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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRegular Commission Meeting February 2, 2021 REGULAR MEETING VIRTUAL/TELECONFERENCE FEBRUARY 2, 2021 Augusta Richmond County Commission convened at 2:00 p.m., February 2, 2021, the Hon. Hardie Davis, Jr., Mayor, presiding. PRESENT: Hons. B. Williams, Garrett, Sias, Johnson, Frantom, Scott, McKnight, D. Williams, Hasan and Clarke, members of Augusta Richmond County Commission. Mr. Mayor: Okay, all right, Madam Clerk, Attorney Brown, Administrator Donald, nd members of the Commission, we are here for the February 2 2021, full Commission Meeting. We do hereby call this meeting to order. The Chair recognizes Madam Clerk. The Clerk: At this time we’ll have our invocation and our Pledge of Allegiance. Would you please stand. The invocation is given by the Clerk of Commission. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America is recited. Mr. Mayor: Thank you, Madam Clerk. As we prepare to proceed there is a Addendum Agenda that’s been brought to our attention with two items before us. Item 1 the matter of Meridian Waste and Item 2 Board of Assessors. Is there any objection to Item 1? Without objection. Is there any objection to Item 2? Mr. Hasan: Is Item 2 the Board of Assessors? I’m objecting to that one. Mr. Mayor: All right, very well. All right, Item 1 has been added to the agenda and the Board of Assessors matter will be brought back before the Commission on next week. Okay, Madam Clerk. The Clerk: Yes, sir, I’m listening. Where are you headed? Mr. Mayor: Again, we’ve got that one item added from the Addendum Agenda. We’re going from top to bottom. The Clerk: RECOGNITIONS Employee of the Month for December 2020 A. Congratulations! Deputy Cecil Harris Jr. as Augusta, Georgia’s Employee of the Month for December 2020. The Clerk: Okay, I call your attention to the Recognition portion of our agenda, Employee of the Month for December 2020. The Commission would like to offer its congratulations to 1 Deputy Cecil Harris Jr. as Augusta, Georgia’s Employee of the Month for December 2020. I believe he’s in the Chamber, sir. Ms. Rookard is back there with him. Ms. Rookard: Mr. Harris should not be in the Chamber, I thought he was out --- Mr. Mayor: Okay. Ms. Rookard: --- with his family. The Clerk: Okay. Mr. Mayor: All right outstanding. Ms. Rookard, if you want to speak to our Employee of the Month. Ms. Rookard: Absolutely. Good afternoon, Mayor, Commission, Administrator and Madam Clerk. On behalf of the Employee Recognition Committee, I’d like to celebrate Mr. Cecil Harris Jr. as our Employee of the Month of December. I have just a few inserts I’d like to mention from his letter. On behalf of David Griffin, the Detention Lieutenant, he says, I have never met a more hardworking, courageous or dedicated person than Cecil Harris. He says Cecil Harris has shown dedication to perform his duties, his community first attitude and his commitment to the service for all citizens his unconditional respect has led him to become and exquisite officer and shining example of the department’s guiding principles. Through his distinguished demeanor Deputy Cecil Harris has taken pride in his ability to communicate effectively and professionally with supervisors, peers and the citizens alike which allowed him to meticulously complete calls for service in a proactive fashion to insure best possible results at any problem faced when he is in active road patrol. Cecil excels in his duty’s performance with model professionalism, exemplifies his guiding principles for service through trust, integrity and respect. His knowledge of the department and willingness to assist others is why Cecil is so deserving of this recognition and receiving the Employee of the Month. So on behalf of the Employee Recognition Committee congratulations Mr. Cecil Harris Jr. as our December 2020 Employee of the Month. Mr. Mayor: Congratulations to Deputy Cecil Harris Jr. for your work to the City of Augusta and we applaud you and continue to celebrate with your family. RECOGNITIONS December 2020 Years of Service Recipients. B. Congratulations! December 2020 Years of Service Recipients. Ms. Rookard: Absolutely. At this time we have recognition of our January Years of Service. For the month of January we have 18 employees celebrating 5 to 20 Years of Service with Augusta. This afternoon we would like to recognize our 25 to 50 Years of Service. For the month of January the total years of service in institutional knowledge celebrated today is 145 years. As the names are called, Jeff, if you would pull them up on the screen. Anthony Brice Reynolds with the Fire Department 25 years, David Strohman, Fire Department 25 years, James Lester, Engineering Department, 25 years, Tendron Bush, Sheriff’s Department, 30 years and finally once again Cecil Harris, Sheriff’s Department, 40 years. Congratulations to all of our Years of Service 2 Recipients. Please join me in a round of applause in celebrating the employees for their loyal service to Augusta, Georgia. Thank you. Mr. Mayor: Thank you, Ms. Rookard and thank you to our Years of Service Recipients for the incredible work that you do for the City of Augusta and all of her residents in providing for the health, welfare and safety of everyone. This is a great way to start of the year 2021, thank you so much. All right, Madam Clerk. The Clerk: DELEGATIONS C. Reverend Marion F. Williams regarding the city’s policy for stray dangerous dogs. Mr. Mayor: All right, well good afternoon, good afternoon to the former Dean of the Commission --- Mr. Garrett: I knew you’d miss us. Rev. Williams: Yeah, I don’t know how long stay away but thank you, Mr. Mayor and Commission, for allowing me just to five minutes to bring an agenda item that I think is very important. Dangerous animals, dangerous dogs. Mr. Mayor, I know you’re a dog lover and so am I. In fact, I thought to bring my animal with me today to just to demonstrate what a animal would th do if you take the time to train it. There’s a situation that happened on the 8 of January. Let me try to give you in my five minutes in fact I didn’t my name and my home address it’s 1941 Kratha Drive I remember the protocol so I want to make sure I follow that. I also pastor at the Friendship Baptist Church which is located at 2543 Deans Bridge Road. One of our members got attacked by a dog at the address she lives at is in District 5, Super District 9, 3608 Cameron Drive. This thth happened on the 8 of January. I didn’t know anything about it on the 8 of January but on the th 10 of January that Sunday morning just before I got ready to go to church about 8:30 in the morning I got a call from that member who said that they couldn’t, that they had got attached by a dog, the animal shelter came out and placed a dog trap to try to catch the dog. Well, they ended up catching another dog in the trap and the dog had stayed there from Thursday afternoon or Thursday night until Sunday morning but no one came up to check the trap to see the dog was there or to come by and check anything. So I didn’t know who to call so I had the Administrator’s number so I called the Administrator which I think was his cell but I didn’t get an answer I guess because my term was up and that number didn’t flash like it ought to flash. But long story short I didn’t get an answer there either, so I tried the Clerk I tried Ms. Bonner because I thought I had her cell didn’t get an answer from her, I think she was in church service, so I called one of the directors from Parks and Recreation and asked them did they know how to get in touch with the animal shelter. Well, he said he did so he called and got somebody to come out. But meanwhile I asked the lady Ms. Sarah Johnson is her name. I asked her what happened why didn’t she call the Sheriff’s Department. She said she called the Sheriff’s Department four or five times and they told her that they had no control over that, they had no way to get in touch with anyone to help in that situation. I find that quite odd because there ought to be and there has always been an emergency number that they can contract somebody to check on that. This lady ended up with a broken arm, the dog bit her all over her body. She had to go take tetanus shots. She took two 3 already and got to take another one, she ended up going to the hospital in an ambulance. The neighbor across the street happened to hear her in the yard that morning and went over to help her and got the dog to leave. Well the dog was on this man’s video, the animal shelter came out and what they said was they couldn’t find the dog. The neighbor had the photograph or a video of the dog on their camera and told them where the dog lived or who the owner was. Up until this day as far as I know this dog still hasn’t been removed. So on Friday the animal control supervisor called me, Mr. Hill, and said they had went out and they talked to the owner but they left the dog with the owner. That bothers me. First of all the dog done attached somebody already and then the same dog’s going to be put back in the same yard that he got out of or she got out of, I don’t know whether it was a male or female dog. But there’s something wrong, Mr. Mayor, and I came to this body because I know the buck stops here. I know the animal shelter supervisor we just gave him a raise, we just gave the Sheriff’s Department a raise, but there’s no money to be put into the animal shelter or to the Sheriff’s Department to make sure that these types of things don’t happen? Now the dog stayed in the kennel in the trap for two and a half days maybe three days whining in this lady’s yard all night long. This is not the dog that attacked her, this is another dog, but the dog being trapped in the cage was naturally complaining or whining about getting out of the cage and she couldn’t get anybody to come by and relieve the dog or her. Can you imagine being attacked by a dog and then having to listen to that dog in your yard all day and night? So, Mr. Mayor, I came to this body because I know like I said the buck stops here. We’ve got no supervision over the Sheriff’s Department. I get that but the budget stops with them if this had happened in any other part of town except South Augusta I think something would’ve been done. I don’t think you can leave an animal in a yard to just escape in a yard and attack somebody. This lady was 65/66-years old, had had a stroke, walking on a cane, went out in the driveway, Mr. Mayor, to take the garbage can, retrieve it back in, and that’s --- Mr. Mayor: Absolutely. Rev. Williams: --- the dog attacked. Mr. Mayor: Your time has expired, and I do want to give Administrator Donald an opportunity to respond about how we can address matters like this particularly from a animal services perspective if you’d like to speak to that. But to Reverend Williams thank you for bringing this important matter to us. Again, you said it well. There are a couple of system failures here but more importantly it’s our prayer that the victim is well on her way to recovery. Administrator Donald. Mr. Donald: Yes, one, Mr. Williams, definitely thank you for giving me a call. I actually did give you a call back. The call that I didn’t respond I too like the Clerk also attend church from time to time on those days so I happened to be there with my family so I wanted to point that out to you. But I talked to, reached out to Animal Services on that. We also leveraged 311 to as a place to be able to take those nonemergency complaints but I’ll follow up with you after this meeting with Animal Services to make sure we get this issue rectified. And I think we made some corrections to the system failure, and we’ll give an update to the Commission at the next meeting on that. th Mr. Mayor: Commissioner from the 10. 