HomeMy WebLinkAboutRegular Commission Meeting March 19, 2019
REGULAR MEETING COMMISSION CHAMBER
MARCH 19, 2019
August Richmond County Commission convened at 2:00 p.m., March 19, 2019, the Hon.
Hardie Davis, Jr., Mayor, presiding.
PRESENT: Hons. Few, Garrett, Sias, Fennoy, Frantom, M. Williams, D. Williams, Hasan
and Clarke, members of Augusta Richmond County Commission.
Absent: Hon. Davis, member of Augusta Richmond County Commission. (Votes by
telephone on Item #34)
The invocation was given by Father Michael Hull, Pastor St. Ignatios Melkite Catholic
Church.
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was recited.
Mr. Mayor: All right, good afternoon, everybody. Once again we are here to do the
people’s business and as we prepare to get started here I want to make mention of just a few things.
Today was a day of excitement in the City of Augusta. We had our ribbon cutting for the Traffic
Management Center. It was a collaborative effort that will provide the city with communication
to over 200 traffic signals within our system and have access to 75 new High Definition PTZ
Cameras that will assist our technicians with monitoring traffic throughout our city. It provides us
with a host of other opportunities in terms of traffic control but also EVP Emergency Vehicle
Positioning. That ‘P’ is probably not positioning but EVP Electric Emergency Vehicles allowing
them to be able to come through our lights safely and securely to get people to hospitals. But our
city is continuing to move forward in becoming a Smart City making our time now and the future
brighter for all of our citizens. I also am excited today to recognize that March is Women’s History
Month. All right, all right. (APPLAUSE) Women’s History Month ---
The Clerk: (unintelligible) standing up.
Mr. Mayor: --- I’m getting ready to do that, I’m getting ready to do that. For most of us
gentlemen in this audience the first lady that we find ourselves falling in love with is largely our
Moms. And I know that I have an amazing relationship with my Mom being her first born and
oldest child so, Ms. Davis, if you’re listening I know I love you and you love me back. I can say
that, that’s right. And today I do want to take an opportunity to recognize the amazing women
who make up this great community that are in the audience today. Those of you who are here
would you please stand all of the women who are here because of your contribution to what makes
this world great, would the women please stand. (APPLAUSE) Let’s give them a hand for what
they do. And more women than ever are headed to Congress comprised of a wide variety of
backgrounds women minorities, veterans, teachers. This is an amazing time to be in these United
States of America. And again it’s important for us to applaud the efforts of women like those of
you in this room who every single day are making amazing contributions to the communities in
which you live and not just to your families and so we’re forever grateful and thankful. I also want
to remind all of our citizens and those of you who are here today that Augusta in partnership with
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our friends in North Augusta will have a period of public comment regarding the New Savannah
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Bluff Lock and Dam on Thursday March the 21 here at the Commission Chambers from 5:00
p.m. to 7:00 p.m. It’s going to take place here. Again, Thursday March 21 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
where we will be able to record the comments and be able to deliver a single package to the Army
Corp of Engineers as a community and that includes our friends and partners in North Augusta.
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The 20 Annual Mayor’s Masters Reception will be held on Monday April the 8 at The Augusta
Common from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. and I’m looking forward to every one of you being in the room,
so good to see you all. All right, Madam Clerk.
The Clerk: Yes, sir. At this time I call your attention to the invocation portion of our
agenda which will be delivered by Father Michael Hull, Pastor of St. Ignatios Melkite Catholic
Church, would you please stand. And we’ll former Commissioner Bill Lockett to please lead us
into The Pledge, thank you.
Mr. Mayor: Father Hull, are you here? Okay all right, he is not here. Let us bow our
heads. Gracious and eternal God we come to you today seeking your wisdom your guidance but
also your promise peace. Direct our efforts today Oh God as we seek you from who bring all
wisdom. Today is a day that we will rejoice and be glad in all that you have done for us in this
community that we call Augusta. Now may your hand be upon our efforts today as we come
together as a community as a government to represent you before the people and the people before
you. This we pray in your name. Amen.
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Mr. Mayor: Okay, I do want to take in the words of the Commissioner from the 1 a Point
of Personal Privilege and I’m going to ask a friend of the communities a local Pastor in the area
we would do this during our Delegation period of time but I’m going to go ahead and ask him to
come at this time. Many of you know that former Commissioner Andrew Jefferson had done a
tremendous amount of work in our community and on this past Sunday I had the great fortune of
being a part of the launch of 97.3, the area’s first Hispanic radio station that former Commissioner
Jefferson was largely instrumentally in helping to make possible along with the working efforts of
Maurice McDowell from the Administrators Office. And so I want to ask him to come. I’ll give
him two minutes just to acknowledge and it was dedicated in memoriam to Commissioner
Jefferson, please come. We wanted to again, if you’ll speak from that microphone.
Mr. Maestre: Thank you, sir, for the opportunity. It’s been six years of working very hard
just dreaming about the radio station here in Augusta and we planned and we’ve been working and
pushing forward making many calls. Maybe like six months ago I called Commissioner Jefferson
---
Mr. Mayor: Pastor, could you pause for a moment?
Mr. McDowell: Yes, sir.
Mr. Mayor: Share with them your name and your church and where you’re located.
Mr. McDowell: Yes, sir. My name is Pastor Angel Maestre. I’ve been Pastor for the last
14 years on Oasis of Blessings the first Hispanic Christian Church in Augusta. We are located on
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3265 Deans Bridge Road right there next to Davis Appliance. We’ve been changing not only the
people but also the building in the location. It was like kind of lost building in the woods and
finally it’s coming out of it with a new reformed structure. And by the way at the same time God
has given us this opportunity to launch this past Sunday and I really appreciate your blessings in
that inaugural day, Mr. Mayor, it meant a lot to us and to the community. So Commissioner
Jefferson was a very great guy helping us on the first call that I called him he said Pastor whatever
you need just let me know and he made a couple of calls and it possible which was impossible.
And since then that was like the last stone that we were trying to conquer and he was able to put
in on our way and I praise God for that praise for the opportunity and I’m very thankful for the
people who got this foot in the leadership in our community that is helping us in some way some
how to conquer this dream. So Oasis Blessing is here to stay and Augusta has another tool to get
the community together and so it defines our effort as a community to push forward and to inform
and have a bridge between one community and another no matter if we speak Spanish or English
now we have a ready station to bring us together and I’m very thankful for that, for everybody
there that is being a part of it. My Mayor has been a part of it and Mr. McDowell which is here in
the audience thank you for believing in us we know that we are not that big in the city yet but the
community is coming over and here they are not alone anymore and they are driving. Now they
have 97.3 FM. That’s going to bless them and give them information in whatever needs they may
have. So if you need us we’re going to be here, 97.3 FM. Thank you for the opportunity, sir.
Mr. Mayor: Would you just mention the part you wanted to speak about where the
Commission and Commissioner Jefferson you dedicated the radio station in memorial to him.
Pastor Maestre: Yes, sir, on Sunday we opened our newest studios there on 3265 Deans
Bridge Road and we revealed the plaque that we made in honoring our friend and Commissioner
Andrew Jefferson our brand new studio. So the studio, the radio station has been named on the
door that says a Studio Andrew Jefferson so it’s an honor for us that we can be able to honor such
a great man and keep his legacy to the community through years to come naming the studio under
his name. (APPLAUSE)
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Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 1.
Mr. Fennoy: Mr. Mayor, I’d like to have a privilege of personal point or ---
Mr. Mayor: Point of Personal Privilege?
Mr. Fennoy: --- or something to that effect.
Mr. Mayor: Yes, go ahead.
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Mr. Fennoy: I would just like to remind everybody here that on the 29 of March between
11:00 and 2:00 o’clock we’re going to be selling barbeque dinners and all monies that we raise
will go to the Heart Foundation in honor of Commissioner Jefferson and Commissioner Grady
Smith. Mr. Mayor, on this past weekend I got an envelope a letter in the mail and under the return
address there’s a sticker that says I’m the NRA. And insider the envelope was a page that was
torn I guess out of an NRA pamphlet and on that page it talks about the NRA’s support of law
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enforcement and it talks about the NRA’s support of our soldiers. And on the bottom of that is a
sticker that says Proud to be an American and Freedom Is Not Free and another sticker that says
I’m the NRA. And on the front of that page was a sticker where this person wrote you need to be
deported. You are not fit to be called a citizen. And I think a lot of people really don’t understand
why I don’t stand for the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. I think that it’s important that everybody
in here knows that anytime anything has come before this Commission as it relates to our Military
I have always been 100% supportive. That anytime anything comes before this Commission as it
relates to the Sheriff’s Department I have always been 100% supportive and I will continue to
support the military. I will continue to support law enforcement but some of you all don’t
understand what I have gone through, the bigotry and the hatred that I’ve had to endure. And it is
difficult for me to respect the flag that doesn’t respect me. It’s difficult for me to respect a country
that would allow families to be separated at the border. It’s difficult for me to accept laws like
Stand Your Ground that will allow African American men to be shot down and nothing happens.
So I do not want anybody to get the wrong impression about why I don’t stand. I support the
military, I support law enforcement, but I do not support the way people of color are being treated
in this country. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
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Mr. Mayor: Thank the gentleman from the 1. Madam Clerk.
The Clerk:
RECOGNITION(S)
February 2019 Employee of the Month.
A. Congratulations! Mr. Steven M. Behrend, Augusta Utilities Department.
The Clerk: Yes, sir. I call your attention to the recognition portion of our agenda we would
like to offer the Mayor and members of the Commission as well as the City of Augusta would like
to offer congratulations to Mr. Steve Behrend of the Augusta Utilities Department, Mr. Mayor and
Ms. Jackson. Mr. Wiedmeier, do you have other members from your department who’d like to
share in this? Mayor Davis, the Employee Recognition Committee has selected Steven M.
Behrend as Augusta Georgia’s Employee of the Month for February 2019. Steve is one in a
million. If you don’t believe it just ask the employees of the Augusta Utilities Department. Steve
has been a dedicated Engineering Manager for the Utilities Engineering at Fort Gordon Division
since October 2013. Steve’s knowledge of engineering, project management and employee
relations is unparalleled which is just one the many reasons why he’s a very critical part of the
Utilities Department. Steve is the epitome of there is no I in team. He welcomes every opportunity
to instruct and train others and take pride in being able to share his knowledge to improve the
department and position it for success. His efforts not only benefit the entire Augusta Utilities
Department but they also set an example and inspires his coworkers to be proactive and proficient.
He regularly volunteers to resolve issues, develop project scopes and manage budget expenditures.
Steve is usually the first one to arrive and the last to leave. He always maintains a positive attitude
and takes on each new responsibility with optimism. Steve’s willingness to assist others and his
commitment to the Augusta Utilities Department is unequaled. Steve has proven himself to be the
go to guy for capital projects and utility planning. In the past year Augusta Utilities Department
has experienced an increase in projects totaling over $36 million dollars that Steve successfully
oversees. It qualifies such as those Steve’s embodied that led him to be an invaluable resource
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and exceptional employee not only Augusta Utilities Department but also the City of Augusta.
Based on this nomination Steve’s outstanding contributions to the department and service to
Augusta Georgia the Employee Recognition Committee would appreciate you in joining us in
recognizing Steve M. Behrend as the February 2019 Employee of the Month, congratulations.
(APPLAUSE)
Mr. Behrend: Thank you. I just wanted to thank the Commission, Mayor Davis, and
Administrator Jackson, my Director Tom Wiedmeier, my boss Assistant Director Horace Luke,
all my coworkers out at the Ford Gordon Division make it exciting to come to work everyday and
all my coworkers throughout the department and the city it’s an exciting time to be a part of the
Augusta Richmond County. Thank you. (APPLAUSE)
Mr. Wiedmeier: There’s a tremendous amount of work going on at Fort Gordon. Steve’s
managing the capital projects and the engineering. With the Fort Gordon group everybody that’s
here please stand I’d like to recognize you guys too so they’re doing a great job out there. I would
like to mention Steve is a professional engineer and a West Point graduate so I worked with him
for a long time so thank you, Steve, for what you do. (APPLAUSE)
Mr. Luke: As he mentioned Fort Gordon is going through a transformation there’s a lot of
work a lot of projects going on out at Fort Gordon and Steve has been a valuable part of that
success. Fort Gordon is always improving and always changing and so we have to change with
the times and adapt. I would also thank Steve’s family which is here. Not only does Steve come
first he leaves last he’s here when nobody’s there like on weekends, 8:00, 9:00 o’clock at night.
He’s always there making sure that the projects are on schedule, things get done as they should
and we just want to say thank you. (APPLAUSE)
Mr. Mayor: Steve, thank you for what you do not only your service to this country but to
the City of Augusta and all of our citizens, once again congratulations. (APPLAUSE) Would
Steve’s family please stand. Outstanding. (APPLAUSE) Thank you.
