HomeMy WebLinkAboutRegular Commission Meeting March 5, 2019
REGULAR MEETING COMMISSION CHAMBER
MARCH 5, 2019
Augusta Richmond County Commission convened at 2:00 p.m., March 5, 2019, the Hon.
Hardie Davis, Jr., Mayor, presiding.
PRESENT: Hons. Few, Garrett, Sias, Fennoy, Frantom, Davis, D. Williams, Hasan and
Clarke, members of Augusta Richmond County Commission.
Absent: Hon. M. Williams, member of Augusta Richmond County Commission.
Mr. Mayor: Good afternoon, everybody. We are here to do the people’s business and
we’re going to go ahead and get started, I call this meeting to order. All right, the Chair recognizes
Madam Clerk.
The Clerk: Yes, sir. I call your attention to the invocation portion of our agenda which
will be delivered today by Reverend Melvin Ivey, Pastor of the Greater St. John Baptist Church,
after which we’d have our Pledge of Allegiance led by Sylvia Cooper. Please stand.
The invocation was given by Reverend Melvin Ivy, Pastor, Greater St. John Baptist
Church.
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was recited.
The Clerk: Reverend Ivey, Office of Mayor Hardie Davis Jr., by the present be it known
that Reverend Melvin Ivey, Pastor of the Greater St. John Baptist Church is the Chaplain of the
Day his spiritual guidance and civic leadership serves as an example for all citizens of Augusta.
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Given under my hand this 5 Day of March 2019, Hardie Davis Jr., Mayor, thank you.
Mr. Mayor: Would you join me in congratulating and thanking Pastor Ivey for his
leadership in the community. (APPLAUSE)
The Clerk:
RECOGNITIONS(S)
2019 February Years of Service
A. Congratulations! 2019 February Years of Service (YOS) recipients.
The Clerk: I call your attention to the recognition portion of our agenda in recognition of
our 2019 February Years of Service recipients. Ms. Sylvia Williams from our Human Resources
Department will make the presentation.
Ms. Williams: Thank you, Madam Clerk. Good afternoon, Mayor Davis, Commissioners,
special guests, Directors and citizens of Augusta, Georgia my name is Sylvia Williams, Employee
Relations and Training Manager for Augusta, Georgia. Today it is my esteemed pleasure to
recognize the February Years of Service recipients. For the Month of February 2019 we have 27
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employees celebrating between five and twenty Years of Service with Augusta, Georgia. This
afternoon we would like to recognize our 25 to 50 Years of Service recipients. For the Month of
February the total years of service and institutional knowledge being celebrated today is 435-years
when I call your name please come forward. Michael Allsbrook, Engineering 30 years. Michael,
are you here? On behalf of the Recognition Committee we’d like to congratulate all of our Years
of Service recipients. Please join me in a round of applause as we thank these employees for their
loyal service to Augusta, Georgia. (APPLAUSE)
Mr. Mayor: Okay, Madam Clerk, I’m going to mention a few things today and then I’ll
back here in just a moment. Today is a day of renewed optimism for the City of Augusta with the
expected economic growth of our city to continue to outpace almost all other similar size cities in
the state and more importantly that of the state in general we’ve got a lot to be proud of here in the
City of Augusta, Georgia. This Commission working with our private sector partners and a host
of others continues to position our city as a city of choice for people to choose Augusta all across
this nation. The Hyatt House as we understand it will come online this month just ahead of the
rush of visitors from across the world for the Super Bowl of Golf that we commonly refer to as
The Masters Golf Tournament. Unlike other cities we don’t have to compete for it every other
year, every four years and so we’re very fortunate about that. We’re also excited that there’s a
new bakery opening up on James Brown Boulevard. I’m very excited about that news and so
progress continues to be made during the due diligence period for the Depot Project as well. And
also what was formerly known as the Foundry Project now called Beacon Station is moving
forward so there’s a lot going on in our city that we can be proud of and it's a testament to the good
people in this room our Directors, Administrator, our entire staff and often times doesn’t go as
noticed as it should be that people are doing good work every single day. They’re suiting up and
coming to work safe, they’re doing a safe job and they’re going home the same way in which they
came and that’s something that we as elected officials can and should be proud of. I also want to
take a moment. I don’t see any of them in the room today but we will be remiss if we didn’t pause
for a few minutes and commend the Information Technology Department and the entire staff and
leadership team for their outstanding strategic plan that was presented on last week. It kind of got
lost in the conversation about a variety of things but more importantly they did put it together over
eight months or so and they did a phenomenal job. It does not go unnoticed, Ms. Cooper, internally
or externally when opportunity presents itself to highlight the work of our staff and more
importantly the work of the departments like Information Technology when forecasting, Mr.
McDowell, how best to meet the needs of a growing community and an organization for years to
come. Planning is vital in order to successfully meet the challenges ahead so let’s take a moment,
elected officials, and thank and congratulate Ms. Allen and her team for their impressive work if
you don’t mind joining me. (APPLAUSE) Fantastic job, a phenomenal job. Throughout this
region our neighboring counties have enjoyed the benefit of TSPLOST, Mr. Ussery, just as
Augusta has. As we approach the 10-year mark of collections, the Regional Round Table met
most recently to organize and select and Executive Committee of Members who will work to
identify a final project list from submissions from each local government for the next round of
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projects. I’m pleased that Commissioner Sias the Commissioner from the 4 and I will be working
with each of you on behalf of the Augusta Georgia Government to make sure we don’t leave any
critical projects off the list. And more importantly, Ms. Jackson, we don’t leave $70 million dollars
on the table for other communities to enjoy the benefit of where we could’ve likely enjoyed the
benefit of those dollars and make sure that all projects from (unintelligible) one, two and three
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were completed on time and within budget. All across this nation and I want to take a Point of
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Personal Privilege as the Commissioner from the 1 would often times and talk about Transit. Our
areas around transit hubs nationally have a way, Mr. Judon, of attracting new investment and not
only new investment but big crowds, they become key ingredients for reducing crime while also
expanding law enforcement presence. We have a unique opportunity in Augusta at our Transit
Operations and Maintenance Center that is on the Cyber Corridor. It’s the largest investment in
that corridor in that area of our city quite frankly in the last three decades, Ms. Bonner, to the tune
of twenty-plus million dollars and it’s centrally located and it’s a unique opportunity for us to look
for other opportunities to attract investment in that corridor. And so that department Transit is
being led by Ms. Sharon Dottery who’s done a fantastic job, pleased to have Mr. McDowell
working with her and the Administrator’s Office in making sure that the Capital Project gets done
on time and within budget and all of the needs are met up to and including bus shelters. But I also
want to mention this that as we grow Transit it gives us an opportunity in Augusta with what I
believe to be this state’s best transportation network to be able to get vehicles off the road. That’s
the challenge that they’re facing in Atlanta right now, the challenge to get vehicles off the road.
So we’ve got to think about transit in Augusta and our opportunity to expand it differently than
what we have in the past. In the next few weeks, Mayor Pro Tem, I’m going to be meeting with
Uber to talk about an Intermodal MOU, an opportunity for our residents who enjoy the benefits of
bus service today but who find it not complete particularly in those folks who are working shift
work. And there’s a unique opportunity that’s been presented to us through some conversations
at the U.S. Conference of Mayors in January of where Uber can bridge that gap. And so we’ll be
sharing that over the next couple of weeks and it’ll be a unique opportunity for us to expand to
help grow our city and meet the needs of our citizens all across this area. I wanted to share those
things. There’s so much going on in Augusta that we should and can be proud of hopefully that’ll
make Ms. Cooper’s column on Sunday and if not then I’ll have to pay her to write it in there
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anyway, fantastic. All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 1.
