[{"_1":2,"_134":-5,"_135":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98,110,122],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6469614,"mediaKeyId","5780706-f47ad7e863e35c52fa168e6c94b6afb8","parentId",5780706,"title","Votes at a glance: key Columbus City Council actions, Sept. 16, 2025","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",1321000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5780706-f47ad7e863e35c52fa168e6c94b6afb8&start=1321&end=1321","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5780706-f47ad7e863e35c52fa168e6c94b6afb8/thumbnail_1321000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6469614/Columbus/Muscogee-County/Georgia/Votes-at-a-glance-key-Columbus-City-Council-actions-Sept-16-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6469614-ef24b555bf28baa9d00ff027b5c33d25/orig.mp4?Expires=1774886722&Signature=VFmru~BjWa~kBiYCen~u~p4nI2psjkeKXBjmgZoRRJ3McY4DzGinEf5nJ0sRT5r1Gv1eGVdZx-6KWhrZ2QFJuMuqZrKH0bTmf1646eHkzkzLzmh3fluvKElhH5LjlcMUJ2pkO0BHln~Zsmivzcf-DvPdLjqRcu0mGnayU6qwUsMBxslNmXJG4kRV4D5Npf9Qv8vuVBpFfPARUfm0eqGQvtOWorHyVKNsFDQDWwgJW-B2Azo1Asd2jJPh42RpittG8k3~7c~xMsalPOb4e0aL~EXqkdRRa3oUN8jcsjh9ieGlpy-Ha9thH7yvsFUXRboO17j6i-NpAV4VoKWEgOaBzg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Columbus","date","2025-09-16T19:39:52Z","article","The Columbus City Council on Sept. 16 took action on multiple agenda items. Below is a concise list of recorded motions, council dispositions and immediate follow-up items as recorded on the public record.

Votes and outcomes

- Authorize internal audit of the Office of Crime Prevention: approved (motion to authorize audit; mayor's agenda). See staff agenda segment.
- Rezoning: increase in units at 9101 Lincoln Road (Midland Downs): approved (council vote recorded at first reading).
- Street map correction (Debutante Drive): approved.
- Court pay increase: approved.
- Solar permit/inspection fee ordinance (new permit type and $325 total fee): discussed; staff to bring for vote next week (not approved on Sept. 16).
- Demolition ordinance package: one property (Carmel Court) removed after sale; council required a letter of intent from the owner of 3407 Victory Drive and kept remaining properties on the demolition list pending documentation.
- Zoning special exception (7701 River Road, Church of the Highlands): approved with 22 conditions.
- FAA grant for Taxiway D improvements at the airport: approved.
- Temporary use permit extension for Austiville Acres (fall market): approved.
- HAZMAT response fund grant ($1,567.35): approved.
- Donations and grants: Sleep Center mattress donation (mattresses for Fire/EMS stations, value cited), Columbus Kennel Club donation ($5,000 for K-9), International Paper grant application for robot funding: approved where noted.
- Purchases and contract extensions: multiple departmental purchases and two contract extensions (course instructors and banking services extension with Synovus) were approved; banking-services extension runs through June 30, 2026.
- Settlement: the council approved settlement of Linda Kathleen Borham v. Sheriff & City (US District Court) in the amount of $17,500.
- CVB contract extension: council voted to delay consideration to Oct. 14 to allow further review under new CVB leadership.

Next steps and follow-ups

Staff and applicants were assigned follow-up tasks listed on the record (e.g., demolition documentation, CVB materials for Oct. 14, HR evaluation proposal for late October, inspections portal outreach in October). Second readings and further votes were scheduled where ordinance language or further documentation is required.

