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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-19-2002 Regular Meeting REGULAR MEETING COMMISSION CHAMBER March 19, 2002 Augusta Richmond County Commission convened at 2:18 p.m., Tuesday, March 19, 2002, the Honorable Bob Young, Mayor, presiding. PRESENT: Hon. Boyles, Mays, Kuhlke, Colclough, Shepard, Beard, Cheek, Williams and Bridges, members of Augusta Richmond County Commission. ABSENT: Hon. Hankerson, member of Augusta Richmond County Commission. Also Present: Jim Wall, Attorney; George Kolb, Administrator; and Lena Bonner, Clerk of Commission. The Invocation was given by the Reverend Banks - The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. RECOGNITION: Employee of the Month Award Mr. Roy Jones Augusta Recreation and Parks Department PUBLIC SERVICES: 54. Motion to approve a request by Marco A Ringer for an on premise consumption Liquor, Beer & Wine license to be used in connection with Marco’s Restaurant located at 1024 Reynolds Street. There will be Sunday sales. DISTRICT 1. SUPER DISTRICT 9. (No recommendation from Public Services Committee March 13, 2002) (4 objectors noted) (5 supporters noted) Mr. Sherman: Marco A. Ringer requested an on premise consumption Liquor, Beer and Wine license to be used in conjunction with Marco’s Restaurant. The License & Inspection Department and the Sheriff’s Department have reviewed the application for an on premise alcohol license to be used in conjunction with a bona fide restaurant, and recommend that the license application be approved. Mr. Marco is proposing to open a full scale restaurant with a seating capacity of 48 People, and five employees. The restaurant will be the dominant business and alcohol sales will be incidental to the food sales. The applicant is applying for a Sunday sales license and he is aware that gross annual food sales must be at least 50%, or greater, of total annual sales. The proposed located is 1024 Reynolds Street. The location is within the Central Business District (CBD). Parking requirements in the CBD are less restrictive than in areas outside of the Central 1 Business District. In the CBD, on premise parking is not required provided that Required parking spaces are available within 300 feet of the property. The parking May be public parking (curbside, public parking garages), semi-public parking lots and garages. The required parking is one space per six seats in the restaurant and one space per three employees. The License & Inspection Department determined thth that parking within 300 feet of the property is available on 11 Street and 10 Street between Jones Street and Broad Street. Just beyond these spaces is Broad Street and additional parking spaces. Mr. Beard: I move for approval. Mr. Shepard: Second. Mr. Bridges votes No. Motion carries 8-1. CONSENT AGENDA: PLANNING: 1. Z-02-16 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission to approve a petition by Augusta Neighborhood Improvement Corp. requesting a change of zone from Zone R-1C (One- family Residential) to Zone B-1 (Neighborhood Business) affecting property located at 1132 Carrie Street. This property contains .05 acres. (Tax map 46- 4 parcel 668) DISTRICT 1 2. Z-02-17 - A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission to approve a petition by Augusta Neighborhood Improvement Corporation, on behalf of Augusta Neighborhood Improvement Corporation and Mirrial Jane Moses, requesting a change of zone from Zone R-1C (One-family Residential) to Zone P-1 (Professional) on property located at 1037 and 1039 Eleventh Street. This property contains .13 acres. (Tax map 46-4 parcels 400 and 401) DISTRICT 1 3. Z-02-19 - A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission to approve with the following conditions 1) that a 50’ undisturbed natural buffer be retained along all portions of the subject property that adjoin existing single-family residences; 2) that a 6’ solid board fence be erected and maintained on the entire property line adjacent to where the apartments would be located; unless offered relief by the Tree Commission; 3) that the proposed use be limited to a 60 unit senior citizen center or those uses allowed in an R-1C Zone; a petition by Old Time Way Church of Christ requesting a change of zone from Zone R-1C (One-family Residential) to Zone R-3A (Multiple-family Residential) affecting property located on the northwest right-of-way line of Old McDuffie Road, 142 feet, more or less, northeast of a point where the northwest right-of-way line of Dublin Drive intersects the northwest right-of-way line of Old McDuffie 2 Road. This property contains approximately 9 acres. (Tax map 94 parcel 27.1) District 4 4. Z-02-20 - A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission to approve a petition by Southern Partners, Inc., on behalf of William J. Crosby, requesting a change of zone from Zone A (Agriculture) to Zone R-1B (One-family Residential) affecting property located on the east right-of-way line of Ervay Street, 190 feet south of the southeast corner of the intersection of Boykin Road and Ervay Street. This property contains 27.68 acres. (Tax map 167 parcel 111) DISTRICT 6 5. Z-02-22 - A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission to approve with the following conditions 1) that all homes be detached and that there will be no increase in the number of lots and 2) any homes that have less than 10 foot side setbacks must have a 6’ privacy fence beginning at the rear of the house and extending along the side property lines to the rear property line and along the entire rear property line; a petition by Clyde L. McCaslin, on behalf of Eagle B & D, et al, requesting a change of zone from Zone R-1B (One-family Residential) to Zone R-1D (One-family Residential) affecting property known as Phase Two Cypress Pointe Subdivision containing approximately 18 acres. (Tax map 183 multiple parcels) DISTRICT 8 6. AMENDMENT SA-32 - A request for concurrence with the Augusta- Richmond County Planning Commission to approve a petition to approve an amendment to the Subdivision Regulations for Augusta-Richmond County pertaining to Section 201.D, Development Plans. 