Mr. Fennoy: Mr. Mayor, can I have a Point of Personal Privilege?
Mr. Mayor: You absolutely may ---
Mr. Fennoy: Okay ---
Mr. Mayor: --- the gentleman has two minutes.
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Mr. Fennoy: --- I won’t take that long. On March the 29 we’re going to have a barbeque
and we’re going to, all monies raised will go towards the Heart Foundation so between now and
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the 29 I’ll be asking my colleagues for financial support to help finance this project. But I will
also be asking the residents of Richmond County to come out and enjoy some of the best barbeque
in the State of Georgia. It will be in the Linda Beasley Room from 11:00 to 2:00. We will be
having barbeque, baked beans, coleslaw, tea and bread and I think that’s it and tea, something to
drink (inaudible). I’m going to need more than that.
Mr. Frantom: You’re going to ask for more than that I can assure you.
Mr. Fennoy: I need more than that, that’s for three tickets.
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Mr. Mayor: I was thinking, I was thinking to the Commissioner from the 1 I was thinking
that he was going to pay my bill. Ms. Cooper, that’s what I thought it was for.
Mr. Fennoy: How much time do I have left ---
Mr. Mayor: I don’t know.
Mr. Fennoy: --- I’ll use it for the next (inaudible).
Mr. Mayor: The balance of your time, okay. Okay, if anyone wants to know why we’re
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behind time we’re going to lay that at the feet of the gentleman from the 4.
Mr. Sias: Don’t bite off what you can’t chew.
Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk, we’ll recognize those two.
DELEGATIONS
B. Mr. Roy Wireman Re: Opposition to granting liquor licenses to Adult Entertainment
Establishments.
The Clerk: Okay, Mr. Wireman, would you please come forward to address the
Commission?
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Wireman, if you would state for the record your name and your address
and you have five minutes.
Mr. Wireman: Thank you, thank you, Mayor, and thank you for allowing me to speak. My
name is Roy Wireman 2214 Silverdale Road, Augusta. I’m a 60-year resident of Richmond
County. Although I’m reading from a paper these words are from my heart. I oppose granting
liquor licenses to Adult Entertainment Establishments. If you do you will be rolling the red carpet
for strip joints. Fueled by alcohol they will multiply. They demean women and corrupt men. No
matter where they would be allowed in Richmond County they will be down the street or around
the corner from private residences. Moreover visitors and citizens will drive by these community
eyesores. Is this really what you want for Richmond County? I propose that this terribly important
decision be left to the citizens of Richmond County. Neither I nor you as a body can place this
issue on the ballot but Lynne Bailey, our Board of Elections Director, advises that the Richmond
County Democrat and Republican parties can indeed place this matter on the ballot. Make the vote
binding whichever way the public votes. It would be hard indeed for anyone or any group to
prevail over the will of the people. For those of you that have seen the movie It’s a Wonderful
Life I believe the citizens of Richmond County would prefer that Augusta remain more like George
Bailey’s beloved Bedford Falls and less like the (unintelligible) Pottersville. Thank you for
allowing me to speak again, Mayor, and thank you Commission for hearing.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you, Mr. Wireman. Thank you so much for coming to share that with
us.
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The Clerk:
DELEGATIONS
C. Mr. Bruce Joyner Re: Exemption to the no smoking ordinance for VFW Post 649.
Mr. Joyner: Afternoon, everybody. Ladies and gentlemen. Thank you, Mr. Mayor, for
giving us this opportunity. My name is Bruce Joyner. I’m the Commander of VFW Post 649 which
is located on Windsor Spring Road. I live on Bath Edie Road, 4165 Bath Edie. I’ve been out there
since ’92. I’ve been in Augusta about 30 years, retired here. The issue I want to address is more
clarity than anything. Augusta come out with the ordinance about smoking and me I could take it
or leave it personally. But my point is I’m obligated on behalf of the Veterans because the VFW
Post was developed by veterans for veterans. We do have a private establishment there, it’s not
an open bar or anything of that nature. We do work with the community on Saturday evenings
and things of this nature and we do have designated smoking, nonsmoking areas and we’ve got
alternate entrances and exits. The ordinance however come out and I read it over several times
and the one little glitch that got me it says all organizations fraternal, patriotic or whatever and
then it mentions or any private organization patronizing the public. Well, we do have steak nights,
things of this nature. That’s how we make our money and I can’t give you a list of everything we
do for the community. We take care of the veterans uptown, downtown VA, the Fisher House, we
do the homeless stand down at the downtown VA and the only way we can do these things, we are
nonprofit, and the only way we can do these is to generate funds for the community. If not we
couldn’t do our job. The big issue on 1 January we stopped smoking in the canteen area even
though it was designated smoking and like I said we’ve got an extra alternate entrances and exits
for the hall which is a designated nonsmoking area and I can’t even smoke in my office because
it’s in the back of the hall. But we need clarification because we’ve been told we might be
grandfathered in or suffer this and you know I’m not going to out there with my folks and take
chances on what we can or what we can’t do so we’d like to have clarification. Can we be exempt
from this ordinance because we are a private organization? Are we grandfathered somewhere? I’d
like a clarification from the Commission so we can drive on with our lives and continue to do what
we do in support of the community. Thank you, sir.
Mr. Mayor: Okay thank you, Mr. Joyner. All right all right, so we need to do a couple of
things. He came, Mr. Joyner would you please come back, yeah I think it’s important for us to at
least acknowledge not only the question but at least try to provide clarity to that. I don’t see
(inaudible) yeah, okay all right ---
Ms. Jackson: The Deputy Director of Planning is present.
Mr. Mayor: --- okay, I don’t know if she was ready to answer that question, Ms. Jackson.
She wasn’t involved in that (unintelligible) earlier. What I want to do for you, Mr. Joyner, is again
do a couple of things. One I think it’s incumbent upon us as a local government to one provide
you with a copy of the ordinance but also the talking points that speaks specifically to what it does.
And in all fairness to Ms. Delaney I don’t want to put you on the spot trying to articulate what all
that says if you’re not prepared to do that.
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Ms. Delaney: Well, what we can do I can meet with you afterwards ---
Mr. Mayor: Okay ---
Ms. Delaney: --- immediately following and I can answer your questions and I can get you
a copy of the ordinance and we can sit down and go through it.
Mr. Joyner: Yes, ma’am, by all means. Like I said I want some clarification because it
runs some veterans off and we’ve got things going on that we can work around those but you know
they had a place for their camaraderie. Now it’s like saying okay what they fought for these rights
are eroding away so we want to get it clarified, ma’am.
Ms. Delaney: Definitely.
Mr. Mayor: All right, wonderful. So, Ms. Delaney, if you’ll just meet him in the back here
and just provide your contact information. This is our Deputy Director for Planning and
Development and she’ll provide you with the information you need.
Mr. Joyner: (Inaudible).
Mr. Mayor: All right, fantastic.
The Clerk: I call your attention to our Consent Agenda which consists of Items 1-26, Items
1-26. For the benefit of any objectors to our Alcohol petition would you please signify your
objection once the petition is read. I call your attention to:
Item 4: For a retail package Beer & Wine License to be used in connection with the
location Pilot Travel Center #144 located at 2975 Gun Club Road.
The Clerk: Are there any objectors to this alcohol petition?
Item 3: Is a request for a Wholesale Wine License to be used in connection with Beverage
South, LLC located at 1815 Wilkinson Road. Are there any objectors to this alcohol petition? Mr.
