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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuly 26, 2005 Augusta-Richmond County Commissi REGULAR MEETING COMMISSION CHAMBER JULY 26, 2005 Augusta-Richmond County Commission convened at 2:45 p.m., Tuesday, July 26, 2005, the Honorable Willie Mays, III, Interim Mayor, presiding. PRESENT: Hons. Hankerson, Smith, Grantham, Williams, Beard, Cheek and Boyles, members of Augusta-Richmond County Commission. ABSENT: Hons. Sims and Colclough, members of Augusta-Richmond County Commission. Also Present: Steve Shepard, Attorney; Fred Russell, Administrator; Lena Bonner, Clerk of Commission. (Quorum not present) Mr. Mayor: We’re sorry we can’t officially start just yet because we’re waiting to get at least one more Commissioner in the building where we’ll have a quorum, so I wanted to let you know why we were not starting at our appointed time. I say that particularly to my young people that are here today from “Camp Fix-It.” You know when the school bell rings you all have to have a note in order to get in. And I might to establish some new and different rules on meeting days as well. We’ll see how they work. But we’re glad to have everybody here today and we hope momentarily we’ll be able to start. We are going to go ahead on and improvise a little bit. The Clerk: Yes, sir. Mr. Mayor: What we’re going to do at this time—obviously we cannot take any official action on any votes because of the quorum. There are some items in terms of presentations that we can do. But first we’re going to – I don’t think Dr. Joyner is here in the audience, from Broadway. I am going to ask one of our own, our Commissioner from District 5, Rev. Bobby Hankerson, to give our invocation for today. Afterwards, our young people from “Camp Fix-It” which is the official governmental class of “Camp Fix- It”—they were here the other day and I think we had two or three people running for mayor in that class that were in there, so I definitely don’t want to overlook them. And they had some great things to say about challenges for government. So they are here today back to answer part of that. So if you would at this time, everyone stand, let us give our attention to Rev. Hankerson for our invocation and then we will have our Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The invocation was given by Rev. Bobby Hankerson. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 1 ADDENDUM AGENDA: ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA: RECOGNITION: Employee of the Month Award Charles Rollins Marshal’s Office The Clerk: At this time we will recognize our June Employee of the Month. We’ll ask Marshal Charles Rollins of our Marshal’s Department, along with Ms. Tammy Strange, who nominated Deputy Rollins, along with other officials from the Marshal’s Department who would like to come up, along with the airport official, Mr. Boshears. The Employee Recognition Committee—Dear Mayor Mays, the Employee Recognition Committee has selected Charles Rollins as the June, 2005 Employee of the Month for the City of Augusta. Mr. Rollins is a deputy with the Marshal’s Office assigned to the Augusta Regional Airport. Deputy Rollins was nominated by Tammy Stranger, an employee with the Augusta Regional Airport. Ms. Strange describes the following account of events: In February of this year, the whole Southeast had been affected by a cold front, causing long delays, the 9:00 p.m. flight finally arriving in Augusta at 2:00 a.m. A young mother inquired if it was okay for her to leave her vehicle with her daughter asleep inside, parked outside the terminal, while she retrieved her luggage. It had been a long night and everyone was exhausted. Mr. Rolllins smiled and told her it was okay and proceeded to step outside in the rain to watch over the child. I approached Mr. Rollins that morning after most of the passengers had left and told him that I had witnessed his act of kindness. I then told him not many folks would have volunteered to stand outside in the freezing rain. His response was he did not want the little girl to wake up and be scared. The Augusta Regional Airport also received an email from a passenger describing how this deputy’s composed demeanor and kindness calmed a room full of passengers looking for their luggage. The committee felt that based on Ms. Strange’s recommendation and Mr. Rollins’ dedicated and loyal service to the City of Augusta he should be awarded its Employee of the Month. We would appreciate you joining us in awarding Deputy Charles Rollins Employee of the Month for the month of June, 2005. Congratulations. [A round of applause is given.] 4. Presentation by Pastor Aline P. Scott, Director of “Camp Fix It,” regarding their concerns about the Dyess Park Recreation Center. Mr. Mayor: If the Commission would bear with me for just a moment, and since you don’t have a quorum to rule me out of order, you’ll have to bear with me. While we have a few moments of time and are waiting for Commissioners to arrive, I was going to ask for somewhat of a right of personal privilege on one of the items that is down here to 2 be added to the agenda. And while I know we cannot take any action today on this particular item because it will have to obviously go over to the department that it relates to and it actually needs to go into a committee, but I believe that government should make itself available when at all possible for the conveniences of people. I said the other day--I had actually two groups of young people in at the same time, youngsters from Weed and Seed and those from “Camp Fix-It.” And the “Camp Fix-It” young people had their campaign posters ready, they had their announcements for Mayor, and also had some very challenging questions about our government, about its structure, and I told them that they actually could get a job with both GMA and ACCG from the standpoint that classes that freshmen Commissioners have to attend, that they had a lot of formal information ready for us. I also told them that in terms of not being afraid of the challenges of governmental service and that many times they will see things that governments may do, people in government that may not be so pleasing. But still, government has to function and it takes good people in order for it to work. And one of the things I told them, that even though they were not yet old enough to register to vote and to take part in government in a formal way, they still had the right to ask questions. We talked about taxation, we talked about a lot of things, we talked about the monies that they spent out of their allowance, the monies that go to fast food places, to their clothing and other things, and we had a very, very interesting and great time on that day. And they asked me questions about the particular area in which many of them live. And we talked about some things that might or might not occur during sales tax. And I said make sure that you come back and you let us know what your feelings are in reference to some things that government might do. Well, they came back very quickly. And while they are not a formal part of our agenda today, and I was going to ask the Commission to allow them the allotted space and time to address us very briefly, their statement, it’s in print, it’s totally ready, they have some things they would like to talk with us about. So I’m going to take the right of personal privilege without vote or without veto and I’m going to allow that young spokesperson from “Camp Fix-It” to come forward at this time. Since we are in a lull period we might as well utilize the talents of our young people that are here and on time. And the other reason that they are here today is because when we meet again they will actually be in school so they are exercising their time while they can. So we’re glad to have you. Who is going to be the spokesperson? Ms. Speaker: [inaudible] Mr. Mayor: Okay. [inaudible] you did quite well the other day. Let’s give her a big hand. [A round of applause is given.] Mr. Mayor: If you would, ma’am, like all old folks who come to the microphone, would you state your name, address and school for the record, please? 3 Ms. Speaker: Hello, my name is Allison [inaudible] and I [inaudible] elected Mayor of [inaudible], Georgia, one of the first cities in “Camp Fix-It” government [inaudible]. I attend Glenn Hills Middle School and I’ll be going into the seventh grade this year. To the Honorable Mayor Mays and the board of Commissioners, we [inaudible] aiming to succeed [inaudible]. I am requesting an opportunity to appear before our Mayor and our county Commissioners to share our concerns and make our requests none about our community park. Dyess Park [inaudible] or at our next Commission meeting. Thanks for your consideration of our request [inaudible]. “Camp Fix-It” government [inaudible] Dyess Park Community Center [inaudible] 2005. The following is a [inaudible] list of concerns and requests from the “Camp Fix-It” government [inaudible] 2005. Swimming pool—we would like to see the community pool [inaudible]. [inaudible] following reasons: [inaudible] does not work properly. [inaudible]. The bathrooms are nasty and [inaudible] covered in dirt and debris. The pool [inaudible] ASAP. The baseball field: the dugout area needs [inaudible] accumulated [inaudible]. The tennis court: the court is [inaudible] with [inaudible] grass and makes it unsafe and unpleasant to use. [inaudible] It needs to be updated and [inaudible] obscene writing on the wall. We would like [inaudible] belong there. [inaudible] water pressure which makes it difficult for the children to get water without having to put their lips directly on the water spout, which is very unsanitary. We need a bigger building with more than one [inaudible] use the center. The building [inaudible] is small and cannot hold the necessary equipment and supplies. [inaudible] pool and an area for golfing. We ask to see Dyess Park rebuilt as an indoor [inaudible] center. Would you consider building [inaudible] activities center or [inaudible]? [inaudible] computer lab with updated computers and internet access. Sincerely, the students of “Camp Fix-It” [inaudible] 2005. Thank you. [A round of applause is given.] Mr. Mayor: Very good presentation [inaudible] to answer part of your question that’s in there. Some of those things were included in our last sales tax proposal. I do not know what the Commission is going to decide to do this year in this year’s sales tax proposal, but there are some needs that are in there that I think not only can we work with sales tax but with some of the other entities that are in that area. Mr. Collier has th expressed some desire [inaudible] for condos that are there on the 8 Street side, Twiggs Street, wants to work in conjunction with ANIC in terms of some of the funding, along with sales tax and Recreation and Parks, and one of the things that you mentioned [inaudible] might go in reference to the golf course. That was an idea that some adults had some time ago, that they thought about on their very own, without being prodded to do it. And I think it’s good that they’re interested in their government, interested in their community at this time. Obviously we cannot solve that issue today. But I think there are some maintenance issues that are there that can be dealt with on an immediate basis. I think it should be I’m going to not necessarily ask for comment today, Mr. Russell, but turned over in terms of the written statement that’s there, to Recreation and Parks Department, and I’m going to personally ask that it be placed on the agenda item 4 for Public Services Committee at its next committee meeting so that those ideas which are there are not long-range but basically deal with the necessities of just plain maintenance that needs to be done and that I believe we can do, those items that I think need to be addressed, and so I’m going to ask that they be placed on that committee’s agenda to be dealt with as soon as possible. [A round of applause is given.] Mr. Mayor: And we thank you for your coming. I believe y’all have a little deadline on another class that y’all want to get to, need to get to. You’re not going to get me in the middle of giving y’all an excuse to get [inaudible] and then I’ll have to deal with the instructors so I can’t, I won’t get you off the hook on that but I’m glad to see you back again. Thank you for taking me up on the challenge. By the way, how many winners were there? Ms. Speaker: [inaudible] [A round of applause is given.] Mr. Mayor: [inaudible] So glad to have you, and you’re welcome to stay as long as you like, but if at any time that you need to [inaudible] your schedule you can go ahead. And while you’re not on the official agenda I think your voices were well heard and we’re glad to have you here as a part of government. And I don’t know, I maybe got a good idea today of working with adults and maybe that’s a good start, Commissioners, maybe young folks across the city can get a bunch of older folks out and run it a whole lot better and a whole lot cheaper and a whole lot quicker. So we thank you for your coming. Those of you who [inaudible] I kind of feel like that DJ, what happens when you’ve got [inaudible] air time [inaudible] but I see one of our Commissioners coming at this time and this will give us our quorum that’s here. [Quorum is present.] Mr. Mayor: Madame Clerk? Madame Clerk? The Clerk: Yes, sir? Mr. Mayor: While the Commissioners are going through, and they may have already done it in terms of their check-off lists that are there, let us go ahead and move with the presentations and the order of the day and I think by the time those presentations are done then we will be pretty much ready to go into the consent agenda by that time. The Clerk: Yes, sir. DELEGATION: 5 A. The Heritage Crest Foundation Mr. Charles Walker, Jr. Re: Tagline “We Feel Good” The Clerk: Mr. Walker? Mr. Walker: Good afternoon. First of all I would like to thank you all for giving me the opportunity to come before you and talk about something that is very dear to my heart and something that we feel would greatly benefit the City of Augusta and the surrounding areas. For some time now we have heard in the media and around town that County Commissioners and the Convention and Visitors Bureau have been looking for a slogan, a tagline for the City of Augusta. After talking and being in various meetings with the next generation, as well as the Greater Augusta Arts Council, and having owned a company, Bright Ideas, where we come up with marketing and campaign strategies, we came up with a slogan that we felt would capture the essence of Augusta. We have a great, thriving medical community that is certainly second to none, renowned research in diabetes, Walton Rehab helping stroke victims, etc. We have a brand new cancer center that will opening up hopefully in the very, very near future. And we also have the legendary James Brown, which his song “I Feel Good,” who just recently we unveiled the statue. We feel that with the warmth [inaudible] mid-sized great city like Augusta, encompassing our well-known status as the “Golf Capital of the World,” our medical community makes people feel good. In the last couple of years more so than any other time we’ve had a multitude of [inaudible] and we need to clean up our image beyond a shadow of a doubt. I don’t think I would have any arguments from anybody whatsoever in regards to that. And our slogan is, the tagline that we’re asking the City to adopt is real simple, and that is “We Feel Good.” Augusta, Georgia, “We Feel Good.” And as private citizens we [inaudible] go out into the community and to promote this slogan as it represents a multitude of things in our community, but more so when these soldiers at Fort Gordon go abroad to Germany, France, Australia, Asia, they will be representing Augusta saying how great Augusta is. And being a [inaudible] circulate that the words that we speak, the images that we share, that we give off, are very important. “We Feel Good” says something about us. The more we say it, as a [inaudible]. So we’re asking you to adopt something that is seemingly minor, but something that will have a profound impact on Augusta as we promote ourselves to attract industry and to expand the vision of bringing healthcare facilities to Augusta. I could note probably three weeks ago when the Mayor mentioned “I Feel Good” in reference to a vitamin company coming to town, as well as telling the Metropolitan Spirit he had his bobble head James Brown doll. Mr. Mayor: I started to crank him up a few minutes ago to kill some of this time. Mr. Walker: Certainly Mr. Brown is known across the country and the Foundation, the Heritage Crest Foundation, one of our goals is to promote racial unity among all people and to share the common bond that we all share. And so we are about promoting racial unity and bringing this community together and so we ask for the simple 6 request that we have your blessings as we go forth and put together [inaudible] campaign for “We Feel Good,” not to replace “The Garden City” but simply as an additional promotion. Thank you for your time. [A round of applause is given.] Mr. Mayor: Any Commissioners to my left? Any questions, any comments? Any to my right? Commissioner Cheek? Mr. Cheek: I just, with that presentation I can picture “The Godfather” doing an infomercial or a commercial about the city out front, saying “Augusta, I feel good.” I think that’s a pretty good proposal honestly and something to very seriously consider today. Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Williams? Mr. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Every opportunity I’ve had so far I’ve tried to mention James Brown and what economic numbers, what economic effect it would have on the City of Augusta. And as I travel, even in the recent trip to Hawaii, I mentioned to someone being from Augusta and they thought about James Brown. So I do welcome, I do put my arms around the suggestion that was brought to us just now and I hope we will adopt. I don’t think it would call for any official action. Maybe I don’t know what official action it would take, about changing any names or anything we’ve got. I think it’s just a tagline that we need to adopt so people will know that we, we do feel good in Augusta, we do think [inaudible] with James Brown and even with the medical center. So I just want to say to Mr. Walker I appreciate your efforts, I appreciate your diligent work that you’ve done. Every opportunity I get I try to promote James Brown. I see Brenda is back there. We’ve talked a year or two ago about a James Brown festival, even a James Brown museum, where folks would come from all over the world to get an opportunity to see him, even though [inaudible] heard about him. And like [inaudible] so I think it would make a good, a great impact on the City of Augusta so I do And if I need to make a motion at applaud them for what they’ve done, Mr. Mayor. this time to accept that, I so move. Mr. Cheek: I second that. Mr. Williams: We can get this on out of the way. Mr. Mays: There’s a motion and a second. Is there any discussion? Ms. Beard: I would like to mention something. Someone brought forth a package where we were being—someone, I believe the Convention and Visitors Bureau, brought forth a proposal to use in reference to branding Augusta, and I certainly like what he has 7 come up with. I’m wondering if that could be in addition to what is already going on and maybe Brenda could speak to that. Could you, Brenda? Ms. Durant: The brand for the Convention and Visitors Bureau is “I Played Augusta.” I don’t believe we’re asking the CVB to adopt “We Feel Good” instead of “I Played Augusta,” but I certainly think—I actually thought of this “We Feel Good” headline and I thought that it would be a great thing when we did our “Ten Reasons to Live, Work and Play in Augusta.” We talked about putting those ten reasons on the back of our business cards and I certainly think if I handed my business card to someone and it said “Brenda Durant, Executive Director, Greater Augusta Arts Council, We Feel Good,” that association would immediately be made with Mr. Brown but also they’d say why is this here? And I would be very happy to talk about the ten reasons to live, work and play in Augusta, Georgia. And so I actually hoped it would replace the “Garden City,” that as people drove into town it would be on every sign eventually, because I think it’s a great slogan for us because I know that I feel good about Augusta, Georgia or I would not be here. I know that you all feel good about Augusta, Georgia, with what you see and what you do every day, and I hope that by saying it that all of Augusta would feel good about what we’re doing. Thank you. Mr. Mayor: Any other questions? Let me say that as a resident and business owner that just happens to live on James Brown Boulevard, I don’t have a vote any more on this Commission but the gentleman that you talk about being a long-time personal and family friend, I think it’s a great suggestion to do, does not take away from anything else. I had seven engagements that I had to speak at this week and at least four of them where his name was invoked and I didn’t see anyone with a frown on their face when we talked about it. And it’s nothing wrong in terms of working, using the talent God has blessed us with. And we promote this town not just in Georgia, the United States, but across the world. So I would hope the Commission would pass it and then this is a start that I think can lead to other things in reference to how we do it and that way I won’t have to crank up my doll in there. But if I need to to get a vote, I will. But all in favor of the motion will do so by the usual sign. Any opposed, the same. Motion carries 7-0. Mr. Mayor: Thank you, Mr. Walker and Ms. Durant. The Clerk: PRESENTATION: Fiscal Year 2004 Audited Financial Report and changes in financial condition by the City independent external auditor Cherry, Bekaert & Holland, CPAs, LLP. (Requested by Commissioner Betty Beard) 8 Mr. Plowman: Hello. I’m Kip Plowman, a partner with Cherry, Bekaert & Holland, your external auditors. We’re here today to go over the financial audit and reiterate the comments that were made during the Finance Committee. As you’ll recall the external audit is focused on the financial results from 2004. It takes several months after the year end to close out, go back and verify all the numbers. Just a little about the process. While the reports are uniform and consistent across the country in terms of the format and how things look, there’s a lot of effort and work that goes into these. Our firm is one of the largest in the southeast. We do quality reviews internally. We have several partners review this. We have partners from other states look at this. We’ve got people that are on the external quality review for government accounting standards. We are doing other cities such as Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Raleigh, Durham, we’re doing work in Fulton County, the Atlanta airport. So I mean you’ve got a good team here working on your financial audit and the cooperate from the staff, everything went smoothly, and what I’m going to is have Bonnie Cox, one of our team managers who was in charge of the job day-to-day, come up and present kind of the financial results. And if you have any questions feel free to either ask us today or call us at any time. Bonnie? Ms. Cox: Thank you, Kip. I’m Bonnie Cox with Cherry, Bekaert & Holland and I’ve been working with the City for many years with the external audit. I’ll hit the high points and if you have any questions please ask me. I see the Finance staff peeking around the corner, as well. They can answer, they’re here every day, they can really answer your questions. I’m only here looking at year-end stuff. Anyway, the first thing I’d like to go over is the executive summary. This is the summary of what we went over with your Finance Committee. I believe you have a copy of this in front of you. One thing that I would like to point out, and this is enormous year-end financial statement that you guys get, this is the City’s annual financial statement, the only pages in this whole report that we can take credit for at Cherry, Bekaert & Holland are the ones with our logos on it, which are about five pages out of this entire nearly 200 page document. Those are the pages that give you our opinion. The rest of this document is the result of the hard work of your Finance staff, your Accounting department, who pull the numbers together that are the result of the City’s operations. So the ones with our logos on it are really the only ones we can really speak to. I would like to point out that on page four, starting on page four of this document, your Finance Department has written a very good management discussion and analysis that is a summary of the financial highlights of the government. It’s a higher level than the detail that’s later in the report but it’s the same numbers, it’s just at a higher level of detail. One thing I would like to point out I think is interesting. On page 34 is the results of your general fund budget operations and I think this speaks to management of the general fund of the government. [inaudible] had come in and budgeted a $5 million deficit; it actually came in $3 million better than that. And so that is something that we had mentioned to your Finance Committee. That is a true testament to the well-managed operations of the government that the general fund came in more than what they had, nearly double what they had expected to come in at. And so that’s a true testament to the well-managed operation. The ending financial position of the general fund, you guys spend about $280,000 a day in your expenditures in the 9 general fund. And when you start looking at the end results, your ending fund balance, the reserves that are there are well in excess of the GSOA standard guidelines, even including some [inaudible] management designations that were moved out this year. Even considering those separate management designations you’re still well in excess of the recommended guidelines. And then also if you look at your ending cash balance. Fund balances, not cash, you can’t go out and spend fund balance like you can what’s in the bank. But even with what’s in the bank in your general fund is in excess of 60 days of expenditures, which is also well in excess of the recommended guidelines for that. The opinions that are in the pages with our letterhead that I refer to that are in your financial statements, they’re pretty much exactly the same as they have been in prior years. The one difference is that we had to exclude the Downtown Development Authority this year from our audit opinion. We didn’t have audited information available in time for the City to meet the state reporting deadlines and so it was more important to meet the deadlines than to wait on that information. So other than that it’s opinion just like you’ve always gotten, saying that the financial statements are in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. We did have to make some adjustments to the financial statements. Many of them were similar [inaudible] and actually 2/3 of the adjustments that we got were actually give to us by your staff, so that means that they’re already looking at things and correcting things that they know need to be done, which is a good thing. So your staff knows the differences and changes that need to be made. We did not note any material or control weaknesses nor did we have any significant changes in accounting policies. We got great and excellent cooperation from your personnel here, whether they were in the Finance Department, Accounting Department, or throughout the government that we had to go and visit different areas and in doing that we got great cooperation from everywhere we’d go. Good news is on findings that we did have in the prior year, most of them were corrected. One was with the law enforcement block grant. That finding was completely taken care of. Airport security grant, there was a finding there last year, that also was completely taken care of. Budgetary compliance, the state mandates certain things. I know that you guys would probably agree with me that what the state mandates does not always make a lot of sense. Though one of the things that they require is that you don’t go over budget, and yet in the same breath they tell us we know that you’re going to go over budget in certain department. But because we’re the auditors and we have to look at what the state technically requires by the letter of the law, not the spirit of the law, we have to report that as a finding that you went over budget in certain departments. Current year findings in the grant compliance area, we had a couple of findings. One is the repeat finding about the budgetary compliance which, as I mentioned to you, the state already expects to see that every year. The other two findings both related to the HOME program and with some [inaudible] monitoring out there as well as reporting requirements that were taken care of out there. And you’ll notice in just a moment when we go through what’s referred to as management letter, there is also a comment in there about the financial reporting out at Housing and Neighborhood Development. There’s just some weaknesses there. But I think [inaudible] have been taken and things have been, decisions have been made to try to help that. But at the time 10 we were doing the audit those were still problems out there. Do you have any other questions about this big report? Do you want me to— Mr. Mayor: No, just want you to give us a synopsis. Ms. Cox: A synopsis. Mr. Mayor: As they tell me sometimes up here, in about 30 seconds or less, if it’s good or bad. Ms. Cox: In 30 seconds or less, it’s good. They were $3 million ahead of budget in the general fund, which is a very good thing, in the way that they’re spending the money. We can go over the detail if you guys want to [inaudible]. Mr. Mayor: $3 million sounds better. Ms. Cox: I’m sorry? Mr. Mayor: I like the $3 million sound. We’ve got the detail, but the bottom line counts, whether we’ve got the money, whether it’s been spent wisely. That’s what we need to hear, that’s what we need to hear the citizens of this community. I think you all have done a good job in working with our Finance Department. Any other Commissioners have questions? Mr. Hankerson? Mr. Hankerson: Yes, she gave us a lot of information and we get so much information I don’t really know what is being said. But like my “ten words or less” type thing, the question I’d like to ask, have we been good money managers? Ms. Cox: I think the answer to that is yes. Mr. Hankerson: You think so? Ms. Cox: Well, there is 200 pages of numbers, so if you want to go through them, there are some good things and some bad things. Mr. Hankerson: Overall? Ms. Cox: There are some funds, you know, having to borrow money from the general fund. But even so, even with all the money that has been borrowed from the general fund, at the end of the day the general fund still has a very healthy cash balance. You’ve still got a healthy reserve in there, a [inaudible] in excess of the Governmental Finance Officers Association guidelines. Mr. Hankerson: And that’s good? 11 Ms. Cox: That’s good. That’s very good. Mr. Hankerson: What about our credit rating on bonds? Because you hear people talk about in different cities because of your spending habits, your interest rates are high or something like that on your bonds, and it’s your rating, the city’s rating. Isn’t that right? Will you tell us a little bit about that? Ms. Cox: The bond rating is the same. It hasn’t been changed over the past few years. In fact, the management discussion and analysis at the front of the report actually tells you specifically what the bond rating it, but it hasn’t changed from prior years. It’s the same as it always has been in recent history. Mr. Hankerson: The same, is that a good one or is that one that we know that we get a good interest rate on? That’s what I want to hear. Ms. Cox: Yes. You don’t have much general obligation debt out there anyway. I can’t remember off the top of my head. You paid off all your general obligation bonds last year so you don’t have any debt out there to have—you have revenue bonds with your utilities and waste management and all that sort of stuff but just your general obligation bonds, you don’t have any debt out there. You’ve paid it all off. So that’s a good thing. Mr. Hankerson: No debt. Paid it all off. Very good. Thank you. Mr. Mayor: Question, Mr. Grantham? Mr. Grantham: Based on reserve money, would you say we have a good reserve? We’ve had one now for several years. The total amount