The Clerk:
DELEGATIONS
B. Mr. Jim Hall regarding two approaches to rehabilitate 401 Walton Way former JLEC
(Joint Law Enforcement Center) for use as a juvenile justice center. (Requested by
Commissioner Mary Davis)
Mr. Hull: Thank you, Mr. Mayor, members of the Commission and Administrator. My
name is Jim Hull. There’s been skepticism expressed that the work necessary to rehabilitate
Building A at 401 Walton Way can be accomplished for $2,250,000 plus soft costs and a
contingency reserve in that the cost to demolish the tower portion of the premises and to properly
mothball the remaining buildings can be done for $600,000 dollars. I was asked to look at 401
Walton Way and give my evaluation of the feasibility and of the estimated cost along with a
recommendation for action exclusively from a business perspective. I have great past experiences
in working with the city and its staff on similar progressive projects. We brought about the
relocation of the City Transit Facility to my property located behind the former Regency Mall and
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I worked with the Administrator to open up a large redevelopment parcel at the 15 Gateway to
Augusta University. I worked with the city and others on the development of the Kroc Center, the
Georgia Cyber Center, the Georgia Cancer Center and recently on the redevelopment of Starbucks
and Chick-fil-A on a parcel I own on Highway 25. My sole perspective here in speaking to you
today is what makes good business sense and based on my experience except for the tower the
existing improvements at 401 Walton Way are not overall mis-improvements and should be
rehabilitated and used. I believe the construction costs estimates we have put together are accurate.
but I know that there can be a fear that the rehabilitation of a government building can result in
costs in excess of expectations. So I am here today to suggest two different approaches. The first
proposal was previously made and the second is a new alternative designed to eliminate the
concern that the city would incur cost overruns and to give the city a guaranteed fixed cost
structure. My group will make arrangements for a $25,000 grant to the city to be used to fund a
detailed study to document existing architectural site and environment conditions and develop a
space utilization plan. This would allow the project to be bid by contractors through the city’s
regular procurement process and if at any time and if for any reason or for no reason the city does
not want to move forward, we will terminate our group’s involvement without any expenditure of
funds by the city. As an alternative approach I am prepared to lease 401 Walton Way from the
city and to sublease the renovated facility back to the city on the following terms: Our group
would have architectural and engineering plans generated and approved, we would have 75-days
to complete our evaluation and confirm the feasibility of the project. Upon the city authorizing us
to begin we would proceed to complete the agreed construction work and upon the completion of
the construction work the city would have the option to either purchase the lease holding
improvements at our cost or elect to pay a net monthly rental of $29,792.00 dollars. After the
developers’ expenses for property management, accounting and other costs, this rental equates to
an annual 8.7% return on investment with no return of investment. The rental represents a
guaranteed cost for a renovated 401 Walton way. At the end of the 15-year lease term the city has
the option of purchasing the improvements for 50% of the developers costs or renewing the lease
and at the end of the extension period the developer will convey all if its interests in the
improvements to the city for $1.00 dollar. In the second alternative the developer group is taking
all risks for any initial costs construction costs overruns. The second alternative is a compelling
offer to the city if it wants to eliminate the risk contemplated improvements can be completed at
the estimated cost. This type of public/private partnership I am proposing is being used all over
the country and I thank you very much for your time today and I’m glad to answer any questions.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you very much, Mr. Hull. We appreciate you coming to share that with
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us. The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 6 for a question.
Mr. Hasan: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Hull ---
Mr. Hull: Yes, sir ---
Mr. Hasan: --- good afternoon once again.
Mr. Hull: --- good afternoon.
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Mr. Hasan: Mr. Hull, I want to make sure and I don’t know which one of the plans the
alternative may be which one of them do I understand you, I know you’ve given it to us I get a
chance to look at it in detail a little bit later ---
Mr. Hull: Yes, sir.
Mr. Hasan: --- are you suggesting that we lease the building to you currently as is and let
you do the renovations?
Mr. Hull: Yes, sir. We would lease the buildings as they sit on an as it where it is basis
and it would be our responsibility to do all the renovations and all the demolition pursuant to the
plans that would be approved by the city and the Augusta Judicial Circuit.
Mr. Hasan: But the lease takes place first. In other words we do a lease first and you do
all the work per the lease from us.
Mr. Hull: Yes, you would lease the premises to us. The lease would provide that once we
completed the construction pursuant to the plans that the city would approve then at that time after
the construction has been completed, the city would have the option to either purchase the
improvements that we made at our costs or to make the lease payments pursuant to the lease.
Mr. Hasan: Thank you.
Mr. Hull: Yes, sir.
Mr. Mayor: All right there are a couple of questions, all right the Chair recognizes the
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Commissioner from the 1.
Mr. Fennoy: Ms. Jackson, can I ask Ms. Jackson (unintelligible).
Mr. Mayor: Please do.
Mr. Fennoy: Ms. Jackson, what was our estimated cost for demolition and renovation of
the 401?
Ms. Jackson: For the cost of the demolition of the complex was estimated at $1.5 million
dollars.
Mr. Fennoy: So we’ve got a $900,000 dollar, the entire complex.
Ms. Jackson: Yeah, that was in keeping with our initial plan to demolish the entire complex
was $1.5 million was the estimated cost.
Mr. Fennoy: And how much money or do we have any SPLOST monies that’s designated
for 401?
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Ms. Jackson: There is in SPLOST VII.
Mr. Fennoy: And how much is ---
Ms. Jackson: That is the $1.5 million.
Mr. Fennoy: --- $1.5 million, okay. And Mr. Hull ---
Mr. Hull: Yes, sir.
Mr. Fennoy: --- if we agree to say Option 2 when would how soon would it be before you
can get started?
Mr. Hull: I think we could be started the feasibility period would be 75 days and I would
expect we could have all the drawings and going through the city’s regular permitting process,
with architectural drawings would be another four months. So I would say, Commissioner Fennoy,
within a total of six months from today that we should be able to get started.
Mr. Fennoy: Okay and my last comment is that I think one of my biggest concerns and it’s
been a concern that’s been expressed by Commissioner Marion Williams over and over again is
that once we agree on a dollar amount for a project then as we get closer to the end we’re going to
come back with change orders. And the change orders is going to extend the actual price of that
project way beyond what we had planned on spending and you’re saying this is not going to
happen.
Mr. Hull: Yes, sir, Commissioner Fennoy, what I’m saying is we would have a legal lease
that would provide if we have to do the work and complete the project and the city’s costs are
fixed, yes, sir.
Mr. Fennoy: All right thank you, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: Okay I’m going to ask a single question. As a developer across this region
and the Southeast United States and pieces of real estate in corridors like this one in particular, is
this highest and best use for that property?
Mr. Hull: I think it could be the highest and best use. Yes, the property, Mr. Mayor, is a
little bit limited because of the natural boundary that is created by the Savannah River and also the
railroad tracks on the other side. So when these retailers are determining the feasibility which
essentially is what the sales volume they predict from their proposed development, we’re limited
because of those natural factors and so for that reason I do think this is a the highest and best use.
I would add that we could take the corner of this property and think in terms of some kind of retail
development on the corner maybe one acre or an acre and a half on the corner and that would be
the exception to what I’m speaking of.
Mr. Mayor: All right, I have a follow up question based on your response. Given that the
train tracks, the Norfolk Southern Rail Line, is effectively 2.6 miles from this location and the
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Savannah River would be effectively about 1.17 miles from this location the natural barrier
impediment, how does that strike with regards to that because if you look at it it’s in an immediate
thoroughfare that is in the middle of two states, high volume traffic that comes through there. How
can we again in your experiences as a major developer across the Southeastern United States take
this property and effectively tell us that this the best use for it in light of those things?
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Mr. Hull: Well, if you take the Savannah River which is about 6/10 of a mile to the north
and you take where the railroad tracks are and the traffic count what the retailers tell you that as
far as a grocery store people shop where they live and so we really need a three mile ring and that’s
what we’re talking about and unfortunately on the north we’re cut off by the river. So and the
railroad tracks the road patterns give us some problems so that’s where we get to a like a Dollar
General with a food component and a fast food restaurant could probably be fit in on the corner.
And from a highest and best use as far as generating funds they generate a little more money than
certainly a governmental project with lawyers office and that kind of development is that
responsive to what you’re asking?
Mr. Mayor: It’s what you’ve shared based on your experiences and you’re the developer.
I’m not.
Mr. Hull: Thank you.
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Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 6.
Mr. Hasan: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Hull, this question is not in a way to question what
you do for sure because you’ve got what you do across the southeast which I know I just wish you
was maybe be the same poor fella I talked to earlier you’re ---
Mr. Hull: (Unintelligible).
Mr. Hasan: --- you’re opposed to it that’s why I need to be poor if that’s the case. But my
question is I was fortunate to have lunch today with some law enforcement officers and I just took
the liberty and was talking about, I was there to meet with them about other concerns they had and
I took the liberty of asking them about 401 who had worked in that building. It was six of them
and all six of them said they had worked in the building and I asked them what was their opinion
of the building in terms of trying to renovate or what have you and they pretty much said if they
wasn’t forced to go in there to work they wouldn’t go in there to work. There were two studies
done and you probably seen both of them, one in the 80’s and some one was done one around
2000/2011 what puts you at ease and comfort that you can deal with those concerns that previous
occupants in that building that they’ll be satisfied when you get through with your body of work
at this cost. I know anything can be done at a cost but at your current cost how could you deal
with that?
Mr. Hull: Well and you know I have dealt with a lot of environmental issues in my
development career and in this case the majority of where we had the problem which has been
water infiltration is going to be demolished so the buildings that we have remaining, the two
buildings that we’re proposed to remain have not suffered as much of the environmental problem
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as the other building. So you know in my experience we’ve dealt a good bit with the remediation
of environmental issues you know we can handle these problems under the budget that we’ve got
you know that we’ve submitted to you today.
Mr. Hasan: Thank you, sir.
Mr. Hull: Yes, sir, thank you.
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Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 4 and then I’ll
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take one final question from the Commissioner from the 9.
Mr. Sias: Good afternoon, Mr. Hull ---
Mr. Hull: Good afternoon, Commissioner.
Mr. Sias: --- not being an engineer or a developer I have to look at the history of what’s
been in that location. And when reviewing the very first analysis that your group proposed if I’m
not mistaken it was eventually taking the building down to the basic skin frame, is that correct?
Mr. Hull: I’ve got Architect Booker here and he can tell us something or Mr. Aikers.
Mr. Sias: Well, let me finish my question with you then, sir. And in making that comment
this idea of rehabbing this building I am extremely afraid of that. I extremely afraid of that because
this building has been there for quite a while and nearly from the first day of occupancy there were
issues. So some time just a little old common sense as to when you are dealing with these kinds
of issues that kind of it’s kind of malingering and just kind of hangs around. And when you deal
with folks who say I’m sick but we have several folks in the building that’s good so I foresee and
I don’t have a crystal ball but I foresee the future of bringing that same thing back unless that
building is basically demolished. So I appreciate everything that you and your group have done
but I’m still in that first paragraph you had about skepticism. I still have a serious concern on that
as that’s been the complete history of this building and we got everybody else out of it. And I’m
just extremely concerned about that and at this point in time I’m convinced but I thank you for
your presentation.
Mr. Hull: Commissioner Sias, may I ask you, respond to that?
Mr. Sias: Yes, sir.
Mr. Hull: And you know that’s the beauty, Commissioner Sias, of this proposal which is
you know as a developer we have to comply with all the environmental rules and regulations and
we have got a very outstanding building department here in our city and they require compliance
with all of the rules as does the state. And I can assure you that our proposal incorporates a, all
remediation necessary for a good first class building. So and the beauty of this proposal to the
City of Augusta is that all that risk is on my shoulders. If I don’t comply with every rule and every
regulation, it’s at my cost. We’re giving the city, we’re providing the city a fixed sum contract.
On any environmental issues that have to be remediated and we remediate environmental problems
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all the time everywhere. The majority of the problems, Mr. Sias, in this particular development
are going to be demolished and we have to do that to a certain standard as well. So I think by
shifting the burden of those environmental concerns onto the developer then the city is fully
protected and the city’s lawyers can fully protect it and then that’s what we call a risk shifting and
we’re shifting the risk on to the developer and if I’m wrong and I have to spend double that amount
to satisfy all the governmental agencies then that burden is on me.
Mr. Sias: Mr. Mayor, I’ll close with this comment. Thank you very much, sir, and I just
want to make sure on thing is clear is that I fully support a facility for Juvenile Justice. I really do
and I intend for us to have one whether it be 401 or whether it be a new building or a renovated
building but most definitely we have to get a facility and so I’m totally for that but I’m still on the
wrong side of this one.
Mr. Hull: I understand, sir, thank you.
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Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair’s going to recognize the Commissioner from the 9. I
want to pause and make sure that we bring this conversation back into alignment this is just a
conversation again with a community partner who’s coming and speaking on behalf of the Juvenile
Courts. Earlier last year there was some discussion about how to repurpose the 401 Building. The
city has not entered into any agreements, I want everybody to fully understand that. This is just
again by way of conversation and suggestions about how we might be able to attack an ongoing
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concern around space for a Juvenile Court. The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 9.
Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Hull, I thank you for coming and sharing
with us and I’m glad we’re having an open dialogue about this facility because I too see the need
and know how important it is to have such a facility. And I’m not an architect, I’m not an engineer
or any of the sort but I’ve got plenty of vision. My grandfather used to tell me all the time as a
child he could look through muddy water and spot dry land and he convinced me of that because
he was a smart man. He was not educated but he knew common sense. He had very little education
but he had a lot of experience and I tend to lean on a lot of stuff he told me you know as a child so
I’ve got a little vision myself when we talk about the risks and all that other stuff. But the building
was built, when it was built years ago we had an outside contractor do it the building lasted about
20 years and it started to fall down then but like you stated it was just water coming in the building.
Even my vision then said put a roof over the top of the roof and then you stop the water from
coming in but that wasn’t good enough. But there are other buildings that has been sustained and
secure and has been a good building and it’s still there so I can’t foresee tearing all of it down. I
think the tower needs to come down. I don’t think you need to renovate, I think it needs to come
down. Those people who were working and the Commission Hasan talked about evidently didn’t
work in the other building they had to work in the tower itself and I don’t blame them. I wouldn’t
want to go back into that situation but I do think there’s some good in those other buildings. I do
think that we could tear down the tower. You know ya’ll you and the Mayor and Georgia Tech
were talking about retail stores and big box stores and all that stuff but you hit something that’s
close and dear to me when you talked about the three mile radius with economics. There’s not
much money on that side of town, let me put it that way. There’s some homeowners and some
businesses but there’s not a lot of economic money that’s floating around there and people are not
going to just travel on that end of town because you put a building there or store there whatever it
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is. So I’ve said that to say that I think you’ve got a good program. I think you planned it good; I
think it needs to be vetted some more and talked about some more. We need to ask some more
questions. I need to try to stump you every chance I get and I ain’t going to be able to do that I
know but I need to try.
Mr. Hull: I’m easy.
Mr. M. Williams: I need to try that because I think that if you don’t ask questions you
won’t know. I mean the only bad question is the one you don’t really ask and then after it’s too
late then you won’t ask it when it’s too late. But I say all that to say that we need a facility bad
and since we’ve got this building and I think over half of it can be used I would certainly be in
support of trying to help put a deal like that together with somebody. Now like the Mayor said I
don’t want nobody to get the wrong impression we had not decided anything. You just brought a
proposal to us. Somebody else may have a better one, a cheaper one and when I say cheaper less
expensive for this government and I’d be willing to entertain that. And I just think we’ve got to
have vision to see how this thing can happen and not just turn around and build everything.
Mr. Hull: Well, thank you, Commissioner Williams, and we so much hope we have an
opportunity to work with this commission. We think we do great things, we have done great things
and we appreciate it.
Mr. Mayor: Okay all right, thank you very much. Okay, Madam Clerk, we’re going to go
to the Consent Agenda.
The Clerk: Our Consent Agenda consists of Items 1-32, Items 1-32. For the benefit of any
objectors to our Planning Petition once the petition is read would you please signify your objection
by raising your hand. I call your attention to:
Item 1: Z-19-09 – Is a request to approve with conditions the foundation for EDS
requesting a Special Exception for property located at 1345 Flowing Wells Road.
Item 2: Is a request with conditions requesting a change of zoning from a Zone R-1A (One-
family Residential) to a zone R-3A (Multiple-family Residential) affecting property known as
2737 Milledgeville Road.
Item 3: Is a request with conditions requesting a Special Exception to construct a boarding
house located at 2737 Milledgeville Road.
The Clerk: Are there any objectors to any of those Planning Petitions? I call your attention
to the Public Service portion of our agenda:
Item 4: Is for an Adult Entertainment amendment waiving the second reading.
Item 5: Is a motion to approve a retail package Beer & Wine License to be used in
connection with the Augusta Mimi Mart located at 1503 Gordon Highway.
Item 6: Is for an on-premise consumption Liquor, Beer & Wine License to be used in
connection with Hyatt House located at 1268 Broad Street.
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Item 7: Is a request for an on-premise consumption Liquor, Beer & Wine License to be
used in connection with Augusta Convention and Visitors Bureau dba as Augusta Co. located at
1010 Broad Street.
Item 8: Just for record this amendment is waiving a second reading.
Item 9: Is for an alcohol Special Events License for property located at 2834 Washington
Road.
Item 10: Is for an alcohol Special Events License for a location at 3035 Washington Road.
The Clerk: Are there any objectors to any of those Alcohol Petitions? Mr. Mayor members
of the Commission our Consent Agenda consists of Items 1-32. And the Administrator is asking
Item 25 to be pulled and referred back to committee.
Mr. Mayor: All right, Madam Clerk as a matter of record Item 17, on Item 17, I’m trying
to get to you. Okay, Madam Administrator, do you want to speak to that one?
Ms. Jackson: Yes on Item 17 the wording of that should be changed to substitute Mayor
where Director is so it should read as follows: Motion to authorize Housing and Community
Development Department and the Mayor to execute a Certificate of Consistency with Local
Consolidated Plan for SAFEHOMES, Inc.
Mr. M. Williams: What do we do with that, Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: So what do we do with 17? Well, you’re going to approve it but it needs to
be, ultimately I’m the one who signs the document and that’s not there. That’s not what this is.
It’s as if the Director from Housing HCD is executing that okay? All right.
Mr. M. Williams: I’ve got a couple of questions about a couple of these I want to pull.
Mr. Mayor: I’m going to give them to you now. All right, the Chair will entertain any
motions to add or remove from the consent agenda. The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from
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the 9.
Mr. M. Williams: Mr. Mayor, I’d like to add Item 38 I think it’s the, to the Consent and
I’d like to pull Item 16, 22 and 24.
The Clerk: Mr. Williams, can I get you to speak into your mike, sir?
Mr. M. Williams: Write that down, it’s the first time, Ms. Bonner.
The Clerk: I beg your pardon?
Mr. M. Williams: Item 16, 22 ---
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Mr. Mayor: Okay, Madam Clerk, all right the Commissioner from the 9 is going to make
is going to amend that for Item number 38, he’s got a slight change for number 38.
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Mr. M. Williams: Point of, add it to the Consent Agenda but I want to waive the second
reading.
Mr. Mayor: Okay.
Mr. M. Williams: You’ve got those other three, right, Ms. Bonner?
The Clerk: Sir?
Mr. M. Williams: You’ve got those other three that I wanted to pull?
The Clerk: Yes, sir, but let me make sure that was Item 16 and Item 22 and you were
adding to the Consent Item 38 with an amendment to waive the second reading.
Mr. M. Williams: But I was pulling 24 as well.
The Clerk: You want 24, okay.
Mr. Mayor: And Item 25 is being pulled and referred back to committee.
The Clerk: Yes, sir.
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Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 1.
Mr. Fennoy: Mr. Mayor, I don’t necessarily want to pull Item number 20 but I would like
to give if possible for Commissioner Lockett to be given an opportunity to talk about Age Friendly
Augusta and the impact that it’s having and going to have on our community in a three minute
period of time if that’s because he can get long-winded.
Mr. Mayor: I think I heard what the Commissioner say he wanted to pull Item 20.
The Clerk: Yes, sir, I believe that’s what he said.
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Mr. Mayor: Okay, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 9, I’m sorry the 6.
Mr. Hasan: Thank you, Mr. Mayor ---
Mr. Mayor: Yes, sir.
Mr. Hasan: --- Mr. Mayor, Item number 18 I can ask a simple question or either you can
pull it.
Mr. Mayor: We’re going to pull it.
Mr. Hasan: Okay, pull 18.
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Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 8.
Mr. Frantom: I’m not going to pull it but I just want to go on record saying that I’ll be
voting No on Number 4.
The Clerk: Four, okay.
Mr. Fennoy: Do we add 39?
Mr. Mayor: Yeah all right, add 39.
The Clerk: To the Consent?
Mr. Mayor: Yes, please.
The Clerk: Okay.
Mr. Frantom: Motion to approve.
Mr. M. Williams: I need some clarity on that, Mr. Mayor, 39, I don’t want to ---
Mr. Mayor: Okay with objection. All right, so we won’t add it.
Mr. Frantom: Motion to approve as stated on the screen.
Mr. Sias: Second.
CONSENT AGENDA
PLANNING
1. Z-19-19 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to approve
with the conditions below; a petition by The Foundation for EDS Inc. requesting a Special
Exception to add additional property to the campus for EDS that was approved for a Special
Exception in 2017 (Z-17-27) per Section 25-i (b) of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for
Augusta Georgia affecting property containing approximately 8.74 acres and known as part
of 1345 Flowing Wells Road. Part of Tax Map 029-031-11-0 DISTRICT 3 1. The site plan
and design of the proposed kindergarten facility should be mindful of environmentally
sensitive areas. 2. No fill in the floodplain, floodway or the wetlands is permitted. 3. Issuance
of development permits shall be contingent upon the submission regulations, including but
not limited to the Food Ordinance. 4. Any disturbance or encroachment on the floodplain
or floodway should be avoided. 5. A no-rise certification will be required for all land
disturbance and if required Army Corp. of Engineers approval to disturb the wetlands.
2. Z-19-10 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to approve
with the conditions below; a petition by Divine Vision Ministry Inc., on behalf of Valerie
Wilkins, requesting a change of zoning from Zone R-1A (One-family Residential) to Zone R-
3A (Multiple-family Residential) affecting property containing 1.61 acres and known as part
of 2727 Milledgeville Road. Tax Map 070-2-022-00-0 DISTRICT 2 1. The only permissible
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used of the property shall be a Boarding House or single-family residence. A. A Site Plan
must be provided for further structural additions on the subject property of enlargement of
the existing residence for the purpose of additional residential use. 3. The Boarding House
shall be limited to 8 residents, subject to minimum space requirements set forth by the
Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance at the time of the application. An additional 3 residents
will be allowed on the second floor if all of the components of Section 32 of the Life Safety
Code are met. 4. One parking space for each 2 individuals residing in the Boarding House
must be provided and clearly marked, along with 1 parking space for the owner or resident
manager.
3. Z-19-11 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to approve
with the conditions below: a petition by Divine Vision Ministry Inc., on behalf of Valerie
Wilkins, requesting a Special Exception t construct a boarding house per Section 26-i (u) of
the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for Augusta Georgia affecting property containing
1.61 acres and known as part of 2737 Milledgeville Road. Tax Map 070-2-022-00-0
DISTRICT 2 1. The parcel at 2737 Milledgeville Road was rezoned for use as a Family
Personal Care Home by zoning cases Z-09-05 in 2009. 2. A business License was never
obtained and the Special Exception for the Family Personal Care Home expired. 3.
Currently, the parcel contains and is zoned for single-family residence. 4. According to Tax
Records, the residence was built in 1936. 5. According to the applicant the residence contains:
5 bedrooms, 3 full baths (2 existing and 1 proposed), the required office a Boarding House
must include, plus common area to include: a living room, a kitchen, a dining room, a
laundry area on the first floor and a loft and sitting area on the second floor. 6. According to
a recent Code Enforcement inspection, the existing residence currently has 3 usable
bedrooms on the first floor and is able to house 8 residents within the existing structure,
including the resident manager. Bedroom 1 has 100 sq ft and may house 1 resident Bedroom
2 has 333 sq ft and may house 3 residents Bedroom 3 has 414 sq ft and may house 4 residents
7. According to a recent Code Enforcement inspection, the existing residence contains: A
living room that meets the spacing requirements of 150 sq ft for 6 or more residents and
contains 575 sq ft; A dining room meets the spacing requirements of 120 sq ft for 6 or more
residents and contains 154 sq ft; One existing full bathroom and 1 proposed full bathroom
are to be part of this facility – bathrooms are required to contain one functional toilet, a
lavatory and a showering facility per 4 residents; A dedicated office for the resident manager
has been provided. 8. Based on square footages provided by the applicant, and additional 3
residents would be allowed in the upstairs bedroom. Bedroom 4 has 275 sq ft and may house
2 residents Bedroom 5 has 166 sq ft and may house 1 resident According to the Fire
Department, additional residents on the second floor would only be allowed if all of the
components of Section 32 of the Life Safety Code are met. An additional bathroom exists
upstairs. 9. Per the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, Boarding Houses are allowed to
provide temporary or longer-term accommodations, for compensation, at no less than thirty
(30) days for 4 or more persons which, for the period of occupancy, may serve as a principal
residence. These establishments also may provide complementary services, such as
housekeeping, meals, and laundry services. No health-related services may be provided,
including but not limited to, dispensing of medications. The owner or an employee of the
owner (resident manager) must reside on site and are counted toward the maximum
occupancy. Such operations are allowed by Special Exception approval only in the R-3A, R-
3B and R-3C zones under defined performance standards. They are also allowed by right in
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the B-1 an B-2 Zones under defined performance standards. 10. Parking spaced at the
existing residence are not currently marked on the large concrete area in front of the
residence. One parking space for each 2 individuals residing in the Boarding House must be
provided, along with 1 space for the owner or resident manager. 11. The proposed Boarding
House should have minimal traffic impact on Milledgeville Road or nearby Gordon
Highway. 12. Public transportation is available within walking distance of the proposed
Boarding House. 13. A bike rack is not proposed for the proposed Boarding House based on
applicant drawings. 14. ADA accessibility will have to be provided for the Boarding House.