Mayor, members of the Commission, our Consent Agenda consists of Items 1-26 with no objectors
to our alcohol petitions Item number 3 or 4.
Mr. Hasan: Motion to approve.
Mr. D. Williams: Second.
CONSENT AGENDA
PUBLIC SERVICES
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1. Motion to approve the 1 Amendment to the McCarthy Improvement Company Contract
at Augusta Regional Airport with a reduction of $306,110.20 from original contract (18-211).
(Approved by Public Services Committee February 26, 2019)
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2. Motion to approve tasking Planning & Development with drafting an Ordinance to allow
for alcohol sales in adult entertainment establishments. (Approved by Public Services
Committee February 26, 2019)
3. Motion to approve New Application: A.N. 19-07: request by John L. Sitler for a Wholesale
Wine License to be used in connection with Beverage South, LLC located at 1815 Wilkinson
Rd. District 2. Super District 9. (Approved by Public Services Committee February 26, 2019)
4. Motion to approve New Location: A.N. 19-08: request by James Arthur Haslam, III for a
retail package Beer & Wine License to be used in connection with Pilot Corporation dba
Pilot Travel Center #144 located at 2975 Gun Club Road. District 7. Super District 10.
(Approved by Public Services Committee February 26, 2019)
5. Motion to approve an ordinance to amend Augusta-Richmond County Code Section 6-7
Vehicles for Hire – Taxicabs, with the deletion of current section of the ordinance providing
for current standards for the age of vehicles, add a surcharge for pickups at Augusta
Regional Airport, and require taxi company listings under Google. (Approved by Public
Services Committee February 26, 2019)
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
6. Motion to approve an annual bid for Environmental Services Department, Utilities
Department and Recreation and Parks Department. The items require Commission
approval due to the fact that purchases on the individual purchase orders will exceed
$25,000.00 per order. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee February 26, 2019)
7. Motion to authorize the Mayor to execute a Certification of Consistency with local
Consolidated Plan for Peace Place Domestic Violence Shelter in Barrow County, Georgia.
(Approved by Administrative Services Committee February 26, 2019)
8. Motion to approve Bid Item #18-225: Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is requesting to
replace two prisoner transport vans to transport inmates to various prisons within Georgia
and adjacent states. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee February 26, 2019)
9. Motion to approve Bid Item #18-304: The Storm Water Division of the Engineering
Department request the replacement one F-350 with a F-550 Dome style truck; and Bid Item
#18-292: 3 Ventrac slope mowers. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee
February 26, 2019)
10. Motion to approve Housing and Community Development Department’s (HCD’s)
Homeowner and Emergency Rehabilitation program conversion to the Code Assistance
Rehabilitation Program (CARP). (Approved by Administrative Services Committee
February 26, 2019)
11. Motion to approve Housing and Community Development Department’s (HCD’s)
partnership with Georgia Rehabilitation Institute, Inc., and accept their financial
commitment of $150,000. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee February
26,2019)
12. Motion to approve Bid #18-271 and award the contract to proceed with the Main Library
Flooring Replacement under the Local Vendor Option to H&H Concrete of Augusta, GA in
the amount of $29,100.00. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee February 26,2
019)
13. Motion to approve Housing and Community Development Department’s (HCD’s)
Memorandum of Agreement in partnership with Augusta Tech (Job Training Toolbox
Grant Program). (Approved by Administrative Services Committee February 26, 2019)
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14. Motion to approve changing the composition of the Augusta, Georgia Land Bank
Authority’s membership from five to seven members. (Approved by Administrative Services
Committee February 5, 2019)
15. Motion to approve the permanent relocation of the Housing & Community Development
Department to 510 Fenwick Street (DFCS Building) with minor renovations to accommodate
business operations. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee February 5, 2019)
PUBLIC SAFETY
16. Motion to approve the award of Bid Item #19-132 to R.W. Allen Construction, LLC to
construct the new fire station #2 and to authorize the Mayor to execute the appropriate
documents. (Approved by Public Safety Committee February 26, 2019)
FINANCE
17. Motion to approve request to expand pool of banks as approved depositories. (Approved
by Finance Committee February 26, 2019)
18. Motion to approve request to transfer funds from the Special Instructional Services line
item to Operational budget line item in the amount of $27,206. Plus 30% for benefits to fund
unfunded Administrative Assistant position in Juvenile Court. (Approved by Finance
Committee February 26, 2019)
19. Motion to approve a request to move funds from salary lines to contract labor lines; once
the employee returns from worker’s compensation leave funds will be returned to salary line
item. (Approved by Finance Committee February 26, 2019)
20. Motion to approve additional funding for reorganization of Tax Assessor Commercial
Property Division. (Approved by Finance Committee February 26, 2019)
ENGINEERING SERVICES
21. Motion to approve cancelling the city’s goat program and that the Director of AED come
back with a solution on how the issue will be addressed regarding cutting, mitigating the and
cleaning the retention ponds. (IA) Motion to approve the Award of Bid Item 18-302 –
Household Hazard Waste Materials Collection Events to Tradebe Environmental Services.
(Approved by Engineering Services Committee February 26, 2019)
22. Motion to approve additional services with Merrick & Company (McLaughlin
Whitewater Design Group) and Cranston Engineering Group in the amount of $30,000.
(Approved by Engineering Services Committee February 26, 2019)
23. Motion to approve the deeds of dedication, maintenance agreements, and road
resolutions submitted by the Engineering and Augusta Utilities Departments for
Southampton Subdivision, Section Six, including utility and access easements for discharge
of stormwater (ponds not being dedicated at this time). (Approved by Engineering Services
Committee February 26, 2019)
PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
24. Motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the Augusta Commission held
February 19, 2019 and Special Called meeting held February 26, 2019)
SUBCOMMITTEE
Pension Committee
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25. Motion to approve restatement of 2008 GMEBS Master Plan documents as restated with
the IRS and to maintain compliance with Section 18.02 of the Plan. (Approved by Pension
Committee February 19, 2019)
Pension Committee
26. Motion to approve Plan Amendment to 2008 GMEBS Pension Plan including post-
certified employees of the Coroner’s Office in the definition of pubic safety employees.
(Approved by Pension Committee February 19, 2019)
Mr. Mayor: Okay, we’ve got a motion and a second, voting.
Ms. Davis: Mr. Mayor, can I tell the Clerk something on one item ---
Mr. Mayor: Okay ---
Ms. Davis: --- then I’d like to vote no on ---
Mr. Mayor: --- everybody just suspend. The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the
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3.
Ms. Davis: --- well just make a note that I’m voting no on Item 2 please, Madam Clerk.
The Clerk: Okay, all right.
Ms. Davis: I’m not going to pull it, Mr. Mayor. I just wanted to note that I’m voting no.
Mr. Mayor: --- okay. All right, voting.
Mr. Garrett votes No.
Ms. Davis votes No. \[Item 2\]
Mr. M. Williams out.
Motion Passes 8-1. \[Items 1, 3-26\]
ENGINEERING SERVICES
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30. Discuss the railroad crossing at 6 Street. (Requested by Commissioner Marion
Williams)
31. Update from the Engineering Department staff regarding Kratha Drive’s sidewalks in
front of Wilkinson Gardens Elementary School. (No recommendation from Engineering
Services Committee February 26, 2019)
Mr. Mayor: Okay, Madam Clerk, here’s what we’re going to do. We’re going to take
Item, we’re going to take Items 30 and 31 and we’re going to refer them back to committee ---
The Clerk: Okay.