of our reserve, do you recall, is about $20 million or $18 million? Ms. Cox: It depends on if you look at it from a fund balance perspective or a cash perspective. The general fund has about $17 million in cash in it at December 31, 2004, and the unreserved fund balance is $21 million in the general fund. Mr. Grantham: Thank you. Mr. Mayor: Ms. Beard, and then Commission Cheek and we need to wrap up. Ms. Beard: As a member of this committee—oh, I forgot, I’m very hoarse today—I was very happy to receive this report and very happy to learn that actually our county is in much better shape than most counties. And I’d like to just take this opportunity to thank Fred and all of the directors of the different departments for the fine job they’re doing. And we are very lucky to have this situation here. We all know what 12 it’s like because we know what it’s like when we balance our budget. So to have this type balance for this city is truly wonderful. Mr. Mayor: Mr. Cheek? Mr. Cheek: Just a couple of quick questions. On the gain that we saw this year, the [inaudible] benefit of the additional money, was that from cost cutting within governmental operations or additional revenue or both? Ms. Cox: It’s from both. It’s kind of different areas go up and down but it is the combination of both. The additional revenue coming in that you didn’t expect, as well as managing the costs, keep them lower than what the budgeted expenditures that you had expected to have. Mr. Cheek: Can we extract the spreadsheet of information that shows the targeted goal savings that we asked our departments to do this last year against what they actually did, maybe from the information, and have it available for budget this year? Ms. Cox: I’m sure that that’s something that your Finance Department can give you. I mean we’ve got it at a very high level. But you’ve got great staff that can do it. Mr. Cheek: I just want to make sure as we look at the budget that those steps were taken by all of the departments and everybody [inaudible] and tried to perform to that level. Thank you. Mr. Mayor, do we need a motion to receive this as information? Mr. Mayor: I was waiting on the Finance chairman. Mr. Boyles: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. As Finance chairman, it’s been a pleasure to work with the Finance Committee these two years, Mr. Williams, Ms. Beard, and Mr. Grantham, as we work. I think we’ve been very diligent in what we’ve tried to do. And we’ve tried to look at a fair side of both what was requested and what we had to spend. So with that I make a motion that we accept the report as presented by Cherry, Bekaert & Holland. Mr. Williams: Second. Mr. Mayor: Motion and a second. Being no further discussion, all in favor of the motion will do so by the usual sign. Motion carries 7-0. The Clerk: We’d like the Finance Department to please come forward. Ms. Beard: [inaudible] Finance Committee. 13 The Clerk: The Finance Department and the Finance Committee. The Mayor and members of the Commission would like to acknowledge and to send a certificate of recognition given to our Augusta Finance Department, for you have demonstrated professionalism and excellence in providing financial management to the City of Augusta and its Commission. Your commitment and dedication reflects the standard of excellence on your department. Thank you. [A round of applause is given.] Mr. Mayor: Even though our director, Mr. Persaud, is not here today [inaudible] I’ve had the opportunity to work with them now for 15 years and this has been an excellent staff and it’s a team that allows this county in many difficult circumstances to be able to rise to the top [inaudible]. [A round of applause is given.] The Clerk: We will return now to the delegation portion of our agenda. DELEGATION: B. Belair Hills Estates Neighborhood Association Mr. James Rouse Re: Carolyn Street Sewer Project • MM Scott Park • Speed Bumps on selected streets Mr. Rouse: Good afternoon. To the Mayor and fellow Commissioners, I want to thank you for the opportunity to come before you once again. I’ve been here before for other reasons. This is my left-hand partner today, Mr. [inaudible] Kelly, and we all want to share some concerns concerning the Belair Hills Estates. In the past I worked under Mr. [inaudible]. He was [inaudible] years ago and following him was Mr. Grantham and after him we had Mr. Shepard and now we have Ms. Sims who is not present today. But we have tried to work with the Commissioner that represent our area for different reasons. Today we are concerned with the sewerage problem in Belair Hills Estates. Back in 1989-90 or shortly thereafter we had Randy Oliver and Mr. Zetterberg, who was our representative. So we tried to work through the organization which is at hand to help us get the things that we needed in Belair Hills Estates. We have come to the point where I think we are at a stalemate. And we’d like to know why we’re at a stalemate at this time. What we are pondering is that there are other communities around us and I believe who have sewers. And I can give you a few of those names. And they are still being developed. But yet at Belair Hills Estates it’s not moving. As a taxpayer we’re concerned about that. We’ve been in existence since way back in 1952, somewhere there abouts. And yet still in 2005 we don’t have sewers. We still have septic tanks. We have a problem with that because we are getting an influx of people moving into the 14 community. We want to know what the Commission and the Engineering Department is doing at this time to eradicate the problem that we are having. Sooner or later it’s going to become a health problem because when you get these kind of people involved in the community that have got septic tanks then they are going to overflow. The ground won’t be able to absorb what has been produced or put into that. We’ve got granted here an extension of [inaudible], of [inaudible], they’re really increasing out there. We’ve got Elderberry off of Dyess Parkway. [inaudible] community being developed and I’m sure they’ve got sewers out there. But we don’t. And I have a problem with—I’ve been out there 18 years and I don’t have the option of getting sewers. And there must be a problem somewhere. And I want y’all to tell me where the problem is. Or what is the problem or why we’re hadn’t gotten sewers in Belair Hills Estates. And Mr. Kelly here wants to express his concern also. Around us we get [inaudible] off of Belair Road, we’ve got Evergreen off Belair Road. I’m sure these subdivisions are getting sewers out there. But yet we don’t have sewers in Belair Hills Estates and I believe we may be the oldest one out there. I worked with Mr. Grantham trying to get it, I worked with Mr. Shepard trying to get it, I worked with Mr. Beckum trying to get it, and now we’re working with Ms. Barbara Sims trying to get it. And we are not making the progress that I think we ought to be getting in Belair Hills Estates. If you all have got an answer or got some resolution to this problem I would like for you all to share it with me, at least through the Engineering Department let us know what is going on so we can know what to expect and when to expect it. Mr. Kelly? Mr. Mayor: Mr. Rouse, if we could for just a moment, unless Mr. Kelly is going to—[inaudible] three items on here. If we could stay with the sewage for just a moment. What I was going to do was ask Mr. Hicks to come over while we are on the subject of sewage, if we could deal with that, get [inaudible] unless he has something else to add on sewage at this point. Mr. Kelly: I’d like to add on to it. Mr. Rouse: He’d like to add on to it. Mr. Mayor: Okay. Mr. Kelly: My name is [inaudible] Kelly, 1511 Wheeler Drive. I’ve been associated with Belair Subdivision for 30 years. And I’m here for the same reason. I own two businesses. I’m a heavy taxpayer. Very heavy taxpayer in this city. And I appreciate what y’all elected officials do in this city, all of y’all, not just one. And I respect my Governor. Once you elect a Governor, you might not agree with everything he do but you should respect him. Regardless of President or who he is. Respect the position the person holds. I respect the position all of y’all hold here. But [inaudible] 30 years. These are the [inaudible]. We are having a lot of raw sewage out there and it’s bad. I’m serious, gentlemen, it’s bad. And we, it could be solved. And I know it could be solved. And [inaudible] hurt young folks and going hurt all of us. And I’m just 15 concerned about my community. Very concerned. And we just got a [inaudible]. I have no problem about the tax, I have no problem about the [inaudible] because I know you have to have money to run anything. [inaudible] got to have funds to run [inaudible]. That’s a blessing. So what I’m saying is do something for Belair Subdivision. Don’t let our [inaudible]. Don’t do that to us. [inaudible] I can talk for myself. [inaudible] and I feel like [inaudible] I feel like I can present myself to the whole board here [inaudible] got friends, got neighbors, got children living out there. And [inaudible] look around in some of those people’s back yards. [inaudible] not just down here talking off the top of my head. I’m saying [inaudible]. Thank you very much. Mr. Mayor: Thank you very much for coming, Mr. Kelly, along with Mr. Rouse. While we’re on that subject, before we move to another, Mr. Cheek, can you address the time frame and what’s being done in reference to Belair Hills? Mr. Doug Cheek: Yes, sir. We have a project plan, sewer project is practically complete. It’s right at 100%. We are coordinating with the Public Works Department on another project that they have out there. The estimate is around $4.6 million. There was a water line put in the neighborhood several years ago and we actually had to extend another sewer line to get even to Belair Hills that was just completed about six months ago. It cost in the neighborhood of $7 million. So the project is scheduled to be let. We’re trying to schedule it accordingly. We don’t want to do things out of line. And basically it’s going to be the end of this year or the beginning of next year. So we are pleased to be able to provide an answer of that magnitude. The money is there. It’s budgeted. We’ve met with several members of Belair Hills Association and basically told them that the sewer project is coming but this would be the latest date, Mr. Taylor and Mr. Rouse. Mr. Mayor: Let me ask this. You mentioned about Public Works. Are you all having a joint situation because of what Public Works has to do in there? Mr. Doug Cheek: Yes, sir. It’s an unusual situation out at Belair Hills but basically there is a Public Works project that is going to construct roads and with that is going to be water and sewer lines associated with that. But then there is a sewer project all by itself that is going to address the 180+ residences that are out there now and basically it’s needed to tear up the roads one time. It’s a lot of money planned to be spent out there. Mr. Mayor: Let me ask this question. Is anybody waiting on anybody or both of y’all about ready the same time? Cause when I hear 100% [inaudible] 90% I usually look at a little time. I get 95%, I usually hear less time. I hear 100% and I’m trying to figure out to a point to the first of the year. Now my suggestion is, and I’m going to be quiet on this, I have never had votes per se in Belair Hills but Belair Hills has sometimes been my fight when it wasn’t anybody else’s fight. Now what I’d like to hear, whether it’s from the Utilities side, Public Works side, to a point is there any faster date than the first of the 16 year? And my reason for saying that is we have a loyal community that’s been supportive of the sales tax in Richmond County since 1987, the very first one. They were promised on every phase of it that certain things would happen to a point of doing. Now they’re at a point it’s 2005, it’s almost 20 years. Some of that is sales tax, some of that is bond money. But I need to hear whether something can happen in 2005 and before the end of this year. That’s what I need to hear. And is there a possibility of that getting done? Because I think to a point when you have got folks that have been waiting that long for [inaudible] it doesn’t really make any difference which pot of money government takes it out. They just want government to pull out of a pot, particularly if they have been waiting. Because you start talking about sewage, then that’s not the pot they’re looking for. They’re looking for a green pot to a point that helps them out of their problem. I need to know is there a way between those two areas of that department that this can get done on any faster track that we are 100% and ready? Mr. Doug Cheek: Yes, sir, there is going to be two separate projects, to major projects. One will precede the other and will need to. The number of things that have to take place, one of the big things that we just got about three weeks ago was approval by the Corps of Engineers. So there is a good possibility that it will, that first sewer project will go by itself in 2005 and then the other project will follow very soon thereafter. And I don’t know the schedule of the Public Works project. Obviously it’s not in the Utilities Department. But I know it is relatively close to being entrenched as well. So 2005 is definitely a possibility. And an effort of our department to do so. Mr. Mayor: Ms. Smith, while y’all are [inaudible] same family serving the same folk can we get some kind of answer in here as to how close y’all are following in this here. Ms. Smith: We actually are coordinating relatively closely. We did have a wetlands permit that we’ve applied for and we’re waiting to get a final response on as far as the project is concerned where the detention pond is supposed to go. As Mr. Cheek has indicated, there is quite a bit of coordination that has happened and will continue to happen so that we don’t go out and spend money fixing roads in order for us to come back and be torn apart. We are anticipating that we will get what we need with respect to the wetlands before the end of this calendar year, but we do not have a specific date or a firm commitment as to when we will receive that final approval document. Mr. Mayor: Let me make a suggestion to y’all. I’m y’all’s newest non-voting member but I’m going to make a suggestion to you. A little old school politics but I think some yellow machines and some lights and some activity as opposed to silence out there would create a lot of hope other than the fact that some folks are still waiting. And even if they are inconvenienced they know that some help is coming. A hole in the ground is better than what they’ve got bubbling on top of the ground. And it’s going to be my suggestion, Mr. Russell, that to a point and as long as they’ve been there and to a point that we try to get that to rolling. Because I’ve just got a problem with something 17 that is 100% through to a point and whether we hired the right folk on the private side to do it, I’m not really caring. But I think when it gets to that point then if you need to do that, if you’re going to ask the same loyal folks for 18 or 20 years to come back and help you with something in November, and if it looks the same way out there in November that it looks now you’re not going to have a cooperative group of neighbors out there. And y’all can take that for whatever free advice is worth. Glad to pay Mr. Shepard to give it to you. I can give it to you for nothing. But that’s how that [inaudible]. But if we could go on and try to get it to [inaudible] areas, Mr. Rouse. Mr. Rouse: [inaudible] but [inaudible] sales tax. [inaudible] we don’t knock nothing y’all do here. We out there to support y’all. We [inaudible]. I’m not going to do that. [inaudible] I know this for a fact. [inaudible] we need to act and that’s now. [inaudible] Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Williams? [inaudible] Mr. Williams: I just want to say I remember when Mr. Lewis came down and talking about paper streets, and it wasn’t no street that was on paper but folks were paying taxes and we was going to pave those streets. But there are some streets that’s paved out there. Everybody might not have sewers, but somebody ought to have some [inaudible] amount of time is what I’m saying. Something should have and could have been done and I think [inaudible]. But I remember Mr. James Lewis coming down and we discussing about cutting a road and getting him a right-of-way and Utilities was going to put the road in there. We had to go through some hoops to get the road. But what about the road that’s already there? What about the people that’s been there already? Not the people that’s trying to build and come into there. So I hear the Utilities and I hear the comments about the 100% but I do think that we got to pay attention to all those taxpayers. I mean we got people all over this county and we don’t want to get into naming and where we done started and where we done stopped at. The gentleman said he know where they been building around and all through. I see it every day. Yes, sir. And you’re right. And I still say the squeaking wheel gets the oil. You don’t say nothing, you don’t get nothing. And I think you ought to be commended for standing up and I think you’ve been very patient, cause I think I would probably done something a little bit different myself. Mr. Mayor: Mr. Rouse? Mr. Rouse: If it would, I don’t want to leave here without knowing some person or name that I need to correspond with to keep abreast of what’s going on. So who would that person in Engineering or wherever? Mr. Mayor: Mr. Rouse, Mr. Cheek, actually once we finish we’re going to go into consent agenda. There will be some time that you and Mr. Cheek and Ms. Smith can get together once you’re finished there at the microphone and you can use any one of the 18 offices, mine on that side, the Pro Tem’s office on that end, and you all can get together on dates and times. Because some things that you have here really need to go into committee and to be discussed but because you are here as a delegation we want to be accommodating. And so therefore let’s try and get to the second and third points if we can and then I think your biggest item does need to be discussed with Utilities and Public Works. Mr. Rouse: Okay. Mr. Mayor: Get dates set on that, then we can work on the other stuff that you’ve got today. Mr. Rouse: Okay. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. The other item is Carolyn Street. Would that be to the north of Avalon, where you’re building that? We, people have owned property to the north [inaudible]. But anyway the cut has been, it’s been cut away because fire hydrants is in that location. We’re trying to get some service on that street now because we’re building a house back in there, probably about 500 yards off of Carolyn Street there and we need to get some service in that particular area. If we can do that, and I’m sure it’s already been assigned to the county because if it wasn’t they wouldn’t put that fire hydrant, I wouldn’t think. But that’s one of the items that we had talked about. The other one that I mention here is M.M. Scott Park. There has been some work done on the park in the past but don’t have no utilities down there for it. For comfort. There is ten acres there and we brought this up in the past. It need developing. It’s ten acres that we hope that somewhere we can put a walking trail, clear out the underbrush and stuff like that and make it convenient for the people in the neighborhood, not just for us, but all the communities around there can have use of that park, which they do now, especially the tennis courts and the basketball courts. So we are looking for some help in that area. We’ve got ten acres of land that has been there for I don’t know how long. We need to do something about it. And we’ve been asking. We’ve been asking. I hate to come down here and beg but you know they sent me an updated assessment on my property out there in Belair Hills. And what they did, they went from $149,000 to $199,000. If they asked me to pay that kind of tax, then I want to see some results of what is going to be done with it, especially in our neighborhood. And I have a problem with that. So you all being our leaders, we look forward to you all leading us. Do the right thing. Don’t just say it but do the right thing and we’ll be all right. Thank you. Mr. Mayor: Thank you to both of you gentlemen. You had an issue there in reference to the speed bumps? Mr. Rouse: Yes. Mr. Mayor: If you would, it actually does need to go over into Commissioner Williams’ committee in terms of working that in terms of public safety. If we could, 19 since you’re going to have to talk with Public Works in reference to your item, if we could, Mr. Russell, or one of his deputy administrators could receive that part of the information of it and to get [inaudible] thoroughfare on Flagler Road? Mr. Rouse: Right. Mr. Mayor: Which would be that [inaudible]. If you could [inaudible] information with that deputy administrator that would help in that point and we’d be able to put that over into his committee on the first committee meeting to try and deal with some action in terms of getting that help for you on there. Because obviously that won’t get resolved at this meeting today. Mr. Rouse: Okay, if you would do that, that will be fine. Mr. Mayor: Ms. Beard? Ms. Beard: Let me ask one thing. Mr. Mayor: Yes, ma’am? Ms. Beard: I’d like to mention that the ten acres for the park was given to the City many years ago and I would also like to state that facilities for a park or redoing that park was in our first SPLOST that went down and the second one. So I really don’t know where that is now. But I hope it will be one of the things we will keep because that entire area needs a park. There is just a lot of new development, not just yours, but throughout that area now. Mr. Mayor: Thank you for coming. And if you would, go ahead and meet with Mr. Cheek in reference to that. And we’ll get started with that in this Mr. Cheek’s committee because he’s quite concerned about Engineering Services, as we all are. Mr. Rouse: Thank you. Mr. Mayor: Yes, sir. Madame Clerk? The Clerk: Yes, sir? Mr. Mayor: If we can get those items read that we’ve got, we’ve got guests in here that we need to further move on [inaudible] consent agenda and hope that the Commissioners have had adequate time to look through those items, that they need to pull. If you could go ahead and read the ones for consent so that we can possibly get those ready, as well as anything on the regular to be added to consent. 20 The Clerk: Under our consent portion of the agenda, the Planning section. If there are any objectors to any of the planning petitions, once the petitions are read would you please signify your objection by raising your hand? PLANNING: 1. Z-05-42 - A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission to approve a petition by Powertel Atlanta, on behalf of New Life Church of God in Christ, requesting a Special Exception per Section 28-A-1 of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for Augusta-Richmond County to establish a telecommunication tower affecting a portion of the property located at 3550 Morgan Road and containing .3 acres. (Tax Map 129 Part of Parcel 1.03) DISTRICT 4 2. Z-05-61 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission to approve a petition by Angela Wright, on behalf of Angela & Glenn M. Wright, requesting a Special Exception to establish a family day care home per Section 26-1 (f) of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for Augusta- Richmond County affecting property located at 3180 River Oak Road and containing .23 acres. (Tax Map 55-2 Parcel 10). DISTRICT 5 3. Z-05-62 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission to approve a petition by Margaret Johnson Chishom requesting a Special Exception to establish a family day care home per Section 26-1 (f) of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for Augusta-Richmond County affecting property located at 2521 Parkway Drive and contains .26 acres. (Tax Map 56-2 Parcel 92) DISTRICT 2 4. Z-05-63 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission to approve a petition by Hammond Grove Baptist Church requesting a Special Exception to establish a church outreach program per Section 26-1 (a) of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for Augusta-Richmond County affecting property located at 2023 Grand Boulevard and contains .22 acres. (Tax Map 72-2 Parcel 371) DISTRICT 2 5. Z-05-64 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission to approve a petition by Value Place LLC, on behalf of Park West Hospitality LLC, requesting a change of zoning from Zone HI (Heavy Industrial) to Zone B-2 (General Business) with a Special Exception for an extended stay hotel per Section 22-2 (d) of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for Augusta-Richmond County affecting property located at 2995 River Watch Parkway and contains 1.99 acres. (Tax Map 7-2 Parcel 2) DISTRICT 7 6. Z-05-65 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission to approve a petition by Nick Shah, on behalf of Park West Hospitality LLC, requesting a change of zoning from Zone HI (Heavy Industry) to Zone B-2 (General Business) affecting property located at 2905 Riverwest Drive and contains 1.96 acres. (Tax Map 7-4 Parcel 14) DISTRICT 7 7. Z-05-68 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission to approve a petition by William Carroll, on behalf of Willie Williams, requesting a change of zoning from Zone A (Agriculture) to Zone B-2 21 (General Business) affecting property located at 733 Scott Nixon Memorial Drive and contains approximately 1 acre. (Tax Map 22 Parcel 8.02) DISTRICT 7 8. Z-05-69 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission to approve a petition by Meybohm Commercial Properties, on behalf of Margaret Mayo Cordle Caughman, requesting a change of zoning from Zone A (Agriculture) to Zone B-1 (Neighborhood Business) affecting property located on the southwest right-of-way line of Tobacco Road, 35 feet, more or less, east of where the centerline of Spanish Trace Drive Extended intersects and contains approximately 1.4 acres. (Part of Tax Map 141 Parcel 4.04) DISTRICT 4 9. Z-05-70 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission to approve with the following conditions 1) that no alcohol will be sold or consumed on the property; 2) if the use requested in this petition (restaurant) should cease to operate the zoning shall revert to R-1C (Onefamily Residential) zone; a petition by Margaret Sullivan and Janie Zellars, on behalf of Wilmer Jones, requesting a change of zoning from Zone R-1C (One-family Residential) to Zone B-1 (Neighborhood Business) affecting property located 1342 Twelfth Street and contains .06 acres. (Tax Map 59-1 Parcel 154) DISTRICT 1 10. Z-05-71 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission to approve a petition by William G. Wingate, III, on behalf of Troy Goebelt, requesting a change of zoning from Zone R-1A (One-family Residential) to Zone R-3B (Multiple-family Residential) affecting property located 1085 Alexander Drive and contains 3.1 acres. (Tax Map 12 Parcel 75) DISTRICT 7 11. Z-05-72 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission to approve a petition by J. K. Residential Developments LLC, on behalf of Haywood Aaron and Robert Lee Walker, requesting a change of zoning from Zone A (Agriculture) to Zone R-1A (One-family Residential) affecting property located on the northeast right-of-way line of Old Waynesboro Road, 1,650 feet north of where the centerline of Hancock Mill Lane extended intersects and contains approximately 23.8 acres. (Tax Map 319 Parcel 8) DISTRICT 8 12. Z-05-73 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission to approve a petition by Tony Atkins, on behalf of Blueprint Leasing et al, requesting a Special Exception to in a B-1 (Neighborhood Business) Zone for a convenience store per Section 21-1 (b) of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for Augusta-Richmond County affecting property located at the northwest corner of the intersection of Spirit Creek Road and Windsor Spring Road. (Tax Map 153-2 Part of Parcels 1, 2 and Tax Map 153-4 Parcel 4) DISTRICT 4 The Clerk: Are there any objectors to those planning petitions? Any objectors? The Clerk: Under the public services portion of our agenda, for the alcohol petitions: PUBLIC SERVICES: 22 17. Motion to approve a request by Thu Starkey for an on premise consumption Liquor, Beer & Wine license to be used in connection with Thu’s Rub It Inn Lounge located at 2706 Gordon Hwy. There will be dance. District 3. Super District 10. (Approved by Public Services Committee July 11, 2005) The Clerk: Are there any objectors to that alcohol petition? No objectors, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor: Okay. Would you repeat those total numbers, Madame Clerk, for the full consent agenda again? The Clerk: Our consent agenda consists of items 1 through 36. Items 1 through 36. Mr. Boyles: I move for approval. Mr. Cheek: Second. Mr. Mayor: Motion and a second the consent agenda be approved. Any Commissioners wishing to pull any items from my left? None noted. Any Commissioners wishing to pull any from the right? Mr. Williams: Yes, sir, Mr. Mayor. I’d like to pull item 3 and 4. And you said 9 was going to be pulled already, I believe. The Clerk: Yes, sir. Mr. Williams: [inaudible] The Clerk: Yes, sir. Mr. Williams: I’d like to get some clarification on item 3 and item 4. Mr. Mayor: 3 and 4. Mr. Boyles: Was there something on item 9 that was also mentioned? The Clerk: Yes, sir. Mr. Mayor: It needed to come off. What it was, Commissioner Boyles, while we were in the earlier period before we could take action, we talked about Planning and Zoning requesting that one to come off. Mr. Boyles: Thank you very much. 23 Mr. Mayor: Any Commissioners have any problems with item 43? Or item 44 being added to consent? I can answer 44 fully and no problems with 43, those two items can be put over on consent. Mr. Hankerson: Mr. Mayor? Mr. Mayor: Yes, sir? Mr. Hankerson: I’d like to pull item 24. Mr. Mayor: Pull 24? Mr. Hankerson: Yes. Mr. Mayor: Okay. Mr. Speaker: [inaudible] 40A? Mr. Mayor: 48? Mr. Speaker: 40A. Mr. Mayor: Any questions on 48? Mr. Speaker: 40A, as in apple. Mr. Mayor: There is a motion and a second to deal with the items that have been presented as far as the consent agenda, with the exception of those that have been pulled. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS: PLANNING: 1. Z-05-42 - A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission to approve a petition by Powertel Atlanta, on behalf of New Life Church of God in Christ, requesting a Special Exception per Section 28-A-1 of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for Augusta-Richmond County to establish a telecommunication tower affecting a portion of the property located at 3550 Morgan Road and containing .3 acres. (Tax Map 129 Part of Parcel 1.03) DISTRICT 4 2. Z-05-61 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission to approve a petition by Angela Wright, on behalf of Angela & Glenn M. Wright, requesting a Special Exception to establish a family day care home per Section 26-1 (f) of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for Augusta- 24 Richmond County affecting property located at 3180 River Oak Road and containing .23 acres. (Tax Map 55-2 Parcel 10). DISTRICT 5 3. Deleted from the consent agenda. 4. Deleted from the consent agenda. 5. Z-05-64 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission to approve a petition by Value Place LLC, on behalf of Park West Hospitality LLC, requesting a change of zoning from Zone HI (Heavy Industrial) to Zone B-2 (General Business) with a Special Exception for an extended stay hotel per Section 22-2 (d) of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for Augusta-Richmond County affecting property located at 2995 River Watch Parkway and contains 1.99 acres. (Tax Map 7-2 Parcel 2) DISTRICT 7 6. Z-05-65 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission to approve a petition by Nick Shah, on behalf of Park West Hospitality LLC, requesting a change of zoning from Zone HI (Heavy Industry) to Zone B-2 (General Business) affecting property located at 2905 Riverwest Drive and contains 1.96 acres. (Tax Map 7-4 Parcel 14) DISTRICT 7 7. Z-05-68 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission to approve a petition by William Carroll, on behalf of Willie Williams, requesting a change of zoning from Zone A (Agriculture) to Zone B-2 (General Business) affecting property located at 733 Scott Nixon Memorial Drive and contains approximately 1 acre. (Tax Map 22 Parcel 8.02) DISTRICT 7 8. Z-05-69 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission to approve a petition by Meybohm Commercial Properties, on behalf of Margaret Mayo Cordle Caughman, requesting a change of zoning from Zone A (Agriculture) to Zone B-1 (Neighborhood Business) affecting property located on the southwest right-of-way line of Tobacco Road, 35 feet, more or less, east of where the centerline of Spanish Trace Drive Extended intersects and contains approximately 1.4 acres. (Part of Tax Map 141 Parcel 4.04) DISTRICT 4 9. Deleted from the consent agenda. 