Columbus public meetings in 2023
25 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council
The Columbus City Council will consider adopting the 2020 National Electrical Code and several 2021 International Codes. The agenda also includes discussions regarding airport runway pavement rehabilitation and a flooring contract for community centers.
- Adoption of 2020 National Electrical Code and 2021 International Codes
- Flooring contract for Sandfield and Townsend Community Centers ($31,000)
- Runway Pavement Rehabilitation for Columbus Lowndes County Airport
- Renewal of Lobbyist Contract with W.T. Consultants, LLC (up to $72,000)
- Reverting 16th Street between 4th and 5th Avenue North to a two-way street
City Council
The Columbus City Council will meet to discuss several infrastructure projects, including bridge repairs and field turf installation. The agenda also includes requests for fire insurance rebate funds and various personnel resignations.
- Change Order No. 1 of $59,032.00 for Historic Hwy 182 Bridge Over Tombigebee River
- Field turf and fencing replacement bid from Weathers Construction for $1,473,600
- Request for Columbus Fire and Rescue to access $15,757.75 in insurance rebate funds
- $3,900.00 quote from Robertson & Webster Electric to repair PAPI lights
- $3,950 change order for Trotter Admin Ramp Wall Addition
City Council
The council will discuss several infrastructure projects and department requests. Proposed items include replacing gas piping at the Trotter Convention Center and a contract for beaver trapping. The meeting also includes review of monthly reports from various city departments.
- Gas piping replacement for Trotter Convention Center ($33,650)
- Purchase of tactical vests and helmets ($40,348.28)
- Beaver trapping contract in several areas ($7,493.42)
- Training expenses for CPD Investigators ($2,648.00)
- Engineering contract for Waterworks Bridge over Luxapallila Creek
City Council
The Columbus City Council is reviewing infrastructure contracts and personnel updates. The agenda includes a drainage project on 15th Street North and several police department hiring requests. The council will also consider MDOT grant agreements and event permits.
- Contract for Weathers Construction, Inc. for $116,809.58 (drainage improvements)
- MDOT Matching Grant Agreement of $8,334.00 for CLCA Taxiway Pavement project
- Change order of $8,275.00 for Lower Trotter ADA Ramp/Streetscape Improvements
- Request to hire Lieutenant, Captain, Investigator, and six entry-level officers
- Contract for S&S Landscaping in the amount of $6,249.77
City Council
The City Council will review several monthly reports from municipal departments and consider various personnel and infrastructure requests. The agenda includes the approval of tourism tax payments totaling $207,689.78 and multiple event permits.
- Tourism Tax payments totaling $207,689.78 to Lowndes County, Golden Triangle Development LINK, City of Columbus, and Columbus Visitors Bureau
- Payment of $1,720.00 for three Fire and Rescue personnel training in Jackson, MS
- Permit for 'Pinktober Walk for a Cure' from 909 - 20th Street North to 7th Avenue North
- Permit for 'Fall Fest' at 324 Fifth Street South
- Permit for '2nd Annual Fall Carnival' blocking Fir Street at Redwood Street and Gaylane Drive
City Council
The Columbus City Council will consider infrastructure projects including drainage improvements on 15th Street North and street patching repairs. The meeting also covers several personnel hiring requests for police, public works, and parks departments.
- $25,068.19 contract for 15th Street North drainage improvement
- $15,876 installation of Motorola Radios at Lowndes County E911 Center
- Purchase of 20 desktop computers for $16,060 and 7 laptops for $11,766.79
- Hiring of two certified police officers and various public works staff
- $6,249.77 contract for grass cutting along Hwy 45 and 182
City Council
The Mayor and City Council will review various permit requests for local festivals and events. The meeting includes discussions on several personnel matters, including staff resignations and new position openings, as well as a proposed purchase of a zero turn mower.
- Permit request for 7th Avenue Heritage Festival and Parade
- Permit request for Downtown Art Walk on Main Street and Fifth Street
- Payment of $1,061.00 for impaired driving enforcement training
- Payment of $1,350.00 to BAM for Sandfield Cemetery landscaping
- Payment of $1,575.00 to J & S Construction for stone removal from Friendship Cemetery
City Council
The City Council will consider several construction bids, grant applications, and budget amendments. The agenda includes discussions on airport hangar funding, road paving, and various community event permits.
- Award of $203,700.00 to Weathers Construction for Trotter Conv. Center ADA ramp and street improvements
- Award of $31,985.00 to Hannon, LLC for Trotter Conv. Center courtyard concrete replacement
- Acceptance of a $600,000.00 MDOT Multimodal Grant for a new hangar at CLCA
- Approval of up to $95,000 in Columbus Main Street Capital Improvement Matching Funds
- Discussion of declaring Fire Station No. 4 on Airline Road as surplus for sale
City Council
The Columbus City Council will consider a resolution to increase garbage and rubbish collection fees. The council will also discuss a $3,000,000 loan from the Mississippi Development Bank for recreation and entertainment. Other items include payments for airport taxiway construction and various municipal training expenses.
