4/15/2024 Meeting Preview
You’ll see below the agenda highlights for our second meeting in April. I’ve added information from the council agenda memos and background on items that may be of particular interest. You can watch the meeting on the city’s Facebook or YouTube pages. Our meetings are on the first and third Mondays of the month. Workshop session begins at 6:00 pm; regular session begins at 7:30 pm; executive session takes place at the conclusion of the regular session.
You can access the full agenda packets here.
We welcome your attendance at our meetings and public comment is available near the start of the meeting, before any actions are taken. You can sign up to speak if you’re at the meeting in person, or you can submit an e-mail with your name, address, and comment or remark to pcomment@collegeparkga.com no later than 7:30 pm on April 15, 2024. The City Clerk will read your name, address and comment into the official record. If you have feedback for Mayor and Council directly, you can e-mail us.
WORKSHOP SESSION
1. Presentation of Insurance Brokers
From staff: The City’s current Broker, NFP, did not bid on the solicitation. However, after thorough vetting, the following groups have been identified as capable and meeting all requirements set forth by the City:
· Mercer Health & Benefits Group
These groups were evaluated based on their experience, service offerings, cost efficiency, and their ability to provide comprehensive support and education to our employees.
Summary of Bids Received
Company Name/Bid Amount/Notes
Gelin Benefits Group/$80,000.00
Mercer Health & Benefits/$60,000.00
MSI Benefits Group, Inc./$70,000.00/10%-20% Commission
The only information about the brokers in the packet is a three-page overview from MSI Benefits group about the services they provide. I look forward to hearing from all three companies and learning more about their services.
2. Presentation from Jeremy Salley (Partner/Founder of Bridge Gap Sports) to host a Caribbean Diaspora Trial at Badgett Stadium on May 18 - 19.
From staff: The Caribbean Diaspora Trial is a two-day event held in collaboration with the FIFAaffiliated Caribbean Football Union (CFU). We expect approximately 300 Boys and Girls (150 per day) aged 13-16 to participate. Approximately 31 nations from the Caribbean are expected to have representation for evaluating the boys and girls for their national teams. These kids will be youth soccer players of Caribbean descent who will be eligible to represent their family's home nation in FIFA-Level International Youth Competitions. Particularly, the upcoming CONCACAF Under-15's Boys and Girls tournaments. We will have professional soccer coaches on staff for instruction. This event is also meant to be a catalyst for cultivating a working relationship between the City of College Park and the CFU along with other global soccer stakeholders in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in which the state of Georgia will be a participant.
There is an indication that this event will come at no cost to the city. I have some questions about the need for additional public safety and public works services with 150 participants each day and any spectators who might attend.
3. Discussion on Special Committee Ordinance
Our current ordinance reads:
(a) Special committees may be established by the mayor, subject to the approval of a majority of the council.
(b) Committee members shall be appointed by the mayor, subject to the approval of a majority of the council.
(c) On final report of any special committee or at any time the mayor and counsel determines that the purpose of the committee has been accomplished, any special committee so appointed, shall be deemed dissolved and disbanded.
The proposed changes would read as follows:
(a) Special committees may be established by the mayor or by any member of the council, subject to the approval of a majority of the council.
(b) For all special committees so established, one committee member shall be appointed by the mayor, and one committee member shall be appointed by each member of the council. All appointments shall be subject to the approval of a majority of the council. The mayor and one member of the council shall serve on all special committees as non-voting, ex officio members.
(c) On final report of any special committee or at any time the mayor and council determine that the purpose of the committee has been accomplished, any special committee so appointed, shall be deemed dissolved and disbanded.
4. Discussion on Special Meetings Ordinance
Our current ordinance reads:
Special meetings of the mayor and council may be called by the mayor whenever in such official's discretion the exigencies of the case shall require such meetings. Special meetings shall be called by the mayor whenever a majority of the members of the council request same.
The proposed changes would read as follows:
Special meetings of the mayor and council may be called either (1) by the mayor whenever in such official's discretion the exigencies of the case shall require such meetings; or (2) by three members of city council whenever they request same.
5. Discussion on Planning Commission Ordinance
Our current ordinance reads:
Appointments. The planning commission shall consist of five (5) members appointed by the mayor and council. Four (4) members shall be appointed for each respective ward and one (1) member will be an at large appointment. Each council member shall nominate one (1) person to serve on the planning commission as the representative from his or her ward. The mayor shall nominate one (1) person for at large appointment. Such nominations shall be made in February, following installation of new members of the city governing body, and shall be made by the newly constituted governing body. Each nomination shall be voted upon by the entire governing body. A majority of the members shall be citizens who held no other public office in the city, except that one (1) member may be a member of the board of zoning appeals.