4 Mr. Clarke: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. How are you doing, Commissioner Williams? Good to see you. Rev. Williams: Same here, Commissioner. Mr. Clarke: You know it’s no secret that I have an issue with the way that the Animal Services is handled here in Augusta. It doesn’t seem to have any protocol about who to answer to when you call and ask questions you get no answers. And I’m sorry, Administrator, I have to say when you say well you know we have 311 in place for nonemergency situations such as this. I think a lady getting ate up by a dog could kind of be put in a classification of an emergency. I understand Animal Services is you know been closed, I don’t know if they’re open now or not, you can’t get any information out about that. They’re needing vehicles although there’s you know 13, 14, 15 sitting around there and he’s asking for another $143,000 dollar grant today for a mobile pet vehicle. I think more money should be put into what Commissioner Williams is addressing today, enforcement of animals out running the streets. I was out at Animal Services last weekend or weekend before last and there was loose dogs running up and down the road in front of the Animal Services. So it just seems to be that I think we need a little bit more oversight and give Animal Services a little bit more direction because right now Animal Services is floundering and they are not in my opinion, my opinion only, I can’t speak for anybody else I don’t think Animal Services is doing their job. That’s all I got to say. Mr. Mayor: All right --- Mr. Donald: Commissioner, you made a reference to me and I want to make sure I’m, so I’m going to push back on that a little bit. So I wasn’t saying that 311 is I’m saying that that is one of our nonemergency areas that we’ve got to do a good job of letting folks know that that’s a way to file complaints so that we can capture those but definitely not trying to push off in no way shape or form was I eluding to that so I want to make that clear to you because I don’t want to accept that I want to make it clear that we’re looking at the service. And what I stated was we’ll make sure to respond by the next Commission meeting on how we correct that system failure so I wanted to make sure to provide that clarity because it looked like it was misinterpreted. Mr. Clarke: Well, I would like for the Director of Animal Services to appear before the Commission so that we can asked him some questions. Mr. Donald: Absolutely. Rev. Williams: Mr. Mayor, can I make my last statement please, sir? th Mr. Mayor: Hold on one second. Commissioner from the 8. Mr. Garrett: Thank you, Mayor. Commissioner Williams, it’s good to see you back again my friend. Definitely is not the same up here without you up here. But in regards to the th conversations that we’re having about Animal Services I concur with my colleague from the 10 that there are issues that are presented to the Director and staff out there. And you know I 5 constantly get responses back that there’s a certain policy here or another policy there which does not allow them to handle nuisance animals. You know I get the calls from the same people over and over again about the same animals in my district and we’re trying to help them and provide them a service you know they’ve gone through the 311 system, they’ve gone, you know, tried contacting Animal Services then they reach out to us and then when we’re trying to help for you know just this noncommittal that we get in response is really troublesome. So I’m really open to a conversation, Administrator, with Animal Services to see what these policies are that they’re hiding behind which prevents them from removing nuisance and dangerous animals. You know especially in some of the rural areas of this county where we have animals that are roaming around that people have dropped off animal control should be able to come in and remove those animals without having to go through weeks of different following their policy that’s in place to try to do it. So I’m definitely open to a conversation in the near future about this. th Mr. Donald: Commissioner Garrett, am I correct that that would be the February 9 meeting is that you all are requesting this as we discussed so far? Mr. Clarke: Yes. Mr. Garrett: Sooner the better. Mr. Donald: Got it. We’ll make sure to have Animal Services ready for that. Mr. Mayor: All right, thank you. All right again I’m going to go, Reverend Williams, former Dean of the Commission, thank you for bringing this important matter to us and it looks like folks are ready to have a broad conversation and bring forth some action, so I want to thank you for that. Rev. Williams: Okay, Mr. Mayor, thank you and thank the Commission for allowing me the five minutes. Mr. Mayor: All right sir, thank you. Mr. B. Williams: Thank you. Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk, what I want to do before we go on to any more delegation items I want to entertain any motions to add to the Consent Agenda or remove from the Consent Agenda, let’s do that and then we’ll come back to the Delegations okay? Mr. B. Williams: Mr. Mayor? Mr. Mayor: Hold on just one second, Mayor Pro Tem. Madam Clerk, are you tracking? The Clerk: Yes, sir. Mr. Mayor: Okay all right very well, all right, Mayor Pro Tem, state your inquiry. 6 Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: 26 with Meridian Waste I think we just need to put that on the Consent Agenda due to the fact that the Administrator said we’ve done it for two other entities. At the same time there’s an item on the addendum where it’s asking the Administrator to go back and look at and review what we do with those discounts or whatever with the waste. So I’m asking to put 26 and the addendum item on the Consent Agenda. Mr. Mayor: All right, so again that’s Number 26 and Addendum Agenda Item Number 1 to the Consent, Madam Clerk --- The Clerk: Yes, sir --- Mr. Mayor: Number 6 --- Mr. Hasan: I object to the addendum item being added. The Clerk: --- wait a minute. Mr. B. Williams: Mr. Hasan --- Mr. Mayor: --- hold on a minute, Mayor Pro Tem, hold on. All right, the, again, I think th, that those are effectively companion items, Commissioner from the 6 pursuant to the communication that was received from the Administrator and that gives them sufficient enough time on the addendum item to do the assessments and to come back and bring those matters back before you. So there will be an additional follow up discussion pursuant to that. Mr. Hasan: Mr. Mayor, can I respond to that? Mr. Mayor: All right, state your inquiry. Mr. Hasan: Yes, sir, Mr. Mayor, would you just let the Administrator make about a two line statement of what that is about the addendum because I think it’s important based on the nature of what he’s doing that those companies realize the potential impact. Two sentences, three sentences and I’m fine with it (unintelligible) way to do it but without ever mentioning where we’re headed with that. Mr. Donald: Would you like for me to mention that now, Mr. Mayor --- Mr. Mayor: I do because I want to move expeditiously today, go ahead. Mr. Donald: --- yes, sir. So the addendum item really the revenue for the city has been altered based on the emergency status of COVID and we’re seeing our revenues decrease quite a bit. The rates related to the Landfill and other activities have not been looked at in over a decade. And so what we’re requesting is just simply to look at all of those rates and the activities and make and recommendations and adjustments based on new business models and just an overall status of that service area. And so while those items are connected I think if you allow us to do that review we can bring it back at the appropriate time. 7 Mr. Hasan: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor: All right, so again Item 1 from the Addendum Agenda, Item Number 26 added to Consent. Madam Clerk Item #6, #7, #9, #15 and 25 is being received as information and it will be brought back formally a week from today. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Mr. Mayor, did you say Item #9? Mr. Mayor: I did. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Thank you, sir. st Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 1. Mr. Johnson: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I’d like to consent Item #20, #19, #18 --- Mr. Sias: Hold on for a second. I’ve got a question on, I was muted and trying to get in. I got a question on a couple of those you just mentioned that was you said 16, right? Mr. Johnson: --- no, sir. Mr. Mayor: It was 18 and 19. Mr. Sias: Okay, I’ve got a question on both of those, 18 and 19. Mr. Mayor: Okay, all right with objection. All right, any other items to add to the Consent th Agenda, Commissioner from the 8. Mr. Garrett: Yes, sir, I want to add #21, 22 and 17. Mr. Mayor: All right, Item #23 --- Mr. Hasan: Objection to 23. Mr. Mayor: --- all right, no problem. All right, Madam Clerk, Items 6, 7, 9, 15, 20, 21, 22, 17 and Item 1 from the Addendum Agenda and 26 and 25 receive as information. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Mr. Mayor --- Mr. Mayor: Mayor Pro Tem, state your inquiry. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: --- could we look at 11, 12 and 16? th Mr. Mayor: The Commissioner from the 4 has raised issues about 16 but I’ve not heard any objections to 11, 12 --- 8 Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: What is 13? th Mr. Mayor: --- 13 is a request for discussion by Commissioner from the 10 so 11 and 12 without objection. Mr. Sias: We have an objection to #10? Mr. Hasan: Mr. Mayor, can we remove #20 from the agenda? Mr. Mayor: Hold on a minute, hold on a minute, there’s no objection to #10 --- Mr. Sias: We can add that --- Mr. Mayor: --- there is an objection to #10, there is an objection. Mr. Sias: --- I did not have an objection to 16 as you said. I had said that when I got back in so I don’t have a personal objection to 16 being added. th, Mr. Mayor: All right 16, all right, Commissioner from the 4 state your inquiry, you had a question. Mr. Sias: On 18 and 19? th Mr. Mayor: No, no, no I’m sorry Commissioner from the 6 you had a question. State your inquiry. Mr. Hasan: Yes, based on a previous conversation delete #20 from the agenda. Mr. Mayor: That is correct. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: We have an objection to #10? Mr. Mayor: Yes. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay. Mr. Mayor: All right, Number 9, all right Number 9 to Consent. The Clerk: It’s already added. Mr. Mayor: Okay yeah, that’s correct, I’m sorry. All right so, Madam Clerk, I’m going to read, I’m going to go back over these again. Mr. Garrett: I thought Number 9 was referred to another meeting. 9 Mr. Mayor: No, it was Consent. Mr. Garrett: I’ve got a problem with Number 9. Ms. McKnight: I do too. Mr. Clarke: Number 9 I thought was moved to the next meeting so I have a problem with that. Mr. Mayor: Okay, well, I mean it can be --- The Clerk: Well, you want to put it on the Consent to be added to the next meeting? Mr. Clarke: We can add it to the next meeting to be discussed but not consented. The Clerk: Yes, added to the Consent Agenda that it be forwarded to the next meeting, you want it to the Public Safety Committee? Mr. Mayor: Yes --- The Clerk: --- that would be the motion, Commissioner Clarke --- Mr. Clarke: Okay --- The Clerk: --- not to approve the agenda item. Mr. Clarke: --- okay. Mr. Mayor: All right so Madam Clerk Item 6, Item 7, Item 9 forwarded to the next committee meeting Public Safety, Item 15, Item 16, Item 11, Item 12, 21, 22, 17, Item 28 delete, Item 26 and Item 1 from the Addendum Agenda and 25 receive as information until the next Commission Meeting. Mr. Johnson: Mr. Mayor, I request Item #20 to go on the Consent Agenda. The Clerk: Twenty? Mr. Johnson: Yes, ma’am. The Clerk: I think, Mr. Mayor if I could just so that everybody could I go in numerical order? I think we’ve picked them all up but so if I could call them in numerical order that would help the rest of us. That would be Item Number 6, Number 7, Number 9 being referred to next week’s Public Safety Committee, Item 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 25 being received as information and referred to the next Commission Meeting with the deletion of Item 26 added and Addendum Item #1 and Item Number 28 for deletion. 