Mr. Mayor: --- we’ll refer them back to the Engineering Services Committee.
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Mr. Sias: So moved.
Ms. Davis: Second.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, all right voting.
Mr. M. Williams out.
Motion Passes 9-0.
Mr. Mayor: Okay all right, Madam Clerk, Number 27.
The Clerk:
PUBLIC SERVICES
27. Motion to approve policy/agreement regarding sidewalks immediately adjacent to
private buildings at the Augusta Commons.
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Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 4.
Mr. Sias: Move to delete this item.
Mr. Hasan: Second.
Mr. Mayor: We’ve got a motion and a second, voting.
Mr. M. Williams out.
Motion Passes 9-0.
Mr. Mayor: Okay all right, we’re going to all right so what I’d like to do with this is I want
to refer it back to committee. In fact, we started the conversation because of the nature of this
agreement where we were talking about this in Executive Session. And so what I want to do is
ask that we, our posture right now is that we’re going to refer this back to Executive Session, okay?
Mr. Sias: (Unintelligible).
Mr. Mayor: All right the Chair recognizes the Mayor Pro Tem.
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Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Can we ask the Commissioner from the 8 to reconsider?
Mr. Mayor: Well, we can do that as well I mean I’m okay with that. So what needs to
happen right now is that there is more debate and discussion on this matter and it’s appropriate for
us not to try and take action on it today. There’s a need for more discussion on that, all right so
all right ---
The Clerk: (Inaudible) another motion.
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Mr. Mayor: --- all right, so let’s reconsider our action. All right, the Chair recognizes the
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Commissioner from the 4.
Mr. Sias: Thank you. I think we’re moving out of bounds when we when make a, when
you want to make a decision about an item that’s already been decided. We had no problem with
this coming back up before Executive Session or Committee but it’s just simple as easy to add it
to put it on there. There’s no issue that we really need to reconsider what we’ve done. It’s just to
delete if from this agenda, I don’t see that.
Mr. Mayor: Well, I thought that’s what we were doing but ---
The Clerk: We have unanimous consent to.
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Mr. Mayor: --- right. All right, so the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 8 for
a motion, motion to reconsider.
Mr. Garrett: Motion to reconsider the previous action.
Mr. Hasan: Second.
Mr. Mayor: Voting, motion to reconsider previous action. You want to vote yes on this.
Mr. Sias votes No.
Mr. M. Williams out.
Motion Passes 8-1.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, all right, okay, I’m not quite sure how we got twisted there but let’s
(inaudible) dial it back seven degrees. All right so again the Commission has reconsidered its
previous action, all right? Our posture now is that we’re at Item number 27 on the agenda. We’re
back to the original item on the agenda. This is a motion to approve the policy because there’s
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still much conversation left and discussion about it. The Commissioner from the 4 simply wanted
to delete it from this agenda with the understanding that it would come back for more discussion
later. That was what his motion was, okay? That’s a proper motion, all right, that only requires
six votes. That’s all and it’s already voted okay? All right, so let’s I’m not sure how we got there
but we’re back at a good place. The Chair will entertain a motion.
Mr. Hasan: Motion to delete from the agenda, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Sias: Second.
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Mr. Mayor: Okay, all right with a second from the Commissioner from the 4, voting. I
believe the old blues song, Ms. Bonner says, you’ve got me going in circles.
Mr. M. Williams out.
Motion Passes 9-0.
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Mr. Mayor: Twenty-eight.
The Clerk:
PUBLIC SAFETY
28. Discuss Augusta’s Annual Senior Holiday Dinner & Dance Event. (Requested by
Commissioner Ben Hasan)
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Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 6.
Mr. Hasan: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor, getting started here if you don’t mind. I’d
like to have a make a request of the Administrator. Ms. Jackson, will you share with the body in
terms of what when we met what we discussed and who you spoke with and where we ended up,
how did we get to the $13,000 dollars.
Ms. Jackson: What we did was try to assess what it really takes to put on this event. I
think as we had discussed previously there never was a dedicated budget for this event. Honestly
the Recreation Department was pulling it together almost in a big Peter to pay Paul sort of
arrangement. So I wanted to get something more firm for that which meant to set aside a specific
amount for it. As we determined what that specific amount was going to be, we tried to gather
what the expenditures had been in 2017 and ’18. I had requested some data from the Rec
Department to see exactly what they spent but each one of those line items i.e. food, entertainment,
the rental of the arena, and those sorts of things. And as we sat down to look at it we being Jarvis
Simms, myself and you there we talked about you know what had been spent. You noticed at that
time you brought to my attention there were also some donations that had been made and at that
time we had a follow up conversation with Ms. Bonner about what those donations were. So from
there I added up what the city had spent in addition, what donations had been made and came up
with the total of $13,000 dollars for the event. I think that was largely based upon the concerns
about the entertainment as well as the food making sure we enough food as the event grows we
had to feed now up to 800 people. Also looking at the entertainment what it takes to pay for quality
entertainment for the event. I think last year we only spent about $600.00 dollars and the previous
year we spent substantially more than that so I went with the higher figure for entertainment to
come up with a total of $13,000 as we did the estimate.
Mr. Hasan: Thank you and also two things I’d like to add to that in terms from the
Recreation Department, Mr. Parker in particular you put him on the speaker phones like you done
Ms. Bonner on two separate occasions and we got we derived to those figures. But also at the end
of that I remember asking you because the previous conversations speaking to the body I made
mention that possibly moving this away and putting it in the Clerk’s Office then it becomes a
Commission thing. And so I asked you were you going to do that and you said no I’m not going
to do that that’s on you and you make that decision. As you notice, I did not do that. I just rolled
with what we had because we thought we had it resolved. Per an email that you received by way
of Ms. Bonner and I received as well from the Recreation Department, which I was thinking in
terms of what the Recreation Department was going to be involved in this, it has already been
decided which was to provide for this year $4,000 dollars, your office was providing $9,000
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dollars, moving forward we stuck with the $13,000 dollars that’s going to be in the budget, line
item in the budget moving forward.
Ms. Jackson: Correct.
Mr. Hasan: Now there are inquiries from the Recreation Department about donations
which I personally feel is inappropriate and I really take offense to it. And the reason I do as
because as I really when I brought this forward the first time Commissioner Lockett with AARP
had donated $1,000 dollars. Now you’re aware of all this because you got the email just like I
have the email. And the reason that it’s on the agenda for the record is because I waited when Ms.
Bonner received this on Tuesday evening because Ms. Bonner’s position was to tell the Recreation
Department to contact Commissioner Hasan because he led the effort on bringing in the donations.
I never received a phone call so as a result of that I put it on the agenda so that we can discuss it
publicly since I never received a phone call because number one they’re not involved at all at this
point moving forward in any of the donations. The donations that will be coming is strictly as we
talked about we did not the city involved in giving away door prizes and things of that nature. And
so I’m just trying to figure what do you suggest moving forward because number one we want the
event to move forward. We want the event to be a great event and I think the Commissioners who
attended I think the Mayor attended last year in ’17 and it’s a great event. And I don’t want to get
to around November and December and start arguing enough to come to your office because the
$13,000 dollars is allocated now begin to begin manipulating and play games with or I’m going to
go so far to say this here, I’m not saying this has happened but Ms. Douse is being harassed about
her request in trying to get there because we’re going to solicit the money. And so as you saw the
email, Ms. Jackson, I’m asking you what do you suggest based on this email which I think was
totally irrelevant and I think for all intents and purposes this part of a donation at this point does
not impact or is any business in my mind of the Recreation Department.