PUBLIC SERVICES
4. Motion to approve Adult Entertainment ordinance amendment to the Augusta, Georgia
Code, Title 6, Chapter 1, Adult Entertainment, Section 6-1-3 (g), to provide that an erotic
dance establishment business tax certificate holder is eligible to obtain on-premise
consumption alcohol licenses subject to the regulations of the Augusta Alcohol Ordinance
and provided that the establishment is in compliance with Section 6-1-9 of the Adult
Entertainment Ordinance that provides location requirements. (Approved by Public
Services Committee March 12, 2019)
5. Motion to approve New Ownership Application: A.N. 19-09: request by Jay Patel for a
retail package Beer & Wine License to be used in connection with Augusta Mini Mart located
at 1503 Gordon Highway. District 2. Super District 9. (Approved by Public Services
Committee March 12, 2019)
6. Motion to approve New Location: A.N. 19-11: request by John D. Engler, Jr. for an on-
premise consumption Liquor, Beer & Wine License to be used in connection with Hyatt
House Augusta located at 1268 Broad Street. There will be Sunday Sales. District 1. Super
District 9. (Approved by Public Services Committee March 12, 2019)
7. Motion to approve New Location: A.N. 19-12: request by Bennish Brown for an on-
premise Liquor, Beer & Wine License to be used in connection with Augusta Convention &
Visitors Bureau dba Augusta Co. located at 1010 Broad Street. District 1. Super District 9.
(Approved by Public Services Committee March 2, 2019)
8. Motion to approve On-Premise Alcohol Licenses: request approval of amendments to the
Augusta, Georgia Code, Title 6, Chapter 2, Article 1, Alcoholic Beverages, to provide that a
business tax certificate holder – for an adult dance establishment/erotic dance establishment
that can be permitted under the guidelines of the Augusta, Georgia Adult Entertainment
Ordinance – is eligible to apply for on-premise alcohol licenses. (Approved by Public Services
Committee March 12, 2019)
9. Motion to approve a request by Tracy Trotter of HOA Restaurant Holder dba Hooters of
Augusta located at 2834 Washington Rd for an Alcohol Special Event License for the week
of April 6-14, 2019 (Masters Week). There will be Sunday Sales. District 7. Super District 10.
(Approved by Public Services Committee March 12, 2019)
10. Motion to approve a request by Jan Scholer of Wings of Augusta dba Wild Wing Café
located at 3035 Washington Rd for an Alcohol Special Event License for the week of April
7-13, 2019 (Masters Week). There will be Sunday Sales. District 7. Super District 10.
(Approved by Public Services Committee March 12, 2019)
11. Motion to approve the Excess Facilities Charge Agreement in the amount of $140,983.06
with Ga. Power Co. for installation of transformers to serve New Electrical Room for the
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Airport’s General Perry Smith Parkway – SED Area. (Approved by Public Services
Committee March 12, 2019)
12. Motion to approve the 2019 Thanks Mom and Dad Innovative Program Grant for new
senior programs at Brigham Senior Center in the amount of $2,000. (Approved by Public
Services Committee March 12, 2019)
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
13. Motion to approve the updated agenda item to approve the purchase of one Chevrolet
Tahoe Pursuit using a sub-grant funded by the Federal Homeland Security Grant Program
through the state of Georgia for the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and one Chevrolet
Tahoe for the Richmond County Coroner’s Office using SPLOST 7 funds. (Approved by
Administrative Services Committee March 12, 2019)
14. Motion to approve request from Augusta Utilities Department Construction and
Maintenance Division to replace one backhoe loader to Border Equipment utilizing ITB #18-
234A and lease two sewer vacuum trucks to Environmental Products of Georgia utilizing
ITB 18-305. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee March 12, 2019)
15. Motion to approve Housing and Community Development Department’s (HCD’s)
request to sell property located at 3209 Sylvan Court to an approved homebuyer. (Approved
by Administrative Services Committee March 12, 2019)
17. Motion to authorize Housing and Community Development Department’s (HCD’s)
Director to execute a Certificate of Consistency with Local Consolidated Plan for
SAFEHOMES, Inc. Domestic Violence Shelter in Augusta, Georgia. (Approved by
Administrative Services Committee March 12, 2019)
19. Motion to approve authorization of Housing and Community Development Department’s
(HCD’s) agreement for a Small Business Development Loan to Leibra Inc. dba Whipped
Creamery in the amount of $37,500.00 (at 4% Interest and an 84-Month Term). (Approved
by Administrative Services Committee March 12, 2019)
PUBLIC SAFETY
21. Motion to approve SAMHSA (3) grant contractors for the Accountability Court DUI and
Veterans Court programs. Contractors are Treatment Centers of Augusta, A Bells
Counseling Services, Hope House of Augusta, Inc. (Approved by Public Safety Committee
March 12, 2019)
FINANCE
23. Motion to approve the continued purchase of Augusta POL/EPL Insurance with
Premium Quote for 2019 – 2020 POL/EPL coverage to J. Smith Lanier & Co., LLC current
broker, through insurance carrier RSUI for a premium of $58,700. (Approved by Finance
Committee March 12, 2019)
ENGINEERING SERVICES
24. Motion to approve the Amendment to the Landfill Gas Sales Agreement with Covia
Holdings Corporation. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee March 12, 2019)
25. Motion to approve amending Section 4-2-6 of the Augusta Code – Fees for Environmental
Services Department Landfill Fees and Waive the Second Reading. (Approved by
Engineering Services Committee March 12, 2019)
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26. Motion to approve the Environmental Services Department – Augusta Landfill to Offer
Reduced Rate Disposal Day. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee March 12, 2019)
27. Motion to approve the Landfill Disposal Agreement with Inland Waste Solutions and
approve the execution of the Agreement by the Mayor. (Approved by Engineering Services
Committee March 12, 2019)
28. Motion to approve execution of Contract Item Utility Agreement to include Augusta
Utilities Department’s water and sanitary sewer relocations in the Georgia Department of
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Transportation contract, through competitive bidding for GDOT Project PI 220680 SR4/15
Street Widening – Milledgeville to Government Road. (Approved by Engineering Services
Committee March 12, 2019)
29. Motion to approve Budget Increase of $1,000,000 for the Sanitary Sewer Connection
Program – RFQ 16-205 awarded to Southern Services and Universal Plumbing. (Approved
by Engineering Services Committee March 12, 2019)
30. Motion to approve tasking the Administrator with setting up a meeting with Norfolk
Southern Railroad and bring a report back to the Commission in20 days. (Approved by
Engineering Services Committee March 12, 2019)
PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
31. Motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the Augusta Commission held
on March 5, 2019 and Special Called meeting held March 12, 2019)
SUBCOMMITTEE
Pension Committee
32. Motion to approve Plan Amendment to 2008 GMEBS Pension Plan including post-
certified employees of the Coroner’s Office in the definition of public safety employees.
(Approved by Pension Committee February 19, 2019, Commission March 5, 2019 – second
reading)
PUBLIC SAFETY
38. Motion to amend the Augusta, GA Code to strike the pet registration requirement and
remove all fees associated with the pet registration requirement. (Requested by General
Counsel A. MacKenzie)
Mr. Mayor: All right, voting.
Ms. Davis out.
Mr. Frantom votes No. \[Item 4\]
Motion Passes 9-0. \[Items 1-3, 5-15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 24-32, 38\]
Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk.
The Clerk: I call your attention to the Administrative Services portion of our agenda:
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
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37. Discuss the purchase of a vehicle for the Mayor’s Office. (No recommendation –
clarification of whether the vehicle approved for the Mayor’s Office will be used by the
Mayor or the Mayor’s staff.)
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Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 9.
Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. This item is to discuss the purchase of a vehicle.
I think we agree on a vehicle. I think what the difference is whether it’s going to be a staff vehicle
or whether it’s going to be a personal vehicle for the Mayor and whether or not the state laws says
that it’ll be a city logo, a city seal on it. That’s been the issue. Now I guess only you can answer
this question, Mr. Mayor. Is this a staff vehicle or this is a personal Mayor’s vehicle?
Mr. Mayor: Well, this vehicle will be for the Mayor.
Mr. M. Williams: Okay and being for the Mayor the rules state that it should be a 12-
month period each year each month where you’re looking into the general public having an
opportunity to weigh in on whether the seal will be on the vehicle or not. I know that there’s been
some emails and some correspondence going by saying that there was a vote or an amendment to
that but I don’t think we can amend the state law. I mean I’m just asking the question and my
Attorney here can step up and answer that question whether the Mayor’s vehicle has to have a
local or seal or not and how that works.
Mr. Mayor: Would you like to direct that question to the Attorney?
Mr. M. Williams: Anybody who can answer it. The Attorney’s a good man but whoever
can answer that question I just need the right answer.
Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes Attorney MacKenzie.
Mr. MacKenzie: Based on the ordinance referred to by the Commission, I don’t see that
requirement for the Mayor’s vehicle.
Mr. M. Williams: My question to the Attorney, Mr. Mayor, you can direct this to him too,
the state law supersedes anything we do inside this government or do vice versa.
Mr. MacKenzie: Well, the Commission can’t pass anything inconsistent with state law.
Mr. M. Williams: So what does the state law say, Mr. Mayor? I’m going to go through the
Chair because he’s playing lawyer talk today and I ain’t got time for that. I need a straight answer;
I need to know what the state says versus what this Commission may have voted on at any point
in time.
Mr. MacKenzie: I’ve not looked at state law. I’d be happy to research that issue. I’m
looking at our ordinance (inaudible).
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Mr. M. Williams: You’re a lawyer, you’re a lawyer. Now don’t, Mr. Mayor, let me talk
back to you because he’s going to get me out of my comfort zone. I came in with a good spirit
today. I came in to do the people’s business and I don’t appreciate a man making the type money
he’s making to try to fast talk somebody who’s been here for 16 years and heard three or four
lawyers before he got here. So the state law ought to be something you ought to read or have on
the back of your hand, Mr. Andrew. So if you don’t know what the state law says now, it shouldn’t
take you but a few seconds to take somebody in your office to send it to you on your phone so you
can reveal that this community.
Mr. Mayor: So let me all right, I’m going to come back to that. All right, the Chair
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recognizes the Commissioner from the 4.
Mr. Sias: Thank you. I move we approve this item with the, for the vehicle for the
Mayor’s use and that we come back in 12 months and answer the decal question.
Mr. Fennoy: Second.
Mr. M. Williams: Mr. Mayor, you can, if I can I want to go through the Chair.
Mr. Mayor: Well so all right, I’ve got a motion and a second. All right, the Chair’s going
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to recognize the Commissioner from the 6.
Mr. Hasan: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor, I’d like to just address what the Attorney
said if you don’t mind because this will be a very simple process. I agree with the Attorney when
he said that what the Commission adopted in 2001 it did not have anything about the public
hearing, I think it have about the 12 months. But if you go to the information that the Clerk sent
out in 2002, 2003, 2004 they had a public hearing and that public hearing also said that this lasts
for 12 months. That’s why the done it in ’02 or they done it in ’01, they come back and done it in
’02. That’s 12 months later they done it again and they done it again in ’04. So I do agree, Mr.
Attorney, Mr. Mackenzie when you say that but I think the Commissioner is asking what the state
law says and I’d like to make a substitute motion to my colleague and that is, Mr. Mayor, that we
do a, to allow to have the public hearing 1:15 next week to go ahead on and approve this vehicle
for yourself, Mr. Mayor, and do it again in 12 months. So I’d like to make that motion.
Mr. M. Williams: I’ll second that if that’s the process. No one told me what the law says.
Yes, I’m going by the state law. So until I hear that from the Clerk or the Lawyer, either one, Mr.
Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: All right, so let’s hit our posture. This Commission has already approved the
purchase of a vehicle; that has already been done, we’re very grateful for that to be the case. The
question that’s before us right now is a matter of whether the decal should be on it or not. To the
degree that we’re even having this conversation which I don’t think we should be, that’s my
opinion, consistent with what the ordinance is. But the ordinance that this Commission adopted in
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2001 says, consistent with state law, the question that the Commissioner from the 9 has asked
Georgia law requires that every motor vehicle owned or leased by any county or municipality to
have a decal or seal on the front door of the side of the vehicle, the law specifically exempts
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vehicles used for law enforcement, prosecution purposes. The law also provides every
municipality and/or county in the great State of Georgia. There are 535 municipalities in this great
state. It allows them an exemption to other vehicles in accordance with Title 36. This body
previously for former Mayor Bob Young approved a vehicle and again the ordinance that was
adopted by this body did not speak to the issue of having a public hearing with regards to that and
again consistent with Title 36 it says that a public hearing should be conducted. Now again we
certainly can go through that process but I don’t think it’s prudent for us to do that. When you
think about again from a public safety perspective and matters like that, I believe it is completely
unwise to affix that decal on that given the world we live in today.
Mr. Hasan: Point of Personal Privilege, Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: I hadn’t finished.
Mr. Hasan: That’s fine.
Mr. Mayor: And I’ve been in this office for just five years, Ms. Bonner, five years and the
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Commissioner from the 4 has made a motion, the Commissioner from the 1 has seconded it.