10 Mr. Mayor: Yes, Madam Clerk, thank you. All right, the Chair will entertain a motion. CONSENT AGENDA PLANNING 1. Motion to approve and Ordinance to amend Title Eight, Chapter 1, Article 1 of the Augusta GA Code entitled “Flood Damage Prevention” to provide for revisions as required by the State Model Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, additions to clarify language in the test, and additional revisions to reduce flood risk, in keeping with the City of Augusta’s participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and the community Rating System (CRS). The update covers criteria for accessory structures and agricultural structures. (Approved by Commission on January 6, 2021 – second reading. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS 2. Motion to approve the minutes of the Special Called and Regular Meetings of the Commission held on January 19, 2021, the Special Called Meetings held on January 12, and 15, 2021. APPOINTMENTS 3. Motion to approve the appointment of Mason McKnight IV to the Augusta Aviation Commission; Thomas M. Dozier III General Aviation Commission (Daniel Field): Tara Conway Historic Preservation Commission representing District 3. PUBLIC SERVICES 6. Motion to approve Annual application to the Federal Administration (FTA) for Section 5303 funds in FY2022. 7. Motion to approve the Sec. 5307 and 5339 Augusta Transit grant application between the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Augusta, Georgia. ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES 9. Motion to approve the purchase of one, grant funded, Mobile Pet Adoption Van for $142,742.00 from Alliance Bus Group of College Park, GA (Bid 20-241A) for the Animal Services Department. 11. Motion to approve the purchase of one Backhoe Loader from Low Country Machinery of Pooler, GA (Bid 20-186A) for $74,172.00 for the Utilities Department-Construction Division. 12. Motion to approve the purchase of two Mini Excavators from Bobcat of Augusta, GA (Bid 20-286) for a total cost of $107,010 for the Utilities Department-Construction & Maintenance Division. PUBLIC SAFETY 15. Motion to approve contract with the Georgia Department of Corrections (CDC) to administer (GED) testing to offenders. 16. Motion to approve the award and contract for RFP 20-253: Consulting Services for the Augusta-Richmond County Hazard Mitigation 2022 Plan Update to Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions and authorize the Mayor to execute the contract. 11 ENGINEERING SERVICES 17. Motion to approve ESD to utilize the Georgia EPD Local Government Scrap Tire Abatement Program and to authorize the Administrator and Mayor to execute Agreements and Required Documents. 20. Motion to approve bid award to Alfred Benesch & Company, Inc. for the professional services to design the Brunswick Ave. – East Augusta Phase III Water Main Design Project in the Amount of $16,900.00. 21. Motion to accept proposal from Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood, Inc. (GMC) in the amount of $369,000 to continue engineering services for Utilities Department on Fort Gordon by designing the Olive Terrace South Lift Station and Force Main project, Chesterfield Office Park Lift Station and Force Main project, and provide construction and inspection services. ADMINISTRATOR 25. Motion to accept funds for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program upon receipt of disbursement from the US Treasury on behalf of Augusta, Georgia. 26. Motion to approve Meridian Waste Georgia LLC (Meridian Waste) preferential $28.00 Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) per ton disposal rate. 28. Discuss 2020 vacation pay for public safety workers that are unable to use by the extended deadline due to work demands or staff shortage. (Deferred from the January 19, 2021 Commission Meeting) ADDENDUM 29. Motion to authorize and staff and consultants to review and assess the revenue streams for the Augusta Landfill operations in light of the increased expenses and lost revenue due to the Covid-19 Pandemic and to provide recommendations to the Commission to resolve the lost revenue and keep the Landfill financially stable. (Requested by Administrator Odie Donald, II) Mr. Hasan: Motion to approve. Mr. Garrett: Second. Mr. Mayor: Voting. The Clerk: Mr. Clarke. Mr. Clarke: Yes. The Clerk: Mr. Frantom. Mr. Frantom: Yes, ma’am. The Clerk: Mr. Garrett. Mr. Garrett: Yes. 12 The Clerk: Mr. Hasan. Mr. Hasan: Yes, ma’am. The Clerk: Mr. Johnson. Mr. Johnson: Yes, ma’am. The Clerk: Ms. McKnight. Ms. McKnight: Yes, ma’am. The Clerk: Ms. Scott. Ms. Scott: 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. Dennis Williams, you’re muted, we’re on the Consent Agenda, you’re muted, sir. Mr. D. Williams: Yes, ma’am. Motion Passes 10-0. \[Items 1-3, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 15-17, 20-22, 25, 26, 28, 29\] The Clerk: Mr. Mayor, are we back to Delegations now or? Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk, yes, we are. We’ve got two items to deal with the issue of homelessness on the Delegation Agenda --- The Clerk: Yes, sir --- Mr. Mayor: --- I want to hear, I want to hear those two and then I’m going to take up Item #8 because it’s related, okay? The Clerk: --- Item #8 companion, okay. Mr. Mayor: Yes. The Clerk: So the next Delegation is ‘D’ --- 13 Mr. Mayor: So I want to go with Items E and F --- The Clerk: --- E and F okay. Mr. Mayor: --- and then Number 8 as companion, we’ll come back to Item D. The Clerk: DELEGATIONS E. Danielle Ringgold Augusta/CSRA Democratic Socialists of America regarding homelessness issues in the City of Augusta SPLOST 8 proposal for shelter. Ms. Ringgold: Good afternoon. As mentioned, my name is Danielle Ringgold and I am here on behalf of the Augusta Chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America. We are the fastest growing official chapter of the DSA with over 80 members and having (inaudible) in Augusta. Mr. Mayor: Ms. Ringgold, if you could state for the record your address as well. Ms. Ringgold: Absolutely, it’s 711 Tarrington Court. Mr. Mayor: Is that Augusta, Georgia? Ms. Ringgold: That’s Martinez, Georgia. Mr. Mayor: Okay, thank you very much, continue, you have five minutes. Ms. Ringgold: Thank you, I’m here today to speak about the growing issue of homelessness in our community. Currently our community is pulling together this issue. I’ve reported in the Augusta Chronicle charitable giving’s have grown by 7.9% this year over last year. We have several amazing nonprofits have also stepped up to meet the needs of our community such as Mercy Ministries, DOACC Freddie Mae and Golden Harvest Food Bank. The United Way of the CSRA and the community foundation have distributed over $1 million dollars to local nonprofits as part of the CSRA COVID-19 emergency response team. While this is great for assisting with food supportive services and direct aid I do not think it addresses another very real issue we have here in Augusta which is lack of shelters. It was lack of shelter that took the life of Willie Walker last December as he froze to death in the street. Many in our chapter knew Mr. Willie. He was a wheelchair bound Army veteran and he remembered everyone who spoke to him. Just 8 days before he died I had signed him up for services through Forces United, an organization that had received some of the COVID-19 grant money. Needless to say his passing has stuck an emotional cord with me personally and many of our members. I personally reached nd out to each of you about my concerns on January 22 and I receive several responses that I greatly appreciate. The general consensus is that resolving this issue would take time and resources but this issue did not bring into existence with the death of Mr. Willie Walker. It has been around for quite some time as many of Augusta locals know. In 2018 the Metro Spirit published an article about one Jack (unintelligible) whose mission to end homelessness in our city. In the article he 14 mentioned the dire need for transitional housing. He also mentioned in the article that Richmond County Sheriff’s officer were throwing out material items with tents and sleeping bags due to complaints from local businesses. I can tell you this is still happening. On one of our DSA Food Desert Relief Actions in November Mr. Willie and a few others told us the same happened here days before at the start of winter during a pandemic in a town with limited shelter beds. Richmond police officers were throwing away the only means some people had to keep warm. I did reach th out to Sheriff Roundtree about this issue on December 10 2020. As of today, I’ve heard nothing back. Regarding the matter of resources, I think Augusta does have the resources to at least start addressing this issue. On the recent SPLOST 8 administration recommendation list a $12 million dollar shelter was proposed by one Mr. Hawthorn Walker Jr., Augusta’s Housing and Development Director. It appears his proposal was rescinded in favor of a $5 million dollar waterpark and a new state of the art James Brown Arena that will cost the city $25 million dollars. I understand that city officials like yourself look to increase tourism and to generate increased sales tax revenue and these offers do seem more economically sound. And I also agree that Augusta should be a wonderful place to visit but I also think it should be a great place to live even for our most vulnerable. With that said Augusta has so many great programs to keep people from homelessness such has offering subsidized apartments, help with utilities and low-cost care for dental and medical clinics but there is a deficit when it comes to helping those who are homeless in our city. What is truly needed is a shelter or traditional housing which could offer mental health services, substance abuse counseling along with a hot meal and a bed. At very minimum we need warming centers that people can go to no questions asked for shelter from the cold. What happened to Mr. Willie Walker cannot happen again. I’m here today to urge our elected officials yourself and Mr. I’m sorry Mayor Hardie Davis to take serious steps to address the issue of homelessness in our city. I believe the first step would be to organize a task force or committee to assess the needs of our community along with providing ways to use resources effectively. This committee should not only include elected officials but community leaders who’ve had boots on the ground for years. Commissioners, Mayor, it is projected to get below freezing tonight at 31º. I’m urging each of you to take immediate action as the situation is dire and I know if we pull together we can end chronic homelessness in our city. I greatly appreciate your time and I will answer any questions you have to the best of my ability. Mr. Mayor: All right, thank you, Ms. Ringgold, for your presentation, all right thank you very much. Okay, Madam Clerk --- The Clerk: Yes, sir. Mr. Mayor: --- our next item. The Clerk: DELEGATIONS F. Kiara Bouyea Homelessness issues in the City of Augusta. Mr. Mayor: Okay Ms. Bouyea, if you would state for the record your name and your address and you have five minutes. 