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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommission Meeting April 1, 2008 REGULAR MEETING COMMISSION CHAMBER APRIL 1, 2008 Augusta Richmond County Commission convened at 2:00 p.m., April 1, 2008, the Hon. Deke Copenhaver, Mayor, presiding. PRESENT: Hons. Holland, Smith, Mason, Grantham, Hatney, Beard, Johnson, Jackson, Bowles and Brigham, members of Augusta Richmond County Commission. The invocation was given by the Reverend Robert Gosey, Pastor, Lake Park Baptist Church. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was recited. Mr. Mayor: In honor of the Glenn Hills Spartans I will now call the meeting to order. And I would like to call on Reverend Gosey, Pastor of Lake Park Baptist Church to deliver our invocation. Please stand with me. Pastor, we have a little something for you. This is just to honor you for being here today and thank you for those wonderful words. And thank you for asking for blessings upon the greatest thing that we have in this community and that’s our youth. Thank you, sir. (APPLAUSE) Now, Madam Clerk, I believe we get to the recognitions. The Clerk: RECOGNITIONS Glenn Hills High School Lady & Men Spartans Basketball Teams A. Glenn Hills High School Lady Spartans Basketball Team 2008 Region 3-AAA Tournament Championship Title and Spartans Men Varsity Basketball Team 2008 Region Champions & 2008 AAA-Boys State Championship Titles. (Requested by Commissioner Calvin Holland) The Clerk: Mr. Mayor, members of the Commission. We’re honored today to have newscaster John Hart from Channel 6 who would do our official role call of those that we’ll be recognizing. We ask that the Mayor along with Dr. Hatney and Mr. Holland, would you please come forward. At this time we would like to recognize the Glenn Hills High School Lady Spartan Basketball Team 2008. And at this time we would like to share. Mr. Hart: Well, I’ll tell you what. I couldn’t be happier to be here to day, Mr. Mayor, Commissioners. Thank you for having me. You couldn’t ask for a better time or more exciting time to be a sports fan in Augusta. I think we all enjoyed watching what Augusta State did this past weekend. You know we have the Masters coming up next week. Later this month we have the Tour de Georgia rolling through here and of course this Thursday night we have the Augusta Green Jackets opening up and all the great possibilities that they have here in the near future with this city. So it’s an amazing time to be a sports fan in Augusta. And all this success sort of got kick started with the ladies and gentlemen you see before you right now the Glenn Hills Spartans 1 and Lady Spartans. Glenn Hills is the only school in our area to send both of its men and women’s basketball teams to the State Final Four and we’re to honor both of them here today. We’re going to start with the, as always ladies first, with the Lady Spartans. Mr. Holland: First of all before we get started I want to thank everyone for coming out and being a part of this today. I’m going to ask that the parents that are here please stand right quick. Okay, I’m going to ask the staff from Glenn Hills High School to please stand. (APPLAUSE) Ladies and gentlemen, it would be remiss of me if I didn’t mention this and there’s no way in the world that we could do this without saying Ms. Lena Bonner and her staff took the time to make sure that all of these certificates were made up and they were all placed in these different frames that we have here. This is just simply indicative of the kind of work that Ms. Bonner and her staff provide for us here in this local government. And we just want you to know, Ms. Bonner, we appreciate you so very, very much. We appreciate you and your staff and we just thank you for doing an outstanding job for these young people today. Thank you so very, very much. (APPLAUSE) I would also like to mention, I don’t know if anybody read about this in the paper that Coach Wallace, the coach of the Boys Basketball Team was named Coach of the Year by two different organizations if I’m not mistaken. Coach Wallace would you please stand and also when you stand would you please name the two players on your team that were named to I believe to two All Star Teams. Coach Wallace: We have Jarrel Stephenson and Chris Reynolds. (APPLAUSE) Mr. Holland: And along with that with the Region Championship Girls Team we have Coach Bowman over in the corner. And Coach Bowman had two young ladies that made the All Star Team also. Coach Bowman, would you please stand and name your two young ladies. Coach Bowman: Only one I know of right here is Sierra. I didn’t know the other one. (INAUDIBLE) (APPLAUSE) Mr. Holland: Maybe I saw Sierra’s name two or three times down there in the paper. But anyway at this particular time ladies and gentlemen we’re going to ask two or our Glenn Hills graduates to come up and be a part of this presentation. And that’s Judge Watkins. I know y’all don’t want to go before him. And our Solicitor Mr. Harold Jones and also Judge Ben Allen will be a part of this presentation to these young ladies and to these young men. Judge Watkins, Solicitor Jones and Ben Allen. Glenn Hills graduates. Eat your heart out, Richmond Academy. (APPLAUSE) The Clerk: And before John gets started with the official role call we would to share with you the wording on the Lady Spartans Certificate of Recognition. For your outstanding achievements and sportsmanship displayed during the 2007-2008 basketball season the City of Augusta congratulates you for participating in the 3-AAA State Championship Playoff and st clenching the 3-AAA Region Championship. Given unto my hand this 1 Day of April 2008. Deke Copenhaver, Mayor. (APPLAUSE) Mr. Hart: We will start with the Lady Spartans. For them this is kind of old hat. They won the State Championship back in 2002 and had such an amazing season this year. And I’ll 2 call your names. Just please come forward and be recognized and receive your plaque. We’ll start with Freshman Guard Tonya Edwards. Sophomore Forward Mercedes Fulcher. The previously mentioned Senior Guard Sierra Lives. Senior Guard Forward Patsy Jones. Sophomore Center Forward Brandy Lamb. Junior Guard Keeshon Tensia. Sophomore Guard Forward Jessica Morton. Junior guard forward Chancellor Martin. Senior Guard Shanelle Jackson. Junior Guard Antoinette Davis. Sophomore Guard Raven Cunningham. Center Forward Ebony Usury. Mangers Daniel Colley. Is it Chaudee? Really? Nice. Chaudee Martin. Manager Brianna Felder. And Manager Lauren Trammel who could not be with us today. Assistant Coach Mrs. Gail Dillon. Athletic Director James Quarrels and the Coach of the Year, Head Coach Bernard Bowman. Let’s give them one more round of applause the Glenn Hills Lady Spartans. (APPLAUSE) All right now we have the Glenn Hills Spartans. Ladies can have a seat. The State Champion Glenn Hills Spartans first men’s basketball State Championship in school history over come tremendous odds to do it as well. For those of you who don’t know Coach spent some time in the hospital earlier in the season. Missed about a week of the year. And after he came back the team won. Coach was it twenty-five straight games to finish the season? It was twenty-five and went straight through to win the State Championship and we’re going to recognize them here today. When I call your name please come to the front and receive your plaque. We will start with Senior Guard Demetrius Curry. The Clerk: Let us share with you the wording on their plaque. Glenn Hills Spartans Basketball Team the 2008 Georgia Class AAA Boys State Champion. The City of Augusta recognized your commitment to athletic excellence and congratulate you for participating and clenching the State Title in the 2008 Class AAA State