We’ve got a substitute, I’ve been in this office for five years and on more than one occasion, the
Marshals can attest to it, we’ve had someone come into this building who have threatened not only
my life but the life of my staff. You can take that for granted but I don’t and I don’t want to be
riding around in this city. I want to be able to go home to my family every single day ---
Mr. Fennoy: Right.
Mr. Mayor: --- and we’re having this conversation and I think it’s imprudent for us to be
doing that. But in this building I’ve been here five years and on more than one occasion this has
happened and we snicker at it we go through this process and it needs to stop. The Chair’s going
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to go to the Commissioner from the 9 who asked the question so consistent with state law that is
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correct, sir, you’re absolutely correct to the Commissioner from the 9.
Mr. M. Williams: Can I respond, Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: The floor is yours.
Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, sir.
Mr. Mayor: Yes, sir.
Mr. M. Williams: When a police office inquires about a job, he or she ought to know what
that job entails. Now you said you’ve been here for five years and had someone to come in here
so having a car with a seal on it is going to make somebody target you I guess is what you’re trying
to say? The state law, it don’t matter to me someone is this Commission agreed to get a car for
your staff. Your staff is going to do no delivering; we got a courier to do all delivering. You’ve
got really two people in your staff maybe three with your secretary but if the state law says that’s
the way it’s supposed to be, that’s what we need to go by and then you as the Mayor ought to be
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making sure that does happen. Now when Bob Young was here who had a blue light in his car.
State law didn’t require that; he had to remove it. He had a hearing about whether the car should
be sealed or have a city seal on it or not. That happened but you’re going to bypass all of that, Mr.
Mayor, and I just don’t think that’s right. I think that the state law is what the state law says and
that’s what this city ought to go by. We talk about transparency and doing things right. I’m really
disappointed in the way we sit here and act like we can just do what we want to when we want to
do it.
Mr. Mayor: So, Commissioner, I don’t think we’ve sat here and said we’re just going to
do what we want to do I think ---
Mr. M. Williams: That’s what you’re doing today, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: --- I just read what you asked and said here’s what the law says.
Mr. M. Williams: Ms. Bonner?
Mr. Mayor: You have a substitute motion, the Chair has the floor. You have a substitute
motion that you seconded and we’re going to vote on that right now and that substitute motion was
whether or not we wanted to have a public hearing. And you had a date in mind or should I say
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the Commissioner from the 6 ---
Mr. M. Williams: I want to read the statement. I don’t want you to give it to me
(unintelligible).
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Mr. Mayor: --- the Commissioner from the 6 has a substitute with a date on it and so
forth. All right, we’re going to vote on the substitute, Madam Clerk, at this time. That’s what
we’re voting on and move on the substitute motion. Would you restate it?
The Clerk: The substitute motion was to hold a public hearing next Tuesday at 1:15 and
to come back in 12 months for the renewal for the exemption of the decal.
Mr. M. Williams: There’s not an exemption. If people show up to say what, Mr. Mayor.
I need to get an understanding what we’re doing now because you already talked about three or
four years when we didn’t do it.
Mr. Hasan: Point of Personal Privilege, Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: You didn’t have a vehicle and so there’s no reason to have a hearing if there’s
no vehicle. You don’t have a hearing if there’s no vehicle. So again the question that is before us
is whether or not we’re going to have a public hearing on next Tuesday. We can absolutely have
one today, I’m quite okay with that. All right, let’s just vote on that, Madam Clerk. All right,
voting.
Mr. Hasan: Point of Personal Privilege, Mr. Mayor.
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Mr. Mayor: I’m coming to you.
Mr. Hasan: Okay.
Mr. Hasan and Mr. M. Williams vote Yes.
Mr. Fennoy, Mr. D. Williams, Mr. Sias, Mr. Few, Mr. Frantom, Mr. Garrett and Mr. Clarke vote
No.
Ms. Davis out.
Motion Fails 2-7.
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Mr. Mayor: Back to the main motion from the Commissioner from the 4.
The Clerk: The motion was to approve the purchase and come back in 12 months for the
renewal ---
Mr. Sias: In other words no to approve the that the vehicle is for the Mayor’s use ---
The Clerk: --- Mayor’s use.
Mr. Sias: --- and then we’ll come back in 12 months for the second decal hearing. No,
this is the public hearing. Mr. Mayor, may I ask a question please?
Mr. Mayor: State your inquiry.
Mr. Sias: Before we vote since this is a public meeting and it was on the agenda I would
ask that you invite anyone from the audience for the public if they want to say something on this
issue they can do it, you’re the Chair.
Mr. Hasan: I don’t think you can do that, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. M. Williams: This is not a public hearing. This is a Commission meeting in case you
forgot. It’s not a public hearing, it’s a Commission meeting.
Mr. Hasan: Now ya’ll have made a mess of this.
Mr. M. Williams: I’ll tell you what, done wrong so long they think wrong is right now.
Mr. Mayor: So, all right let’s just vote on this underlined motion and just move forward.
All right, I’ve got a motion and a second, voting.
Mr. Hasan: Point of Personal Privilege, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: (Inaudible) ---
Mr. Hasan and Mr. M. Williams vote No.
Ms. Davis out.
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Motion Passes 7-2.
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Mr. Mayor: --- the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 6 State your inquiry.
Mr. Hasan: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor, I don’t you know I didn’t think you
intended to but just for clarity for the audience’s sake in no way form or fashion do we want to put
yourself and your family in harm about this vehicle. We’re just trying to follow the state law what
the state law says. I think the Attorney has been very misleading today. As I look at this
information that the Clerk sent out, he did say he didn’t read it but Ms. Bonner sent this to all of
us in terms of the state statute. And I would think knowing there was confusion about this
particular issue even if she did not send it to he would’ve looked it up to make sure. That does not
diminish or deny what he said in terms of what was adopted in 2001 but most assuredly he had
ample opportunity to look at the state statute which was actually sent to him to make a informed
or more informed statement that he made. So once again, Mr. Mayor in closing, in no form or
fashion was this designed to put yourself of your family in any kind of danger. I can remember
when Sheriff Roundtree ran for Sheriff of this city I was interviewing him on television and I had
heard about a couple of times that he had been threatened and one of the things that after that I
asked him about it because I know he spoke very little about it or kind of under his breath and my
response (unintelligible). And afterwards he said to me the reason he don’t do that is because for
the most times it generates copycats. So we were just following state statute attempting to do that
and no way to put you or your family in danger and I think, Mr. Mayor, at the end of the day you’re
aware of this as well, thank you much for the time.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you. Madam Clerk, Delegation and Item number 34. And we have the
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distinguished lady from the 3 who’d like to be on the phone call the Commissioner from the 3
Commissioner Davis.
The Clerk:
DELEGATIONS
C. Ms. Debbie Bunch regarding Green Meadows Neighborhood and the Hale House
Foundation.
Mr. Mayor: So, ma’am if you will, oh you have a presentation okay if you’ll share with us
your name and your address and you have five minutes.
Ms. Bunch: My name is Debbie Bunch and I am a resident of 3033 Hummingbird Lane in
Augusta, GA. I’ve been there for almost 30 years and I can’t get this thing to do right, sorry about
that. I know that this is a very emotional topic for many and that, okay, let me get my breath. I
know that this is a very emotional topic for many and I just want to share with you some facts
regarding this zoning request for exception. The fact is that many of those that are opposed to this
proposal it was very difficult for them to be here today but we have always been here for every
hearing and we are united in our opposition to this proposal. We feel that it is not in harmony with
the zoning in that area, it would detract from the character of our neighborhood and is not
compatible with the current land use in that area. We did present before the Planning Commission
last week and they voted overwhelmingly to deny this request. The fact that we have spoken to
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our Commissioner, Super District Commissioner, State Representative and State Senator and all
of the elected officials in this area have expressed their support for our position and opposition to
this request. The Hale Foundation has repeatedly claimed that it would not impact crime in this
area but there is a study that on the relationship between alcohol and drug treatment centers that is
the most cited work on this subject, and they conclude that these facilities either draw people in
that are crime prone or create situations that are conducive to criminal activity. Now you should
know that even though we are in a high crime area which is depicted by this map from the GIS
Site, in three and a half years there were only six crimes reported on that map. I mean in three and
st
a half years from January 1 ’15 to June of last year there were only six incidents in our
neighborhood so we are a pocket of peace in that area. There’s a fact that a study entitled “Not In
My Back Yard” the effect of substance abuse centers on property values conclude that we find that
a neighboring treatment center is associated with an 8% reduction in nearby home prices and that
this discount is magnified for treatment centers that specifically treat opioid addiction as much as
17%. There are 113 homes in Green Meadows Estates that have a fair market value of a little over
$9 million dollars. A 17% loss would be $1.5 million dollars in a small subdivision. That equity
loss many of the residents have spent their entire lives building. It’s a fact that many have tried to
compare this facility to Bluff Plantation. In actuality the only similarity is they both treat drug
addiction. There’s a summary of information there that compare the two. It’s a fact that the
construction of the new Richmond County Technical Careers Magnet School created challenges
in our area and resulted in an increase in erosion and noise pollution. Any further construction in
that area would exacerbate those situations. It’s a fact that the living quarters at 3042 Eagle Drive
where the recovering addicts would be housed are only 350 feet from the parking lot of the
Richmond County Technical Careers Magnet School and 821 feet from the nearest building where
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6 through 12 graders attend classes. That’s less than three football fields away. It’s a fact that
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there was a public hearing only July 10 2017 regarding a petition for a Special Exception by the
Monks of Mount Tabler. The residents of Green Meadows Estates registered no objection because
the retreat they proposed was in harmony with current land use and would not affect the character
of the neighborhood. It's a fact that exceptions are denied to hair salons and personal care homes
all the time and if someone of little means was making a request for any number of other businesses
on this property they would immediately be rejected. It’s a fact that we in no way dispute a need
for an opioid treatment center in the CSRA. Neither do we dispute the fine work that the Hale
Foundation has done and the many lives that they have changed, however there are many more
suitable properties where this facility could be located. It’s a fact that our neighborhood is richly
diverse. We are old, young, blue collar, professionals, retired ooh I finally got two. We are black,
white, Hispanic and others yet we stand united in our opposition to granting this zoning exception.
We’ve tried to make it very clear from the very beginning and at every opportunity. We have done
everything within our power to stop this action and preserve our peaceful neighborhood. In
conclusion we feel that it would be in the best interests of Augusta Richmond County as a whole
to preserve what we have built there. This subdivision is a shining example of what South Augusta
can be, what all of Augusta can be. We ask that you vote in harmony with the Planning and Zoning
Commission’s recommendation to deny this request and we ask that you vote as if this facility
were going to be open in your own backyard or better yet in your mother’s backyard. Thank you
for your time.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Thank you, Ms. Bunch, any questions from the colleagues? Madam
Clerk, next agenda item delegation please.
26
The Clerk:
DELEGATIONS
D. Ms. Tracie A. Roe regarding the Green Meadows Neighborhood and The Hale House
Foundation.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Ms. Roe please state your name and address for the record please.
Ms. Roe: My name is Tracie Roe. I live at 2408 Par Drive Augusta, GA ---
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: You have five minutes.
Ms. Roe: --- 30906. First off I want to say to Mr. Fennoy I’m proud of your 30 year trip.
we’re, I’m very proud of you over the years and your success, thank you. This epidemic is not
only the opioids but it’s also an epidemic of moving it into neighborhoods. How can the law allow
them to move into neighborhoods and destroy hundreds of lives, neighbors, family members. I just
don’t understand taking advantage of our own peace and serenity; please don’t let it do that. Just
as an example where the University Hospital opened a clinic over there in front of West Lake, a
$250 million dollar home is now on the market for $600,000 all because a clinic opened over there.
Our property values will drop. They, the Hale Foundation, has shown very little respect for zoning
boards. They continue to build after the first hearing and did their remodeling although it hadn’t
even come to the second hearing. They are showing ya’ll very little respect now too. Please,
please show them that you are the governing body here and that you will vote with us on our
problems. I have spent 47 years of my life dealing with alcoholics. My mother was an alcoholic,
my sister was an alcoholic and hung herself at age 47. I have the hardest time saying this. I don’t
want to live with it behind me the rest of my life. I just don’t want to live with it behind me the
rest of my life and by opening this door with the Affordable Care Act and you allowing this
precedent to go into this neighborhood, there are going to be other ventures that come in and your
neighborhood could be next. This place is more suited for a medical facility, for a medical district
where the doctors can actually see what’s going on. They’re the ones prescribing these
medications they need to see what’s going on, not us as neighbors, not schools, they do. On
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January 6 of this year my only son died of cancer. I was at his bedside through his entire transition
telling him how proud of him I was and how he was my greatest accomplishment, how he was
loved by family and so many friends and telling soon he’d be with his father, his grandfather and
his grandmother and it was okay to go. How much I loved him and to hear him whisper back he
loved me. All I ask is please let me grieve for my son and show the Hale Foundation that you are
the governing body that controls them and that they don’t control you. Please vote no, thank you.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Thank you, Ms. Roe. Any question from the colleagues? Okay next
let’s go to the Agenda Item 34 and then we’re going to hear from Mr. Jim Trotter, Madam Clerk.