The council’s actions included both routine administrative approvals and several items that require additional staff follow-up; items scheduled for a subsequent meeting will return as listed on the agenda.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Columbus Ga City Council Meeting 09-16-2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council approved multiple routine and substantive items, delayed one contract extension and set follow-up steps; this roundup lists each action and outcome recorded during the meeting.","taxTitle","Columbus, Muscogee County, Georgia","taxId",4892,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6469619,"Council asks HR to develop standard employee-evaluation program after public complaint about responsiveness",2997,3417000,6414000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5780706-f47ad7e863e35c52fa168e6c94b6afb8&start=3417&end=6414","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5780706-f47ad7e863e35c52fa168e6c94b6afb8/thumbnail_3417000.jpg","/articles/6469619/Columbus/Muscogee-County/Georgia/Council-asks-HR-to-develop-standard-employee-evaluation-program-after-public-complaint-about-responsiveness","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6469619-adbb7d98f01be361495ef5d4abc37bcb/orig.mp4?Expires=1774886722&Signature=X9JQ18LcNtU4mlz4u2Yow6huQPPX1LZXm2R9v65SBhiLuuLPwW0XIoj5aJzcTyKE8aGVAy~VM-xLJJ2ditug1YX18SI1ZEkbaN02mDVisC8rIGJzUo~3ji-qC~WDKktdepMBKkJtp4oJW4f-GAwVefwh~PYjunKDpTVT~jvqXW12KxDRB4bjanTnLm2WisMPz~ZBXTPdVaAUJ-53QMHYX09L6AnrQyVfiMA~Z7efAj25HbBvWbopCR9yzwNLuzcY-qhTCDhTeovJDzCTe7twBI73cnR6TE~XV2UDWG6Ya38I8mpoet6uwmw0bo6MZ2QvLmVTKexxtfgYNzwuxCa52w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A public speaker on Sept. 16 urged the Columbus City Council to require measurable performance evaluations for city employees to improve accountability and responsiveness. Dr. Natalie Nicole, who identified herself as a local school and business leader, said she experienced unanswered calls and asked whether city employees receive performance standards and formal appraisals.

Deputy City Manager Danielle Hodge and HR staff said the city maintains an evaluation process that departments may use but that a formal, standardized annual evaluation is not currently mandatory for every department. Councilors responded by directing HR to prepare a proposal for a consistent, citywide evaluation policy. Several council members said the policy should include annual goal-setting, midyear check-ins and year-end reviews and asked HR to consider two-way feedback such as 360-degree reviews for managers.

Councilor Byron Hickey said departments should not be able to make evaluations optional; Councilor Kogel suggested adding a mechanism for employees to evaluate directors and for the HRIS system to support performance-management features. City staff agreed to return with a recommended policy or update and a description of the HR information system functionality at an upcoming work session.

Deputy Manager Hodge emphasized that employees are held accountable under existing processes but acknowledged council’s interest in a uniform form and training. Council asked staff to report back with proposed timelines and implementation steps.","After a resident complained about poor responsiveness from city staff, council directed the city HR department to develop a standardized, citywide employee evaluation process and report back with options, including two-way feedback.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6469623,"Council delays vote on CVB contract extension to allow review under new leadership",275,5191000,5466000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5780706-f47ad7e863e35c52fa168e6c94b6afb8&start=5191&end=5466","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5780706-f47ad7e863e35c52fa168e6c94b6afb8/thumbnail_5191000.jpg","/articles/6469623/Columbus/Muscogee-County/Georgia/Council-delays-vote-on-CVB-contract-extension-to-allow-review-under-new-leadership","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6469623-5150d39de3733c44c6253f00ef3b6940/orig.mp4?Expires=1774886722&Signature=c2Mab2MjvvoTH67NMAE1~kSdFd6EChi6SeqYtE1zaPlA~5c9LuH6TGS1GdJZjefiNdQ~CwjqFqr181a3tJdvD80yvMPLZv7fRXcqnxpQeRXGjtvtuZc3mmrAGKxeZ31AbVtdAm1pdf9oa3FNURl404hd6LEBcAiDG7YzOiowMh-VyE3LIpZSRoxRt1l-XzmudeGT8XgTfY4Tvx4sQZ6e8Ec143JwTFhgjLbuqZ0cOzS2FS66JG333u3myQcjb8RKNwr2T0NNpNdJwbHPRgv1q2bCr-AQazAqkY1~CAQh7H6bFEwzhxIPSuIqgo1tcqyJVJl2f94qQYLWVGGGJHhCpQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Columbus City Council on Sept. 16 voted to delay action on a contract extension with the Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) so members could review the agreement under new local leadership.

