HomeMy WebLinkAboutRegular Commission Meeting June 16, 2020
REGULAR MEETING COMMISSION CHAMBER
JUNE 16, 2020
Augusta Richmond County Commission convened at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 16, 2020,
the Honorable Hardie Davis, Jr., Mayor, presiding.
PRESENT: Hons. B. Williams, 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. (Participates
by telephone on Item #32)
Mr. Mayor: Okay, Madam Clerk, members of the Commission, Administrator Sims,
Attorney Brown we hereby call this meeting to order. The Chair recognizes Madam Clerk.
The Clerk: Our invocation ---
Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk, I’ll do the invocation today.
The Clerk: --- and please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance after which.
The invocation was given by the Mayor.
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was recited.
Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk, before we proceed I do want to take a few moments and add a
few comments. I want to begin our comments today with a, not a moment of silence but I think a
moment of thanks. I want to thank the City of Augusta staff for how they’ve responded and this is
all departments, all agencies for how they responded during this COVID-19 Pandemic. It’s not
just those individuals who we’ve seen out in the public in the press in the media but it’s those
individuals who have suited up every single day and they’ve come to work, they’ve teleworked
and they’ve responded to the call of duty representative of almost 203,000 people and I want to
begin by thanking them for that. We know that COVID-19 is not over. We continue to see those
numbers increasing but I want to more than anything just say thank you to the employees of
Augusta, Georgia, to those individuals who have worked in putting together continuity of operation
plans, Administrator Sims, his team working in concert with H.R. working in concert with EMA
and our outside stakeholders, thank you. You’ve done a phenomenal job of making sure that we’re
not only keeping employees safe but also work very diligently to try to keep the citizens of Augusta
in the best place possible and for that you’re to be commended. As we move forward as a city, I
think it’s equally important for us to continue to sound the alarm around the issues of COVID-19.
We see while all of the things that have been done up to this point and the last of the Governor’s
Executive Orders expiring just a few days ago we’ve seen an uptick in the number of confirmed
positive cases. We know that there’s much work being done from a science standpoint to try to
get us a vaccine but we do not have one and I want to urge our citizens, I want to urge the
employees of Augusta-Richmond County to continue to safely social distance when you’re in the
building, outside the building, at home, in the general public and otherwise. And I want to
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encourage folks to take those precautions as identified by the Centers for Disease Control that talk
about washing our hands. We cannot lose sight of the fact that it’s still we’re to wash our hands
every day. It’s important to put on a facemask or a cover and those things are equally important
things to do. And so as we move into this next phase of recovery but still response I just want to
say thank you. I also want to say thank you to local law enforcement for the work that they’ve
done in terms of handling the peaceful protests. We’ve seen the nation captured around the death
of George Floyd and subsequently we’ve had additional deaths in the great state Georgia
(inaudible) just a few days ago. But here in Augusta we’ve been very fortunate that we’ve had a
series of peaceful protests and those protests happened and they conducted in partnership with
local protestors those who want to peacefully protest, want to be voices for the victims but are also
calling for change in how we do business in the City of Augusta and in the nation with regards to
policing but it doesn’t stop there. The issues of race, the issues of racism, the issues of inequality
and inequity they are real and we can’t shy away from that. All too often what happens in the City
of Augusta is it happens around us and we never engage in those more thoughtful and those more
compassionate and considerate conversations because we say we’re insulated and well it didn’t
happen in Augusta and we’re fortunate that those things with the loss of life has not happened.
And what we do know is that the conversations are real and we need to be engaged in them. And
so I look forward to being a part of conversations (inaudible) with you as elected leaders and our
community around issues that (unintelligible). We can’t allow this moment to pass us by in the
City of Augusta because we are so insular in our approach to how things are done. And so with
that again we look forward to robust conversation in today’s meeting but more importantly that
we actively engage with one another and be compassionate, be kind and thoughtful in our approach
to Governor and in how we are the representatives of our community in the public. And so again
I want to share those thoughts and look forward to this city continuing to be a city on the hill.
Madam Clerk.
The Clerk: Yes, sir, our roll call. Mr. Clarke.
Mr. Clarke: Present.
The Clerk: Mr. Fennoy.
Mr. Fennoy: Yes.
The Clerk: Mr. Frantom, Mr. Garrett.
Mr. Garrett: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Hasan.
Mr. Hasan: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Sias.
Mr. Sias: Yes, ma’am.
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The Clerk: Mr. Bobby Williams.
Mr. B. Williams: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Dennis Williams and Mr. Marion Williams.
Mr. D. Williams: Yes.
Mr. M. Williams: Yes.
The Clerk: Thank you. Our Consent Agenda consists of Items 1 through 12, Items 1
through 12. For the benefit of the Commission the Planning Petitioners as well as the staff from
the Planning Commission are available for any questions.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, Madam Clerk, if there be no objection I want to draw everyone’s
attention to the Addendum Agenda that was presented by our Clerk. There are three items on it.
The three items are one an addition to the agenda requested and that’s approve and authorizing the
General Counsel to draft a resolution of support of the National R & D Hall of Fame. The second
item as Madam Clerk has provided background already via email is the zoning petition matter Item
13 that has been a holdover for several (inaudible) now and again it’s just requesting it be deleted.
And then there was supplemental information that was sent out along with that regarding the matter
that’s being discussed around the COVID Small Business Loan process. And so if there’s no
objection we’ll add those to the agenda. All right, without objection, Madam Clerk.
The Clerk: Our Consent Agenda consists of Items 1 through 12 with the addition of Item
13 to be deleted.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, all right, I’ll entertain any motions to add items to the Consent Agenda.
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All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 1 Commissioner Fennoy.
Mr. Fennoy: I’d like to add Number 17.
Mr. Garrett: I have questions on that one.
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Mr. Mayor: Okay, all right the Commissioner from the 9.
Mr. M. Williams: I’d like to add Agenda Item #1 unless, Mr. Mayor. There’s a letter of
support I’d like to add that to the Consent Agenda.
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Mr. Mayor: Okay, all right the Commissioner from the 10.
Mr. Clarke: I’d like to add Item 16 and 27.
Mr. Fennoy: I got a problem with 16, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Hasan: And 27 (inaudible).
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Mr. Mayor: Hold on a minute, hold on a minute. All right, so #27 was your next request,
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Commissioner from the 10 is that correct?
Mr. Clarke: Yes, sir.
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Mr. Mayor: All right and the Commissioner from the 6 I’ll come to you next (inaudible)
issue?
Mr. Hasan: Yes, I was saying I have an issue with 27 (unintelligible).
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Mr. Mayor: Okay, no problem. All right, okay, Commissioner from the 8.
Mr. Garrett: Thank you, sir. I’d like to add Item #32.
Mr. Fennoy: How you doing? Are you with the (inaudible).
Mr. Hasan: (Inaudible) 32, Mr. Mayor?
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Mr. Mayor: Everybody suspend. All right, hold on. Commissioner from the 1.
Mr. Fennoy: Yes, sir.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, would you please mute your phone, sir? All right, thank you. All right,
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the Commissioner from the 8 back to you, sir.
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Mr. Garrett: I think the Commissioner from the 6 had a problem with it so never mind.
Mr. Mayor: Okay.
Mr. Clarke: (Unintelligible) problem with anything we won’t.
Mr. D. Williams: Mr. Mayor ---
Mr. Mayor: All right, I’m coming to you. All right, the Commissioner from the second.
Mr. D. Williams: --- I’d like to add Item #37 please.
The Clerk: I’m sorry, Commissioner Dennis Williams ---
Mr. D. Williams: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: --- I still didn’t get it.
Mr. Mayor: Item #37, Madam Clerk.
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Mr. M. Williams: I’ve got some issues with 37. I need to get some more discussion on that
one.
Mr. Mayor: All right, no worries. All right, so let’s do this. Let’s move forward, Madam
Clerk, at this point the first item, Item #1 and (unintelligible). All right, let me, again if I may, if
you are not speaking would you please place your devices on mute? The answer background noise
and Madam Clerk cannot hear nor can I.
Mr. M. Williams: Mr. Mayor, we’re not going to approve, we’re going to approve the
Consent Agenda now or what?
Mr. Mayor: We’re getting ready to and the only item on the Consent Agenda that’s added
is #1 from the Addendum Agenda.
Mr. M. Williams: I thought we had added a couple more. Now all of them may be
approved but I thought a couple more got approved, added as well.
Mr. Mayor: No, there’s objections.
Mr. M. Williams: Okay, all right.
Mr. Mayor: Okay.
Mr. B. Williams: Mr. Mayor ---
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Mr. Mayor: All right, the Commissioner from the 5 yes, sir.
Mr. B. Williams: --- can we put #14 on the Consent Agenda?
Mr. Mayor: Okay, #14.
Mr. M. Williams: Let me look at #14 (unintelligible) talking too fast, yeah 14’s good, all
right, I ain’t got no problem with 14.
Mr. Clarke: Mr. Mayor, what’re we going to do with 25?
Mr. Mayor: We’re going to allow the Information Technology Department to do a
presentation. They’re going to be the first ones that I call on. They’ve been waiting for about 2 ½
months here and I want to go ahead and give them an opportunity to be heard.
Mr. Clarke: Okay and I’m looking at #28.
Mr. Mayor: All right, that’s an excellent one, let’s add that to the Consent Agenda.
Mr. M. Williams: I’ve got some issues. I had that pulled, Mr. Mayor. That the inmate, I’m
not against that, Mr. Mayor, but I’ve got some issues that I wanted to bring to the table. I put it
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off last time, it’s back on here again. I’m in support. I’m going to motion to approve it but I do
have some conversation that I’d like to have.
Mr. Clarke: Okay and take a look at 31, Mr. Mayor.
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Mr. Mayor: Well, I believe the Commissioner from the 9 had questions about that last
time as well and we pushed that and we pushed that to this meeting.
Mr. Clarke: Okay, but #40 is about a Mobile Dog Adoption Van ---
Mr. Mayor: It is ---
Mr. Clarke: --- can we put that on there?
Mr. Mayor: --- sure without objection. Okay, all right, Madam Clerk.
The Clerk: The Consent Agenda, Items 1 through 12 with the deletion of Item 13 adding
the Resolution of Support Item #1 under the Addendum Agenda, adding #14, 28 and 40.
Mr. Hasan: Can I add #29 to that as well ---
Mr. Mayor: Well ---
Mr. Hasan: Well, then delete it from the agenda.
The Clerk: Oh, delete it.
Mr. Mayor: --- you want to have a discussion about it. Is that the truth?
Mr. Hasan: No, that’s fine. I’m fine with it.
Mr. Mayor: Okay.
The Clerk: So we’re adding that to delete to the Consent Agenda, okay, delete Item #29.
Mr. Mayor: Yes. So as an aside and again I appreciate you doing that, Commissioner. As
an aside there are a number of items that are on here that are discussions in nature and while in
these abbreviated times that we’re in these types of conversations are very useful to have before
we get to the full Commission meeting, talk about it before but this where the good public policy
work actually happens at and that’s before we get to this type of meeting if we can have some of
these discussions before we get to this point. But I just want to add that. Madam Clerk, let’s
proceed with our Consent Agenda.
The Clerk: Do you want me to ---
Mr. Mayor: Just tell us what those items are again.
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The Clerk: Okay, the Consent Agenda Items 1 through 12 with the deletion of Item 13 and
29 Resolution of Support Item #1 on the Addendum Agenda adding Items #14, 28 and 40.
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Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 9 for a motion.
Mr. M. Williams: So moved Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Hasan: Second.
CONSENT AGENDA
PLANNING
1. FINAL PLAT – SIMS LANDING PH.II – s-908 – A request for concurrence with the
Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to approve a petition by Georgia Civil, on behalf of
D.R. Horton, requesting final plat approval of Sims Landing Ph.II. This residential
subdivision is an extension of Sims Landing Subdivision located off Gordon Highway and
contains 150 lots. DISTRICT 3.
2. Z-20-15 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to
approve with the conditions below a petition by Live River Baptist Church requesting a
Special Exception to bring an existing church into zoning conformance per Section 26-1-(a)
of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for Augusta, Georgia affecting property containing
1.8 acres and known as 3404 Jack Kelly Road. Tax Map 156-0-044-00-0 DISTRICT 6 1. The
conceptual site plan is considered for illustrative purposes of the present zoning action only.
2. A site plan shall be submitted that meets all applicable City Codes and regulations before
land disturbing permits may be issued.
3. The need for and placement of all curb cuts shall be approved by Augusta Traffic
Engineering.
4. Surface parking and maneuvering area materials shall be subject to the approval of the
Augusta Engineering Department.
5. If any outdoor lighting fixtures servicing the church and/or parking lot are planned they
shall be directed downward and not toward nearby residences.
3. Z-20-17 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to
approve with the conditions below a petition by Paul E. Johnson requesting a change of
zoning from Zone P-1 (Professional Office) to Zone B-1 (Neighborhood Business) affecting
property containing 0.59 acres and known as 3408 Peach Orchard Road. Tax Map 133-1-
026-00-0 DISTRICT 6 1. The only B-1 (Neighborhood Business) use of the property shall be
for a child care center or those uses permitted in the current P-1 (Professional) Zone. 2. The
facility must receive and maintain a license by the Georgia Department of Early Care and
Learning – Bright from the Start. 3. The facility must receive and maintain a local business
license. 4. A minimum of 8.5 parking spaces along with drop off and pick up spaces must be
clearly marked and kept separate from any outside area used by the children. 5. Adequate
fenced play area must be provided in the rear of the property and separated from any traffic
flow. 6. The secondary access to Satcher Blvd. must be kept clear and available as needed. 7.
Signage may only be allowed under the current P-1 (Professional) regulations. 8. Hours of
operation shall be limited to 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
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4. Z-20-18 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to
approve with the conditions below a petition by Cranston Engineering Group, on behalf of
Augusta Arsenal Soccer Club, Inc, requesting to amend the conditions from Z-02-131
affecting property containing 6.53 acres and known as 3724 Benchmark Drive. Tax Map
029-0-002-00-0 DISTRICT 3 1. The approximately 6.53 acre site substantially conform to the
Site Plan submitted with the rezoning application. 2. A tree save area be required along the
western boundary of the property between the soccer fields and the church property,
substantially conforming to the tree save area on the Site Plan submitted with the rezoning
applications, unless the church gives permission, in writing that the tree save area does not
have to be retained. 3. This project shall comply with all development standards and
regulations set forth by the City of Augusta, GA at the time of development.
5. Z-20-23 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to
approve with the conditions below a petition by Ronnie Powell, on behalf of Byron B.
Mangum, requesting a change of zoning from Zone A (Agriculture) to Zone B-2 (General
Business) affecting property known as part of 2933 Gordon Highway and containing
approximately 19.54 acres. Part of Tax Map 078-0-006-00-0 DISTRICT 3 1. Permitted used
included in the B-2 Zone with exception of automobile service and repair establishments. 2.
Sidewalks must be provided on at one side of the street within the development and comply
with ADA standards. 3. Conduct a traffic study to assess where traffic signals or
acceleration/deceleration lanes and roadway access are needed. 4. All new streets must meet
the minimum specifications of Augusta Engineering and Fire Departments. 5. This
development must conform to all aspects of the Augusta Tree Ordinance. 6. Direct
commercial lighting of buildings, parking area and signs away from nearby residence areas.
6. Z-20-24 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to
approve with the conditions below a petition by Ronnie Powell, on behalf of Byron B.
Mangum, requesting a change of zoning from Zone A (Agriculture) to Zone R-3C (Multiple-
family Residential) affecting property known as part of 2933 Gordon Highway and
containing approximately 16.0 acres. Part of Tax Map 078-0-006-00-0 DISTRICT 3 1. This
dev elopement shall substantially conform to the concept plan filed with this application. 2.
The development shall be limited to no more that 320 apartment units. 3. Sidewalks must be
provided on at least one side of the street within the development and comply with ADA
standards. 4. Conduct a traffic study to properly assess whether traffic signals or
acceleration/deceleration lanes are needed. 5. All new street must meet the minimum
specifications of Augusta Engineering and Fire Departments. 6. This development must
conform to all aspects of the Augusta Tree Ordinance. 7. This phase of development must
have at least two points of access that directly connects to Gordon Highway. 8. Provide
walking trails or pathways to connect areas of the development.
7. Z-20-25 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to
approve with the conditions below a petition by Ronnie Powell, on behalf of Byron B.
Mangum, requesting a change of zoning from Zone A (Agriculture) to R-1E (One-family
Residential) affecting property known as part of 2933 Gordon Highway and containing
approximately 26.93 acres. Part of Tax Map 078-0-006-00-0 DISTRICT 3 1. This
development shall substantially confirm to the concept plan filed with this application. 2. The
development shall be limited to no more than 179 townhome units. 3. Sidewalks must be
provided on at least one side of the street within the development and comply with ADA
standards. 4. Conduct a traffic study to assess whether traffic signals or
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acceleration/deceleration lanes are needed. 5. All new streets must meet the minimum
specification of Augusta Engineering and Fire Departments. 6. This development must
conform to all aspects of the Augusta Tree Ordinance. 7. This phase of development must
have the necessary parking including suitable locations and placement of overflow parking.
8. This development must meet all open space requirements. These areas do not include
stormwater detention.
8. Z-20-26 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to
approve with the conditions below a petition by Nelson Darden, and Cynthia Burrus,
requesting a change of zoning from Zone R-1 (One-family Residential) to Zone R-MH
(Manufactured Hone) affecting property known as 4609 Rambling Rose Circle South and
containing 9.65 acres. Tax Map 194-0-036-07-0 DISTRICT 8 1. Only one home,
manufactured or stick-built, shall be allowed on the subject tract. 2. The 9.65 acre subject
property cannot be furthered subdivided. 3. The manufactured home shall be owner
occupied, the manufactured home cannot serve as a rental unit, nor can rooms within the
manufactured home be rented. 4. When Mr. Darden ceases to live on the manufactured
home, he, or his family, will have 90 days to remove the manufactured home from the
property. 5. The manufactured home shall be placed as close as possible to the spot where a
home was before so as to not be visible to residents of Rambling Rose Subdivision.
9. Z-20-27 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to
approve with the conditions below a petition by Katherine Calamos requesting a change of
zoning from Zone A (Agriculture) to Zone B-2 (General Business) affecting property known
as 3619 Peach Orchard Road and containing 0.93 acres. Tax Map 155-0-043-00-0 DISTRICT
6 1. The conceptual site plan is considered for illustrative purposes of the present zoning
action only. A site plan shall be submitted that meets all applicable City codes and
regulations before land disturbing/building permits may be issued. 2. Surface parking and
maneuvering area materials shall be subject to the approval of the Augusta Engineering
Department. The width of the driveway entrance shall be determined by Augusta Traffic
Engineering and if it must be widened must be approved by G-DOT. 3. If any outdoor
lighting fixtures for the parking lot or storage building are planned they shall be directed
away from residences located to the rear of the subject property.
10. Z-20-28 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to
approve with the conditions below a petition by Jonathan Crawford, on behalf of Governor’s
Place Partners, LLC, requesting to amend the concept plan presented for R-1D (One-family
Residential) Zoning as part Z-17-29 to establish a subdivision amenity area in Governors
Place affecting property known as part of 1102 George W. Crawford Drive containing 0.40
acres. Part of Tax Map 066-0-056-04-0 1. The property shall have a sign posted on George
W. Crawford Drive and on Adelle Court stating “Future Home of Clubhouse/Amenity Area”
before any lots are sold and until the amenity area is built and a Certificate of Occupancy
(CO) is issued. 2. The property line between 112 Adelle Court and the amenity area shall be
flagged every 20’, and the proposed located of the clubhouse shall be flagged to clearly
identify the common property line and the close proximity of the amenity area to 112 Adelle
Court until such time as the clubhouse is built of 112 Adelle Court is sold, whichever occurs
first. 3. A fence and solid vegetative screen (trees and shrubs) per the requirements of the
Augusta Tree Ordinance for side buffers shall be required along the western and northern
property lines of the amenity area, adjacent to residential lots. 4. A street yard meeting the
requirements of the Augusta Tree Ordinance will be required along George W. Crawford
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Drive and along Adelle Court to reduce noise for nearby residential lots. 5. The pool area
must meet all State of Georgia and Richmond County Health Dept. codes for safety and ADA
compliance. Hours of operation for the pool shall be clearly posted and all outdoor activities
must cease at 11:00 pm. 6. Signage for the amenity area must meet Richmond County Health
Dept., City of Augusta code and Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance regulations. 7. Lighting
shall be designed to be directed away from adjacent residentially zone/developed properties.