Mr. Trotter: Thank you, Commissioner Frantom.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Let her read the item.
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The Clerk:
PLANNING
34. z-19-08 – a request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to deny a
petition by The Hale Foundation Inc. requesting a Special Exception to establish and In-
patient Drug and Alcohol Treatment Facility per Section 26-1-(g) of the Comprehensive
Zoning Ordinance for Augusta Georgia affecting property containing approximately 20.65
acres and known as 3042 Eagle Drive. Tax Map 109-0-001-00-0 DISTRICT 6
Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes Attorney Trotter.
Mr. Trotter: Thank you, Mayor Davis. I do have, before I get to my request I do want to
address two things said by Ms. Roe and Ms. Bunch and we’ve had a number of interactions with
them over the last six or seven months. First of all, Ms. Roe said we’re showing very little respect
to the Commissioners by continuing to build out there. It’s actually quite the opposite. All we’re
doing is maintain the property, preparing the property. We’re in fact trying to show tremendous
respect to the neighborhood and to this board and to the Board of Commissioners by not allowing
that property to fall into a state of disrepair. It’s simply being maintained. There’s no business
activity or treatment activity going on out there, I want to clear that first of all. Ms. Bunch said
and she’s right that their neighborhood, I wrote this quote down it is a pocket of peace, that there’s
a lot of crime in the general area but the Green Meadows Neighborhood has relatively low crime
and she’s right and we can say the same thing about the Hale Foundation on Watkins Street. The
Hale Foundation has been there over 20 years and it is an open facility on Watkins Street with
houses in neighborhoods right next to it. Almost zero lot lines over there and there has been one
incident in the last 20 years. This particular piece of property we’re talking about is very different
because it is isolated on seven or eight heavily wooded acres. It is not right next door to the
neighbors like we are on Watkins Street. Having said that and after communications with the city
Law Department yesterday and this morning, we would actually respectfully request that the item
be continued and that we can develop a plan to address the many questions about access to the
property and come back with a more concrete plan for you to consider for access and we would
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respectfully request that it be continued to this body’s April 30 hearing.
Mr. M. Williams: So moved.
Mr. Garrett: Second.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, we’ve got a motion and a second, all right voting.
Mr. Hasan: Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: Okay all right, hold on, everybody just suspend for a moment. We do have
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the Commissioner from the 3 on the line as well who wanted to be called in for purposes of
hearing the debate on this.
Mr. Hasan: Mr. Mayor ---
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Mr. Mayor: Hold on one second, Commissioner.
Mr. Hasan: --- okay.
The Clerk: Are you there, Ms. Davis?
Ms. Davis: I am, thank you.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, Madam Clerk.
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The Clerk: The motion is to continue this zoning matter until our April 30 meeting for a
continuance.
Ms. Davis: Okay.
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Mr. Mayor: Okay, I’m going to go the Commissioner from the 6, the Chair recognizes
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the Commissioner from the 6.
Mr. Hasan: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor, this is a, first I need to know from a legal
perspective do we have to vote whether we allow that to happen or not? I need to know that and
then I’ll make a follow up comment.
Mr. Mayor: Okay all right the Chair recognizes Attorney MacKenzie. Tthe question
before us is do we have to vote on a continuance.
Mr. MacKenzie: Well, he’s requesting a continuance to a specific date in the event the
Commission took no action because there was not six votes to either approve or deny the
application then he could still make a request to add it to a future agenda if not action was taken.
Mr. Hasan: Okay I’m sorry, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor, I have my constituents there myself
and Commissioner Clarke’s constituents there. I’d like to hear almost 100%. And I’d like to know
from them Mr. Mayor do they want us to proceed on with this and not support this and do a
substitute motion because let me, because based on what I’m hearing the Attorney said, Mr. Mayor,
is the very same reason that they denied it. He’s asking us to give him an opportunity to get that
option in place per se. That was not submitted at the time that they moved forward to rezone the
Hale House property. And for that community they want to do that, Mr. Mayor, honor their
request. I’d like to ask them that are they there to make a substitute motion but for me to allow
them to move away from what they put on the table at this particular time because that’s what it
says here, as stated above it’s the recommendation that this site, no, I’m sorry, the Planning
Commission denied the Special Exception specifically preliminary development plans showed the
location of all proposed ingress egress sites was not presented. And what he’s asking for now if I
understand him correctly to let him come back and formally present that. Well, that should’ve
been presented at the time of the request and it’s not there and if we do anything other than that
we’re giving him, giving them a lifeline and I’m not sure the committee wants to do that. Now if
they want to do that I don’t know how the vote is going to come out but that’s what’s being asked
and I don’t mean to characterize him but that’s what I hear.
29
Mr. Mayor: Well again, I don’t have all of the background on this. I know my senator is
supposed to be sending me some information that I haven’t gotten at this point but I am very
sensitive to this matter on both sides. What you’re asking is what I think your constituents wanting
you to decide on today (unintelligible) ---
Mr. Hasan: Yeah, but they’re here so I don’t have to, I can ask them, do you mind me
asking them?
Mr. Mayor: --- and I think that again to the degree that what’s in front of us is a request
for a continuance. Now I don’t know what information we’re going to get that we don’t have
today but what I’m hearing it is germane to this conversation.
Mr. Mayor: Well, Mr. Mayor, he should’ve presented it at the time that he submitted the
application and if we do anything other than that, Mr. Mayor, then we’re violating our own laws,
we’re violating our own codes.
Mr. Mayor: So ---
Mr. Hasan: Mr. Mayor ---
Mr. Mayor: --- hold on hold on, we’re going to make sure we get it heard ---
Mr. Hasan: --- okay.
Mr. Mayor: --- okay? Let me hear from our Planning Department with regards to this
matter. Again we’ve got a motion on the table for a continuance with a proper second just so
everybody knows where we are that’s what our posture is okay? All right, Director Sherman.
Mr. Sherman: This is the application for the Special Exception for the Hale House. The
plan that was submitted and for a Special Exception you’re required to submit a plan showing your
curb cuts etc., the plan that was submitted was the plan it’s the As Built, it’s what is on the property
now with access to the Hale House to the property through Green Meadows.
Mr. Trotter: Correct.
Mr. Sherman: At the Planning Commission meeting even, let me take you back to the
public hearing, the room was filled as it is today at the Planning Commission meeting is was about
as full as well. The Planning Commission took our recommendation for denial and approved that
for presentation to you. Mr. Trotter has come in and they would like to find an alternative access
point to this property. That plan was not submitted so it’s my understanding that that cannot be
considered at this point because the plan was not submitted at the time that they applied. What
they’re asking for is just what has been expressed and that’s basically it.
Mr. Mayor: Okay ---
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Mr. Trotter: Mr. Mayor, may I address that as well?
Mr. Mayor: --- hold on hold on, Attorney MacKenzie, their request that’s in front of us,
has this been granted before a continuance?
Mr. MacKenzie: Yes, it’s commonly used as part of the process of an applicant for a
Special Exception wants to make adjustments to the plan and they request a continuance to go
back and make adjustments and bring it forward. And usually that’s to make it more palatable or
to address some of the concerns that were raised at the public hearing process which is what I think
was done here.
Mr. Mayor: Okay all right, why don’t we just vote on it at this point.
Mr. Hasan: I make a substitute motion, Mr. Mayor.
th.
Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 6 State your
motion.
Mr. Hasan: I’d like to make a substitute motion to deny his request for continuance.
Mr. Sias: Second.
Mr. Mayor: Okay all right, Madam Clerk, we’ve got a substitute motion with a proper
second and that is to deny the continuance, voting, would you okay, everybody suspend ---
The Clerk: I wanted to announce it.
Mr. Mayor: --- all right voting. The substitute motion is to deny the request for
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continuance until April the 30 That is the substitute that’s what you’re voting on. Commissioner
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from the 6 we’re waiting on you.
Mr. Hasan: I’m sorry, Mr. Mayor, I thought I had voted, my bad.
The Clerk: Ms. Davis, how are you voting?
Ms. Davis: (Inaudible).
The Clerk: We’re voting on the substitute motion to deny the continuance.
Ms. Davis: Okay, are you ready for my vote?
The Clerk: Yes, ma’am.
Ms. Davis: No, ma’am.
The Clerk: Okay.
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Mr. Mayor: Fails.
Mr. D. Williams, Mr. Sias, Mr. Few and Mr. Hasan vote Yes.
Mr. Fennoy, Ms. Davis, Mr. Frantom, Mr. Garrett, Mr. M. Williams and Mr. Clarke vote No.
Motion Fails 4-6.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, now we’re back to the motion that was before us and it is a request for
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a continuance for a period of a certain date April the 30. All right, voting.
The Clerk: Ms. Davis, how are you voting?
Ms. Davis: And this is for the continuance, right?
The Clerk: Yes, ma’am.
Ms. Davis: Yes, ma’am, I vote Yes.
The Clerk: Okay.
Mr. Fennoy, Ms. Davis, Mr. Frantom, Mr. Garrett, Mr. M. Williams and Mr. Clarke vote Yes.
Motion Passes 6-4.
Mr. Mayor: Okay ---
Mr. Trotter: Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: --- thank you. Okay so ---
The Clerk: Are you going to stay on with us, Ms. Davis?
Ms. Davis: No, ma’am but thank you for calling.
The Clerk: Okay.
Mr. Mayor: --- okay so let me just again for the, I think for the community let me just
share what’s happened at this point. The petitioner came, we gave the community an opportunity
to present as well and the petitioner has an opportunity to go and do some more work and they will
come back and schedule another time to come before this body. What I will tell you is that you
will have equal time to come and present again as well. You will have your voices heard and again
whether it’s the same two spokespersons or if you have someone else you will have that time to
come before this body and speak and have your voices heard in the community okay, all right,
thank you.
The Clerk:
32
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
20. Motion to accept the resignation of Mr. Bill Lockett, Commission Liaison, Age-Friendly
Augusta with correction that – the Advisory Council members be appointed by the
Commission rather than the Mayor. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee
March 12, 2019)
Mr. Fennoy: Move to approve.
Mr. Speaker: Second.
th,
Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the distinguished gentleman formerly from the 5 Mr.
Bill Lockett.
Mr. Lockett: Good afternoon Mr. Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, Commissioners excluding one
that wanted kept me here. First of all, I’d like to thank the Mayor, the Administrator and
Commissioner Sias for coming to our summit of this past Thursday. You missed a great
opportunity to learn about Age-Friendly. I had more than three minutes to talk to you about it. I
don’t know if my former colleague is looking for but I would prefer to answer any questions you
may have any.
Mr. Fennoy: Commissioner Lockett, I would just for the benefit of those that don’t know
talk about your experience with Age-Friendly and how Augusta will benefit from it being
designated as an age friendly city.
Mr. Lockett: Age-Friendly is extremely important not only to Augusta but throughout this
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entire nation. January 2014 we became an Age Friendly Community I believe the 20 in the
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nation. As of February 28 there were 332 Age Friendly Communities. Our population is getting
older; by 2035 individuals 65 and older are going to outnumber those 18 and younger so this older
population is one you’re going to contend with. And in most instances excluding myself older
people have more expendable income and I know ya’ll are looking for that and we pay taxes also.
What you do in Age-Friendly you just go out every day and try and make life better for those older
citizens inevitably making life better for younger citizens. I just read I think in the last 24 hours
about this county the bad shape we’re in as far as health is concerned and one would think that
Augusta-Richmond County would be one of the top communities as far as healthcare with all the
facilities that we have. We rank I think about may a hundred and thirty something out of 159
counties. And just a few feet away you go into Columbia County they’re number ten. This is
something we need to work on. We worked with Breathe Easy Augusta on getting a smoking
ordinance because we are hurt a lot because of smoking and because of obesity. We suffer because
we don’t have adequate places where people can buy healthy foods. You notice in the less
fortunate communities you find lots of dollar stores and other stores of that type, fast food places
but no places where you can go and buy cabbage and those things that are healthy for individuals,
we work with people on that. We have lots of seniors that don’t have family to take care of them.
We help them from a social aspect. We have Valentine’s Day parties, we have Christmas parties,
we have all those kinds of things in order to get them out of the house, we have educational
opportunities for them. We want to make sure that we work with the government and ensuring
that we have sidewalks. I’m a good example, I’m a walker at least five mornings a week but I
33
have to get in my car and drive to the park because we don’t have sidewalks and I don’t want to
take a chance of getting run over by a truck in the street. Those are the things that we need to do.
At Age-Friendly with us that volunteer we can help you all because there are things that we know
about that we could help ya’ll, ya’ll are doing things that we assist you in doing. When I was a
Commissioner I was really upset because when the redid the intersection on Dean Bridge and
Gordon Highway. It’s a deathtrap there. They don’t have an acceleration lane if you’re coming
towards town. But coming here today I hope I saw I saw them tearing up the concrete and so forth
I hope that that’s what, I know, Commissioner Sias, you’re on that also so I hope that’s what they
were doing but it’s things like that. You know if you’re an able bodied person you can go about
things if you’re walking down the sidewalk and all of a sudden the sidewalk ends well you just do
whatever’s best. But if you’re in a wheelchair or if you’re a mother with a baby in a stroller or if
you’re out at night, no streetlights, those are the kinds of things we can get involved with to make
Augusta indeed the Garden City and a place for everybody who wants to live. Mayor, I know you
said I had three minutes I think I’m getting close to it but does anybody have any questions?