Councilor Chambers moved to postpone the extension to allow time for council review and possible modest amendments; Councilor Crabbe seconded. The contract, in place since 2009 and previously extended, governs the city’s contract with the CVB for destination marketing funded by hotel-motel tax revenues. Pace Halter, the CVB board chair, and Ashley (CVB leadership) were in the chamber; Halter told council the board was open to review and that the organization would provide statistics and materials to inform council’s review.

Councilors said they appreciated new CVB leadership and wanted to align the extension with current goals and hotel-tax revenues following recent hotel pipeline growth. Council asked for budget and financial statements and for CVB leadership to present a brief plan for the bureau’s priorities. The council set a target to return the item to the Oct. 14 council meeting to avoid missing the contract deadline.

Council deferred final action so staff and the CVB could meet and present any proposed contract adjustments and performance materials to the full council.","Councilors voted to delay a proposed extension of the contract with the Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau and requested a short review and presentation before final approval.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_46":104,"_48":105,"_50":106,"_52":107,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":108,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":109,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6469628,"Columbus launches online permitting portal; state building code update to take effect Jan. 1, 2026",549,9026000,9575000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5780706-f47ad7e863e35c52fa168e6c94b6afb8&start=9026&end=9575","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5780706-f47ad7e863e35c52fa168e6c94b6afb8/thumbnail_9026000.jpg","/articles/6469628/Columbus/Muscogee-County/Georgia/Columbus-launches-online-permitting-portal-state-building-code-update-to-take-effect-Jan-1-2026","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6469628-f553664cb333bba420c979437f960826/orig.mp4?Expires=1774886722&Signature=AZHk7kqb~xV2-DGvjCohgj7uvUdK7fJHnFZ0QkZgAmWEbQ7KnKXiWSEN1wJhMrwZS4QYs1vMjcNBTFSKuHcjQ17uMd~UCQOujkZY~ozICZ4CqHVLNhwa~e8aWoii2OLrgWCHV-RkWul5ZMb0z-Oe64-QEHWYEUnpOVIZ2ALYjEEzu9EsZHLBv8plZkAv7UE3Zk2pE7NYIPm2f928aFwA21I2TnCPX0F4~LmsDtch56ZTKRI4Kt7OAaJSRo8Steq3~osgNkgE~lIaorrGtaHNMMRSTsfEjm5TR0YGkysbNTyxythft2DI-~ItHyYVK9L0CZGFc5X9sd5tH7TqsEcV6g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Columbus’ Inspections and Codes department demonstrated a new civic-access online portal on Sept. 16 and told the City Council it will move many permit types entirely online by early 2026. The city also briefed council on the state’s six-year construction code update; Columbus will adopt Georgia’s 2024 codes effective Jan. 1, 2026.

Director Ryan Pruitt presented trends showing the city averaged several hundred million dollars in construction valuation per year. He said the portal streamlines plan submission and payment and reduces costs for applicants who previously printed large plan sets. The department is keeping both electronic and paper submissions available in the near term but intends to transition many permit types to online-only by Jan. 1.

Pruitt showed a short walkthrough of applying for an electrical-service change online: users create an account, select a permit type, upload license and ID documentation, answer a brief form and submit. The portal creates permit fees automatically for staff review; once fees are paid the permit becomes active. The department plans outreach and training sessions for trade groups and builders in October.

Pruitt said staff are also working to add short-term rental permits and certificate-of-occupancy renewals to the portal. On code changes, he said Georgia’s update occurs every six years; Columbus currently operates under the 2018 code and will switch to the 2024 code on Jan. 1, 2026. Pruitt told council the 2024 update contains incremental changes and staff are coordinating with the Home Builders Association and other stakeholders.

On code enforcement, Pruitt reported the department is actively following up on 906 businesses that had not renewed business licenses; inspections and code staff had visited 373 of those as of the update, with 178 brought into compliance and 59 confirmed out of business.

