HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 21, 2006 ARC Commission meeting (2)
REGULAR MEETING COMMISSION CHAMBERS
March 21, 2006
The Augusta Richmond County Commission convened at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday,
March 21, 2006, the Hon. Deke Copenhaver, Mayor, presiding.
PRESENT: Hons. Holland, Smith, Colclough, Grantham, Hatney, Williams,
Beard, Bowles and Brigham, members of Augusta Richmond County Commission.
ABSENT: Hon. Cheek, member of Augusta Richmond County Commission.
Also Present: Vanessa Flournoy, Staff Attorney; Fred Russell, Administrator;
Lena Bonner, Clerk of Commission.
The Invocation was given by Bishop Rosa L. Williams, Pastor of Ever Faithful
Baptist Church.
The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States was recited.
Mr. Mayor: Bishop Williams, please come back up.
The Clerk: Bishop Williams, on behalf of the Mayor and the members of the
Commission, we [unintelligible] to have you with us [unintelligible]. We appreciate it
and we’d like to honor you today as our Chaplain of the Day. Thank you so much.
Mr. Mayor: And I would like to do a special plug for Bishop Williams. I spent
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my 38 birthday worshipping with her at Ever Faithful, which is where the next prayer
breakfast for unity will be held next Tuesday at 8:00 o’clock. If you need any details,
please call my office. All are welcome. Thank you, Bishop Williams. Moving on to
presentations.
The Clerk:
PRESENTATION(S)
A. Messrs. Nelson Curry and Samuel Bussey
RE: Funding for the James Brown Statue Base
Mr. Curry: First of all, we’d like to say, Mr. Mayor, Commissioners, thank you
for giving us the opportunity to come before you again. Our campaign on the statue
funding is going great. It’s going better than we even expected. We had a few questions
[unintelligible]. I’ll let Mr. Bussey take over from here.
Mr. Bussey: Good morning. I’d like to thank you all for having us again. It is
truly a blessing to be here today. It’s a blessing for the city to involve us in the raising of
the statue, Mr. Mayor and the Commissioners. And thank you. Can’t say it enough. We
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would like to present a check today for the amount of $5,000 to get the campaign started
in raising the statue. The question that we had was who to write the check out to, being
that we did not know who to write it to we did not want it to get caught up in red tape, to
hold up funds and getting it going. If someone could answer the question for us, we are
prepared to write the check out this morning and the campaign we initially plan to start
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Monday, this is the 27, of next week, and we do anticipate about six weeks of totally
raising everything we need to get this project done. Thank you very much.
Mr. Williams: I just want to make a [unintelligible]. We have met several times
[unintelligible] trying to, wanting to help do some fund raising from the private sector for
raising the statue to a stage level. Mr. Mayor, they had [unintelligible] $15,000. This is
the first payment among that, along with some other things. Mr. Bussey has been very-he
and his partner have been very innovating in trying to come up with ways to raise some
money. These gentlemen have really surprised me. I don’t want to get into the whole
nine yards now but they talked about some tee shirts they’re trying to sell to raise money.
Also, they talked about the bricks we want to sell so people-and a lot of people are very
interested. We went down to look at the site to see what we was talking about. People
came up, wanted photograph taken, and I think this is going to enhance that, this is going
to be another drawing card for our city to be able to use, and I just thank them so much
for what they doing and all they want to do, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: I’d just really like to thank y’all personally as well. You’ve done a
great job. I would be happy to contribute personally as well. One thing, it is so good to
see the private sector become involved because the government can’t do everything but
energetic folks like yourself helping out, it is a true blessing, so thank y’all so much.
Mr. Williams: One other thing, Mr. Mayor, before they go, we need to set
something in stone that the first donation come in. We talked to Mr. Pat Blanchard, who
is also willing and able to raise some funds. He wanted to know what he can do in
conjunction with these two young men and other people that are coming about. We need
to do this as quickly as possible, though. We talked with Mr. Acree about getting some
people in place. Using the private sector we may not have to go through the same
bidding process we been through cause that takes a period of time. But with the private
funds that are being raised we just hope we can get this done as quickly as possible. So
let’s give these gentlemen a hand for doing what they’re doing.