15 Ms. Bouyea: Yeah, it’s Mrs. Kiara Bouyea. My address is 442 Bristol Road, Martinez, Georgia. Good afternoon. I hope you all are going well. I’m Kiara Bouyea. One of my passions as a concerned citizen and worker downtown in the city is routed in the irrefutable fact that there is empty housing and at least 280 unhoused people. The questions I present to Richmond County Commissioners and Mayor Hardie Davis are as follows: how does both available housing in our city and a member of our community dying of exposure on the street exist simultaneously? How can we have any pride as a community when all the members in it do not have access to clean water, food, basic shelter and safety especially during a (inaudible)? Is everyone okay with the fact that we know that our neighbors are dying in the streets and one last question and I’ll close with a statement is how do you plan to allocate funds properly and appropriately to enact an long- term change where everyone is taken care of? I am from Atlanta ,I’m from Georgia, I’m from here and Augusta feels like a place I can put my roots in and it feels like home and so for me y’all means home when I say y’all you all I mean everyone in the community and I think that’s what everyone thinks of when they hear y’all. So I think we all need to start saving the lives of the members of our community because we don’t want to see each other die from negligence, we don’t want to see anything happen, we don’t want to see our neighbors dying too. Thank you. Mr. Mayor: Thank you, Ms. Bouyea --- Ms. Bouyea: It’s Mrs. Bouyea but thank you. Mr. Mayor: --- our apologies. All right, Madam Clerk --- The Clerk: Item Number 8? Mr. Mayor: --- yes, ma’am. The Clerk: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES 8. Receive an update from the homelessness initiative “Finding a Way HOME”. (Requested by Mayor Hardie Davis, Jr. deferred from the Commission’s January 19, 2021) Mr. Mayor: Thank you, Madam Clerk. All right, I think we’ve got joining us today is Chief Deputy Pat Clayton from the Sheriff’s Office to give us an update on the Finding a Way HOME. That’s what we want to do first and foremost to receive a general update on this initiative and I think Deputy Clayton has joined us. Deputy Clayton, we’ve heard from, you’re currently muted, Deputy Clayton, you’re muted right now if you’ll unmute your device. We’ve heard from two presenters on the Delegation side who shared with us their concerns about the issue of homelessness in Augusta and now we want to hear from you, Chief Clayton. Mr. Hasan: You’re muted, Chief, you might tell him he’s muted. Mr. Mayor: I did already --- 16 Deputy Chief Clayton: Okay, I’m sorry. One of the first things I want to talk about was the fact that we don’t go into areas and just take the homeless their items and throw them away. What we do is we go into areas for example all the bridges, I’m still muted? Mr. Mayor: We hear you loud and clear, sir. Deputy Chief Clayton: Okay, we go into those areas and what we do is first we put the th people on notice. For example under the bridges at 15 and the different bridges we have DOT that has directed us to make sure we get all the after they had the overpass burned down on I-85 they directed that we go in and remove all the homeless encampments so they wouldn’t do it in this area and so they have since started migrating back to those bridges but right now because of the cold and because of COVID we hadn’t really been enforcing that. So we don’t just go in and willy nilly just go ahead and take people’s homeless equipment and supplies and their belongings and throw them away. We don’t do that. That’s the first thing. The second one is it’s on the what we’re doing as far as with the homeless is we have an initiative we have all the social services agencies we work together. We have Marion Barnes Center, Salvation Army, Veterans Administration, Goodwill, Serenity, Downtown Development Authority, United Way and some of the other mental health agencies and what we do is we all work together trying to make sure that we get these people, the homeless people, some services. Some of the problems that we’re running into is that if you’re a homeless person in Augusta you’re going to be able to get your basic needs met except for housing. You’re going to be able to get food, you’re going to be able to get clothing, you’re going to be able to get all these other things that you need on a day to day basis. And unfortunately, what we find out is there’s two things. One, is for a lot of the homeless 85% they’re drug or alcohol dependent or have mental health illness and sometimes they have all three of them and so what they do is they’ll use the services we provide for their day to day needs but then they’ll panhandle trying to get money for drugs and alcohol. And we have a problem with a lot of the citizens want to give them money, they’re thinking for food and their basic needs and they’re being used for drugs and these people are just forever trapped into the cycle of homelessness because we have ways to get them out of homelessness but they have to avail themselves to the opportunities. And one of the big things the Sheriff talks about and we all know is it may take 15 to 20 times of us meeting with the people offering them the services before they’ll take them so these are the kinds of things that we’re doing to try to address the homeless issue. th Mr. Mayor: Thank you for that, Chief Clayton, Commissioner from the 6. Mr. Hasan: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor, based on the information that we heard from all three parties and knowing that one of the things that’s most important I think two of the three parties did say I think Ms. Ringgold as well as Chief Clayton, I think you made mention also that the other external providers and services that a person needs so we need to find a way to tackle the housing aspect of it. From a governmental perspective and this body’s perspective I’d like to make a motion or make a recommendation that Commissioner Johnson, Jordan Johnson and Commissioner Dennis Williams be part of a Task Force to pursue that and try to see how we can fit in and potentially deal with the housing aspect of this because a lot of the other social services seem to be in place so the housing that Deputy Clayton mentioned the housing aspect of it is a critical component that’s missing. So once again my motion is to have Commissioner Jordan 17 Johnson and Commissioner Dennis Williams cochair and be a part of these task forces so that they we can deal with the housing aspect of it. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Second. th Mr. Mayor: Commissioner from the 10. Mr. Clarke: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I’d like to ask Chief Clayton a couple of questions if I may. Chief Clayton --- Chief Clayton: Yes, sir. Mr. Clarke: --- when it is obvious that someone is suffering from mental illness what steps do we take to get these people help and if people clearly need medication, what steps are taken to make sure that the people get their medications? Chief Clayton: Well, as far as the mental illness aspect of it the only time we can intervene on mental health, people with mental health illnesses is where they’re either a threat to themselves or they are a threat to somebody else. And so in most cases we may know they have mental illness but we can’t make them go. But we do have liaison we do have members of our initiative and we do go out to different campsites and we have Serenity and DHSS that go out with us, the mental health agencies and try to assess people and try to get them to avail themselves of the services. I will tell you that you know one of the big problems is it’s hard to get people with mental illness and the drug and alcohol dependency to avail themselves of the service and so that’s another issue we’re dealing with. For example, in this country there’s no reason for like a veteran to be out on the streets. Here in town we have a local facility I can get them into a facility here up off of Wrightsboro Road apartment complex they can get into housing but they also they have to agree not to use drugs and alcohol and to be in a program to be in some kind of drug rehab or alcohol rehab program so those are some of the issues we have to deal with. Mr. Clarke: Okay, may I ask one more question please? Chief Clayton, we all know that when we’re downtown anywhere else and people ask us for money and you know they look downtrodden and everybody wants to feel good about what they’re doing to help someone else I know I fought for that as well. But you’re making a statement and I certainly agree with you that the people are availing themselves of the services day to day but they’re panhandling on the street to make money to buy their drugs and alcohol and other things. So this is going to be a hard thing to say because a lot of people are going to take issue with it but would you not agree that when people give these people money to feel good about themselves about helping someone that they’re not helping this person they’re actually enabling this person to remain homeless and in the street? Chief Clayton: Yes, I would tell you absolutely I agree with that. We the other day one of our deputies one of the panhandlers he wound up searching him. He was panhandling, he had $469.00 on him. And the other issue we have is some of the panhandlers that you see like downtown especially over off of the interstate and Wrightsboro Road these are professional panhandlers. When they leave there, they go back their house and they make a very good amount of money doing that. Like I said when we do that when we give these people cash money what 18 they’re doing is they’re converting that the money that’s being used for their drugs or alcohol because they’ve learned the system they know that they can get their basic needs met elsewhere with the social service agencies. And another thing I’ll tell you that I really want everybody to think about my Lieutenant out in Zone 1 which is the downtown area is actually reporting to me that we have people that are hoboing on the trains come here to Augusta because they look at it as a good area to go if they’re homeless and that’s something that we definitely want to avoid. And we’re doing our best to deal with the panhandlers downtown but the public has got to help us with this because they are, they’re trapping they’re doing this and like you said, Commissioner Clarke, they’re helping and they want to help and they’re doing it from a good heart but it’s really trapping these people into this cycle of homelessness. Mr. Clarke: Thank you, Chief, for your hard honest answers. We appreciate it, thank you. st Mr. Mayor: Commissioner from the 1. Mr. Johnson: Thank you, Mr. Mayor and before I proceed with my comments, I want to thank the two young ladies who spoke before the Commission today to give their concerns about homelessness and the homeless issue that we face in Augusta. You know the issue changes when you have people who care and I appreciate y’all for that. I’ll say this I have a couple of questions for the Chief, you know my Uncle Charles was homeless not only was he homeless, but he had mental illness and he had physical illness. He lived on the streets in Atlanta, and you know he died, he died on the streets in Atlanta. So I understand the issues that we’re dealing with. I’m not talking about folks who are panhandling, I’m not talking about folks who are asking for money for alcohol, asking for money for drugs. I’m talking about people are actually down on their luck having nowhere to go. The folks who are living on their cousin’s couches because they have nowhere to go. So I’m going to ask two questions well maybe three questions to the Chief. Chief, how long has this initiative been in place? Chief Clayton: Probably for about the last year and a half to two years. Mr. Johnson: Year and a half to two years, okay. How often does your group meet? Chief Clayton: Well, usually we meet at least like every other month but during COVID I think we’ve met one time. Mr. Johnson: Okay and how many folks have Found a Way HOME since this initiative’s been put in place? Chief Clayton: We’ve had a couple of people that have availed themselves to the services and as far as I know were able to get out of homelessness. Mr. Johnson: So you know I hear what you’re saying and I appreciate you coming before the Commission to speak on this issue today. What I hope that this body will do would be to look at this issue from a place to empathize with people who are, who otherwise wouldn’t have anyone to feel their pain so to speak. We have a real issue in this city with homelessness is concerned. nd The majority of that issue is in my district, and I can also speak for the 2 it’s in the 2nd as well. 19 Actually it’s across the entire county so we have to be able to put ourselves in a position to view this issue as an issue between right and wrong it is wrong for someone to die on the street because they have nowhere else to go. It is wrong for somebody to have to sleep in their cars for you know because they have no access to heat in their home. This is what it’s like to be homeless. I just I think that we don’t want to create a negative narrative around what so many people in this county are dealing with. And I support what Commissioner Hasan is proposing a Task Force that is led by members of this body to identify what the needs are for the homeless and to come back with recommendations about how this body