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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRegular Commission Meeting March 16, 2021 REGULAR MEETING VIRTUAL/TELECONFERENCE MARCH 16, 2021 Augusta Richmond County Commission convened at 2:00 p.m., March 16, 2021, the Hon. Bobby Williams, Mayor Pro Tem, presiding. PRESENT: Hons. Garrett, Sias, Johnson, Frantom, Scott, McKnight, D. Williams, Hasan and Clarke, members of Augusta Richmond County Commission. ABSENT: Hon. Hardie Davis, Jr., Mayor. The invocation was given by Hon. Bobby Williams, Mayor Pro Tem. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was recited. Mr. Lewis: Okay, we’re good Commissioner Williams. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Well, we’re going to go ahead and call our meeting to order and Ms. rd Bonner, I’ll go ahead and do the prayer and I’m going to pick the Commissioner from the 3 to do the Pledge of Allegiance, thank you. Ms. McKnight: All right. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: All right, everybody, if you would bow your heads if you would. Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. Thank you. Ms. McKnight: Thank you, too. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yeah, it’s different when you’re called on, Commissioner from the rd. 3 You know exactly what to say and sometimes you get a little tongue tied I was the same way. Ms. McKnight: I felt like we were all saying it at different times. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Exactly, exactly. Ms. Bonner, is there anything we need to consider? The Clerk: Your Addendum Agenda if you want to do that, add it without objection and then we discuss, we can do that. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay has everyone seen the Addendum Agenda? Is there any objection to adding those items, we’ve got what three items? The Clerk: Yes, sir. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: All right, is there any objections? Mr. Hasan: Mayor Pro Tem, Commissioner Sias says he’s having trouble getting in. 1 Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, Jeff, can you help him? Mr. Lewis: Yes, sir, I’ll take care of it. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, so we added it without any problem whatsoever. Let’s give him about two minutes to get in. I’ll tell you what, Ms. Bonner, in the meantime we can go ahead and look at --- Mr. Lewis: He’s here. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: --- do you want to go ahead and look at the Consent Agenda, Ms. Bonner, go ahead, I’m sorry. The Clerk: I was going to ask you if you want to go ahead with the recognition of Ms. Brown and then Commissioner Sias may be --- Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, well, we can go ahead and do the recognition, yes, ma’am. RECOGNITION(S) Employee of the Month for February 2021 A. Congratulations! Ms. Patricia Brown as Augusta, Georgia’s Employee of the Month for February 2021. The Clerk: Today the Commission would like to offer its congratulations to Ms. Patricia Brown as Augusta, Georgia’s Employee of the Month for February 2021. The Employee Committee has selected Patricia Brown as the February 2021 Employee of the Month for Augusta, Georgia. Ms. Brown works with the Augusta Environmental Services Department where she has been employed for nearly five years. She was nominated by Keith Daniels, Accounting Manager. Ms. Patricia Brown is the most pleasant person I have met in my life. I feel privileged to work with her. She is a no-nonsense kind of person. She takes pride in her work. You can rely on her to do a good job. Patricia exemplifies dedication and commitment to her job and fellow employees. She is an asset to the Environmental Services Department and to Augusta. As a parts clerk Patricia Brown has been an indispensable member of the department for five years. She is very reliable and dependable. She provides an outstanding level of quality control for the daily routine. Patricia is extremely conscientious and personable. She is at the center of employee gatherings. She is always first to provide comfort and understanding to fellow employees in need. You can ask anyone in Environmental Services. I can guarantee you they will enjoy working with her. Based on this nomination of Patricia’s outstanding service the Employee Recognition Committee would like to have you join us in recognizing her as Employee of the Month for February 2021. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Thank you --- The Clerk: Congratulations, Ms. Brown. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: --- exactly, congratulations --- 2 Ms. McKnight: God Bless you. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: --- congratulations. Is the Human Resources Director in? She’s not? Mr. Lewis: No, sir. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, all right, let’s move forward. I’ve got excuse me, Ms. Bonner, the next one, Ms. Bonner? The Clerk: Yes, sir. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Do we need to go ahead and go to Ms. Ingram? The Clerk: Mr. Ingram, yes, sir. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Mr. Ingram, I’m sorry. Let me ask you a question before we get started. It’s more of a situation for us or is this something for the tax people? The Clerk: Well, from what I understand it he went to the Tax Commissioner’s Office seeking a refund and their answer to him was that the Tax Commissioner could not authorize this, that the Commission would have to so --- Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay. The Clerk: --- he’s here to make his plea to the Commission. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay. The Clerk: I’m not sure. I didn’t substantiate that information regarding the Tax Commissioner’s Office. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, okay let’s bring him on. The Clerk: Okay. The Clerk: DELEGATIONS B. Mr. Ingram S. Carr regarding refund of school tax payments for the last four years. The Clerk: Mr. Carr, could you please give us your name and address please? Mr. Carr: Good afternoon, Commissioners. My name is Ingram S. Carr. I live at 1206 Holman Drive in Hephzibah, Georgia 30815. 3 Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, Mr. Carr, you’ve got about five minutes to state your case, sir. Mr. Carr: I am a retired, disabled veteran. I served in the U.S. Army for twenty something years. I am here to ask for your help. I overpaid my property tax for three years to the tune of nearly $3,000 dollars. Every year I spend my time filing appeals and exemptions when I receive my tax bill. My yearly trip to the tax office to file the above mentioned papers was to no avail. It took an inspector that came to my home for an exception to share the information that I was eligible for the school tax exemption. I did not file for the years in question. Since that time I’ve been trying to recover the overpayment. Please help me to recover the overpayment. It is sad to know that I was not able to get the help when I was going there every year with the tax payment. That’s all that I have to say. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Do we have any questions? Mr. Sias: Yes. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Go ahead, sir. Mr. Sias: Mr. Carr, this is Commissioner Sias. I just have a question for you. What you’re talking about is the exemption from school tax once you reach the age of 65, am I correct? Mr. Carr: Yes (inaudible). Mr. Sias: Okay, when you well you say you have been going to the Tax Commissioners Office for the last few years are you saying you have four years of overpayments (inaudible) Tax Commissioners Office to actually file (inaudible). Mr. Carr: I did not know about the school tax exemption. I am not from Augusta. As I said before I retired and without knowing anything about Augusta, I just flew from Germany here to make here my home. I am not a person that goes around questioning when they charge me. I just pay. I would come to the office and the people I was working with they would tell me you’re not allowed any more exemptions. Mr. Sias: Okay, so when you found out about the 65-year-old exemptions for age 65 that’s been a law in Augusta for a little while. So one of the issues we have is that that money went directly to the School Board and not the county commission because that is what it was for. So I’m not saying you can’t get a resolution here but I do want to point out to you that the City did not receive that money even though the Tax Commission Office collected it. It went to the School Board. Did you speak with them at all? Mr. Carr: Did not. The only place that I knew that I had to talk I tried everything in the tax arena. I never went to the school. My wife worked with the school office. She was in the school system so I had to go there to help my wife when she was retiring getting that retirement done. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, Mr. Carr --- 4 Mr. Sias: Mr. Mayor Pro Tem let me finish (inaudible), sir. All right, Mr. Carr, I wish you the best on that but I’m really not sure if this was the place for you but I’ll see what my colleagues want to do. Thank you, Mayor Pro Tem. Mr. Hasan: Mr. Mayor Pro Tem? Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Go ahead, sir. Mr. Hasan: Mr. Carr, how are you doing, sir? Mr. Carr: I’m doing good. Mr. Hasan: Great, sir. How long ago was it when you actually found out that you would be eligible once you turned 65, how long ago was this at this point? Mr. Carr: It was 2016. I was putting on an addition and the inspector that came to inspect the home he was the one that told me that I have been overpaying and since then I have already filed for that exemption. So I have getting it for the last two years I think but the (unintelligible) question when I actually filed it they said that I was too late. What I would like to say here I was helping other people while I was in service and I can’t help myself. I was coming here and I thought I was doing the right thing by coming here talking with the people and trying to get their help but I was told you have no more exemptions. Mr. Hasan: Are you okay, sir? Mr. Hasan: I just wanted to make sure he allowed for it at this point and I know that’s important that you have to actually put in the application to receive (inaudible) an application you won’t receive it. But it seems like once you were at the counter asking for an exemption, they probably was right telling you (inaudible) but I don’t know whether it’s at the same time whether you actually knew but you say you know about being 65 years old. But like Commissioner Sias says that’s 30/40 years there that you’re not from here. But I think you know it would be on the tax bill as well and another point the city gets the money the Tax Commissioner collects it but that money’s passed on to the School Board. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Anyone else? Mr. Carr, I just spoke with Steven Kendrick he said it’s obvious you didn’t go speak with people in the Tax Commissioner’s Office so before we move forward with anything I’d like for you to go talk with Mr. Kendrick in the Tax Commissioner’s Office and then if you don’t get some type of help or whatever you need then come back to us. But as they said 65 it’s been around for a long time but it’s in your tax bill every year but that’s not to say that you’re not owed something so I’d like for you to just go down to the first floor and go see Steven Kendricks in the Tax Commissioner’s Office and he said he’d be able to help you, sir. Mr. Carr: Okay, I will not want to say I’m not going there because I spent the last year talking to his office. He has a deputy that sent me across the other end of the hall. I spent the last 5 four years trying to recover this money. I’ve not spoken to Mr. Kendrick himself but his deputy he, I spoke with Glenn and then at the end speak to Mr. Robinson who’s down the other end of the hall so I can go back to him. I’ve never spoken to Mr. Kendrick personally. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yes, sir, I’d like for you to go see Mr. Kendricks. Mr. Carr: Okay, sir, I will do that. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: All right, I just spoke with him he said he’s going to sit down with you and help you understand what’s going on and if you have a refund coming then he’ll help you with that, sir. Mr. Carr: Thank you very much. Mr. Mayor: Yes, sir. Ms. Bonner, where are we going now? The Clerk: Okay, we’re at our Consent Agenda, sir. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, you want to go through that real quick for us, Ms. Bonner? The Clerk: Our Consent Agenda consists of Items 1 through 24, Items 1 through 24. Mr. Sherman if he’s in the public space would he please acknowledge if there are any objectors to any of our Planning Petitions as we move through the agenda and for our Alcohol Petitions, Item 1 through 7 if he would please acknowledge if there are any objectors. Mr. Sherman: Ms. Bonner, there are no objectors to either the Planning or the Alcohol Petitions. The Clerk: Thank you. Our Consent Agenda consists of Items 1 through 24 with no objectors to our Planning Petitions nor our Alcohol Petitions. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, at this time we’ll entertain whether or not we want to put anything else on the Consent Agenda anyone --- Mr. Johnson: Mr. Mayor Pro Tem, can we consent Number 29? Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, 29. The Clerk: Could I add, Mr. Mayor Pro Tem --- Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Go ahead, ma’am. The Clerk: --- the General Counsel would like you to also consider adding a Special Called Meeting for 12:30 since we’re not having Committees then we wouldn’t have a Special Called Meeting for this meeting and he’s asking that that be added to this request as well. 6 Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay yes, ma’am, anymore? I’d like to add --- Mr. Sias: You’ve got Number 8 (unintelligible). Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: --- I’ve got 8, Brandon, Commissioner Garrett. Mr. Garrett: Yes, sir, I’d like to pull Item 18 just for some clarification. Mr. Mayor: Okay, you want to pull 18, okay. Mr. Sias: Mr. Pro Tem --- Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yes, sir. Mr. Sias: --- can we add 25 and 26 with no objections? Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: 25 and 26. Ms. McKnight: Excuse me --- Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Commissioner 3. Ms. McKnight: --- yeah, I’d like to discuss 25 if that’s okay. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay pull it, pulling 25 but I can say with 25 moving it into establish final budget okay, 27 Mr. Garrett? Mr. Sias: I’ve got questions on that one. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: You’ve got questions on that one. Okay, what about 28? Mr. Johnson: I have a question on 27. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yeah, that’s what Commissioner Sias was saying. Mr. Johnson: Okay, thank you. Mr. Sias: Anybody object to 26? Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay so anybody object to 26, nobody objected to 29. What about the is there anything, okay the Airport on the Addendum --- Mr. Garrett: I’ve got one more, Mayor Pro Tem. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Go ahead, sir. 7 Mr. Garrett: If there’s no objections, I’d like to remove Item 27. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Remove Item 27? Mr. Garrett: If there’s no objection. Mr. Johnson: I think it’d be good if we discussed it. Mr. B. Williams: All right, okay so we’ll delete 27 delete 27 so right now we’ve got 25, 26 and 29 going on the Consent Agenda. We’ve got Number 18 being pulled. The Clerk: No, sir, 25 is not, oh I’m sorry --- Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Oh, 25, you’ve got to discuss it --- The Clerk: --- yeah. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: --- discuss 25. And on the Addendum Agenda, Ms. Bonner, let’s put Number 1 that’s the Airport, right --- The Clerk: Yes, sir. rd Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: --- on the Consent Agenda. Okay Commissioner from the 3. Ms. McKnight: Yes, you did pull 28, you did pull 28 to discuss? Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: It’s on the regular agenda. Ms. McKnight: It’s on the regular all right okay sorry about that. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, Ms. Bonner, you got that? The Clerk: Yes, sir. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay. Mr. Clarke: Who’s on first? Ms. McKnight: Who’s on second? Mr. Frantom: Motion to approve as stated. The Clerk: Let me read this for clarification. That will be, our Consent Agenda Items 1 through 24, pulling Item #18 for discussion, adding Items 26, 29 with the addition of Special Called Meeting at 12:30 p.m. along with Item #1 on our Addendum Agenda --- 8 Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yes. The Clerk: --- that will be, consist of our Consent Agenda. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yes, ma’am. Mr. Sias: Second. The Clerk: Okay, Mr. Frantom and Mr. Sias. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Correct. The Clerk: And we’re voting, sir, now. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Voting. CONSENT AGENDA PLANNING Z-21-14 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to approve with the conditions listed below a petition by Hull Barrett PC, on behalf of Walton Plaza Properties LLC, requesting a change of zoning from Zone B-1 (Neighborhood Business) with conditions to Zone B-2 (General Business) affecting property containing 5.42 acres and known as 3637 Walton Way Extension. Tax Map 023-0-261-00-0 Continued from February meeting. DISTRICT 7 1. The general footprint of the self-storage facility shall substantially confirm to the concept plan filed with the application. 2. Maintain a minimum 166 foot wide natural buffer along the rear of the property. 3. Allow B-2 uses on the property with the exclusion of outdoor or open-air amplified entertainment. 4. No outdoor storage containers or equipment allowed on the property. 5. Meet all applicable regulations set forth in Section 22-1 (9) (2) (b) of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. 6. Compliance with regulations at the time of site plan/development start. 2. Z-21-16 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to approve with the conditions listed below a petition by COEL Development Co., Inc., requesting a Special Exception to establish an Amenity Area for Haynes Station Subdivision Section 12 per Section 26-1(i) of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for Augusta Georgia affecting property containing approximately 5 acres and known as 790 Goodale Drive. Tax Map 079- 0-204-00-0 DISTRICT 3 1. The property shall have a sign posted on nearby lots on Goodale Drive stating “Future Home of Pool/Amenity Area” before any additional lots are sold and until the amenity area is built and a screen (trees and shrubs) per the requirements of the Augusta Tree Ordinance for side buffers shall be required along the western and southern property lines of the amenity area, adjacent to residential lots. 3. A streetyard meeting the requirements of the Augusta Tree Ordinance will be required along Goodale Drive to reduce noise for nearby residential lots and screen the pool as well. 4. The pool area must meet all State of Georgia and Richmond County Health Dept. codes for safety and ADA compliance. Hours of operation for the pool shall be clearly posted and all outdoor activities must cease at 11:00 pm. 5. Signage for the amenity area must meet Richmond County Health Dept., City of Augusta code and Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance regulations. 6. Lighting shall be 9 designed to be directed away from adjacent residentially zoned/developed properties. There shall be no “light trespass” for any after-hours security lighting utilized by the amenity area. Light levels at the property lines, adjoining residential properties, should not exceed 0.1 footcandles (fc). 7. There shall be no parking signs posted along Goodale Drive within 150 feet of the subject property in all directions to discourage parking from the amenity area in front of adjacent residential lots. 8. Due to the vast number of lots in Hayne’s Station Subdivision, golf cart parking, at a rate to be set by the Director of Planning and Development, must be provided onsite adjacent to the proposed onsite parking area. This area may be grassed, but parking spaces must be clearly delineated with wheel stops and the riding surface in this area must be sufficient to support the weight of a golf cart, either by use of grass mats, porous grass pavers, grass protection mesh, or some other mechanism sufficient to keep the area from rutting and/or prevent degradation of the golf cart parking area due to weather or frequent use. Signage must denote the requirement for golf carts to park in the golf cart parking area. 9. The amenity area (pool house, pavilion, the pool structure/deck and parking) shall meet all applicable City codes and regulations at the time of plan submittal, especially those that related to size, height, lot coverage and setbacks from property lines. 3. Z-21-18 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to approve with the conditions listed below a petition by PLM of Augusta Properties LLC, on behalf of Vivian H. Rhodes, requesting a change of zoning from Zone R-1A (One-family Residential) and Zone B-1 (Neighborhood Business) to Zone LI (Light Industry) affecting property containing approximately 11 acres and known as part of 2910 Milledgeville Road. Part of Tax Map 070-4-001-00-0 DISTRICT 2 1. A Concept Plan, with all required information, be submitted for review by the Development Review Committee (DRC) prior to formal submission of a Site Plan. 2. This project shall comply with all development standards and regulations set forth by the City of Augusta, GA at the time of development. 3. Tree Ordinance compliance will be required, including the requirement for a 6; solid board fence, large trees 45’ on center and shrubs against any residentially zoned of residentially used properties. A breakaway fence may have to be used, at the discretion of the Planning Director, to adhere to Flood Ordinance requirements in the floodplain, and no fence may be allowed in the floodway, therefore, vegetative measure alone will have to be used for screening purposes to meet the intent of the Tree Ordinance. 4. The project will be oriented such that the proposed warehouse and the related parking areas and drive aisles are not in the mapped Special Flood Hazard Area (floodplain) and a No Rise Certification will have to be submitted to ascertain that the proposed development will not negatively impact the existing floodway/floodplain in that area. 5. No fill, including woody debris, may be brought in from offsite onto the subject property. 6. A wetlands survey may need to be performed to ascertain the extent of “present day” wetlands on the property. No wetlands impact will be allowed unless the wetlands are mitigated “one for one”. A Corp of Engineers Permit will be required prior to issuance of a Land Disturbance Permit/any disturbance of the wetlands. 7. The use f the subject property is limited to a landscape company and no storage of landscape- related materials may be located within the limits of the Special Flood Hazard Area (floodplain) or floodway. Any outside storage of landscape-related materials, outside of the Special Flood Hazard Area (floodplain) must be secured to prevent floatation or lateral movement, including the parking of vehicles related to the landscape business. No storage of soil, mulch, pine bark (chips or nuggets), pine straw, or other similar materials, may be 10 located anywhere on the property due to the potential of being washed off of the property by the impacts of floodwaters. 4. Z-21-19 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to approve with the conditions listed below a petition by Nicole Bentley, on behalf of Arthur and Nicole Bentley, requesting a change of zoning from Zone LI (Light Industry) to Zone B-1 (Neighborhood Business) affecting property containing 1.38 acres and known as 2529 Milledgeville Road. Tax Map 071-4-009-00-0 DISTRICT 2 1. This development shall substantially confirm to the concept plan filed with this application. 2. Outdoor lighting must be directed away from nearby residences. 3. Maintain a minimum 200-foot natural landscape buffer at the rear of the property. 4 Compliance with regulations at the time of site plan/development start. 5. Z-21-20 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to approve with the conditions listed below a petition by Estes Express Lines requesting a change of zoning from Zone HI (Heavy Industry) and Zone A (Agriculture) to Zone LI (Light Industry) affecting property containing 0.73 acres and known as 1606, 1608 and 1610 Nixon Road, Tax Map 099-0-066-00-0, 099-0-065-00-0 and 099-0-067-00-0 DISTRICT 1 1. The Concept Plan, supplied with the Zoning Application, is for illustrative purposes only and does not indicate approval of a Site Plan in the future. 2. This project shall comply with all development standards and regulations set forth by the City of Augusta, GA at the time of development. A streetyard is required on all road frontages of the Estes Express Lines property, for both the future expansion on the subject property and the existing frontage along Doug Barnard Parkway, when the site is developed, along with all other components of Tree Ordinance. 