The Clerk:
RECOGNITION(S)
Employee of the Month Award
B. Mr. Gregory Wells, Maintenance Division for Public Services.
February Employee of the Month
The Clerk: Would you please join the Mayor, along with Mr. Mike Greene, Mr.
Dennis [unintelligible] from Public Services, if you all would like to come forward.
[reading] Dear Mayor Copenhaver, the Employee Recognition Committee has selected
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Gregory Wells as the February, 2006 Employee of the Month for the City of Augusta.
Mr. Wells has been an employee with the City of Augusta for 21 years. He is currently a
supervisor in the maintenance division for the Public Services Division. Mr. Wells was
nominated by his co-worker, Catherine Worley. Mr. Wells was nominated for his actions
and interventions during a serious health issue for a fellow co-worker, Mr. Ricky Greene.
During a lunch break Mr. Wells noticed Mr. Greene was showing the symptoms
associated with someone experiencing a stroke. He immediately called for assistance and
an ambulance was called. Other employees helped to keep Mr. Greene calm but it was
Mr. Wells’ quick intervention that was the key to Mr. Greene’s outcome. The committee
felt that Mr. Wells’ actions were outstanding and deserved to be recognized. Based on
this, his fellow co-workers’ recommendation, and Mr. Wells’ dedicated and loyal service
to the City of Augusta, we would appreciate you in joining us in awarding Mr. Wells
Employee of the Month for the month of February. Thank you. [ends reading]
Mr. Mayor: On behalf of the City of Augusta it is with great pleasure that I
recognize you as Employee of the Month for February, 2006. Your contributions
[unintelligible] . I appreciate your willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty
and [unintelligible]. Please accept my personal congratulations on this award
[unintelligible] .
Mr. Greene: Thank you very much. Ricky Greene is doing a lot better. He’s still
[unintelligible] . He’s at Walton Rehab now [unintelligible] and Greg, I want to thank
you for every single day [unintelligible] that you’re on the job for Augusta Richmond
County.
Mr. Mayor: All right, we’ll now move on to the consent agenda.
The Clerk: Our consent agenda consists of items 1 through 40, items 1
through 40.
For the benefit of any of our objectors to our planning petitions, when the
petition is read, if there are any objectors would you please signify your objection by
raising your hand?
PLANNING
3. Z-06-15 - A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County
Planning Commission to APPROVE with the following conditions 1) The property
will be allowed to have two access points on Riverwatch Parkway, subject to GA
DOT permitting. One such access point will allow for full access into and out of the
site, to be accommodated by a new median break on Riverwatch Parkway which
will be signalized if warranted. The second such access point will allow only right
turns into the property and only right turns out of the property with no median
break. Driveway cuts that are currently provided for may be relocated per approval
of GA DOT. All improvements to the private and public properties that are needed
as a result of this project shall be provided by the developer. If the signalization is
not installed as part of the site development, funds will be escrowed or bonded for
installation if it is warranted within 5 years. 2) All sides and backs of buildings that
are visible from Riverwatch Parkway and/or Furys Ferry Road shall be designed so
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that they reasonable conform to the fronts of said buildings. Building materials shall
be aesthetically complimentary on all sides of such buildings. Service entrances,
outside entrances and dumpsters shall be screened from direct view from Furys
Ferry Road and Riverwatch Parkway; 3) The applicant shall provide the property
owner directly to the west of the subject property vehicular access across the
applicant’s site from an access point along the common property line to the
driveway cut at the proposed median break which must substantially conform to the
final concept plan submitted with this petition (dated 3-1-06), subject to GA DOT’s
approval of such median break; a petition by Cousins Properties Incorporated, on
behalf of Amilee G. Johnson, as Trustee of the Julian & Ruth Adams Marital