10. Z-05-71 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission to approve a petition by William G. Wingate, III, on behalf of Troy Goebelt, requesting a change of zoning from Zone R-1A (One-family Residential) to Zone R-3B (Multiple-family Residential) affecting property located 1085 Alexander Drive and contains 3.1 acres. (Tax Map 12 Parcel 75) DISTRICT 7 11. Z-05-72 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission to approve a petition by J. K. Residential Developments LLC, on behalf of Haywood Aaron and Robert Lee Walker, requesting a change of zoning from Zone A (Agriculture) to Zone R-1A (One-family Residential) affecting property located on the northeast right-of-way line of Old Waynesboro Road, 1,650 feet north of where the centerline of Hancock Mill Lane extended intersects and contains approximately 23.8 acres. (Tax Map 319 Parcel 8) DISTRICT 8 12. Z-05-73 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission to approve a petition by Tony Atkins, on behalf of Blueprint Leasing et al, requesting a Special Exception to in a B-1 (Neighborhood Business) 25 Zone for a convenience store per Section 21-1 (b) of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for Augusta-Richmond County affecting property located at the northwest corner of the intersection of Spirit Creek Road and Windsor Spring Road. (Tax Map 153-2 Part of Parcels 1, 2 and Tax Map 153-4 Parcel 4) DISTRICT 4 13. FINAL PLAT – WEST WHEELER TOWNHOMES, SECTION ONE – 2- 698-I – A request for concurrence with the Augusta- Richmond County Planning Commission to approve a petition by Southern Partners Inc., on behalf of ATC Development Co., requesting final plat approval for West Wheeler Townhomes, Section One. This residential subdivision is located on West Wheeler Parkway, south of the intersection of Caribbean Drive Extended and contains 260 lots.) PUBLIC SERVICES: 14. Motion to approve Change Order 1 to the Terminal Area Improvements Project. (Approved by Public Services Committee July 11, 2005) 15. Motion to approve forfeiture of Surety Bond for Mr. Darnell Warren and Mr. Nichlos Warren d/b/a Warren Construction. (Approved by Public Services Committee July 11, 2005) 16. Motion to approve a request by Jennifer A. Green for a Therapeutic Massage Operators License to be used in connection with CSRA Neuromuscular Massage Clinic located at 2825 Washington Road. District 7. Super District 10. (Approved by Public Services Committee July 11, 2005) 17. Motion to approve a request by Thu Starkey for an on premise consumption Liquor, Beer & Wine license to be used in connection with Thu’s Rub It Inn Lounge located at 2706 Gordon Hwy. There will be dance. District 3. Super District 10. (Approved by Public Services Committee July 11, 2005) 18. Motion to approve a renewal of a contract for tennis professional services and a related budget adjustment at Newman Tennis Center. (Approved by Public Services Committee July 11, 2005) ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES: 19. Motion to approve the reprogramming of $10,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to Southside Community Outreach Program, Inc. and 2) Consider waiving a portion ($2,050) of the Matching Grant Requirement for the Bethlehem Neighborhood Association. 20. Motion to approve funding for increase in salary of Probate Judge in the amount of $20,000 from General Fund Contingency. (Approved by Administrative Services and Finance Committees July 11, 2005) 21. Motion to approve the transfer of three (3) positions and the creation of one (1) Case Manager position and allocate funding for personnel costs, operations and equipment in the amount of $15, 000 for the balance of the year from General Fund Contingency. (Approved by Administrative Services and Finance Committees July 11, 2005) 26 PUBLIC SAFETY: 22. Motion to approve an agreement between Augusta Richmond County Correctional Institution and the Augusta Richmond County Juvenile Justice Department to provide supervision for juveniles sentenced to community service work. (Approved by Public Safety Committee July 11, 2005) 23. Motion to approve the purchase of software, services, and equipment for the implementation of Code Enforcement, Excise Tax, Business License, and Building Permit Management software. (Approved by Public Safety Committee July 11, 2005) 24. Deleted from the consent agenda. FINANCE: 25. Motion to approve the abatement of 2004 taxes on City owned property. (Approved by Finance Committee July 11, 2005) 26. Motion to approve a contract with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to develop a Design Guidelines Manual for the Pinch Gut (Olde Town) National Register Historic District. (Approved by Finance Committee July 11, 2005) ENGINEERING SERVICES: 27. Motion to authorize condemnation of a portion of property # 139-0-405-00-0 – 2916 Arrowwood Circle, which is owned by Lancelot J. Stephenson, for 1,989 square feet for temporary easement and 1,989 for a permanent easement. AUD Project: 50202 Horsepen Sanitary Sewer, Phase 2. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee July 11, 2005) 28. Motion to authorize condemnation of AUD 60115 Main Interceptor Upgrade to obtain easements on two parcels – 517 Skyview Drive – Parcel ID #059-0-013-01-0 and New Savannah Road – Parcel ID #059-0-013-03-0. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee July 11, 2005) 29. Motion to authorize condemnation of Tax Map 178; Parcel 27, which is owned by Jitta Jackson, for permanent utility easement and temporary construction easement. AUD Project: 50204 – Walton Acres Sanitary Sewer Project. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee July 11, 2005) 30. Motion to approve an exchange of easements on Doug Barnard Parkway with the Proctor & Gamble Company. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee July 11, 2005) 31. Motion to authorize the conveyance and acceptance of property to align property lines with the existing roadway located off of Wheeler Road near the intersection of Wheeler Road and I-520. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee July 11, 2005) 32. Motion to approve Resolution requesting a road name change of an unnamed road and a portion of 3 miles race course to Diamond Lakes Way. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee July 11, 2005) 27 33. Motion to allow Augusta Utilities Department to purchase from Honeywell, Inc. the remaining inventory of meters left from the AMR Project for $113,526.90. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee July 11, 2005) 34. Motion to approve the Contract Item Agreement for water and sewer facilities to be constructed in the GDOT Davis Road Widening Project funded from Renewal & Extension Fund. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee July 11, 2005) 35. Motion to approve a request to GDOT that the half million dollars of additional state aid money be applied to the Windsor Spring Road, Phase III Project. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee July 11, 2005) PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS: 36. Motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the Commission held July 5, 2005. 40A. Consider recommendation from the Richmond County Board of Health to appoint Charlene Andress to the Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) to fill the expired term of Lewis Bohler. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS: 43. Motion to approve a request from the Boys and Girls Club of Augusta for a “Letter of Consent” to serve as a direct recipient of a grant from the Juvenile Justice Program State of Georgia Children and Youth Coordinating Council to serve at-risk youth at the Dogwood Terrace Public Housing facility. ATTORNEY: 44. A Resolution to authorize the Mayor to call a meeting of the governing authority (Augusta Richmond County) and the qualified municipalities (Hephzibah and Blythe). Mr. Mayor: If there is no further on the consent agenda, all in favor will do so by the usual sign. Any opposed, the same. Motion carries 7-0. Mr. Mayor: Mr. Russell? Mr. Russell: Mr. Mayor, with the consent of the body I’d like to request that items 37, 38 and 39 be continued until next week’s Commission meeting. RICHMOND COUNTY BOARD OF TAX ASSESSORS: 37. Report from the Chief Tax Appraiser regarding the 2005 Tax Digest. 38. Report from Finance Director regarding 2004 property tax revenues. 39. Set 2005 Millage Rate. 28 Mr. Grantham: So move. Mr. Williams: Second. Mr. Mayor: Let us, if at all possible, let’s go ahead and add item 40, unless there are objectors as well. Mr. Boyles: To what? Mr. Mayor: To next week. Mr. Boyles: Okay. APPOINTMENT: 40. Appointment of Interim District 9 Commissioner. (No action vote –July 5, 2005) Mr. Mayor: Do we have a motion and a second on those, Ms. Bonner? The Clerk: Yes, sir. Mr. Grantham and Mr. Williams. Mr. Grantham accepted adding item 40. Mr. Mayor: I would hope, and let me say this. I don’t have a vote on any of those items but I would hope that before next Tuesday that each of us would take the time in terms of working with the Finance Department and the Administrator in reference to what might possibly be preliminary budget numbers inasmuch as I think this is a very important decision to make in reference to money as to what we might do, and I think we have to be very, very prudent. We’ve heard some minor testimony today in terms of the concern in reference to where millage may or may not go. I think that we should have as much detail information as we possibly can before making a decision that is that important and I would hope that each of us would take it upon ourselves to really very seriously dig in to see where these numbers, where those rates are going to take us. There is great concern in this community in reference to what we do. There have been concerns in reference to referendums that we have had that have been turned down. And you may say it has nothing to do with it, but when you’re talking about money it has everything to do with it. And I think we need to be very, very careful about whatever decision gets made in reference to these rates and as to how it affects our budget that we plan to deal with, because we’ve got hopefully a sales tax of some sort that will be passed in November. I think how and in what manner that we project ourselves fiscally to this community at this time is very important in terms of the fact that we may have the say in reference to how we set rates, they will have the say in reference to what else will be available for this government to spend and to do the needy things that we must do in reference to those items which will come under sales tax. So I just say that to a point that 29 I hope we will do a very, very serious checkup from the neck up before we decide where we are going to go with this item. And that’s my only comment in reference to it. But I think that we need to be very, very, very cautious and make sure that whatever we set, that it’s been handled with much, much thorough study in terms of where we are going with it. That’s where I leave that today and I reserve my other comments for next Tuesday. Madame Clerk, if we could go to the first item that’s been pulled. The Clerk: We need to carry this. Mr. Mayor: All in favor of that motion will do so by the usual sign. Any opposed, the same. Motion carries 7-0. Mr. Mayor: We’re batting 1000 so far today. Let’s go ahead and get to that before our luck changes. The Clerk: Are we going back to the pulled items? Mr. Mayor: The pulled items. The Clerk: 3. Z-05-62 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission to approve a petition by Margaret Johnson Chishom requesting a Special Exception to establish a family day care home per Section 26-1 (f) of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for Augusta-Richmond County affecting property located at 2521 Parkway Drive and contains .26 acres. (Tax Map 56-2 Parcel 92) DISTRICT 2 Mr. Williams: [inaudible]. Mr. Mayor: Mr. Williams? Mr. Williams: I asked for this to be pulled to get some clarification. I’ve got some calls from some residents in that area about the day care. I notice nobody is here today and I’m not fighting it, I been trying to be in support of those because I realize how important it is. But I just need to get some clarification from Planning & Zoning. Bob, y’all didn’t have any opposition at any of the meetings about this day care? Mr. Austin: There wasn’t any opposition, Commissioner Williams, but we had an anonymous letter after the Planning Commission meeting in objection to it but it was an anonymous letter. 30 Mr. Williams: Well, I probably can tell you who that letter came from, but I’m just concerned and I been in support. You know where I’ve been standing. A lot of Commissioners don’t understand but I know it’s very important to have that. The guidelines are set that they only can have six—is that right? Mr. Austin: Yes, sir. Mr. Williams: Six in the home, there be no changing of signs or anything of that matter to— Mr. Austin: [inaudible] Mr. Williams: Okay. Okay. I explained to both of these constituents and I understand that and I’m just trying to make sure that we address those issues. I’ve got no . I’m going to go ahead and make a motion to approve what the problem, Mr. Mayor Planning Commission have done. But as long as the stipulation been put in place, there will be no sign, no swings, no indication of a business there, it just something they doing in their home. That the way the rule reads, Bob? Mr. Austin: Yes. A family day care home, you know, having play equipment and everything in the rear yard, which will be screened from the neighbors but otherwise there won’t be any signs of a business. Mr. Williams: Okay. I mean this is a neighborhood that’s been very active in this community. And when I got the call I was surprised [inaudible] Planning and Zoning but I’m going to make a motion we approve, Mr. Mays. Mr. Cheek: Second. Mr. Mayor: Motion and a second. Is there any further discussion? None being, all in favor of the motion will do so by the usual sign. Mr. Williams: Likewise number 4. Mr. Mayor: We need to vote first. Mr. Williams: I’m sorry. Mr. Boyles out. Motion carries 6-0. The Clerk: 31 4. Z-05-63 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission to approve a petition by Hammond Grove Baptist Church requesting a Special Exception to establish a church outreach program per Section 26-1 (a) of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for Augusta-Richmond County affecting property located at 2023 Grand Boulevard and contains .22 acres. (Tax Map 72-2 Parcel 371) DISTRICT 2 Mr. Williams: Mr. Mayor, I had this pulled as well. The pastor and I had talked about it. I know him well. I think that it’s a good deed. Something that’s probably needed there but I’ve got calls from constituents in my neighborhood about it. You know we been dealing with the funds, with the HED and how funds are being divided. My question is with the church being located and the property owner being located in another state, what will that do for this state? Will they be able to [inaudible] from both sides, will that be—I mean I got problems now with [inaudible] who has been promised some funds to be able to do some things in that area and they came to the table and their funds wasn’t there because they had to take the funds and use them somewhere else. And knowing that this is—the property is located here but I’m—my question is whether or not it’s going to be feasible to be in South Carolina, I mean with the church, and then having the exemption in another state. I just need to get some clarification where we are with that and what that says. Mr. Mayor: You want to answer, Ms. Thomas? Are you going to be spokesperson for the