Ms. Jackson: Okay in terms of the email if I recall I did see it. If I recall it just asked what
those donations were essentially in the previous years. When you’re asking what I suggest tell me
in regard to ---
Ms. Hasan: Well, I’m suggesting number one because like I said in ’17 when this came
about the Recreation Department when Ms. Downs let it be known by way of Kelly Irving she was
you know Commissioner Lockett was involved the Recreation Department said it only has $600.00
dollars that they could contribute to it because we know they did not plan for a move from the
Julian Smith Casino to the Arena. With that being said then they wanted to know would they
honor and respect if they could raise funds. They were told that if you raise funds, that you could
not use it this year so in essence in terms of moving to another location the event was going to be
shut down and wasn’t going to happen. That is when I came to you and asked you to take care of
it ultimately as you explained they found the money to do it in the Recreation Department. So I’m
saying based on what we’ve agreed to around the $13,000 dollars I don’t see the need for the
Recreation Department to be involved in trying to find out what happened in ’17, what happened
in ’18, when they did not solicit the money and so I find it to be inappropriate. And so moving
forward so I’m saying do you think at this time that we need to take this program, that $13,000
dollars, put it in the Clerk of Commission’s Office and put it under the Mayor and the
Commission’s Christmas Party and we won’t have these problems anymore.
13
Ms. Jackson: The $13,000 dollars is sufficient enough to run the event regardless of where
it is located and I guess my part is making sure there’s enough money to make it happen so that
we will not have some of the difficulties we had in previous years. I think having a dedicated
account for that takes care of that. There should be sufficient funds period to do it regardless of
who does it and I think it is a matter of the Commission’s decision making as to whether they want
it to be the Commission’s Christmas Dinner or they want it to continue to be run by Recreation. I
really don’t have any opinion one way or the other as to what the best place is but I just want to
make sure there’s sufficient funds to be it for the seniors that want to participate.
Mr. Hasan: Well let me say this, Ms. Bonner, I’m sorry, Ms. Jackson, my concern now is
not the $13,000 dollars because we’ve come to that figure and I think we an live with that. My
point is getting and trying to getting the part about donations and things of that nature which does
not concern them. And I’m of the mindset if you start harassing me about things that don’t concern
you then you most assuredly will concern, will harass me about things that you do have concern,
control over which would be the $13,000 dollars so that’s my real question. It’s not about do we
have enough money.
Ms. Jackson: Okay and I understand that and I guess what I’m saying my responsibility I
feel like is just to make sure that there is enough money there to do it which I believe there is now.
I cannot speak for why the request was made. I haven’t had the chance to ask why they made the
request about the donations that are available for the event because I did leave with the
understanding that donations would be used for party favors and those sorts of things, party favors,
gifts and those sorts of things that we wouldn’t want government money to be used for. But I
guess I was trying to speak to your specific question about do I have a recommendation, is my
recommendation were you asking me if I have a recommendation as to whether it should be run
from the Clerk’s Office or the Rec Department?
Mr. Hasan: Well I don’t, Ms. Jackson personally like I said I’m trying to work with you
because you got us where we need about the money and I’m just saying you need to make sure
that staff stays away from allowing to have the function, don’t hinder it because what’s happening
now is I don’t personally don’t trust it ---
Ms. Jackson: Okay.
Mr. Hasan: --- and being involved with it because there was no reason for somebody to
say okay the initial request from the Recreation Department was $4,000 dollars. One of the I guess
the administrative assistants wants to know well we see the request and then Mr. Parker responded
have ya’ll found out what the ’17 and ’18 monies are about. And then Ms. Jonas sends an email
to Ms. Bonner who wants to know that Ms. Bonner shouldn’t have asked Commissioner Hasan
and at this point you’re on this email as well. So for me I don’t see the need for all of that and I
find it to be disrespectful in many ways, I really do.
Ms. Jackson: If the goal is to make sure that the event goes on without any more questions
being asked about anything, I can assure that it will happen with what’s being budgeted.
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Mr. Hasan: So you’ll be responsible for that.
Ms. Jackson: Yes, we will be responsible and make sure no other questions get asked about
this and the events happens with the amount of money that they have allocated.
Mr. Hasan: It’s not the money now just remember it’s not the money so don’t ---
Ms. Jackson: Yeah ---
Mr. Hasan: --- it’s not the money, okay.
Ms. Jackson: --- without the money or any other issues ---
Mr. Hasan: Okay, all right.
Ms. Jackson: --- okay?
Mr. Hasan: Thank you, I’m satisfied, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. D. Williams: Motion to approve receiving this item as information.
Ms. Davis: Second.
Mr. Mayor: All right, thank you, we’ll receive as information. Madam Clerk, let’s go
down to Item 32.
The Clerk:
OTHER BUSINESS
32. Motion to authorize changing the effective date for all new part-time positions in the
Mayor’s Office from July 1, 2019 to March 3, 2019.
Mr. Mayor: Let me clarify that too, Madam Clerk. There is only one part-time position,
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only one. All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 6.
Mr. Hasan: Mr. Mayor, per our conversation around this issue one of the things I think we
might’ve been told on a couple of occasions was that if we done it for one we was going to do it
for everybody. And I think with that we asked Ms. Jackson to send us information about what that
would look like in terms of our I think Contingency Budget if I’m not mistaken. That Contingency
Budget I think is in the neighborhood of $250,000 dollars and if we done it across the board I think
that’s going to take about $173,000 dollars out of the $250,000 dollars leaving us less that about
$75,000 dollars, $78,000 dollars in Contingency to last us for the rest of the year. And so with
that being said, Mr. Mayor, if we’re going to be fair to everybody because there are other needs in
other departments as well. I recommend that we at this time not honor this request because we
want it to be for everybody and that was the position the Commission had taken.
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Mr. Mayor: Okay, well I think we asked for that information in your I think you’re partly
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correct in that that request was specifically from you and the Commissioner from the 9 who
wanted to make sure that that be considered so let’s talk about what that looks like. We’re talking
about a part-time standpoint $8,000 dollars. That’s what the amount will be just for this single
part-time person; it will be $8,000 dollars as opposed to the $175,000 dollars. All right, the Chair
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recognizes the Commissioner from the 4.
Mr. Sias: Thank you, sir. Ms. Jackson, one of the things that I had a discussion with you
to kind clarify for me and what the question was the actual reason that we had the moratorium in
place and the restrictions and the date that went with that, can you give us can you re-explain that
to myself and the rest of the folks up here?
Ms. Jackson: Am I recognized to speak?
Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes Administrator Jackson.
Ms. Jackson: All right, thank you. What we did when we put together the recommended
budget for 2019 we were starting all those positions on January 1. However when the Sheriff
requested and you all granted his request to give his pay raises for his personnel effective January
1, I felt strongly about a need to grant raises beginning January 1 for all personnel. At that point
in order to get enough funds to start pay raises on January 1 for everybody, we pushed back the
start date for the new positions for the General Fund only. We allowed the Enterprise Fund to go
ahead and hire their positions at the beginning of the year. For the General Fund we pushed the
implementation to July 1.
Mr. Sias: I need to continue here. So and with that statement being made, I have an
additional question for you, Ms. Jackson. Any funding that we do now of anything it has to come
out of the Contingency Fund, is that correct ---
Ms. Jackson: That’s correct.
Mr. Sias: --- or anything okay and any purchases and anything as well.
Ms. Jackson: Yeah, anything that departments cannot handle within their existing budgets
will have to come out of Contingency.
Mr. Sias: Okay, is there and for this particular position in the Mayoral Office and the
Office of the Mayor are you aware that that will be in your discussion with the Mayor whenever
and I’ll ask him as well is there funding that can pay for this from that timeframe from March the
rdst?
