended police employee I.D. 1397 for 30 working days without pay and required payback of overtime (4-3)

City Council

The Columbus City Council will discuss an opioid settlement agreement with Endo Health Solutions Inc. and the appointment of an interim police chief. The council also plans to consider hiring two new police officers and reviewing planning commission recommendations. Several department monthly reports for June 2022 will be presented.

• Opioid settlement agreement with Endo Health Solutions Inc. and Endo Pharmaceuticals
• Appointment of an Interim Police Chief effective August 16, 2022
• Hiring two new Columbus Police Department officers
• Travel expenses for Domestic Violence Advocate training ($321.25)
• Consultant fee for Fire and Rescue workshop ($4,274.92)

The Columbus City Council approved the MDOT Transportation Alternatives Application for 5th Street Pedestrian Improvements, with the city paying matching funds or reimbursing Lowndes County for the match. The council also approved several other items, including hiring two police officers, appointing an interim police chief, and authorizing derelict property remediation orders. A motion to hire a consultant for a national police chief search failed.

• Approved MDOT Transportation Alternatives Application for 5th Street Pedestrian Improvements (4-2)
• Approved hiring Austin A. Greene and Margarette A. Hughes as Police Officers (6-0)
• Approved hiring Courtney Malone as Property and Evidence Custodian at $15.39/hour (6-0)
• Approved appointing Doran Johnson as Interim Police Chief at $74,160 annually, effective Aug 16, 2022 (6-0)
• Approved East Columbus Gym enhancements totaling $22,116.17 from ARPA funds (6-0)
• Approved derelict property orders for six properties under Section 21-19-11 (6-0 each)
• Approved rejecting all bids and rebidding CLCA Taxiway Pavement Rehabilitation project (6-0)
• Approved executing opioid settlement agreement with Endo Health Solutions and Endo Pharmaceuticals (6-0)

City Council

The council will discuss a $1,013,500 ARPA request for Columbus Light & Water. The agenda also includes infrastructure contracts and tax exemption requests for the Stone Apartments project.

• Awarding $368,000.00 to Burns Dirt Construction for 2nd Street South Box Culvert Replacement
• Purchasing a precast box culvert for $40,250.00 from Lee’s Precast Concrete
• Considering a ten-year tax exemption request for the Stone Apartments project
• Promoting one CPD Sergeant to Lieutenant
• Reviewing the Derelict Property Docket

The City Council held a special meeting to discuss a personnel matter involving a Police Department employee. After a closed session, the Council voted 6-0 to accept the employee's letter of retirement, effective August 15, 2022. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Accepted letter of retirement from Police Department employee (6-0)

City Council

The Columbus City Council is meeting to consider infrastructure projects and various funding requests. Items include a contract for taxiway pavement rehabilitation and an ARPA request for Columbus Light & Water. The council will also review department reports and potential personnel changes.

• $473,222.60 contract award for CLCA Taxiway Pavement Rehabilitation
• $1,013,500 ARPA request for Columbus Light & Water
• Police academy tuition and clothing allowance approvals
• Appointment of Interim Fire Chief as permanent Fire Chief
• $81,632.34 FAA grant request for taxiway rehabilitation

The Columbus City Council approved amendments to the zoning chart allowing cannabis dispensaries and growing facilities by right in certain districts, and approved three cannabis dispensary permits. They also awarded contracts for airport taxiway rehabilitation, a fleet management program, and other items, and tabled a $1,013,505 ARPA request for Columbus Light & Water.

• Approved zoning amendments allowing cannabis dispensaries by right in C-1, C-2, C-3 districts and growing facilities in A-1, C-3, C-3-R, I-2, I-3 (4-3, mayor broke tie)
• Approved cannabis dispensary at 1920 Highway 45 North, Suite 5 (4-2)
• Approved cannabis dispensary at 2003 Highway 45 North (4-2)
• Approved cannabis dispensary and growing facility at 901 Highway 45 North (4-2)
• Awarded CLCA Taxiway Pavement Rehabilitation project to Murphree Paving for $473,222.60 (6-0)
• Approved $81,632.34 FAA BIL grant request for taxiway project (6-0)
• Awarded Fleet Management Program to Enterprise Fleet Management for 12 police vehicles (6-0)
• Tabled $1,013,505 ARPA request for Columbus Light & Water (3-3, mayor voted to table)

City Council

The Columbus City Council is meeting to discuss several community items, including a $15,000 grant for Hank Aaron Park and the Reclaiming Our Youth Initiative budget. The agenda also includes discussions on police staffing, road repairs in Friendship Cemetery, and speed hump requests.