There shall be no “light trespass” for any after-hours security lighting utilized by the amenity
area. Light levels at the property line should not exceed 0.1 foot candles (fc). 8. On-street
parking spaces proposed along Adelle Court must be approved by the Traffic Engineer and
the Augusta Engineering Department or it will not be allowed. 9. There shall be no parking
signs posted along George W. Crawford Drive and along Adele Court within 125’ of the
subject property in all directions to discourage parking from the amenity area in front of
adjacent residential lots. 10. Due to the vast number of lots in Governor’s Place Subdivision,
golf cart parking, at a rate to be set by the Director of Planning and Development, must be
provided onsite adjacent to the proposed onsite parking area. This area may be grassed, but
parking spaces must be clearly delineated with wheel stops and the riding surface in this area
must be sufficient to support the weight of a golf cart, either by use of grass mats, porous
grass pavers, grass protection mesh, or some other mechanism sufficient to keep the area
from rutting and/or prevent degradation of the golf cart parking area due to weather or
frequent use. Signage must denote the requirement for golf carts to park in the golf cart
parking area. 11. The amenity area (office/clubhouse, pool and parking) shall meet all
applicable City codes and regulations at the time of plan submittal.
11. Z-20-29 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to
approve with the conditions below a petition by Joseph Elam requesting a change of zoning
from Zone A (Agriculture) and Zone R-1B (Neighborhood Business) to establish a child day
care center affecting property containing 2.82 acres and located at 1609 Barton Chapel Road.
Tax Map 053-0-0580-00-0 DISTICT 3 1. A site plan shall be submitted that meets all
applicable City codes and regulations before land disturbing permits may be issued. 2. The
need for and placement of all curb cuts shall be approved by Augusta Traffic Engineering.
PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
12. Motion to approve the minutes of the regular and Special Called Meetings held on June
2, 2020.
PLANNING
13. Z-20-01 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to
approve with the conditions below a petition by WSM Ventures, LLC, on behalf of Evans
Best, LLC, requesting a change of zoning from Zone B-1 (Neighborhood Business) to Zone
B-2 (General Business) affecting property containing 0.36 acres and known as 3133
Washington Road. Tax Map 011-0-025-02-0 DISTRICT 7 1. The current development
standards and regulations shall be met when submitting a site plan. (Deferred from the May
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5, 2020 Commission Meeting to June 16 meeting)
PUBLIC SERVICES
14. Approve contract modifications to correct an error in the Airport’s Parking Canopy
Project to correspond with the approved bid award in the amount of $298,917.00.
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ADDENDUM
43. Approve authorizing the General Counsel to draft a Resolution in support of locating the
National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in Augusta, Georgia for consideration on the June
24, 2020 meeting agenda. (Requested by Commissioner Marion Williams)
Mr. Garrett: Hold on one ---
Mr. Mayor: State your inquiry.
Mr. Garrett: --- did we just delete 29?
Mr. Mayor: Yes.
The Clerk: Yes.
Mr. Garrett: Do my colleagues understand if we delete that that the COLA automatically
takes place?
Mr. Hasan: Yes, sir, I do.
Mr. Garrett: I’m not sure that we need to go ahead and delete that. I think we need to have
a discussion on that.
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Mr. Mayor: All right, so the Commissioner from the 8 has raised an objection to
consenting that item ---
Mr. Hasan: I’m fine, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: --- we’ll pull that item, Madam Clerk.
The Clerk: Okay. The Consent Agenda as noted previously with the deletion of Item #29
from the Consent Agenda.
Mr. M. Williams: Mr. Mayor ---
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Mr. Mayor: Commissioner from the 9 state your inquiry.
Mr. M. Williams: --- I’m in favor of the Consent Agenda. Items 5, 6 and 7 has got some
issues that we have looked at and not to belabor that or to hold it up I’m going to let that go.
Speaking with Rob Sherman hopefully it talks about sidewalks on one side we know when we’re
building these apartments and different stuff that the streets are not often big enough for a firetruck
to go down. So I saw that and I wanted to question that but I’m going to let that go. There’s enough
on the agenda today hopefully the License and Inspection is watching that and making sure that
the rules are being followed to the letter.
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The Clerk: Would you like, Mr. Mayor, Mr. Sherman to address that? He’s waiting.
Mr. Mayor: So, Madam Clerk, the question that the Commissioner has raised is around
sidewalks, is that not true, Commissioner?
Mr. M. Williams: That’s right ---
Mr. Mayor: And ---
Mr. M. Williams: (inaudible) and the work on the streets.
Mr. Mayor: --- each of those items require that sidewalks must be provided.
Mr. M. Williams: It says on one side. When you’ve disabled in the community and you’ve
got one side sidewalk that really don’t help me much but I didn’t want to hold the show up so we’ll
keep it rolling, keep it rolling. I talked to Rob about it later hopefully. We done did it a lot of
times. I don’t think it’s right but we’re going to pass this now, we’ll talk about it later.
Mr. Mayor: Okay.
Mr. M. Williams: I’ve got enough on your plate today and if you want to keep this on here
that’s fine. I’m trying to keep this moving so.
Mr. Mayor: All right, well, I’m going to give you the liberty to decide whether you want
to talk about it or move it on.
Mr. M. Williams: No, I talked to Rob about this. We’ve got a motion and a second, let’s
go ahead and vote (unintelligible) business.
Mr. Mayor: All right very well, Madam Clerk.
Mr. M. Williams: I’m looking out for you now.
Mr. Mayor: All right, very good, I appreciate that.
Mr. M. Williams: Okay.
The Clerk: Mr. Clarke.
Mr. Clarke: Yes.
The Clerk: Mr. Fennoy, Mr. Frantom, Mr. Garrett.
Mr. Garrett: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Hasan.
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Mr. Hasan: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Sias.
Mr. Sias: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Bobby Williams.
Mr. B. Williams: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Dennis Williams.
Mr. D. Williams: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Marion Williams.
Mr. M. Williams: Yes.
Ms. Davis, Mr. Fennoy and Mr. Frantom out.
Motion Passes 7-0.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, okay, Madam Clerk.
The Clerk: The Delegation and Item #22, sir?
Mr. Mayor: Yes.
The Clerk:
DELEGATIONS
A. Mr. Bryan Birmingham regarding Sunday Liquor Sales for bars.
PUBLIC SERVICES
22. Discuss possible ways and means city government can guide or offer financial aid to
locally owned Bars for recovery and continued operation after state ordered closure is lifted.
(Requested by Commissioner John Clarke.
Mr. Mayor: All right, Madam Clerk, thank you so much. All right, the Chair recognizes
the, let’s do a couple of things. All right, let’s make sure we’ve got our public presenters here
first. I know I see Ms. McFarley. Okay, Ms. McFarley, if you can go ahead and bring them on
screen please. Okay all right we’ve got a representative, all right, so, sir, if you would state for the
record your name and your address, okay?
Mr. Birmingham: Sure, my name is Brian Birmingham, my address is 704 Neville Street.
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Mr. Mayor: Okay, so what we want to do then is we want to hear from you regarding
liquor sales, Sunday liquor sales for Bars, and then I’m going to go to the Commissioner from the
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10 and Item #22, Go ahead, sir.
Mr. M. Williams: Is he in Augusta, Georgia, Mr. Mayor, he’s in? Is that Vaucluse, South
Carolina? Where is that? I heard Augusta, Georgia, I heard his address but I didn’t hear ---
Mr. Mayor: Yeah, Mr. Birmingham, that address is an Augusta address?
Mr. Birmingham: My residence is now actually in Grovetown. My business is in
Richmond County. My business location is 3112 Washington Road.
Mr. Mayor: All right, the address you gave us was a Grovetown address, your residential
address, is that correct?
Mr. Birmingham: I’m sorry one more time.
Mr. Mayor: That address that you gave for the record was your residence, is that correct?
Mr. Birmingham: That is correct, yes, sir.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, that’s Grovetown, Commissioner.
Mr. Hasan: You have five minutes, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: Excuse me?
Mr. Hasan: I was saying the five minutes. You didn’t mention the five minutes.
Mr. Mayor: Yeah, yeah, I’m timing him. Mr. Birmingham, if you will proceed.
Mr. Birmingham: Thank you, sir. As you know we were closed down for three months by
government mandate through no fault of our own. During this time the bills didn’t stop coming in
and the money kept flowing out. Our employees pay rent, maintenance and utilities to keep up
with general upkeep costs. I did manage to borrow the money to keep the bar from going bankrupt
but I’m now stuck with quite a bit of debt along with very limited (inaudible) of how we are able
to reopen our bars and trying to recoup the losses. To answer your question if this bar is the
financial hub, I would say the answer is yes. While I was shut down, I got to witness people
(unintelligible) into grocery and hardware stores, pile into restaurant bars and be allowed to act in
those restaurants the exact way they would’ve acted in my bar but somehow I was told daily that
the only risk was being inside my bar, not inside any of these other places just my bar. I was told
by the county at one point that for some reason I couldn’t even enter my own bar for any purpose.
I could not go into my empty bar by myself with a can of paint and put a fresh coat of paint on my
walls. I couldn’t enter my bar to check on it, to keep up maintenance on any of my equipment,
nothing. That is what I was told by Planning and Development when I asked them if it would be
okay to hold a fundraiser outside of my bar in the parking lot to try and raise some money for my
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employees. You can’t do that because you might go inside your bar and you’re not allowed to do
that was their answer. For three months I watched my bar money hemorrhage out of my account
while I paid my rent and utilities and made sure the 16 families that rely on my business and my
bar provide for their homes were paid. The entire time I was told everything will be okay. I just
had to do my part which I did. I stayed closed while I saw restaurants four deep at the bar patrons
standing shoulder to shoulder videos posted all over social media and no repercussions to anyone
for not adhering to the rules but my bar stayed dark, the doors were locked and the lights were out.
After three months, almost three months, after everyone else had been allowed to open they finally
let us open and they put in place the most asinine list of restrictions I’ve ever seen, obviously
written by someone who never in their life had stepped foot inside a bar telling me how to run my
bar. I would like any government officials to explain to my how exactly a bartender or a cook or
a doorperson can telecommute and work from home. This was rule #4 of 39 rules that were written
specifically for bars. There were too many ridiculous things in this order to go into. Go ahead and
read 17 and trying to figure out what they were even trying to say. But the most crippling one
would have to be the occupancy rules. I do not know of a single business model in the world that
would be profitable at 35% capacity yet that is what they gave us. They rewarded our sacrifices
by allowing us to reopen and restricted us in such a way to guarantee that we will lose money hand
over fist. I debated even reopening but as the money’s running out I had no options left. At least
if I go under I’ll go under fighting. I am just one bar, one bar owner. There are many other bar
owners that I am friends with who are unable even to mortgage their futures like I did to keep what
they had. Who knows if they will ever reopen or if they do if they will last after taxes next year.
One Commissioner spoke out, Mr. Clarke, he said he wanted to help these small bars so I reached
out to him and when I spoke to him he asked me what could be done. There are a lot of things that
can be done. Some kind of a rebid on our licenses would be nice. It takes over $6,000 dollars a
year for the various licenses, business, state and local liquor, health departments, cigarettes, the
list goes on. We lost 25% of that time. If you could just give us money to help pay us for all the
bills and salaries we pay when we were closed down but I can’t imagine (unintelligible) that would
or how you’d even be able to figure out a (unintelligible) to do that or if the county could even
financially do that. But a very obvious and a simple and actually very inexpensive way for
Richmond County to help would be the fact the very simply fact that no bar in Richmond County
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can open on Sundays. That’s 1/7 of the year that I can’t open because it’s a Sunday. That’s sales
I don’t get which is also sales tax and excise tax the county does not get and on top of that it’s an
extra $1,000 dollars a year for Sunday license that the county is not getting. (Unintelligible) spoke
before the Commission I was told by the Mayor himself that my way of thinking was wrong, I had
to move with the times and be more progressive just like New York City. Be more forward
thinking like New York City, he said. Well, I was born on the outskirts of Philadelphia and I’ve
worked in the bar industry almost exclusively since 1990 in my 30 years of being in this industry
I’ve worked in some of these progressive cities which the Mayor referred to. I’ve worked in Philly,
I’ve worked in Baltimore, I’ve worked in DC and, yes, I’ve worked in New York City itself just
to name a few of the places that I’ve worked and do you want to know what all of these progressive
cities do and Richmond County does not? They allow their bars to open on Sunday, gathering at
the bar on Sunday to watch the game is practically a national tradition yet here in Richmond
County only a few bars which are somehow considered restaurants are allowed to open on Sunday.
If you want to truly keep a lot of your local businesses from disappearing at very little or no cost
to the county, simply allow the bars to open on Sunday as well. This won’t replace the hundreds
of thousands of dollars in sales I’ve lost or others have lost but putting this in place would insure
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that going forward that I and every other bar owner will be given the opportunity to get back on
track. This would give us a chance going forward to make up the sales that we have lost. Thank
you for your time.
Mr. Mayor: All right, thank you for your time. I’m going to go to the Commissioner from
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the 10 and then I’m going to come back to your commentary, all right?
Mr. Clarke: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Thank you also, Mr. Birmingham. When it was
mandated that all bars had to shut down, I think everybody went along with it. As time passed and
they were unable to open of course they did not make the revenue to pay their bills and continue
to pay their bills and their operations. So I had several of the bar owners reach out to me about the
Small Loan Program about a litany of other things and I think the basic conversation that it comes
down to is that you know they’re not being treated like the other businesses are being treated. They
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feel that they are being hindered. And I would say in the 21 Century if we’re going to move to
move this progressive town we have to move in ways that are progressive. All across the United
States, all across the world, bars that do not serve food are open on Sundays. That is a source of
revenue. So in talking with several of these independent bar owners, they’re not asking for a
handout and they’re really not even asking for a loan. They’re asking for a chance and I think that
the chance that they’re asking for is to be allowed to open on Sunday to have Sunday sales without
food and I don’t particularly think that’s an unreasonable request. By giving them a $1,000 dollar
license if that’s what a Sunday Sales license calls for then they can take it upon themselves whether
they want to open on Sunday or not. At least give them that option. So therefore I’m ready to
make a motion that we amend the ordinance to allow bars without food sales to open and operate
every Sunday of the year.
Mr. Garrett: I’ll second.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, all right, we’ve got a motion and a second with this discussion, a very
good conversation, I appreciate it. Let me, all right, we’re going to go to the Commissioner from
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the 9 go to the Commissioner from the 9 and we will come back (unintelligible). The
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Commissioner from the 9.
Mr. M. Williams: Mr. Mayor, can you hear me now?
Mr. Mayor: We can, sir, thank you.
Mr. M. Williams: I’m sorry, I had it muted. I didn’t understand that. But I sympathize
with the bar owners and anybody else that lost money in this epidemic. Now this says let’s go
back. First of all no one contacted me as the Super District Commissioner, a part of downtown.
Now I know my colleague and I don’t have no jurisdiction, I don’t have no lines. I cross any lines
to help anybody but if you’re going to help the bar owners how many other businesses who have
not had to be closed on Sunday had to be closed every day. So I’m thinking, I’m thinking the point
of losing money, we’ve got a lot of businesses that’s lost money and worse than that we’ve got a
lot of people that lost their lives. People have died from this epidemic. This is not nothing that
the city put on. I’d like to hear from License and Inspection is there a state law, is that state law or
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is that a local law that we put in place because if we’ve got our own laws I need to know about
them, Mr. Mayor. I thought we were going by state law, what state law required.
Mr. Mayor: Well, I’m going to address all of that here in just a second.
Mr. M. Williams: Okay, well I mean because see I don’t want anybody putting no false
information out or I say or wrong information, I won’t say false, wrong information out is that we
have did something in Augusta that you can’t do in Savannah or any other part of Georgia. So if
you address that that might help me but nobody contacted me as an elected official in the
downtown area. Now like me or not, I’ve been trying to help anybody I can wherever I can and
this is the first I heard of this. And now you can’t do something just for the bars if you’re going
to do, what about the beauty salons who couldn’t open up at all ---
Mr. Mayor: Yeah.
Mr. M. Williams: --- not just on Sunday but couldn’t open up Monday nor Sunday. So if
you’re going to put this on the table, let’s talk about everything. Put it all out there.
Mr. Mayor: So let’s do that but let’s bring some clarity around this conversation as well.
Mr. Sherman, if you would bring Mr. Birmingham back to the podium if you will. I want to make
sure I direct (inaudible).
Mr. Birmingham: Yes, sir.
Mr. Mayor: All right, thank you, Mr. Birmingham. We appreciate you bringing your
concerns but I want to address a series of things that you intimated. I’ll begin first and foremost
with the issues around the requirements that were placed on bars in the great State of Georgia. We
are a municipality and as such when the Governor of the State of Georgia enacted his series of
executive orders the most recent one coming to a close (inaudible). In those at the closure of bars
and then the subsequent reopening of bars, all of those requirements were handed down by
Governor Brian Kemp. And as such and as such those are the requirements that not only bars
nightclubs, hair salons, barbershops, restaurants etc. have had to and that will continue until such
time that the Governor provides another executive order or changes course so let’s make sure we
clarify that.
Mr. Birmingham: That is understood, sir. I understand that the orders are coming from the
Governor’s office, yes, sir.
Mr. Mayor: And the application from a local standpoint the enforcement arm that the
Governor has used is local law enforcement to make sure that compliance is in place. I want to
make sure I draw that distinction and clarify that not only for you as a bar owner but other bars
and without question those that are on social media who are attributing these things to local
government and in particular to the Mayor. Those things are just not true. Moving forward there
are a series of other things that you intimated or suggested. I don’t know if I’ve ever met you but
let me be clear. We want to see businesses thrive in the city of Augusta and as such there are other
cities across this nation that are doing a variety of things. I don’t know if you are aware of the fact
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that in Georgia grocery stores and convenience stores are in fact allowed to sell beer and wine on
Sundays. If local laws in our case Attorney Brown is going to speak to this issue in just a moment
local laws can in fact permit Sunday sales but businesses cannot sell before 12:30 Sunday or remain
open after 11:45 p.m. That’s state law; that’s current state law. And so I want to make sure that
people understand that there is an overarching (unintelligible) state law and then there’s local law
that fits in the gaps there, all right? And so I really want to make sure that you really understand
that.
Mr. Birmingham: I understand that though I want to say one thing. The main problem with
what you said I believe on Sunday if you’re open on Sunday it’s not 11:45 I believe it’s 1:45 that
they have to stop serving on Sunday nights.
Mr. Mayor: Well ---
Mr. Birmingham: But by state ordinance, I mean that’s state ordinance.
Mr. Mayor: --- state law again unless it’s changed most recently is open again at 12:30
until 11:45 then that you’re in that business you may be accurate. I’ve been gone from the
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legislature almost six years now so but this 12:30 one my good friend from the 21 Bill Jackson
helped orchestrate that so.
Mr. Birmingham: I remember that.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, all right, Attorney Brown, are you here? A great question with you ---
Mr. Brown: Yes.
Mr. Mayor: --- all right, have you responded to my email?
Mr. Brown: I saw it I just saw your email, Mayor. Rob Sherman is here to answer your
questions regarding that.
Mr. Mayor: All right, very well. All right, Director Sherman.
Mr. Sherman: So Mayor and Commissioners, as far as bars go bars are not allowed to be
open on Sunday except one Sunday a year that the Commission elected for them to be open. In
the past it’s been Super Bowl Sunday or if it’s St. Patrick’s Day or whatever Sunday you choose
but as it is right now bars can only be open one Sunday a year and it’s at the day that’s selected by
the Commission.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, all right, very well. All right, I’ve got a motion and a second and I’m
ready to entertain this vote on it.
Mr. B. Williams: Mr. Mayor ---
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Mr. Mayor: All right, the Commissioner from the 5.
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Mr. B. Williams: --- so is this vote legal? We’re only supposed to be open up one Sunday
a year or I mean is it binding if we (unintelligible) this vote?
Mr. Mayor: Hold on, hold on a moment, let’s do this right here. I want to get a restate of
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the motion and we’ll have some additional discussion. All right, the Commissioner from the 10.
Mr. Clarke: Was that for me, Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: Yes, it was.
Mr. Clarke: Okay, let me say something first. We all know what the ordinances are about
bars only open at this time one Sunday a month. We all know the ordinances concerning that. My
motion is to change the city ordinance to allow all bars to have the opportunity to open every
Sunday of the year that they choose to by paying for the Sunday Alcohol Sales License.
Mr. Mayor: All right, pause there, sir. All right, Director Sherman, you’re recognized.
Mr. Sherman: Mayor and Commissioners, it’s a state code that prohibits bars to be open
on Sunday except for that one Sunday designated by the local Commission so the bars cannot be
open on Sunday.
Mr. Clarke: Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: Director Sherman, can you provide the title and code section?
Mr. Sherman: I can if I could send it to you later. I don’t have that with me now.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, very well, that’s fine. All right, so why don’t we do this, why don’t we
do this. I think it’s appropriate I know that there’s a desire to do everything we can to help. We
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want to be a sustainable city community. Why don’t we do this, Commissioner from the 10 and
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the Commissioner from the 8 Why don’t we, why don’t we do some more work and have some
discussion about how we can further lean into what the state law currently allows as it relates to
bars and/or nightclubs on Sunday. Why don’t we do that before taking any steps trying to adopt a
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motion that may run up against state law. All right, the Commissioner from the 10.
Mr. Clarke: You know with all due respect I have certainly have been in other cities in the
State of Georgia that bars were open on Sunday so I don’t understand where all of a sudden you
know the state law and the local ordinances and what have you is just really concerning to me.