can solve those issues. So like again I support that initiative that Mr. Hasan proposed but let’s not take this conversation and give you know generalized comments or ideas about what the homeless in this city are dealing with. I taught at Boys and Girls Club for 10 years and the majority of my kids can fall under this category have been homeless living with aunties, living with uncles, living in hotel rooms but we just all happened a couple of days ago. So we have an issue at hand that we need to address and with that, Mr. Mayor, I end my comment. Thank you. Mr. Mayor: Thank you very much. All right, Madam Clerk, I’ve got a motion and a second, voting. The Clerk: Mr. Clarke. Mr. Clarke: Yes. The Clerk: Mr. Frantom. Mr. Frantom: Yes, ma’am. The Clerk: Mr. Garrett. Mr. Garrett: Yes. The Clerk: Mr. Hasan. Mr. Hasan: Yes, ma’am. The Clerk: Mr. Johnson. Mr. Johnson: Yes, ma’am. The Clerk: Ms. McKnight. Ms. McKnight: Yes, ma’am. The Clerk: Ms. Scott. Ms. Scott: Yes, ma’am. 20 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. Motion Passes 10-0. Chief Clayton: Mayor Davis, can I add one thing? Mr. Mayor: Yeah, I’m going to give you a minute to do that. Chief Clayton, let me also thank you and to those two presenters, Ms. Ringgold and Ms. K.B., thank you so much. Chief Clayton. Chief Clayton: One of the things I wanted to and this is from the Sheriff he is concerned right now because we’re going through a bitter cold period and right now Salvation Army is like at 50% capacity because of COVID. And one of the things the Sheriff mentioned that we as a city may want to consider opening up a opening up a shelter for them just for the especially for the bitter cold. st, Mr. Mayor: Absolutely and I think that the Commissioner from the 1 Commissioner from nd the 2 will immediately lead the charge on identifying a location that we can use as a city warming shelter at distinct locations. Thank you so much. Chief Clayton: Thank you. Mr. Mayor: All right, Madam Clerk, we’ll go back to Delegation D. The Clerk: DELEGATIONS D. Attorney Adam King, Chairman of the Committee to Preserve the Augusta Judicial Circuit relative to the proposed circuit split and why we think it is a bad idea. Mr. Mayor: Thank you, Madam Clerk. All right, Attorney King, thank you for coming. If you would state for the record your name and address and you have five minutes. Mr. King: Yes, Mr. Mayor, my name is Adam King. My address is 2539 Ravena Lane in Evans, Georgia. First allow me to say good afternoon to Mr. Mayor and members of the Commission. As I mentioned my name is Adam King. I am a lawyer in the Augusta Judicial 21 Circuit. Thank you for allowing me to appear before you today to talk about the proposed split of the circuit. To put it simply the proposed circuit split is an expensive and divisive solution for a problem that does not exist. The Augusta Judicial Circuit is successful. It has been successful; it has been in existence since 1870. During that time many cases have been tried in this jurisdiction, justice has been done and a bond has been formed between the three counties Richmond, Columbia, and Burke. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic this circuit has been successful. I’m pleased to report and it’s my understanding that the circuit has closed more cases than it has opened during these unprecedented times which speaks to the quality and efficiency of the judiciary and the local bar and the court personnel as well. This circuit is wonderful in its diversity. That’s something I’ve said many times as I’ve spoken on this issue over the last several weeks and I don’t just mean diversity in the racial sense although certainly that’s true but the circuit is diverse in the geographic sense as well, Burke County mostly rural, Richmond County mostly urban and Columbia County has some aspects of both. There are people from all walks and stations of life represented in the three counties and to split the circuit in my humble opinion would destroy one of its best assets, the diversity of its citizens. One substantial benefit of the circuit remaining intact is that we can share resources among the counties. For example, in criminal cases if an accused person has cases pending in Richmond and Columbia County it is common to resolve all the cases in one of those counties. Similarly in the civil context I was involved in a complex civil case several years ago involving a fire at a retirement home in Columbia County and as time came for trial as trial approached, we found ourselves in need of courtroom space for motions and hearings. Columbia County was not able to accommodate us at that time. Richmond County was even thought it was a Columbia County case. I’m pleased to report that not only did we have the hearings and motions we actually resolved the case by settlement in the Richmond County Courthouse instead of in Columbia County. The working relationship between these three counties is good. They can share resources the way that it is. If we split the circuit that will likely be impossible. Financial considerations should also prevent the circuit split. Columbia County says it will save $1 million dollars; a competing study that’s been done shows the exact opposite of that. It shows that Richmond County would lose $1.1 million dollars, Columbia County would lose $1.6 million dollars and Burke County would lose over $400,000 dollars. I don’t say that to say that those I don’t say that to take a side to which numbers are correct only that this is an issue that deserves, requires and needs further study. It should cause all the parties to slow down and give the issue careful consideration. Another problem with the circuit split is the disenfranchisement of the voters who elected the judges who will not be allowed to serve them. The seven current Superior Court Judges were elected by the people in all three counties. To split the circuit would deprive the Richmond County judges the opportunity to serve Columbia County and would deprive the Columbia County judges the opportunity to serve Richmond County. As I mentioned this amounts to disenfranchisement of voters. In conclusion I would ask this Commission to issue not to issue a resolution opposing or condemning the circuit split. Recently a resolution was issued by another county commission and asked the state to study the issue further to come to a more informed conclusion about proprieting the cost of a circuit split and that’s all I’m asking this Commission to do, to revisit the issue, to issue a resolution that says that we should study the issue more and come to a more informed conclusion. There’s no rush here. In fact there’s no problem at all to solve. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Thank you, members of the Commission. 22 Mr. Mayor: Thank you, Attorney King. All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner th, from the 4 state your inquiry. Mr. Sias: Thank you, sir. Attorney King, in a realistic sense what do you consider the real value of your presentation today considering the fact that I’m curious that folks in Columbia County have heard your presentation or your thoughts but what do you consider the realistic value of this today? Mr. King: I’m a hopeful person by nature and I’m hopeful that the Commission would consider what I’ve said and issue the resolutions that I’ve proposed. I do think that it’s timely, I do think it’s valuable. I know this has gone quite a long way in the state legislature. I’m hopeful that we can slow it down because as I’ve mentioned several times before this is an issue near and dear to my heart. I’m from Burke County, worked a lot in Richmond County, live in Columbia County and so I’m hopeful this is something the Commission will consider. Mr. Sias: Thank you. I just wanted you know are you aware that the Georgia Senate has already approved it and there’s not much in that train that’s already rolling down the track. So I appreciate your thoughts and appreciate your presentation, thank you. Mr. King: Thank you, Commissioner. th Mr. Mayor: Thank you. The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 8. Mr. Garrett: I just want to take the opportunity to talk about one of Burke County’s finest graduates. Adam’s a great guy I just, it’s good seeing you and I appreciate you coming and speaking before us and telling us a little bit about things that we should be looking at as far as the judicial split. You know I understand your opposition to it and you know I’m glad to see that Burke and Richmond counties have been working together. And also further request that Burke County did ask for a further study. I think that will be very beneficial in the future as well. So, Adam, I appreciate you coming and thanks for all you do. Mr. King: Thank you, Mr. Commissioner. Mr. Mayor: All right, thank you. All right, Madam Clerk, next item. Thank you for your presentation. Mr. King: Thank you. The Clerk: At this time we will, under our Public Services portion of the agenda Carla from, our Director from Planning and Development here in the public space Carla Delaney, Ms. Carla? Ms. Jackson: Good afternoon, I’m Kathy Jackson and I’m here on behalf of Planning and Development. We have alcohol number, I’m, hello to the Commission and Mayor again I’m Kathy Jackson on behalf of Planning and Development. 23 PUBLIC SERVICES 4. Motion to approve Existing Location: A.N. 21-03: request: request by Krista Wight for a Sunday Sales License to be used in connection with Tacocat/Pho-Ramen’L located at 990 Broad Street. District 1. Super District 9. Ms. Jackson: This application has been approved by the Sheriff’s Department and Planning and Development. There were no objections to the application. Ms. Krista Wight is not here today but her husband is here on her behalf. Mr. Wight: I’m Sean Wight, my address is 342 Langford Road Edgefield, SC. Mr. Mayor: All right, thank you. Mr. D. Williams: Move for approval. Mr. Mayor: Hold on, we want to take this one and Number 5, thank you so much. Commissioner, just hold on. Thank you so much, Sean. All right, Ms. Jackson, next item. PUBLIC SERVICES 5. Motion to approve New Location: A.N. 21-04: request by Alfonzo Daggett for an on premise consumption Liquor & Beer License to be used in connection with Gravity Restaurant & Lounge located at 3036 Deans Bridge Rd. District 6. Super District 10. Ms. Jackson: This application has been approved by Planning and Development and the Sheriff’s Department. There were no objections to the application: Mr. Daggett: Hello, everybody. My name is Alfonzo Daggett. I’m at 3722 Kurts Drive, Hephzibah, Georgia 30085. nd Mr. Mayor: Commissioner from the 2. Mr. D. Williams: Move for approval of both items. Mr. Garrett: Second. Mr. Mayor: Voting. The Clerk: Mr. Clarke. Mr. Clarke: Yes. The Clerk: Mr. Frantom. Mr. Frantom: Yes, ma’am. The Clerk: Mr. Garrett. 24 Mr. Garrett: Yes, ma’am. The Clerk: Mr. Hasan. Mr. Hasan: Yes, ma’am. The Clerk: Mr. Johnson. Mr. Johnson: Yes, ma’am. The Clerk: Ms. McKnight. Ms. McKnight: Yes, ma’am. The Clerk: Ms. Scott. Ms. Scott: 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. Motion Passes 10-0. The Clerk: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES 10. Motion to approve the purchase of 10 vehicles for the Sheriff’s Office at a total of $293,418.00; $146,320 to Thomson Motor Centre (Bid 20-242 and $147,098.00 to Allan Vigil Ford (Bid 20-265 and 19-275) Mr. Mayor: Thank you, Madam Clerk. With regards to this item, I know we’ve had a series of vehicles that have been brought before the Commission for purchase. The question that is before us for Finance, Administrator and Finance Chair is what budget are these funds coming from for the purchase of vehicles? Mr. Donald: I believe Ms. Donna Williams is here to provide insight on that so I’ll defer to Director Williams related to that issue. 