7. AMENDMENT SA-33- A request for concurrence with the Augusta- Richmond County Planning Commission to approve a petition to approve an amendment to the Subdivision Regulations for Augusta-Richmond County by adding a new Section 307 (V), pertaining to additional information to be included on Final Plats. 8. AMENDMENT SA-34 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta- Richmond County Planning Commission to approve a petition to approve an amendment to the Subdivision Regulations for Augusta-Richmond County pertaining to Section 201.A, Sketch Plans in Developments with 200 or more lots 9. AMENDMENT ZA-R-149 - A request for concurrence with the Augusta- Richmond County Planning Commission to approve a petition to approve an amendment to the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for Augusta-Richmond County pertaining to Section 28-B, Signs. 10. AMENDMENT ZA-R-150 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta- Richmond County Planning Commission to approve apetition to approve an amendment to the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for Augusta-Richmond County pertaining to Section 28-B-10, Signs. PUBLIC SERVICES: 11. Motion to approve a resolution to authorize a pre-application to be filed with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources for a Land and Water 3 Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant, United States Department of Interior, for Brookfield Park. (Approved by Public Services Committee March 13, 2002) 12. Motion to approve Augusta Public Transit’s purchase of a six (6) Wheelchair Capacity Paratransit Van for $51,047 from National Bus Sales and Leasing, Inc. using allocated SPLOST funds. (Approved by Public Services Committee March 13, 2002) 13. Motion to approve license for package shop on city property at Bush Field to be utilized during Masters Week. (Approved by Public Services Committee March 13, 2002) 14. Motion to approve a request by Rebecca Inglett for a therapeutic massage license to be used in connection with Stress Management Center located at 1203-A George C. Wilson Dr. District 3. Super District 10. (Approved by Public Services Committee March 13, 2002) 15. Deleted from consent agenda. 16. Motion to approve a request by Christina Burnett for an on premise consumption Beer license to be used in connection with The Latino American Restaurant & Bar located at 2960 Old Hwy. 1. There will be a Dance Hall. District 4. Super District 9. (Approved by Public Services Committee March 13, 2002) 17. Motion to approve a request by Anil K. Patel for a retail package Beer & Wine license to be used in connection with Raceway Petroleum located at 598 Bobby Jones Expressway. District 7. Super District 10. (Approved by Public Services Committee March 13, 2002. 18. Motion to approve a request by Kum Yon Parker for a retail package Beer & Wine license to be used in connection with Need More Kuntry Store located at 4212 Windsor Spring Rd. District 6. Super District 10. (Approved by Public Services Committee March 13, 2002) 19. Motion to approve and award a construction contract to Continental Construction, as the low bidder, in the amount of $849,756.00 for the construction of the new McBean Community Center (Approved by Public Services Committee March 13, 2002) ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES: 20. Deleted from consent agenda. 21. Motion to approve authorizing the Mayor to file AmeriCorps VISTA project grant application and to accept said grant when approved. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee March 13, 2002) 22. Motion to mandate a required 10% reduction in the number of on-the-job injuries that occur for the year 2002 as compared to 2001. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee March 13, 2002) 23. Motion to approve renewal of Public Official Liability Coverage. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee March 13, 2002) FINANCE COMMITTEE: 4 24. Motion to approve the refund of 2000 taxes paid in error in the amount of $8.47 to William W. Hooker, Sr., boat account 0627490. (Approved by Finance Committee March 13, 2002) 25. Deleted from consent agenda. 26. Deleted from consent agenda. 27. Deleted from consent agenda. 28. Motion to approve a request from the Georgia Forestry Commission representative to transfer ownership of the chassis for Fire Knocker 12A (Asset #820204). (Approved by Finance Committee March 13, 2002) 29. Motion to approve the acquisition of one (1) Forklift for Utilities Department - Ground Water Division from Dougherty Equipment Company of Augusta, Georgia for $18,346.00 (Lowest bid offer on Bid 01-060). (Approved by Finance Committee March 13, 2002) 30. Motion to approve the acquisition of three (3) F450 Crew Trucks for the Augusta Utilities Department - Construction Division from Bobby Jones Ford of Augusta, Georgia for $41,054.06 each (Lowest bid offer on Bid 02- 062). (Approved by Finance Committee March 13, 2002) 31. Motion to approve the acquisition of one (1) Fuel/Service Truck for the Augusta Utilities Department - Construction Division from Bobby Jones Ford of Augusta, Georgia for $50,962.08 (Lowest bid offer on Bid 02-062). (Approved by Finance Committee March 13, 2002) 32. Motion to approve the acquisition of one (1) F350 Pickup Truck for the Augusta Utilities Department - Construction Division from Bobby Jones Ford of Augusta, Georgia for $28,755.48 (Lowest bid offer on Bid 02-063). (Approved by Finance Committee March 13, 2002) 33. Motion to approve the acquisition of one (1) Ford Explorer Truck for the Augusta Utilities Department – Raw Water Production Division from Bobby Jones Ford of Augusta, Georgia for $23,457.60 (Lowest bid offer on Bid 01- 076). (Approved by Finance Committee March 13, 2002) 34. Motion to approve the acquisition of two (2) Ford Explorer Trucks for the Augusta Utilities Department - Administration Division from Bobby Jones Ford of Augusta, Georgia for $23,457.60 each (Lowest bid offer on Bid 01- 076). (Approved by Finance Committee March 13, 2002) 35. Motion to approve a request from the Greater Augusta Arts Council for