The proposed change would read as follows:
Appointments. The planning commission shall consist of five (5) members appointed by the mayor and council. Four (4) members shall be appointed for each respective ward and one (1) member will be an at large appointment. Each council member shall nominate one (1) person to serve on the planning commission as the representative from his or her ward. The mayor shall nominate one (1) person for at large appointment. Such nominations shall be made in January, following installation of new members of the city governing body, and shall be made by the newly constituted governing body. Each nomination shall be voted upon by the entire governing body. A majority of the members shall be citizens who held no other public office in the city, except that one (1) member may be a member of the board of zoning appeals.
REGULAR SESSION
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7. Public Hearing
A. Motion to Set Public Hearing on May 6, 2024 for the rezoning of 8 parcels on Herschel Road from R1 to RM for an affordable senior apartment complex with 98 units. This is a request from City Planner Deborah Rogoff-Ezra. This item is located in Ward 4.
From staff:
City Planner recommended approval of the rezoning with the following conditions:
1. A final plat will be required to combine the eight parcels.
2. The development shall be conditioned to the submitted site plan and restricted to providing a maximum of 98 apartment units on the parcel.
3. All necessary variances must be approved by the College Park Board of Zoning & Appeals.
The Planning Commission recommended denial of the project. This is just to set the date for the public hearing.
8. Other Business
A. Consideration of and action on a request from Historic College Park Neighborhood Association to host "Historic College Park 2nd Annual Neighborhood Block Party" on June 1, 2024 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Barrett Park. This event will be held in Ward 1.
From staff: A continuing event from last year, the Historic College Park Annual Neighborhood Block Party but will not take place on any residential lots. Requester is asking to rent Barrett Park, permit inflatables/bounce house, and permission to promote events via flyers and yard signs. This is not a budgeted item but the event organizer will be required to obtain off-duty officers to help with crowd control, etc.
Staff recommends approval.
B. Consideration of and action on a request from Southern Heritage Financial Group to host "Black Wall Street Black Business Expo" on May 31, 2024 and June 1, 2024 at multiple location in the city. This event will be held in Ward 1 & 2.
From staff:
The Black Wall Street Business Expo is an event to commemorate and pay homage to African American heritage. The event will kick off June 1, 2024, in Atlanta, from 12P - 8P ET. The event will host black-owned vendor shopping and a panel discussion that will include some key people who have reimagined ways of building financial wealth in the black community and circulating the black dollar. The Financial Literacy Institute, Inc. (TFLI) has brought the Black Wall Street Expo to the community for over three years, showcasing excellence and economic empowerment within Black-owned businesses. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, TFLI delivers year-round programs, events, and high-quality financial education courses to underserved communities, offering flexibility, accessibility, and affordability to empower individuals striving for financial health and better lives. This is not a budgeted item but the event organizer will be required to obtain off-duty officers to help with crowd control, etc.
Staff recommends approval. The event organizer has requested in-kind support from the City of College Park of approximately $5,880. There was discussion at our last meeting regarding additional financial support from the City in the form of a corporate sponsorship, but that has yet to be determined.
C. Consideration of and action on a request from Jeremy Salley (Partner/Founder of Bridge Gap Sports) to host a Caribbean Diaspora Trial at Badgett Stadium on May 18th and 19th, 2024. This event will be held in Ward 1.
See above.
D. Consideration of and action on the approval of a professional services agreement for the purpose of providing Broker Services for employee health benefits service to authorize the Mayor and Council to execute all documents necessary to facilitate the award and establish a Broker of Record. This request is from Employee Benefits & Risk Administrator Christa Gilbert.
See above.
E. Consideration of and action on a request for approval of the revised Mayor and Council Departmental Budget Meeting Schedule for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 as well as an opportunity for general policy direction by elected leadership. See attached revised Departmental Budget Meeting Schedule for Fiscal Year 2024- 2025. This item is requested by Director of Finance, Althea Philord-Bradley.
Last week we were scheduled to begin our budget hearings for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. My colleagues were concerned they and the public had not had ample time to review the budget prior to the hearing. As a result we postponed the two hearings scheduled for last week and will begin Tuesday, April 16th at 6:30 pm. You can see the proposed schedule here. Please note the hearings are being moved to the GICC in Boardroom 1.
F. Consideration of and action on a request for the approval of the disbursement of the Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia (MEAG Power) 2023 Year-End Settlement (YES) refund in the amount of $1,792.919. This request is from Power Director Hugh Richardson.