Dedication Trust and Residuary Trust, requesting a modification of the conditions
that were placed on a 1995 rezoning case for B-2 (General Business) zoning of
approximately 7.5 acres of 24 acres involved in (Z-95-26) located on the northwest
right-of-way line of River Watch Parkway, 600 feet, more or less, southwest of
Furys Ferry Road. (Tax Map 11 Parcel 3) DISTRICT 7
4. Z-06-18 - A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County
Planning Commission to APPROVE a petition by Brenda Lee Nations, on behalf of
Fay McNair, requesting a Special Exception to establish a Family Personal Care
Home per Section 26-1 (h) of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance affecting
property known under the present numbering system as 2017 Division Street and
containing .72 acres. (Tax map 27-4 Parcel 2) DISTRICT 1
5. Z-06-20 - A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County
Planning Commission to APPROVE a petition by Inez Barnes and Clarence Parker
requesting a change of zoning from Zone A (Agriculture) to Zone P-1 (Professional)
with a Special Exception to allow residential use per Section 20-2 (b) of the
Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance affecting property known under the present
numbering system as 3624 Peach Orchard Road and containing approximately 1
acre. (Tax Map 155 Parcel 56) DISTRICT 6
6. Z-06-21 - A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County
Planning Commission to APPROVE with the following conditions 1) that a site plan
done by a certified engineer be presented showing a parking and traffic flow plan
and 2) no Certificate of Occupancy be issued until such improvements are
completed; a petition by United Life of Christian Learning Academy, on behalf of
Ben Bynum, requesting to waive the use restriction resulting from the B-1
(Neighborhood Business) zoning per Z-92-76 of the Augusta-Richmond County
Zoning Ordinance affecting property known under the present numbering system
as 1604 North Leg Road and containing .34 acres. (Tax Map 42-3 Parcel 7)
DISTRICT 3
7. Z-06-22 - A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County
Planning Commission to APPROVE a petition by Horstas Uzpurvis, on behalf of
Toxey Smith and Horstas Uzpurvis, requesting a change of zoning from Zone LI
(Light Industry) to Zone R-1D (One-family Residential) affecting property known
under the present numbering system as 512 Walker Street and containing .23 acres.
(Tax Map 47-3 Parcel 48) DISTRICT 1
8. Z-06-24 - A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County
Planning Commission to APPROVE a petition by ATC Development Corp., on
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behalf of Benjamin S. Davis requesting a change of zoning from Zone A
(Agriculture) to Zone R-1E (One-family Residential) affecting property located
approximately 170 feet, more or less, northeast of Maddox Drive and also being
1,300 feet, more or less, north of Wrightsboro Road and containing 2.89 acres. (Part
of Tax map 40 Parcel 29) DISTRICT 3
9. Z-06-26 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County
Planning Commission to APPROVE a petition by Ben R. Harrison, on behalf of
John Gibbs, III, requesting a change of zoning from Zone B-1 (Neighborhood
Business) and Zone LI (Light Industry) to Zone B-2 (General Business) affecting
property known under the present numbering system as 101 Sand Bar Ferry Road
and containing approximately 1.5 acres. (Tax Map 48-3 Parcel 73.03 and part of
Parcel 73.04) DISTRICT 1
The Clerk: Are there any objectors to those planning petitions? There are no
objectors, Mr. Mayor, to the planning petitions.
Mr. Mayor: Okay. Mr. Williams?
Mr. Williams: Alcohol license?
The Clerk: They’re on the regular agenda.
Mr. Williams: Regular agenda?
The Clerk: Yes, sir.
Mr. Williams: Okay. I mean I had some folks here and I just wanted to make
sure that they didn’t miss that.
Mr. Mayor: Do we have any further additions to the consent agenda or items to
be pulled from the consent agenda for discussion?
Mr. Brigham: Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Brigham?
Mr. Brigham: I’d like to pull item number 3 and also item number 34.
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Williams?
Mr. Williams: Mr. Mayor, I’d like to pull items 24 and 25, 27 and 28.
The Clerk: 24 and 25, you say?