• Proposed acceptance of $15,000 TVA Community Care Fund Grant for Hank Aaron Park
• Discussion of Reclaiming Our Youth Initiative budget and Propst Park Activity Center use
• Request for Taylor Street speed humps
• Approval of $2,470 for Planning & Community Development conference attendance
• Proposed use of Perpetual Upkeep Funds for road repairs in Friendship Cemetery

The Columbus City Council approved several major items, including allocating $500,000 from CARES funds for Public Works equipment (4-2), approving ARPA incentive pay for employees (5-1), and accepting a $15,000 TVA grant for Hank Aaron Park. The council also approved a $60,341 budget for the Reclaiming Our Youth initiative, with $50,000 allocated from CARES funds, and approved Juneteenth as a holiday. All other agenda items were approved unanimously.

• Approved $500,000 from CARES funds for Public Works equipment (4-2)
• Approved ARPA incentive pay: $3,000 to eligible hourly employees, exempt employees under $70,000 salary, and temporary pay increase for exempt employees over $70,000 (5-1)
• Approved $50,000 for Reclaiming Our Youth initiative from CARES funds, plus $3,750 to Building Bridges of Hope Foundation for meals (6-0)
• Approved Juneteenth as a holiday on June 20, 2022, in lieu of Columbus Day (6-0)
• Accepted $15,000 TVA Community Care Fund Grant for Hank Aaron Park (6-0)
• Approved hiring Johannah Owusu as CPD Reserve Officer (6-0)
• Approved installation of one speed hump on Taylor Street and speed reduction to 25 mph (6-0)
• Approved temporary roof repairs for Police Department and Municipal Complex Strip Center (6-0)

City Council

The Columbus City Council will discuss the renewal of the 2% Restaurant/Beverage Tax and a redevelopment agreement with the Regional Economic Development Alliance. The agenda also includes requests for festival funding and personnel hiring.

• Resolution supporting the renewal of the 2% Restaurant/Beverage Tax
• $15,000 allocation for the 7th Avenue Heritage Festival
• Redevelopment and Reimbursement Agreement with Regional Economic Development Alliance
• Request to allow beer sales at the 7th Avenue Heritage Festival
• Resolution regarding the 2022 COLA Payment

The Columbus City Council approved a resolution adopting a Regional Economic Development Act Alliance Agreement and application to the Mississippi Development Authority, supporting a regional economic development project. The council also approved several other items, including hiring new employees, a COLA payment resolution, a beer sales permit for the 7th Avenue Heritage Festival, and a lease extension for China Royal. A proposed summer crime prevention program was discussed but no action was taken pending a budget.

• Adopted Regional Economic Development Act Alliance Agreement and application (6-0)
• Approved 2022 COLA Payment resolution (6-0)
• Approved hiring two laborers for Public Works (6-0)
• Approved hiring two boom truck operators (6-0)
• Approved beer sales at 7th Avenue Heritage Festival (6-0)
• Approved abandonment of 0.05 acre city ROW at Pine Knoll (6-0)
• Approved lease extension for China Royal at 1613 Main St (6-0)
• Approved Airbnb use at 905 7th Ave N (6-0)

City Council

The Columbus City Council will consider several policy items, including property clean-up costs and infrastructure improvements. The agenda also includes the approval of various permits and training expenses for fire and rescue personnel.

• Discussion of imposing a city-wide nighttime curfew
• Approval of $9,567.50 for cleaning up dilapidated properties
• Grant submission for HWY 50 Bridge replacement over Luxapallila Creek
• Contract discussion for Propst Park youth baseball field improvements
• Paving of the East Columbus Gym parking lot using use tax funds

The Columbus City Council approved a consent agenda covering personnel training, event permits, and resignations, and approved the $416,164.70 docket of claims. A request for an ad valorem tax exemption for 304 5th Street South was initially tied 3-3, but Mayor Gaskin broke the tie to grant the exemption for eight years. The council also approved several infrastructure projects, including design contracts for Propst Park baseball fields, a grant application for the Hwy 50 bridge replacement, and drainage and parking lot improvements funded by Use Tax funds.