From staff: The purpose is to receive approval of the recommended disbursement of year-end settlement refund due to the City of College Park from Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia power projects. Annually, MEAG Power provides each participant with an annual budget that identifies the next calendar year's forecasted operating costs and debt service requirements. At the end of each year, MEAG Power compares the aggregate amounts billed to the participants to the actual cost amounts through the year-end settlement process. Any over recovery of funds from MEAG Power Projects is refunded to the participant.
The City elected last year to deposit $414,264 into the trust fund. Prior to 2021, the YES was mainly credited to the monthly power bill from MEAG with the exceptions of 2014 and 2017 when the YES was deposited into the Municipal Competitive Trust (MCT) Fund - Flexible Operating Account Short Term Portfolio, and a partial deposit in 2013. The deposits were made to hold in reserve to help offset power costs and avoid power cost adjustments after the Municipal Competitive Trust Fund - Restricted Account was depleted in 2018.
Staff recommends depositing $1,792,919 into the MCT Fund - Flexible Operating Account Short Term Portfolio, which should help stabilize energy costs for College Park Power customers.
G. Consideration of and action on a request to approve the annual public safety services contract with Axon Enterprise Incorporation in the amount of $371,411.12 This is a request from Chief of Police Connie Rogers. This will service all Wards. This is a budgeted item.
From staff: Axon Enterprise Incorporation is a manufacturer of conducted electrical weapons. The company provides sensory hardware such as on body cameras, fleet-in-car video systems, and computer-aided dispatch software. It also provides an evidence-connected software network, software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions and a cloud-based records management system.
Axon provides the following services that aid in the support of the daily operations of the Police Department: body worn cameras, multi-Bay dock systems, the pro license bundle, the professional evidence.com license, interview software streaming server license, Fleet 3 Advanced, 2021 - officer safety plan, and Taser 7.
Staff recommends approval.
H. Consideration of and action on a request to approve the Proposal Bid from Legacy Mechanical Services, Inc, for replacement of two rooftop units in the amount of $152,175.00. This is a request from Chief of Police Connie Rogers. This is a budgeted item.
From staff:
Replace 2 Rooftop Units per scope - $152,175.00
Additional Optional Services:
1. Cost to perform certified test & balance for ductwork - $10,375.00
2. Cost to complete entire job on overtime - $8,550.00
3. Install GPS ionization systems on evaporator coils and filter grill - $19,350.00
Grand total with optional services: $190,450.00.
Staff recommends approval.
I. Consideration of and action on a request to rehabilitate the HVAC Trane Chiller #2 at the GICC in the amount of $119,510. This is a request from GICC, Gateway Arena and Historic Golf Course Executive Director Mercedes Miller. This is in Ward 2. This is a budgeted item.
From staff: An RFP was initiated and we had only one respondent, Legacy Mechanical, our current on-site contractor. Chiller #1 was rehabilitated in 2019. Chiller #2 is approaching 21 years old and more subject to breakdowns. The rehab will allow us to capitalize on advanced technologies and energy efficiencies. A rehabilitated chiller can also enhance the indoor air quality for clients, employees and guests. The rehabilitation is a proactive step to optimize performance and minimize downtime, as well as providing standards of comfort at the GICC.
Staff recommends approval. The budgeted amount for this project was $100,000. The funding for the remaining $19,510 will come from capital improvements budgeted for that will not be executed this fiscal year.
J. Consideration of and action on a request to replace one 250 gallon hot water tank at the GICC in the amount of $96,725. This is a request from GICC, Gateway Arena and Historic Golf Course Executive Director Mercedes Miller. This is in Ward 2. This is a budgeted item.
From staff: Currently, the hot water tank poses a higher risk of malfunctioning and breakdowns that can disrupt operations and negatively affect attendees and staff. The unit is leaking, inoperable and our supply is reduced by 50%. Replacement will provide optimal servicing to the building. New equipment will significantly improve our energy efficiency. New safety features will also ensure reliable hot water supply and provide a positive experience for our occupants.
Two respondents to our RFP were received: Legacy Mechanical at $96,725.00 and Allied Technical Services at $75,000. We are recommending Legacy based on their tenure with us and delivery of consistent service.
Staff recommends approval. However, given the large price difference in the quotes, it is my understanding staff may remove this item from the agenda for additional review. $90,000 was budgeted for this project.
K. Consideration of and action on the renewal of fiscal year 2024-2025 professional services agreement between the City of College Park and Ignite Resource Center CP, Inc in the amount of $50,000 annually. This is a request from Interim City Manager, Dr. Emmanuel Adediran and is a budgeted item.