Basketball Tournament in Macon, Georgia thst March 8 2008. Given this 1 Day of April 2008. Deke Copenhaver, Mayor. (APPLAUSE) Mr. Hart: Next up Senior Guard Reggie Middleton. Senior Guard Evan Williams. Senior Forward Andre White. Senior Forward Jarrell Stephenson. Senior Forward Chris Reynolds. Senior Guard Jihad McCloud. Senior Guard Vince Lewis. Sophomore Forward Terrell Phitts. Junior Forward Sean Allen. Junior Forward Theodore Carthan. Junior Forward Raphael Hearst. Senior Forward Lawrence Bennett. Senior Center Tyree Fuquay. The bookkeeper Lincoln Long. Manager Michael Clark. Manager Jamal Hannons. Assistant Coach James Quarrels. Assistant Coach Herman Brown. Assistant Coach Travis McRae. As mentioned the Coach of the Year Richard Wallace. And the Principal of Glenn Hills High School Jesse Chambers. Mr. Russell: Mr. Mayor, if I could remind you --- The Clerk: Mr. Mayor, the proclamation --- Mr. Russell: --- the proclamation for the principal. The Clerk: Ms. Stokes, would you please join Mr. Chambers? Mr. Mayor: Hang on one second. Let me read this to you. Proclamation. In recognition of the Glenn Hills High School men’s and women’s basketball teams whereas this past season the Lady Spartans and Men’s Spartans Basketball Teams were both semifinalists in the Georgia 3 3-AAA Basketball State Tournament. And whereas the Lady Spartans finished the season with 22 wins and 9 losses and whereas the Lady Spartans region record included 8 wins and 2 losses and whereas the Lady Spartans captured the Region 3-AAA Tournament Championship and made the Final Four of the Region 3-AAA State Playoffs and whereas the Spartans Men’s Basketball team finish the season with an overall record of 29 and 2 and a region record of 14 and 0 and whereas the Spartans won the 2007 and 2008 Men’s AAA Regional Championships and whereas this year the Spartans were victorious and brought their alma mater it’s first State Championship and whereas no Richmond County school has ever placed both its varsity teams in the semifinals in the same season, this feat was accomplished by the Spartans and now therefore st I, Deke Copenhaver, Mayor of the City of Augusta do hereby proclaim April 1 2008 as Glenn Hills High School Men’s and Women’s Basketball Team Day in Augusta, Georgia and urge all citizens recognize and applaud their hard work and exemplary efforts in making sports history in our community. (APPLAUSE) Mr. Holland: We would also like to recognize the Athletic Director for the Richmond County Athletic Department, Mr. George Bailey. (APPLAUSE) This is very special because I was a former teacher, coach and retired principal of Glenn Hills. They have a special place in my heart. So we thank you so very much for doing an outstanding job of doing the job that you did for this city and the State of Georgia. Keep up the good work and remember academics before athletics and you will make it. Thank you. (APPLAUSE) Mr. Mayor: Okay, Madam Clerk, I think we’ve got another item pertaining to this, today’s honoring. Item number 27. Commissioner Mason has requested that I call that item first. The Clerk: FINANCE 27. Discuss/approve to provide financial support in the amount of $2,000 to the Glenn Hills High School 2008 State Championship Basketball Team to purchase championship rings, jackets, etc. (Requested by Commissioner Alvin Mason) Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Mason Mr. Mason: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor, I wanted to bring this item to the forefront as a show of support from this government towards the Glenn Hills High School Basketball Team. Not very often do we see State Champions not only on the basketball floor as athletes but we have State Champions as students as well. There are at least three if not more athletes that have come before us today that will be on a full ride scholarship to a Division One school. And I would like this body to show some financial support towards Glenn Hills High School receiving their jackets, their championship rings and patches for the outstanding season that they’ve given to this community. Something that they can be proud of. Often times we hear about the negativity that goes on within our community but very rarely do we honor when something good has happened. Again these students have not only been great athletes but they’ve been great students and we’re very, very proud of what they have done and what they have accomplished for the City of Augusta. As a governmental body I’m asking this government 4 for a donation of $2,000 to the Glenn Hills High School Team to help assist with their patches, with the championship rings and with their jackets. And I think we would set a message to this community that we are very, very proud of the job that this group of young men and young And I put that in the form of a motion to women have done in representing Augusta, Georgia. give the $2,000 as a donation from this government in support of Glenn Hills High School. Mr. Holland: Second. Mr. Mayor: We have a motion and a second. Commissioner Bowles. Mr. Bowles: Mr. Mayor, I’d just like to ask the Administrator the funding mechanism and just to say that while nobody can argue with the accomplishments of these young athletes the fact that the precedent that we’re going to be setting with other sports organizations that are going to start coming to us every year. I think the Board of Education would be the more appropriate funding source for these athletes. Mr. Mayor: Mr. Russell. Mr. Russell: As I say regularly we need to be very, very cautious in what we’re doing here as we start down that slippery slope to help people. But I think that any other school that brings forth two statewide championships in the same sport both male and female would put themselves in a very narrow category that probably deserves our support. And we can set that standard if we need to. There is funding available other than the Commission that would be able to handle this and obviously it’s a policy decision that the Commission might have to take but those dollars are available. Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Johnson. Mr. Johnson: Thank you Mr. Mayor. I’d like to concur with Commissioner Mason here. It’s very rare that we the opportunity to present students with this magnitude of winning a championship, especially here in Augusta, Georgia. We’ve been known for football and other sports but in basketball we’re starting to get the recognition. And I’ll tell you I haven’t felt this good since we defeated Glenn Hills in our Junior Varsity Basketball Team that win that championship back in ’91. Actually 1990, I’m sorry. But I do believe that we need to do something to commend these young men and young ladies. It’s people, citizens in the community that are out raising funds to do what they can to help them and I think we need to do something. I don’t think that we’ll have to worry about in the near future hopefully we will any other schools that will come up you know to win a state championships and we almost had another one with Augusta State University here last couple of days. So I agree with that. I think it is a precedent that we have ladies and male varsity team to complete the task of winning a title and we need to possibly do something to help these young ladies and young gentlemen to get their ultimate piece or two there, on their fingers and I definitely agree with that. Thank you. Mr. Mayor: Okay. If there’s no further discussion Commissioners will now vote by the usual sign. 5 Mr. Bowles, Mr. Jackson and Mr. Brigham vote No. Motion carries 7-3. Mr. Mayor: Y’all got the money for your rings. (APPLAUSE) Let me just go on record and say that I’ve no problem rewarding excellence. Congratulations, y’all. All righty, Madam Clerk, as