church? Okay. Just come to the microphone for me, please. Ms. Thomas: Good afternoon. My name is Rosa Thomas. I reside at 752 Aumond Road and I function as the chairperson of [inaudible] ministry of Hammond Grove Baptist Church. We only are requesting special exempt. We are—the church support this property solely. The resource come from the church. We’ve already put $15,000 in the house. We are not looking to get any other funds from any government funding at all. We just want to be there at the ministry to function in that community. Mr. Williams: And I think you can understand. I may have talked with you. Someone called and I shared some information with them and I told them my reasoning for what I would do. I’m certainly not against the ministry, not against the church, not against having the house. But with all of the recipients in that area, with all the other CHDOs and other special exceptions that we got in here and with the limited amount of money that we been dealing with, the HUD monies and coming through, I was asked the question, I told them I would ask, I would see if this is a situation that we can support. I mean I’ve got no problem with it. But I wanted to make sure that I did address it so it would not be something that we didn’t mention. I’ve got no problem with it. I think that Grant Boulevard, I talked to Mrs. Clark, I think it was, Ms. Clark at the Turpin Hill Neighborhood Association. There are several other churches in that area ministering, Ms. Thomas, [inaudible] Grove, I mean I don’t want to get to naming them cause there are several in that area. And that’s what raising my concern. Being in North Augusta 32 and each state get so much allocated for federal dollars, being in there would that be a two-way street, [inaudible] but I’ve got no problem. It’s be clarified that they would not receive any local funds, I guess is here, and I see the attorney looking puzzled, so Steve, you need to chime in here, you need to do that now. Ain’t no sense in coming later on. Mr. Shepard: Mr. Mayor? Mr. Mayor: Go ahead. I think I know where you’re going. Mr. Shepard: This is a zoning item. Mr. Williams: Okay. Mr. Shepard: I think that’s separate and distinct from the issue you raised. To rezone or not rezone in the legislative discretion of this body. Mr. Williams: Well, I mean I think the rezoning is fine and when I talked to the chairman of the trustees I explained to her that I wasn’t blocking it, I was not trying to stop the zoning. But my concern was I got Rev. Leonard down at Green Grove right now is upset, coming to meetings saying he can’t get the money he was told he was going get cause they used it to go somewhere else with. And I know it happened after rezoning. I mean we ain’t crazy up here now. We know what the steps are. So I’m only asking so we won’t be something that going to surprising to us. So I’m not opposed to it. I just want some clarification. I wanted to know so we won’t sit here and say well nobody said anything. So if that’s no problem, Mr. Mayor, I’ve got no problem in going ahead and I make a motion that we go ahead and approve the zoning and do it that way. saying That was my question. You can’t have too many ministries to try to help people, Steve. You know where we been going, Mr. Mayor. We want to go ahead and do that. Mr. Grantham: Second, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor: Got a motion and a second. Is there any further discussion? If not, all in favor of the motion will do so by the usual sign. Mr. Hankerson abstains. Motion carries 6-1. Mr. Hankerson: I abstain because Hammond Grove allowed me to pastor their church so I don’t need to say nothing. They came with all the money and ready to do some work in Augusta and South Carolina. We have 70% of members in Augusta, Georgia. Ms. Thomas: Thank you. 33 Mr. Mayor: Thank you. And we wish you luck. The Clerk: 9. Z-05-70 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission to approve with the following conditions 1) that no alcohol will be sold or consumed on the property; 2) if the use requested in this petition (restaurant) should cease to operate the zoning shall revert to R-1C (Onefamily Residential) zone; a petition by Margaret Sullivan and Janie Zellars, on behalf of Wilmer Jones, requesting a change of zoning from Zone R-1C (One-family Residential) to Zone B-1 (Neighborhood Business) affecting property located 1342 Twelfth Street and contains .06 acres. (Tax Map 59-1 Parcel 154) DISTRICT 1 Mr. Mayor: Go ahead, Mr. Austin. Mr. Austin: Mr. Mays, the petitioner notified George after the Planning Commission hearing that they wanted to sell beer and wine at the restaurant and one of the conditions from the Planning Commission hearing was that there was no alcohol sales. So I thought we needed to pull this and discuss it or whatever and drop condition 1, whatever your pleasure is. Mr. Mayor: Well, I think that changes—is the petitioner here? Mr. Austin: Yes, sir, I believe so. Ms. Zellars: Good evening. My name is Janie Zellars, 3208 Sylvan Court, Augusta, Georgia. Mr. Mayor: Go ahead, Ms. Zellars. th Ms. Zellars: We wanted to put a restaurant on 12 Street and we just only wanted to sell beer. Mr. Patty had asked us, he asked us was we going to sell liquor and we told him no, but I didn’t know that he was talking about the beer. But we did want to sell beer. And so I went back to Mr. Patty and I asked him could we go back and could we sell beer in the restaurant. Mr. Mayor: Bob, you want to— Mr. Austin: There wasn’t any opposition to this request at the Planning Commission hearing. Mr. Grantham: Do they meet all the requirements? Mr. Austin: I’m sorry? 34 Mr. Grantham: Do they meet all the requirements for distance and everything? Mr. Austin: I don’t know. I don’t know that. For the alcohol sales? This was after the Planning Commission hearing so we have no idea. Mr. Grantham: [inaudible] Mr. Austin: [inaudible] license issue. Mr. Grantham: That’s the only thing. Mr. Mayor: What I think you may need to do, rather than being confused and to a point, and again I’m going to say staff, y’all have to bring it to us a little bit clearer. I’m going to put this under to whom it may concern, doesn’t care where it falls. But it’s up to staff to bring in to a point what is the law, what’s not. There are different conditions for restaurants than for other places. But also to a point if it changes out of there. So I’m just wondering, and it’s up to the Commission to put a motion out, make a decision, whether it needs to be continued, to grant, you know, you’ve got a different dynamic that’s on the floor. I don’t want to kill [inaudible] but at the same time [inaudible] afterward if something has been granted and then a condition that you’re taking away. And that’s not, it’s just not good to change that mix once that’s been done, and that’s not to say, Ms. Zellars, to vote it down. But it may be to a point that it might need to be reheard since we’ve got a meeting on the very next Tuesday. It might be good that if that could be worked out between there, Mr. Austin, and this be presented to us again at that time. Because I think there are some little, a little bit of some things here that aren’t clear and that’s just my personal opinion of it. You all have to do the voting and the motion and all that. Mr. Boyles? Mr. Boyles: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I was just going to make a motion we send it to License & Inspection but Ms. Beard has her hand up, and since it’s her District I’ll defer to her. Mr. Mayor: Ms. Beard? Ms. Beard: I would simply—I’d like to say that they did call me in reference to this. And this is a business that has been there for maybe what, fifty years or so? I don’t know how long, but there was a fire and it took them a while to repair the building. It’s now in excellent shape. They have put a great deal of money and these ladies will be renting it. It’s going to be a restaurant. I did call Mr. Patty and he went out and he said he would not have a problem with it. It seems the neighbors don’t have a problem with wine and beer. Personally, I would not have a problem with it. As a matter of fact, everywhere I go they sell wine, and I like wine with my meals. So—but we may have a group who feel, you know, that it’s not feasible anymore. But for me to go into the inner 35 city and have a meal with some wine would be wonderful. However, if you feel you cannot go along with that, then I think this has been before us before, then we have to do what we have to do and they need to open up the restaurant. Mr. Mayor: Let me make something clear, Commissioner, on that item and this is why I said I didn’t want to hurt the applicant. My problem is not with what the applicant wants to request. My problem is what staff has presented. And I hope staff doesn’t think I’m beating up on them. But I couldn’t understand from the very beginning if it was going to be a restaurant then why was a no alcohol stipulation put into it from the very beginning? And I hope you can understand my point there. There are different rules for them and restaurant [inaudible] the it could be sitting right next door to a place that distance does not come into play when you’re dealing with the restaurant application. That was why I raised the question to a point why was the stipulation put on in the very beginning in order to do it. So if you all want to go ahead and to grant it, I really don’t have a problem with that. But my problem is when it’s one in here that says no alcohol and that was my biggest concern, to a point how did it get into that mix in the very beginning? Because if you’re dealing with a restaurant it should have been under the restaurant rules so that they could have been allowed, whether they were dealing with beer, wine, or quite frankly, even mixed drinks in the restaurant to deal with it. Now that’s what I’m saying. I just don’t like stuff coming before us to a point that’s confusing and to a point a businessperson, general citizen, and I know y’all may get mad with me, look like I’m whipping up on staff, but stuff needs to come here clear. I’m just saying it needs to come before us, it ought to be in proper order, and it should not be where staff says we don’t know. Folk get enough to be paid to know [inaudible] we don’t know. That’s my point. Now I have no problem with opposition to it. [inaudible] in there but I think when you set one in that manner with a restaurant and a condition then the question has to be raised how did it get in there in the very beginning? That’s the only thing I was saying. Ms. Beard: I’d like to move that we approve this with the beer and wine license. Mr. Austin: Mr. Mays, that would be minus condition 1 from the Planning Commission? Mr. Mayor: Exactly. We’d have to take the alcohol up, [inaudible] alcohol item at a later time. What we need to do is approve the zoning minus the stipulation. That gets us to the next step of approving the alcohol. Mr. Grantham: Mr. Mayor? Mr. Mayor: Go ahead, Don. 36 Mr. Grantham: Mr. Mays, since I brought that question up, having sat on that Appeals Board and other things that we get involved with, in making these [inaudible] approved and I know Bob understands why I did that, because the beer and alcohol restrictions are that they can’t be so close to a church or other type of dwellings that might be opposed to this time of license. I think if we remove the no alcohol condition of this request and then have that alcohol request submitted back to us next Tuesday, we can [inaudible] staff that they will have checked out any resistance of that area, then I’m going to suggest to our District 1 Commissioner that we pass subject to that. Mr. Williams: Mr. Mays? Mr. Mayor: Go ahead. Mr. Williams: Point of clarification. If that happens, will the applicant have to reapply? Mr. Austin: No. Mr. Williams: Okay. Mr. Austin: Would not have to bring application. Mr. Williams: Okay, I wanted to get it clear now. The applicant would not have to reapply. Mr. Mayor: Wait a minute. Let me make a point a little bit clearer. The applicant would not have to reapply for zoning. But the applicant still has to apply for the alcohol. These are two separate, distinct issues. What you’ve got is you’ve got an alcohol stipulation contained in zoning which has to be removed that clears that barrier, but she still will have to deal with the application for beer and wine. And that’s why I’m saying you’re putting something in zoning that restricts something where you have separate rules, even with, even with distance requirements that deal with restaurants that are separate and apart from bars and nightclubs and those that do not deal with a certain percentage of their sales. So that’s why I’m saying you’ve got some co-mingling in here that ought not to have been co-mingled. But I think we’re getting it straight for you. You’re going to have to deal with the alcohol part of it but this breaks down where you are and I just still have a problem when y’all present stuff to me. Maybe I’m a little old fashioned but I don’t know, it’s not a good answer. Is there a motion and second to do that that’s on the floor? The Clerk: No, sir. Mr. Mayor: The Chair will entertain one, then, if you all want to make it to deal with removing that stipulation of passing the zoning that takes out item 1. 37 Ms. Beard: Then I move that it be passed. Mr. Williams: Second. Mr. Mayor: There is a motion and a second to so do. That puts the zoning there, gets it clear, then she could deal with the clearance to go ahead and deal with the alcohol application. All in favor of that motion will do so by the usual sign. Motion carries 7-0. The Clerk: 24. Motion to approve a request from the Downtown Advisory Panel regarding a False Fire/Security Alarm Ordinance. (Approved by Public Safety Committee July 11, 2005) The Clerk: Mr. Hankerson had requested this. Mr. Mayor: Yes, Commissioner? Mr. Hankerson: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I asked that to be pulled. I read the—I wasn’t in the meeting I think when this was approved but I read the documents that I received from it. I did have some concerns about the strength of this ordinance. Are we saying the first time they get an alarm that they are going to have to pay, I think it’s $300? The fine that is attached to this, the first time that this business get a false alarm, is that what I’m hearing? I was just concerned because it says the business district. And we want to make sure that what we are asking here, that other businesses in the business district when they get that one alarm, I don’t see anything in here saying that first time, second time, or third time is just, it seems it’s focusing more on that apartment, the apartments on Broad Street. Mr. Mayor: I’m going to let— Mr. Cheek: I defer to the representative of— Mr. Mayor: Between Brad and Commissioner Cheek serving on that panel, to address that. Mr. Owens: Commissioner Hankerson, actually they get two false alarms a year. In other words, the first time and the second time there is no penalty. The third time, it’s $100 fine every time after that. It only goes to $300 if you don’t pay the fine within 30 days. There is an exemption in there. If you can prove that it was through false mechanical reasons or whatever and you’ve had that repaired then that will exempt them 38 from it. But the only reason the fine went to $300 after 30 days was, what we did was we borrowed ideas from the other ordinances around the state. Like Atlanta, we borrowed some from Greenville, some other places, and looked at what they did. And kind of fit to what we had. The catalyst was the high number of false alarms that we’re having at the Richmond Summit. This is something that is just going to help them help themselves. And we’re going after negligence. We’re not going after—Commissioner Smith brought up in the committee meeting that thunderstorms set off alarms. That’s not negligence. th It’s only people—on 4 of July, I guess we can ask Chief Willis, I believe he said he had five completely false alarms down there at $800 to $1,000 a trip because of the ladder truck and other stuff. So what we’re trying to do is trying to help the people at the Richmond Summit, save the taxpayers a little money, and maybe fix some of the problems that are causing these down there. Mr. Hankerson: That’s why I questioned it, Brad, because it seemed as though it’s focused right at Richmond