the purchase of tickets for the 5th Annual Oscar Night America Gala. (Approved by Finance Committee March 13, 2002) 36. Motion to approve "Gene Cockerham Auctions" to provide auction services for the sale of surplus property belonging to the Augusta Richmond County Commission (Bid Item 02-068) and to conduct a surplus sale April 20, 2002. (Approved by Finance Committee March 13, 2002) 37. Motion to approve accepting second lowest bidder on Bid Item 01-179 for two 40 Ton Articulated Dump Trucks for the Landfill. (Approved by Finance Committee March 13, 2002) ENGINEERING SERVICES: 5 38. Motion to authorize condemnation of a portion of Tax Map 95, Parcel 12, which is owned by Augusta Korean Methodist Church, Inc. f/k/a Korean Methodist Church of Augusta, Inc. for a right-of-way in connection with the Barton Chapel Road Improvement Project, Phase II, more particularly described as 6,721.50 square feet, more or less, of right-of-way and 8,180.23 square feet, more or less, of temporary construction easement. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee March 13, 2002) 39. Motion to authorize condemnation of a portion of Tax Map 40, Parcel 47.6, which is owned by AMLI Augusta Properties, LTD, for a right-of-way in connection with the Wrightsboro/Bel-Air Sanitary Sewer Extension Project, more particularly described as 2237.51 square feet, more or less, of permanent drainage and utility easement; and 2237.51 square feet, more or less, of temporary construction easement. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee March 13, 2002) 40. Motion to approve Analytical Environmental Services, Inc.’s proposal to provide analytical services for the Deans Bridge Road Solid Waste Facility, for an annual, not to exceed, fee of $8,626.00, for a three-year period with possibility of two (2) one-year extensions, subject to execution of contract. Annual funds are available from the Solid Waste Facility Account Number 541-04-4210/52-12999. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee March 13, 2002) 41. Motion to approve Environmental Management Associates’ proposal to provide professional environmental/hydrogeological services for the Deans Bridge Road Solid Waste Facility for an annual fee of $52,805.00, for a three- year period with a possibility of two (2) one-year extensions, subject to execution of contract. Annual funds are available from Solid Waste Facility Account Number 541-04-4210/52/12999 ($52,805.00). (Approved by Engineering Services Committee March 13, 2002) 42. Motion to approve award of Preventive Maintenance Chiller Extended Warranty to Georgia Trane at an annual cost of $13,009. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee March 13, 2002) 43. Deleted from consent agenda. 44. Motion to approve expenditure of $22,300 Greenspace Funds for survey of Augusta’s Canal/Riverfront Properties. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee March 13, 2002) 45. Motion to approve amending Chapter 8-4-11-(e)-(5) of the Tree Ordinance pertaining to streetyard requirements. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee March 13, 2002) 46. Motion to authorize condemnation of a portion of Tax Map 86-4, Parcel 15, which is owned by Robert Bennett and Pam Bennett, for a right-of-way in connection with the Bungalow Road Improvement Project, more particularly described as 558.04 square feet, more or less, of right-of-way and 464.94 square feet, more or less, of temporary construction easement. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee March 13, 2002) 47. Motion to authorize condemnation of a portion of Tax Map 86-3, Parcel 51, which is owned by David Shephatiah and Rosalinda B. Shephatiah, for a 6 right-of-way in connection with the Bungalow Road Improvement Project, more particularly described as 324.01 square feet, more or less, of right of way and 393.21 square feet, more or less, of temporary construction easement. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee March 13, 2002) 48. Motion to authorize condemnation of a portion of Tax Map 86-3, Parcel 116, which is owned by Brian K. Britt and Melanie Rae Steel, for a right-of-way in connection with the Bungalow Road Improvement Project, more particularly described as 307.05 square feet, more or less, of right-of-way and 849.6 square feet, more or less, of temporary construction easement. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee March 13, 2002) 49. Motion to approve the Consent Order proposed by Georgia EPD in response to an electrical failure and solids violations at the Messerly Water Pollution Control Plant. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee March 13, 2002) 50. Motion to authorize condemnation of a portion of Tax Map 129, Parcels 12.7 and 11, which are owned by Aubrey L. Chavous, Sr. and Bennie R. Skillman, respectively, for temporary construction easements in connection with the Morgan Road Improvement Project, more particularly described as 295.48 square feet, more or less, of temporary construction easement and 1,335.49 square feet, more or less, of temporary construction easement. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee March 13, 2002) 51. Approve Capital Project Budget Number (CPB #324-04-201824044) in the amount of $881,000.00 for the Resurfacing Various Roads, Phase VII Project and approve to let for bid. Funds to be allocated from Special One Percent Sales Tax, Phase IV. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee March 13, 2002) PETITIONS & COMMUNICATIONS: 52. Motion to approve minutes of the Commission’s regular meeting held March 5, 2002. APPOINTMENTS: 53. Motion to approve the appointment of Mr. Art Rider to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Mr. John Winters on the ARC Personnel Board representing District 8. 53A. 54. Motion to approve the following District 7 appointments and/or reappointments: Animal Control – Willene Colvin ?? Canal Authority – Fran Stewart ?? Coliseum Authority – A. Millard Cox ?? Daniel Field – Thomas W. Jackson ?? Historic Preservation – Sonny Pittman ?? Personnel Board – Ralph Walker ?? Planning Commission – James Randall Hall ?? Public Facilities – R. Thomas Fuller ?? Tree Commission -Roger Davis ?? 