we, okay, Madam Clerk, if we could move along to the delegations. The Clerk: DELEGATIONS B. Ms. Sheila Boazman. RE: Escalating gang activity in the Barton Chapel Subdivision. Mr. Mayor: And if you could keep it to five-minutes, please, ma’am. Ms. Boazman: Okay, thank you. Good afternoon. My name is Sheila Boazman. I’m the Executive Director for Promised Land Community Development Corporation and this is Mr. Wade from the Neighborhood Association. Promised Land is a community housing development organization in the South Augusta area where our focus is mostly in Barton Chapel and Gordon Woods. We have built and rehabbed over fifty homes and we have turned renters into tax paying homeowners. Over the years Barton Chapel has blossomed from an area full of violence and crime to a safe decent place to raise a family. There was once a substation in the area and great police presence, which made a difference in the neighborhood and made residents feel safe. This substation is no longer manned. In the last month this area has seen a rise in crime with break-ins and the most recent the burning of two of our new construction homes when someone decided to drive a car in between two of the houses and set it on fire. We believe this to be the beginning of gang activity and other crime that has started to rear its ugly head again in the area. Promised Land and the City of Augusta uses federal dollars have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars redeveloping this area. There are a lot businesses who have vested interest in the area and the city must invest in the community as well as resources to continue to make the community safe. We cannot allow crime to rise again in Barton Chapel. So I come today before you asking for your help. Number one asking that the police substation be manned again in the area and number two street lighting be placed throughout the community and that old abandoned houses be torn down. We cannot just sit by and watch as crime arises. Let us be proactive and not reactive to what has taken place in South Augusta. Thank you and this is Mr. Wade from the Neighborhood Association. Mr. Mayor: Okay. Mr. Wayne: I’d like to elaborate with Ms. Boazman on what she said. The substation, the streetlights I’m going to go beyond the streetlights in Barton Village. I’d like to see streetlights. I’m making an appeal to our government body. I’d like to see streetlights in Barton Village also streetlights on Barton Chapel Road from Millage Mill Road to Glenn Hills Drive because there’s a lot of dark areas in Barton Village and Glen Hills Drive. And we’d like to have surveillance cameras and also we’d like to tear down those abandoned houses in Barton Village. I urge you our governing body Mr. Mayor, our Commissioners to look at this with us and have us on your agenda. It might not be number one but put it close to number one that I hope and 6 trust that y’all Commissioners and the Mayor be on the same accord that we can get this done in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your time and I hope everything will weigh accordingly. Mr. Mayor: Thank you sir. Thank you, ma’am. Mr. Mason: Point of personal privilege, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor: Yes, sir. Mr. Mason: In as much as this situation that Ms. Boazman is speaking about is in District IV that I represent I would certainly ask that this Commission take very, very seriously looking at the action that needs to be taken out in this area. The Barton Village area has been widely recognized as one of the “worst areas” in the City in terms of crime and these types of things. And I had the opportunity to speak with Sheriff Strength today and he was in agreement as well that we need to do more in that area in terms of substations as so forth. So my concern would be that we look at manning substations in Trinity Manor as well as McDuffie Woods and the neighborhood enhancement area. And I was out in the area she spoke of today and there’s absolutely zero lighting out in that area at all and it makes for an easy place for would be criminals to come down and do this type of activity. And so if we really want to clean up one of these so called worst areas in the city then we have to be serious and commit the necessary resources in order to make that happen. So I’m hoping in tasking this governmental body to be able to come together with some sort of plan of action with the Sheriff’s Department to somehow get the necessary resources to man these substations that are required out there and do the type of community policing that is necessary to help clean up the drugs and crime that’s going on in Barton Village. Mr. Mayor: Thank you, Commissioner Mason, and thank y’all for your presentation. Madam Clerk, on to the consent agenda. The Clerk: Yes, sir. Our consent agenda consists of items 1-25, items 1-25. For the benefit of any objectors to our alcohol petitions I will read those petitions and if there are any objectors would you please signify your objections by raising you hand. th Item 2. For an on premise consumption Liquor, Beer & Wine Special Event from April the 7 th through April 12, Masters Week in connection with Hotel Augusta located at 629 Frontage Road. Item 3. Is for an on premise consumption Liquor, Beer & Wine Special Event License used in connection with the Comfort Inn located at 1455 Walton Way. Item 4. Is for an on premise Beer License to be used in connection with Wild Wings located at 3035 Washington Road. The Clerk: Are there any objectors to those alcohol petitions? Mr. Russell: None noted, Madam Clerk. The Clerk: Consent agenda items 1-25. 7 Mr. Mayor: Okay, do we have any additions to the consent agenda? Mr. Grantham: Mr. Mayor? Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Grantham. Mr. Grantham: We have a deletion from the agenda item number 31 that’s in the revision. I don’t see why we could consent that. Mr. Mayor: Okay. Commissioner Hatney. Mr. Hatney: Mr. Mayor and fellow Commissioners item 33. We looked at and were under the impression we needed two Commissioners. But after speaking with the Director of that activity this morning Commissioner Brigham and myself he said to us that they are now revising their bylaws to include the Director of the local to be one of the members and a single Grantham surrendered said he didn’t mind stepping back for Commissioner and brother Mr. Mason. And if there’s no objection from any other Commissioner I would like to make that change and offer it as a consent item. Mr. Mayor: And just for clarification that’s replacing Mr. Sprouse with Mr. Mason ---- Mr. Hatney: No. The Clerk: No. Mr. Mayor: Excuse me. The Clerk: Mr. Grantham Mr. Mayor: Mr. Grantham. Mr. Grantham: Mr. Mayor? Mr. Grantham: We may have gotten one ahead --- Mr. Mayor: Mr. Grantham. Mr. Grantham: --- of the other one but I would like to do is withdraw my name from the request of being put on this board thereby leaving the opening for Mr. Mason’s name to be in place. Mr. Mayor: Okay. Are there any objections to the motion by Reverend Hatney to replace Mr. Grantham with Mr. Mason --- Mr. Grantham: I’ll second that. 8 Mr. Mayor: --- and add it to the consent agenda. Okay. Commissioner Brigham. Mr. Brigham: Mr. Mayor, I don’t see no reason why we can’t add item number 34 to the consent agenda. Mr. Mayor: Okay. Any further additions to the consent agenda? Ms. Johnson: Commissioner Brigham, would you consider adding --- Mr. Mayor: Ms. Johnson. Ms. Johnson: Item 35? The Clerk: She’s asking for consideration for item 35 to be added to the consent. Mr. Brigham: Actually I would like to send item 35 to the next Finance Committee meeting. I’d like to know the difference between the current ordinance and the proposed ordinance. And I looked at it real quick and I didn’t see a lot and I would like to able to study that before we do that. Mr. Mayor: Okay. Ms. Johnson: Mr. Mayor? Ms. Johnson: This is the ordinance that relates to amending the code as it relates to rental cars at the airport. Mr. Mayor: Is that? Mr. Brigham: I’d like to know the difference in where the revenue under the current ordinance goes and the revenue under the new ordinance where it goes and if there’s any changes. Ms. Johnson: I understand. I was just explaining because the caption does not capture what the ordinance is. Mr. Mayor: Okay, well, why don’t we just take that item individually when we get to it. Okay, are there any further additions to the consent agenda? All righty, are there any items to be pulled for discussion? Commissioner Brigham. Mr. Brigham: Mr. Mayor, I think we need to pull item number 5 because I think there were some corrections that were going to be made to that and I think we need to discuss them. Mr. Mayor: Okay, any further items to be pulled for discussion? Okay hearing none I’d look for a motion to approve the consent agenda. 