- Resolution to increase fees for garbage and rubbish pickup and disposal services
- $3,000,000 loan agreement from the Mississippi Development Bank
- $548,098.33 payment for the Columbus-Lowndes County Airport Taxiway Project
- $201,698.55 tourism tax payment to Lowndes County and others
- Ordinance amendment regarding alcohol consumption in Downtown and Queen City Districts
City Council
The Columbus City Council will consider hiring a police officer and a forensic scientist trainee. The meeting also includes discussions on awarding a bid for two knuckle boom trucks and resolving a debt issuance protest. Additionally, the council will address board vacancies and rental fee refunds for the Trotter Convention Center.
- Hiring of one Certified Police Officer and one Forensic Scientist Trainee
- Bid award for two Knuckle Boom Trucks via reverse auction
- $1,550 refunds for Trotter Convention Center rentals due to HVAC defect
- $2,199.36 in travel expenses for Councilman Pierre Beard's conference attendance
- Resolution regarding the sufficiency of a protest to debt issuance
City Council
The Columbus City Council will discuss several personnel hires, including police officers and laborers. The agenda includes a $150,000 federal grant for airport taxiway rehabilitation and funding for the Seventh Avenue Heritage Fest. Additionally, the council will review various monthly department reports and drainage improvement bids.
- $150,000 FAA grant offer for CLCA Taxiway Pavement Rehabilitation project
- $15,000 funding request for Seventh Avenue Heritage Fest
- Hiring of three police officers and five laborers
- Purchase of a 60-inch mower for $13,025.00
- Repairs at 1103 19th Street North in the amount of $225.00
City Council
The council will discuss a grant application for safe streets and roads and an amendment to the Gilmer Inn Property agreement. The agenda also includes fire department promotions and updates to the city's nepotism policy.
- $10,099.24 payment for airport fuel farm tank replacement
- Safe Streets and Roads For All Grant Application
- Fire department promotions for three Engineers and one Chief of Training
- Amendment to Gilmer Inn Property sale/purchase agreement
- Adoption of the State of Mississippi's Nepotism Policy
City Council
The Columbus City Council will review several infrastructure and grant-related items. This includes a large payment request for Pier 2 repairs and funding for roadway improvements on 5th Street North. The council will also discuss selecting a new trash collection vendor and hiring a firm for an annexation study.
- $322,107.21 pay request from Malouf Construction for Pier 2 repair and replacement
- $20,250 for roadway improvements on 5th Street North near Chick-Fil-A
- Acceptance of BJA JAG Grant to purchase a Gray Key for the Forensic Lab for $12,000
- Permit request for 'Let's Flamingle Downtown/Music Concert' on July 22, 2023
- Selection of a new trash collection vendor
City Council
The Columbus City Council will meet on June 6, 2023, to discuss several policy items including an annexation study and police department agreements. The agenda also includes approving various travel expenses for city staff and a contract for bypass cutting. Additionally, the council will address board vacancies and recognize a local resident.
- Awarding bypass cutting bid to S & S Landscaping & Nursery, LLC for $74,997.20
- Purchase of used fitness equipment from Fitness Time for $12,000.00
- Hiring Bridge & Watson for an annexation and redistricting study
- Resolution authorizing unmarked police vehicles
- Approval of travel expenses for city staff
City Council
The council will consider awarding a contract for 15th Street North drainage improvements and a change order for airport pavement rehabilitation. The agenda also includes proposals to hire new firefighters, police officers, and technicians. Additionally, the council will review various departmental monthly reports.
- $124,850 award for 15th Street North Drainage Improvements
- $5,823.32 change order for Columbus-Lowndes County Airport Terminal Pavement Rehabilitation
- Proposals to hire three entry-level firefighters and two police officers
- Approval of training expenses for Fire and Rescue personnel
- Permit requests for the Kiwanis Club Memorial Day 5K and a crawfish charity boil
City Council
The Columbus City Council will consider several infrastructure and equipment contracts. This includes paving on 5th Street North and landscaping improvements on Highway 45. The council will also discuss using grant funds to purchase a new fire truck.
- Purchase of Rosenbauer Aerial Apparatus for $817,364 using grant and rebate funds
- Awarding the 5th Street North paving project to Gregory Companies LLC for $20,250
- Bypass cutting bid award to S & S Landscaping & Nursery, LLC for $74,997.20
- Hwy 45 Landscaping Improvement Bid award to Evergreen Landscaping for $68,000
- Purchase of radars from Stalker Radar for $30,487.50
City Council
The Columbus City Council will review department reports, personnel changes, and various permit requests. The agenda includes discussing maintenance contracts for Highway 82 and Highway 45 and addressing city job vacancies.