Mr. Mayor: Five minutes is fine.
Mr. Lockett: I can talk about Age-Friendly all day if you’ve got any questions I’ll answer
if not, I can get out of here.
Mr. Sias: 20 minutes is fine.
Mr. Mayor: Yeah, your time has expired. The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from
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the 4.
Mr. Sias: Thank you, sir. Commissioner Mr. Lockett you are right about that intersection
and I want to take a moment if I’m not out of line because I seem to be out of line all the time. I
want to thank the Engineering Department, Director Malik and his crew and Mr. Ussery for getting
on that issue. It took a moment but they had to go back through state, you know there’s two state
roads that meet there. So bottom line it took a minute but they were able to convince them that
that was a deathtrap and so it’s being taken care of. I want to say thank you to them and thank you
all, you and I talked about that before your tenure. But you know we both how it takes a long time
so that’s an Age-Friendly correction all right, thank you, sir.
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Mr. Mayor: All right (inaudible) the 1.
Mr. Fennoy: Mr. Mayor, I’d like to make a motion that we reluctantly accept the
resignation of Bill Lockett as our Commission Liaison for Age-Friendly Augusta.
Mr. Frantom: Second.
Mr. Fennoy: I’d like to change my motion reluctantly approve the motion to accept ---
Mr. Frantom: Second.
Mr. Fennoy: --- the agenda item.
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Mr. Sias: Second.
Mr. Mayor: We’ve got a motion and a second, voting.
Ms. Davis out.
Motion Passes 9-0.
Mr. Fennoy: What happens if we don’t approve this?
Mr. Lockett: If I’m authorized to speak, I’ll tell you.
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Lockett, again thank you for your service. Anticipate us reaching back
out to you just to let you know how much we appreciate not only your service but what you’ve
done.
Mr. Lockett: Mr. Mayor, I appreciate you all and I’m not walking away, Commissioner
Fennoy, I’m just stepping down from the leadership. I will hang on in America’s capacity if you
all desire, thank you all very much.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you. Madam Clerk, we have some petitioners who are still here that
were on the regular agenda let’s get them first I think Public Services, 35?
The Clerk:
PUBLIC SERVICES
35. New Ownership Application: A.N. 19-10: A request by Narinder Kaur for a retail
package Beer & Wine License to be used in connection with Rosier Road Neighbors Mart
located at 2228 Rosier Road. District 6. Super District 10. (No recommendation from Public
Services Committee March 12, 2019)
Ms. Walton: Good afternoon. Item Number 19-10 is a request by Narinder Kaur for a retail
package Beer & Wine License to be used in connection with Rosier Road Neighours Mart located
at 2228 Rosier Road, do we have any objectors to this alcohol petition? The Planning and
Development Department has approved and the Sheriff’s Office. We need you to state your full
name and home address.
Ms. Kaur: Hello everyone, my name is Narinder Kaur ---
The Clerk: Ms. Walton, can you pull the mike down for me please?
Ms. Kaur: --- my home address is 4127 Chatterhorn Drive, Evans Georgia.
Mr. Sias: Move to approve.
Mr. Garrett: Second.
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Mr. Mayor: Voting.
Ms. Davis and Mr. Fennoy out.
Motion Passes 8-0.
Ms. Kaur: Thank you.
Mr. Mayor: Top to bottom, however you want to go. I don’t know where we are right now.
The Clerk:
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
16. Motion to approve the proposed drafts of the dedication plaques for the following
projects:
Augusta Planning and Development – Renovation and Addition
Augusta Central Services Department – Renovation and Addition
(Approved by Administrative Services Committee March 12, 2019)
Mr. Mayor: Thank you, Madam Clerk. The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the
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9.
Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. When I saw this I (unintelligible) didn’t we
just do a renovation with the Central Services on Peach Orchard I mean so what, I guess my
question what is this and why is there another renovation.
Mr. Mayor: Actually it’s not a renovation. This right here is just accepting the proposed
drafts for the plaques, dedication plaques that will go on the face of the building. That’s what this
is.
Mr. M. Williams: Okay well, I make a motion to approve ---
Mr. Hasan: Second.
Mr. M. Williams: --- I was looking at we just did a bunch of work for them when I saw
this.
Mr. Mayor: All right, we’ve got a motion and a second, voting.
Ms. Davis and Mr. Frantom out.
Motion Passes 8-0.
The Clerk:
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
36
18. Motion to approve outsourcing the work on the patio deck at the Lake Olmstead Park
with staff working with Procurement to complete the work as an emergency project.
(Approved by Administrative Services Committee March 12, 2019)
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Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 6.
Mr. Hasan: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor, my only concern was that the Procurement
Department was able to recognize this as an emergency status based on the event that they’ve got
that barbeque and that’s going to be the early part of May. And I know that’s what it’s going to
take to go ahead and do what needs to be done whether it’s going to be an emergency status then
from the Procurement Department.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, did you have that? All right. All right, the Chair recognizes Ms. Douse.
Ms. Douse: Were you asking that question of the Procurement Department ---
Mr. Hasan: Yes ---
Ms. Douse: --- because per the code it has been acknowledged that it is a safety concern
and it can be viewed as an emergency.
Mr. Hasan: --- did the Procurement Department I’m trying to say did you get a chance for
them to look at it and make sure of that because we don’t want to get stuck in a political
conversation.
Ms. Nancy Williams: Ms. Sams did state that she had received the information and had
addressed the department to proceed with that on an emergency basis.
Mr. Hasan: Okay thank you, ma’am, that’s all I need, thank you.
Mr. D. Williams: Motion to approve.
Mr. Hasan: Second.
Mr. Mayor: We’ve got a motion and a second, voting.
Ms. Davis out.
Motion Passes 9-0.
The Clerk:
FINANCE
22. Motion to approve proposed calendar for SPLOST 8 with Administrator making a
presentation. (Approved by Finance Committee March 12, 2019)
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Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 9.
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Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. No problem with SPLOST 8 but I want to just
ask that all of the recaptured funds be brought back whatever SPLOST it is 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 so we
get a total of how much unexpended monies that’s still either with projects or can be used in some
other areas before we talk about another SPLOST I’d like to have those numbers.
Mr. Mayor: Yeah, I think that’s an excellent thing the Chair recognizes Madam
Administrator.
Ms. Jackson: Yes, I think when we discussed that last week what we said was that at the
end of this quarter we’ll have our first quarterly report and at that time we’ll provide the data
related to unexpended funds.
Mr. M. Williams: And that will of the SPLOST’s I mean every and I don’t want to say we
didn’t get this right. We need to get a total I’d like to see the total of the (inaudible).
Ms. Jackson: Yes, we go from each of the SPLOST referendums, correct.
Mr. M. Williams: --- okay so moved, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Frantom: Second.
Mr. Mayor: All right, voting.
Ms. Davis and Mr. Sias out.
Motion Passes 8-0.
The Clerk:
ENGINEERING SERVICES
24. Motion to approve the amendment to the Landfill Gas Sales Agreement with Covia
Holdings Corporation. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee March 12, 2019)
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Mr. M. Williams: Okay, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 9.
Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Who’s going to address this the Administrator
or I see Lori coming; she’s coming around the bend.
Mr. Mayor: All right, Director Videtto.
Mr. M. Williams: Ms. Videtto, since you’re leaving us I need to ask you all the questions
I got to ask for unless I call you at home and I don’t want to do that.
Mr. Mayor: I think you should try to ask her questions until at least tomorrow this same
time and we can hold on to her a little while longer.
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Mr. M. Williams: She might not be upset but ya’ll are going to be upset. We had some
issues and I brought it to your concern about the company that was doing the landfill gas that it
couldn’t get anybody. Are we going to another company to sell this gas or actually what’s going
to happen when we do this amendment?
Ms. Videtto: No, sir, the name of the company changed so Covia Holdings is now the
operator of the Unimin Mine, the former Unimin Mine in Hepzibah. They’re the same people just
a different company name. This is just reauthorizing that agreement for the gas sales to the
company.
Mr. M. Williams: Okay but there was some issues and concerns that were brought to me
about they couldn’t get the gas, they couldn’t with whoever was supposed to be selling this gas
over there and you and I talked about it. Do you have any knowledge of that, has that been resolved
has this new company who bought it out going to do the same thing?
Ms. Videtto: Yes, it has been resolved. We put the improvements in place and it has been
resolved.
Mr. M. Williams: So moved to approve, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Frantom: Second.
Mr. Mayor: Voting.
Ms. Davis and Mr. Sias out.
Motion Passes 8-0.
The Clerk:
PLANNING
33. Z-19-06 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to deny a
petition Joseph Edge, on behalf of Edge Property Management LLC, requesting a change of
zoning from Zone A (Agriculture) to Zone B-1 (Neighborhood Business) affecting property
containing 0.48 acres and known as 2665 Tobacco Road. Tax Map 140-0-008-00-0
CONTINUED from February 4, 2019 meeting. DISTRICT 4
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Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 4.
Mr. Sias: Thank you, sir. With this issue what I want to do I request that we send this
back to the next Commission cycle for several reasons. Number one to sit down and talk with the
developer to see if we can work out some issues about additional property to make this a
worthwhile venture and also to make sure that folks in the neighborhood are satisfied as its
concerns and impact. So at this time I make a motion that we send this back to the next
Commission cycle.
Mr. Garrett: Second.
39
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Mr. Mayor: Okay, all right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 1.
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Mr. Fennoy: I know that the Commissioner from the 4 wants it sent back to the next
Commission cycle but does this need to go back to next committee cycle for discussion or are you
okay with it going straight back to the next Commission cycle?
Mr. Sias: If I may respond?
Mr. Mayor: All right, please.
Mr. Sias: If I send it back to the Commission cycle that’d be only be one week to do that
because that cycle’s coming up next week this comes from Planning so it’s really not on our
committee cycle and that would give us two weeks to get some answers.
Mr. Mayor: Whatever you’re selling, he don’t look like he’s buying. The Chair recognizes
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the Commissioner from the 9.
Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor ---
Mr. Mayor: Yes, sir.
Mr. M. Williams: --- it’s still going to be two weeks either way I mean we just won’t have
it on committee, there’s no difference except you’d be there to discuss it in committee. I would
love to see it come back. I’ve got some concerns myself about this particular issue. This is part of
the Super District. I shared that with the District 4 earlier that you know I’ve been hearing bits
and pieces. I need to talk to Planning and Zoning, talk to Rob Sherman about what the pros and
cons is but I would love to see it go back to committee go through that process and then go on the
full Commission which is going to end up with the same thing but at least have two opportunities
to sit down and discuss it. I’ve got enough meetings, Mr. Mayor, besides these sidebar meetings
everybody wants to have I can’t do that.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, are you making that in the form of a substitute?
Mr. Sias: I will amend my motion.
Mr. Mayor: Okay all right, that’s good. All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner
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from the 4.
Mr. Sias: Thank you, sir. I’ll amend my motion to say we take this back to the committee
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cycle on the 26 of March. No, that doesn’t give us that kind of time. Let’s go to 9 April ---
The Clerk: No, sir ---
Mr. Sias: --- there are no meetings that week?
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The Clerk: --- that’s tournament week.
Mr. Sias: All right, so what would be the next committee cycle in April.
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The Clerk: The 30 of April, well next week is on the week, the 26 is committee and then
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we meet on April 2 regular commission meeting. All items for the committee scheduled for the
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9 will be referred to the 16 the April 16 meeting.
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Mr. Sias: Mayor, Commissioner Williams, is the 16 good for you to have enough time
for the discussion you mentioned?
Mr. M. Williams: Yeah, if we can go through committee with it and have it start there
versus going ---
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Mr. Sias: Let’s do it on the 30 then ---
Mr. Mayor: All right.
Mr. Sias: --- 30 April ---
The Clerk: Okay.
Mr. Sias: --- can I get my second back please, I’m not taking over the Mayor’s (inaudible).
Mr. Garrett: I second it.
The Clerk: Okay Mr. Garrett are you, okay that was Mr. Sias and Mr. Garrett and who had
originally motion and second that so they’re in agreement so this item will be referred back to the
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April 30 committee meeting. Do we have a meeting Engineering Services, what meeting or do
you want to do it under a Special Called Meeting?
Mr. Mayor: Certainly not Administrative Services.
The Clerk: Oh is that where it’s going, maybe Administrative Services.
Mr. M. Williams: Engineering Services, where does that fall at?
Mr. Mayor: Again, this right here will be one of your Planning Commission.
The Clerk: It’s a Planning Commission item and those items are technically the Planning
Commission is technically the committee meeting that hears these items which make the referral
to the Commission like the committees do so they’re a quasi-committee so but we’re going off the
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norm here a little bit. So, these will be referred to the April 30 Administrative Services
committee.