9 Mr. Holland: So moved. Mr. Mason: Second. Mr. Mayor: We have a motion and second. Just prior to that just, Madam Clerk, just for clarification we do have it up on the screen now the items to be added to and items to be pulled for discussion. The Clerk: Yes, sir. Items added to the consent agenda. The deletion of item 31 with the additions of items 33 with the deletion of Commissioner Grantham adding Commissioner Mason and item 34. Item to be pulled from the consent agenda is item 5 for further discussion. CONSENT AGENDA PLANNING 1. ZA-R-186 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission to approve an amendment to the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for Augusta-Richmond County to amend Section 24 (Heave Industry) to require that Chemical Plants and similar uses be permitted only by Special Exception. (Approved by the Commission March 18, 2008 – second reading) PUBLIC SERVICES 2. Motion to approve a request by Thomas D. Thompson for Summerville Ace located at 2065 Walton Way for an on premise consumption Liquor, Beer & Wine Special Events thth License for April 7 thru April 12 2008, Masters Week to be used in connection with Hotel Augusta located at 629 Frontage Rd. District 7. Super District 10. (Approved by the Public Services Commission March 24, 2008) 3. Motion to approve a request by Thomas D. Thompson for Summerville Ace located at 2065 Walton Way for an on premise consumption Liquor, Beer & Wine Special Events thth License for April 7 thru April 12 2008 (Masters Week) to be used in connection with the Comfort Inn located at 1455 Walton Way. District 1. Super District 9. (Approved by Public Services Committee March 24, 2008) 4. Motion to approve a request by Jan Scholer for a Special Events License on premise thth consumption Beer for April 9 thru 12 2008 (Masters Week) for Wild Wings located at 3035 Washington Rd. (In the parking lot). District 7. Super District 10. (Approved by Public Services Committee March 24, 2008) 6. Motion to approve an Ordinance to amend the Augusta Richmond County Code and to provide for a dog park and dog park rules. (Approved by the Commission March 18, 2008 – second reading) 7. Motion to approve a request by Augusta-Richmond County Taxi Companies for a taxi service rate increase to include Masters Week 2008 to apply to each Masters Week unless otherwise reset by the Commission. Districts 1 thru 8. Super District 9 & 10. (Approved by Public Services Committee March 24, 2008) 10 ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES 8. Motion to approve the placement of an allocation of $3,000.00 in funding from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in a specific account for use in an outreach program aimed at education the public about their civil rights in the workplace. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee March 24, 2008) FINANCE 9. Motion to approve the purchase of 2 pickup trucks for Augusta Recreation Department. (Approved by Finance Committee march 24, 2008) 10. Motion to approve renewal of Public Official Liability coverage with current carrier, Landmark American Insurance, for $75,894.00 for April 19, 2008 to April 19, 2009. (Approved by Finance Committee March 24, 2008) 11. Motion to approve funding agreement between Augusta Richmond County and Richmond County Medical Society – Project Access for fiscal year 2008. (Approved by Finance Committee March 24, 2008) 12. Motion to approve the purchase of 8 Compact Pickup Trucks for the Utilities Customer Service Division. (Approved by Finance Committee March 24, 2008) 13. Motion to approve the purchase of 9 vehicles for Utilities – Construction and Maintenance Division. (Approved by Finance Committee March 24, 2008) 14. Motion to approve the purchase of 1 Work Detail van for Utilities Administration. (Approved by Finance Committee March 24, 2008) ENGINEERING SERVICES 15. Motion to approve an Option for Right-of-Way between C. W. Edwards, Jr., as owner, and Augusta, Georgia, as optionee, in connection with the Alexander Drive Project, GDOT Project No. STP-0001-00(794), ARC Project No. 323-04-296823215, Project Parcels 6 and 8 (Tax Map 013-3, Parcels 008 and 007); for 0.302 acre (13,167.8 sq. ft.) in fee and 0.05 acre (2,306.61 sq. ft.) of permanent construction & maintenance easement and a 0.133 acre (5,804.59 sq. ft.) temporary demolition easement for the property located at 1086 Alexander Drive, for a purchase price of $330,000.00. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee march 24, 2008) 16. Motion to approve award of the contract for Painting and Minor Repairs – Buildings A, B, C, & D at the Health Department Complex on North Leg Road to Contract Management, Inc of Augusta in the amount of $31,500. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee March 24, 2008) 17. Motion to approve award of contract for coating the existing roof at the License and Inspection Building on Marvin Griffin Road to Modern Roofing of Augusta in the amount of $40,800 for the Base bid and Alternates 1 and 2. Modern Roofing matched the low bid under the Local Preference Ordinance. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee March 24, 2008) 18. Motion to approve the deeds of dedication, maintenance agreements and road resolutions submitted by the Engineering, and Augusta Utilities Departments for Elderberry, Section II, Phase II. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee March 24, 2008) 19. Motion to approve the deeds of dedications, maintenance agreements, and road resolutions submitted by the Engineering, and Augusta Utilities Departments for 11 Elderberry, Section II, Phase I. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee March 24, 2008) 20. Motion to approve resolutions creating street lighting districts. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee March 24, 2008) 21. Motion to approve of utility items to be constructed by Mabus Brothers Construction, Inc. in conjunction with the East Boundary Drainage and Improvement Project in the amount of $150,000.00. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee March 24, 2008) 22. Motion to approve the deeds of dedication, maintenance agreements, and road resolutions submitted by the Engineering, and Augusta Utilities Departments for Walton Hills Subdivision Section VII. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee March 24, 2008) PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS 23. Motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the Commission held on March 18, 2008) SUBCOMMITTEE 2008 Internal Audit Schedule 24. Motion to approve the proposed 2008 Internal Audit Schedule. (Approved by the Pension & Audit Committee March 4, 2008) APPOINTMENTS 25. Motion to approve the reappointment of Mr. Loran Gray to the Augusta-Richmond County Library Board of Trustees representing District 2. 