25 Mr. Mayor: I believe she’s coming in now, Director Williams. Ms. Williams: Yes, sir. Mr. Mayor: Director Williams, what budget are these funds coming from for the purchase of vehicles? Ms. Williams: These funds for the Sheriff’s Department are from their SPLOST allotment. Mr. Mayor: Is that a current SPLOST allotment or a previous SPLOST allotment? Ms. Williams: The current phase that we’re in Phase 7, sir. Mr. Mayor: Okay, okay thank you. Mr. Hasan: Motion to approve. Mr. B. Williams: Second. Mr. Mayor: All right, voting. The Clerk: Mr. Clarke. Mr. Clarke: Yes. The Clerk: Mr. Frantom. Mr. Frantom: Yes, ma’am. The Clerk: Mr. Garrett. Mr. Garrett: Yes, ma’am. The Clerk: Mr. Hasan. Mr. Hasan: Yes, ma’am. The Clerk: Mr. Johnson. Mr. Johnson: Yes, ma’am. The Clerk: Ms. McKnight. Ms. McKnight: Yes, ma’am. 26 The Clerk: Ms. Scott. Ms. Scott: 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. Motion Passes 10-0. Mr. Mayor: Next item. The Clerk: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES 13. Discuss Code 304.5 premises identification enforcement. (Requested by Commissioner John Clarke. th Mr. Mayor: Commissioner from the 10. Mr. Clarke: Thank you, Mayor. I put this on the agenda purely from a safety aspect of the citizens of the City of Augusta as well as the first responders. Code 304.3 Premise Identification for the City of Augusta I’ll paraphrase and make it quick. It says each building or structure has to have plainly legible and visible from the street, the road fronting the property a physical address so that it can be seen. Now I’m well aware that GPS you know it tells you approximately where your location’s at but how many times have you used GPS and you go up to an area and it says your destination on the right and you look to your right and there might be a half a dozen buildings there but no address so you really don’t know which building it is. So if you have plainly visible addresses as the Code Enforcement should make you have first responders will be able to reach the dwelling quickly. They will not get the wrong address by mistake such as let’s put it to you know right out there the Sheriff’s Department when they go to execute a warrant sometimes they do get the wrong address and it ends up not so pretty for the citizens or the Sheriff’s Department so this is a matter of self-protection as well. So I would like to make a motion to have Code Enforcement advertise and put out that we’re giving the citizens 90 days with which to comply with the Code 304.3 premise identification or they will be subject to a fine to be determined, so that’s my motion. nd Mr. Mayor: Commissioner from the 2. 27 Mr. D. Williams: Yes, Commissioner Clarke --- Mr. Clarke: Yes --- Mr. D. Williams: --- have you made any contact with Code Enforcement to look at the last time they did something of this nature or are there any particular issues that’s preventing or would prevent this from coming about? Mr. Clarke: --- well, there’s nothing that would prevent from coming about except for the fact that you advertise out and one way that we could reach the citizens primarily is of course Public Service announcement and mail out a notice in the utility bills that this would be done. Code Enforcement said the reason why they don’t go around and cite is that you know here again they don’t have manpower but when they go out on a, to inspect something they will make note of it and take action on it if it don’t have an address. Mr. Hasan: Mr. Mayor? th Mr. Mayor: Commissioner from the 8. Mr. Garrett: Thank you, Mayor. I’ve got a question for Commissioner Clarke if you don’t mind. Mr. Mayor: Sure. Mr. Garrett: Commissioner Clarke, I’m trying to understand the I guess the reasoning behind this. Are you just talking about homes and businesses not having visible addresses on them where first responders aren’t able to find them or just trying to --- Mr. Clarke: Yes. Mr. Garrett: --- okay. Is this something that has been a problem? I mean I haven’t received any calls about from the first responders asking about help in regards to getting buildings better I guess easier access or easier visibility as far as addressing, I’m just trying to understand this a little bit. Mr. Clarke: Okay wouldn’t you rather avoid a problem beforehand than have to deal with a problem afterwards? Mr. Garrett: Oh absolutely, absolutely. Mr. Clarke: And this is all I’m trying to do. Mr. Garrett: All right, thank you, Mayor. Mr. Mayor: Administrator Donald. 28 Mr. Donald: Yes, I just wanted to kind of chime in here. I think definitely quite honorable and thoughtful the recommendation or the observation by Commissioner Clarke. I know that he’s had an opportunity to have a really quality conversation with Director Sherman just to shed a light on this issue. You know the department actually looks at these things on all new construction and it enforces that, and Code Enforcement is more of a complaint base response to the lack of addresses. But I do believe what we can do to be proactive is to include some type of notice within the utility bills and things of that nature notifying folks of the requirement. Another thing that we can do is also implement some public service activity in partnership with local radio, our own social media and others to really educate people on the requirement. I think that type of proactive education and enforcement might have a quality result with our citizens without necessarily penalizing folks you know right off of the bat. So I don’t know if it requires a motion or anything of that nature but I think from a staff perspective one, we welcome that type of observations from our commissioners and kudos to Commissioner Clarke for bringing that to our attention. And I think my recommendation unless there was a second for that motion would be that staff update our education activities and include something within the utility bills which everyone is going to receive or at least most people will receive and then expand some of our PSA’s to make sure we leverage social media and other things to educate the general public. Mr. Clarke: Administrator Donald, if you will see that that is taken care of that will suffice with me perfectly. Mr. Donald: Yes, sir. Mr. Clarke: Thank you. th Mr. Mayor: Thank you, Commissioner from the 4. Mr. Sias: This is to my colleague when looking at this over when we received our book and coming out of the code book we have different chapters with the same basically almost the same numbers if you could include in the future things like that could you include a little bit more background information in your submittal to the Clerk so we would’ve had a good opportunity to see exactly what you were talking about. Mr. Clarke: Yes, I will. Mr. Sias: Thank you. Mr. Mayor: All right, Madam Clerk, I do not remember that motion getting a proper second so it’s failed. All right next item, next item, Madam Clerk? The Clerk: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES 14. Discuss a date to return to chamber as a group to conduct city business as commissioners and staff. (Requested by Commissioners Catherine S. McKnight/John Clarke) 29 Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk, if you would read for the record 27 I want to take these as companion items. They are related. The Clerk: ADMINISTRATOR 27. Update from the Administrator Donald on the COVID-19 Augusta Forward Plan presented on January 19, 2021. Request approval for the Telework Policy. rdth Mr. Mayor: We’ll hear from the Commissioner from the 3 and the 10 and then the Administrator, in that order. Ms. McKnight: Mayor Davis --- Mr. Mayor: Yes, ma’am. Ms. McKnight: --- we’re discussing Number 14, correct? Mr. Mayor: --- that’s correct, you have the floor. Ms. McKnight: Okay, I was just wanting to bring this to everyone’s attention along with Commissioner Clarke. I just wanted to point out that I know we’ve got people we’ve got COVID going on and I’m very aware of what’s going on around Augusta however we’ve got people working in the commission well on the second floor and people throughout the Municipal Building and I was hoping to be able to talk about getting back into the Chambers to conduct the city’s business, people’s business, and get back to work here with everyone as soon as we all can. I think that it would be better for us all. Hoping to get an answer and see all our colleagues in person. I know we’ve got the chamber with the plexiglass up and I just was wondering it’s up and why not utilize it and get back in person and start holding our meetings. Everybody else is here working in this building and I feel like it’s important that we all get back to as well, thank you. th Mr. Mayor: All right, thank you, Commissioner from the 10. rd Mr. Clarke: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I cosponsored this with Commissioner from the 3 purely from the aspect of you know when is enough, enough and when do we move forward. Now while I’m certainly concerned with everyone’s health and their safety even to the point that as you well know you were there when I took the COVID-19 shot. I wear my mask, I sanitize my hands and I try to maintain as much social distance as I can. But I look around the country, Mayor, and I see other municipalities that do have their city meetings and council and commission meetings in chambers. I look at the United States Senate and Congress, they’re in chambers. I look at the state senate and congress of Georgia and South Carolina, they’re in chambers and they manage to do it. We’re not talking about you know in each other’s face and we’re allowing citizens to come into our chambers now to address the Commission. That to me is you know kind of unparallelled. But I think with the safety precautions that we have taken that we can certainly move forward in the very near future to go back into chambers with the plexiglass, with temperature checks upon 30 entering the chambers, social distancing in the chambers. I really don’t see why we are continuing to be evasive about it. I think that we should return to chambers as soon as possible. rdth, Mr. Mayor: Commissioner from the 3 and from the 10 I appreciate you bringing this matter. I’m going to hear from the Administrator, but I do want to pose a question to the both of you because I’m sure you’ve had a chance to do some level of research. Two questions that I pose to both of you, one what is it going to take from a cost standpoint for us to put Thermal Scan temperature monitors downstairs because that’s important and then number two what is going to take for us as a city to do COVID testing at a minimum twice a week if we’re coming back into the chamber. So I pose those two questions and I’ll leave it there. Mr. Clarke: Okay I’ll go first on this, as far as thermal testing with the temperatures you know we have a wellness center on campus and I’m quite sure that they’re capable of performing that duty for us. As far as COVID testing twice a week you know who says we have to do that twice a week. It’s a, you know we’re putting numbers on things that we don’t know. Now we’re going to be presented, Mr. Mayor, with some numbers from the Administrator and I respect the Administrator as well as yourself that you do number comparisons and the tallies and everything but here’s a situation that we run into as far as information with numbers. You can listen to every TV station news broadcast and one station will have numbers abound, you change the channel and the next broadcast numbers are up. You read publications, numbers are down, turn the page numbers are up so who has the actual factual numbers on this we don’t know. So are we just trying to be overly cautious, overly politically correct or should we just kind of try to find an avenue to move forward? Mr. Mayor: All right, I’m going to go to Administrator Donald for his presentation, Administrator Donald. Mr. Donald: Yes, sir, thank you, Mayor, and thank you Commissioners and the commission as a whole I know this has been a topic that has had much discussion. But I think first we’ll start off that as staff we always bend to the will of the Commission because we represent you know the 200,000 residents and countless businesses that support Augusta. And so in referencing the Augusta Forward Draft Plan and I want to make sure I stress draft because we have not officially released it yet. It’s a work product where there are a variety of considerations in the data that we provided with just a sneak peek so you can kind of get an update because again to date and I don’t know but prior to me coming I don’t think you received consistent data and information to Commissioner Clarke’s