From staff: Services provided by Ignite Resource Center are for the residents of the City of College Park, GA, who are in need of resource information for support systems. Support systems are to include, but are not limited to, resource information concerning the need for food, clothing, shelter information, job resource information, legal information, and grief counseling for those experiencing loss. This is a budgeted item in the upcoming fiscal year.
Ignite has provided services pursuant to a contract this fiscal year (which ends June 30, 2024) in which Ignite has operated a community resource center for sixteen hours per week and the City provided free space for certain events. The proposed contract for the upcoming fiscal year is for the community resource center to be open for 20 hours per week and by appointment and for the City to pay $50,000. The breakdown of the $50,000 would be as follows:
Part-time Executive Director - $24,000 annual salary
Part-time Program Coordinator/Resource Specialist 2 - $12,000 annual salary
Part-time Program Coordinator/Resource Specialist 1 - $10,000 annual salary
Workshop expenses - $4,000 annually
The executive director of Ignite, Ms. Rose Stewart, is currently working with our human resources department under a separate Professional Services Contract. She also serves as a Chaplain in the College Park Police Department.
Staff recommends approval.
L. Consideration of and action on a request for the Emergency Replacement payment of Golf Course PM Pump in the amount of $20,169.80. This is a request from GICC, Gateway Arena and Historic Golf Course Executive Director Mercedes Miller. This is in Ward 2. This is a budgeted item.
From staff: The PM pump that is currently in use was installed in 2010 and typically has a life span of 10 to 15 years. As irrigation systems get older, they become more prone to breakdowns and it becomes increasingly challenging to find replacement parts. The PM pump plays a crucial role in initiating the irrigation cycle and maintaining a pressure of 110 psi. Unfortunately, our current PM pump is unable to maintain the required pressure, which can result in damage or overheating of the main pumps. This particular service is highly specialized and specifically caters to golf courses. There are only a few companies that possess the expertise to carry out these tasks.
Staff recommends approval. Staff reached out to another vendor (Pro Pump Irrigation) and they were informed that the team that could do the work is currently occupied with work in Florida until the end of April and the company is unable to provide a quote at this time.
M. Consideration to approve Kemi Construction Company's proposal for the Sanitary Sewer Main installation at SR Georgia 314, West Fayetteville Road, Phoenix Boulevard at approximately $420,850.00. This is a request from Dr. Emmanuel Adediran. This is not a budgeted item.
At our meeting on January 2, 2024, Council ratified the emergency expenditure for the sanitary sewer main at West Fayetteville Road in the amount of $700,000. Those funds were earmarked to come from the Municipal Option Sales Tax (MOST). However, after the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) reviewed the plans for the project, they required additional work, in the form of jacking an boring on both ends of the planned sanitary sewer main. Consequently additional funds are necessary to complete the project to GDOT’s specifications. Two of our on-demand contractors submitted bids and the lowest is $1,120,850.00. An additional $420,850.00 is necessary to complete the project. At our last meeting, Councilmember Gay expressed concerns about a lack of itemization of the additional expenses so the item was moved to this agenda. You can find the supplemental information here. The additional funds will also come from the MOST.
Staff recommends approval.
ONE MORE THING…
In 2020, council approved the installation of a climbing wall at the Tracey Wyatt Recreation Center. The wall was a collaboration with Kai Lightner, an international climbing champion, Adidas, 1Climb, Stone Summit Gym, Kevin Jorgeson and others. The wall was paid for through donations from all of the partners - amounting to more than $100.000. Mr. Lightner’s vision was to bring the sport that has given him so much to a community that may not traditionally have had access to climbing opportunities. As one of the few high profile Black climbers in the sport, he wanted to help spark a love of climbing in an underserved community. At only 20 years old, Mr. Lightner brought his vision to College Park - and the wall has been used over 15,000 times since.
Recently, there has been discussion among some of my colleagues about removing the climbing wall. Mr. Lightner (who has been working with our Recreation and Cultural Arts staff since the climbing wall was installed in 2021) reached out seeking greater understanding about any issues that may be factoring into the consideration to remove the wall. I am still unclear about the motivations surrounding removal myself. It is an incredible asset for College Park - 1Climb has done projects like this in only nine other locations in the country. The wall was specifically designed for the space at the rec center; if it is removed, the cost of retrofitting it at another location may be in the tens of thousands of dollars - a cost that would not be borne by outside sponsors. Additionally, the removal of the wall could impact Mr. Lightner’s ability to bring climbing walls to other cities if partners have questions about how their contributions have been used.
Members of our community have created a website and you can learn more here. If you wish, you can e-mail the governing body with your thoughts on the issue. I hope you will support this incredible initiative and help keep it in our city.