Council members encouraged continued outreach to trades and homeowners and asked staff to return with details on any implementation timelines and training.","The city’s Inspections & Codes department unveiled a self-service permitting portal and notified council that the state’s 2024 building codes will be adopted for local permitting beginning Jan. 1, 2026.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_46":116,"_48":117,"_50":118,"_52":119,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":120,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":121,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6469633,"Council approves Church of the Highlands special exception at River Road with extensive conditions",300,5194000,5494000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5780706-f47ad7e863e35c52fa168e6c94b6afb8&start=5194&end=5494","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5780706-f47ad7e863e35c52fa168e6c94b6afb8/thumbnail_5194000.jpg","/articles/6469633/Columbus/Muscogee-County/Georgia/Council-approves-Church-of-the-Highlands-special-exception-at-River-Road-with-extensive-conditions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6469633-76506a8df3bf46ce21046096c8fb3ddb/orig.mp4?Expires=1774886722&Signature=j~R1SkMU2A2RfM4mL2xjlwMO11z7Tbdx1dP6fn2jpZwRN5a6xMUv6XdAOXr7IIjGnQ4aKUXLkxFS-uVKBmNyDvPlSACdyKk5g9fwFbxWKVJoxKMYbNy7L64NYTuW377jggf7c-nhc61imC9kfFmQhEApIfsVaINYd6vpW3DdJXJ0G6iyfpIHS3F4~E-Zriablzs~FD08keiXfXhQAEf9UPPpeUg3zPEJxSHs-PvBuuD-tL15TAj8PRUUXaM2G9JNNIi~7yQz56ebPy0BUcEAwOh36PEd-NDnzQvmrzdAQPUHpBcLtmorHKnyzbW4nYSRb5yuUY~ZcHs4lKpfYvywtw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Columbus City Council on Sept. 16 approved a special-exception permit allowing a Church of the Highlands facility at 7701 River Road, with 22 conditions attached to the approval.

Councilor Lehi Davis, who led the item, told council the church’s proposed addition would add roughly 750 seats and therefore required a special exception under city zoning rules. He said the church and adjacent property owners had worked through matters including landscaping and site design and that he supported the application because the applicant had committed to substantial mitigations.

Church representative Bruce Adams and developer Wright Wade attended the meeting and told council they had negotiated conditions with staff and nearby landowners; council members praised the parties for working together. Council members noted the site’s proximity to the city landfill and existing commercial uses, and Davis said the project resembled a planned development given the level of conditions the applicant agreed to.

Council voted to approve the special exception. The council did not read all 22 conditions into the public record during the meeting, but councilors described them as including upgraded landscaping, canopy tree plantings and other site-design commitments intended to reduce impacts on adjacent properties.

Councilor Davis said he had spoken with surrounding property owners who expressed concerns but had reached agreements with the church and developer. Pace Halter, chair of the Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau, was present later in the meeting and thanked council for their attention to several city contracts, but was not involved in this zoning matter.