Mr. Williams: 24, 25, 27 and 28.
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The Clerk: Okay.
Mr. Mayor: Do we have anything else to be added to or pulled for discussion?
Mr. Williams: Under our regular agenda, I had a item I think has been taken care
of, item 53 can be placed on the consent, I think. You and I talked and that process has
been taken care of. Place it on the consent agenda.
OTHER BUSINESS
53. Discuss the Letter of Reprimand for the Administrator. (Requested by
Mayor Pro Tem Marion Williams)
Mr. Mayor: Okay.
Mr. Grantham: Mr. Mayor, item 54 on the regular agenda. We’ve not received
the information in regards to the legislative approval of the official pay raises; therefore,
I’d ask that that be delayed until the next meeting.
54. Consider action taken by legislative members regarding elected officials pay
raises. (Deferred from the March 7, 2006 Commission meeting)
Mr. Mayor: Anything else? Mr. Grantham?
Mr. Grantham: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I’d like to review the alcohol licenses. I
know there are several people here in attendance and if we could identify those in
attendance and if there are any questions in regards to any of them from the
Commissioners, I’d like for them to say so; otherwise, I’d like the ones that are not
questioned, that we go ahead and put them on the consent agenda. If anyone has any
questions on any particular issue, I’d like to hold those; otherwise, I’d like to put the
remaining on the consent agenda. We need to identify the people for the alcohol license.
Mr. Mayor: People that are here for alcohol licenses, raise-
The Clerk: As objectors?
Mr. Mayor: As objectors.
The Clerk: Would you please raise your hand if you’re here in objection to
alcohol petitions? [unintelligible] Mr. Mayor, if I could just [unintelligible] alcohol
petitions and then those who are objecting to the petition, please raise your hand once the
petition is read.
Mr. Mayor: Please proceed.
The Clerk:
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PUBLIC SERVICES
43. New Ownership Application: A..N. 06 - 13: A request by Tsegai T. Wasse for
a retail package Liquor, Beer & Wine license to be used in connection with Lion
Package located at 2102 Martin Luther King Blvd. District 2. Super District 9.
The Clerk: Okay, we have objectors for that one.
44. New Application: A. N. 06 - 14: A request by Steve Okawa for a retail
package Beer & Wine license to be used in connection with Five Star Express, Inc.
located at 724 Laney Walker Blvd. District 1. Super District 9.
The Clerk: Are there any objectors to that petition?
45. New Ownership Application: A. N. 06 - 15: A request by Linda B. Jones for
an on premise consumption Liquor, Beer & Wine license to be used in connection
with Push Restaurant & Lounge located at 1924 Gordon Hwy. There will be Dance.
District 5. Super District 9.
The Clerk: Are there any objectors for that alcohol petition?
46. New Ownership Application: A. N. 06 - 16: A request by Kyong Sun Pak for
a retail package Beer & Wine License to be used in connection with K's Mart
located at 2301 Lumpkin Rd. District 6. Super District 10.
The Clerk: There is an objector there.
Mr. Sherman: She’s the applicant.
The Clerk: Oh, she’s the applicant? Okay.
48. Discussion: A request by Jan Scholer for a One Day Special Event License
(Beer) to be used in connection with Wild Wing Cafe (in the parking lot) located at
3035 Washington Rd. District 7. Super District 10.
The Clerk: Are there any objectors to that request?
50. Discussion: A request by Jonathan Vick for a Special Event License (Beer)
for April 5, 2006 to be used in connection with National Hill Bar & Grill (in the
parking lot) located at 2701 Washington Rd. District 7. Super District 10.
The Clerk: Are there any objectors to that petition, alcohol petition? Mr.
Grantham, Mr. Mayor, it looks like item 43.
Mr. Mayor: Rev. Hatney?
Mr. Hatney: [unintelligible]
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The Clerk: Okay. We’re trying to get them added to the consent.
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Grantham?