33. Appoint Walter Sprouse and Don Grantham to represent Richmond Count on the Unified Development Authority Board. (Requested by Commissioner Jerry Brigham) ATTORNEY 34. Motion to approve the Leasing of the Phinizy Swamp Nature Park and Education Center to Richmond County Public Facilities, Inc., and the sub-leasing of the facilities to Southeastern Natural Sciences Academy, Inc., for a term of fifty (50) years. Mr. Mayor: Okay, Commissioners will now vote by the usual sign. Mr. Hatney abstains. Motion carries 9-1. [Items 2-4] Motion carries 10-0. [Items 1, 6-25, 33, 34] Mr. Mayor: Okay, Madam Clerk, let’s go to that pulled item first. The Clerk: PUBLIC SERVICES 12 5. Motion to approve and Ordinance to amend the Augusta Richmond County Code Article Three Chapter One relating to curfew for minors so as to establish regulations for teen social clubs; to repeal all Ordinances and parts of Ordinances in conflict herewith; to provide an effective date and for other purposes. (Approved by Public Services Committee March 24, 2008) Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Brigham. Mr. Brigham: Mr. Mayor, I think Ms. Johnson had some suggestions, corrections I don’t know what her opinion is of them and I’d like to hear those suggestions so we can amend this thing and maybe pass it. Mr. Mayor: Ms. Johnson. Ms. Johnson: Yes, sir. We did amend the proposed ordinance to include that the Department of Licensing and Inspections cannot make any revocations. It would be the Sheriff’s Department. We also added the Department of Juvenile Justice in the courts that regulate juveniles under the curfew. Mr. Brigham: I believe --- Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Brigham, continue. Mr. Brigham: I believe that we’re the only people that can revoke licenses. I don’t believe the Sheriff or Juvenile Court or any of the --- that’s what the amendment does is that it only allows License and Inspection the Sheriff and Juvenile Justice system to recommend --- Ms. Johnson: They will make their recommendations to the Commission as proposed before that’s not what the ordinance says. Mr. Brigham:I make a motion we approve it. I’m satisfied with that. Mr. Mayor: Okay, we have a motion to approve. Is there a second? Mr. Mason: I’ll second it. Mr. Mayor: We have a motion and a second. If there’s no further discussion Commissioners will now vote by the usual sign. Motion carries 10-0. Mr. Mayor: Now on to the regular agenda. And here’s the dog park again I believe, Madam Clerk. The Clerk: You’re right. 13 Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Hatney. Mr. Hatney: I abstain on the alcohol, please. The Clerk: I’ll record you as abstaining on the alcohol petitions? Mr. Hatney: Please. The Clerk: Yes, sir. Mr. Hatney: Thank you. The Clerk: PUBLIC SERVICES 26. Discuss the location of the Dog Park. (Referred to Commission by the Public Services Committee. Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Brigham. Mr. Brigham: Committee actually passed a motion that would just refer it to the Commission for discussion. Mr. Mayor, if you’re asking my personal opinion I do not believe that the Golf and Gardens is an appropriate place after as much money as this community has invested in it to operate a dog park at. I do think that Augusta needs to have somewhere that is has a dog park but I don’t think the Golf and Gardens is the appropriate place to do it. Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Smith. Mr. Smith: Thank you Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor, I would like to go with the parks that we have in the city and I’m going to call them out. District 6 we have one park. District 5 we have eight. District 4 we have four. District 3 we have six. District 2 we have eleven. District 1 we have twenty-three. District 7 we have seven. District 8 we have four which each one, one of them is in Hephzibah, one in Blythe one in McBean and we don’t have anything in the Goshen area, Brown Road or Old Waynesboro Road area. And I object to this body spending anything for a dog park until we get some parks in South Augusta for these children to play in. Mr. Mayor: Okay. Commissioner Jackson. Mr. Jackson: I believe at the age of sixteen you get this drivers license and it’s called trust and to have to give the community trust. They’re taxpayers like we are and I think that we as citizens need to trust. Let’s try it for 30 days and see what happens or 60 days and come back and if there’s an incident at the park then we can address it at that time. But there does have to be some kind of trust in that of the pet owners. Mr. Grantham: Mr. Mayor? 14 Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Grantham. Mr. Grantham: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I’m not opposed to a dog park. I think it’s one of the things that we need to do. There’s over some 600 throughout this country but I do feel like we should be looking at other areas then the downtown area because the people who live out in the suburban area as far as driving in to town to bring a dog downtown they’re going to have to travel about 40 miles in order to bring their dog to the park and then take it back home. So you know to me we ought to look into a location that would be more centralized throughout our county that would give the opportunity for everyone to enjoy and benefit of taking their dogs to the dog park. Mr. Mayor: Okay. Commissioner Mason. Mr. Mason: Yes, thank you, Mr. Mayor. I’m in agreement with my esteemed colleague here Commissioner Grantham. I don’t have a problem at all with having a dog park for our citizen’s pets to be able occupy. But at the same time I think we ought to look somewhere centrally located and I would put that in the form of a motion that we look for a more centrally located area to place a ballpark. I certainly don’t, I’m sorry I’m getting to the ballpark. You’re probably liking that. But I’m trying to say as far as the dog park a more centrally located area so So I would put that in the that it would be better for all the constituents involved in this city. form of a motion that we look for a more centrally located area. Not that we’re against a dog park but a more centrally located area for a dog park. Mr. Grantham: Second. Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Johnson and then I’ll make my statement. Mr. Johnson: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I concur with Commissioner Mason and Commissioner Grantham on this. I do like to add to this though that we have some concerns in some other parks here that haven’t been addressed. And if that money’s coming from our Parks and Recreations Department we need to look at some of the parks that are lacking in some things that need to be done such as lights and things like that before we go ahead and invest in a dog park. I firmly believe if you own a pet maybe you have a yard or at least you should have one and your dog can roam the yard. The few people that do live in condos that don’t have a yard to take their pets out well they probably jog or run and they can walk the pet so I really don’t see the point of having one especially spending funding that we could be utilizing in other places. So I you know I do believe that it could be something more centralized maybe found but for now we really need to focus on some of the things and issues that we’re dealing with our current parks. Mr. Mayor: Okay, we have a motion and a second. I would just like to say that here I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again but somehow the message may not be getting through. These things have worked in every