The approval requires the applicant to comply with the 22 conditions as a part of the development approval; staff will monitor compliance through subsequent permitting.","The Columbus City Council granted a special-exception permit for a large Church of the Highlands campus at 7701 River Road, approving the request with 22 conditions after councilors and the applicant negotiated mitigation measures.",{"_33":123,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":124,"_41":125,"_43":126,"_45":127,"_46":128,"_48":129,"_50":130,"_52":131,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":132,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":133,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6469638,"Columbus council keeps multiple derelict properties on demolition list, requires owner letter of intent for one site",2783,1996000,4779000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5780706-f47ad7e863e35c52fa168e6c94b6afb8&start=1996&end=4779","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5780706-f47ad7e863e35c52fa168e6c94b6afb8/thumbnail_1996000.jpg","/articles/6469638/Columbus/Muscogee-County/Georgia/Columbus-council-keeps-multiple-derelict-properties-on-demolition-list-requires-owner-letter-of-intent-for-one-site","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6469638-727b8f366edda5a251a237895760ed24/orig.mp4?Expires=1774886722&Signature=WZQBuA~1qCO97MefcUomldSGqnCkvFCx5HHh5iGFUxNyAh8~Cx4BtqRII6oCExi0KwPvNBn6VEQSIQ1X~xsj5jOLv9aCU~JZkLl~rElLDDRkvUZP3S-tVjVNDmVbbs3jyZMQunzyNV0LUyTAJkrxQu6PNXbPXMpEoVjvBumSb4PPyHWCmaShYXQIAITyGCRofPsWS7gc9qfDAY9lYC2-Wrtg5w7Ydk-Wa2HzNC0BdahpDdhshqIhiThE9uu09fwxBxcMdGE76dP-433h1~yOewEPhjT7Dlg9JRNNdvm-4IbQcRcIfjYX65yn54C7hJ61ixnTTIMyz6mOzb19~ANIWg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Columbus City Council on Sept. 16 reviewed a multi-property demolition ordinance and heard owners and heirs on several sites the city says are blighted or unsafe.

Council members heard from property owners and heirs on at least four parcels and voted to require a written letter of intent from the owner of 3407 Victory Drive before the council’s second-reading vote next week. Council also removed one property from the current list after staff learned it had been sold.

The action followed a staff presentation that identified eight properties for the demolition ordinance. At the hearing, Ricky Johnson, who identified himself as owner of the Victory Drive property, said a prior fire had left the building unsafe and that he had bank funding that would allow demolition in early January. Johnson asked the council for time to demolish the structure himself; he said he expected to have funds available Jan. 1 and that demolition would take “a day and a half.” Council members asked for a written timeline and documentation of funding and directed staff to work with Johnson to place his property near the end of the city’s demolition schedule so he could act before the city proceeds.

Councilor B.H. Giff Henderson III, mayor pro tem and other members emphasized that the demolition process is intended to remove safety hazards and that property owners who demonstrate steady progress and funding may avoid city-funded demolition. Director Ryan Pruitt, who leads inspections and codes, told council the department would work with owners who show active permits or contracts; if owners cease progress, the city will resume its enforcement timetable.

Council also heard from heirs and an occupant regarding 2928 Tenth Street; Audrey Holston Palmore, an heir, said the property is an heir property and asked the city to identify which other named heirs the city has contacted. Director Pruitt responded that after probate the property had been transferred to heirs and that city notices followed court records and the deed’s primary mailing address.

Council approved a motion requiring a letter of intent for the Victory Drive owner and voted to keep the other listed properties on the demolition schedule pending receipt of documentation or progress. Mayor Skip Henderson noted the city’s goal is to remove hazards while working with property owners when possible.

The council’s deliberations also included a summary of the city’s demolition criteria and process: structures become eligible if repair costs exceed 50% of assessed value; staff runs title and probate research to notify heirs; there is an administrative hearing before a case is brought to council; and the city places liens for any demolition or abatement costs it performs.

Councilors repeatedly urged owners who receive temporary forbearance to secure and maintain sites (grass-cutting, securing openings) while proceeding toward repair or demolition. Director Pruitt said the city had capacity to demolish roughly 30 properties per year at current funding levels and that the demolition list is rolling, with roughly 50–60 properties added and removed annually.

The council’s votes will be revisited at second reading next week for properties requiring action; staff asked property owners to provide documentation of funding, contractor agreements or active permits to avoid city action.","The Columbus City Council reviewed a package of demolition cases and kept seven properties on the formal demolition list, approved a procedural requirement for one owner and removed one property from the list after a transfer of ownership.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: key Columbus City Council actions, Sept. 16, 2025

Council asks HR to develop standard employee-evaluation program after public complaint about responsiveness

Council delays vote on CVB contract extension to allow review under new leadership

Columbus launches online permitting portal; state building code update to take effect Jan. 1, 2026

Council approves Church of the Highlands special exception at River Road with extensive conditions

Columbus council keeps multiple derelict properties on demolition list, requires owner letter of intent for one site