You know it would seem to me that if we could make an ordinance that maybe we could set
precedence and so I would like to just go ahead and receive a vote because you know we keep
putting things off, keep putting things up and down the road and down the road and down the road.
I’d just like to see where this goes so I maintain that I make that motion.
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Mr. Mayor: Okay, we’ve got more discussion. All right, that’s fine, he maintains his
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motion. All right, let’s do this right here. All right I’m going to the Commissioner from the 2
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and then to the 9.
Mr. D. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I’d like to make a substitute motion that we
(inaudible) the bar owners that we give them a 25% discount on their license for the oncoming
year. I guess it’s dead.
Mr. B. Williams: I’ll second it to keep it alive.
Mr. D. Williams: Thank you, sir.
Mr. M. Williams: Mr. Mayor, is it on me now?
Mr. Mayor: Not yet, not yet.
Mr. M. Williams: Okay, I’m trying to wait.
Mr. Mayor: Yeah, I’m going to try to help you out now. Let’s just be patient with this
process. All right, I’m going to make a couple of notes here. All right, the Commissioner from
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the 9 it’s on you.
Mr. M. Williams: Okay, thank you, Mr. Mayor. My colleague in District 10 as many bars
he’s been in he ought to know the rules by now himself not just being elected but if a bar owner
wants to open on Sundays all he has to do and you can check with Rob Sherman that if he has 50%
of food sales he can open seven days a week but he can’t operate a bar or no one can just a bar by
itself. If you want to open up on Sundays he can’t open on Sunday but I think the requirement is
he has to have at least 50% of his business done in food sales so and that’s how the other bars he
calls them open up. Now I pass a bar every time I go down the street but I don’t stop in there but
I still know what they do. So I’m saying, Mr. Mayor, that they need to understand that in order to
do that on a Sunday you have to be either an Applebee’s or Honey Bees or you got to serve food
in order to do that. You just can’t open up, the city and say any bar owner can open seven days a
week. Mr. Mayor, that just won’t work. If you want to have more dialogue with some State
Representative and see can the state law get changed, we cannot supersede state law. That’s not
my opinion, that’s what state law says and if anybody has anything different than that they need
to share that.
Mr. Birmingham: Excuse me ---
Mr. Mayor: Okay ---
Mr. Birmingham: --- may I speak?
Mr. Mayor: --- Mr. Birmingham, yeah, just suspend. We may come back to you, we may
come back to you. All right, a lot of debate with the Commission. Okay, Mr. Birmingham, you’re
recognized.
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Mr. Birmingham: Thank you, sir. Mr. Williams had some questions; I can clear up a little
bit of that for him if you would allow me a minute. Georgia state law states that you are a restaurant
if no more than 75% of your revenue comes from the sales of alcohol. Okay, I fall under that
category. According to the State of Georgia I would be a restaurant. Richmond County has a law
in place that says you are not a restaurant unless you sell at least 50% food sales. That is a local
ordinance that is put in place to restrict the bars from being bars. According to the State of Georgia
I would fall under the category of a restaurant. According to Richmond County I fall under the
category of being a bar. The county can be stricter than the state, the county cannot be more lenient
than the state. Now I understand all that.
Mr. M. Williams: Okay, if I can respond, Mr. Mayor, and I appreciate that information. If
that’s true then we may need to look at what we’re doing as far as being stricter than what state
law says. But from my understanding and I’m not in the bar business like I said no one contacted
me. I would’ve had this information for you before we got to this point had I known about it but
the District 10 Commissioner brought you in, he’s done research, he’s done talked about it. I guess
he knows what he's saying. So if that is the guideline, Mr. Mayor, I’m going by what state law
says as far as I know what I’m told by the Directors that we have in the City of Augusta. So if it’s
25% or 50% we need, I don’t think we ought to supersede state law. I think we ought to go by
what state law says. But if we have no guidelines then we wouldn’t have no peace I guess we
would have no way of guiding and keeping things in order. So, Rob Sherman, if you, if Rob’s
available, I’d like Rob to address that, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: Yeah, well, Rob can do that but let’s do a couple of things here. I know the
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Commissioner from the 10 would like to proceed with a motion but this is one of the reasons why
these types of spirited conversations require much more deliberate investigation about what state
law provides versus what local law provides so that we can marry those two and make certain that
we’re providing an opportunity with our city a chance to grow and be progressive. The
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Commissioner from the 9 as long as I’ve been here, as long as I’ve been here, has talked about
the City of Augusta being slow and not up with the times particularly with how late we allow
certain businesses to stay open and when we cause others to close.
Mr. M. Williams: That’s right.
Mr. Mayor: To that end I think this is another unique opportunity for us to be a little more
deliberate and thoughtful in terms of identifying what local law says and working in concert with
state law. For reference from an Augusta code standpoint it’s Title 6 Section 2 I believe where it
speaks to this issue and we want to make sure that in concert with state law that those things work.
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I do believe that as the Commissioner from the 10 and the 8 have indicated this is the right time
for us to have this conversation. I would urge all of the motion makers to give strong consideration
to withdrawing your motions and absent you know this novel term you like to use putting together
a study committee. I don’t think it needs to necessarily be a study committee. It needs to be a
working group that works on this and adopts something. All right, we’ve had (unintelligible) to
be considered for adoption within the next 30 days. That’s important for us to look at. That would
be my recommendation and encouragement for this body to do that so that we’re thoughtful about
what we do and how it impacts businesses, restaurants, bars and/or nightclubs. That would be my
21
recommendation. So I’m going to come back to, I’m going to come back to two motion makers.
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I’ve got the Commissioner from the 10 who made a motion and then I’ve got a substitute. I’m
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going to speak to the issue of the substitute motion right now to the Commissioner from the 2.
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What I would caution the Commissioner from the 2 and seconder from the 5 is in terms of
giving businesses 25% discount. I think that that needs to be looked at, that idea, it needs to be a
full idea. The question of equal protection for other businesses could very well be raised with that
motion and I would urge you to withdraw that substitute motion and allow again to convene. There
have been two discussions that this body has had around what things can be done going forward
of how we can help our local small businesses. One of those measures is on the table today
(unintelligible) small business process. The others have been the issues around fees, around the
issue of excise taxes. We had a general discussion but not a full one so I would urge the
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Commissioner from the 2 and the 5 to withdraw their substitute motion and the Commissioners
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from the 10 and 8 to give strong consideration to bringing a working group together to address
this issue. All right, I’m going to pause there and give ya’ll a chance to think about it. Rob,
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Director Sherman, the Commissioner from the 9 had a question for you, Director Sherman, Rob
Sherman.
Mr. Sherman: Yes.
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Mr. Mayor: Okay, the Commissioner from the 9 had a question for you.
Mr. M. Williams: Rob, my question is, Rob, do our city, do our ordinance or our laws
supersede the state law? If state law is 25% of what and we’ve got 50% food sales, is that right?
Mr. Sherman: So for a restaurant and I’m questioning my memory now but for a restaurant
the state has it at 50% or better food sales is a restaurant and you’re eligible to be open on Sunday.
Mr. M. Williams: Right.
Mr. Sherman: They have defined a bar is no more than 75% alcohol sales but they’ve left
a gap in there between what is considered a restaurant and what is considered a bar. If a bar has a
less than 75% alcohol sales it was written so that all ages can come in and that’s for the bars say
in the college communities.
Mr. M. Williams: Okay.
Mr. Sherman: And all this, a little history, all this came about because of an incident down
at Georgia Southern where an underage was in a bar and he was injured so they redefined the sales
for what is considered a bar. Ours is that you’re a restaurant if you have over 50% food sales. If
you don’t have over 50% food sales you’re considered a bar. So I can look into that and see if we
can bring you some more information that would benefit the bar owners but as it is the state code
says a bar cannot be open on Sunday.
Mr. M. Williams: But and that helps me a lot too, Rob, because I didn’t think about the
age limit as far as 50% food and anybody can go in ---
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Mr. Sherman: Correct.
Mr. M. Williams: --- anybody cannot go into a bar because it’s an age limit and because
of that age limit and that’s why those pieces are put in the puzzle. So that helps me understand a
little bit better. Thank you so much.
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Mr. Mayor: All right, the Commissioner from the 10 but before Commissioner from the
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10 I’m going to go to the Commissioner from the 2 and the 5 then I’m going to do you give
consideration to withdrawing your substitute motion.
Mr. D. Williams: I think I will because it would because it would be more beneficial to
our bar owners if we could change the ordinance.
Mr. Mayor: Okay.
Mr. D. Williams: So I withdraw my ---
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Mr. Mayor: Okay, all right, the Commissioner from the 10.
Mr. Clarke: Mr. Mayor, I will withdraw my motion based on the consideration that we do
put together a group myself included to explore this opportunity to see what we could do going
forward and with the guarantee that that will happen and it will happen in short order. I’ll withdraw
my motion at this time.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, I really appreciate that. I think we all appreciate that. So if we can
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establish a working group of the Commissioner from the 10Commissioner from the 2 as
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Chairman of Public Safety, the Commissioner from the 8 and the Commissioner from the 5.
Mr. B. Williams: Why me?
Mr. M. Williams: Wait, wait, wait, hold it, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: Okay.
Mr. M. Williams: District 1 and District 2 and neither one of us is going to serve on that
thing, on that board?
Mr. Mayor: Why not add the Dean of the Commission to it as well, the Commissioner
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from the 9.
Mr. M. Williams: It don’t necessarily have to be me but I’m part of this along with District
1 with Commissioner Bill Fennoy and neither one of us was added to it.
Mr. Mayor: Yeah, well, I think you’re point is well noted and again I don’t think there’s
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any objection from the Commissioner from the 1 to add to it and that will be our working group
to make sure that we get this back and we work on it here in the next 30 days.
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Mr. D. Williams: Will do.
Mr. B. Williams: Mr. Mayor, can I get an email to that effect with the ---
Mr. Mayor: Absolutely.
Mr. B. Williams: --- members, thank you, sir, and thank you, Mr. Birmingham.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, all right, Madam Clerk.
The Clerk: Yes, sir.
Mr. B. Williams: She’s asleep.
Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk?
The Clerk: No, I’m not. I’m here.
Mr. Mayor: All right, Madam Clerk, that’ll be the Commission action, a working group of
those commission members. We’ll send you a quick email before moving to the next item.
The Clerk: Okay. Our next item would be Item #15.
Mr. Mayor: 27, ma’am, Item # 27.
The Clerk:
PUBLIC SAFETY
27. Read and adopt 2019 Ordinance, number of alarm system requirement, regulations and
penalties. (Requested by Commissioner John Clarke)
Mr. Mayor: Okay, all right, I believe we’ve got some ---
The Clerk: Commissioner Clarke asked that that be placed on the agenda and we do have
yes, Chief Clayton here to address it as well.
Mr. Mayor: --- okay, fantastic, we’ve got Deputy Clayton. I’m going to come to the
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Commissioner from the 10 first and then we’ll go to Chief Deputy Clayton. All right
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Commissioner from the 10, Commissioner Clarke.
Mr. Clarke: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. This was, this issue was brought to my attention by
Jo Rae Jenkins and Deputy Clayton and we were invited down, some of us, to look at what goes
on with the false alarms and how much you know it actually costs the taxpayer for the Sheriff’s
Department to keep responding to false alarms. And it seems like that they keep responding to the
same locations over and over and over. So they asked that we look at this and I think they could,
24
well, it’s in your book they’ve written an ordinance that they would like to adopt. And so Chief
Deputy Clayton is here to explain that and I would like to at this time, Mr. Mayor, to turn it over
to him.
Mr. Mayor: Well, I’ll turn it over to him.
Mr. Clarke: Okay ---
Mr. Mayor: Chief Deputy Clayton ---
Mr. Clarke: --- excuse me, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: --- that’s all right, if you can walk us through the discussion around an
ordinance and give us some background on that. I think we’d appreciate that as well.
Chief Deputy Clayton: Yes, Mayor, one of the things that I do is I ride with the Deputy a
couple of times a month on the weekends usually and I will tell you that we spend the better part
of the shift of running on false alarm calls. So we actually we started looking at this problem
actually about seven years ago and we’ve been looking at it and trying to come up with ways to
deal with it. And one of the things that we looked at was there’s not kind of regulations here. And
most of the problems are usually errors. And so I basically delegated Lt. Whitehead to look at
some of the best practices around the state. And so we’ve got some model ordinances and we
actually tempered our ordinance a lot less restrictive in some of the other locations. I just want to
start out with a very limited program and if it’s okay, I’m going to let Lt. Whitehead kind of brief
you all on that, would that be okay, Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: Sure.
Lt. Whitehead: Good afternoon, gentlemen, Commissioner, Mayor. When the Chief
tasked this with me if I can say originally looked at it about seven years ago and then November
of last year he asked me to look into it again. I started looking at different policy and ordinances
around the country not just here in the State of Georgia. And as he said anywhere from not having
an ordinance all to way to, and I’ll tell you one of the biggest restrictions that I actually found
several courts many courts across the United States have actually ruled right now that alarm
ownership it’s not mandated by law. It’s a private/personal choice which actually makes it a
private contract between and individual and a company or business. So today we actually, we
actually provide service on the taxpayers’ dollars for the alarm companies is what we’re doing and
when looking at it we were spending a little over $100,000 a year is what it’s costing us in
manpower to go to false alarms and that doesn’t include the current 911 Center and the dispatchers
there. So what we’re asking what we’re looking to do we just want to put an ordinance in place
that regulates these companies where they actually have to register the alarms that they have in
Richmond County which will also benefit the local alarm companies who for the most part are
already following some of the things that the agencies have in place. This would cut out the
majority of the fly-by-night companies that come on rather over line or whatever it may be.
Currently right now we have over 16,000 false alarms a year that we run to. 16,000. Out of that
less than 1% was an actual burglary occurred at that location so what we’re asking to do is to
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regulate the alarm companies and what this would have on it the ordinance is also educate the
users. And we’re not asking for any money to come obviously as he mentioned the systems, some
agencies have a tier system where the actual user would have to pay so if he on first offense he
would go $50.00 dollars and the second $100.00 and the third, we’re not looking to do that. All
we’re looking to do is regulate these companies where they actually have to have permits, they
have to have everything that the state requires, have something in place and we’re hoping to
decrease them by that time. I just putting something as simple as that in place. Like I said right
now currently we couldn’t tell you how many alarms are registered or actual alarms that are in
Augusta-Richmond County but we do and have responded to over 16,000 just false alarms which
takes, and the money is not the issue, the money is not the issue. The biggest issue is probably the
burden on our resources on road patrol. This is time that could be spent in our neighborhoods and
patrolling our businesses. And that’s kind of a rundown. I sent over a presentation. I don’t know
if each of you got it actually a couple of weeks ago, the Chief forwarded it and I put together about
an 8-page presentation with all the numbers listed.
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Mr. Mayor: All right, thank you, the Commissioner from the 6.
Mr. Hasan: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Can you hear me?
Mr. Mayor: Sure, we all can.
Mr. Hasan: Well thank you, sir, thank you, sir. Mr. Mayor, I’m not against this at all. As
a matter of fact I support what we’re discussion we’re having. And I can remember a couple of
rd
years ago this coming up November 3 conversation about it. My only concern about it is having
an ordinance already we have in the process where our ordinance is drafted and then we need to
look at you know get our Law Department to draft an ordinance or to look at this or what have you
and see if it’s sufficient and we come back and do this you know in our July meeting and not adopt
this because there is a process for how we do ordinances. We know that. The first thing we do
we decide we want an ordinance then we give the directive to our Law Department to draft that
ordinance and normally there is two readings once he brings that back. So I’m saying let’s not
deviate from that, just let the Law Department to look at or draft an ordinance to get this directive
to them to draft an ordinance and come back in a couple of weeks and we can see fit to waive the
second reading and get this on the road and let’s keep to our normal process to how we do that.
You know if we don’t have an ordinance I’m not sure that we may not have something already
because I do remember the conversation vaguely. I remember the conversation vaguely. I’m just
trying to see exactly where we are. So I am in support of it but we can’t operate from an ordinance
that was brought to us unless our Law Department looks at it, vet it and in our July meeting we
can go ahead to attempt to waive the second reading of that.
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Mr. Mayor: All right, the Commissioner from the 6 I appreciate the commentary you just
shared with the exception of waiving the second reading ---
Mr. Hasan: Okay, no problem.
Mr. Mayor: --- (unintelligible) standard practice but I could not agree with you more that
we need to properly vet this idea and we need to spend more time taking a look at this. Not only
26
this but let us also be clear that we not only have alarms that are sent to law enforcement as it
relates to burglary (inaudible) arms etc., but typically when you have an actively monitored
security system in your home it also has an alarm that goes to fire as well. So let’s be holistic in
our discussions of this conversation and be thoughtful about how we engage. This in effect would
be regulatory in nature around businesses that typically are small businesses in the Augusta area
many of who have been in business for a number of years. I applaud the Sheriff’s Department for
coming and bringing this to us but let’s also take those steps. All right, I’m going to the
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Commissioner from the, I’m going to the 9 the Commissioner from the 9.
Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I’m a little bit confused with what we’re doing.
I mean don’t, that’s easy to do so don’t brag. I mean getting me confused is easy; I mean that’s not
a big deal. But are we talking about the number of alarm businesses or are we talking about
responding? Now if we didn’t have the law enforcement responding to the burglar alarms
somebody’s got to respond to them. If they don’t then we won’t have no need for the alarm. Now
a lot of times weather will affect the alarm system and makes the alarm goes off. A lot of times
it’s sensitivity where an alarm may be too sensitive. But are we trying to regulate who got these
companies and I heard we’re talking about the manpower and how many hours, how many
responded to. But it’s a growing city, Mr. Mayor, that you talked about earlier. As we progress,
as technology comes onboard every house not every house but almost every house except those in
my district in the hood probably got alarm systems. A lot of these professional businesses have
alarm systems and the burglar knows whose system and what and if we didn’t respond I thought
we come out with a respond time. Now we’re concerned about how many it is that are they
regulated. That’s something that maybe ought to be done but I’m just a little bit confused.
Somebody needs to help me understand what we’re actually talking about here because I don’t, I
don’t understand. And we’re talking about how many times an alarm system goes off and how
many times that you respond to that but then that’s something that might want to be addressed but
we’re talking about regulating? That may be a whole new issue. Can somebody help me
understand a little bit about what we’re really talking about?
Lt. Whitehead: Can I respond and answer that, sir?
Mr. Mayor: Yes, you may.
Lt. Whitehead: Okay, yeah, first of all and I’m going to kind of back up and I’m going to
get to your question as well, sir. We’ve already got an ordinance that we’ve already drafted. That’s
how serious we’ve taken it. We’ve already sent it over for ya’ll to look at as well and we kind of
modeled off other agencies. And currently we’re the only pretty much the only government this
size that doesn’t have something in place across the United States. This does not apply to fire
alarms, panic alarms. This is only for the alarm that’s going off and to answer your question, sir,
there at the end that’s why we want to put this in place. We want the alarm companies to train the
users. Right now they have no accountability. They call them up, they’ll sell the alarm to them
and say listen if it goes off the police are coming and that’s it. Looking at because we don’t have
an registered right now looking at other I guess you would a city that has an ordinance in place
probably 25% of taxpayers only have alarms. Everybody else is paying for this service from the
Sheriff’s Office, probably 70% of them. And you’re right, alarms will continue going up as we
go which means we’ll continue to go to more false alarms. What we’re looking to do we’re going
27
to still respond to alarms but we want to put something in place that can regulate them to make
these companies have some accountability to train their users, at least give them some type of
knowledge of how the alarm system works because you are correct we’re going to continue to, if
we were seeing 16,000 this year. That number’s going to keep growing. And looking back to the
numbers we were at 14,000 two years ago so we’re probably at 20,000 continue going forward.
We’re not saying we’re not going to respond to alarms. We’ll continue to respond to them but we
want to decrease that number so we can spend more time with our manpower in the areas that we
need them and spend more time doing things in the community instead of running. And if I had a
graph if you look at the presentation the amount of false alarms we run to compared to say a theft
by taking you can’t even compare. And so we’re not trying to put something on paper. We’re
bringing you like the Chief opened up with this is the bare minimum that we’re asking for. We’re
not asking to fine people. All we’re asking is put something in place, so because right now
currently ya’ll cannot regulate them, we can’t regulate them. There’s nothing that stops these
companies from out of town that sell to other monitoring companies in California when it costs us
the manpower. So all we’re asking to give us something to get started so we can at least get them
registered and have them understand that they have to at least train the users. I hope I can verify
that.