3 to July the 1
Ms. Jackson: I have not done the analysis but $8,000 dollars is a relatively small amount
of money. I would like to think that there would be that much funding available in that budget if
the Mayor really needs to proceed with that hire.
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Mr. Sias: Mr. Mayor, if I may ask you if you don’t mind. If you do then I withdraw the
question. Do you feel like you can come out of your existing budget the $8,000 dollars?
Mr. Mayor: If it’s the pleasure of this body.
Mr. Sias: And the reason for that question is then we can still maintain that really for the
moratorium with an exception for you as long as it’s coming out of your budget and not coming
out of Contingency Funds because that’s what if anybody else wanted to do that that’s what they
would have to do as well in my view. So I would recommend it. Thank you.
Mr. Mayor: So the only thing I would qualify your statement with is that if we do that that
it will be a short time infusion between now and July 1 and that in the 2020 budget that it will be
handled through the General Fund process as it should be.
Mr. Sias: (Unintelligible).
Mr. Mayor: That’s correct, that’s right.
(Motion to approve for one position with funding in the amount of $8,000 from the Mayor’s
current 2019 budget)
Mr. Sias: I put that in the form of a motion.
Mr. Hasan: Second.
Mr. Mayor: Voting.
Mr. M. Williams out.
Motion Passes 9-0.
Mr. Mayor: Item number 29, diaper dandy.
The Clerk: Item 29 is a motion to approve the purchase of a Chevrolet Suburban LTZ for
use in the Mayor’s Office.
Mr. Mayor: I love it, I love it.
Mr. Sias: Ms. Bonner, you’ve got (unintelligible).
The Clerk: Well, I figured he’s on a roll so he might be able to get that one done. All right,
we’ve got you. I just wanted to kind of break it up but hey I thought I’d try to help you out.
The Clerk:
ENGINEERING SERVICES
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29. Update from Augusta Utilities regarding any new sewer lines being planned for unserved
areas. (Requested by Commissioner Brandon Garrett)
Mr. Mayor: All right before Director Wiedmeier speaks I almost forgot this until the phone
started ringing, I knew it wasn’t mine. There was a phone left in the foyer. It is an IPHONE, I
suspect, or at least it looks like an IPHONE. I guess it’s an IPHONE.
The Clerk: Is that Commissioner Sias?
Mr. Mayor: No, no he handed it to me but it was left out in the lobby. It’s probably an
attorney’s because it says Wayne’s calling. Wayne’s calling somebody, I don’t know. Okay, we’re
going to let the, so if anyone’s looking for it, the Deputy Marshall has it. They’ll ask for his social
security number. All right, the Chair recognizes Director Wiedmeier, all right, sir.
Mr. Wiedmeier: So Mayor and Commissioners, I’m going to give a brief presentation on
our plans for sewer extension in our Capital Improvements Program. These first two slides are,
we’ve got handouts for the Commission of this presentation. The first two slides are our CIP
projected out through 2022. This is due for an update soon. You’ll notice in the sewer category
that we have programmed $3 million dollars a year for undesignated sewer extensions and I’ll go
through the ones that we have in various stages of planning and design. So this is an overall map
showing our, where these projects are located and we’ll go through from north to south. The first
is a pretty minor extension across Riverwatch Parkway, the Mayo Road sewer extension. This
will eliminate a lift station of ours but it will also open up that northwest corner of Stevens Creek
and Riverwatch for development and there’s been some interest expressed in getting sewer there
by developers. The second is an extremely large area. It’s Barnett Crossing, Buckhead, Bridgeport
area off of Belair Road. That project is currently, we’re about the finish up the planning for it and
move into detail design. This will be constructed in multiple phases and this will come out of the
program sewer extension that I mentioned earlier. The next is a pretty small extension of both
water and sewer. Crescent Drive is off of Wrightsboro Road just across Bobby Jones from the
Augusta Mall. It kind of has been left out and so we’ve got that, we’re about ready to go get prices
on that small extension. Captain’s Corner is Gordon Highway out near Grovetown at Robinson
Avenue. This is a good example of how we’d like to proceed with sewer extension. The developer
approached us, had a concrete plans for development. We discussed with them cost sharing; we’re
going to end up paying and this will all come to the Commission for final approval but we’re
recommending that the city pay 40% of this cost. There are two large parcels that front Gordon
Highway that would also share the cost and this will open up a large area of the Georgia Vitrified
Clay property for development. This is, the ones where they approach us and want us to participate
and have concrete plans those are pretty easy for us to move forward with. The next is a fairly
small extension at Windsor Springs Road and Tobacco Road. The Windsor Square Shopping
Center is currently served by private lift station which is not conducive. There are some plans for
that area so we’ve agreed to extend sewer more under Tobacco Road so that they can proceed with
their redevelopment. Okay Boykin Road, Travis Pines ---
Mr. Mayor: Tom, please go back to the previous one.
Mr. Wiedmeier: Sure.
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Mr. Mayor: In fact go two back please to the Captain’s Corner. Just from a proximity
standpoint if we’re looking at this you’ve got the sewer tied to the existing front which is identified
as the green frontline Fort Gordon would be south of that? Is that correct?
Mr. Wiedmeier: That’s correct.
Mr. Mayor: Okay and the portion that’s blocked out in red is where the expansion would
take place, is that ---
Mr. Wiedmeier: Yes, that’s a planned subdivision so they’ll be extending sewer
throughout. They’re building all the infrastructure for the subdivision and we’ll participate in the
sewer portion of it.
Mr. Mayor: All right and the (inaudible) slide the next one, Windsor Spring Road. Okay
so from a proximity standpoint Talbot Drive is that, is that the excess land that’s immediately
behind the Walmart Superstore ---
Mr. Wiedmeier: Yes ---
Mr. Mayor: --- or shopping store ---
Mr. Wiedmeier: --- yes.
Mr. Mayor: --- i.e. Walmart Neighborhood Market.
Mr. Wiedmeier: Correct.
Mr. Mayor: Okay. And the expansion identified in red would simply come across from
the church area where there’s a new Popeyes and across to the existing strip mall that’s there.
Mr. Wiedmeier: That’s correct.
Mr. Mayor: Okay and the existing frontline that’s again running in between the church in
that north east/west corner up there, how far does that go back down to Cambridge and Reed’s
Forest.
Mr. Wiedmeier: That actually runs back through Cambridge and eventually falls to the
Butler Creek trunk sewer.
Mr. Mayor: Okay and the one that’s in the western most corner going back up Tobacco
Road toward New Carleen, how far does that go back?
Mr. Wiedmeier: I don’t know exactly, I didn’t study that closely ---
Mr. Speaker: (Inaudible).
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Mr. Wiedmeier: --- okay, goes back to Willis Foreman?
Mr. Mayor: All right, continue.
Mr. Wiedmeier: All right, this is a project that is currently been designed and is funded.
We recently came to the Commission and got approved portions of Phase 1-A and 3 so that we
can clear Boykin Road. Boykin Road was paved except for the area we have to work in so we’re
going to go ahead, we bid that early, we’re getting easements on the rest and as soon as we have
the easements, these phases are kind of arbitrary and like I said we have funding in place so we
will bid those as quickly as we can. This is a huge project with both water and sewer. We’ve got
bad water mains in that area so it’ll be replacing all, putting in new sewer replacing water and
essentially rebuilding the streets where we’re working.
Mr. Mayor: All right, Tom, I’m going to take a series of questions the Commissioner from
ththst
the 8 the 4 and the 1.