7 Zoning Appeals – R. DeWitt Dent ?? RESOLUTIONS: 61. Consider approval of Resolution to observe April 1-7, 2002 as National Community Development Week. APPOINTMENTS: 62. Consider recommendations from the Richmond County Board of Health regarding the reappointment of Mr. Jackson Usry and Ms. Gloria Frazier to the Community Service Board effective July 1, 2002. CITY ATTORNEY: 63. Approve use of Pension Property at 5th and Reynolds for use by Public Works Department for display of equipment and school field trips during National Public Works Week (May 19-May 26) Mr. Beard: I move for approval. Mr. Boyles: Second. Motion carries 9-0. [Items 1-14, 16-19, 21-24, 28-42, 44-53A, 61-63] 15. Motion to approve a request by Alec H. Chaplin for an occupational license to be used in connection with Barnyard Flea Market located at 1625 Doug Barnard Hwy. DISTRICT 1. SUPER DISTRICT 9. (Approved by Public Services Committee March 13, 2002) (Tape starts here) Mr. Cheek: …and it definitely has a potential of being a problem area if we don’t get a handle on it soon. Mr. Mayor: Mr. Bridges? Mr. Bridges: Rob, in regards to a sign that’s supposed to be up, is there anything -- would that be something George puts up in his department or is that something you’re putting up? We’re not really doing a rezoning or anything like that today, we’re just looking at occupational license. Mr. Sherman: This is a sign, a placard that we would get the petitioner, he would be responsible for posting on his property, as well as advertising three times within a 30- day period in the legal section of the paper. Mr. Bridges: So there is a sign that’s supposed to go up? Mr. Sherman: Yes, sir. 8 Mr. Chaplin: I put the sign up. And they were doing some grading out there and they took the sign down. It was in the newspaper. I would like to say, Mr. Rhodes, I don’t think you have any reason to question my integrity. Mr. Mayor: Excuse me, please address your comments to the Chair. Mr. Chaplin: Excuse me. But I believe my integrity is beyond reproach. Thank you. Mr. Rhodes: Mr. Mayor, may I make one more [inaudible] to the Commission? As most of you know, about a year ago I had two buildings burn down. These buildings had been there for 15 years. It cost me $10,000 in attorney fees to get a permit to rebuild what was already there. Number one, the Fire Department turned me down because there was no fire hydrant within 500 feet. Well, there’s no fire hydrants out there within 500 feet. Now I want to know if the same restrictions are going to apply. There is no fire hydrants within 500 feet of the farthest building on that property. Thank you. Mr. Mayor: Thank you. Anything further? Mr. Bridges: Mr. Mayor? Mr. Mayor: Yes, Mr. Bridges? Mr. Bridges: I think that is something that needs to be addressed. Do we have somebody who can respond to that? Some staff? Mr. Mayor: Well, the issue before us today is to whether or not to issue a business license, not to approve construction of a building or anything like that. The issue is strictly the business license and that’s got to stand on its merits today. Mr. Bridges: Jim, what are your comments on that? Mr. Wall: I mean that’s correct. I mean when the plans for any construction are circulated, that’s when the Fire Department looks at it. And so, you know, I don’t know that -- I’m confident this has not even been routed to the Fire Department so that would be addressed at that point. Mr. Bridges: Okay. Mr. Kolb: Mr. Mayor, if I can add to that. Mr. Mayor: Yes, Mr. Kolb. 9 Mr. Kolb: If there is any variance or some waiver required, for example, if requesting a waiver be done on the hydrant requirement, it would come back to the Commission for consideration at that time. So that’s not in consideration today. Mr. Mayor: Mr. Williams? Mr. Williams: Mr. Mayor, if I remember correctly, I believe that was addressed. They said that the Fire Department, a line was in the process of being run or had already been run, one of the two. But I do remember something to that effect. Mr. Wall: I need to correct something. Rob just pointed out the site plan apparently has been circulated, which does show the location of the fire plugs and the [inaudible] there, so that has been addressed. Mr. Mayor: But we’re not approving the site plan today. Mr. Wall: No. Mr. Mayor: We’re approving the business license, if it’s approved. Anything further? Mr. Mays? Mr. Mays: Mr. Mayor, just to add to that. That wasn’t necessarily a question, but that did come up in committee the other day. And while it’s not -- if the plugs are there, the water situation is there, if our folk -- even though site plan is not in question -- if they can answer off on that, I think it would help us. While it may not be germane to what’s on the floor today, I think it’s a legitimate question to be asked because -- I voted for it in committee mainly because the statement was made that as the water supply was there, because I think in all fairness in this particular issue, while it may not be a question today, if it’s going to be asked, we did put Mr. Rhodes through this situation when his came up, and I probably have been the most persistent person about not waiving those fire requirements. And I’d be the first to say that even though it’s not a question today on the floor, but if it came back and if the water supply was not out there, while I want to see good business coming in, I think we ought to be fair and consistent with everybody in doing it. And I’d be the first to tell the petitioner if the supply was not, if it was not in the footage, I would not be in favor of waiving it. Because I mean I’ve known [inaudible] for a long time, but I mean requirements are requirements, and we put him through that same situation in terms of when it came up about that. He had been out there for 20- some years. So I do think he has a point in terms of bringing it up. If it’s there, and if Rob, y’all say that’s out there right now, I have no problem with it. But I do think it’s one that we’d be very foolish to overlook to a point that if you’re going to grant a zoning change, if