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Mr. M. Williams: I think you did but let me say this. The Commissioner from the 6 talked
about the ordinances that we do. You may send an ordinance over that doesn’t mean anything
because we may look at that and then model it or say we can use some parts or whatever but this
body directs our attorney to draw up an ordinance. Then we have to approve that ordinance, not
one that somebody brought. We’re in support at least I am as an elected official to help the
Sheriff’s Department. I was trying to get a clear understanding as to what we were doing. Are we
going fine the companies who don’t track or is that money coming to the city, would it go to the
Sheriff’s Department or are going to penalize the people who get more than three the emails that
they’ve been training they get more than three will they be fined? There’s a lot of ins and outs to
this. There is a problem, I get that, in fact that’s one of those things called growing pains you
know as you grow you’re going to have those types of situations. When we was an old city in the
county we didn’t have that but things are changing. I get that part too. So I’m not being,
disagreeing, what I’m saying to you is that I just wanted to know what we’re looking at targeting
the companies, are we looking at targeting the people who’ve got the alarms who may not use
them, who may not understand how to use them?
Lt. Whitehead: And if I can answer that we’re looking at targeting anybody, sir, but it
would be the alarm companies that would have to register. They would have to come like anybody
else has to get a permanent license. The alarm user, it would be up to the company to educate
them. And you mentioned earlier we talked about other places what they’re doing when I looked
into it and you are correct most places after three false alarms they put you on what’s called a true
verification. If you don’t have true verification where it says there’s a camera or a third party who
witnesses a burglary they don’t even respond and we’re not nowhere near that. All we’re trying
to do is just get these companies to have some type of accountability if rather if it’s a $10.00 dollar
registration fee. And the money could go wherever. We’re not looking for the money. We’ve
just got to have something to work with to give some accountability back to the alarm companies
not the users but obviously the users will have to be trained.
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Mr. M. Williams: Again, Mr. Mayor, I think that’s one of those things that we need to talk
about, we need to put somebody in place to listen and see ---
Mr. Mayor: Yeah.
Mr. M. Williams: --- which direction we can go in. Like I said I’m not opposed but I just
wanted to make sure we was talking about your response going over there or the company or
agency that’s selling this equipment. Some are better than others AT&T is probably one of the
biggest companies in Augusta that sells alarms so, thank you, Mr. Mayor, for the opportunity.
Mr. Mayor: All right, thank you as well. I think we’re going to take a similar approach as
we did with the previous one. All right, I’m going to recognize Attorney Brown just for a moment,
Attorney Brown, unmute your mike please.
Mr. Brown: Yes, sir, the last thing you said may answer what my (inaudible) ---
Mr. Mayor: Yeah, we’re going to put together a work group to look at this as well. I would
urge ---
Mr. Brown: --- Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: Yes.
Mr. Brown: I’m not aware if the Deputy’s or the Sheriff’s who are present, you know,
Augusta already has an alarm ordinance.
Lt. Whitehead: We are not aware. We actually called down and we told there was no
alarm ordinance. We’ve actually been looking for seven years for one like I said we brought this
(inaudible).
Mr. Brown: There was one, Augusta has had an alarm ordinance since 2009. That would
be Ordinance 7106.
Lt. Whitehead: I’m sorry, do you have it in front of you? What is the as far as is there any
where having to register, restrictions or is it saying you just have to have an alarm, what is it?
Mr. Mayor: We’ll provide you a copy of that because I think more discussion is needed in
this matter. And as we put together a working group, Lieutenant, what I would also ask you is
whether or not the Sheriff’s agency has a first alarm dispatch policy. I think that’s prudent. If
we’re going to have a full throated conversation around regulation, around alarm companies which
is what you’re brought before us then likewise need to see a burglar alarm dispatch policy and I’ve
not heard any conversation about that as well.
Lt. Whitehead: Yes, sir, Mayor, if I could say we actually sat down with, like I said this is
going back obviously before any one of us was here but I’ve sat down with Mr. Dunlap several
times because of the policies in the 911 Center and the burden on the dispatchers and when these
29
calls are coming in nonstop. They’re well aware of what we’re doing. As a matter of fact the
majority of the numbers I got came from Mr. Dunlap but you are correct because it needs to county
wise not just the Sheriff’s office. And I know ya’ll said earlier we’re just affected but it’s not just
us it’s you know the Fire Department, the 911 Center, us, obviously you know there’s other
agencies that have its own in place but it’s not just the Sheriff’s Office but it’s also that 75%
probably that we have in Richmond County taxpayers that don’t even have an alarm. They’re
footing the bill for all these other folks. So what we want to do is just put something in place that
gives a little bit more responsibility and accountability back to the company and not the user and
most of these companies are out of town companies not local.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, fantastic. All right, I’m coming back to you. All right, we’ve got to
move on. This is just the second item we’ve dealt with today.
Mr. Hasan: (Unintelligible).
Mr. Mayor: Hold on, hold on. So what we want to do is very similar to what we did in the
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previous one. I’m going to come back to the Commissioner from the 6 and go ahead,
Commissioner.
Mr. Hasan: Yes, what I want to say, Mr. Mayor, since the Attorney has identified that we
have an ordinance why don’t we sent that to the Sheriff’s Department and let them look at it and
see does it fit the bill with what they’re trying to get done and if it does not then when we meet
next week that being said set the committee up. Let’s not set it up prematurely and you may
already have it in a current ordinance that you have. It’s just not able to give him assistance to
(unintelligible). But that would be my first recommendation if it doesn’t fit the bill then we think
actually you put that committee or whatever together by next week or either give the Attorney
what they need and then we can see can we move on drafting an ordinance.
Mr. Mayor: I don’t have a problem with that either.
Mr. Hasan: Thank you.
Mr. M. Williams: We want to enforce it.
Mr. Mayor: Well, we’re not even at that point right now, Commissioner. We’re just at the
discovery phase of having more information. The Sheriff’s agency, they’ve worked on a draft.
They were not aware that we’ve had an ordinance in place for seven years. Attorney Brown by
way of Ms. Bonner they’re going to get a copy of it. They’ll have a chance to look at it and
compare analysis between what they presented and what we currently have on the books and then
we’ll have more discussion.
Lt. Whitehead: Mayor, if I could real quick if he can back just on the ordinance that he
mentioned what you mentioned we just pulled up that’s actually what we sent over a couple of
months ago. We don’t have anything that’s actually been passed by this Commission or the Mayor
and that’s why we’re here today if ya’ll can look over that. But we’ll take a look at the other
(inaudible).
30
Mr. Mayor: We appreciate that, Lieutenant, and again our posture right now is that
Attorney Brown’s going to follow through by way of that and we’ll reconvene and have additional
conversation about it.
Lt. Whitehead: Yes, sir.
Mr. Mayor: I want to move on, okay?
Mr. M. Williams: But the Attorney said that’s not true, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Brown ---
Mr. Brown: Yes, sir.
Mr. M. Williams: --- is that accurate what he said?
Mr. Brown: No, sir.
Mr. M. Williams: Okay, well straighten it out. You’re the legal mind.
Mr. Brown: I had my hand up but ---
Mr. M. Williams: Okay ---
Mr. Brown: --- I don’t know if anything else can really be accomplished today. But we
do have an ordinance. It was done in 2009. It’s Ordinance 7106 and there are fines in that
ordinance for frivolous alarms, there’s a registration requirement in that but pursuant to what the
Mayor had indicated it’s something that really cannot be done today but obviously it was a lack of
information before bringing this item.
Mr. Mayor: All right, so let me get everybody to do this. We’re trying to listen to all this
conversation and be thoughtful and say here’s what our direction is right now but if everybody just
kind of jumps in and talking all over one another you’re going to miss something. And so I think
the course of action that we have is real clear and that is Attorney Brown provide that information
and have a discussion with the Sheriff’s agency and then bring back what our next steps ought to
be. That’s our posture right now. All right, at this juncture we’re going to receive Item #27 as
information, all right?
Lt. Whitehead: All right, thank you.
Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk ---
Mr. Clarke: Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: --- thank you, Commissioner, for bringing that conversation forward. Madam
Clerk, let’s go to Item #25.
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The Clerk:
PUBLIC SAFETY
25. Present the 2019 Information Technology Annual Report and an update on the
Information Technology Strategic Plan.
Mr. Mayor: All right, Information Technology Director, Ms. Allen.
Ms. Allen: Hello, Mr. Mayor, members of the Commission. In the interest of time I will
be very brief in regards to our agenda item. Each of you received a copy of the 2019 Information
Technology Report annual report and as you are aware the Information Technology Department
presents this report each year to detail the technology accomplishments that have been made the
previous year within our government. The first two pages of the report consists of highlights of
some of the items that were accomplished in 2009 like our Customer Satisfaction Surveys, the
amount of customers we have to the website, all of those various things in our major projects. The
pages following actually provide the breakdown by department to include the number of work
orders and trainings that we did for each respective department. In regards to the Information
Technology Strategic Plan this plan outlines the roadmap for the technology needs for the
organization for the next three years. It was actually approved by the governing body in February
2019. It includes ten critical areas, there are 75 major projects that were identified in the plan that
actually support these critical areas. I am proud to announce that 18 of those projects were
scheduled for 2019 and have been completed. We are making great progress in completing the 26
projects that are scheduled for the year 2020. I would like to state that I am very proud of what
the Information Technology team has done and what we’ve accomplished in 2019 as we all know
that does not happen with one person. It happens with a great team and I’m very proud to be a
part of that team. And I would also like to thank the departments because they are also part of the
team that makes this happen and makes the success of technology happen throughout our
organization because of the great collaboration and partnership that they have for Information
Technology. So if there are no questions, Mr. Mayor or Commissioners, I would ask that this
report be received as information.
Mr. Mayor: All right, I’m going to go to Administrator Sims. Administrator Sims, do you
have anything, sir, that you would like to add for your department?
Mr. Sims: No, just recognize Information Technology for providing this presentation as
well as the departments they are staying focused on achieving the goals of the organization.
Mr. Mayor: All right, thank you, thank you, sir. All right, thank you, Ms. Allen ---
Ms. Allen: Thank you.
nd
Mr. Mayor: --- all right, Commissioner from the 2, Commissioner Dennis Williams.
Unmute your device, sir.
Mr. D. Williams: Sorry about that move to receive as information.
32
Mr. Mayor: Okay, we’ll just receive as information and thank you for that. We’ll just
receive as information again, Ms. Allen, thank you for the great work that you all are doing.
Ms. Allen: Thank you.
Mr. Mayor: All right, fantastic. Okay, Madam Clerk, we’re going to go to Item number
(inaudible).
The Clerk: What item was that, sir?
Mr. Mayor: Number 21.
Mr. M. Williams: Ms. Bonner, do you see my finger? Ms. Bonner?
The Clerk: Yes, sir, I see it.
Mr. M. Williams: I just wanted to make sure you can see it because I had it up when Ms.
Allen was there but I’m going to let it go, I’m going to let it go.
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Mr. Mayor: All right, so Commissioner from the 9 let me (inaudible).
Mr. M. Williams: No, go ahead, Mr. Mayor, just receive as information. Go ahead, no
problem.
Mr. Mayor: Let me let me just ---
Mr. M. Williams: I’ll call Ms. Allen. I’ll talk to her. I’ll get my information later.
Mr. Mayor: --- very good. I’m on a small screen right now so I can’t ---
Mr. M. Williams: I understand. I understand but Ms. Bonner can see my finger I know
somebody can see my finger.
The Clerk:
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
21. Discuss COVID-19 Small Business Relief Program. (Requested by Mayor Hardie Davis,
Jr.)
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Mr. Mayor: Okay, all right, Commissioner from, Commissioner from the 4.
Mr. Sias: I didn’t put this back on here.
Mr. Mayor: Well, you didn’t but, no, you raised it so I’m going to yield to you. All right,
there’s been ongoing conversation about this matter. Based on the conversations I’ve had with
effectively with all of the members of the Commission I sent out a memo effectively just trying to
33
capture those conversations and that’s the single page document that you’ve had sent out this
morning with the addendum agenda. And we’ll have some discussion about it otherwise we can
entertain a motion to adopt this as presented. All right, I’ll entertain a motion to adopt it as
presented unless there’s additional discussion.
Mr. Garrett: So moved.
Mr. Clarke: Second.
Mr. Mayor: All right, we’ve got a motion (inaudible).
Mr. Sias: I have a question.
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Mr. Mayor: All right, sir, okay, the Commissioner from the 4.
Mr. Sias: Thank you. When you say entertain is this the original information that we had
on this or have there been some changes at what was presented?
Mr. Mayor: So if you go back to the original document we talked about originally loaning
(inaudible) given time and how much we have and the desire to one, include more businesses. The
discussions that persisted at least in the ones that I was a part of as I talked to again almost every
one the members of the Commission it is to have loans up to $5,000 dollars and that the
applications would proceed immediately. Upon adoption by the Commission that there would be
six members of the committee and that we would get a biweekly report as opposed to it coming
back to this body for more discussion and/or approval of those loans, so the only thing that’s
changed is the amount.
Mr. Sias: And it remains the same as originally presented?
Mr. Mayor: The only thing that has changed from what was presented by HCD is the
amount of the loan.
Mr. Sias: Original committee as submitted by HCD (unintelligible) okay.
Mr. Mayor: (Inaudible) sir?
Mr. Sias: The original committee members on the loan application committee are the
approved committee that stands as submitted by HCD?
Mr. Mayor: That’s different, that’s different than what (unintelligible).
Mr. Sias: (Unintelligible).
th,
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner from the 4 your question again is the recommended
committee it contains many of the same members but there were changes to those members and
again that’s consistent with all the conversations that have happened over the last two weeks.
34
Mr. Sias: I don’t know if I can agree with that one.
Mr. Mayor: Okay. All right, the motion (unintelligible). Is there, have more discussion,
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the Commissioner from the 6.
Mr. Hasan: I’d like to make a substitute motion and that’s around the committee chair on
the committee. From the previous what you (unintelligible) ---
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner, hold on for a minute, let’s suspend for a moment. All right, if
we can everybody else to mute please. All right just a moment, Commissioner. All right, go
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ahead, Commissioner from the 6.
Mr. Hasan: Yes, per what you sent out this morning, Mr. Mayor, take off Margaret
Woodard and put James Heffner back on the committee from the First Community Bank.
That’s my motion to approve it and take off Margaret Woodard and put Jay Heffner back
on the committee, James Heffner.
Mr. B. Williams: Second.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, all right, we’ve got a substitute. I’m not sure who the second came
from.
The Clerk: Bobby Williams.
Mr. Mayor: Okay.
The Clerk: Commissioner Bobby Williams.
Mr. Mayor: All right, very well. All right, we’ve got a motion and a second to adopt
what’s presented here with the one change to James Heffner. All right, let’s vote on that. Madam
Clerk.
The Clerk: Mr. Clarke.
Mr. Clarke: No.
The Clerk: Mr. Fennoy.
Mr. Fennoy: Yes.
The Clerk: Mr. Frantom, out. Mr. Garrett.
Mr. Garrett: No.
The Clerk: Mr. Hasan.
35
Mr. Hasan: Yes.
The Clerk: Mr. Sias.
Mr. Sias: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Bobby Williams.
Mr. B. Williams: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Dennis Williams.
Mr. D. Williams: Yes.
The Clerk: Mr. Marion Williams, Mr. Marion Williams he’s out oh, Mr. Williams?
Mr. M. Williams: Yes.
The Clerk: Okay.
Mr. Clarke and Mr. Garrett vote No.
Ms. Davis and Mr. Frantom out.
Motion Passes 6-2.
Mr. Mayor: All right, Madam Clerk.
The Clerk: Yes, sir.
Mr. Mayor: All right, we’re going to go back to the top of our list and I’m not sure where
the Mayor Pro Tem is at today but we’re going to move Item #15 to the next Commission meeting.
The Clerk: Okay.
Mr. Mayor: Sixteen, I’m not sure what #16 is.
Mr. M. Williams: Mr. Mayor.
Mr. D. Williams: They just want a break on their rent.
Mr. Mayor: I don’t know who authored #16.
The Clerk: Hold on, just a minute we’ll ---
th,
Mr. Mayor: Okay, hold on a minute, the Commissioner from the 9 state your inquiry.
36
Mr. M. Williams: On Item 15 I’ve been addressing some issues with abandoned property
already that’s on the agenda, Mr. Mayor. I thought maybe we can take both of them together.
Commissioner Frantom is not here ---
Mr. Mayor: No, he’s not.
Mr. M. Williams: --- there is a great concern about the abandoned properties and stuff
that’s been left over. But if we’re going to bring this back then we can talk about it again when he
gets back I guess.
Mr. Mayor: Well ---
The Clerk: Item 16, sir, oh, I’m sorry.
Mr. M. Williams: No 15.
The Clerk: Yes, I see that. I’m sorry, Mr. Mayor had asked about 16.
Mr. Mayor: All right, so we’ve got Item #15 we’ve got Item #36 and ---
Mr. Sias: You just started calling numbers. Start that list out with whatever you’re calling,
start that again.
Mr. Mayor: --- I’m trying the book and I’m going to come back and bring it into focus
here. Give me just a moment. Item #15 and Item #36 are effectively related items and if we could
take them up at the same time and discuss them I believe that’s what the Commissioner from the
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9 is raising so if we could take them up at the same time, Madam Clerk, Item #15 and #36.
The Clerk:
PUBLIC SERVICES
15. Discuss additional requirements/policies the Commission can implement to hold vacant
and abandoned lot owners more accountable for upkeep of their property. (Requested by
Mayor Pro Tem Sean Frantom)
ENGINEERING SERVICES
36. Update from Environmental Services Department regarding the process for vacant lots
grass cutting. (Requested by Commission Bill Fennoy)
Mr. Mayor: All right, in the absence of Mayor Pro Tem I’m going to go to the
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Commissioner from the 1 to talk about Item #36 and the Commissioner from the 9 to continue
the discussion around (inaudible). All right, everyone else if you’ll mute your devices that would
be very helpful we’ve gone from swimming to squirming to (inaudible) with the background noise.
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All right, the Commissioner from the 1.
Mr. Fennoy: Can you hear me, Mr. Mayor?
37
Mr. Mayor: Certainly.
Mr. Fennoy: Okay, the reason I put this item on the agenda is that the policy that we have
cutting vacant lots just isn’t working. We have people that their grass is over 5, 6-feet tall and it
looks like it’s the same lots year after year after year. And it just creates a nuisance for the people
that live in that area and the lots haven’t been cut. A good example is that if you ride through
Marion Homes you will find 75% of the vacant lots have not been cut and you will find the grass
at least 4, 5-feet tall. I would like to see the policy changed so that if we cut your grass two, three
times this year then we don’t have to wait until somebody calls and reports it next year. There’s a
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lady, Ms. Leverett, that lives on 12 Street. The lot, there’s a lot between her house and the church
lot and she has to call all the time about getting that lot cut and it’s just not working.
Mr. Mayor: Okay.
Mr. Fennoy: And I think, Jeff, I think if I sent Jeff some pictures of what the lots some of
the lots look like and most of these lots are located in District 1 and District 2.
Mr. Mayor: Yeah, okay.
Mr. Lewis: Yes, sir, you have the video that Mr. Fennoy sent us.
Mr. Mayor: All right, Jeff, if you’ll go ahead and prepare that to be shared on the screen
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everybody will be looking at that. All right, I’m going to the Commissioner from the 9 ---
Mr. M. Williams: Mr. Mayor ---
Mr. Mayor: --- Jeff, if you’ll go ahead and prepare that to be shared on the screen
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everybody will be looking at that. All right, I’m going to the Commissioner from the 9.
Mr. Fennoy: That’s Cedar Springs.
Mr. Mayor: All right, everybody suspend for a moment. Let’s do this. Before you share
that, Jeff, just pause for a moment, please, sir. All right, let’s just have some more discussion. All
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right, Commissioner from the 9.
PUBLIC SERVICES
thth
18. Discuss the desolate condition of Perry Ave. between 11 and 12 Streets. (Requested by
Commissioner Marion Williams)
Mr. M. Williams: Mr. Mayor, I want to add Item 18 along with this conversation. It’s all
around the same thing unless we talk about it later on. I want to go ahead and give my input because
what Commissioner Fennoy is saying is right we’re now, something’s not working. We are
spending money, we’ve got more grass cutters on the street now than I’ve ever seen, more people
growing grass but we’re still not getting any place. We’re spending money but it’s getting any
place something is not working. So what we need to do in my opinion is look at our program again
and revamp it. Perry Avenue is where I asked License and Inspection to go in and take pictures.
38
They did take some pictures but only after they had went in and not they but some other
Engineering just went in and did some construction work and cut down some overgrown
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vegetation. It’s one house on the corner of Perry Avenue and 11 Street is completely, completely
covered with kudzu grass all over the house.
Mr. Mayor: Okay.
Mr. M. Williams: Can someone, wait now, the trees that’s on the walkway you can’t even
walk down the street. They got so much junk in the front yard that you can’t, that you can’t see
the house. There are two families who is trying their best to maintain that property keep things
going, who are just at a disarray. Drug dealers are sitting in the front yard, Mr. Mayor. I rode by
there, I talked to them where they’re sitting in the front yard waiting on people to come buy drugs
from them. Now I am really fed up with this now. This don’t make good sense. We ought to at
least be able to keep it clean and we hadn’t been able to do that. So our program is not working.