Mr. Grantham: Mr. Mayor, just to provide information in regards to item number
47. This petitioner has passed the test and has not received the certificate. We have
verification of that through the information from the testing office. We have that on
hand. We’ve done that in the past and I’d like to make sure that everyone is aware of that
before I ask you to pass [unintelligible] you’re not fully informed of.
47. Discussion: A request by Brigette N. Haram for a Therapeutic Massage
License to be used in connection with Hand Over Stress located at 104 Warren Rd.
District 7. Super District 10.
Mr. Grantham: We’d like to get Mr. Sherman, if he could, to acknowledge all the
applicants here today and everyone that is requesting any form of license.
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Sherman?
Mr. Sherman: With regard to the alcohol license applications and the applications
for the therapeutic massage license, all the applicants are present and the License and
Sheriff’s Departments recommend that they all be approved.
Mr. Grantham: That being the case, Mr. Mayor, I’d recommend that items 44, 45,
46, 47, 48 and 50 be included on the consent agenda.
Mr. Mayor: That was 44, 45, 46-
The Clerk: [unintelligible] 49 out?
Mr. Grantham: And 51.
Mr. Mayor: And 51.
The Clerk: Okay. Item 49, Mr. Grantham?
Mr. Grantham: You overlooked 49 when reading out.
The Clerk: Yes.
49. Discussion: A request by Thomas D. Thompson for a Special Event License
(Alcohol) for April 3rd thru 8th 2006 (Masters Week) to be used in connection with
the Comfort Inn located at 629 Frontage Rd. District 7. Super District 10.
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The Clerk: Are there any objectors to that alcohol petition? There are none
noted, Mr. Grantham.
Mr. Grantham: If not then, Madame Clerk, I recommend that be included on the
consent agenda.
The Clerk: So that would be items 44 through 51?
Mr. Grantham: Correct.
The Clerk: Okay. Items 44 through 51 added to the consent agenda.
Mr. Grantham: Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Hatney?
Mr. Hatney: Yes, Mr. Mayor and Commissioners and Madame Clerk, item 40 I
recommend that we postpone it until the revision has been made. We are [unintelligible]
and it’s not here.
40. Motion to approve an Ordinance to amend the Code of Augusta-Richmond
County by adopting a new section therein, to be known as Article 3, Chapter 9,
Section 1, et seq.; so as to define the offense of “Aggressive Panhandling” and to
provide a penalty for the violation of said Ordinance and to repeal all Ordinances
and parts of Ordinances in conflict herewith. (Approved by Commission March 7,
2006 - second reading)
The Clerk: [unintelligible]
Mr. Hatney: Okay. Okay. That will work. That will work. Okay.
The Clerk: Commissioner Hatney has noticed that item 40 is to be revised as
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approved in the March 7 meeting. It’s understood that the second reading of item
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40 is to reflect the revision made in the March 7 meeting.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, any further additions or pulls? If not, I would look for a
motion to approve the consent agenda.
Mr. Hatney: So move.
Mr. Colclough: Second.
CONSENT AGENDA
PLANNING
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1. FINAL PLAT – RIVER PARK COMMONS (KNA CLAUSSEN ESTATES
TOWNHOMES – S-686 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond
County Planning Commission to APPROVE a petition by Brian Besson &
Associates, on behalf of G. B. Sharma, requesting final plat approval for River Park
Commons. This residential townhome development is located on Claussen Road and
contains 56 lots.
2. FINAL PLAT – LONGPOINT TOWNHOMES – S-728 – A request for
concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission to
APPROVE a petition by Star Survey, Inc., on behalf of ATC Development
Company, requesting final plat approval for Longpoint Townhomes. This
residential townhome development is located on Old Waynesboro Road and
contains 26 lots.