you’re going to grant this to be done, then you’re going to come back at some time later, and then you may stand on the question of rejecting it or asking the Attorney to waive whether or not you’ve fire requirements out there. That’s legitimate to ask, Mr. Mayor, I think, to a point that while it’s not on the floor, we’ve done it and we’ve turned down and even stopped some business in terms of doing this on Gordon Highway and 10 even before you got to the other flea market question. So I just wanted to know. If y’all say it’s there, then fine. Mr. Sherman: Part of the review of the site plan was done by the Fire Department and the Utilities Department. The applicant will have to install the fire hydrants. Either the City is running the water or the water is available. Either way, he will have to install active fire hydrants for the site plan to be completed. That’s all part of what has been approved by the Planning Commission. Whether the water -- and I’d have to ask him if the water is actually on his side of the road of if he’s extending water lines, because I don’t know. Now if that’s appropriate, I will. Are you extending the water line, or is the City? Mr. Chaplin: We’ve been cooperating completely with the City about the water line. There’s supposed to be a tremendous amount of pressure there. We will have to put in, you know, all the fire hydrants according to the Code. Mr. Mayor: Is the water line on your side of the road? Mr. Chaplin: Yes. Mr. Sherman: So the water line will be extended. Once we get the building plans, the Fire Department also will review those. Fire hydrant will have to be within 500 feet of the buildings. Mr. Chaplin: In addition, we have to put in fire walls and everything else to meet the Code. Mr. Mayor: Mr. Colclough? Mr. Colclough: The gentleman at committee said that he was willing to put in a reducing valve because there is a tremendous amount of pressure out there, and he said at committee he was willing to run water line. Mr. Mayor: Gentlemen, what’s your pleasure with respect to this item? Mr. Mays: I so move. Mr. Colclough: Second. Mr. Mayor: We have a motion to approve. It’s been seconded. Any further discussion? All in favor of the motion, please vote aye. Mr. Bridges votes No. Motion carries 8-1. 11 Mr. Mayor: Next item, Madame Clerk, is number 20, and we’ll combine that with item number 59, which is the same item. The Clerk: 20. Motion to approve the hiring of EMA Administrative Assistant at mid-point salary range. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee March 13, 2002) FINANCE: 59. Motion to approve the hiring of EMA Administrative Assistant at mid-point salary range. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee March 13, 2002) Mr. Mayor: Mr. Dlugolenski, would you like to be heard on this? Mr. Dlugolenski: Yes, sir, Mr. Mayor, Commissioners, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Dave Dlugolenski. I’m the Emergency Management Director in Augusta. I’d just like to give you a brief background of why I want to hire this person at the mid- point. This position became vacant back on December 14. Since that time, I have followed all the proper procedures in terms of Human Resources procedures. I announced the job vacancy. Had 49 applicants for this job position. Of those 49, I interviewed 10 of those positions, 10 of those people. These people had public safety experience. From that 10, there is one individual that really demonstrated and was the best qualified, all the knowledge, the skills, the abilities, the training, the management experience, to fill this position. The thing I want to say is this is not on an administrative assistant job, but basically this person takes my place when I’m not here. If something happens right now, the administrative assistant would activate emergency notifications to the public out there. So in my absence, this person really represents me as Emergency Management Director. This person that wants this job is fully qualified. She has a Masters degree. She has emergency management experience and also disaster experience. In terms of my job position in Emergency Management, ever since 9-11 we have talked about homeland defense. My role and responsibilities in terms of emergency management have quadrupled through those roles and responsibilities. Work on each of the public safety organizations, talking about police, fire, public health, the hospitals, going after grant monies, looking at [inaudible] grants for flooding, etc. I think my recommendation is to approve this mid-point range to bring this qualified individual here. Mr. Mayor: If I may just add to that. Mr. Dlugolenski in his budget request for this year had asked for two assistants in there because of the increased needs as a result of the increased emphasis on homeland security, and he was not able to secure those. I think he’s been very fortunate in finding the candidate that he has, who has had the experience that would pick up some of the slack from not having those two additional assistants in the office, someone who is more than just someone who answers the phone and is a secretary in the office, somebody who truly has a background in emergency management. For us to bring this person in at mid-point, to me, is a bargain for what 12 we’re getting, as we try to beef up that office and stay out front on homeland security. Anybody else want to be heard? Mr. Beard? Mr. Beard: Mr. Mayor, I asked that this be pulled simply because I wanted to get some understanding of what was being done here, beside the back-up information. So for three days last week, all I heard about was homeland security, and I know everybody is conscious in a way of that. I wanted to know why we were giving the increase here. I know we have a problem with finance and that was my concern. If you can get people to do the same job at a lower commensurate rate, then I think we should do it. I know that we are conscious and aware of this and we need that. My second concern in this is that -- I guess this is to the Administrator. How are we handling this in terms of is this coming under public safety or what? Are we increasing the