We need to do something else. Now if you’re going to put a committee together this one there’s
no need for a committee we just need to make a decision as an elected body to change the situation.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, Commissioner, I appreciate that. I’ve got a series of hands and again
we’re here to do the business of the people. I want to speed up the clock on this. Let me say this
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right here. We’ve been talking about this conversation and Commissioner from the 9 been here
a little longer than I have not much but a little longer than I have but in the six years that I’ve been
here one group after another group to talk about this. At the end of the day enforcement that now
couples the Marshal’s Department along with Code Enforcement as well working in partnership
and in tandem we can talk about cutting grass, cut vacant properties, abandoned properties but
we’ve got to spend time devoting resources that’s both capital resources and people to this. And
so we’ve got 15, 36 and now you’re including Item 18 in that discussion which is the Perry Avenue
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between 11 Street over here right in the heart of Districts 1 and 2. And so you know absent
having another 20 minutes worth of conversation let’s do this. I’ve (inaudible) Commissioner from
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the 1 pictures. We’ve all seen it, where it’s at, we’ve seen it, we’ve seen the videos, we know
where it’s at. At the end of the day is another one of those examples where the Commission has
to be involved in doing the good work to move our city forward and so the Commissioner from
ndthth
the 2, the 10 and the 8 who all want to speak on this matter but at the end of the day
comprehensively we know where these areas are. This body just needs to make a decision and
have the Administrator direct staff go and commit time and resources in these areas and then where
there is personal responsibility that needs to happen. There are people who live in that residence.
It is not our job to cut that grass but it’s not the city’s responsibility to cut their grass where there
are private residences to cut grass. So I’m going to pause, I see your hand back up, Commissioner
th.nd
from the 9 Just pause. I’m going to the Commissioner from the 2, all right the Commissioner
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from the 2 I’m going to limit comments to two minutes.
Mr. D. Williams: Well, Mr. Mayor I’m going to be real quick with time. One of the
problems I see that I see that we have regarding cutting these lots and stuff is that a lot of times
you have the same lot that needs cutting several times over the year. And environmental
management starts all over with the process if it’s not a city lot. It starts all over with the process
in trying to get it cut which takes a lot of time. If I have to go to Environmental Management to
have a lot cut once, why do I need to go through this whole rigmarole getting it cut again in six to
39
eight months. So that’s something we really have to look at our quality of workers that we have
out there that are cutting the lots. Most places you have a good job but a lot of places you have
these folks and all they have is a weed whacker and they’re out there trying to cut a lot and really
don’t do a very good job. So I agree with everyone that we really need to look at the process that
is used. And we as Commissioners we’re going to have to stop when we get calls from our
constituents about I need this lot cut I need that cut. We try to go ahead and accommodate the
people which also throws the system out of whack a little bit so we have to be a little conscious of
that fact. And while we’re looking at the lots and the grass cutting we need to be aware of the
snakes out. We have a bad year this year with snakes and I’ve gotten several reports in a lot of
areas where people have ran across snakes and rats because a lot of the building that’s been going
on in the city they don’t have nowhere to live so they started running around. But we do really
need to come up with a different program and address it.
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Mr. Mayor: The Commissioner from the 10.
Mr. Clarke: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. You know something that I’ve noticed for years and
when you go down to District 1, District 2, some areas of District 6, I have to agree you see the
same lots and the same blight and everything and it never seems to get better but the thing that I’ve
always run across is where we can’t find the owner. We can’t find the owner. But what strikes
me as really strange is we can’t find the owner but the real estate company that has a for sale sign
in the middle of that overgrown blighted lot seems to be able to find the owner. So I think if the
real estate companies are going to take on the job of selling the property then maybe they ought to
be able to take on the job of maintaining the cutting of that property to sell. There’s just a lot of
things that I think we can do if us as a Commission would not be territorial and be as one to try to
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get some of these things taken care of. But it’s like the Commissioner from the 2 says we get
constituents that call us and we try to please them it throws the whole thing out of whack. So you
know I think that we should maybe look into adding a fee on to the real estate brokers to keep the
thing, I don’t know.
th.
Mr. Mayor: Yeah, all of that’s good stuff, Commissioner from the 8 We’re going to close
this conversation out.
Mr. Garrett: Thank you, Mayor. I have a question for the Administrator if that’s okay.
Mr. Mayor: Certainly.
Mr. Garrett: Thank you, sir. How many different departments oversee vacant lot
maintenance?
Mr. Sims: We have two departments, we also work with the Marshal’s Office. The
departments that are involved with the vacant lots are Environmental Services and the Planning
and Zoning Department ---
Mr. Garrett: Right.
Mr. Sims: --- as well as the Marshal’s Office.
40
Mr. Garrett: Sure and you know anytime I get phone calls like the rest of us do about
vacant lots and about maintenance issues you know it’s always one of those things of well I don’t
handle that part. I only handle the grass cutting or so and so handles the dilapidated buildings part
of it. I think the biggest problem that we need to look at as a Commission in going forward is to
consolidate all this vacant lot maintenance just to a single area where we have a direct contact.
But we also need to put more emphasis on you know on the land owners, you know, whether it’s
a levy on their tax bills or what we incur while we’re maintaining their property. You know I hear
it all the time. Augusta doesn’t even maintain our own property. Well, why are we even getting
involved in maintaining the other vacant lots out there? So that’s just my comment on this. I think
that we have entirely too many departments trying to do the same job and too many people being
too territorial over which aspect of the vacant lot they cover. Thank you, Mayor.
Mr. B. Williams: Mr. Mayor, may I have two comments?
Mr. Mayor: Okay just if you don’t mind just raise your hand. I’m going to come to you,
sir. All right I’m going, I’m going to go in this order. I’ve got notes written down here. I see your
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hand, Commissioner from the 9 I’m going to go the Commissioner from the 5 and somewhere
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between the 5 and closing out with the Commissioner from the 1 with (inaudible) comment. I’d
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like to have a motion. All right, the Commissioner from the 5.
Mr. B. Williams: Well, Mayor, I think a couple of things going back to 15 making sure
that people take responsibility for their lots. I think we need to look at what Savannah and Macon
are doing with their blight tax as well as their vacancy tax where if people don’t keep up their
yards or what have you or it's getting blighted and overgrown clear it up, they add monies on to
their taxes about three times whatever their regular tax is. As well as the vacancy tax something
like what’s going on over at the Regency Mall. Do a vacancy tax which would they’re doing as
much as three to seven times whatever their taxes are. And also when I was a young man in
Augusta, Georgia I worked on summer programs. The city had a summer program where we
would go out and cut grass and cut down things and what have you and I think we need to explore
bringing back the summer program and kill two birds with one stone and give the young folks
something to do as well as give them a little money and the city gets the grass and some other
things done. So I think looking at a blight tax is what Savannah and Macon does to then looking
at a job summer program and also looking at the 14-day requirements, something that
Commissioner from District 1 kind of mentioned, you know the same yard you have it cut the year
before the year before year before and every time you look up you need a fourteen you need to
wait 14 days and then you have to call it back again and got to wait 14 days so we need to look at
those requirements also. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
th.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, I’m going to come back to you Commissioner from the 5 Much of
what we’ve done is talk about what we can, should, might and possibly do. Are you making that
in the form of a motion that we task staff with drafting a blight tax? There’s a model ordinance
that has been provided and has been talked about on multiple occasions by this body GMA and
ACCG.
Mr. B. Williams: (Unintelligible).
41
Mr. Mayor: Okay go ahead, sir.
Mr. B. Williams: I think that’s something that’s needed. I don’t know if we want to you
know go ahead and have some people come in from Macon and Savannah and explain it to the
Commission why it works or we want to go ahead and vote on something today and just go ahead
and have them to put it together. But I’ll make that in the form of a motion and we can vote it up
or down that we create some type of blight tax here in Augusta Georgia so that’s a motion.
Mr. M. Williams: I second that, Mr. Mayor.
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Mr. Mayor: Okay, all right, our final comments. Commissioner from the 9 and then the
st.
1 All right, you have one minute each.
Mr. M. Williams: Mr. Mayor, I ain’t did nothing in one minute but I’m going to try it for
you but let me tell you this. If this discussion ain’t finished, I’m going tell the Clerk to put it back
on the agenda because this is too serious to just talk about it and that’s all we do. But let me say
this. #19 was talking about abandoning the Augusta Land Bank and the reason I put this on the
agenda ---
Mr. Mayor: Hold on, Commissioner, that’s not germane right now.
Mr. M. Williams: Okay, all right, all is germane I put it on there because the Land Bank
owns the property.
Mr. Mayor: We’ll talk about 19 when we get there. That’s coming up here in a second.
Mr. M. Williams: All right, all right, well there’s too many properties that people that’s
inside. We need to fire some folks for not doing their job is the first thing, that’s my opinion ---
Mr. Mayor: All right.
Mr. M. Williams: --- folks were riding around here in trucks or you take pictures, won’t
even report any of this stuff. They’re riding up and down the street and we got the same dog gone
problem we’ve been having for 40 years grass grow up and we cut it then we grow up again and
we’ll cut it. We’re not getting any place with that. Something needs to happen.
Mr. Mayor: Your time has expired.
Mr. M. Williams: Okay well my, Ms. Bonner, put this back on the agenda.
Mr. Mayor: Your time has expired ---
Mr. M. Williams: (Unintelligible).
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Mr. Mayor: --- all right, Commissioner from the 1.
42
Mr. Fennoy: You know, Mr. Mayor, I’m going to try to say this real quick. I think what
disappoints me more than anything else is you may get a call on 1555 Joyner Street about some
grass. They’ll go by there, they’ll take a look at it and month later they’ll cut it but right next to
1555 is 1557, 1559, 1561 and all of them are in worse shape at 1555 but because those were not
listed when they come by they don’t put them on to be cut. I think the best way to solve this is to
put $15 million dollars in SPLOST 8 to tear down all of the abandoned houses in Richmond
County, cut all the vacant lots and whatever funds you have left over use to encourage development
of those properties.
Mr. M. Williams: Madam Clerk ---
Mr. Mayor: Thank you, sir.
Mr. M. Williams: --- Madam Clerk ---
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner, you haven’t been recognized yet. We’ve got a motion ---
Mr. M. Williams: --- I need to talk to my Clerk. I put this on the agenda to talk about it. I
even added something to it so we’ve got to go by step by step but if you want to do it that way put
it back on the agenda ---
Mr. Mayor: --- hold on.
Mr. M. Williams: --- back on the agenda.
Mr. Mayor: We’ve got a motion and a second that you just seconded about implementing
a blight tax and (inaudible). Madam Clerk, can we restate the motion that was presented?
The Clerk: The motion was to task staff with exploring a blight/vacancy tax for
implementation for consideration by the Augusta Commission.
Mr. Mayor: Okay and we’ve got a second for that.
The Clerk: Mr. Marion Williams.
Mr. Mayor: All right, we’re going to vote on that, Madam Clerk.
The Clerk: Okay, Mr. Clarke.
Mr. Clarke: No.
The Clerk: Mr. Fennoy.
Mr. Fennoy: Yes.
43
The Clerk: Mr. Frantom’s out, Mr. Garrett.
Mr. Garrett: Yes.
The Clerk: Mr. Hasan.
Mr. Hasan: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Sias.
Mr. Sias: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Bobby Williams.
Mr. B. Williams: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Dennis Williams.
Mr. D. Williams: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Marion Williams.
Mr. M. Williams: Yes.
Mr. Clarke votes No.
Ms. Davis and Mr. Frantom out.
Motion Passes 7-1.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, all right, Madam Clerk. That disposes of Items 15, 18 and 36. All
right, Item #16 is going to Administrator Sims to speak to that and we can move quickly through
that, Administrator Sims.
PUBLIC SERVICES
16. Request for Rent Relief-Olde Town Pickers.
Mr. Sims: Mayor, could you say, you said 16?
Mr. Mayor: Number 16 Rent Relief-Old Town Pickers.
Mr. Sims: Mayor, I’m going to have Maurice McDowell who is actually serving as the
Interim Recreation and Parks Director now talk about this item.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, thank you, sir. All right, Mr. McDowell.
Mr. Sims: Mayor, I’m ---
44
Mr. Mayor: All right, he’s in here, I think he’s in here.
Mr. McDowell: Okay, Mr. Mayor and Commissioners, real quick this was a request about
Olde Town Pickers and basically their request was for us ---
Mr. Lewis: Mr. McDowell, you need to stop your You Tube video stream that you have
going.
Mr. McDowell: Can you hear me?
Mr. Lewis: Yes.
Mr. McDowell: Okay but yes, so this is the Olde Town Pickers the outfit that manages our
marina and they came to the Recreation and Parks Department who oversees their contract asking
for some rental relief. Based on COVID-19 and the shelter in place that was implemented they
had to close their facility down for like a month and a half, two months. And they came seeking
some relief half for the rental for the month of April and half for the rental for the month of May
which was a total of $4,650. After speaking with staff on it, we said that was a nominal ask and
request so we asking the Commissioners to approve that today.
Mr. Mayor: All right, can I get a motion to approve?
Mr. Clarke: Motion to approve.
Mr. Sias: Second.
Mr. Mayor: All right, got a motion and a second. All right, the Chair recognizes the
stst,
Commissioner from the 1, Commissioner from the 1 state your inquiry.
Mr. Sias: Commissioner Fennoy unmute your mike please.
nd
Mr. Mayor: All right, I’m going to the Commissioner from the 2, Commissioner from
nd
the 2.
Mr. D. Williams: Yes, would approving this item, would this eliminate Olde Town Pickers
from getting a small business grant? Should I reword that?
Mr. Mayor: No, I think we all understood what your question was.
Mr. McDowell: Right. Having a series of conversations with them I don’t anticipate them
asking for (inaudible). Our understanding having those communications with them, they were just
asking for relief based on our rental agreement that we have with them. So I’m not saying they
couldn’t but my understanding this is a request for the relief they were asking for.
Mr. D. Williams: Thank you.
45
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Mr. Mayor: All right, Commissioner from the 1, go ahead.
Mr. Fennoy: Yes, do we have any other businesses that are renting from the city that are
being affected by COVID-19?
Mr. McDowell: I guess the short answer would be yes but we haven’t fielded any other
requests that mirrors or that’s germane to this request here. Of course I would say the only one
that would probably mirrors this is Cypress Golf Group down at the Augusta Patch but again that’s
not any type of rental agreement that we have with them. They manage the course but they don’t
we don’t they don’t pay us rental fees. So this is the only contract that’s current that we have like
this and asking for this type of this level of relief.
Mr. Fennoy: Well, I would like to make a substitute motion, Mr. Mayor, that we and the
substitute motion is that we grant this relief to the Pickers but they won’t qualify for the $5,000
dollar loan from the city.
Mr. D. Williams: I second it.
Mr. Hasan: I thought I did.
Mr. D. Williams: Oh, I’m sorry. Go right ahead.
Mr. Mayor: We’ve got a substitute motion with a second, Madam Clerk.
Mr. Sias: I have a question, sir.
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Mr. Mayor: All right, Commissioner from the 4.
Mr. Sias: Thank you. With all due respect to my colleagues and the motion and the second
I believe that might be a bit dangerous. If they apply for a small business loan, relief loan, they
would have to they would have to identify this action that was taken today so to say they are
eliminated because of that action taken today by vote of commission might be a bit dangerous.
But that is something that will have to be put in their application so I would just take cautions on
that and find it in my view a bit problematic to do that.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you, sir. All right, is there an appetite to withdraw your substitute
motion?
Mr. Fennoy: I’d like to get an opinion from our Attorney. If the attorney says we shouldn’t
do it I won’t do it.
Mr. Mayor: What if the maker says you shouldn’t do it? This is a one-time relief and the
small business process is a loan, it is a loan that they would have to pay back. Two separate issues
here.
46
Mr. Fennoy: Well, since it’s you, Mr. Mayor, and you went to Georgia Tech Law School
(inaudible).
Mr. Mayor: Yeah, I think if we add that to our curriculum that Georgia Tech just like they
added Engineering to UGA it would be even more outstanding. All right, Commissioner from the
stth
1, 6 all right, one minute.
Mr. Hasan: Mr. Mayor, I’m kind of confused. I’m like Commissioner Williams, it don’t
take much. The monies that we were doing the $5,000 dollars I thought they were grants. You’re
saying loans now.
Mr. Sias: Forgivable loan.
Mr. Hasan: Okay ---
Mr. Sias: I didn’t go to Georgia Tech but it’s a forgivable loan.
Mr. Hasan: Okay, all right. Okay, all right. I mean this is hard answer on that one and
that’s what got me kind of okay and what did the Attorney said he just removed his motion,
withdrew his motion?
Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk, I think we’re ready to vote on the main motion.
The Clerk: On the substitute or did he withdraw that?
Mr. Mayor: He did.
Mr. Fennoy: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Okay. All right, the motion is to approve the request for rent relief, Item #16,
Mr. Clarke.
Mr. Clarke: Yes.
The Clerk: Mr. Fennoy.
Mr. Fennoy: Yes.
The Clerk: Mr. Garrett.
Mr. Garrett: No.
The Clerk: Okay Mr. Garrett is no. Mr. Frantom is out. Ms. Davis is out. Mr. Hasan.
Mr. Hasan: Yes.
47
The Clerk: Mr. Sias.
Mr. Sias: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Bobby Williams.
Mr. B. Williams: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Dennis Williams.
Mr. D. Williams: No, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Marion Williams, Mr. Marion Williams. He’s muted, sir.
Mr. M. Williams: Yes.
Mr. Garrett and Mr. D. Williams vote No.
Ms. Davis and Mr. Frantom out.
Motion Passes 6-2.
Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk, Item #31.
The Clerk:
ENGINEERING SERVICES
31. Approve entering into Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a local Non-profit
Organization (Greater August Arts Council) to create opportunities for Augusta citizens’
participation in activities that are designed to reduce pollutants in local waterways and
authorize Mayor to sign MOU as requested by the Augusta Engineering Department.
(Deferred from the June 2 Commission meeting)
Mr. Hasan: Motion to approve.
Mr. Fennoy: Second.
The Clerk: Okay.
Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk, a motion and a second to approve?
The Clerk: Yes, sir.
Mr. Mayor: Voting.
The Clerk: Mr. Clarke.
Mr. Clarke: No.
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The Clerk: Mr. Fennoy.
Mr. Fennoy: Yes.
The Clerk: Mr. Frantom out, Mr. Garrett.
Mr. Garrett: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Hasan.
Mr. Hasan: Yes.
The Clerk: Mr. Sias.
Mr. Sias: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Bobby Williams.
Mr. B. Williams: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Dennis Williams.
Mr. D. Williams: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Marion Williams.
Mr. M. Williams: No.
Mr. Clarke and Mr. M. Williams vote No.
Ms. Davis and Mr. Frantom out.
Motion Passes 6-2.
Mr. Mayor: All right, Item #32.
The Clerk:
ENGINEERING SERVICES
32. Request by Dixon Airline Recycling and Disposal for a letter of consistency to operate a
construction and demolition landfill. (Requested by Commissioner Brandon Garrett).
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Mr. Mayor: The Commissioner from the 8.
Mr. Garrett: Yes, sir, thank you. We talked about this issue before, never made a decision
one way or another. I make a motion that we approve the letter of consistency for Dixon Airline
Recycling and Disposal.
49
Mr. Clarke: Second.
Mr. Mayor: All right, Madam Clerk. Everybody suspend. Everybody suspend.
Commissioner Sias ---
Mr. Sias: Yes ---
Mr. Mayor: --- we appreciate you having (inaudible).
Mr. Sias: --- I was addressing an issue that was voted on.
Mr. Mayor: Yeah, but mute your device to do that please, sir.
Mr. M. Williams: Everybody’s business ain’t nobody’s business.
Mr. Sias: At least you didn’t hear me say anything wrong, illegal or improper.
Mr. M. Williams: We don’t know that.
Mr. Mayor: Okay.
Mr. Sias: With all these attorneys, give me a break.
The Clerk: All right, are we ready, Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: Probably not. We’ve got everybody just kind of talking. I’m going to
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recognize the Commissioner from the 2.
Mr. D. Williams: Yes, sir. Regarding Item #2 have these people fulfilled all their
requirements in order to get a letter?
Mr. Mayor: I’m not able to answer that question and I’m not an Environmental Services
engineer.
Mr. D. Williams: Can we go ahead and put this to our next (inaudible).
Mr. Mayor: No. I’m going to get Director MeHall on. I think he’s here ready for a meeting
I believe. Director MeHall, Director MeHall ---
Mr. MeHall: Yes.
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Mr. Mayor: --- you have a question from the Commissioner from the 2.
Mr. MeHall: Well, we visited this before. As far as I’m concerned you know they
presented their application. It was presented about a month ago to the Commission that we did find
50
some areas inconsistency. I believe those three specific areas of inconsistency that was found by
Geosyntech was the consulting firm that we hired for this so I would have to just from what the
findings were of that report that’s what I would have to respond with. I would have to respond in
the negative on that.
Mr. Fennoy: So therefore they haven’t met all the requirements to get the letter.
Mr. MeHall: I would say there were three ---
Mr. Hasan: Four.