- $16,000 tuition and clothing allowances for four Columbus Police Department officers
- $3,827.00 payment to BAM for landscaping at Friendship Cemetery
- Contracts for Highway 82 Right of Way maintenance and Highway 45 landscaping improvements
- $10,000 appropriation request for the Blaze Morale Fund - Golden Triangle Development LINK
- Request for proposals for an Environmental Review for the Blight Elimination Program
City Council
The council will consider proposals to hire four entry-level police officers and various staff members. The agenda also includes discussions on drainage cleaning along HWY 69 and the use of ARPA funds for subbasin maintenance. Additionally, the council will review training and travel expenses for fire and police personnel.
- Proposal to hire four entry-level police officers
- Discussion of drainage cleaning along HWY 69 and near MUW/15th Street
- Approval of training and travel expenses for Fire and Rescue and CPD personnel
- Proposal to name the Columbus Lowndes County Airport Terminal after Lt. Col. Alva Temple
- Proposed pay increases for seasonal Parks & Recreation workers
City Council
The Columbus City Council will review monthly reports and approve several event permits. The council will also consider personnel changes, including requests to hire new laborers and firefighters.
- Approval of permits for "Catfish in the Alley" and "Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Parade"
- Request to hire three Public Works laborers at $12.50 per hour
- Request to hire two entry-level firefighters
- Discussion regarding the Derelict Property Docket
- Approval of Fire and Rescue training and travel expenses
City Council
The Columbus City Council will consider several items including personnel changes and training expenses for fire personnel. The agenda also includes discussions regarding property donations, drainage improvements, and a change in the procurement process for radios.
- $1,020.00 change order for CLCA Jet-A Fuel Tank Replacement project
- Rescinding Motorola radio lease purchase approval to pursue a reverse auction
- Donation of property to Golden Triangle Regional Homeless Coalition, Inc.
- Approval of training expenses totaling $3,055.00 for Fire and Rescue personnel
- Drainage improvements for 82 to 14th Ave/Moss Street (Brickyard)
City Council
The City Council will consider an ordinance to prohibit the possession and sale of Tianeptine and related products. The agenda also includes requests to hire new laborers and crew leaders, as well as a study regarding annexation and redistricting. Additionally, the council will review various personnel training expenses and permit requests.
- Ordinance prohibiting the use, purchase, or sale of Tianeptine and related products
- Request to hire one laborer at $12.50 per hour and two crew leaders at $13.00 per hour
- Annexation and redistricting study by Golden Triangle Planning and Development District, Inc.
- Permit request for the 27th Annual Market Street Festival
- Travel and registration expenses for Fire and Rescue personnel totaling $1,265.00
City Council
The council will consider a new flood damage prevention ordinance and contracts for Beech Street drainage improvements. The agenda also includes requests for festival funding and police training expenses. Additionally, several board vacancies and permit requests are scheduled for review.
- $15,000 funding request for the Annual Juneteenth Festival
- Approval of the 2023 Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance
- Contracts for Beech Street Drainage Improvements
- $4,200 for police investigator training in Tupelo, MS
- Permit for a 'St. Patrick's Day Pawty' at Zachary's Restaurant
City Council
The City Council will discuss the Mayor's veto of a previous decision to cancel a contract with Waggoner Engineering. The meeting also includes executive sessions for personnel matters and pending litigation.
- Discussion of Mayor's veto on Waggoner Engineering contract cancellation
- Executive session regarding three personnel matters
- Executive session regarding pending litigation
City Council
The Columbus City Council will meet to discuss a $122,000 drainage maintenance task order and funding for the Townsend Park Blues-Southside Festival. The agenda also includes discussions on policy amendments, personnel hiring, and departmental travel requests.
- $122,000 task order for Northside and Brickyard drainage maintenance
- $15,000 funding request for Townsend Park Blues-Southside Festival
- $5,470.54 change order for CLCA Jet-A Fuel Tank Replacement project
- $141.97 monthly electricity increase for 7th Avenue North lighting upgrades
City Council
The Columbus City Council will review the derelict property docket and address several board vacancies. The agenda includes approving training and travel costs for police, fire, and code enforcement personnel. The council will also consider hiring six lateral transfers.
- Approval of $3,930 for Fire Department conference and travel
- Approval of $900 for forensic scientists training
- Approval of $512.50 for Code Enforcement Director travel
- Request to hire six lateral transfers
- Discussion regarding the derelict property docket