other city. They’ve been tried. Regarding a central location I don’t see how much more central you get than our city’s center. That’s my opinion but I guess it’s the Commission’s direction however we vote on this. And I just want to clarify that I believe, Ms. 15 Johnson, the ordinance though does it restrict Parks and REC from doing these? You know do they have to come back to the Commission for approval to proceed for doing one? Ms. Johnson: No, after we amended the ordinance that allows Parks and Rec to open it. But the issue that the Commission seems to be trying to hammer out is the exact location. Mr. Mayor: Okay. Well, we have a motion and a second. Commissioner Bowles. Mr. Bowles: Mr. Mayor, I think the idea is phenomenal. When you get to downtown areas you don’t have yards for dogs to run it. I think that’s the premise of what we’re trying to follow is when you get to urban areas where you don’t have yards that’s a necessity. But I think this gets back further and I think a way we could satisfy everybody’s situation here is to require all dog owners to have a dog tax and to have all their dogs registered. So I think that’s something animal control needs to look into. Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Jackson. Mr. Jackson: (INAUDIBLE) Mr. Mayor: Okay. Commissioner Smith. Mr. Smith: I just wanted to correct you and tell you that the center of the city is Regency Mall. Mr. Mayor: Okay. I agree with you on that. But sometimes I think, we’re spending a long time talking about this dog park and we spend more time trying to make things happen as opposed to stop things. Mr. Brigham, did you have anything else to say? Mr. Brigham: Yeah, I would ask the maker of the motion maybe he needs to add to it that we need as a Commission need to approve any future location of the dog park. Mr. Mayor: Would you, okay. All righty, Madam Clerk, if you could please read back the motion. The Clerk: The motion by Mr. Mason and seconded by Mr. Grantham is ask staff to research for a more centralized location for the dog park. Mr. Mayor: And before I call for the vote I would like to ask everybody just a quick show of hands who’s been in since it’s been reopened, been to the Gardens themselves since they reopened. Okay but I would hope that next Monday night all Commissioners would come join me for the Mayor’s Masters Reception. Shameless plug and the entire public, all our viewing audience as well. It’s free to the public, six o’clock. Commissioners will now vote by the usual sign. Mr. Bowles, Mr. Jackson and Mr. Smith vote No. Mr. Holland abstains. 16 Motion carries 6-3-1. Mr. Mayor: Mr. Russell. Mr. Russell: To hopefully eliminate any potential litigation in reference to this I was wondering if the staff could have some assistance in looking at this issue. It’s my opinion based on several phone calls that we should include cats and other small animals in this park. Mr. Mayor: I was informed at one point that there is a cat leash law in Richmond County so my reaction to that was I was going to get a monkey to walk my cat. I figured that I’d be within the law. Next agenda item, Madam Clerk. The Clerk: FINANCE 28. Receive recommendation from the Administrator regarding a request from The Angelic Community Resource Development, Inc. for city financial sponsorship of the Barber & Beauty Bar-B-Que. (No recommendation from Finance Committee March 24, 2008) Mr. Mayor: Mr. Russell. Mr. Russell: Mr. Mayor, at the end of the committee meeting we talked briefly with the gentleman that was here. I have not had any further conversation except that, he just walked in the door there, with him since then since the events in May. If it’s at all possible I’d like to go th ahead and continue this to the 15. Mr. Mayor: Can we get a motion to refer this to the next full Commission meeting? Mr. Bowles: So moved. Mr. Holland: Second. Mr. Mayor: We have a motion and a second. If there’s no further discussion Commissioners will now vote by the usual sign. Motion carries 10-0. Mr. Mayor: Next agenda item, Madam Clerk. The Clerk: ENGINEERING SERVICES 29. Authorize Option Year 2 of Amendment No. 7 to the existing Program Management Services Contract with CH2MHILL, INC. to provide Program Management Services for the 2004 Series Bond Capital Improvements Program approved by Commission 17 02/01/2005. Option Year 2 budget is $1,300,000. (No recommendation from Engineering Services Committee March 24, 2008) Mr. Smith: Move for approval. Mr. Brigham: Second. Mr. Mayor: We have a motion and a second. Do we have any further discussion? Commissioner Hatney. Mr. Hatney: One. Last week we asked to have Mr. Tony Johnson come and to share with us where he was at this time because of the situation that happened last year and we surely would not want to find ourselves in that same predicament again. So that’s why we asked him to come and to share with us where he’s at, where the company’s at with the situation that we, so we can avoid what happened last year. And I thought he was around here somewhere. Mr. Mayor: And not that we don’t know you but please state your name and address for the record, please, sir. Mr. Johnson: Good afternoon everyone. My name is Tony Johnson and I’m at 2200 Glen Castle Court, Duluth, Georgia 30097. Mr. Mayor: Okay, Commissioner Hatney, you just wanted to make sure that Tony was fine in going forward or --- Mr. Hatney: That’s right. Mr. Johnson: Okay, as of today, I’m still employed with CH2MHILL and we’re working through some issues right now. And I’m optimistic that those issues will be rectified hopefully within the next 30 days. But the issues revolved around my performance assessment and as recently conducted, finalized actually last Thursday. And in that assessment it just had some very disappointing information that deeply disturbed me. And I went ahead and filed a, let the corporate HR people know that I was going to protest my assessment as it relates to some of the things that was said about me and my performance. And hopefully I’ll be able to work with our President who was down here last year helping me deal with this issue and get to the bottom of some of the issues that recently surfaced. But as of today I’m still employed with CH2MHILL. Mr. Mayor: Okay. Mr. Hatney: Is there any management team part or any other part here from your company? Mr. Johnson: The young man you said right here. You’re the one I talked to last time right? Won’t you come back, please? Thank you. Mr. Mayor: Now I’m supposed to recognize people. Please come forward. 18 Mr. Hatney: The concern that I have, still have --- Mr. Mayor: If you’d state your name and address for the record just so we know. Mr. Rush: My name is Jim Rush. I work for CH2MHILL. I reside 302 Bel Haven Drive in Evans, Georgia 30809. Mr. Hatney: My concern is the same as it was last year. You remember what happened after we approved the contract last year. Are we going back through that again? That’s my question. Mr. Rush: No, sir, we will not. I did bring Gerry Dickerson, our area manager, to speak to that subject. Ms. Dickerson: Yes, my name is Gerry Dickerson. I’m the regional manager for the Southeast for CH2MHILL and, no, we have no plans to terminate Tony Johnson. There will not be a repeat of what happened last year. Mr. Hatney: Okay. Mr. Mayor: Okay. Mr. Hatney: Thank you. Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Johnson, then Commissioner Holland. Mr. Johnson: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Johnson, I’d just like to ask you how pertinent would it be if, well is it pertinent that we that we go on ahead and pass this now or would it hinder anything if we postpone it for 30 days and evaluate exactly what it is. I do realize that about maybe five months ago you all came before the Commission and you was allotted $4.8 million dollars so if we don’t go through with it now would they not have the funding to assess the job that they need to do? Mr. Johnson: We have active funding in place to continue to provide the same level of service that we’ve been providing Augusta since 1998/99. And so that’s my opinion. Ultimately a jobs call or not as it relates to the question we do have funding in place. Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Holland. Mr. Holland: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor, I think one of the things that concerns several of us on the Commission is that I think last year when this came up the last time the same thing happened. We had a discussion in here in reference to this company and they said everything was fine and they were going to do everything that they possibly could to keep the relationship with the City of Augusta. And then of course we know that Mr. Johnson is an integral part of our community. He has done some outstanding things along with the company 19 awarding scholarships to students in our local high schools. And we really appreciate that and we would like to see that continue. And just as we said last year that nothing was going to happen when Mr. Johnson got back to Atlanta I believe his papers for transfer or termination were already on his desk. And so we had to make some changes at that particular time. So I’m hoping that the people will keep their word this time and not treat this gentleman with any kind of disrespect or any kind of unprofesionalism because he is an integral part of the Richmond County Augusta CSRA. He has done some outstanding things. We appreciate him, we appreciate your company because we know that your company have a very lucrative contract with the city. And we can continue that business but we hope that in the same manner that you will continue to treat Mr. Johnson in a very, very professional way. And this is something that we will be observing and we hope that when he gets back that all of these different things that he’s talking about will some changes will be made in reference to what he says he’s disappointed about because we want to maintain your business but if not then we’ll have to make some other decisions in reference to this. Mr. Mayor: Okay. Commissioner Grantham. Mr. Grantham: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. You know I feel like we’ve been confirmed to the fact that Mr. Johnson is in good stead with these companies. He’s in good stead with this government. As mentioned he has done an outstanding job in what we have as a government have asked him to do. He’s been an excellent liaison with that company. But certainly it takes the performance of that company to do the type of work that is within the agreement and within the contract to be able to generate the necessary funds for us to be able to operate in the manner in which we do operate. So while we are looking in a political vein to support and to continue to help Mr. Johnson and I certainly am one that will do that. I consider him not only as a person who’s performing for us and for that company but is a friend as well. And I feel like that with the assurance that we can garner here today from these two companies since Mr. Johnson is mentioned in our agreement, in our contract as our liaison and as the person who will continue to work and do the efforts that have so been indicated then I feel very comfortable in moving forward with this contract and not delaying anything any further. I think it’s in our best interest it’s in Mr. Johnson best interest in it being the two companies’ best interest. Therefore I’m going to make a motion that we approve --- Mr. Mayor: We already have one. Mr. Grantham: --- item number 29. You already have that? Mr. Mayor: We already have a motion to approve. Mr. Grantham: Thank you. I was out of the room when that was made but I’ll make it anyway. Thank you very much, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor: We have a motion and a --- Mr. Grantham: That is good. 20 Mr. Mayor: Okay. Commissioner Mason. Mr. Mason: Uh, yes, sir. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, I’m a little troubled by the tone by which Mr. Johnson speaks. I had an opportunity to have dialogue with him on many occasions and certainly think that he’s doing a great job as a representative with CH2MHILL. Although he mentions the fact about being optimistic I did not get a what we call in the military a warm and fuzzy that he’s 100% confident that he’s going to get that which is due. So at this point I’m a little hesitant to approve this today and I’m going to make a substitute motion that we revisit this agenda item in 30 days. That’s my substitute motion. Mr. Johnson: I second it. Mr. Mayor: Okay, we have a substitute motion and a second. Is there any further discussion? Okay. Ms. Beard: Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor: Ms. Beard. Ms. Beard: I think I should say and frankly I haven’t spoken with anyone in the company. But it appears they have followed the letter of the law in reference to the contract. But there’s some other things that you can do within that company to receive certain rewards. And where you have qualified you have not been given consideration. Is that true? Mr. Johnson: Yes, that’s true. I have not been given consideration. And I’ve exceeded my revenue goals so that’s one of the biggest concerns I’ve had is I’ve exceeded my goals but given no consideration for additional rewards and recognitions. Ms. Beard: And if you understand that, is there a chance to make another substitute motion? Mr. Mayor: No ma’am. Ms. Beard: Are you absolutely certain about that? Mr. Mayor: Yes, ma’am. Ms. Beard: Well that’s too bad because mine would’ve been to deny until you received it. Mr. Mayor: Okay. Commissioner Bowles. Mr. Bowles: I’ll be brief, Mr. Mayor. It seems like we’re trying to run CH2MHILL and if we don’t like what they’re doing, let’s just re-bid the whole contract and move on with this whole mess. We’re making a mockery of an employer and an independent contractor relationship. It’s not our duties to micromanage this company. 21 Mr. Mayor: Okay. Commissioner Beard. Ms. Beard: Mr. Mayor, that is not true at all. They did not follow what was stated in their contract. And what we said was we’re not taking it anymore. Mr. Mayor: Okay, we have a substitute motion. Madam Clerk, could you read back the substitute motion? The Clerk: The substitute motion was to revisit this amendment agreement in 30 days. Mr. Mayor: Okay Commissioners will now vote by the substitute --- Commissioner Hatney? Mr. Hatney: Just one question. What are we going to ascertain that we have not gotten today? What are we looking for? Ms. Beard: A bonus, I believe. Mr. Hatney: Let me finish. Somewhere along the line we’ve got to be real now. Do these folks that he’s going to be taking care of, if he’s not then they are being breached themselves. So I really don’t see any need to go any further with this. He’s got some situations that they’ve got to work out that really and truly now we don’t have anything to do with. At the end of the day we have nothing to do with it. They have assured us he’s going to be taken care of. If they are lying about it the contract will take care of itself. Mr. Mayor: Okay. Mr. Hatney: I think we ought to go along and approve this today. Mr. Mayor: Okay. Mr. Mason: I withdraw my motion, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor: Withdraw your motion? Mr. Mason: Substitute motion. Mr. Mayor: You withdraw the substitute motion? Procedurally is that --- Okay we have, I’ve called for the vote on the substitute motion --- Mr. Mason: Call for the question. Mr. Mayor: --- if we can just vote that one down and go back to the --- Commissioners will now vote by the substitute sign of voting. 