Mr. Garrett: What’s the timeline on this Boykin Road Project?
Mr. Mayor: Would you speak into your microphone?
Mr. Garrett: What’s the timeline on this Boykin Road Project?
Mr. Wiedmeier: The entire project or just the portion we bid early?
Mr. Garrett: The portion you bid early. I think I’ve told you earlier this week about all the
calls we’ve been getting out of that area.
Mr. Wiedmeier: We are, I think we’ll be able to start work in the next month or so, so it’s
been awarded, it’s funded and we’ll push the contractor to get on out of there.
Mr. Sias: Thank you, sir. Mr. Wiedmeier, could you go to the Jack Kelly Road slide?
Mr. Wiedmeier: I haven’t gotten there yet but ---
Mr. Sias: I’m going to get my question in now.
Mr. Wiedmeier: Okay.
Mr. Sias: I’m very proud to see what you have proposed for Jack Kelly and I’m even more
excited that you ran it back up to Peach Orchard Road. And for everyone here a brand new
business opened right there where you see the lower part of that light extension. A brand new
business over there and there’s a couple more that’s opening right across the street there at Peach
Orchard and they’re opening up on septic tanks. So we have development coming, we have
development going, but we don’t have enough of the infrastructure. So Mr. Wiedmeier, I hope
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that as you do that first Jack Kelly extension that you will be able to get that future extension along
with that one if at all possible.
Mr. Wiedmeier: We’re about to start design on this so we’ll have both legs designed, the
one that goes to Peach Orchard and the one that goes to Jack Kelly Road, and then of course we’ll
prioritize it as the Commission wants.
Mr. Sias: Thank you, thank you, sir. Thank you, Mr. Wiedmeier.
st
Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 1.
Mr. Fennoy: Mr. Wiedmeier, the way these projects are listed has nothing to do with the
order that they will be completed?
Mr. Wiedmeier: No, this, of course the Commission has, we hope the Commission helps
us prioritize. We’ve kind of put them in the order that the most interest we’ve seen the most
interest so the Boykin, Travis Pines, a lot of interest in plus we have a lot of water issues in there
which pushes that towards the top. The Buckhead, Burnett Crossing area, we’ve received a lot of
interest so.
Mr. Fennoy: Okay and the cost for these projects would be how much?
Mr. Wiedmeier: I don’t have, I’ve got good costs for Boykin/Travis. The others haven’t
been designed yet so I don’t a firm cost yet.
Mr. Fennoy: Okay and once these lines have been installed, Tom, do you have any idea
how much money it would generate for the city and if you don’t I mean ---
Mr. Wiedmeier: I don’t at this point.
Mr. Fennoy: --- okay all right because what I would like, what I would like to know is the
total cost of all these projects ---
Mr. Wiedmeier: Right.
Mr. Fennoy: --- and the annual revenue that will be generated. And I think that you know
we’ll end up, we won’t end up in the hole, will we?
Mr. Wiedmeier: We’ll eventually make our money back at some point in time. The driver
for these projects is not really a return on investment for us but some of them have a lot of needs,
failing septic tanks in these areas. It’s quality of life plus economic development. And in some
of these areas we actually do consider all these things as we plan our work not just where we make
our money back quickly so. Another one that I don’t have a slide on but we do have $2 million
dollars programmed for is the water and sewer extension in the Augusta Corporate Park. That’s
programmed and we’re ready to go when the need arises.
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Mr. Fennoy: Okay, that’s all I have.
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Mr. Mayor: Okay all right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner form the 8.
Mr. Garrett: I think we’ve covered all of the questions that I had and really the reason why
I brought all this up is you know we understand that infrastructure is vital to a growing community
and I think we’re wanting to see Augusta continue to grow. I’m glad to see so many projects
headed south and I hope that they continue headed that way because you know I think that is our
opportunity for growth here in Augusta, so I appreciate it, Tom.
Mr. Wiedmeier: That’s the greatest need too, sir.
Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 4th.
Mr. Sias: Thank you, sir. Mr. Wiedmeier, it’s time for you to take off your tap dancing
shoes and I’m going to bring the question to you that you don’t want to bring us, you know what
I’m talking about right?
Mr. Wiedmeier: I might have an idea, yeah.
Mr. Sias: Okay, Mr. Mayor, one of the biggest issue that we have with these costly
extensions is customer participation. When this, when the sewer program started back in the early
1990’s one of the issues we had was how many lines do you run and people don’t hook up to them.
And we had a policy that said if you didn’t hook up within 90 days of completion your water would
be cut off. Well, that went like a lead balloon. So as we talk about these sewer extensions we’re
going to have to have a process in the program that we get the folks to hook up to them because I
think Mr. Wiedmeier will tell us a dry sewer line is worse than no sewer line because then you’ve
got to go back in and fix it. So when we start running these expensive trunk lines and we do the
hookup, we have the Sanitary Sewer Connection Program and that’s a $10.00 program for folks to
hookup. So, Mr. Wiedmeier, I’m going to put this on the table not from you. I’m going to say to
it that this something that we need to think about as we move up to this process and we move
through it connection has to be mandatory. It has to be mandatory. We can’t go out there and
force you to do it but we can start sending you the bill. So the bottom line is we can’t spend $5
million dollars on a project and you get and you only get half the folks to connect up. You’ve
defeated the purpose. So I’m just going to put it on the table we have to develop a process for that
and that’s something that my colleagues is going to have to make a decision on because you cannot
run these dry sewer lines and leave them there for years for folks not hooking up. So I just want
to say that for you, Mr. Wiedmeier, and they can blame me, they can call me, and they can fuss at
me but I’ve been running sewage in Augusta since 1995. Thank you, sir.
Mr. Mayor: Director Wiedmeier, do you anything else for us, sir?
Mr. Wiedmeier: No, that’s it.
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Mr. Mayor: All right, thank you so much and the Commissioner from the 8 for bringing
this forward.
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Mr. Fennoy: That’s it, Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk, is there any other business before us?
Mr. Fennoy: I’ve got a, may a have another point of personal privilege?
Mr. Mayor: Oh, that’s the balance of your time ---
Mr. Fennoy: Yeah ---
Mr. Mayor: --- do you want it back now? The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from
st
the 1.
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Mr. Fennoy: --- also just want to remind everybody that tickets for the 29 are being sold
outside and this is whatever the money that we raise will be in honor of our fallen comrade
Commissioner Jefferson and Grady Smith.
st?
Mr. Mayor: Okay, does everybody understand the Commissioner from the 1 Are we all
tracking? Okay. All right, Madam Clerk.
The Clerk: We’re there now, sir?
Mr. Mayor: Yes.
The Clerk:
OTHER BUSINESS
33. Motion to approve the purchase of a Chevrolet Suburban LTZ for use in the Mayor’s
Office from the capital expense fund and to authorize competitive bidding for this purchase.
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Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 1.
Mr. Fennoy: So moved.
Mr. Hasan: Second.
Mr. Fennoy: Let’s vote.
Mr. Mayor: We’ve got a motion and a second.
Mr. Frantom: Are we voting on the agenda item as it reads?
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Mr. Mayor: I think that’s what the Commissioner from the 1 said. All right, the Chair
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recognizes the Commissioner from the 4.
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Mr. Sias: Thank you, sir ---
Mr. Mayor: The camera’s on you.
Mr. Sias: I completely support your request for a vehicle for your office I do have a concern
about this particular vehicle and I think at one point we were all set to approve a vehicle for your
office and that would’ve been one of our standard, I believe it’s Ford SUV’s. And if you don’t
mind I’d like I would request if with your permission that we bring Mr. Crowden up to give us a
quick synopsis the difference between these two vehicles and the price.