Mr. Few: Mr. Mayor, do you know exactly what moment you lost control?
41
Mr. Mayor: I do, I do January 1, 2015.
Mr. Sias: Can we vote since you’re out of control?
Mr. Mayor: Voting.
Ms. Davis out.
Motion Passes 9-0.
The Clerk:
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
36. Request Approval of RFQ Item 18-169 – Real Estate Brokerage Services for the Laney
Walker/Bethlehem Revitalization Project to Sherman and Hemstreet on behalf of Housing
and Community Development Department (CD). (No recommendation from the
Administrative Services Committee March 12, 2019 with an amendment for a one-year term
and two one-year renewal terms.)
The Clerk: I think he sent an amended contract in the brown envelope there, I don’t know,
Mr. Welcher could probably walk you through it.
Mr. Mayor: Hold on just one second. All right, there’s an envelope that’s been placed
before everyone that envelope has a redline document for our consideration. The Chair’s going to
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go the Commissioner from the 6 ---
Mr. Hasan: Thank you, Mr. Mayor ---
Mr. Mayor: --- he’s the one who had the questions.
Mr. Hasan: --- yes thank you, sir. Mr. Hawthorn, when did you get this? When you made
your modifications?
Mr. Welcher: Mr. Mayor and members of the Commission, Mr. Commissioner, this is the
change we talked about in Admin Services on last week. This was the change that you requested.
Mr. Hasan: Okay and so what are those changes are again because we just got it so we
ain’t had a chance to read it so I’m definitely asking the questions.
Mr. Welcher: There’s only one change. There you see Number 4 you asked that the one-
year commitment be changed from a four-year optional annual renewal down to a two-year
optional renewal ---
Mr. Hasan: Okay ---
Mr. Welcher: --- that was the only change that you requested.
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Mr. Hasan: --- and what was the previous ones? I had a couple more early on.
Mr. Welcher: Early on you also asked us to change from consultant to Laney Walker
developer partner. Also you asked us to go back under number three under Termination of
Contract and include a termination without cause verbiage. Those were additional changes that
we made on last week, we provided those to you as a redline document as well as an original
document on last week’s, at last week’s committee.
Mr. Hasan: I have one more question. Can you tell me what that part is again I’m sorry
because we just got it now.
Mr. Mayor: All right Page 3 Item 16 Paragraph 16 speaks to the Termination of Contract
which was one of your primary request for changes.
Mr. Welcher: And also you asked that we change the word ‘consultant’ which there were
54, you asked us to change that word we provided on last week during committee, a redlined
contract agreement as well as and a clean agreement. There were about 54 changes from the word
consultant to Laney Walker/Bethlehem Development and Partners.
Mr. Hasan: I’m going to ask one more, and I’m trying to read this as you’re talking and
I’m going to ask once again is the 16A can you give me because maybe I’m overlooking just give
me a day I mean an amount of time whether it’s 30-days, 60-days, 15-days, 15-minutes ---
Mr. Mayor: 30 days, sir.
Mr. Hasan: --- 30 days, where is that at?
Mr. Welcher: It’s not in there, sir. What we went to specifically were the changes that you
asked us to make on last week.
Mr. Hasan: That was one of them though.
Mr. Welcher: That was not, sir, if I’m not mistaken.
Mr. Hasan: That’s what I was talking about. There was no days, Commissioner Sias can
attest to that, that was my concern.
Mr. Welcher: We don’t have a problem making that change, sir, we don’t have a problem
whatsoever making that change. We went specifically and looked at the recording on yesterday
to be specific but we do not have a problem making that change to 30 days, not a problem. No
problem whatsoever.
Mr. Hasan: Okay I’ll just leave like that but that’s what we were talking about last week
but thank you, sir. Okay but that still needs to be changed then. I think it needs to be added in to
43
here that each one of you have a 30-day notice or a 60-day notice if you want to break the
agreement. That’s standard for contracts.
Mr. Mayor: Are you yielding?
Mr. Hasan: Yeah, I’m done.
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Mr. Mayor: All right, he yields. The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 4.
Mr. Sias: Thank you, sir. Mr. Welcher, do you clearly understand the comment that my
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colleague from the 6 is making?
Mr. Welcher: Yes, sir. He’s asking us to put from a termination standpoint for the amount
of time that this can happen.
Mr. Sias: And what’s that agreed time?
Mr. Welcher: He wants 30 days put in there on either side by either party.
Mr. Sias: Mr. Mayor, I move that we approve the contract with the amendment, the
change the termination time to 30 days on either party and that we the Commission receive
a copy of the amended contract via e-mail.
Mr. D. Williams: Second.
Mr. Mayor: All right, I’ve got a motion and a second. Attorney MacKenzie, are you
tracking? Okay all right, voting.
Ms. Davis out.
Motion Passes 9-0.
The Clerk:
APPOINTMENTS
39. Motion to reappoint Mr. James Scott to the Tax Assessor Board of Richmond County to
a four-year term effective 4/25/19 and ending 4/24/23. (Requested by Commissioner Ben
Hasan)
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Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 9.
Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I have no problem with Mr. Scott but I just
thought this was a Commission appointment that we ought to at least have some dialogue. A
couple of question though I don’t know who’s going to answer well Mr. Ross going to answer it
or someone from the staff. I need to know what’s the salary, what’s the pay for these employees
and how long have they been serving?
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Mr. Mayor: All right, Mr. Ross, if you’ll approach. Okay, I have two questions for you.
One, what is the term of service for an appointee to the Tax Assessors Board?
Mr. Ross: The standard term, sir, it’s four years as stated here regarding Mr. Scott that
would be serving from January 15, 2019 to July excuse me July 25, 2019 to July 24, 2023.
Mr. Mayor: And what is a ---
Mr. Ross: Four-year term from excuse me from April, forgive me, from April 25, 2019 to
April 24, 2023. Thank you for that correction.
Mr. Mayor: --- all right and what is the stated salary of a member of the Tax Assessors
Board?
Mr. Ross: Members of the board are compensated at $625.00 per month I believe is the
amount.
Mr. Mayor: Okay.
Mr. M. Williams: Okay and my other question, Mr. Mayor, is I mean you as the Mayor
got term limits and this Commission has term limits but we reappointed some people in positions.
I just found out today the state is reappointing some people who just came off the board as well.
How do we ever get other trained people onboard when we keep putting the same people back?
And I heard the same words every time this happened well we’ve got a good team. I mean the
team is so good we you know don’t ever want to change so when I saw it on the agenda I wonder
there hasn’t been any discussion. I got a call from a couple of members of the board. I hadn’t
talked to any of the Commissioners about who, when, where, what we decide. We’ve been putting
somebody back on the board at $625.00 a meeting is that right, Mr. Ross, you said $625.00?
Mr. Mayor: Per month.
Mr. Ross: That’s per month, sir. There are committee meetings as well as called meeting
as necessary but the figure is a flat $625.00. That’s regardless even when they’re in school or
taking 40-hour courses.
Mr. M. Williams: Yeah, I get that, I get that. I just think that we need to really look at this,
Mr. Mayor, is there any rush to doing this? Do we need to do this today? It looks like there ought
to be some choices to choose from versus just giving some position. The state just did something
similar to this this week I found out so it bothers me when we just act like nobody else can do this
job. There are other people need an opportunity. We serve a large community who’ve been
wanting to get in a position to be on some of these boards especially one that’s paying $625.00 a
month.
Mr. Mayor: Yeah, I believe the gentleman knows of what he speaks.
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Mr. M. Williams: I may not know but I guarantee that’s more than I make up here so I’ve
got some issues with that. I’ve got some serious issues with that.
Mr. Mayor: Well, what I do know is that this body is the ones who make the
recommendations for appointments and that’s certainly well within your right to call it into
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question. I’m going to go to the Commissioner from the 6 who placed this on the agenda. I’ll
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recognize the Commissioner from the 6.
Mr. Hasan: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. A couple of things, Commissioner Williams, we had
in mind here I’m sorry, Mr. Mayor, my colleague, we had in mind in doing in looking at the board.
We have recently last three or four years we have put some new people on the board and he was
trying to attempt to have mixture of seasoned people and brand new people. But also when you
look at the way we’ve been operating and since we got here as well Mr. Scott here was by Super
District 10 unanimously. I did call if you look in the back of the book on 39 you’ll see part of all
of the board members what particular Super District they come out of. So with that before I put it
rdth
on the agenda, I called the Commissioner from the 3, Commissioner from the 7, Commissioner
thth
from the 8, Commissioner and myself in the 10 and they agreed to go ahead and put Mr. Scott
back assuming that the Commission as a body would support the representative from Super District
10 especially since they had unanimous support for that and so that’s why we’ve got it on the
agenda because we have respect like you know you’ve got when you have Bernard Johnson who
is not asked to be reappointed Super District 9 so hoping that you all from Super District 9 and the
Commission members from 10 would support whoever you all come up with in particular for that
appointment. The other two appointments as you already made mention were legislative
appointments and they took care of their business so we were just doing the one from 10 and ya’ll
got the one from 9 because Bernard Johnson decided he didn’t want to run anymore.
Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes the Mayor Pro Tem.
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Mr. Frantom: I want to thank the Commissioner from the 6 for what he just said. These
individuals it takes them a few years to get under wraps. I’ve been the liaison on this board for
four plus years almost four years now and they work hard. If you saw the reports they have to
report and what they have to do they’re worth every penny. And other municipalities make more
than they do so I make a motion to approve agenda Item number 39.
Mr. Hasan: Second.
Mr. M. Williams: Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: All right, we’ve got a motion and a second the Chair recognizes the
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Commissioner from the 1.
Mr. Fennoy: Yes, Ms. Bonner ---
The Clerk: Yes, sir.
Mr. Fennoy: --- may I address Ms. Bonner?
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Mr. Mayor: You may.
Mr. Fennoy: Is it possible that appointments, consensus appointments before that may be
six months before their terms expire, you notify us that this person’s term is scheduled to expire
so that, and I know what Commissioner Hasan is saying about this is a Super District but we all
have to vote. And it would be good if we could look at some people that we want to consider for
consensus appointments so that when a person’s name comes up we’ll be familiar with that
(inaudible).
The Clerk: You’re asking six-months out?
Mr. Fennoy: Is that and the reason ---
The Clerk: Well, on this particular one I think it’s been about two-months out, two-months
that this information was initially sent to the Commission regarding these open appointments.
Then I sent you out a subsequent memo reminding you that you had received the information two
months ago.
Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk, what I can I’m going to try to do The Clerk’s work now.
The Clerk: Well, I don’t know, let’s see.
Mr. Mayor: I want to remind this body that Madam Clerk has sent out not only that memo
but you’ve sent out a notebook as well with all of the consensus appointments and you’ve asked
us on no less than four occasions.
The Clerk: Two years ago.
Mr. Mayor: That’s right, that’s right, no less than four occasions to sit down and work on
putting that together so that we wouldn’t be piecemealing it as we are right now.
The Clerk: But, Mr. Mayor, to answer Commissioner Fennoy’s question I am in fact that’s,
if you may have noticed in your book last week there were requests for consensus appointments.
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If I heard no objection from a majority of you that they would be placed on our April 2 meeting
for consideration so I’m trying to get in where I fit in, I don’t know.
Mr. Fennoy: (Unintelligible) subsequent.
The Clerk: Yes, sir but I mean sure I mean I can take that under advisement. I mean I don’t
know, six-months out?
Mr. Fennoy: I mean what it won’t help, it won’t change anything. If it won’t change
anything, Ms. Bonner, we’ll just leave it as it is because some folks don’t look at their
(unintelligible).
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Mr. Sias: Call for the question, call for the question.
Mr. Mayor: All right, I’ve got a motion and a second. I’m going back to the Commissioner
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from the 9 for closing arguments.
Mr. M. Williams: Well no, Mr. Mayor, just what was stated you know in looking at this
list and the newest person on this list probably came in ’16 so this ain’t no, Commissioner Hasan
talked about we’re trying to keep a mixture so we won’t lose any I guess value. But it seems the
same thing every time. We keep putting the same folks back and that don’t make good sense to
me now. People who’ve been around, walking around this building up and down the halls just like
they’re in school strolling up and down and the same folks are coming back again and we say we
don’t have no problem with it but I have people all of the time wanting to know about serving and
putting in a Talent Bank to get an opportunity. You’ve got to go, Mr. Mayor, because the state
law says again up to two terms you’re out. I got to go but if these people can go in forever and
ever and ever we had some people in for 20 years. So I mean I ain’t got a problem with Mr. Scott
I mean but I’m tired of acting like I don’t see what’s going on and we’re supposed to walk around
like it’s fine. It ain’t fine.
Mr. Mayor: I have a motion and a second for the reappointment of Mr. James Scott, voting.
Mr. Williams abstains.
Ms. Davis and Mr. Garrett out.
Motion Passes 7-0-1.
Mr. Mayor: All right, I believe that’s all the business before us. If there are no objections
this meeting is adjourned.
\[MEETING ADJOURNED\]
Lena Bonner
Clerk of Commission
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 held on March 19, 2019.
______________________________
Clerk of Commission
48