rates here because of that? Or are we just increasing rates? I guess my concern is where are we going with this salary thing? And maybe I’m not making myself clear, George. What is this coming under? The Mayor stated that the finances are there. Mr. Kolb: The finances are -- Mr. Beard: In the budget? Mr. Kolb: -- in the budget. That’s correct. He had the position, the position was approved and allocated for. Funds -- Mr. Beard: But they said here, the financial impact, there’s an additional amount of finance involved here. Mr. Kolb: Okay. Mr. Beard: But that has been covered in the budget? Mr. Kolb: He approved -- the Commission approved the budget from January 1 through December 31. The position has been vacant since December until now. And so there will be some potential savings to offset the additional cost. Mr. Beard: Why do we have a financial impact of this amount here? Mr. Kolb: That’s the annual cost of the position. That’s what he put in there as the financial impact. So it will be something like -- Mr. Beard: Are you saying the same thing I’m saying to you? Mr. Kolb: It’s a $5,000 financial impact. It’s an increase from current salary to the salary that he wants, the mid-point. There’s a difference of $5,000. Mr. Beard: So this is an increase, then? 13 Mr. Kolb: That’s an increase in the annual salary. However, that cost, whatever the balance of that cost is in terms of the impact of this budget, is already in his budget. The cost will be -- Mr. Beard: Now are other departments given the same consideration? I mean we’ve got a lot of these one -- and I was told before this meeting that, you know, he doesn’t have any assistance. And he does need assistants. My second point would be are other departments given the same consideration when they are asking for help and assistance? If it’s in the budget, they can get it; right? Mr. Kolb: Not necessarily, no. It depends on if they demonstrate the need for that position or not. I mean this is not automatic. In this particular case, we happen to concur with his recommendation. Someone else may come and we may not concur with their recommendation. Again, we may concur with their recommendation. It depends on the situation, the need within the department. Mr. Beard: Well, I’m just interested in most of our department where we have one person, there is a potential need for some assistance, and I hope that they would be able to justify that. Mr. Kolb: I think I consider any request that comes through, regardless of how many people are in the department. If you could give me specifics of what you’re talking about, I could help you out. Mr. Beard: I was talking generally about departments, and I know we have a lot of those with just one or two people, or one person in there running that operation, and I think that if we are going to give one consideration, we ought to really look strongly at giving other people consideration also. Mr. Kolb: Let me assure you that any department that requests additional whatever it is, I usually give it consideration. I can’t recall where I haven’t discussed it with that director or that individual and said yes or not. Mr. Beard: So if you’re discussing it with them and they show you where there is really a need for it, we can be assured that you’re going to -- Mr. Kolb: [inaudible] to me and the money is available, I’ll be back to ask; yes. Mr. Beard: Okay. Mr. Mayor: Thank you. Mr. Williams and then Mr. Bridges. Mr. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I’ve got a couple of questions. First of all, Dave, you said about 40 applied. Mr. Dlugolenski: 49, sir. 14 Mr. Williams: 49. How many in-house persons applied for this position? Mr. Dlugolenski: Out of the top 10 selected out of the 49, four of those were current employees. Mr. Williams: The next thing was, in August is was supposed to happen with public safety, with a raise situation, will this person coming in now, and then in August there would still be a raise, an increase still given; is that right? Mr. Dlugolenski: No, that would not be. They would stay at mid-point right now. Mr. Williams: They would stay at mid-point until when? You say right now. Mr. Kolb: Next budget year. Mr. Williams: To next budget year? Mr. Kolb: And then in that case would be considered along with other positions as to what the policy is. Mr. Williams: I was a little -- myself, personally I was a little misled by when it came to committee and we was trying to get read to do some things that we already done, and that’s my ignorance and I take the blame for that. But I was a little concerned about public safety. You can always -- you never can have too much public safety, and I think we stressed that with our local Sheriff’s Department. You can always have a deputy on every corner and it would never be too many. And Dave, I do think your job is very important and you got a lot on your shoulders. But I think we need to be mindful, like Mr. Beard said, about other employees and other entities that need assistance as well. And since things are tight, the way they are, and I’m not going to oppose this, I’m not going to vote against it, but since things are tight as they are with other departments and trying to do some things, we need to look at, you know, balancing this thing out as much as we possibly can. Those are all the questions I had. Mr. Mayor: Thank you. Mr. Bridges? Mr. Bridges: Mr. Mayor, is there a motion on the floor? Mr. Mayor: We do not have a motion on the floor yet. Mr. Bridges: Mr. Mayor, I think this is -- the way of funding this extra $5,000 is consistent with means that have been used in the past, and that is in regards to lapsed salaries in the budget. The Administrator is comfortable in doing that. I have seen those issues come before us. I’ve seen us approve them in the past. And I’ve seen us turn them down in the past. So I think the methodology here of funding this is consistent with our 15 Based on the Administrator’s recommendation, I make a motion we past practice. approve. Mr. Shepard: Second. Mr. Mayor: Motion and second. Further discussion? All in favor of the motion then please vote aye. Motion carries 9-0. Mr. Dlugolenski: Thank you, sirs. Mr. Mayor: The next items, Mr. Williams wanted to hear items 25, 26 and 27. Can we take all those together, Mr. Williams? Mr. Williams: Yes, sir. I just need some clarification. Mr. Mayor: Let’s allows the Clerk to read the captions and then we’ll discuss this. The Clerk: 25. Motion to approve the refund of 2000 taxes paid in error in the amount of $3,450.45 to Golmar, Inc., Map 215, Parcel 258. (Approved by Finance Committee March 13, 2002) 26. Motion to approve the refund of 1999 and 2000 taxes aid in error in the amount of $931.52 to Mary Marston Corbitt, Map 33-4, Parcel 176. (Approved by Finance Committee March 13, 2002) 27. Motion to approve the refund of 1999 and 2000 taxes paid in error in the amount of $1,618.67 to Walter A. Dobbs, Map 193, Parcel 4.01. (Approved by Finance Committee March 13, 2001) Mr. Mayor: All right, Mr. Williams? Mr. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. The reason I wanted to get some clarification on this is because with all of the technology and all of the advanced people we got working on our staff, I mean we get a lot of this and I’m wondering why. And look like it just large parcels of properties that we either relaxed on or we have not checked into thoroughly. And I’m hoping that our director can tell us something why we missed this mark so far. In 25, we’re talking about $3,450 that was in error I think because we misjudged the area or the wrong area. Mr. Mayor: Sonny, can you respond to that? Mr. Reece: Sure. On item 25, Mr. Williams, what happened there is the appraiser made a mistake, picked the house up and put it on the wrong parcel when he went out to 16 pick it up. That appraiser has been reprimanded for doing that. And there is no financial impact because we now placed the house on the correct lot. We are refunding Mr. Golmar the money he has paid, but we have re-billed the new owner of the property. Mr. Williams: Okay, that wasn’t brought out. My question, Sonny, is to what happened. We paid this back out, but by error we made, I understand that. We make errors every day. We got three here together, I think, and all three errors are on our part? Mr. Reece: Yes, sir. Mr. Williams: I’m sorry? Mr. Reece: Yes, sir. Item number 26 and 27, both of the property owners contacted our office and requested review, that the square footage on their improvements were incorrect in their opinion. The staff did not act properly or respond properly enough into it. The bills went out. They were paid. The owners complained. The assistant, when it was brought to my attention, sent them back out and we corrected it. And we just feel like -- I talked to Ms. Murray and we felt like we ought to give them the benefit of the doubt for ’99 and 2000, correcting an error that they brought to our attention and we didn’t look into it. Mr. Williams: What has been done, Sonny, to correct this from happening again, though, with these employees? You talking about three pieces here that you admitted yourself was under your supervision. Has something been put in place to make sure this don’t happen again? I mean I understand that anything can happen and I don’t want to be technical and say it will never happen. But you admitted yourself that it was employee error, and I think it’s pretty sad to pay what we paying in a department and -- we’re not paying them enough? You say they’re not doing an efficient job because of salary, and I’m not saying that you made that statement, I’m saying if that’s the problem maybe we need to do something. But I been seeing a lot of this ever since I been here. I been seeing a lot of this. Me and you talked about this before. Mr. Reece: Yes, sir. Mr. Williams: So I need to know what we need to do to fix that. Mr. Reece: Well, I think y’all have already done that, Mr. Williams. You’ve authorized the Administrator to start us with quality performance, better management of our personnel. Mr. Kolb held a management training session of managers. My Board of Assessors, we liked it so well that they approved us and we’ve taken our staff out and gave them a total review of that, for input, we’re now asking all my deputies and my managers are bringing together actual procedures, performance procedures that each specific job should be doing, it’s going to be put down in writing for them to follow. Those are being developed now. Part of increasing our quality performance. And that’s what we are doing. Now the errors happened before my watch, but they are on my watch now and I’m going to take credit for them. But just like I’m going to be coming to your 17 committee next week, showing you where we went out and found $168,000 by doing our job, too. We are going to catch, we are going to make some mistakes. There are some mistakes that have been out there for years that we are coming up on, and we are having to go back and look at ourselves. We are going back and going through the procedures and coming up with step 1, 2, 3, and 4, going back to the basics. The computers are fine. But you got to put the information in there. If you make a mistake putting it in, you are going to get a mistake coming out. So we’re working on that. We are going to address the problems, Mr. Williams. I don’t like standing up here before this committee or this Commission and have to tell you to give a refund, but there’s going to be human errors once in a while. And we will address that and the employees have been reprimanded for that and it’s gone in their personnel files and that’s part of the process that we have to do. Mr. Williams: Thank you, sir, and I’m glad to hear that somebody is getting aggressive and doing some things. Any credit due to the Administrator, I’m certainly glad to know that he’s, you know, he’s on the job as well. But we talk so much about accountability and we need to see some more, you know, rather than hear about it. And I’m glad to know that you found some good news that you are going to bring back to us, as well, and if you want to share that with us today, I mean that would be fine with me. You don’t have to wait until committee to do that. Mr. Reece: Well, I didn’t bring the copy