Mr. Mayor: Well, I think that’s certainly appropriate but let me say this. We’ve talked
about this for quite some time. We have and what we’re going to do today is we’re going to, let’s
do what we have the ability to do as a body. Let’s take the drama out of it. I understand that there
was a big conversation this weekend particularly in light of you know the perceived amount of
what this vehicle is. It’s come to my attention that this has been I guess paralled to the Sheriff’s
vehicle that the Chevrolet Suburban LTZ with a pursuit package and driver from law enforcement.
I don’t think that’s ever come from the Mayor’s office in terms of a request and I’m not suggesting
that you are about to articulate that but let me at least speak to that. So often, we have this notion
in our community of well you’re giving somebody something and they’re going to have this grand
luxurious thing, that’s just not true. And I don’t think you were about to articulate the
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Commissioner from the 4 and I’m not suggesting you were but I’ve heard those comments as late
as today. I don’t think you’ve ever heard the Mayor’s Office articulate to anyone that that’s what
we were looking for. But as you’re asking Director Crowden to come and talk to that issue, I’ll
come back and have a series of suggestion, okay.
Mr. Sias: Let me just clarify one thing ---
Mr. Mayor: Yes, sir.
Mr. Sias: --- my whole premise is on the fact that this will have to come out of the
Contingency Fund.
Mr. Mayor: No, sir, Capital. It’s a capital expense, yeah it’s a capital expense as we
purchase all of our vehicles from Capital and I’ll go a step further even what was written in the
local column on Sunday as the numbers graduated from $50,000 dollars all the way to $80,000.
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Just from a math perspective $80,000 dollars is 1/1000 of a percent of our overall budget of an
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$800 million dollar operation just as a practical matter. 1/1000 of a percent as a practical matter.
Mr. Sias: Right and I won’t argue your point ---
Mr. Mayor: I know.
Mr. Sias: --- if we had that type of capital laying around in the Capital, I was not aware of
that one.
Mr. Mayor: But all right, Director Crowden.
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Mr. Crowden: Do you want a cost difference?
Mr. Sias: Cost comparison and basically what a standard sort of SUV that various
departments gets whether it’s a four-wheel or two-wheel drive. Just kind of give us a comparison.
Mr. Crowden: First off, the LTZ is no longer in production. They’re going to move to a
premium which has a few more whistles and bells but it’s still around the $60,000 dollar mark. It
could be lower depending on the features that you select but it’s going to be around $60,000. If
you go to the Ford Explorer, it’s $35,000 and/or less again depending on the features that you pick.
Mr. Sias: We’re talking about the SUV that you can put such as banners or easels and
things in the back, am I correct?
Mr. Crowden: Yes, sir.
Mr. Sias: Okay so 35 around 60. Okay, that answers my question.
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Mr. Mayor: All right the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 7, Mayor Pro Tem.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Thank you Mr. Mayor Mr. Crowden, is it not true that the previous
Mayor did not have a car, the one before him had a Crown Vic and the previous Mayor before him
had a car?
Mr. Crowden: Yes, sir, the Crown Vic was the traditional car for the Mayor’s Office.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: And how much was that?
Mr. Crowden: The Crown Vic? I’m going to say around $29,000 but them the Crown Vic
is no longer in production either.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yeah well, I’m just making comparison I mean $29,000 then and
now is way different. I mean it would be more than $40/45,000 I’d imagine. You know I think
that I support the Mayor and I think sometimes when you look at all the elected officials if you
look at across the board a lot of them have cars. They put them within their departments. Some
of these individuals have stipends as well. And you know I want to support the Mayor on this but
I’m not going to support the Mayor at $70,000 so I’ll make a substitute motion to approve the Ford
Explorer for the Mayor’s Office. Mr. Crowden, can you explain the cost of the Tahoe and explain
the Fire Department and what they have and some of deputies in the Sheriff’s Department?
Mr. Crowden: The Fire Department has a combination of Expeditions and Explorers. The
Tahoe, they have one Tahoe. The Tahoe’s going to come in again based on the features that you
want, and we don’t have pricing, actual pricing on any of these probably until sometime between
the end of the month and in May where we’ll actually get pricing for it. But the Tahoe’s going to
run about $43 to 45,000.
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Mr. Frantom: I’ll change my motion to support the Tahoe.
Ms. Davis: Second.
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Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 1.
Mr. Fennoy: Mr. Mayor, I think that regardless of who is the Mayor of Augusta-Richmond
County that is the face of Richmond County and I think that person should be treated as if they’re
the face of Richmond County. I think to have department heads, other elected officials riding
around in vehicles that are much nicer than what’s proposed, and this is for the Mayor. This is not
for Hardie Davis; this is for the Mayor regardless of who the Mayor might be. I think it’s a
disservice to the citizens of Richmond County. I think that if they the Mayor has to go to a
conference or workshop in Savannah, Macon, Atlanta, Columbus, Forsythe or Tipton then they
should go down in a vehicle that’s going to be representative of the City of Augusta, Georgia. So
I didn’t see anything wrong with the TMZ but I will support the ---
The Clerk: Tahoe?
Mr. Fennoy: Tahoe ---
The Clerk: Okay.
Mr. Fennoy: --- made by the motion of Commissioner Frantom and seconded by
Commissioner ---
The Clerk: Davis.
Mr. Fennoy: --- Davis.
Mr. Crowden: Mr. Chairman, I made a mistake. The Fire Department has two Tahoe’s
not one.
Mr. Fennoy: Two, that’s what I thought.
The Clerk: Do you want two, too?
Mr. Sias: Wow, what a revelation.
The Clerk: Let’s vote while you’re ahead.
Mr. Sias: Call for the question.
The Clerk: Substitute motion?
Mr. Mayor: No substitute, we just got the one I think, Ms. Bonner.
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Mr. Sias: No, we don’t call for the substitute.
Mr. Mayor: Okay all right, okay, I was just conflicted by my former Mayor Pro Tem who
said we should go for a black and gold, black and gold.
Mr. Sias: Call for the question.
Mr. Mayor: All right, voting.
Mr. Sias: Substitute Tahoe.
Mr. Garrett votes No.
Mr. M. Williams out.
Motion Passes 8-1.
Mr. Fennoy: That is something we should’ve done four years ago.
Mr. Mayor: I couldn’t agree with the gentleman more. All right ---
Mr. Sias: (Unintelligible).
Mr. Mayor: --- well, I’m going to give a headline first. Here’s the headline. Commission
votes to approve super-duper whizbang car for the Mayor. One black with red interior Ferrari
seats. All right, Madam Clerk, is there any other business before us and this body?
The Clerk: No, sir, that’s it.
Mr. Mayor: Let me remind everyone that on tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. in the Lamar Room at
the Marriott Hotel will be the public comment period that the Army Corp of Engineers actually is
it tomorrow? Yes tomorrow, tomorrow at 4:00 the public comment period tomorrow for the New
Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam.
Mr. Sias: What time again?
Mr. Mayor: That’s at 4:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. and we’re giving comment. We can give
comment at that time during the 60-day period of time. We’ll send an email out to the same.
\[MEETING ADJOURNED\]
Lena Bonner
Clerk of Commission
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CERTIFICATION:
I, Lena J. Bonner, Clerk of Commission, hereby certify that the above is a true and correct copy
of the minutes of the Regular Meeting of The Augusta Richmond County Commission held on
March 5, 2019.
______________________________
Clerk of Commission
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