• Approved consent agenda with personnel training, event permits, and resignations (6-0)
• Approved docket of claims for $416,164.70 (6-0)
• Granted ad valorem tax exemption for 304 5th Street South, U-Stor inside, for 8 years (mayor broke tie, 4-3)
• Approved authorized bank signers: Mayor, CFO, COO, Deputy Clerk (6-0)
• Approved property clean-up adjudication for $9,567.50 (6-0)
• Approved hiring one Property & Evidence Custodian at $28,000-$32,000 (6-0)
• Approved design and bidding contract for Propst Park baseball field improvements, $103,800 (6-0)
• Authorized application for 2022 ERBR grant for Hwy 50 bridge replacement (6-0)

City Council

The Columbus City Council will consider several police department personnel actions, including promotions and new hires. The agenda also includes discussions regarding an emergency fire truck purchase and a property swap for a City Hall parking stall.

• Promotion of one CPD Sergeant to Lieutenant
• Hiring of a CPD Officer and a CPD Reserve Officer
• Emergency purchase of a used fire truck
• $1,000 concession contract for the Columbus Recreation Department
• Property swap for a City Hall parking stall with Firehouse Commons

The Columbus City Council approved the emergency purchase of a used fire truck under nunc pro tunc terms and appointed Mayor Keith Gaskin as designee for emergency purchases. The council also approved several personnel actions, including promoting Sergeant Christopher Smith to Lieutenant, hiring a new police officer, a reserve officer, a collection clerk, and summer recreation workers. Additionally, the council approved the consent agenda, the docket of claims, and various property-related orders and contracts.

• Approved emergency purchase of used fire truck and appointed Mayor as designee (6-0)
• Approved promotion of Sergeant Christopher Smith to Lieutenant (6-0)
• Approved hiring Ke`Shawn Adams as full-time Police Officer (6-0)
• Approved hiring Anganesha Sanders as Reserve Police Officer (6-0)
• Approved hiring Sarah Watkins as Collection Clerk at $11.03/hour (6-0)
• Approved hiring six summer workers at $8.00/hour and one seasonal laborer at $10.00/hour (6-0)
• Approved Docket of Claims for $545,919.07 (5-1)
• Approved derelict property orders for four properties (6-0)

City Council

The Columbus City Council is meeting to discuss several construction contracts and change orders for street and sidewalk improvements. The council will also consider personnel appointments, including an interim Fire Chief and new staff for the police and action center. Additionally, the agenda includes ratifying permit requests for local community events.

• Discussing reconstruction contracts to Dismukes Construction Company in the amounts of $128,240 and $134,960
• Discussing rehabilitation contracts to Clay Construction Company in four separate amounts
• Discussing change orders for JEM Contracting and Walters Construction Company projects
• Considering the appointment of an Interim Fire Chief
• Ratifying permit requests for "We've Got Your Block" and "Carriage Rides"

The Columbus City Council approved an $8 million revenue bond resolution for the electric system, authorized contracts for home reconstruction and rehabilitation, and approved several personnel actions including hiring a records clerk and appointing an interim fire chief. The council also approved a $500,000 allocation of ARPA funds for a blight elimination program and moved forward with a contract for an automated insurance enforcement program.

• Approved $8M electric system revenue bond resolution (unanimous)
• Approved $500,000 ARPA funds for Blight Elimination Program (6-0)
• Awarded reconstruction contracts to Dismukes Construction ($128,240 and $134,960) (6-0)
• Awarded rehabilitation contracts to Clay Construction ($41,206.79, $15,248.41, $45,132.99, $35,314.07) (6-0)
• Approved contract with Securix Systems for insurance enforcement program (5-1)
• Appointed Duane Hughes as Interim Fire Chief effective April 18, 2022 (6-0)
• Approved hiring Valancia Bush as Records Clerk at $11.03/hour (6-0)
• Approved hiring U'Neco Harris as CPD Reserve Officer (6-0)

City Council

The Columbus City Council will review grant applications for airport rehabilitation and city-wide drainage services. The agenda includes the resignation of the Fire Chief and discussions regarding Planning Commission recommendations for AirBNBs. Members will also consider a resolution for city employee incentive pay.