point. But I think Number 3 within that report which of course is being updated with the data I shared with you earlier today we only utilize the Augusta specific numbers that we have access to that are fact based coming directly from the Department of Health as well as our real time numbers related to staff impact. And so very quickly I would just highlight a couple of things that I would suggest you consider related to the return to Chambers. I think Number 1 when we look at a return to Chambers the CDC guidelines severely limit the access to the Chamber due to the social distancing guidelines that have been communicated by the CDC. The seating in the Commission Chamber has been reduced from almost 200 seats to approximately 40 seats so that’s one thing. The second thing is that the waiting area and overflow capacity would be reduced from approximately 50 seats to a little more than 20 and so that’s one thing is that the access to the Commission Chamber would be extremely limited if you’re included to do so and 31 with the combination of staff and Commission it would leave likely around 8 to 10 seats for any public folk. I think that’s one thing to know and consider. I think secondly when you look at, there’s one report that came out that I think was really one that I would highlight I usually don’t reference the newspaper but there was a very timely article today in the Augusta Chronicle that gave a pretty good breakdown of the White House report that didn’t just single out Georgia but it singled out Augusta specifically as an area of high concern because our numbers actually almost quadrupled in new cases wherein the United States the trend is that 2% of the positivity rate is decreasing by 2%. We’re actually going in the opposite direction where our numbers are increasing. When you look at the impact on staff though that is where my concern is and why I have requested the ability to have a Telework Policy. And I want to make clear because I think there’s been some confusion in the public it would not change our operating hours, it would not change the service to the public nor it would change their availability of service. What it really does is allow us to have staggered shifts, allow certain people to Telework at certain times so that we stop the spread within our government. I think over time what you will see from those numbers that I provided you when looking at the increase in cases in Richmond County in November you had 1,355 cases, in December that number went up to 3,249 and in January it was over 4,000 so the increase is fairly dramatic. But even amongst our staff that number has increased by about 20% which is a little bit concerning when we start talking about you know we can’t control the behavior of the public and so giving the public even greater access to not only staff but our elected officials could really impact the ability of our leaders to work day to day. And without us having control of the vaccine it’s just a little bit concerning because now the only way people can protect themselves is extremely limited. And so while again we always bend to the will of the Commission and if the Commission was to direct us to alter and change the way we operate you know we would definitely comply but I did want to share those concerns because the numbers which say are the numbers that we control and are certain and they are fact based would kind of elude to not actually moving back into the Commission Chambers at this time. th Mr. Mayor: All right, I’m going to go to the Commissioner from the 8 then the th Commissioner from the 4. Mr. Garrett: Thank you, Mayor. I have just a couple of questions for conversation purposes hopefully the Administrator can help out with some of these and you know anybody else that wants to chime in as well. You know I definitely think we are much more productive in person though even in just normal business practices it’s always better to be in person to be able to you know have these conversations that we’re having. But you know I as well as others on the Commission are concerned. I mean I have a wife that’s going to be giving birth in about 7 weeks or so to a new baby so I’m definitely very cautious when it comes to exposure and where we go but I do want to try to get a plan put in place of getting back to where we’re able to meet in person. And so I guess you know you threw out a bunch of numbers, Administrator, and what is like the safe number or the target number that we’re looking for before we even should consider being back in person? Mr. Donald: And that is a great question, Commissioner, and that’s actually what we’re working on through that when we present a final version of that Augusta Forward Plan it would include that. The normal timeframe that is being recommended is two consecutive weeks of decreased positive cases and so we haven’t yet hit that,. I don’t know if Augusta’s had two consecutive weeks, definitely not since I’ve been here. So that’s usually the threshold but we are 32 working with Public Health and others and our working group is developing that recommendation, so we plan to bring that before you before the end of the month, but I think the interim guideline is two consecutive weeks of a decrease in positive cases. Mr. Garrett: And you know you mentioned earlier about you know the exposure to the public you know trying to prevent the amount of people that are coming in the building. Is the public being limited when they’re coming into the Municipal Building now to conduct business? Mr. Donald: So they’re not and I think in lieu of limiting the public I think we limit access and so that’s why we’re asking for the Telework because we can already can kind of do staggered shifts. So an example would be if you had twenty people that worked in a call center and they were all in the same place but the had the ability to telework you would likely have all twenty of those people working but you might have seven within the center and then the rest of those folks working from home and then you switch it the next day. But it would just give us that type of flexibility so that if somebody came in and those seven were exposed you didn’t remove everyone out --- Mr. Garrett: Right --- Mr. Donald: --- and so that’s what we’re looking at. Mr. Garrett: --- lots of businesses are doing that now you know and I think it’s working to a certain extent. I guess my question about the public was just you know in regards to limiting the public. You know I know that if we do meet back in Chambers the public has to be involved to a certain extent but you know I think something as part of this Augusta Forward proposal that you’re making you know if the public is going to you know those in the public that are going to come to the Chambers to either observe or participate in our meetings you know, say for instance my church if we have the nursery open or whatever but just not everybody’s able to take every baby into the nursery on Sundays. They have to actually register ahead of time that way because there’s a limited amount of space that you know our church leaders have felt was safe inside the nursery. So you know if the public’s going to come we set a number of you know this is the only this amount of people we’re allow in Chambers and let them register. Or I mean you know the Mayor was talking about adding thermal scanners just because ten more people were coming in the building I’m really hoping that we’re already considering adding some sort of temperature scanner. You know you go to the doctor’s office, they meet you at the door, they take your temperature. You know it’s not that big of an expense. We don’t have to set up a grandiose contraption. Thermometers are readily available at pharmacies and other medical supply places. So you know I just think there’s other things we need to consider as we’re making plans you know in the next few months about getting back to meeting in person and really doing a much better job conducting business for the people. Mr. Donald: Sir, you’re exactly right. I mean I would think that you would, one, I think you must’ve read the draft plan and two, I’d imagine you sitting in on some of these meetings your directors have actually made some of those suggestions and the piece that is missing is how we implement that and that’s what they’re working on now so you’re spot on. And I think those 33 considerations not only align but any that don’t we’ll make sure to include those in the consideration so definitely thank you for that input and guidance. Mr. Garrett: Thank you, Administrator. Thank you, Mayor. th Mr. Mayor: Commissioner from the 4, you’re muted, sir. Mr. Sias: You’re correct, I apologize just for being muted. But the Administrator’s plan what I’ve heard him say most of that stuff is already going on. Wherever you go there are handheld thermal scanners, they’re everywhere. Secondly, people are being restricted from coming into the Commission Chamber anyway. We had the swearing in ceremonies in there and probably might have been over the limit then for the same thing with wearing masks, social distancing, that’s already set up in there. There seems to be, we’ve got staff people that are working in the building and as my colleague mentioned we add ten more people, ten or twelve when you add The Clerk and Attorney and all those the other folks don’t need to come into the Chamber the public unless you have to present something in person. And as far as the public folks coming in about alcohol licenses, they don’t need to make two trips. They can make one to a committee hearing and be done with it. And the next thing the meetings are streamed live on You Tube and whatever else platform that IT have available for folks to view the meeting. So from my perspective we can get back to work so as far as I would support a motion to go back into Chambers, thank you. th Mr. Mayor: All right and I’m going to recognize the Commissioner from the third and 10 one final time. Ms. McKnight: With all due respect, Mr. Mayor and Commissioners, I’d like to make a motion to return to the Chambers the 1st of March 2021. Mr. Clarke: Second. th, Mr. Mayor: All right, got a motion and a second. Commissioner from the 6 state your inquiry. Mr. Hasan: Mr. Mayor, I’d like to ask my colleague Commissioner McKnight to put a caveat in there or make a substitute motion if need be, and that is the Administrator just mentioned at the end of the month he’s going to be bringing back I know you’re looking for a two week downturn or what have you for that last final meeting we evaluate all that information that you st, have and we do that. So we still can tentatively go ahead and say March the 1 no problem with that, but if the information and the data we have dictates to do something else let’s not do it just st because we say March 1 that’s my, it may be a bit much but just a thought process it don’t need added to the motion it’s just a thought process that we look back and look at the data that the Administrator’s bringing at the end of the month and if there’s something if it’s favorable in moving that, even if it’s just steady then we do just that. But if it’s moving in a wrong direction then we vote to reconsider that. That’s just a thought process. Do I need to make a substitute motion to do that (unintelligible) let me make a --- Mr. Mayor: Yeah. 34 st Mr. Hasan: --- Mr. Mayor, I make a substitute, I concur with March 1 however at the end of this month the Administrator brings back the most recent data and we make a decision that if st the data supports March the 1 and if it does not we look at the data (unintelligible) safe for us to return to the Chamber. Mr. Sias: And uh --- Mr. Mayor: Hold on a minute, Commissioner, hold on a minute. The Chair recognizes the th Commissioner from the 7. Mr. Frantom: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I agree, Commissioner Hasan, where you’re going. I just think it gets a little murky with like when is the Administrator going to come to us. So I make a substitute motion that the Administrator bring us back an update in 30 days and we st evaluate where we are because I think if we sit here and agree to the March 1 then you know a week before are we going to say we’re not going back or a few before like just get’s murky in my mind so I would just like the recommendation from the Administrator to come back in 30 days and give us an update to where we are. Mr. Garrett: Second. Mr. Mayor: All right, so we’ve got a substitute motion that we’ve evaluate this in 30 days upon the Administrator reporting back and providing recommendations. All right, that’s the substitute motion, we will address that first. Madam Clerk, we’re voting on the substitute motion. The Clerk: Mr. Clarke. Mr. Clarke: No. The Clerk: Mr. Frantom. Mr. Frantom: Yes, ma’am. The Clerk: Mr. Garrett. Mr. Garrett: Yes. The Clerk: Mr. Hasan. Mr. Hasan: Yes, ma’am. The Clerk: Mr. Johnson. Mr. Johnson: Yes, ma’am. The Clerk: Ms. McKnight. 