3. Deleted from the consent agenda.
4. Z-06-18 - A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County
Planning Commission to APPROVE a petition by Brenda Lee Nations, on behalf of
Fay McNair, requesting a Special Exception to establish a Family Personal Care
Home per Section 26-1 (h) of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance affecting
property known under the present numbering system as 2017 Division Street and
containing .72 acres. (Tax map 27-4 Parcel 2) DISTRICT 1
5. Z-06-20 - A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County
Planning Commission to APPROVE a petition by Inez Barnes and Clarence Parker
requesting a change of zoning from Zone A (Agriculture) to Zone P-1 (Professional)
with a Special Exception to allow residential use per Section 20-2 (b) of the
Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance affecting property known under the present
numbering system as 3624 Peach Orchard Road and containing approximately 1
acre. (Tax Map 155 Parcel 56) DISTRICT 6
6. Z-06-21 - A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County
Planning Commission to APPROVE with the following conditions 1) that a site plan
done by a certified engineer be presented showing a parking and traffic flow plan
and 2) no Certificate of Occupancy be issued until such improvements are
completed; a petition by United Life of Christian Learning Academy, on behalf of
Ben Bynum, requesting to waive the use restriction resulting from the B-1
(Neighborhood Business) zoning per Z-92-76 of the Augusta-Richmond County
Zoning Ordinance affecting property known under the present numbering system
as 1604 North Leg Road and containing .34 acres. (Tax Map 42-3 Parcel 7)
DISTRICT 3
7. Z-06-22 - A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County
Planning Commission to APPROVE a petition by Horstas Uzpurvis, on behalf of
Toxey Smith and Horstas Uzpurvis, requesting a change of zoning from Zone LI
(Light Industry) to Zone R-1D (One-family Residential) affecting property known
under the present numbering system as 512 Walker Street and containing .23 acres.
(Tax Map 47-3 Parcel 48) DISTRICT 1
8. Z-06-24 - A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County
Planning Commission to APPROVE a petition by ATC Development Corp., on
behalf of Benjamin S. Davis requesting a change of zoning from Zone A
(Agriculture) to Zone R-1E (One-family Residential) affecting property located
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approximately 170 feet, more or less, northeast of Maddox Drive and also being
1,300 feet, more or less, north of Wrightsboro Road and containing 2.89 acres. (Part
of Tax map 40 Parcel 29) DISTRICT 3
9. Z-06-26 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County
Planning Commission to APPROVE a petition by Ben R. Harrison, on behalf of
John Gibbs, III, requesting a change of zoning from Zone B-1 (Neighborhood
Business) and Zone LI (Light Industry) to Zone B-2 (General Business) affecting
property known under the present numbering system as 101 Sand Bar Ferry Road
and containing approximately 1.5 acres. (Tax Map 48-3 Parcel 73.03 and part of
Parcel 73.04) DISTRICT 1
10. FINAL PLAT – LONGPOINT TOWNHOMES – S-728 – A request for
concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission to
APPROVE a petition by Star Survey, Inc., on behalf of ATC Development
Company, requesting final plat approval for Longpoint Townhomes. This
residential townhome development is located on Old Waynesboro Road and
contains 26 lots.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
11. Motion to approve the Façade Rehabilitation Grant Application for 516
Broad Street. The applicant will match Façade funds with interior improvements.