• FAA AIP Grant Application for $487,993.00 for taxiway pavement rehabilitation
• Fire Chief resignation effective April 18, 2022
• $166,719.13 payment of the 2% Tourism Tax to local entities
• Planning Commission recommendations concerning AirBNBs
• Resolution approving incentive pay for city employees

The Columbus City Council approved a resolution authorizing $3,000 incentive payments to all full-time employees performing in-person work, funded by ARPA funds, with payments contingent on an Attorney General opinion. The council also approved the consent agenda, docket of claims, and several appointments and contracts. A motion to table the engineering contract for drainage rehabilitation was approved by the mayor's tie-breaking vote.

• Approved $3,000 ARPA incentive pay for full-time employees (3-2)
• Approved consent agenda including fire chief retirement and various travel/training requests (unanimous)
• Approved docket of claims for $475,839.40 (5-1)
• Appointed Cynthia Brown to Columbus Municipal School Board (4-2)
• Appointed Jay Patel to Convention & Visitors Bureau (6-0)
• Approved derelict property orders for two properties (6-0)
• Approved FAA grant application for airport taxiway rehabilitation ($487,993) (6-0)
• Tabled engineering contract for drainage rehabilitation (mayor's tie-breaking vote)

City Council

The Columbus City Council is reviewing administrative items including training expenses for fire and police personnel. The council will also consider a permit for a street closure on Second Avenue North and discuss public works equipment needs. Additionally, several appointments to local boards are on the agenda.

• Payment of $176,579.81 for SCBA equipment for Columbus Fire & Rescue
• Permit request to block Second Avenue North for 'St. Patty's Pawty'
• All-way stop request at 2nd Avenue North and 3rd Street
• Discussion regarding the Derelict Property Docket
• Appointments to the Board of Adjustment & Appeals

The Columbus City Council approved the March 1, 2022 docket of claims totaling $974,561.18, with Councilwoman Dicicco opposed. The council also approved the consent agenda, including fire and police training requests, resignations, and a street closure for a charity event. Several derelict properties were ordered for abatement, and the council denied a request to use a single-family home as an Air BNB, while tabling a definition for short-term rentals.

• Approved $974,561.18 docket of claims (5-1)
• Approved consent agenda including fire training, resignations, and street closure for St. Patty's Pawty (unanimous)
• Granted 30-day extension for property remediation at 705 15th St N (6-0)
• Ordered abatement for derelict properties at 1915 4th Ave N, 2322 4th Ave S, and 612 Peach St (6-0 each)
• Approved addendum to extend closing for Woody's On The Water to April 15, 2022 (6-0)
• Denied Air BNB use at 3623 Azalea Circle (6-0)
• Approved amended definition of Bed & Breakfast Inn (6-0)
• Tabled adoption of short-term rental definition (4-2)

City Council

The Columbus City Council will review several financial items, including tourism tax distributions and training expenses. The agenda also includes discussions regarding mask mandates for city facilities and public access to meetings.

• $286,881.84 payment to Walters Construction for the City Street Paving Project
• $147,355.63 in tourism tax payments to local agencies
• Proposed lobbyist contract with W.T. Consultants, LLC up to $60,500.00
• Use of $20,000 from Internet Sales Tax for city sign replacement
• Permit requests for the Market Street Festival and Juneteenth events

City Council

The Columbus City Council is scheduled to discuss several infrastructure and public safety items. Proposed actions include purchasing a reserve fire truck and approving drainage cleaning for Beech Street. The meeting also includes updates on ARPA needs assessments and the hiring of a Chief Operations Officer.