Mr. MeHall: --- which was found that they were inconsistent with the current Solid Waste
Management Plan.
Mr. Fennoy: Okay, thank you very much.
Mr. Mayor: All right, we’ve got a motion and a second. Madam Clerk, I want to go ahead
and vote on this matter and we’ll vote it up or down.
Mr. M. Williams: No, no, you seen my hand up now. I’m not going to do this no more.
I’m not, the director wasn’t direct with us. I’m not going to sit here and act like we don’t know
what’s happening. He was asked a question, did they meet the guidelines or not? He did not
answer. He talked about it. He didn’t answer yes or no did he meet the guidelines. I want to know
from the director of that department.
Mr. Mayor: All right, Madam Clerk, we’re going to vote on this matter. The Director he
just answered that question. He was very specific and said that what was not met. All right, we’re
going to vote on this matter.
Mr. M. Williams: He was not very specific, Mr. Mayor. The man he said was four things
that he didn’t bring. Hey, go ahead and vote on it. I don’t really give a ham sandwich if you vote
on it or not. That’s irrelevant. We’re going to set up a lawsuit for this city if we end up giving
that letter and that’s not right. And then the man was asked a question. He did not answer the
question.
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner, you’ll get a chance to make that determination here in just a
minute of whether they’re going to get a letter or not by your vote. Madam Clerk, roll call vote.
The Clerk: Mr. Clarke.
Mr. Clarke: Yes.
The Clerk: Ms. Davis ---
Mr. Garrett: She said you’re supposed to call her.
51
The Clerk: --- she’s on the phone.
Ms. Davis: I’m in, Madam Clerk.
The Clerk: Yes, ma’am, are you voting? We’re voting on Item #32 a letter of consistency.
Ms. Davis: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Fennoy.
Mr. Fennoy: No.
The Clerk: Mr. Frantom.
Mr. Frantom: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Garrett.
Mr. Garrett: Yes.
The Clerk: Mr. Hasan.
Mr. Hasan: I’m going to abstain.
The Clerk: Mr. Sias.
Mr. Sias: No, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Bobby Williams, Mr. Bobby Williams, he’s out.
Mr. B. Williams: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Dennis Williams, Mr. Dennis Williams.
Mr. D. Williams: No.
The Clerk: Mr. Marion Williams.
Mr. M. Williams: No.
Motion Fails 5-4-1.
Mr. Mayor: (Unintelligible) we’re going to move on. All right, Madam Clerk, I’m going
to go to Item 38 and 39, 38 first.
The Clerk:
52
ADMINISTRATOR
38. Update on recruitment process for the Director of Augusta Recreation. (Requested by
Commissioner Marion Williams.
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Mr. Mayor: Commissioner from the 9.
Mr. M. Williams: I need to know from the update what, where we are with the recruitment
for the Department Recreation and Parks. We’re supposed to have someone by now. I’d like the
Administrator whoever’s going to handle this to tell me where we are and why we’re where we
are.
Mr. Mayor: All right, Administrator Sims.
Mr. Sias: Mr. Mayor, his mike is muted, Sims, your mike’s muted. Unmute your mike.
Mr. Sims: Okay, I’m sorry about that. Commissioner, I’ll be happy to answer your
question. We have been receiving applications since January for the Recreation and Parks Director
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position. As we all know the 16 of March when the Mayor declared the emergency declaration
of hiring new personnel was suspended due to COVID-19 and we held off then. We were still
receiving applications. We have received 162 applications for the Recreation and Parks Director
position. 29 of those applicants met our minimum qualification. Out of the 29 applicants we
scheduled 13 interviews for those candidates. Three candidates withdrew. We had our first round
ththth.
of interviews last week June 10, 11 and 12 We’ve narrowed it down to four candidates. We
had a follow up conversation with Ms. Bonner as far as scheduling the second phase of interviews
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and that date is scheduled for June 29 That’s where we are as far as the Recreation and Parks
Director position.
Mr. M. Williams: Mr. Administrator, you told me and told this body you had over 50
applications and I asked you by the next meeting which was two meetings ago to bring us back
someone by that time. We know the epidemic hit and all that other stuff but you had over I say
well we ought to have somebody by the end of the period and that was two meetings ago not two
weeks but two meetings ago. You were supposed to have brought back somebody then. Now
you’re saying you just gotten down to four people. We should’ve had a Director by now what ---
Mr. Sims: Commissioner ---
Mr. M. Williams: --- I asked you what the total was ---
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner?
Mr. M. Williams: Yes, sir.
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Williams, I want you to stop right there.
53
Mr. M. Williams: I done stopped but I need my questions answered, Mr. Mayor. I’m
talking to the Director, I’m asking him direct questions. Ms. Bonner, if I’m out of place if this is
not what he told us then straighten me out because you got the verbatim minutes. This is what he
told us then ---
Mr. Mayor: All right, so hold on ---
Mr. M. Williams: --- he still had not got a Director.
Mr. Mayor: --- all right, let’s hold on a minute. Now you of all people know the process
and the process is that the Administrator will identify a series of candidates that you and the rest
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of this body will then decide on. What he just said is on June the 29 those four finalists, just as
this has been done for as long as you’ve been a Commissioner, those four finalists are going to be
presented to the Commission for this body to interview and then to choose a Recreation and Parks
Director. The Administrator doesn’t unilaterally decide who that is.
Mr. M. Williams: I didn’t ask him to decide who that was. He should, this was supposed
to happen, Mr. Mayor, this was supposed to happen almost a month and a half before this after the
COVID-19 hit. We’re supposed to have some information. I asked him. Ms. Bonner, would you
get those minutes please for me that I asked the Administrator to bring that information back to go
ahead and move forward. Now I’m hearing some delay. I want to know why. I want to know why
the delay is now. We’ve been procrastinating all this time with people make too much money to
procrastinate like they’re doing with everything else, procrastination. Ms. Bonner, get those
minutes for me please ---
The Clerk: Yes, sir.
Mr. M. Williams: --- I don’t want to misspeak on him or anybody else but that’s not true
what he’s saying.
Mr. Mayor: All right, Administrator Sims.
Mr. Sims: Yes, if I may speak, Commissioner, with the emergency declaration that you all
approved we just actually brought our employees back the operation back on May 18 so I do think
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with May 18 having employees back in the workplace and today is the 16 I think we’ve worked
rather quickly to have some candidates before you all due to this pandemic that we’re experiencing
now, sir.
Mr. M. Williams: Mr. Jarvis, when we talked about this before you said you had over 50-
applications ---
Mr. Sims: I said we had over 100 applicants to be exact.
Mr. M. Williams: --- okay, over 100 applications and I asked you then because we’re in
need of somebody I said the epidemic didn’t stop us then and we still got applications coming in.
I said by next meeting you ought to have somebody narrowed down to at least down to ten. Now
54
you’re just getting there so I’m not going to use the epidemic to stop my job. There’s people still
working from home. You ain’t been sitting out twiddling your thumbs. Your computer, internet
everything is still working and we have not gotten what we’re supposed to have gotten. The same
process we’re supposed to be doing for the Administrator was the same process not the same
process but a similar process for the Rec Director. And as bad as Rec has been and the situation
it’s in now we need a Director right away and I’m disappointed we have not gotten someone before
now. Any of those people (unintelligible). They can’t hear you.
Mr. Mayor: We’ve got an update. I think there’s a clear path forward.
The Clerk: Item 39, sir, do you want it?
Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk ---
The Clerk: Yes, sir.
Mr. Mayor: --- as much as I hate to do this we’re going to take a five minute recess, five
minute recess. Everybody suspend.
Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk ---
The Clerk: Yes, sir.
Mr. Mayor: --- I’m ready to come back.
The Clerk: Okay, back in the Land of Oz.
Mr. Clarke: You are a brave soul, Mayor.
The Clerk: Are we going to 39? You had called that one with 38. Are we ready for that
update?
Mr. Mayor: We’re ready as well.
The Clerk:
ADMINISTRATOR
39. Update from staff on SPLOST 8 in light of new March 2021 election date. (Requested by
Commission Marion Williams)
Mr. Mayor: All right, Administrator Sims.
Mr. Sims: Mayor and Commissioners, we have provided a timeline for a proposed election
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date for SPLOST 8 of March 16, 2021. We also actually I have Tim Schroer here to talk but we
also just wanted to have some things for consideration if that is the date you all decide to forward
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with the 16. We do know during this time we will also have our budget season going on. If the
55
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date remains March 16 we also know this will be the first time that we’ll have the Masters in
November as well as the potential threat of the return of COVID-19. So with that being said we
want to present to you all also an alternative date if the Commission decides of November 21 date
as a possible election date for SPLOST. We do have both dates, the timelines before you all. I
emailed Ms. Bonner so you all can see the different timelines for both dates a March 21 date or
November 21 date for SPLOST.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you, Administrator Sims, and that information is readily available to
us showing a timeline in terms of preparation. And what’s noted on the handout that you gave is
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the March 16 2021 election time and those dates track for September 15, October 9, October 20
and I think that’s where you’re talking about. It runs concurrent with our current budget cycle, is
that not true?
Mr. Sims: That is true.
Mr. Mayor: Okay all right and so if you then pivot to a, if you pivot to a November 1 ---
Mr. Sims: Of next year.
Mr. Mayor: --- of next year those dates, all right, I only see one handout that takes us
through March 2021 but if you go, okay if you go to November 2021 everything effectively slides
forward with the expectation that in June of next year we would have a list that’s ready for the
public, is that I’m hearing?
Mr. Sims: Yes.
th,
Mr. Mayor: All right, very well. Commissioner from the 9 do you have a question?
Mr. M. Williams: Yeah, Mr. Mayor, the SPLOST for next year you’re talking about where
are we with the list of stuff that we’re going to build on that though?
Mr. Mayor: Okay, right now, Commissioner, what the conversation has been is instead of
us having this on the November 2020 ballot, the date is moved to March of 2021 ---
Mr. M. Williams: Okay.
Mr. Mayor: --- and pursuant to that we wouldn’t begin working on those lists in terms of
workshops and opening meetings to the public until October. So the calendar that you see takes
us to the point in time of convening (unintelligible) in September and then we mail the notice of
(inaudible) government agencies and then going on until March 15 of 2021 there’s a Commission
workshop presentation and discussion and the SPLOST project list. All of that would happen in
that October timeframe taking us through November of this year.
Mr. M. Williams: Okay, that helps me a little bit. I just thought that we and this body
myself won’t be there for that 2021 but I thought we would’ve had some ideas about some things
we want to put together for the SPLOST. The people have been supportive with our SPLOST.
56
We’ve been in bad shape and we know that but we ought to be putting something on the agenda
that’s going to attract people that’s going to be able to enhance to support the SPLOST. A lot of
people are very disappointed in what we’ve been doing and what we have done. Now you said
earlier I’ve been here a few years longer than you have but I can’t think of nothing we’ve done to
increase the revenue. We did a lot of infrastructure and it was needed but I’m talking about stuff
that’s going excite the people or to get the people to understand that we are thriving and we are
moving. We don’t have that dialogue. Now in the Chambers or offline we hadn’t talked about
nothing that other cities are doing that we can do. We don’t have to go across the world to just
look what other cities are doing. Whatever’s working for your neighbor will work for us and we
hadn’t done that so hopefully the next group of Commissioners will be mindful enough to discuss
or even to disagree about projects that we can be doing with our SPLOST money because if it
wasn’t for that I mean we’d be in bad shape. That’s why I wanted to bring it up.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, very well, thank you, sir. All right, Administrator Sims, thank you for
that update.
Mr. Hasan: Mr. Mayor, I had my hand up.
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Mr. Mayor: Okay all right, let me slide the screen over, the Commissioner from the 6.
Mr. Hasan: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I’d just like to ask exactly when is the current SPLOST
expire.
Mr. Sims: I think Tim Schroer is here ---
Mr. Mayor: He’s here, Tim?
Mr. Sims: --- to give an exact date.
Mr. Mayor: Tim, you just muted yourself.
Mr. Schroer: Based on current projections I’m looking at the first quarter of 2022 ---
Mr. Hasan: First quarter.
Mr. Schroer: --- previous to the COVID there’s looking at the fourth quarter of 2021 but
March and April I’m assuming May is going to push us back to 2022.
Mr. Hasan: Okay, Mr. Mayor, the reason I asked that question because what I’m also
hearing in the Administrator’s opening commentary it seems as though they would be more
comfortable if we take this on in November as opposed to March. Now I’d to see ask Mr. Schroer
am I misunderstanding that and if there’s a rationale for that.
Mr. Mayor: I didn’t hear that.
Mr. Hasan: That’s what I’m saying. I’m asking did I misunderstand that.
57
Mr. Mayor: Yeah.
Mr. Hasan: Go ahead.
Mr. Sims: Commissioner Hasan, wel, we just wanted to bring that up for consideration if
that’s the will of the Commission. We do want you all to know that we will be having those things
going on during this time this fall season and it’s important to know.
Mr. Hasan: Why did you bring up November then?
Mr. Sims: Because that could be an optional date for the Commission to consider if that’s
the will of the Commission.
Mr. Hasan: Tim, from a historical perspective is there any preference for you or are you
satisfied with March and I know it’s a Commission decision. I’m just trying to make sure we get
the best date. We have no time, we don’t have a margin for error at this point.
Mr. Schroer: I’m sorry a train’s going by. I didn’t hear your question.
Mr. Hasan: Okay, I was asking do we have anything going on in March of next year from
a financial perspective as opposed to a historical perspective. Is November, obviously November’s
primetime so you can’t get around that. Have we ever done a SPLOST in March?
Mr. Schroer: We have in the past. I think in November an election would be a better choice
because you get out of the budget cycle. From now until the end of October we’ll need to be
reviewing the list and having discussion with you all about what’s going on the list. Our concerns
would be budget obviously, how the impact of the Masters the proposed Masters and then also
what’s going to happen if COVID where to come back in the fall. (Unintelligible) if we move it
back to November with a good list it has a better chance of passing. Now if you do go to November
we’ll probably want to open up the list again to get revised projects but that’s just my thought.
You can get some updated information on that. If you go with March I wouldn’t open up the list
again, just go with what we have.
Mr. Hasan: Mr. Mayor, I know we’ve already adopted pretty much I know you put it on
the list and we adopted it but as we can see if I understood it correctly from the expiration date per
se at this current SPLOST in the first quarter of 2022 with that leaves us what about a year? So I
mean I would feel comfortable to try November and not March. You know I’d like to put that in
the form of a motion to see if my colleagues, thank you, Mr. Mayor. I know that’s what I’d like to
see.
Mr. M. Williams: I second that. Question, Mr. Mayor, for Tim Schroer.
Mr. Mayor: Sure.
Mr. Schroer: Yes, sir.
58
Mr. M. Williams: Tim, are you recognizing me, Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: I have.
Mr. M. Williams: Okay, well, you’re looking up at the ceiling, I couldn’t tell. Tim, my
question is that we can do SPLOST in two ways. We can do the SPLOST with a dollar figure or
a timeline, right?
Mr. Schroer: Correct ---
Mr. M. Williams: Of you do ---
Mr. Schroer: --- historically we have ---
Mr. M. Williams: --- go ahead, Tim.
Mr. Schroer: --- historically we have done it with a dollar figure. That way we don’t run
into a situation just like COVID. All of a sudden we have it for five years and you lose six months
of good collections. You’re stuck with amount which you collect. If we do it for a dollar amount
then it’s just you have that SPLOST until we finish collections.
Mr. M. Williams: So we can choose to do it as a dollar figure or we can do it as timeline
and what we collect it in that time period but like you said ---
Mr. Schroer: Correct.
Mr. M. Williams: --- if something happens that may be a risk for us to take as well. But a
lot of times ---
Mr. Schroer: From SPLOST 5 to 5, 6 and 7 we’ve done those as a dollar amount.
Mr. M. Williams: --- okay, have we ever done it on a timeline?
Mr. Schroer: Prior to consolidation I believe you did.
Mr. M. Williams: Okay, I’m just asking the question because I remember those entities
that have done on a timeline and if you say you raise $100,000 dollars and use it for a number and
may raise $200,000 dollars but if go to a dollar figure and we get that figure in there (inaudible)
that’s just information that’s all Tim, thank you.
Mr. Schroer: Okay.
Mr. Mayor: All right, make sure I don’t have any other hands out there, okay, I don’t see
another hand. All right, Madam Clerk, I think there was a motion to change the date to November
instead of March and there’s a motion and a second. I will say I’m opposed to it. I think we’ve
59
got momentum to move this forward and we’ll have that even in March of next year but again
we’ll see how this vote goes. We moved it from November of this year because of the TSPLOST
Election being moved from March to May to then June that was the premise behind why we moved
we didn’t want to run into concurrent with one another. So at any rate proceed, Madam Clerk.
The Clerk: Mr. Clarke.
Mr. Clarke: Could you restate the motion please?
The Clerk: Yes, SPLOST 8 November 21 election date.
Mr. Clarke: No.
The Clerk: Ms. Davis out, Mr. Fennoy he’s not here. Mr. Frantom.
Mr. Frantom: No, ma’am.
Mr. Fennoy: Yes.
The Clerk: Mr. Frantom okay, Mr. Fennoy you said yes?
Mr. Fennoy: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Frantom.
Mr. Frantom: No, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Garrett.
Mr. Garrett: Negative.
The Clerk: Mr. Hasan.
Mr. Hasan: Yes.
The Clerk: Mr. Sias, Mr. Sias?
Mr. Sias: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Bobby Williams.
Mr. B. Williams: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Dennis Williams.
Mr. D. Williams: No, ma’am.
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The Clerk: Mr. Marion Williams.
Mr. M. Williams: Yes.
Mr. Clarke, Mr. Frantom, Mr. Garrett and Mr. D. Williams vote No.
Ms. Davis out.
Motion Fails 5-4.
Mr. Sias: Mayor, may I have a follow up question?
Mr. Mayor: (Unintelligible).
Mr. Sias: Mr. Schroer ---
Mr. Schroer: Yes, sir.
Mr. Sias: --- given the area signs behind things like SPLOST and these kinds of things,
don’t they historically do better on a Special Election when they are by themselves?
Mr. Schroer: Any election we have in 2021 is going to be a standalone election. There are
no, in March there’s nothing on the ballot in November. I believe there are local elections for
Hephzibah and Blythe so it would be a Special Election with a standalone election. Since I’ve
been here we had a good list. It's passed overwhelmingly. It’s when we have a bad list then we
run into problems. But as long as we have a good list I think it will be approved, it will be
approved. We just have to inform the voters.
Mr. Sias: You worked your way around my question but my question was ---
Mr. Schroer: I’m sorry.
Mr. Sias: --- don’t these types of things do better in a Special Election where they sort of
where they stand alone?
Mr. Hasan: He said yeah.
Mr. Sias: No. he didn’t he gave me a long say it does. I already know the answer but he
gave me a song and dance.
Mr. Mayor: All right ---
Mr. Schroer: We don’t have an option for a Special Election.
Mr. Mayor: --- he gave you (unintelligible) and the Mayor’s going to go to the next item.
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Mr. Sias: All right, thank you and they do better when they stand by themselves. Thank
you.
Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk, Item #30 financial reports for the year end.
The Clerk:
FINANCE
30. Present the financial reports for the year ended December 31, 2019 and the three month
period ended March 31, 2020.
Mr. Mayor: All right, I believe we’ve got (inaudible) here and if you could give us the
abbreviated version that would be helpful. I think this information is in the notebooks.
Ms. Williams: Hello, good afternoon okay ---
Mr. Mayor: All right, Ms. Williams, can you suspend please?
Ms. Williams: --- okay.
Mr. Mayor: All right, I want everyone to mute your devices. We’re vacuuming, we’re
standing, we’re twerking please. All right, Ms. Williams.
Ms. Williams: Good afternoon. Included in your package was the normal grouping of
reports both for the preliminary year end of 2019 and also for the first quarter of 2020 with a, some
information about an April update after the end of the first quarter. Normally you would’ve gotten
this in probably late March or the first of April but as we’re all painfully aware that 2020 hasn’t
been normal by any stretch of the imagination. So I’m not going to go through all those packages.
As I said it contains all the normal information that you usually get from us in that level of detail
and I’ll be happy to answer any questions that you might have. But what we have also included is
a two-page summary, cliff notes if you will, of those two packets of reports and I just want to hit
if I may one or two of the high points on each grouping of those reports.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, please continue.