Summit. And I do have some compassion for that business owner, also. I mean they a business owner. But the owner of that business is just like when I was trying to pass that alcohol license, on selling alcohol to minors. That owner of that business is not responsible every time somebody comes—I mean does not have control over every person comes in that public building and pull a false alarm. I’m quite sure that they don’t want that, either. And then I hear all of this costs $800 to $1,000 per trip out there, and then I was reminded, I thought about it, I live on Glenn Hills Drive and I remember, I live right across from the middle school at Glenn Hills and the fire truck was out there three times a day. I mean it wasn’t no extra charge for that. Nobody said anything about charge and so forth. The truck was running. But I think this is a little bit too tough because it’s no control of individuals coming in, pulling that alarm, and then also we want to make sure that if this is passed this way that other businesses, too, you get those alarms and you have a rule here, after two times they have to pay $100? I think we are going to get some feedback from the business owners when they come back down here and they have to pay $100, they’re not responsible for somebody, just like the schools wasn’t, you know, they had that problem and it was kind of a copycat type situation. What I see here with businesses, you could, if I get mad with Bobby’s Pizza I can send somebody over to pull some alarms on them. Cost you one way or the other. Mr. Owens: Yes, sir. And I understand your concerns. The problem is that it’s not the fact that—it is additional costs because they have to deploy several different companies at the property. You have to have a ladder truck because it’s a high rise. That gets the additional funds in there. But the problem that we’re trying to solve here is that the building owner in fact does not allow people that don’t live in the building inside. That’s part of the contention. And the problem is that we’ve had some residents who pull the fire alarm for whatever reason. Hears something down the hall. There are some security concerns and they’ve been trying to address them. But the problem is that it just keeps occurring and we’ve actually been working with them for over a year trying to get these problems solved, given them action plans, working with them, trying to help them 39 help themselves has not been working. And also as far as the other business owners, the board unanimously agreed to bring this forward and we represent business owners and restaurants and all the [inaudible] advisory panel. Mr. Hankerson: But my thing is how is this going to stop the individuals that are pulling that alarm, how is this going to stop them by fining the owner $100? If some of them owed rent and the owner start getting a little tight on them, they might start pulling some more alarms. I just can’t see how this is going to deter that. If you say that you’re going to some kind of arrest [inaudible] false alarms, I think that ought to be pushed. But for a person, I don’t know where the owners of this Richmond Summit live. They live out of town, in Atlanta, you know. I just think this is a little bit too stiff for a business owner. I’m looking at it from a business owner perspective. Mr. Owens: Commissioner Hankerson, a dime out of every dollar that comes into my establishment goes toward state taxes and county taxes. Every time $1,000 is wasted on a false alarm, I look at it as a business owner that that’s money taken out of my pocket that could be used for things that we need. The purpose of the ordinance is to make them more responsible. And the problem is that if they have a problem with the building with security and the people don’t feel secure and they’re pulling false alarms then that is a problem they could fix. People should not be pulling false alarms. But this has been an issue that’s been ongoing and it has been so many. It’s actually staggering how many false alarms have been down there. But this is our recommendation based on trying to help them help themselves. Mr. Hankerson: I just think y’all need to work on another method. Mr. Cheek: Motion to approve, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor: Have a motion to approve. Is there a second? Mr. Smith? Mr. Smith: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Is this mainly one business that is causing this problem? Mr. Owens: Commissioner Smith, it’s an apartment complex that has been causing the problems. It’s a high rise. It’s the Richmond Summit. That has been, that is what brought the focus in on it. There are also false alarms, there are other problems down there, but that was actually the catalyst that brought it forward to us, the number of false alarms at this one residence. And I mean it is, in a 60 day time period there was th almost 20 and then five on the 4 of July alone. So it was kind of like you start adding it up and you start seeing thousands and thousands and thousands of our tax dollars are false alarms. That was what the catalyst was. Mr. Smith: I notice that the Downtown Advisory Panel—but it doesn’t stipulate the area that we’re talking about. Is that the whole county or just downtown? 40 Mr. Owens: No, sir. The Downtown Advisory Panel was created and we only thth deal with problems inside the Central Business District, which is 5 Street to 15 to the river to Greene Street. Mr. Smith: That needs to be in the language, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor: Andy, you want to address that? Mr. Cheek: Mr. Mayor, I’m going to be as brief as I can on this issue. This is a committee composed of the stakeholders in downtown Augusta that come to us with overwhelming support from the business community in the Central Business District. Their governance is charged by this Commission to govern that particular area. They were charged to bring us recommendations, which this is one very similar to one used in other cities to solve the problem, to save money. The choice is very simply. Upon our heads will be an opportunity to reduce false alarms by holding people, negligent people accountable. There’s outs for every other legitimate reason that a false alarm would occur but it holds negligent people accountable, one. Two, it will be on our heads for every false alarm that occurs and takes firefighters and life safety people away from a real scene, a real incident that could at the same time which I’m sure that’s happened over the course of many alarms that have occurred. But three, this is consistent with other cities do. It’s a good way to save tax dollars. And I know we might want to be against that, too, but the mentality backing, the not supporting this bill would need us to have compassion for the people that trash the yards and compassion for the slum lords, compassion for everybody that doesn’t obey the law. The fire alarm systems are supposed to be sacred things. You got in big trouble at school if you messed those up when you were growing up or you pulled one. We’ve got some places now where it’s a matter of habit and it’s occurring because the business owners do not police the properties properly. They are negligent. This takes care of negligent things. We can include the language in there about the Central Business District, restate the areas that it governs, and do this as a pilot for one year. If it doesn’t work we can take it away. This is a very good proposal. It’s been hammered out by this board. And again, if we want to deflate the progress that’s being made by the downtown which this board specifically represents, defeat this. Let’s ignore the people who are in the trenches who are saying we need this. But Mr. Mayor, I’m going to make a motion again that we approve it with the language stipulating the Central Business District as defined by Mr. Owens. Mr. Mayor: Motion. Is there a second? Mr. Boyles: I’ll second it. Mr. Mayor: You’re seconding it, Mr. Boyles? Mr. Boyles: Yes. 41 Mr. Mayor: Okay, there’s a motion and a second. We can move with further discussion. Commissioner Hankerson and then Commission Williams. Mr. Hankerson: The question I want to ask is have you all contacted this business owner about the problem? There are some other measures I think you could use. You could offer awards. I mean award system for the person that if someone is caught pulling an alarm, turn them in. That’s the only thing that is going to resolve the problem. This is not going to resolve the problem of person pulling the alarm. You are just going to add that burden on that person that owns the apartments and they have no control over that. But award system. Or can they put up cameras in the building? Those type of things. That’s my— Mr. Owens: Commissioner Hankerson, that has been suggestions that were made. There was a litany of action plans brought forward by the Tuesday Morning Roundtable with us. Ms. Janie Peel. We put forth. I mean there was an email exchange that went on for an entire year. We gave them a plan. And pretty much asked them. Yes, they have made some strides. They have hired a security person to be there. However, the door gets propped open at the back. The problem is that there is no catalyst for making the owner do the right thing. They are out-of-town landlords. It is Section VIII. A lot of it is Section VIII housing which means the money—it’s one of the situations where the people inside the building, we have a large amount of support from inside the building for this, and I wish I had brought some of the residents with me today to back me up on that, who believe that this is a good idea and the people who pull these alarms is a direct result of somebody hears something in the hall and he doesn’t feel safe. We told them to put an intercom system in the building that goes to the security guard. They haven’t done it. We’ve told them to put additional lighting on the outside back doors with cameras. They haven’t done it. We’ve advised them continuously, trying to work the problem out. And our charter as the Advisory Panel says we try to solve this at the lowest level and arbitrate. We’ve tried. We have sent stuff to them. They have not replied. And therefore this is a way to compel them to meet the needs of the people that live there, which is to make a safe and secure environment so they don’t feel the need to do, to pull the fire alarm to get people there. And that was one of the main reasons that I’ve been told they pull false alarms, is to just get people there. Mr. Mayor: Mr. Williams? Mr. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I’ve been listening to this conversation back and forth and I kind of understand but I’m a little bit confused that the Fire Department is not here making a statement. I see [inaudible] in the back and there are some state laws, there are some things that [inaudible] as well as our local fire department when it comes to a fire alarm and that kind of thing. I’m a little bit worried because all I heard was one business location and one business name. Then I heard about the Section VIII. That threw another cycle in this thing about that tell you who is living there and 42 that tell you what kind of residents that we catering to. But I didn’t second Andy’s motion because I’m a little bit confused as to what the state fire marshal and our local fire marshal within our government have done, have said. We have not come down [inaudible] and I hear you, Brad, talking about the [inaudible] truck and the ladder and this kind of thing and how much it costs. But if there was such a great problem for the City of Augusta Fire Department, look like the fire department would have came down through the proper channels and say hey, we got a serious issue, we need to do something. You telling me that the stakeholders and the people who run the business downtown and try to keep that area in a good collaborative effort to work together, and I appreciate that. But my first problem is you can’t legislate morality or you can’t legislate for one part of time and then the other part of town cannot have the same—if it’s a law, it’s a law all over the land, all over our jurisdiction. And if it’s going to apply to one, downtown certainly can’t be exempt from what somebody else is doing. So that’s my dilemma. The Fire Department should have been the first person to say we got a repeat history of coming down, you know, wasting time, wasting manpower and equipment and we need to find out why. We got some businesses we done closed down through the Fire Department. Now you know as well as I do, you been around the fire department enough to know that when a fire break out, nobody has the control but the chief. And the chief can go down and put a lock on the door if he so decide that this place is out of compliance. So I haven’t heard that and I would love to hear that part before I consent to voting because all I heard was one business name raised, Mr. Mayor. If it’s going to single out some folks, now we done singled out folks a long time. Mr. Mayor: Let me say this. I’ll let [inaudible] on the record. At this point, until Mr. Cheek returns, we don’t have a quorum and I just want to inform you all of that, so before we start to finish out and take any action, if you want to respond to that question, Brad, the Chair is going to allow it, just go ahead on the information side of it. But before we finish out the action of this item or any other item I’m going to need the return of one other person. Mr. Owens: Commissioner Williams, trust me, I am on the residents of the Summit side. When I first heard about the problems they were having down there, whether it be the prostitution out the back door, the drugs, which there was a raid down there and quite a few people were arrested. My business was on the very next corner, less than 200 feet away from them. We have seen it make a lot of progress. The problem that we have is—like I said I’m on their side. And whenever real estate developers start bringing problems like this to the committee I always get real suspicious. I’m suspicious of them because I know that they think about bottom line more than they think about people sometimes, in these areas. The problem that I have with this is that I have seen standing out front of my business no less than 100 false alarms or 100 responses, let me rephrase that. Maybe not a total false alarm. However, I understand the first responder rule and those things, that if an ambulance can’t get there, they go if someone is having chest pains. However, no one is singling out any group of people, no one is singled out— I don’t look at this as a business. I look at this as an apartment complex. It’s a 43 community. If you look at how tall it is and how many units it is, it’s basically about five city blocks stacked on top of each other, resident-wise. What we’re looking at is the overall—this is what the DAP, from my understanding of how it was written was supposed to do. We’re supposed to solve problems just in the geographic area downtown. This is a problem that was brought to us. We tried to work with the owner. This is just another piece of the puzzle to try to bring closure on this. I would tell you that I look out for the little man down there. That’s my job on that committee, that’s the way I look at it. I am a businessman myself. I don’t look at these out-of-town landlords who take very little interest in the safety of the people in their building as someone to have a little sympathy for. Now if they were doing the right thing all along we wouldn’t have these problems. So what we’re hoping is that this will encourage the owners to take a more pro-active role in protecting the residents and creating an atmosphere of security so that they won’t feel the need to pull the alarm sometimes as many as five times a night. That’s pretty much where I stand on it personally as a board member, but the board did approve it unanimously. Mr. Mayor: We’ve had a motion and a second. We’ve had adequate questions and debate on it, the Chair is going to rule. And it’s a proper motion and a second that’s on the floor. All in favor of the motion will do so by the usual sign. Any opposed, the same. Mr. Hankerson votes No. Mr. Williams and Ms. Beard abstain. Mr. Grantham out. Motion fails 3-1-2. Mr. Mayor: Before that young lady sneaks out that door back there, I did want to recognize her. She just happens to be probably I guess the best chemistry teacher in the whole world. I almost blew up her lab one day. But she still works very hard in this community even though she’s retired from the Richmond County Board of Education, working with young ladies, with the debutante program and other civic groups that she works with. But I’ll take the personal privilege of recognizing my chemistry teacher, Ms. Rosa Beard, who stays very, very active and still very, very pretty. We’ve glad to have you with us today. [A round of applause is given.] Mr. Mayor: I haven’t lost my eyesight. Madame Clerk, where are we? The Clerk: We’re on our regular agenda, item 41. Mr. Mayor: Go ahead. The Clerk: 44 PUBLIC SERVI CES: 41. Motion to approve the extension of an employment agreement for the Newman Tennis Center manager. Mr. Mayor: Mr. Russell addressing this, Mr. Howard addressing this? I didn’t sit in on that particular committee. Was there additional information requested other than what was in committee by any particular Commissioner? The Clerk: Yes, sir, Mr. Hankerson had requested some information be brought to this meeting regarding this item. Mr. Mayor: If you want to lead in then, Mr. Hankerson. Mr. Hankerson: Yes, sir, I did some legwork after that. I’m pleased with it unless some other Commissioners have some questions about it. The questions that I asked, given the information [inaudible] and I received that. Mr. Boyles: Mr. Mayor, I move for approval. This has been a routine item for the four years I’ve been down here. Mr. Cheek: Second. Mr. Mayor: Motion and a second. Any questions? If not, all in favor of the motion will do so by the usual sign. Mr. Grantham out. Motion carries 6-0. The Clerk: PUBLIC SAFETY: 42. Report on EMS RFP 05-082. (Referred from July 11 Public Safety Committee meeting) Mr. Mayor: That will get us down to our last regular item, Madame Clerk. The Clerk: Yes, sir. We still have the addendum agenda. Mr. Mayor: Beg your pardon? The Clerk: We still have the addendum agenda. ADDENDUM AGENDA: 45 ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA: 1. Motion to approve to adopt resolution supporting NACO prescription drug discount card program for Augusta-Richmond County. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee July 25, 2005) 2. Motion to approve the scheduling of a presentation regarding the NACO/Maximus Debt Collection Program. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee July 25, 2005) 3. Approve the implementation of the 2006 Defined Benefit Plan. (Requested by Commissioner Hankerson) Mr. Cheek: You don’t have consent to add the addendum agenda. The regular agenda we can go forward. We’re not going to add anything today. The Clerk: Not add, but make a correction. Mr. Cheek: I have no problem with that. Mr. Mayor: The correction, we don’t unanimous consent on the addendum. The Clerk: CORRECTION TO THE AGENDA: Item 35 should read “Motion to approve a request to GDOT that the half million dollars of additional state aid money be applied to the Windsor Spring Road Improvement Project (CPB # 323-04-296823516) (Approved by Engineering Services Committee July 11, 2002)” Mr. Mayor: Is there a motion to approve that correction? Mr. Cheek: So move. Mr. Smith: Second. Mr. Mayor: Motion and a second. Any discussion? If not, all in favor of the motion— Mr. Boyles: Mr. Mayor? Mr. Mayor: Yes, sir? 46 Mr. Boyles: I wanted to ask. This is not the same item that we had two weeks ago when we were talking about moving money from one project to another, this is just an addition to Windsor Spring; am I correct? From [inaudible] for Windsor Spring; is that right? Okay. Thank you very much. That’s what I needed to know. Mr. Mayor: All in favor of that motion will do so by the usual sign. Any opposed, the same. Mr. Grantham out. Motion carries 6-0. Mr. Hankerson: Mr. Mayor? Mr. Mayor: Yes, sir? Mr. Hankerson: I just want to make one comment. Since it was approved yesterday in Administrative Services with Mr. Grantham and Mr. Cheek and myself for these NACO items to go forward to the Commission today so I hope it’s not an immature motive of anger for this not to be added to the agenda by Mr. Cheek. I hope that he would get over what just happened. I just want to mention that and ask the Clerk if she would put it on the next agenda, maybe later on we can decide we can consider adding this information that we wanted to move forward to the public and it’s being held up because of premature, childish acts. Mr. Cheek: Mr. Mayor, may I respond, please? Mr. Mayor: Only because it’s one shot to another, I’m going to allow it. [inaudible] Mr. Cheek: I won’t dignify any further comments other than everybody in this audience knows the intellectual depth by which the questions of the Downtown Advisory Panel were shot down. I’ve had about enough of the shots from the other end down there. That’s—it’s uncalled for. But things should go back through committee. Some of these items need to go back through committee, some of them for probably the same amount of reason used earlier to defeat the earlier measure. I’m just not going to support these being added today. Mr. Mayor: That’s the end of that part of that unofficial discussion. Mr. Cheek: Thank you, sir. Mr. Mayor: Yes, sir. We’ve had our statements within the family. We still all live together. So we’re through with that. Now, what we’re now doing is item 42. And 47 the Chair probably needs to take a senior moment of break or recess. What I would hope is take a five to seven minute break, item 42 is the one that has been discussed on two different occasions. [inaudible] it’s been discussed for five hours total on this contract. What I’m going to suggest is that during the ten minute recess break, and when we come back in, that there should be by now enough discussion from various Commissioners about what they want to do and whether to approve one company, another company, no company, or renegotiate what you’ve got, and return within that recess period and do that. I don’t think we need to go through another three hour situation to come up with a non-decision. We can make a non-decision in about three minutes. So the Chair is going to declare a recess. That’s our last item that we’ve got for the day. We will return and hopefully we’ll come back and we can make a decision on it one way or the other. If not, it needs to go on next Tuesday. We don’t need to spend the rest of the day here today to deal with 42. [RECESS] Mr. Mayor: Let me say this for just a moment. Some Commissioners I have talked with by phone and one of the things that we could not implement on yesterday, because it would have been too time consuming, the attorney and I had had a very good discussion in reference to the legal time for meetings and of giving adequate time to go over those items that we might need to deal with in terms of legal session. We’ve had much discussion about the timing in the day and sometimes late at night when we’ve gotten to a certain item, that is not good to discuss legal business at that point when we’ve been here for four to five different hours. There was a proposal that we would deal with some legal briefings on the days of committees, setting aside a starting time and an adjournment time, which would actually get more items out of the way. And whether we handle the finalization of it that day or not, they would have been discussed, they could then be placed on the agenda and even be ready for the press to see in terms of what those items would be, that were going to come out of those legal sessions so that we would have to do the voting in public, which is in accordance with the law. We did not go with that on yesterday because there was a lengthy discussion in committee and particularly with the special committee that was dealing with the ambulance service. So in fairness to the attorney we pulled that. But also I’ve asked the attorney to do today because I think we are going to possibly lose quorum and will not give, for lack of a better term, legal justice this afternoon as well to deal with those items. What I’m going to ask you to do is to bear with me on dealing with this as we make a decision on what to do with item 42, that we will prepare a time, hopefully on Tuesday, because there is a particular committee that has to meet that morning. I think we can allow enough time to do legal briefing and then have adequate breaking time to be able to start the Commission meeting on time at 2:00 o’clock. If we’re not finished by a certain time we close the book on that and we move. But we will be able to get more items in and then we will not have to deal with those items that are tying us up in the afternoon. That will help us to adequately be able to get out of this building and I, for one, want to leave here one day, quite frankly, at least get a chance to look out the window and be finished before everybody else does. And we 48 will still have adequately taken care of the business of the people of this city. So Madame Clerk, I just wanted to say that for the Commissioners. Mr. Shepard has been very helpful in working with that. I was sorry I had to disappoint him yesterday in pulling it off but it would have been just too much in order to handle in that length of time because of the time frame of moving the regular Commission meeting. So we have item 42 and if you would go ahead, Madame Clerk, and read that caption and that, quite frankly, is going to be our last item for the day. The Clerk: PUBLIC SAFETY: 42. Report on EMS RFP 05-082. (Referred from July 11 Public Safety Committee meeting) Mr. Mayor: Mr. Russell, are you going to make the staff statement? I want to recognize Commissioner Williams and I want to get it on the floor from staff and then we’ll go to the Commissioner. Mr. Russell: Mr. Mayor— Mr. Mayor: [inaudible] Mr. Williams: Mr. Mayor, if I can [inaudible] just a little bit here. After our Public Safety meeting we came out of Public Safety with no recommendation so the staff don’t have a recommendation to make I don’t believe. I did want to make one while I was speaking. But I’ll yield and let Mr. Russell if he’s got something to add. But there wasn’t nothing that we came out of Public Safety after a long discussion. But we did get some things cleared, some clarification came about after a long meeting and I’m willing to make a recommendation when that time come. Mr. Mayor: My reason for asking staff is that you all did not make a decision in that meeting, but there originally was a staff recommendation period, that it come forth in order for you all to discuss, but no decision was made on it. And you’re correct. But staffing had come out, whether it’s procurement or administrator, however they want to speak to that in order to do it. I’m just trying to get that clear from what y’all started with on yesterday. You are correct. It is business with no decision. But I think something needs to get on the floor either from where you all started in the beginning yesterday or if you want to go from that point, but I have—and I’ll go ahead and state this while the administrator is in sidebar. There are some questions I believe that we need to take under consideration, that being if we are planning to move forward, depending upon what this Commission decides, there are some things that are going to have to be dealt with or at least I think this full Commission needs to hear in legal as it refers to the process of procurement at some point in time. Now you all don’t have to abide by that because you can vote with your six votes to do whatever you need to do. But as the presiding officer I 49 need to at least say that in public to a point that that needs to be done. And if we’re going to try and not deal with legal until another day then that’s a decision we can make at that point in time. Commissioner Williams, you had your hand up first. The Chair recognizes you. Mr. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. In discussion on yesterday with our Public Safety meeting, those things we talked about, we did get I think those things cleared up as to what we went out for, and what we was going to be judged on. And it was stated through our procurement process, Ms. Sams, we went out for RFP and there was some dilemma as to what we went out for bid process or RFP. And it was determined that’s what we [inaudible]. I hadn’t said much about that Hawaii trip but during that Hawaii trip I told you we had many, many classes, we sat on many, many seminars and this same discussion came up about what you apply, what you went out for in the beginning. So it was [inaudible] yesterday and I’m ready to make a motion if that’s in order. I don’t want to do anything that’s out of order. But it was clarified. I don’t think we need to hold the attorney up or none of this Commissioners any longer by going into any legal process to find out [inaudible] we did that clear on yesterday. Mr. Mayor: The Chair is open. Mr. Williams: I make a motion, Mr. Mayor, that we award the ambulance contract to Gold Cross Ambulance Service for the next year for Augusta-Richmond County. Mr. Cheek: Second. Mr. Mayor: There is a motion and a second to get that on the floor. Is there discussion on the motion that’s on the floor? To my left or to my right? The Chair recognizes Mr. Russell. Mr. Russell: Mr. Mayor, if I could ask Commissioner Williams to clarify his motion. I know they’ve had hours of discussion, I participated in part of that and listened in [inaudible] on the balance. But the question I would ask is does the motion move that we accept their second offer of 900 or so or are you motioning that we accept their original offer? Mr. Williams: I’m motioning that we accept their offer. We went back and they were judged on the RPF and they was awarded on the RFP. And then the pricing got in there and that’s when things got crazy and started. So now naturally you as the Administrator, I mean to award the bid. We got two, I guess we can go from. But it was awarded on the RFP, winning that, and then when the pricing came in, throwed [inaudible]. My motion is to accept that company for the ambulance provider of Augusta-Richmond County for the next 12 months beginning the end of this year. So which one of those agreement, I guess the lesser 50 price naturally is what I would think you would want to do as administrator. But with those factors that was brought out in the meeting, the dispatching side of it, the tracking location that is already included in there that will provide, along with the screen to go in our regular 9-1-1 system now so we can see where the system is, along with the building. Those came out to be lesser price than what we would have to do if we [inaudible]. I made sure yesterday we talked about, whether we pricing or we RFP’ing and that’s my motion. Mr. Russell: Yes, sir. That answers my question. Mr. Mayor: Questions? Mr. Hankerson: I’m not quite clear. Am I voting on a price, too? Mr. Williams: No, we’re voting on who we want to award the contract to. And the RFP went out and it came back in where Gold Cross won the RFP. The pricing came in later. That’s like going down to Mr. Hines’ soup store, you buy the soup, then you ask about the price once you put it on. You find the soup. My question is that we been hassling this thing around over and over and over. We want to make sure we wasn’t violating anything. And that was the clarification. Because when the pricing came in it [inaudible] and one was higher and one was lower but bottom line came out that if we added those amenities to make it what it should be, the pricing going to be really, really competitive. And after winning the RPF, I’m making the motion, it came out of committee with no recommendation because we didn’t get to a stalemate but after everything was clarified and brought to the table we sent it to full Commission without any recommendations. But as Public Safety Chairman this is the recommendation that I’m making. Mr. Mayor: Being no further discussion, all in favor of the motion will do so by the usual sign. Mr. Grantham out. Motion carries 6-0. Mr. Mayor: That was our last regular item? The Clerk: Yes, sir. Mr. Mayor: Madame Clerk? The Clerk: Yes, sir. Mr. Mayor: Okay. The Chair will entertain a motion we adjourn. 51 [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 the Augusta Richmond County Commission held on July 26, 2005. ______________________________ Clerk of Commission 52