• Purchase of a reserve fire truck for $205,000.00
• Beech Street drainage cleaning and CCTV work for $13,515.00
• City Hall Courtroom acoustics project for $8,697.00
• Approval of firefighter training course fees
• Review of the Derelict Property Docket

The Columbus City Council approved several items including a $205,000 reserve fire truck purchase, installation of a speed hump on Beech Street, and derelict property abatement orders for two properties. They also approved a $13,515 drainage cleaning contract, increased the traffic calming device approval threshold to 75%, and accepted a $18,232 proposal for courtroom acoustics. A motion to restrict Facebook comments failed on a tie vote, and a request for $1 million in ARPA funds for blight remediation was tabled.

• Approved purchase of 2014 reserve fire truck for $205,000 using insurance rebate funds (6-0)
• Approved installation of speed hump on Beech Street (6-0)
• Approved $13,515 low quote for Beech Street drainage cleaning and CCTV work (6-0)
• Approved increasing minimum approval threshold for traffic calming devices to 75% owner request (6-0)
• Approved $18,232 proposal from JMorgan Company for courtroom sound panels (6-0)
• Approved derelict property abatement orders for 212 Conway Drive and 1016 Moss Street (6-0)
• Tabled request for $1 million ARPA funds for blight remediation (6-0)
• Failed motion to restrict Facebook page to informational purposes only (tie vote, mayor opposed)

City Council

The Columbus City Council will consider several items, including a tax abatement application from JTB Furniture and a payment for a road paving project. The agenda also includes discussions regarding airport agreements and potential grants for nature trails in Propst Park.

• $484,116.84 payment to Walters Construction for a road paving project
• $15,000 funding for the Annual Market Street Festival
• Tax abatement application from JTB Furniture
• Traffic study and design plan proposal for Bluecutt and Military Road
• MDWFP Recreational Trail Grant application for Propst Park

The Columbus City Council approved a five-year Fixed Base Operations agreement with Straight Up Aviation for the airport, granted tax exemptions to JTB Furniture, and approved a $484,116.84 payment for road paving. They also voted to override the mayor's veto on the City Registrar pay scale, sent an Air BNB request back to the Planning Commission, and tabled the Docket of Claims for further review.

• Approved FBO agreement with Straight Up Aviation, LLC (6-0)
• Approved tax exemptions for JTB Furniture equipment (6-0)
• Approved Payment Application #10 to Walters Construction for $484,116.84 (6-0)
• Overrode Mayor's veto on City Registrar pay scale (4-2)
• Sent Air BNB request for 3623 Azalea Circle back to Planning Commission (4-2)
• Approved child daycare at 342 Sylvan Road (6-0)
• Tabled Docket of Claims until all council members review (6-0)
• Approved MDWFP Recreational Trail Grant application for Propse Park (6-0)

City Council

The Columbus City Council will discuss an agreement for the City/County Airport and the use of CARES Act funds. The agenda also includes approving festival funding and reviewing policies for street re-naming. Additionally, the council will address board appointments and staff resignations.

• $15,000 for Townsend Park Blues-Southside Festival
• $15,000 for Annual Juneteenth Festival
• Fixed Base Operations (FBO) Agreement for City/County Airport
• Discussion of eligible uses for CARES Act funds
• Policy regarding dedicating (re-naming) streets

The Columbus City Council approved an ordinance establishing a formal process for naming or renaming public streets and facilities, hired a City Registrar at $13.95/hour, and voted to close in-person council meetings to the public due to COVID-19. The council also approved the consent agenda, including festival funding and personnel actions, and declared an emergency to allow use of the Propst Park warming shelter. Several derelict property cases were adjudicated, and a proposed FBO agreement was tabled.

• Approved ordinance for naming/renaming public streets and facilities (6-0)
• Hired City Registrar at $13.95/hour ($29,016 annually) (4-2)
• Closed council meetings to in-person attendance until further notice (5-1)
• Approved $581,772.49 docket of claims (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including $15,000 for Townsend Park Blues-Southside Festival and $15,000 for Juneteenth Festival (unanimous)
• Declared emergency and approved warming shelter use at Propst Park (6-0)
• Tabled Fixed Base Operations agreement for airport until Airport Board meets
• Adjudicated derelict properties at 1918 15th Ave N, 1514 21st St N, 1513 21st St N, and 1106 16th St N (all 5-0)