35 Ms. McKnight: No. The Clerk: Ms. Scott. Ms. Scott: Yes. The Clerk: Mr. Sias. Mr. Sias: No, ma’am. The Clerk: Mr. Bobby Williams. Mr. B. Williams: Yes, ma’am. The Clerk: Mr. Dennis Williams. Mr. D. Williams: Abstain. Mr. Clarke, Ms. McKnight and Mr. Sias vote No. Mr. D. Williams abstains. Motion Passes 6-3-1. Mr. Mayor: Next item, Madam Clerk. The Clerk: APPOINTMENTS 23. Motion to approve the appointment of Stephen King replacing Rick Keuroglian and Von Pouncey to replacing Scylance Scott to the Downtown Development Authority. (Requested by Commissioner John Clarke) th Mr. Mayor: Well, the Commissioner from the 6 had an objection, Commissioner from th the 6. Mr. Hasan: Yes, Mr. Mayor. First I’d like to, I don’t know how you’re going to present these but I’d like for you to separate them. But also this is a Commission appointment you know and you know that doesn’t mean anybody couldn’t put it on but I want to make sure everybody knows that it’s a Commission appointment so as we vote on these we vote on them separately and not as a joint. th Mr. Mayor: All right, Commissioner from the 10. Mr. Clarke: Okay that’s fine, Mr. Mayor, we can separate them. The Clerk: Is it in the form of --- 36 Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk, we’ll take the appointment of Stephen King first. Mr. Clarke: Yes, motion to appoint Stephen King to the Downtown Development Authority. Mr. Garrett: Second. The Clerk: --- I think it would be done in the form of a nomination, am I correct? Mr. Hasan: Yes. The Clerk: Commissioner, I mean Mr. Attorney, Parliamentarian, appointment by the Commission are done in the form of nominations. Mr. Mayor, could we receive Commissioner Clarke’s motion as a nomination? Mr. Mayor: Sure. The Clerk: Okay, are there any other nominations for this seat? Mr. Mayor: Need a motion to close nominations. Mr. Garrett: So moved. The Clerk: This is for the seat appointment of Mr. Stephen King, Mr. Clarke. Mr. Clarke: Yes. The Clerk: Mr. Frantom. Mr. Frantom: Yes, ma’am. The Clerk: Mr. Garrett. Mr. Garrett: Yes. The Clerk: Mr. Hasan. Mr. Hasan: Yes. The Clerk: Mr. Johnson. Mr. Johnson: Yes. The Clerk: Ms. McKnight. 37 Ms. McKnight: Yes, ma’am. The Clerk: Ms. Scott. Ms. Scott: Yes. The Clerk: Mr. Sias. The Clerk: Mr. Bobby Williams. Mr. B. Williams: Yes, ma’am. The Clerk: Are you in, Mr. Sias? Mr. Sias: Yes, ma’am. The Clerk: Are you voting on this one? Mr. Sias: Yes, ma’am. The Clerk: Yes, okay, Mr. Dennis Williams. Mr. D. Williams: Yes. The Clerk: This nomination receives unanimous consent, Mr. Stephen King to the DDA Authority. Motion Passes 10-0. th, Mr. Mayor: All right, Commissioner from the 10 you’re up with the next item. Mr. Clarke: Mr. Mayor, I nominate Von Pouncey to the Downtown Development Authority. The Clerk: Mr. Clarke. Mr. Clarke: Yes. The Clerk: Mr. Frantom. Mr. Frantom: Yes, ma’am. The Clerk: Mr. Garrett, Mr. Garrett, he’s muted. Mr. Garrett: Yes. 38 The Clerk: Mr. Hasan. Mr. Hasan: No, ma’am. The Clerk: Mr. Johnson. Mr. Johnson: No, ma’am. The Clerk: Ms. McKnight. Ms. McKnight: Abstain, oh yes, ma’am, I’m looking at the wrong one, yes, ma’am. The Clerk: Ms. Scott. Ms. Scott: 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. Mr. Hasan, Mr. Johnson, Ms. Scott, Mr. Sias, Mr. B. Williams and Mr. D. Williams vote No. Motion Fails 4-6. th, Mr. Mayor: Commissioner from the 8 state your inquiry. Mr. Garrett: Thank you, Mayor. So since that failed are we open for nominations still for this position? Mr. Mayor: Sure. Mr. Hasan: Mr. Mayor, I’m not sure, Mr. Mayor, can I respond to that? Mr. Mayor: I just did. Mr. Hasan: It don’t have a talent bank, can’t do it. Mr. Garrett: Do you know if the DDA has any other Talent Bank inquiries in place? 39 Mr. Hasan: Well, we’d rather wait on it. Let’s wait on it. Mr. Sias: And I agree. Mr. Garrett: Sounds good, all right, thank you, gentlemen. Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk, next item. The Clerk: ADMINISTRATOR 24. Motion to approve the Law Department review the attached Consolidated Fleet Management Operations, Maintenance and Replacement Policy. Mr. Sias: So moved. Mr. Hasan: Second. The Clerk: That’s Mr. Sias and Mr. Hasan? Mr. Mayor: Yes. The Clerk: Mr. Clarke. Mr. Clarke: Yes. The Clerk: Mr. Frantom, Mr. Frantom? Mr. Mayor: He’s out. The Clerk: He’s out, Mr. Garrett. Mr. Garrett: Before I vote on this, can the Administrator please currently also send us the current policy before we review the review it just so we can see what the difference will be? I mean I want to support this I just want to make sure that we have something to compare it to. Mr. Donald: Yes. Mr. Garrett: Thank you. Mr. Clark: That sounds like Marion Williams. Mr. Garrett: Hey, I resemble that remark. Mr. Mayor: Okay everybody hold, Madam Clerk, continue. 40 The Clerk: Okay, I was waiting if Mr. Garrett he had a question before he voted. How is he voting? Mr. Garrett: Yes. Mr. Donald: And so looking good --- The Clerk: Thank you. Mr. Mayor: Administrator Donald, let’s finish the vote. The Clerk: Mr. Hasan. Mr. Hasan: Yes, ma’am. The Clerk: Mr. Johnson. Mr. Johnson: Yes, ma’am. The Clerk: Ms. McKnight. Ms. McKnight: Yes, ma’am. The Clerk: Ms. Scott. Ms. Scott: 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. Mr. Frantom Out. Motion Passes 9-0. Mr. Mayor: Administrator Donald. 41 Mr. Donald: No, I think you handled it, Mayor, because all we have to do is send them both of the it’s two policies combined and they will be reviewed so we’ll make sure to get it to them, no issue at all. Mr. Garrett: Thank you. Mr. Mayor: I believe that’s all the business before us. The Clerk: Okay, Number 27 I think we theoretically already went over that with Item 14 right, sir? Mr. Mayor: We did with the exception that the Administrator would like concurrence on the Telework Policy --- Mr. Donald: Yup. Mr. Mayor: --- if there is no objection to the Telework Policy, we want to make sure he’s able to move forward with that. The Clerk: Okay, do you want to vote on that? Mr. Mayor: I do. The Clerk: Okay. ADMINISTRATOR 27. Update from Administrator Donald on the COVID-19 Augusta Forward Plan presented on January 19, 2021. Request approval for the Telework Policy. Mr. D. Williams: So moved. Mr. Hasan: Second. Mr. Mayor: Voting. The Clerk: Mr. Dennis Williams and Mr. Hasan for approval okay, Mr. Clarke. Mr. Clarke: No. The Clerk: Mr. Frantom, he’s out, Mr. Garrett. Mr. Garrett: Yes. The Clerk: Mr. Hasan. Mr. Hasan: Yes, ma’am. 42 The Clerk: Mr. Johnson. Mr. Johnson: Yes, ma’am. The Clerk: Ms. McKnight. Ms. McKnight: No, ma’am. The Clerk: Ms. Scott. Ms. Scott: 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. Mr. Clarke and Ms. McKnight vote No. Mr. Frantom Out. Motion Passes 7-2. Mr. Sias: Point of Personal Privilege, Mr. Mayor? Mr. Mayor: Hold on a minute, hold on a minute, Commissioner. Madam Clerk, we were th about to move a little too fast. The Commissioner from the 4 had questions about Items 18 and 19. Mr. B. Williams: Come on now. Good gracious. Mr. Mayor: No, they were not, they were not on the Consent Agenda. Mayor Pro Tem, I think you’re going to do a little bit more, you have to do a little bit more work next week. Mr. Hasan: You ain’t gotta be laughing, Mr. Sias. Mr. Mayor: You were talking about scoring touchdowns I think we’re at the ten-yard line on this one, Madam Clerk, items 18 and 19. 43 Mr. Sias: I have no problem with us taking those as companion items. The Clerk: ENGINEERING SERVICES 18. Motion to approve Engineering Services Contract with Cranston Engineering Group to provide services related to FERC license as well as design services for the Augusta Canal in the amount of $527,494.00. 19. Motion to approve bid award to A&S Engineering, LLC for the professional services to design Waterline Replacements in the Amount of $358,875.00. th Mr. Mayor: Commissioner from the 4. Mr. Sias: Thank you, sir. On Items 18 and 19 my concern is if you compare that to Item 20 there’s a huge difference in the design work that kind of similar but it may not be similar at all. But my view it was kind of similar. These are the same firms that we’ve been using for a minute and my concern is is it a little overpriced. I don’t want to hold that up, I’m going to make a motion to approve it but I do want the Administrator to set up an appointment with me. I want to go in and take a look at that over in the Utilities Department or wherever they’re at would be for these two bids. I looked at all the pictures and all the work that one of the things it’s doing in comparison to the other one. So I have a concern about the legacy companies and the price and I make a motion to approve. Mr. Hasan: Second. Mr. Sias: I want that appointment to get an in-house look. Mr. Mayor: Voting. The Clerk: Mr. Clarke he’s out, Mr. Frantom out, Mr. Garrett. Mr. Garrett: I’m voting yes on this but I also believe we missed Item #3. The Clerk: Okay, Mr. Hasan. Mr. Hasan: Yes, ma’am. The Clerk: Mr. Johnson. Mr. Johnson: Yes, ma’am. The Clerk: Ms. McKnight. Ms. McKnight: Yes, ma’am. 44 The Clerk: Ms. Scott. Ms. Scott: 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. Mr. Clarke and Mr. Frantom out. Motion Passes 8-0. Mr. Mayor: We did not, technically we did not miss Number 3. It was on the Consent Agenda as written and documented. Mr. Garrett: Thank you, Mayor. I guess we all missed that because we were all having a discussion about whether it was added in or not. Ms. McKnight: So it’s already done, approved? Mr. Mayor: Already done. Ms. McKnight: Thank y’all, appreciate it. The Clerk: For the record --- Mr. Sias: (Unintelligible) you ought to know better than that. The Clerk: --- yes, all Commission District appointments are placed on the Consent Agenda if otherwise actions is taken. Ms. McKnight: All right, we just learned something new Brandon, Commissioner Garrett. Mr. B. Williams: Mr. Mayor --- Mr. Mayor: Mayor Pro Tem, state your inquiry. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: I just wanted to ask Ms. Bonner do you want my agenda book on the porch tomorrow? 45 The Clerk: No, sir, we will pick them up on Friday when we deliver your committee books so if you can leave them out for Friday pickup along with the delivery of your agenda for committees. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Thank you. Mr. Hasan: Mr. Mayor, can I have a question on that, respond to that? th. Mr. Mayor: I’m going to go back to the Commissioner from the 4 He had a Point of th Personal Privilege he was requesting. I’ll come back to you on the 6. Mr. Hasan: Okay. Mr. Mayor: You’re muted, sir. The Clerk: You’re muted, sir, Mr. Sias? Mr. Sias: I’m going to let it go. The Clerk: Okay. th Mr. Mayor: All right, very good. Commissioner from the 6. Mr. Hasan: Yes, ma’am, Ms. Bonner. Mr. Mayor, I’d like to, Ms. Bonner, if you don’t mind I’m going to you, Ms. Bonner. Ms. Bonner, I can understand based on what the Mayor Pro Tem just asked about the book on the (unintelligible) have you not sent him the instruction that the Mayor Pro Tem pick up the books from everybody’s house? The Clerk: I was going to allow you all to do that just deliver that directly. Mr. Sias: So moved. Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk, I think that’s all the business that’s before us --- The Clerk: It is, sir. Mr. Mayor: --- fantastic, this meeting is adjourned. \[MEETING ADJOURNED\] Lena Bonner Clerk of Commission 46 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 February 2, 2021. ______________________________ Clerk of Commission 47