of the check with me, but it’s about $168,000 we found on an industrial account that was under the Richmond County Development Authority and they paid the bonds off and didn’t notify us. And I researched and rechecked back in the property section and found that the bonds had been paid off, so we got with industry and sat down with them and the check in excess of $168,000 has been deposited with Mr. Jerry Saul. Mr. Williams: Thank you, sir. That’s very good new. Thank you. Commend you for that. Thank you, sir. Mr. Mayor: Thank you. Mr. Shepard, then Mr. Boyles, and then Mr. Cheek. Mr. Shepard: Mr. Mayor, I just move approval of the Committee action. Mr. Mays: Second. Mr. Shepard: 25, 26, and 27. Mr. Mayor: Okay, it’s been seconded, items 25, 26, and 27. Mr. Boyles? Mr. Boyles: Mr. Mayor, I just wanted to ask Mr. Reece about how many parcels in this county are there? Mr. Reece: Approximately 75,000. Mr. Boyles: 75,000? 18 Mr. Reece: Another 13,000 of business and personal property accounts. Total is about 88,000. Mr. Boyles: 88,000 parcels of property that you deal with? Mr. Reece: Yes, sir. Mr. Boyles: Thank you, sir. Mr. Mayor: All right, Mr. Cheek? Mr. Cheek: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I just wanted to say that all that you’ve said is music to my ears, and keep up the good work. Mr. Reece: Thank you, sir. Mr. Mayor: Anything further? We have a motion on the floor to approve these three items. All in favor, please vote aye. Motion carries 9-0. Mr. Mayor: All right, the next item is number 43, Madame Clerk. The Clerk: 43. Motion to approve request to expend $1,250 Greenspace Funds for survey of Sibley property on Butler Creek. (Approved by Engineering Service Committee March 13, 2002) Mr. Mayor: Mr. Williams, you asked this be pulled? Mr. Williams: Yes, sir, Mr. Mayor. Looking at the backup, I was trying to figure out, trying to understand it, rather, it says fee for this work that we are -- and the lump sum was $1,250, then on the other side I saw $2,950. I wanted to get a clarification of what we paying for the services, you know, for the Greenspace. Are we paying $1,250 or the $2,950? Mr. Mayor: The request is for $1,250, which would be proposal A on the letter from John Attaway in the backup material. See that, Mr. Williams? Mr. Williams: Okay, so Mr. Mayor, you’re saying we had two proposals for the same work? Mr. Mayor: Right. There are two proposals for the same work. 19 Mr. Williams: Okay. Mr. Mayor: Taking the cheaper of the two proposals. Mr. Williams: Okay, I understand that perfectly. Mr. Mayor: Okay. Anything further? Do we have a motion? Mr. Cheek: I move to approve, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Shepard: I approve. Mr. Mayor: Any other discussion? All in favor then please vote aye. Motion carries 9-0. Mr. Mayor: That takes us over to the regular agenda. Mr. Williams: Mr. Mayor? Mr. Mayor: Yes? Mr. Williams: I wanted to add to the regular agenda, if I could, the Public Safety, the three items we had because we already discussed those in Public Safety and had no problem with it. Mr. Mayor: All right, we’ve got four items. Would you like to move to take those up as a consent agenda, Mr. Williams? Mr. Williams: Yes, sir. Mr. Mayor: That would be items 55, 56, 57, and 58. PUBLIC SAFETY: 55. Motion to approve the bid award bid item #02-060 to IntelliSystems. 56. Motion to approve allowing the Augusta Fire Department to make application for the United States Fire Administration Federal Fire Act Grant. 57. Motion to approve allowing the Augusta Fire Department to organize and implement the Juvenile Firesetters Program in Augusta. 58. Motion to approve Ordinance regulating resale of tickets within certain distances of the Masters Golf Tournament. Mr. Cheek: I’ll second that. Mr. Mayor: Any discussion on those items? 20 Mr. Cheek: Item 58. Mr. Mayor: Mr. Cheek, go ahead. Mr. Cheek: Mr. Mayor, I have no problem with this ordinance. One of the things I wanted to mention as a process improvement is that in all of these places where we have the tents and so forth set up, the hospitality suites and so forth, there is absolutely no mention of Augusta in them. And I was hoping that we could work with our License & Inspection group perhaps -- and CVB -- to get some of these brochures to leave in these places where people would know what’s going on in Augusta after they leave the tournament. Mr. Mayor: Thank you. Good point. Any other discussion on those items? All in favor then of approval of items 55, 56, 57 and 58, please vote aye. Motion carries 9-0. Mr. Mayor: That takes us to item 64, which we’ll take up in our legal meeting, Mr. Wall. 64. Consideration of CSRA Waste contract. Mr. Mayor: Did you have anything for legal? LEGAL MEETING: 65. Discussion of potential litigation and update on litigation matters. Mr. Wall: Need to talk about potential litigation and discussion of the CSRA Waste matter. Mr. Mayor: Are there any other items for legal session? Mr. Williams: Real estate. I need to ask some questions on real estate, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor: That will be fine, Mr. Williams. We’ll add that to the agenda. Anything further for the agenda? Do we have a motion we go into legal meeting for those items? Mr. Williams: So moved. Mr. Shepard: Second. Mr. Mayor: All in favor then please vote aye. 21 Motion carries 9-0. [LEGAL MEETING 3:00 - 3:50 p.m.] 66. Motion to approve authorization for the Mayor to execute affidavit of compliance with Georgia's Open Meetings Act. Mr. Mayor: The Chair will entertain a motion authorizing the Mayor to sign the affidavit. Mr. Colclough: So moved. Mr. Cheek: Second. Mr. Mayor: Is there any objection? None heard. The Chair will state for the record, the affidavit does not mention we discussed real estate items because that matter was pulled from the agenda for the executive session. Is there any other business? The motion to adjourn has been seconded. Is there any objection? We are adjourned without objection. [MEETING ADJOURNED] Lena J. 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 Augusta Richmond County held on March 19, 2002. Clerk of Commission 22