Ms. Williams: Okay, first we’re going to give you the good news and the good news
pertains to 2019 and we need to kind of hold on to this good news because we’re not 100% sure
of when we’re going to get a whole of more good news. But the General Fund and the Law
Enforcement Fund combined ended 2019 a little over $3.5 million dollars added to our fund
balance. As you may remember about half a million dollars of that was a planned increase. We
actually voted to try to increase our fund balance to build up our reserve. Additionally we got the
next to the last check from the ice storm 2014 which was another million and a half. The rest of
the differences our sales tax was up considerably and came in above budget. So that brings us to
85 days’ worth of operating reserve in our fund balance which is just a few days short of our real
target which is 90 that we have continually (inaudible). Another good note the Fire Protection
Fund added $2.6 million dollars to its reserve. Now there is some part of that money a little over
62
$200,000 dollars that were from capital projects that did not get, were not paid for in 2019 that
will carry over to 2020. Additionally the insurance premium tax which comes from the State of
Georgia came in ahead of the budget $800,000 dollars. Now that is distributed by means of a state
formula based on population and that distribution will be adjusted in 2022. And traditionally when
there is an adjustment date for several years our collections go down but for last year it was a good
year for us. Storm Water Program also had their revenues come in ahead of expenditures by a
little under a million dollars and I said it was good news but then we have to talk about streetlights
for just a minute. So our streetlight deficit increased a little over $700,000 dollars and it’s now
$2.3 million dollars. So that pretty much sums up 2019. We’re working through our audit process
which has been delayed as take everything else. The state gave automatic extensions. Our
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deadlines which would’ve normally been June the 30 has now been extended with all other folks
that had a June 30 deadline out to September so we will be coming back. Our auditors will be
coming back to you with the final audited results from 2019 July August but at the latest it will
September because we will get completed by our state mandated deadline. So that is 2019. So if
we move into the first quarter of 2020 we give our normal disclosure at our revenues for the first
quarter for this quarter are a good indicator of where we’re going for the rest of the year because
a lot of revenue comes in for the third quarter. But then we had the pandemic and everything as
we all know has changed and the financial impact on every organization is different. Fortunately
for Augusta our calendar year ends is 12/31. That gives us a lot more recovery time what we hope.
You repeatedly hear of the state and them implementing drastic reductions. Well unfortunately
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for the state their fiscal year end is June the 30 and because their tax collections were delayed
from April until July that moved them that revenue source out of one fiscal year and into another
so we don’t have that problem. We do, we have seen a shortage in our sales tax and it is the charts
are in your package but it is really difficult to try to figure out how much of an impact was strictly
due to the virus. We of course always look at April. Our sales tax collections in April jumped
anywhere from $600,000 to almost a million dollars in that one month just because of the Masters.
So if you back that back out and try to gauge where we are, where we would have been in a normal
timeframe our total difference from January to April from this year versus last year is a little over
$2 million dollars. So if you assume that $900,000 or a million dollars of that is strictly related to
the Masters not happening in April we’re still down a little over a million dollars. So that’s not
that’s not a, to put anybody into a panic mode. That is information that we need to be cognizant
of that our revenue has slowed and that shouldn’t surprise anybody. What we do hope that it
begins to recover. And included in the summary is some additional information. We’ve said about
$2 million dollars on PP and E and the hazardous pay that went out. Now we will be filing with
FEMA for the cost related to the PP and E which is an eligible reimbursable expense. Now that
money will not come back this year but it is an eligible expense that we do plan to file for. And
then I’ve also listed some other options should the Commission decide to slow down their
expenditure rate and those are listed in the summary. One of those you will be considering in just
a few minutes which is the COLA that is budgeted to be effective on the first check of July so if
that were delayed there are some savings to be associated with that and information is included in
your package. As I said we are not in panic mode. We are monitoring it; we will continue to bring
back to you the information that we have as our sales tax collections come in and hopefully as
things begin to look a little more normal those collections will do so as well. I’ll be happy to
answer any questions that I can for you.
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Mr. Mayor: Donna, (unintelligible) for that I do want to not only say thanks for the update
but I think it’s extremely important for us to conceptualize the conversation that we’re having right
now. When you look at ‘effectively two plus million dollar deficit’ in your streetlight program
and then when you transpose that into the conversation regarding this year between January and
April where effectively you’ve got better than one plus million dollars deficit almost two as well
part of that being related to Masters, I think it is important for you to provide the Commission with
specific information as it relates to hotel/motel tax collections. This is certainly due to COVID in
terms of where we’re seeing a shortfall notwithstanding the fact that the State of Georgia held
money as well. All of these things have to be taken in their full context and not necessarily as data
points of snapshots but in the full context. So hotel/motel revenue, sales tax, all of those things so
that we get a full picture of that but I would ask for Administrator Sims is that you get a series of
pie charts and/or bar charts so we can pictorially see what’s being done or what we’re not doing
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from a revenue standpoint. I’m going to go to the Commissioner from the 8 and then
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(unintelligible) so we can move through this item. Commissioner from the 8.
Mr. Garrett: I didn’t have a question. You probably just saw me holding my head up.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, all right, very well. All right, thank you ---
Mr. Williams: I have your hotel/motel numbers if you would like them or I can just send
them out.
Mr. Mayor: --- so I would like them. I’d also like to see what this looks like from a again
I would like to see the pictorial as well. If you could put together a pie chart for us that would be
helpful and/or maybe a bar chart as well so that we can see these things from a comparative
standpoint between 2019 and (inaudible).
Ms. Williams: Okay, the sales tax is in your package. There are bar charts in there ---
Mr. Mayor: (Inaudible).
Ms. Williams: --- okay.
Mr. Mayor: All right, fantastic, anybody else? All right, thank you, Donna. Okay, Madam
Clerk, all right, Madam Clerk, let’s go to Item #24.
The Clerk:
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
24. DENY AN ORDINANCE TO REQUIRE THAT FACE COVERINGS OR MASKS BE
WORN IN AUGUSTA, GEORGIA GOVERNMENTAL BUILDINGS DURING THE
COVID-19 PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY AND RECOVER. (Requested by
Commissioner Brandon Garrett)
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Mr. Mayor: The Commissioner from the 8.
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Mr. Garrett: Thank you, Mayor. This is a follow up discussion from a couple of weeks
ago where we’re still waiting the second reading of this ordinance. So before we get to the second
reading I make a motion that we do not proceed forward with requiring face coverings in our public
buildings.
Mr. Clarke: Second.
Mr. Mayor: All right, I’ve got a motion and a second. All right, the Chair recognizes the
Mayor Pro Tem.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Just because we deny this means we’re still
going to strongly encourage and this happens in the buildings, correct?
Mr. Garrett: Correct.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, thank you.
Mr. Mayor: All right, so anyone else? Okay generally when things like this happens we
send mixed signals to the general public and I’m concerned about that. The State Legislature just
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reconvened on the 15 of June and there’s an expectation that everyone that enters this building
has a face mask. I don’t have the full order at this point but here locally we’ve seen broad
compliance and support from our citizens who have come into this building. One of the things
that was in place with the expectation that we would adopt an ordinance was an Executive Order
that bridged the gap until such time that we adopt the ordinance. At the point that we deny this,
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the Executive Order expired on the 12 of June at 11:59 again under the expectation that we
would’ve had an ordinance in place that would allow us to do that. All across this state and without
question (unintelligible) we are seeing a clear uptick in terms of positive cases so I do not want to
send a mixed signal that when you come into the building you don’t need to have a face covering
on. So I think the effect of this conversation today certainly will do that and I want us to caution
ourselves with regards to that. Just over the last 48 hours they had a meeting on yesterday in
North Augusta City Council that they suspended after taking action on this item because someone
of course had tested positive for the (inaudible) so we need to be very mindful. And so I’ll pause
and say those things with regards to that. This is not a matter to politicize and the end of the day
just in the last 48 hours we have an additional 32 confirmed cases in Richmond County and two
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additional deaths. COVID-19 is not gone, it is not over, it is still here. Commissioner from the 6.
Mr. Hasan: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor, I agree with everything you just made
mention of. Can we support this and remove Section 3, the penalty phase of it, and that keeps
everything in compliance as an ordinance that it is strongly recommended that just remove Section
3 where there’s a you know a $1,000 dollar and imprisonment in the county jail those kinds of
things. Just scratch Section 3 from it.
Mr. Garrett: Why don’t we just call for the question?
Mr. Hasan: Because I don’t want to send a signal that you say that people don’t have to
wear the mask. We just scratch Section 3 from that. And I’d just like the Attorney ask me ask the
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Attorney does that you know does that take away from this ordinance to take away from Section
3?
Mr. Mayor: Okay all right I’m going to, I see your hands, I’ve got your hands. All right,
let me switch the screen just to see if there’s anybody else. All right, I’ve got two hands and then,
all right, I’m going to go to the Attorney. Absent of us having an ordinance in place we certainly
can extend the executive order for another period. It did not have the penalty phase in there of a
$1,000 dollar fine (inaudible) but I think what I’ve heard consistently in this building and at our
other facilities is that people are in fact complying with the request to have a mask on and for us
to ---
Mr. Garrett: Are they being prevented from coming in if they don’t have a mask?
Mr. Mayor: --- they’re being provided a mask. They’re being provided a mask. If you do
not have a mask, you’re being provided a mask.
Mr. Clarke: If they don’t accept the mask, are they still being denied entry?
Mr. Mayor: I’m not aware of anyone being denied entry. I don’t have a data point that says
that but at the same time let’s be clear here. We do not want to send mixed signals. And there’s
no need to politicize this. This is about live, health and safety. All right, Attorney Brown, did you
pose a question for the Attorney, Commissioner?
Mr. Hasan: Yes, I did, sir. I was wondering about Section 3. Did we strike Section 3 from
the penalty phase of it.
Mr. Brown: Okay and?
Mr. Hasan: And I just wanted to make I mean do we still get the same requiring people
and not necessarily making it mandatory but technically we’re strongly suggesting that they wear,
or it could still be mandatory just no punishment if they choose not to take it. It’s just that simple.
Mr. Brown: Are you asking can you have an ordinance without a penalty section?
Mr. Hasan: This particular one we’ve got for the sake of time if you think it’s problematic
we’ll just go back. I’ll make a substitute motion to leave the emergency order in place that the
Mayor had in place.
Mr. Brown: If you strike it, it still would need two readings after you strike it ---
Mr. Hasan: (Inaudible) ---
Mr. Brown: If you’re going to ---
Mr. Hasan: --- I’m sorry.
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Mr. Brown: --- go ahead.
Mr. Hasan: So, Mr. Mayor, so would that mean where he’s at right now and what that
means we wouldn’t have anything in place in the meantime is that right, is that your point, Mr.
Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: That’s my point, I think that’s our point right now that (inaudible).
Mr. Hasan: Then I make a motion we extend, I make a motion that we extend your
emergency order in that regard, Mr. Mayor, the executive order that you had in place. Will that
get us there to what you’re concerned about?
Mr. Mayor: All right, I’ll come back to that. let’s (inaudible) then I’ll come back to that,
Mayor Pro Tem.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: I was under the understanding that what we have in place isn’t even
enforceable right now. Is that not true, is it enforceable?
Mr. Mayor: It is enforceable.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: It is enforceable.
Mr. Mayor: That’s correct.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Is it anything that supersedes what the Governor has done?
Mr. Mayor: Does not.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Does not, okay. And I agree with you, Mayor, I mean, I’m sorry.
Mr. Mayor: The executive orders that the Governor this notion or term where it cannot be
anything that the Governor has done as it relates to our government that has stepped away from
his requirements and mandating that locals couldn’t (inaudible) executive orders. He’s completely
left that up to the locals in terms of how we handle our government (unintelligible).
Mr. Mayor: And right what is currently enforceable. What is the end date of it?
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Mr. Mayor: Well, the current end date was 11:59 on June 12 because we were expecting
us to have this ordinance in place. (Inaudible) the Governor’s previous executive order prior to the
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one that’s in place now it (inaudible) that so that’s the period of time 20 May until June 12.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: So if there was no action today, where would we stand as a
community in the government building?
Mr. Mayor: Where we stand as a community is that there will be no executive order and
there’s no ordinance in place for folks to put masks on when they come into government buildings.
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Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, thank you.
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Mr. Mayor: All right, the Commissioner from the 9.
Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I need to hear from my Attorney he said that is
was enforceable. What was in place I need to hear from the legal mind that we pay. I don’t think
that’s true. We can’t enforce if it hadn’t had a second reading and it’s not in place yet even though
the time period is different and it expired. What you just stated was to the Mayor Pro Tem that it
was enforceable but there’s nothing enforceable. I mean we can suggest and recommend that
people wear masks if they choose to, fine, and I think they ought to but I don’t want to make it
mandatory and put a fine on people thinking that if they don’t wear it or if they refuse it that they’re
going to be fined, but they can’t be fined. I need to hear from the legal mind though. I don’t need
to be not get paid as a lawyer. If I’m going to get paid that’s one thing, Mr. Brown ---
Mr. Brown: Yes, sir.
Mr. M. Williams: --- my question is is anything enforceable?
Mr. Brown: The ordinance that had the first reading is not enforceable because it has not
had the second reading.
Mr. M. Williams: Exactly but the Mayor explained that is was enforceable to the Mayor
Pro Tem.
Mr. Mayor: That’s not (inaudible).
Mr. M. Williams: Okay well, that’s what I thought you said. That’s why we’re going to
get it clarified, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Garrett: He said his executive order was enforceable.
Mr. M. Williams: Well, that’s not even enforceable. Now his executive order wasn’t an
executive order. He said something in the meeting that we questioned him on. Let’s don’t confuse
the people sure enough. I think people ought to wear masks but you can’t mandate them to wear
masks, if you can’t make them wear masks and tell them they’re going to be fined. And there are
some people who fearful of a fine. You can’t have an ordinance and there’s no penalty with it.
What if you’ve got an ordinance if there’s no penalty? How are you going to have an ordinance if
there’s no penalty or no requirement after the (unintelligible) has been done? That don’t make
sense.
Mr. Garrett: That looks just like that smoking ordinance we passed.
Mr. M. Williams: Yeah.
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Mr. Clarke: All right, Mr. Mayor, let’s move it along. You can’t into COSTCO without a
mask either.
Mr. M. Williams: COSTCO ain’t government either.
Mr. Clarke: That’s all right, they won’t let you in.
Mr. Garrett: You can’t get in without a membership card either.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, all right, Madam Clerk, what’s our posture from a motion standpoint?
The Clerk: We have the original motion is to deny the ordinance requiring the wearing of
masks in governmental buildings and strongly encourage. And we have a substitute motion made
by Mr. Hasan however we didn’t get a second on that.
Mr. Fennoy: I’ll second it.
The Clerk: That’s Mr. Williams ---
Mr. Fennoy: No.
The Clerk: --- to extend, who was that?
Mr. Hasan: Fennoy.
The Clerk: Fennoy, oh, okay.
Mr. M. Williams: It done died. How are you going to get a second if it done died without
a lack of second? He has to make another motion.
Mr. Fennoy: I seconded it then.
Mr. M. Williams: Ms. Bonner, is that right?
Mr. Hasan: He said he seconded it at the time, Commissioner Williams.
The Clerk: I didn’t hear him.
Mr. M. Williams: Nobody heard him.
Mr. Mayor: I didn’t hear him either so.
The Clerk: Well, Commissioner Hasan, make your motion again.
Mr. Hasan: You got to read it back to him.
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Mr. M. Williams: You all sit there like people ain’t got good sense. Man, people are smart.
People are listening on this and everything you say.
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Mr. Mayor: We’re going to go to the main motion that the Commissioner from the 8
made and it had a second and let’s simply vote on that and we’re going to move (inaudible).
The Clerk: Mr. Clarke.
Mr. Clarke: Vote yes to deny.
The Clerk: Ms. Davis is out, Mr. Fennoy.
Mr. Fennoy: I vote no to deny.
The Clerk: Mr. Frantom.
Mr. Brown: Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: Attorney Brown.
Mr. Brown: I believe there needs to be clarity as to what the motion is and what you are
voting on.
Mr. Clarke: Yeah, I think so.
The Clerk: The motion was to deny. The motion I mean the ordinance as written and
strongly encourage those entering government buildings to wear masks.
Mr. Clarke: Okay, I vote yes to deny.
The Clerk: We’re at Mr. Frantom.
Mr. Frantom: No.
The Clerk: Mr. Garrett.
Mr. Garrett: Yes.
The Clerk: Mr. Hasan.
Mr. Hasan: Yes.
The Clerk: Mr. Sias.
Mr. Sias: Abstain.
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The Clerk: I beg your pardon, sir?
Mr. Sias: Abstain.
The Clerk: Abstain, okay. Mr. Bobby Williams.
Mr. B. Williams: No.
The Clerk: Mr. Dennis Williams.
Mr. D. Williams: No.
The Clerk: Mr. Marion Williams.
Mr. M. Williams: Yes.
Mr. Fennoy, Mr. Frantom, Mr. B. Williams and Mr. D. Williams vote No.
Mr. Sias abstains.
Ms. Davis out.
Motion Fails 4-4-1.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, Madam Clerk, let’s do this. Okay, I’d like to take, I’d like to take Item
#34, 35, Item #20, 23 ---
The Clerk: Item 23 you say?
Mr. Mayor: That’s correct. Item #19 ---
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
19. Abolish the Augusta Land Bank Authority. (Requested by Commissioner Marion
Williams)
The Clerk: He asked okay that be put on the next agenda when you discussed that, Mr.
Williams.
Mr. Mayor: --- that’s correct Item #19 was asked to be put on the next agenda so I’ll leave
that out on my current list. Okay, did I include number 33?
The Clerk: No, sir.
Mr. Mayor: Okay ---
Mr. Fennoy: Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: Hold on, I’m going to come (inaudible). Okay all right, I want to talk about
each one of these just for a moment and then we’re going to move ---
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Mr. Hasan: What were those numbers again, Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: --- Madam Clerk, would you call those numbers out please?
The Clerk: Yes, sir. Number 20, Number 23, Number 33, Number 34, 35, and Mr. Mayor,
make sure we get back to 28.
Mr. Mayor: Number 28 ---
The Clerk: That needs to be addressed, that needs to get back to the State.
Mr. Mayor: Okay all right, so let’s hold Number 28, let’s not include that one in this
conversation.
Mr. M. Williams: Now what do you plan to do with Number 20, Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: I’m going to tell you in just a second, give me just one second. Okay, Jeff, I
know you’re listening in. Let me in, this device that I’m on is about to die.
Mr. Lewis: Okay.
Mr. Mayor: (Inaudible).
Mr. Garrett: You mean your office doesn’t have a plug in?
Mr. Mayor: (Unintelligible) get to it unfortunately.
Mr. Garrett: Well, your virtual screen keeps going in and out so.
Mr. Mayor: Yeah ---
Mr. B. Williams: Yeah, there for a minute with your virtual screen you looked like your
ears were flying.
Mr. Mayor: --- yeah okay, Madam Clerk ---
The Clerk: Yes, sir.
Mr. Mayor: --- okay all right, back to these items that we have here. Okay, Number 28
we will, we’ll address that one here in just a moment. Item #34, 35 these items go the very heart
of a constant conversation that we keep having with regards to maintenance and upkeep across this
county. It’s no different effectively than the conversation we’re having about vacant and
abandoned properties and how best to do the work of the city. At this late hour in the evening I
don’t waste a few moments trying to have a thoughtful conversation and us not get to a good place
to where we’re effectively doing real work of getting real work done in the right way. So I’m
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going to ask the Commission if we can and I’m not going to suggest just putting it on the next full
commission meeting is appropriate. I think there needs to be some work done in the interim around
convening the Engineering Services Director and Environmental Services and having schedules
just like they were scheduled before for cutting in our main right-of-ways and thoroughfares. The
same needs to hold true in these areas right here where there’s a schedule and you know when it
is and when it’s going to be conducted and by whom whether that’s contractors, whether that’s
GDOT and you don’t see that in this instance. And so I think that that’s extremely important; we
need to have that conversation. So I ask the Commissioners to put that on the agenda to think
about that as we come back around.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
20. Discuss the city’s discrimination against minorities and women. (Requested by
Commissioner Marion Williams)
23. Erect a Memorial Wall in honor of Augustans who lost their lives to COVID-19.
(Requested by Commissioner Bill Fennoy)
PUBLIC SAFETY
33. Discuss the flooding of the Cedar Grove Cemetery. (Requested by Commissioner Bill
Fennoy)
34. Discuss dire need of continuous maintenance mowing and general work performance to
maintain aesthetically pleasing results for city maintained cemeteries, Magnolia, Cedar
Grow and Westview. (Requested by Commissioner John Clarke)
35. Discuss schedule for the repairing, grass cutting and general maintenance of the Mims
Road sidewalks. Sidewalks in question run between Hephzibah-McBean Road to the end of
sidewalk toward Peach Orchard Rd. (Requested by Commissioner John Clarke)
Mr. Mayor: Regarding Number 20 we can spin our wheels and have a general conversation
but I’m not sure we’re at a point to be able to discuss alleged discrimination against minorities and
women in a very thoughtful way at this time. And there needs to be some additional conversation
that happened with H.R. and with the appropriate people to talk about what is Augusta’s path
forward in terms of inequities, alleged, real, perceived as it relates to women and minorities and
we tend to just have these conversations and we have conversations and just go back and forth and
back and forth but nothing evolves into tangible actions. And so I’m going to ask us to table those
items, Madam Clerk, that I have just provided and we’ll debate Item #28 but those items that I just
gave us if we can table those and then we’ll pick those back up at a time to be determined after
we’ve had some of that meaningful conversation before we put it on the agenda. All right, the
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Commissioner from the 9.