6. Z-21-22 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to APPROVE with the conditions listed below a petition by Great Southern Homes, on behalf of James Edward Lee, requesting a change of zoning from Zone A (Agriculture) and Zone R-MH (Manufactured Homes Residential) to Zone R-1D (One-family Residential) affecting property containing 37.59 acres and known as 3810 Peach Orchard Road. Tax Map 181-1- 001-00-0 DISTRICT 6 1. This development shall conform to the concept plan filed with the applications, following changes made to comply with Augusta Engineering and Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) standards. 2. Sidewalks must be provided on at least one side of the street within the development and comply with ADA standards. 3. A traffic impact study meeting the criteria of the Augusta Engineering department is required prior to site plan submission to aid in resolving potential access issues such as acceleration/deceleration lanes. 4. All new streets must meet the minimum specifications of Augusta Engineering and Fire Departments. 5. A minimum 10 foot street yard buffer is required within the site along Peach Orchard Road. 6. This project shall comply with all development standards and regulations set forth by the City of Augusta, GA at the time of development. 7. Street Lights will need to be installed and operating (or bonded) prior to Final Plat approval. 8. Water Quality will be required and should include one-inch runoff reduction. Any existing ponds shall not be used for Water Quality Stormwater Maintenance Agreement. The project shall substantially comply with all development standards and regulations set forth by the City of Augusta Georgia at the time of development. PUBLIC SERVICES 11 7. Motion to approve New Ownership: A.N. 21-08: A request by Lisa Fehrenback for a retail package Beer & Wine License to be used in connection with Food Lion #2860 located at 2803 Wrightsboro Rd. District 3. Super District 10. (Approved by Public Services Committee March 9, 2021) 8. Motion to approve Alcohol Ordinance amendments to the Augusta, Georgia Code Title 6, Chapter 2, Article 1, Alcoholic Beverages to include a definition of premises, hours of sale on Sunday, brown bagging revisions for clarity, regulations for tasting events at package stores, and single event license revisions for clarity. (Approved by the Commission March 2, 2021 – second reading) 9. Motion to approve the Colonial Oil Industries Gasoline Contract for the Augusta Regional Airport. (Approved by Public Services Committee March 9, 2021) 10. Motion to approve allowing the Planning & Development Department prepare an Alcohol Ordinance amendment and bring back to the Commission as a proposal for approval to include Indoor Amusement and Recreational Gaming as an additional business type to be included as eligible for an Incidental Alcohol License’….. Incidental Alcohol License regulations: no more than 25% annual sales can be from the selling of alcohol; cannot sell alcohol on Sunday; Alcohol sales stop at 10PM (Approved by Public Services Committee March 9, 2021) 11. Motion to approve the Contract Extension with Sterling Restaurant Group as approved by the Augusta Aviation Commission on February 12, 2021. (Approved by Public Services Committee March 9, 2021) 12. Motion to approve the Hangar License with Textron Specialized Vehicles with a term of three years as approved by the Augusta Aviation Commission on December 10, 2020. (Approved by Public Services Committee March 9, 2021) ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES 13. Motion to approve bid award of contract to furnish and install roller shelving in the Records Retention Annex, in the amount of $81,644.50, to the Clyde Castleberry Company of Covington, GA (Bid #20-283). (Approved by Administrative Services Committee March 9, 2021) 14. Motion to approve the purchase of two pickup truck, at a total cost of $44,490, to Allan Vigil Ford for the Augusta Regional Airport (Bid 20-265). (Approved by Administrative Services Committee March 9, 2021) 15. Motion to approve the purchase of two Heavy Duty Shredders at a total of $38,365.98 to Whitaker Brothers Business Machines Inc. Of Rockville, MD for the Central Services Department-Records Retention Division (Bid 21-135). (Approved by Administrative Services Committee March 9, 2021) 16. Motion to accept FY 2020 GDOT Transportation Alternatives Planning Funding Grant Award to Study the Intersection of Wrightsboro Rd. at McCauley St. RFQ 20-232. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee March 9, 2021) 17. Motion to accept HCD’s Motion to: a) approve the Georgia Department of Public Health (GDPH) Intergovernmental Agreement, b) accept $2,675,029.44 in HUD Program funds for program implementation, c) allow HCD to create/administer an Augusta, GA Lead Grant Hazard Reduction Program (LGHR)˜ in partnership with the Georgia Department of Public Health, d) allow HCD to hire two (2) FT staff persons to provide program implementation, and e) instruct finance department to add available funding to HCDs budget (upon receipt) 12 for immediate use and implementation. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee March 9, 2021) PUBLIC SAFETY 19. Motion to approve the renewal of the Mutual Aid Agreement with the Savannah River Site Fire Department and to authorize the Mayor to execute the appropriate documents. (Approved by Public Safety Committee March 9, 2021) FINANCE 20. Motion to approve funding for the January 5, 2021 General and Special Election Runoff and remaining 2021 elections. (Approved by Finance Committee March 9, 2021) ENGINEERING SERVICES 21. Motion to approve an agreement with the Phinizy Center for Water Sciences to manage public access and educational activities related to the constructed wetland treatment system at the James B. Messerly Water Pollution Control Plant. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee March 9,2021) 22. Motion to approve change order for the Cityworks/enQuesta integration project currently in progress in the amount of $41,000.00 for the Augusta Utilities Metering and Customer Services Division and integrate with enQuesta CIS software (ITB 12-221). Approved by Engineering Services Committee March 9, 2021. 23. Motion to approve Bid Recommendation for Instruments for Water Plants (Bid Item 20- 210). (Approved by Engineering Services Committee March 9,2021) PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS 24. Motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Commission held on March 2, 2021 and the Special Called Meting on March 9, 2021) ENGINEERING SERVICES 26. Motion to authorize the execution of a Joint Funding Agreement with the U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) for the operation, modeling and analyzing of monitoring wells to investigate water levels and water quality for Augusta’s groundwater production facilities. (No recommendation from Engineering Service Committee March 9, 2021 OTHER BUSINESS 29. Motion to approve the rescheduling of the Commission’s Wednesday, March 31, 2021 regular meeting to Thursday, April 1, 2021. ADDENDUM 30. Motion to approve Augusta Regional Airport request for a month-to-month contract extension with Hall Marketing. (Requested by Commissioner Ben Hasan) The Clerk: Mr. Clarke. Mr. Clarke: Yes. 13 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. 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: Yes, ma’am. Motion Passes 10-0. \[Items 1-17, 19-24, 26, 29, 30\] Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: All right, let’s start with 18, Ms. Bonner. ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES 18. Motion to approve creating a committee composed of Ben Hasan as Chairman, Sammie Sias, Dennis Williams Brandon Garrett, and John Clarke along with the Administrator and Attorney to further continue discussion of the MOU with Gold Cross. (Approved by Public Safety Committee March 9, 2021. 14 th Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: All right, Commissioner from the 8. Mr. Garrett: Thank you, Mayor Pro Tem, just real quick on this one. I was during the committee meeting last week I think there was a this conversation back and forth I think that there was maybe something lost in translation but if I can get Commissioner Hasan to chime in because I believe he’s the one that made the agenda motion about stating what this was exactly for and what the purpose would be. Just for clarification, Commissioner, if you could help me out on that. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Commissioner Hasan. Mr. Hasan: Thank you, sir. Yes what I was saying to that this action is not so much about sitting down and negotiating and taking into consideration that Gold Cross (inaudible) MOU. Let’s create an internal system what we think the EMS service should look like then we create a document we create some requirements for ourselves some measurement some things that we can measure, some things that we can expect out of this process. That was the goal of it. And I think in looking at the motion it might create some problems for you but I’d like to make a substitute not make a substitute but make another motion for clarity because this one has nothing to give Gold Cross at this particular time. And so go ahead, does that answer your question? Mr. Garrett: Yeah, if you’re going to go ahead and make the motion go ahead. That was my confusion too. Mr. Hasan: Yeah, okay. I’d like to the motion to appoint a subcommittee to develop and recommend key criteria, guidelines and performance standards for ambulance service in Richmond County for the protection of the citizens of Richmond County. The committee will consist of Commissioner Dennis Williams, Commissioner Sammie Sias, Commissioner John Clarke, Commissioner Brandon Garrett and Commissioner Ben Hasan as its Chair, also the Administrator, General Counsel, 911 Director and the Fire Chief or his representative. That’s my motion. th Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Commissioner from the 10. Mr. Garrett: Second. Mr. Clarke: Thank you, Mayor Pro Tem. One clarification on this. Will the meetings, they will have to take place publicly, won’t they? Mr. Hasan: Yes, sir. I would say I think this is not a negotiation. I think I’d welcome the public. I personally welcome the public to take a look at what we are, the document we are creating to see that we are being as transparent about what we’re asking. Once you start talking about down the road sometime negotiating at that particular time then we will respectfully do it. I would encourage to do exactly what some people are interested in and that would be our Administrator and our Attorney at that particular time we’ll sit down and talk after we create some things that represent what we would like at the end of the day so I welcome the public conversation about creating the criteria. 15 Mr. Clarke: Okay, thank you, Commissioner, for verifying that. I appreciate it. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, just to be clear this is not something where you’re trying to bring Gold Cross to the table this is just something where we’re looking at what we want. Is there anyone else before we move, anyone else? Ms. Bonner, we’re voting. The 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. 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. 16 Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: All right, let’s go to Number 25, Ms. Bonner. The Clerk: ENGINEERING SERVICES 25. Motion to approve Amendment No. 9 to Agreement with ESG Operations, Inc. to establish the final budget amount for 2021. (No recommendation from Engineering Services Committee March 9, 2021) rd Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: All right, Commissioner from the 3. Ms. McKnight: Yes, I’ve got a couple of questions that I’d like to ask about it. I just want to know what is ESG getting work when we have a Procurement Department. Why is ESG bidding work when we’ve got a Procurement Department? I’ve got a question on that. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, have we got somebody to answer that for us? Ms. McKnight: I’ve got a few other questions so if you want me to keep going I can. Mr. Donald: Yes, we actually have Mr. Wes Byne who I believe this came through Utilities and in addition to that our Procurement leader is also in the waiting room so if you give us one second we can have IT come in, I’m sorry Jeff from IT can let you in then we can address it from both ends from a procurement standpoint as well as functionality. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Is Mr. Byne in? The Clerk: Yes. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, Mr. Byne. Mr. Byne: Good afternoon, everybody --- Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Good afternoon. Ms. McKnight: Good afternoon. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Did you hear the question, Mr. Byne? Mr. Byne: --- you could repeat it so I make sure I’m on track with the question. Ms. McKnight: Okay, that’s fine. Good afternoon, Wes, Mr. Byne, excuse me. Why is ESG bidding work when we have a Procurement Department? Mr. Byne: The items that are core to this agenda item are components that are part of normal plant operations. I think as part of this it’s encapsulated within their work area and these 17 are things that are required to fully function the wastewater plant. The heat exchanger and the core and generation system are components of the process that are integral to operations on the plant site and both of those have got a relatively short return. The Water Tank Maintenance Contract is one we’ve had an ongoing water tank maintenance contract with several other vendors through the years however they had an opportunity to provide that service and that’s an inspection service that has to be done on a periodic basis, annually, biannually depending on the tank and the condition of it and so they have the capability to do it and as a professional service that was let to them. The tank painting which I believe is the thing that is the most at issue was a situation where staff bid that through the Procurement Department and they ended up with the original people that submitted, the two vendors that submitted, were noncompliant. And so as part of the tank it was a negotiated item before I got here trying to put ESG together to deliver this as a service basically to oversee the tank painting and so just basically having them manage it as part of the scope. If that is something that’s not acceptable to the Commission, we can look at it and rebid it the other pieces are absolutely core to the operation of the plant and have a two-year typically term time until they start to pay for themselves or save money over the life of the operation. Ms. McKnight: A few other questions if that’s okay. I just would like to, do all the contracts over $25,000 dollars have to be bid by law? Mr. Byne: I will defer that to Procurement for the specific details. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Mr. Administrator, hang on a second. Ms. McKnight, go ahead and finish your question please. Ms. McKnight: Okay I’ll ask, I mean I’m just wanting to get some ideas here, ask some questions and I feel like I have a right to ask them. Do you have to have a performance fund for all construction on government projects? Mr. Byne: Again I’m going to defer that to the specific requirements of the contract as originally extended as this one was originally established in 2009, I don’t know if it was waived or accepted however if you’d like me to I can go back and recover that specific information for you. I certainly don’t mind. I don’t know whether this is one required a bid or performance bond. In this particular case I don’t know what was the collateral to ensure successful completion of the project because it’s an ongoing service contract they may not have supplied one in a direct construction sense. However, it’s a situation where if there’s a specific concern you have on the plant site itself is the maybe the heat exchanger or the core and generation system wouldn’t be fully executed and it might cause us some impact or harm I think we hold their overall contract for those items if in fact it’s not part of that. But I’ll be happy to look into that for you and get you more level of detail. Ms. McKnight: Yes, because I’ve got, I mean I’ve got several more questions that I you know would like to you know ask what is included in the contract adjustments but if you’d like to send me some I can send you some questions that I’ve got and maybe you can help answer. Mr. Donald: We’ve (inaudible) today --- 18 Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, hang on a second, Mr. Administrator. All right, Mr. Garrett th from the 8. Mr. Garrett: Thank you, Mayor Pro Tem. I have a question for either Procurement or the Utilities Director. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Go ahead, sir. Mr. Garrett: Yes, thank you. In regards to these items that we’re looking at, were these items already bid out? I think it’s my understanding that there was a bid process that took place and there were some noncompliant bids, is that correct? Mr. Byne: Yes, for the water tank that’s correct. For the water tank painting services the individual items that were procured previously it’s my understanding that the services were procured through the city’s process but that they were awarded through the contract itself so that they followed the procurement process in order to get bids on the material that acquired them through this contract. Mr. Garrett: All right, thank you for that clarification. Thank you, Mayor Pro Tem. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, Administrator Donald. Mr. Donald: Yes, sir, I wanted to make sure because Commissioner McKnight had some questions and we’re prepared to answer them --- Ms. McKnight: (Inaudible). Mr. Donald: --- but Mr. Byne wouldn’t be able to answer them on his own. And so I know one of them was about whether items over a certain threshold need to be procured. We’re very prepared to answer that. And Ms. Sams is on here so just to start that off there does have to be a procurement over a certain threshold. I think this one is unique in that it was procured but the bidders were deemed noncompliant. Based on your procurement code you’re then able to take an additional step and that’s what occurred here and so we didn’t want to leave that hanging without an answer being provided and so Director Sams is on the call and can answer that. And so I know you’re trying to move along, Mayor Pro Tem, but wanted you to know we’ve got those answers. . Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: No, she’s good. Is she there? Mr. Donald: Director Sams? I thought I saw her join. The Clerk: She’s on but apparently she’s having some technical problems audio problems, we can’t hear her. Mr. Donald: Got it. What we can do we’ll make sure that she calls in and gets access, oh I see Darrell I see her procurement assistant director Darrell is on. Maybe he can respond in her, while she’s having technical difficulties. 19 Mr. White: To make sure I have full clarity to your question, Ms. McKnight, is it a particular bid you’re referencing? Ms. McKnight: I’m just asking some questions I just wanted to ask. Mr. White: Per the city’s code anything over $25,000 that involves the city has to be bid. Ms. McKnight: All right, was there a contract adjustment for 2020? Mr. White: For 2020 concerning what, ma’am? Ms. McKnight: Just in general what we’re trying to get at here. What’s on the table for today, other things in the past. I’m just asking some questions. I felt like it’s a simple you know yes or no. Mr. Byne: That’s a simple question, the 2019 this is the 2019 adjustment in reconciliation which has never been done in the past on this contract. This extension is for 2021 operations but the reconciliation is through 2019. Ms. McKnight: Okay, all right, I have others but we can move on if the Mayor Pro Tem - -- Mr. Byne: You can ask away. I’ll try to answer everything I can. Ms. McKnight: And like I say I’m new on board I just would like to you know get these answers if that’s okay just thought I’d ask them. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: (Inaudible) we answered your major questions --- Ms. McKnight: That’s good. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: --- okay --- Ms. McKnight: Thank you. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: --- anyone else, yes, ma’am, anyone else with comments? Mr. Byne, I would recommend that you bring Commissioner McKnight in and you guys sit down and talk about you know --- Mr. Byne: Absolutely. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: --- her questions. Ms. McKnight: That’d be good, thank you. 20 Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, anyone there, anyone else there? Well, I need a motion up or down, need a motion. Mr. Sias: Motion to approve. Mr. Garrett: Second. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: All right, got a motion and a second to approve all in excuse me, Ms. Bonner? The Clerk: Yes, sir, that was Mr. Sias and Mr. Brandon Garrett, right? Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: I think it was Mr. Hasan and Brandon Garrett. The Clerk: He was trying to get in, Commissioner Hasan. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, voting. The Clerk: Mr. Clarke. Mr. Clarke: Yes, ma’am. 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: No, ma’am. The Clerk: Ms. Scott. Ms. Scott: Yes, ma’am. 21 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. Ms. McKnight votes No. Motion Passes 9-1. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Ms. Bonner, I’m going to jump over to the Addendum and I think we can add we can put two and three together if there’s no objection to that. The Clerk: Okay. Mr. Sias: Hold on, hold on. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: You’ve got an objection, Mr. Sias? Mr. Sias: I don’t have a problem with putting it together but I ain’t hearing nobody (unintelligible) gone, no, sir. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Moving and we’re going for what? Mr. Sias: Okay, we can add them together, Pro Tem, but I need to speak on it. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: And we’re going to let you speak on it, sir. Mr. Clarke: (Unintelligible). Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, all right. The Clerk: Items 2 and 3 as companion items. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yes, ma’am. The Clerk: ADDENDUM 31. Motion to approve a request for moving AED resources from Eagle Way to Broad Street. (Requested by Commissioner Sammie Sias) 22 32. Motion to approve and authorize two-phase relocation improvements process to permanently relocate the Augusta Engineering (AED) Traffic Engineering 1947 Eagle Way location operation to 1568 Broad Street facility per relocation plan attached in Exhibit A. Approval also includes i) allocation not to exceed $500,000 for completion of relocation renovations as Phase One (1) improvements, and ii) completion and submittal of Phase Two relocation improvements construction plan and funding source(s) by April 13 to Augusta Commission for phase 2 improvements final approval. (Requested by Commissioner Brandon Garrett) Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, thank you, Ms. Bonner. Commissioner Sias. Mr. Sias: Thank you very much, Mayor Pro Tem. One of the things I want to say here these are why I’m concerned about this item. The Engineering Departments is one of our critical departments and we call on them to do work all the time and we need to make sure as we are relocating them that we have listened and taken into serious consideration what they want. Now I’ll just say for a quick example to my colleague Commissioner McKnight when you called on them for Flowing Wells Road out there near the little small industrial park they were right on the money to get out there and get that done. So we need to make sure that we are listening and I just said that out of reference, Commissioner McKnight, we call on them quite often. That was just a recent example and I’ve called on them many, many times myself. My concern here is that we’re moving them from Eagles Way and number one I don’t think what they desired has been fully incorporated into the thought process making the move. Secondly, I want to make sure that myself and my colleagues understand clearly what we are doing. I asked for a walkthrough the other day just for my own clarification. It wasn’t a commission agenda or anything but I wanted to get my own clarification of what’s going on over there and there were some striking revelations during that meeting, during that walkthrough I should say. And one of them I want to share not at the moment but that concerns some of the flooding issues. So the bottom line is I think we really should take into consideration what the Engineering Department what they’re particularly asking for. So I’m going to make a substitute motion exact same as the original motion was read by Ms. Bonner only to add to it that we will ensure we take into consideration of what the Augusta Engineering Department desires at this site and that’s my substitute motion. Mr. Garrett: Second. Mr. Hasan: Is there a motion on the floor? Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: No, we don’t have a motion on the floor. Hang on a second, all right th we’re going to Mr. Garrett, Commissioner from the 8. th Mr. Garrett: I believe my colleague from the 4 spoke just about as well as I could towards this item and I 100% support his motion. rd Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, Commissioner from the 3 you had your hand up. 23 th Ms. McKnight: Oh, just Commissioner from the 4 yeah I didn’t get to go on that that walkthrough so maybe we can go one day and I’ll walk through it with you, but any way thank you. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, Ms. Bonner --- Mr. Hasan: Commissioner Williams --- Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: --- Commissioner Hasan. Mr. Hasan: --- yes, sir, I’d like to ask the Administrator a question please if you don’t mind. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yes, sir. Mr. Hasan: Mr. Administrator, in this motion I know Commissioner Sias added something to it. I think he got it just everything happening I think a couple of phases I’m kind of, it may not be problematic but if it’s not problematic just let me know. I don’t like the sign saying okay limit that first phase to only $500,000 dollars. If you’re really going to be permanent, let’s go ahead and find the money that to do everything we need to do as opposed to just limiting as you’re saying that’s all we got on hand currently, $500,000 dollars. That’s putting limitations on it and that’s all they were going to get. Will that slow down the process with the overall intent of it? Mr. Donald: Well, no, I think Commissioner Sias we actually had a few very in depth conversations about this so I think the way he’s doing it is right on the money. The Commission has already previously allocated about half a million dollars for the temporary move and what he’s th saying is is now we have until April 13 to identify additional costs as well as potentially augment that. So I think with the land swap that we’ve already done, the amount of time and the allocation I’m very comfortable with the recommendation or the motion that he has put on the floor because it allows us to move temporarily and then come back and add resources to make it permanent --- Mr. Hasan: Thank you. Mr. Donald: --- so I think he hit the nail on the head there. Mr. Hasan: Thank you. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Gotcha, is Malik anywhere around --- Mr. Donald: I don’t see him in the waiting room. Mr. Hasan: We’re fine. Ms. McKnight: We’re good. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: --- you’re saying we’re good, think we’re good? 24 Mr. Hasan: Yeah. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, Ms. Bonner, let’s go ahead and vote on it then. The Clerk: Okay. Mr. Sias: Can we get that motion restated just for clarity? Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Didn’t you state it? You got to have it restated? All right, Ms. Bonner --- Mr. Sias: Ain’t messing with you today, Mayor Pro Tem. Let’s get that motion read for clarity. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Come on, Ms. Bonner. The Clerk: The motion is to approve and authorize two-phase relocation improvements process to permanently relocate the Augusta Engineering (AED) Traffic Engineering 1947 Eagle Way location operation to 1568 Broad Street facility per relocation plan attached in Exhibit A. Approval also includes allocation not to exceed $500,000 for completion of relocation renovations as Phase One improvements, and completion and submittal pf Phase Two relocation improvements construction plan and funding source by April 13 to Augusta Commission for phase 2 improvements for final approval and to ensure that the Augusta Engineering Department exercise consideration and recommendations --- Mr. Sias: Are included. The Clerk: --- are included, okay. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: All right, voting, Ms. Bonner. The Clerk: Mr. Clarke. Mr. Clarke: Yes, ma’am. The Clerk: Mr. Frantom. Mr. Frantom: Yes, ma’am. The Clerk: Mr. Garrett. Mr. Garrett: Yes, ma’am. The Clerk: Mr. Hasan. 25 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. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: All right Number 27, Ms. Bonner. The Clerk: APPOINTMENTS 27. Motion to approve the appointment of Brandon Dial to the Urban Redevelopment Agency (URA) replacing Brad Owens. (Requested by Commissioner Brandon Garrett) Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, Mr. Garrett do you or Mr. Johnson want to speak on it? I know you tried to pull it, Mr. Johnson wanted to keep it on so we’ll pull it if you want to speak on it. Mr. Garrett: I’ll speak to it this is an appointment through the URA. I think it may be misstated by saying replacing Brad Owens but he had to step down because his address is changing. We appreciate his service to the community and I believe that Ms. Bonner has a Letter of Appreciation prepared for him. The Clerk: Yes, if it’s the will of the Commission to be heard, yes, sir. 26 Mr. Sias: Not at this moment. st Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Hang on a second, sir. Commissioner from the 1. Mr. Johnson: Thank you, Mayor Pro Tem. I think just for conversation’s sake it was good to bring this appointment up to clarify the replacing language to this whole appointment. I believe Commissioner Sias had a question about it but I just thought it was good to clarify the replacement portion of this appointment because certainly that’s not what’s happening. th Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, Commissioner from the 4 Mr. Sias. Mr. Sias: I would separate the two things about one for Mr. Owens. I think we just need to wrap this up and then if there’s an appreciation letter for Mr. Owens that’s fine but I also want th to honor my colleague’s request from the 8 to delete this item so I move that we delete it. Mr. Hasan: If we’re going to, can I say something? Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Go ahead, Mr. Hasan. Mr. Hasan: Commissioner, I think that if we’re not mistaken it’s a three person board that is selected by the Commission and if he’s no longer on (inaudible) they’re going to be a person short when they begin to take action. They won’t have enough so unless you’re going to bring back somebody at the next meeting so you’re going have to be a person short because it’s a three person board. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Well, he did receive a second so is there a motion to approve or what? The Clerk: I didn’t get a second. Mr. Hasan: I think it’s more of a name for nomination isn’t it, Ms. Bonner, the name he put up for nomination? The Clerk: Yeah, the floor is open for nominations now. It’s technically a nomination of Mr. Dial to the URA Board replacing the position held by Mr. Brad Owens. Mr. D. Williams: Okay, I’ll second that. Mr. Hasan: Nomination closed. Mr. Mayor: Okay so we’ve got, hang on a second. Ms. Bonner, we got a motion by who? The Clerk: Mr. Dennis Williams. He nominated Mr. Brandon Dial. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, so we’ll get a second on that one. 27 The Clerk: Commissioner Hasan moved that nominations be closed so we’re at the voting point now. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, all right, so let’s, all right, let’s go ahead and vote, Ms. Bonner. The Clerk: Okay, Mr. Clarke. Mr. Clarke: Would you please read the motion again please? The Clerk: The motion would be to approve the appointment of Mr. Brandon Dial to the Urban Redevelopment Agency replacing the position held by Mr. Brad Owens. 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. The Clerk: Ms. Scott. Ms. Scott: Yes, ma’am. The Clerk: Mr. Sias. Mr. Sias: Abstain. The Clerk: Mr. Bobby Williams. Mr. B. Williams: Yes, ma’am. 28 The Clerk: Mr. Dennis Williams. Mr. D. Williams: That would be a yes, ma’am. Mr. Sias abstains. Motion Passes 9-0-1. Mr. Garrett: Mayor Pro Tem --- Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yes, sir. Mr. Garrett: --- could we have the Letter of Appreciation read into the record please? Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yes, sir, Ms. Bonner? th The Clerk: Yes, March 16 2021 Mr. Bradley (Brad) W. Owens, Augusta, Georgia. Dear Mr. Owens: the Augusta Commission would like to take this opportunity to thank you and to express our sincere appreciation to you for your tenure as a member of the Augusta Redevelopment Agency. All of us in one way or another have benefited from your outstanding leadership and civic dedication. Again, thank you for taking the time out to serve your community in such an admirable way. We wish you the very best in all your future endeavors. Yours very truly, Augusta Georgia Commission. Mr. Garrett: Thank you, ma’am. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: All right, thank you, Ms. Bonner, Number 28. The Clerk: OTHER BUSINESS 28. Discuss resuming in-person meeting in the Commission Chamber on May 1, 2021. (Requested by Commissioner Catherine S. McKnight) Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Commissioner McKnight. Ms. McKnight: Yes, thank you. Mr. Donald, do you have anything from when we talked nd back in February on the 2 of February and you were going to bring to the table? Mr. Donald: I do. Today at 12:11 p.m. I forwarded those recommendations to the Commission both the final draft of the Augusta Forward Plan as well as a letter that outlined those recommendations. Very quickly those recommendations were for the Commission to implement a telework policy. That’s complete, look at the potential consideration of priority vaccine distribution, develop an implementation plan to get into the Chambers, that’s included in that document. Then I also recommended that we receive a briefing from DPH in April in advance of potentially going back into the Chamber for the first Commission meeting in May. And my recommendation is that if you proceed in that manner that it be for the Commission meetings only 29 not for the committee meetings. So it’s in detail in that letter but it provides a step by step on how I believe we should do that but you know pending that confirmation from DPH my recommendation would be the first Commission meeting in May of 2021. Ms. McKnight: Thank you, thank you. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: And committee meetings would still be virtual. Mr. Donald: Yes, sir, in that recommendation also it includes a number of people that can enter into the Chambers. I think the total is about 40 and it would include about 8 to 10 people from the public so it would still require for us to stream our meetings so that people could benefit both at home as well as those that are in person. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay --- Mr. Hasan: Mr. Chairman --- Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: --- Commissioner McKnight, that’s the motion? Mr. Hasan: --- Mr. Chairman. Ms. McKnight: Make a motion? Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Hang on a second, Mr. Hasan, go ahead. Mr. Hasan: Yes, sir. I have a question for the Administrator if you don’t mind. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yes, sir. Mr. Hasan: Yes, Mr. Administrator. You were saying about us having a conversation bringing in the Department of Public Health. Were you bringing them in as a workshop or how are you bringing them in? (unintelligible) early part of April you were saying? Mr. Donald: My recommendation is that if you agree to (unintelligible) in March and you look at those recommendations that we have while we’re staff none of us are medical experts. And so to make sure that we’re in line with all of the guidelines as well as you know the pandemic has not gone away making sure we’re in line with those safety measures about 30 days before that you would hear from DPH as they evaluate what we’re doing and give us appropriate feedback. So if there’s anything we need to add or whatever’s necessary before going back into Chambers we let the medical experts give us insight on that. While they’ve helped us develop the overall plan, they’ve not had the ability to give you direct feedback. Mr. Hasan: So my question once again is will you do this as a workshop and bring them in? 30 Mr. Donald: Yes, I mean you could call it a workshop or an agenda item, it’s actually up to the Commission. Mr. Hasan: I would recommend a workshop because we’re getting a workshop just on that probably about a week out or two weeks out based on availability, their availability but I would recommend a workshop so we can just focus on that and we won’t have to be jumping around. That’s my recommendation. Mr. Donald: Okay you got it, received. rd, Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Gotcha, hang on a second. Commissioner from the 3 Commissioner rd from the 3. Ms. McKnight: I was just going to do like I did last time and just go ahead and make a st motion to go back on May 1 with the recommendations that were earlier on with a workshop. Mr. Garrett: Second. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: All right, we’ve got a motion and a second, Ms. Bonner. Mr. Hasan: Can I make a substitute motion? I’d like to make a substitute motion. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yes, sir, go ahead. Mr. Hasan: Let me first and I don’t mean to put you in the middle the Administrator in the middle, do you find that to be a conflict or would you like us to try to wait until you come in or you think that’s fine and we make adjustments as need be? Mr. Donald: No, I think making the motion to go back for the first Commission meeting in May is fine and to leave the committee meetings virtual. That’s what my recommendation is. I’m not sure, that didn’t sound like what the Commission is voting and seconding but I’m not certain if that’s their intent also. Mr. Hasan: Okay, I’d like to make a substitute motion then. I’d like to make a st substitute motion to honor that which number one May 1 virtual the committee cycle and do a workshop with DPH in the middle of April. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, so let me clear it up. So committee meetings in person – The Clerk: No, committee meetings virtual – Mr. B. Williams: Commission meetings in person, committee meetings virtual and do a workshop. Mr. Hasan: Yes. 31 Ms. McKnight: Second. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, we have a motion and a second on the substitute, voting, Ms. Bonner. The Clerk: Okay, Mr. Clarke. Mr. Clarke: Yes, ma’am. The Clerk: Mr. Frantom. Mr. Frantom: Yes, ma’am. The Clerk: Mr. Garrett. Mr. Garrett: No. 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: I was going to just (inaudible) but after that from Ms. Scott I guess I better say yes. The Clerk: Mr. Bobby Williams. Mr. B. Williams: Yes, ma’am. The Clerk: Mr. Dennis Williams. Mr. D. Williams: Yes. 32 Mr. Garrett votes No. Motion Passes 9-1. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Do we have any other business today, Ms. Bonner? The Clerk: No, sir, I believe that’s it. That’s a wrap. Mr. Frantom: What happened to the airport? The Clerk: It was added to the Consent Agenda. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yeah, the month to month added to the Consent Agenda. Mr. Hasan: Mr. Chairman, can I --- Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Go ahead, Mr. Hasan. Mr. Hasan: --- we had a meeting the other day, myself and Mr. Bobby Williams, the Chairman as well as the Director of the airport what they was actually asking putting something back on the street currently in terms of putting a project back out there but at the same time they need to do some advertising immediately because the industry is picking back up so they’re doing a month to month with that but at the same time they’re putting a bid out on the street and so we just something to leak because the industry is picking back up. Mr. Frantom: Thank you for that footprint, Commissioner Hasan, thank you. Mr. Hasan: Yes, sir. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: All right, anything else, Mr. Donald? Mr. Garrett: I have a question, Mayor Pro Tem. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: I’m coming to you, Mr. Donald? Mr. Donald: No, sir, nothing else. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: All right, Commissioner Garrett. Mr. Garrett: This question is back to the airport conversation. Commission Hasan just said they’re putting us back out on the street. Do we have a timeframe for when the new contracts or agencies will be selected? Mr. Hasan: No, I mean actually they was just waiting on us because we know we had to put them on hold for a while and so they’re just waiting on us so I think they probably got it ready to go and so I think you probably can talk with them to try to see exactly (unintelligible) come back and inform a turnaround time. 33 Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yes, but I also think it was 60 days or 90 days they expect an answer by? Mr. Hasan: Possibly so. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: 60 or 90 one of the two. Any other questions?. You guys have a great day. Ms. Scott: Attorney Brown. Mr. Garrett: I think the Attorney had a question. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: All right, Mr. Brown, ya’ll just don’t want to go home, Mr. Brown? Ms. Scott: I know. Mr. Hasan: You’re muted, you’re muted, Mr. Brown. Mr. Brown: No, I did not want to go home but just for future purposes when the agenda is over the Commission is not allowed to have further conversation as it did today. It’s out of order. Mr. Hasan: Thank you, sir. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yes sir, thank you. All right, we’ll see you later. Have a good day. \[MEETING ADJOURNED\] Lena Bonner Clerk of Commission CERTIFICATION: I, Lena J. Bonner, Clerk of Commission, hereby certify that the above is a true and correct copy of the minutes of the Regular Meeting of The Augusta Richmond County Commission held on March 16, 2021. ______________________________ Clerk of Commission 34