22 Mr. Hatney: What are we voting on now? Mr. Mayor: On the substitute motion --- The Clerk: To revisit in 30 days. Mr. Mayor: --- which I think you just; we have to go through the process of voting on the motion. But I think your eloquent argument just effectively killed this motion and we’ll vote on the first motion. Mr. Smith: Mr. Mayor? Mr. Mayor: Yes, sir. Mr. Smith: Did you say he couldn’t withdraw that substitute motion? Mr. Mayor: I had already actually called for the vote. Mr. Smith: Okay, we need to wipe it out then --- Mr. Grantham: Right. Mr. Smith: --- and start over. Mr. Mayor: No, we haven’t voted. Not everybody’s voted yet, Commissioner Smith. Mr. Grantham: Boy, this is what we get into. Mr. Mayor: And all this and I’m moving today too. Golly. Ms. Beard: May I have exactly what it was again what we’re voting for? The Clerk: Revisit this in 30 days is the substitute motion. Mr. Johnson, Mr. Bowles, Mr. Mason, Mr. Holland, Mr. Jackson, Mr. Brigham, Mr. Hatney and Mr. Grantham vote No. Motion fails 2-8. Mr. Mayor: Okay, Madam Clerk, we will now for the primary motion we will now vote by the usual sign of voting which I believe that was to approve. The Clerk: It was the contract amendment. Mr. Grantham: For both of them? The Clerk: No, sir, we’re just on item 29 now. 23 Mr. Grantham: Okay. Mr. Hatney: They’re one in the same. You can’t include the other one? The Clerk: Well, you could have included it in the motion but you didn’t. Mr. Holland: Was it? Thirty was not included in that. The Clerk: Yes, sir. Ms. Beard votes No. Motion carries 9-1. The Clerk: ENGINEERING SERVICES 30. Approve Amendment No. 12 (Year 2008 Agreement Modifications) to Agreement with OMI for a 2008 Budget cost of $7,015,692.00. (Funded by Account No. 506043310-5211110) (No recommendations from Engineering Services Committee March 24, 2008) Mr. Grantham: Move to approve. Mr. Mayor: Okay, Commissioner Grantham has moved for approval. Do we have a second? Mr. Mason: Second. Mr. Mayor: We have a second by Commissioner Mason. If there’s no further discussion Commissioners will now vote by the usual sign. Ms. Beard votes No. Motion carries 9-1. Mr. Mayor: Next agenda item, Madam Clerk. The Clerk: ENGINEERING SERVICES 32. Approve the award of the contract to Thompson Building Wrecking Co., Inc. in the th amount of $68,400.00 on the St. Sebastian Way/Green Street/15 St. project. (CPB 324- 041110-202824003) for the demolition of the Electrical Equipment Company building, subject to receipt of signed contracts and proper bonds for the Engineering Department. (No recommendation from Engineering Services Committee March 24, 2008) Mr. Smith: Move for approval. 24 Mr. Grantham: Second. Mr. Mayor: We have a motion and a second. Is there any further discussion? Commissioners will now vote by the usual sign. Mr. Holland abstains. Motion carries 9-1. The Clerk: ATTORNEY 35. Motion to adopt a proposed ordinance, attached hereto, to amend the Augusta- Richmond County Code, to repeal all ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict therewith; to provide an effective date therefore and for other purposes as stated in said ordinance. Mr. Mayor: Ms. Johnson. th Ms. Johnson: Yes, sir. On February 28 of 2008 the Augusta Aviation Commission approved an ordinance to regulate rental car concessions at the airport. The fees for the concessionaires would be 10% of its gross revenues derived from the rental of motor vehicles to airport customers when rental car providers pick up or return customers to the airport premises. Our ordinance is Section 1-3-8.19. The ordinance assumes that 95% of the concessionaire’s revenues would derive from airport rentals but the concessionaire may use its own records to rebut this assumption after the ordinance is approved. In addition the ordinance imposes a customer facility charge. It’s currently set at 350 per contract day. This fee would be provided and paid for by the renter and collected by the rental car provider. The ordinance also creates an incentive to the rental car industry to contract for on premises concessions. There’s no off airport rental car agency that would be subject to the ordinance. Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Brigham. Mr. Brigham: Ms. Johnson? Ms. Johnson: Yes, sir. Mr. Brigham: Can you explain or can the Administrator or somebody explain to me where the rental fees now go and how this ordinance will affect the current rental fees? Ms. Johnson: This ordinance was prepared by the Shepherd/Plunkett firm. I can call them and have them explain to you specifically where the current fees go. The Law Department didn’t work on the ordinance. Mr. Brigham: Therefore I will make a motion that we refer this to the Finance st Committee at its next meeting which will occur sometime around the 1 of May. 25 th The Clerk: May 9. Mr. Bowles: Second. Mr. Mayor: Sounds good to me. We have a motion and a second. Is there any further discussion? Commissioners will now vote by the usual sign. Motion carries 10-0. Mr. Mayor: Madam Johnson, do we need a Legal session? Ms. Johnson: We do. We have two real estate matters. We also have some current litigation to discuss. LEGAL MEETING A. Pending and Potential Litigation. B. Real Estate C. Personnel. ADDENDUM 37. Motion to go into a Legal Meeting. Mr. Mayor: Okay, can I get a motion to go into Legal --- Mr. Jackson: So moved. Mr. Mayor: --- meeting for those reasons. We have a motion. Do we have a second? Mr. Johnson: Second. Mr. Mayor: Commissioners will now vote by the usual sign. Ms. Bowles, Mr. Mason and Mr. Grantham vote No. Motion carries 7-3. Mr. Mayor: We are in Legal. And the Madam Mayor Pro Tem will be running the Legal session so I can go home and help my wife move. [LEGAL MEETING] Ms. Beard: At this time we’ll reconvene. 38. Motion to authorize the Mayor to execute the affidavit of compliance with Georgia’s Open Meeting Act. 26 Ms. Johnson: We would need a motion Mayor Pro Tem to approve the closed meeting affidavit. Mr. Hatney: So moved. Mr. Jackson: Second. Ms. Beard: All in favor? Mr. Bowles out. Motion carries 9-0. ADDENDUM 36. Motion to approve the purchase of property located at 1054 Alexander Drive from Wayne Schultz for the construction of a new fire station and to authorize the Mayor and Clerk of Commission to execute a sales contract and such documents as necessary to consummate the closing. Ms. Johnson: We will also need a motion to add and approve and I’ll read into the record the appropriate information. Caption being motion to approve the purchase of property located at 1054 Alexander Drive from Wayne Schultz for the construction of a new fire station and to authorize the Mayor and Clerk of Commission to execute a sales contract and such documents as necessary to consummate the closing. The background being the Augusta Fire Department has identified the property located at 1054 Alexander Drive as a suitable site for a new fire station. Mr. Wayne Schultz has agreed to sell the property for $475,000 provided that he be allowed to remain on the property for a period of 30-days following closing rent-free. The purchase price and terms is shown in the attached contract are acceptable to the fire department but purchase price will be covered by SPLOST V funds. Mr. Grantham: So moved. Mr. Hatney: Second. Ms. Beard votes No. Mr. Bowles out. Motion carries 8-1. The Clerk: Is that it, Madam? Ms. Beard: That’s it. Motion to adjourn. Mr. Brigham: I make a motion we adjourn. Mr. Grantham: Second. Ms. Beard: --- end the meeting for today. 27 [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 of the Augusta Richmond County Commission held on April 1, 2008. _________________________ Clerk of Commission 28 29