Columbus public meetings in 2022
24 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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)
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
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
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
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
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
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
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"
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
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
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
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
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