Mr. M. Williams: Mr. Mayor, I couldn’t agree with you more. I put several things on this
agenda and like you say we just we talk around it or we won’t say a word about it and that’s why
it keeps getting back on the agenda because we have not got serious about resolving some of these
issues whether it be abandoned homes or whatever it is, the Disparity Study and the things we paid
money for. We act like you know that don’t even exist. So I’m hoping we have some real dialogue
about it and try to get to a good place versus just acting as if it’s going to go away by itself. My
colleagues don’t ask any questions. They don’t know where you’re going, don’t know what you’re
doing. They don’t want to know but there are some real issues that’s happening in this government
that we ought to have been addressing over the years and we have not. So I got no problem moving
73
it just like you said until we can have some real dialogue but there are some issues that’s going on
that we keep turning our heads to as if it’s going to go away and it’s not. So I’m willing to sacrifice
my agenda items until we can have some good dialogue about the H.R. Department. I mentioned
about Recreation and there’s some real issues in this government, in the Law Department but
nobody wants to address it. Everybody wants to keep their friends in a place where they keep a
friend. It ain’t about friends. It’s about doing what’s right and what’s wrong.
PUBLIC SAFETY
26. Update from Chief James regarding what steps are we taking to accept evacuees from
the coast in case of a major weather event. (Requested by Commissioner Bill Fennoy)
Mr. Mayor: All right, thank you, thank you, sir. All right, so Madam Clerk please add #26
to this list as well that we’re talking about. The last items for debate 28 and 29 I think 29 the
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Commissioner from the 6 who initially raised this issue and then there was objection has gotten
sufficient enough background from the Director of Finance that what we should in fact do is
suspend COLA enhancements at this time and we can revisit that later in the year but to suspend
the plan June 30/July 1 COLA enhancements. All right,
The Clerk: There’s going to be a vote on that, sir?
Mr. Hasan: Mr. Mayor ---
Mr. Mayor: --- so, all right, Commissioner, I’m going to come to you. I’ve got to go back
st,
to the Commissioner from the 1 I’ve got to go back to him. I didn’t forget about him,
st
Commissioner from the 1.
Mr. Fennoy: Was this in relationship to #33, Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: Well, that was on my list as well. #33 was on my list.
Mr. Fennoy: Okay #33 is where the video that I wanted to (inaudible).
Mr. Mayor: Yeah, I’m aware of that. I’m aware there was a video. I understand the
flooding that’s taking place at Cedar Grove. I know it’s a pressing issue but what I would offer
and again I’m going to say this what I would offer is that we’ve got the Engineering Services
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Chairman, I’ve got the Commissioner from the 4 who has led on these issues, we’ve got an
Engineering Director and it’s in your district. I would say that we should bring a group together
and go out there and get after this. This is how we get the good work of the city and good public
policy done. We’ve got an Engineering Services Chairman, you’ve got the Commissioner from
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the 4 who’s led on these issues and this is where we need to be working together at to be more
thoughtful in terms of how we do stuff. We can talk about it and talk about it and talk about it all
day long and nothing gets done and I don’t think that’s where we want to be, not where I want to
be. So I’m going to recommend what we do regarding that item. And again, Commissioner from
th,st
the 4 if I can say this. You’ve got the Commissioner from the 1 who is requesting this but if
you can help and help lead this effort and make sure that we resolve these issues as it relates to
flooding and what’s going on. We don’t have to wait until these things show on agendas and then
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we just talk and talk and talk and talk when we know that there are answers, you’ve got answers,
you know how to get this stuff done and let’s get it done.
Mr. Sias: I don’t have a problem with that.
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Mr. Mayor: Okay, Commissioner from the 9 again as the Engineering Services Chair this
is well within you purview and role as a leader to help bring to bear resources on getting these
things done. We don’t have to keep spinning our wheels on these things. All right, so, Madam
Clerk, I’ve given a list. If you can reiterate that list that we will table these items and there will be
some conversations and meetings that take place after this and we’ll get the right people involved
in these, if you could read that.
Mr. Sias: Real quick question before you do your review.
Mr. Mayor: Okay.
Mr. Sias: You mentioned Item #29. Are you’re going to move that item as well, correct?
Mr. Mayor: I was going to debate 28 and 29 as our last items for debate. Those matters
can be disposed of today.
Mr. Sias: All right, thank you.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you. All right, Madam Clerk, if you could reiterate those for us please.
The Clerk: Okay, we are tabling items number 20, 23, 26 ---
Mr. Hasan: Cut your mike off.
The Clerk: Oh, I’m sorry. That would be 20, 23, 26, 33, 34, 35 are being tabled and for
debate is 28 and 29. And, Mr. Mayor, there are two other items that in our oversight we did not
approve the settlement resolutions that was approved in the Special Called Meeting in the Open
Meeting so we’d ask that you add and approve those two settlements that were approved in the
Special Called Meeting.
ADDENDUM
41. Motion to adopt Resolution authorizing the settlement of all claims by Gregory Stanley
(claimant) in the aggregate sum of Sixteen Thousand Dollars ($16,000.00) payable as follows:
Gregory Stanley and the law offices of Michael G. Hostillo Attorney’s at Law, as attorney;
further authorizing the Administrator to disburse the amount of Sixteen Thousand Dollars
$16,000.00); waving Augusta, Georgia Code of Ordinances Sections in conflict for this
instance only; and for other purposes.
42. Motion to adopt Resolution authorizing the settlement of all claims by Jamesha Howard
(claimant) in the aggregate sum of Twelve Thousand Dollars ($12,000.00) payable as follows:
Jamesha Howard and George Bush Law, P.C. as her attorney; further authorizing the
Administrator to disburse the amount of Twelve Thousand Dollars ($12,000.00), waiving
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Augusta, Georgia Code of Ordinances Sections in conflict for this instance only; and for
other purposes.
Mr. Sias: Motion to approve.
Mr. D. Williams: Second.
The Clerk: Okay and that would be Ms. Jamesha Howard in the amount of $12,000.00
dollars.
Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk, that’s fantastic, thank you for that. Thank you for that
reminder.
The Clerk: And we have one other I just want it for the record, sir.
Mr. Mayor: Absolutely,
The Clerk: Let me get this other one up. The other one would be Mr. Gregory Stanley
settlement agreement in the amount of $16,000.00 dollars so we need to add and approve those
two.
Mr. Mayor: --- all right, without objection. All right, Madam Clerk.
The Clerk: Add and approve without objection, okay, thank you. Okay, where are we
now?
Mr. Mayor: All right, we’re just we’re voting engross on those. There was no objection.
The Clerk: No objection, okay.
nd,
Mr. Mayor: All right, Commissioner from the 2 state your inquiry.
Mr. D. Williams: We still have Item 37.
Mr. Mayor: I know. It’s 28, 29, 37, we’re coming back to those.
The Clerk:
PUBLIC SAFETY
28. Motion to approve Augusta-Richmond County FY21 Capacity Agreement for state
inmates being housed at the Richmond County Correctional Institution.
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Mr. Mayor: Commissioner from the 9.
Mr. Sias: Unmute your mike, please, sir.
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Mr. M. Williams: Okay, I’m in support of supporting what the Warden wants to do out
there but when I spoke with him we talked about inmate crews that could be in Augusta doing
some work, some of the same work we talk about needing done around the city. They could have
crews in here which had to be shipped in here and not just putting inmates in there. We could have
specialty crews to come in here and do a lot a work around this city and we’ve been looking all
over. Other cities are using them. Warden Joseph said even the dog kennels outside the inmates
may be able to (inaudible) dog’s kennels they got out there. We had the Commissioner of
Corrections come to Augusta. There was going to build an animal shelter at one point. We were
going to house them so if we’re housing inmates, let’s house the inmates to be able to be beneficial
to us. These were professional people who are incarcerated but still can do some work so I make
a motion to approve. I wasn’t against this program but I thought we ought to be talking about
getting inmates in here when we can and they got a list a mile long to be housed in other areas but
we hadn’t even tried that, we hadn’t even used that resource. My motion is to approve, Mr.
Mayor.
Mr. Sias: Second.
Mr. Mayor: All right, we’ve got a motion and a second, Madam Clerk, voting.
The Clerk: Mr. Clarke, Mr. Fennoy ---
Mr. Sias: Mr. Fennoy, unmute your mike.
Mr. D. Williams: He’s got his mask on.
The Clerk: -- okay, Mr. Fennoy, oh, he’s still ---
Mr. Fennoy: Yes.
The Clerk: --- Mr. Clarke, are you voting?
Mr. Clarke: I didn’t hear (inaudible), I stepped away.
The Clerk: Sir?
Mr. Clarke: I did not hear (inaudible).
Mr. Speaker: I’m leaving after this item.
The Clerk: Okay, you’re not voting, okay.
Mr. Garrett: No, no, hold on, I’m sorry, I was talking to somebody else.
The Clerk: Okay, Mr. Garrett, we’re voting for Item 28, Capacity Agreement for RCCI.
Mr. Garrett: Yes, yes, yes.
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Mr. Clarke: Clarke is yes.
The Clerk: Okay, Mr. Hasan.
Mr. Hasan: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Sias.
Mr. Sias: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Bobby Williams.
Mr. B. Williams: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Dennis Williams, he’s muted.
Mr. Sias: Dennis, unmute your mike.
Mr. D. Williams: Yes.
The Clerk: Thank you, Mr. Marion Williams.
Mr. M. Williams: Yes.
Ms. Davis and Mr. Frantom out.
Motion Passes 8-0.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you, Madam Clerk, Item Number 29.
The Clerk:
FINANCE
29. Discuss the upcoming COLA increases for city employees. (Requested by Commissioner
Ben Hasan)
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Mr. Mayor: As we discuss it I’m going to the Commissioner from the 8, all right
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Commissioner from the 8.
Mr. Garrett: Yes, sir, in regards to this motion for the upcoming COLA, what is our
Administrator’s recommendation in regards to this?
Mr. Mayor: Administrator Sims.
Mr. Sims: Commissioner, the end of this was approved last year in our budget, 2020 budget
and I do know our greatest asset are our employees and I do know that 1.5% COLA would make
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a great difference with our employees. Our recommendation (unintelligible) is to make it effective
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July 1.
Mr. Garrett: I didn’t catch the end of that. What did you say?
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Mr. Sims: Keep it as is effective July 1.
Mr. Garrett: So do the increase in July?
Mr. Sims: Yes ---
Mr. Garrett: --- even with the shortcoming in revenue that we know we’re going to
experience?
Mr. Sims: --- as our Finance Director indicated we just don’t know at this time the impact
of the Finance as well as this was approved last year for our employees and we had great debate
today about approving or considering reducing our fees for businesses. I would think our elected
body would see the same consideration for our employees.
Mr. Garrett: Well, it was approved in anticipation of a normal year but 2020 has been far
from normal. You know I think that it would be unwise to move forward with this increase with
the fact as you and our Finance Director have both said that we are unsure about what the shortfall
is going to be so I’m just not sure how you can proceed with a cost of living increase when you
don’t know about the revenue shortfall.
Mr. Sims: I hear your concerns but I also know that many employees that have been
patiently waiting for the 1.5% increase so I would, if you don’t go with July please consider the
October date. But I definitely would like for the Commission to go forward with the COLA for
our employees this year. That is my recommendation.
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Mr. Mayor: All right, the Commissioner from the 9.
Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. With this COVID-19 affecting everybody I too
think the employees deserve this COLA. The Finance Director didn’t say we’d be in a bad
position. She did say she didn’t know but she didn’t think this will be detrimental to this
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government. So I’m in support of giving them the 1 of July the COLA that we talked about that
we approved because they too have suffered, they too have the lack of business that we’re going
to give monies to, make a forgivable loan to ought to be considered as much as anybody else that’s
working every day. These are not business people. These are laborers day to day in a lot of cases
so I’m in support.
The Clerk: Are you making that motion?
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Mr. Mayor: All right, so Commissioner from the 4.
Mr. Sias: I move that we keep the COLA as approved.
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Mr. Hasan: Second.
Mr. Mayor: All right, Madam Clerk, roll call vote ---
The Clerk: Mr. Clarke.
Mr. Garrett: Mr. Mayor ---
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Mr. Mayor: --- Madam Clerk, suspend for just a minute. Commissioner from the 8 state
your inquiry.
Mr. Garrett: --- thank you, Mayor. I’d like to make a substitute motion that we delay until
we know more about our financial standing.
Mr. Clarke: Second.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, all right, Madam Clerk, we’ll vote on the substitute.
The Clerk: Mr. Clarke.
Mr. Clarke: Yes.
The Clerk: Mr. Fennoy.
Mr. Mayor: He’s muted, we’ll come back to him.
The Clerk: Okay. Mr. Frantom. He’s out, Mr. Garrett?
Mr. Garrett: Yes.
The Clerk: Mr. Hasan.
Mr. Hasan: No.
The Clerk: Mr. Sias.
Mr. Sias: No, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Bobby Williams.
Mr. B. Williams: No, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Dennis Williams.
Mr. D. Williams: No, ma’am.
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The Clerk: Mr. Marion Williams.
Mr. M. Williams: No.
Mr. Sias: Mr. Fennoy, you’re muted.
Mr. Fennoy: No.
Mr. Fennoy, Mr. Hasan, Mr. Sias, Mr. B. Williams, Mr. D. Williams and Mr. M. Williams vote
No.
Mr. Frantom and Ms. Davis out.
Motion Fails 2-6.
Mr. Mayor: All right, Madam Clerk.
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The Clerk: The original motion is to approve the COLA with an effective date of July 1
2020. Mr. Clarke, he’s muted, sir.
Mr. Sias: Mr. Clarke, you’re muted, sir.
Mr. Clarke: No.
The Clerk: Mr. Fennoy.
Mr. Fennoy: Yes.
The Clerk: Mr. Frantom’s out. Mr. Garrett.
Mr. Garrett: No.
The Clerk: Mr. Hasan.
Mr. Hasan: Yes.
The Clerk: Mr. Sias.
Mr. Sias: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Bobby Williams.
Mr. B. Williams: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Dennis Williams.
Mr. D. Williams: Yes, ma’am.
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The Clerk: Mr. Marion Williams.
Mr. M. Williams: Yes.
Mr. Clarke and Mr. Garrett vote No.
Ms. Davis and Mr. Frantom out.
Motion Passes 6-2.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, our final item is Item #37. Before we go to #37 and close with that I’m
going to ask this body to give strong consideration that if move forward until such time that we’re
meeting back in person that we have Legal Executive Sessions on a separate day and that we not
include them on the same day that we’re doing full Commission Meetings.
Mr. Garrett: You have a fantastic idea, Mayor.
Mr. M. Williams: We’ll do them in a committee meeting, Mr. Mayor, in a full committee
meeting you mean, right?
Mr. Mayor: Currently we’re having Legal then going into the full Commission meeting. I
would propose a separate date for us to have Legal. We’re coming up on July that we have it once
unless there’s extraordinary circumstances in July but we may very well find ourselves out of place
of where we are prepared to come back if all those precautions are put in place but right now
having Legal and this meeting on the same day is a bit troublesome. That’s the (inaudible) today
it’s a bit troublesome.
Mr. Sias: Can I add something to that?
Mr. Mayor: Yeah.
Mr. Sias: We also need to get back to the committee process. That’s that’s where a lot of
our discussions normally occur so if you want to do that with Legal then we should do the
committees in conjunction with that as far as the timeline goes.
Mr. Mayor: I don’t disagree with that. I just know that this is very troublesome what
we’re doing right now in terms of just the prolonged process. So I’ll send out an email with a
recommendation and then let’s have some discussion about it, okay?
Mr. Hasan: Mr. Mayor, let me, let me, can I ask a question?
Mr. Mayor: Sure.
Mr. Hasan: Yeah you said (unintelligible) then we’ll come back and vote on it, let me ask
what does our schedule look like right now for meetings moving forward? Can the Clerk give us
an update on what the schedule looks like next meetings and things?
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The Clerk: Our next meeting will be next week the 24 will be a meeting taking the place
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of the July 7 meeting. After next Wednesday the Commission will not meet again until July 16
and that will be a regular commission meeting. We will have that commission meeting and it
determines we would have the last committee meeting if you return back to that schedule.
Mr. Hasan: Okay, okay, Mr. Mayor, based on your suggestion when you you’ll get
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something to us by the 24 and we can vote it (inaudible).
Mr. Mayor: No, I’m going to get something to you by Friday.
Mr. Hasan: I’m saying we’ll vote on it the next week.
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The Clerk: Now keep in mind now we won’t have any more meetings until July 16
That’s our last Commission meeting and then we’ll have our first commission meeting in August
so you won’t be meeting technically but once in July.
Mr. Hasan: Well, don’t worry about it, Mr. Mayor. We’re all right for right now.
Mr. Mayor: Well, we’ll have some discussions about it. This is very troublesome, it is.
Mr. Clarke: Mr. Mayor, please send it.
Mr. Mayor: All right, Madam Clerk, our final item.
The Clerk: And that would be?
Mr. Mayor: 37.
The Clerk:
APPOINTMENTS
37. Motion to approve the reappointment of Mr. Butch Gallop and the appoint of Mr.
Charles Lamback to fill the seat held by Mr. Terry Elam. (Requested by Commissioner Ben
Hasan – deferred from the June 2 Commission meeting.
Mr. Hasan: Motion to approve.
Mr. Clarke: Second.
Mr. M. Williams: Point of Order, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: Well, let me try to (unintelligible).
The Clerk: Mr. Hasan and Mr. Clarke, okay.
Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk, suspend. Can you read the caption for us?
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The Clerk: Item 37 is a motion to approve the reappointment of Mr. Butch Gallop and the
appointment of Mr. Charles Lamback to fill the seat held by Mr. Terry Elam to the Augusta
Economic Authority.
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Mr. Mayor: All right, the Commissioner from the 9.
Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I guess my question is how long have these
names been on the Development Authority?
The Clerk: Mr. Gallop has, he’s at the end of one term, a 4-year term. He’s considered a
holdover now. Mr. Lamback has not been on the board. He will be a new appointee. He’s
replacing Mr. Terry Elam.
Mr. M. Williams: Okay.
Mr. Mayor: Is he still on the Aviation Board, Madam Clerk?
The Clerk: Yes, he’s a Legislative appointee so that would not ---
Mr. D. Williams: Who is that?
The Clerk: --- Mr. Lamback.
Mr. Mayor: Lamback.
The Clerk: Right.
Mr. M. Williams: And I guess my point is, Mr. Mayor, we’ve got 250,000 200,000 plus
people in this area we use the same people all the time on the same board. How are we going to
spread this out? I’ve got no problem with either one of these men but Mr. Gallop’s been there four
years. We hadn’t even considered anybody else? We hadn’t even put anybody else up to the seat
or are we just going to leave the same people in plac?. Is this the only board he’s served on, Ms.
Bonner?
The Clerk: Yes sir.
Mr. M. Williams: Okay well.
The Clerk: He’s on, this is he’s completing one term.
Mr. M. Williams: He’s completing one term.
The Clerk: Yes, sir.
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Mr. M. Williams: I just think we need to make sure that we’re being fair to this community
and give, I mean we’ve got a diverse group of people in this community but we only use the same
people who have been there 10, 20 and like Mr. Gallop he’s going to be there for 8 years. There’s
term limits on the Commission. You have to come off. The Mayor you have to come off . The
people ought to be on a term limit but it’s not. So we need to make sure that we’re doing what we
need to do and be able to provide an opportunity for everybody not just the same people. I make
a substitute motion that we appoint Mr. Charles Lamback and find another person to
(unintelligible) Mr. Gallop.
Mr. Mayor: All right, that substitute fails, back to the main motion. Madam Clerk, voting.
The Clerk: Mr. Clarke.
Mr. Clarke: Yes.
The Clerk: Mr. Fennoy.
Mr. Fennoy: Yes.
The Clerk: Mr. Frantom, out Mr. Garrett.
Mr. Garrett: Yes.
The Clerk: Mr. Hasan.
Mr. Hasan: Yes.
The Clerk: Mr. Sias.
Mr. Sias: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Bobby Williams.
Mr. B. Williams: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Dennis Williams.
Mr. D. Williams: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Marion Williams.
Mr. M. Williams: No, ma’am.
Mr. M. Williams votes No.
Mr. Frantom and Ms. Davis out.
Motion Passes 7-1.
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Mr. B. Williams: Ms. Bonner ---
The Clerk: Yes, sir.
Mr. B. Williams: Are you going to send somebody by the house to come get these books
or do want us to bring them to you?
The Clerk: No, sir, we’ll someone to get them.
Mr. B. Williams: Last weeks too.
The Clerk: Okay, leave them out where the cats can’t get them though.
Mr. Sias: Ms. Bonner, I’ll bring mine in. They don’t need to come by my house.
The Clerk: Okay.
Mr. Mayor: All right, this meeting is adjourned.
The Clerk: Good evening, have a good one.
\[MEETING ADJOURNED\]
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
June 16, 2020.
______________________________
Clerk of Commission
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