(Approved by Administrative Services Committee March 13, 2006)
12. Motion to approve an Ordinance providing for the demolition of certain
unsafe and uninhabitable structures in the South Richmond Neighborhood: 4088
Ruffin Road, (District 8, Super District 10); South Augusta Neighborhood: 2131
Sibley Road, (District 5, Super District 9); Academy Baker Neighborhood: 1405
Merry Street, (District 1, Super District 9); West End Neighborhood: 1976 Ellis
Street, 2050 Greene Street, (District 1, Super District 9); Meadowbrook
Neighborhood: 2510 Gerbing Road, (District 4, Super District 9); AND WAIVE
2ND READING. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee March 13, 2006)
13. Motion to approve an Ordinance providing for the demolition of certain
unsafe and uninhabitable structures in the Bethlehem Neighborhood: 1616 Mill
Street, 1115 Mercier Street, 1126 Maxwell Street, 1129 Maxwell Street, 1425 James
Brown Boulevard, (District 2, Super District 9); East Augusta Neighborhood: 116
Pollard Street, (District 1, Super District 9), East Augusta Neighborhood, (Hyde
Park): 2025 Willow Street, 2033 Willow Street, 2006 Walnut Street, 2022 Walnut
Street, 2039 Walnut Street, (District 2, Super District 9); South Augusta
Neighborhood: 1109 Ninth Avenue, (District 2, Super District 9); Turpin Hill
Neighborhood: 1604 Linden Street, (District 2, Super District 9); Laney-Walker
Neighborhood: 1126 Tenth Street, (District 1, Super District 9); AND WAIVE 2ND
READING. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee March 13, 2006
14. Motion to approve providing preferences to local businesses doing business
with their local government. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee
March 13, 2006)
15. Motion to approve "Mothball" Ordinance which sets standards for
temporary securing and storage of structures prior to rehabilitation. (Approved by
Administrative Services Committee March 13, 2006)
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16. Motion to approve Adoption of Updated Anti-Displacement Relocation
Policy to Include Optional Relocation Assistance to Homeowners Receiving
Rehabilitation Assistance. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee March
13, 2006)
FINANCE
17. Motion to approve renewal of Public Official Liability coverage with current
carrier, Landmark American Insurance, for a premium of $86,523. (Approved by
Finance Committee March 13, 2006)
18. Motion to approve the replacement of 1 crime scene van with 1 crime scene
truck for the Sheriff’s Office-Criminal Investigation Division Bobby Jones Ford of
Augusta, Georgia for $23,134.00 (Lowest Bid offer for bid 05-135). (Approved by
Finance Committee March 13, 2006)
19. Motion to approve a request from Kids Restart, Inc. regarding city
sponsorship through the purchase of tickets in accordance with city policy for the
Second Annual "Drive for Kids" Golf Tournament. (Approved by Finance
Committee March 13, 2006)
20. Motion to approve the request from Public Services Department-
Maintenance Division to replace a current 36-month lease of two motor graders
with a new 48-month lease from Yancey Brothers Caterpillar, Inc of Augusta,
Georgia for $1,545.48 each per month (Lowest Bid offer for bid 06-108). (Approved
by Finance Committee March 13, 2006)
21. Motion to approve the replacement of 24 public safety patrol vehicles and 2
public safety transport sedans for Civil/Fugitive Division of the Richmond County
Sheriff's Office. (Approved by Finance Committee March 13, 2006)
22. Motion to approve a request from The Way Out, Inc. for city sponsorship
through the purchase of tickets in accordance with city policy for the Timothy Boyd
Miller Concert. (Approved by Finance Committee March 13, 2006)
ENGINEERING SERVICES
23. Motion to approve setting the date and time for the Public Hearing on
abandonment of Timms Lane. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee
March 13, 2006)
24. Deleted from the consent agenda.
25. Deleted from the consent agenda.
26. Motion to approve and accept two (2) Encroachment Agreements with
Atlanta Gas Light Company for the Spirit Creek Force Main project. (Approved by
Engineering Services Committee March 13, 2006)
27. Deleted from the consent agenda.
28. Deleted from the consent agenda.
29. Motion to approve and accept the Comcast Lease Agreement with the
deletion of section 10. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee March 13,
2006)
30. Motion to authorize condemnation of a portion of Property #140-0-758-00-0
4342 Creekview Dr, which is owned by Anthony Dennis for 375 sq. ft. of temporary
easement area. Public Works Project: Pinnacle Place Subdivision Erosion &
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Drainage Improvement Project. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee
March 13, 2006)
31. Motion to authorize condemnation of a portion of Property #012-0-018-01-0
2901 Washington Rd, which is owned by SunTrust Bank Augusta N.A. for 1,400.46
sq. ft. of right-of-way and 3,286.47 sq. ft. of temporary easement area. Public Works
Project: Washington Road Intersection Improvements Project. (Approved by
Engineering Services Committee March 13, 2006)
32. Motion to approve and accept an exchange of easements with Gregory and
Judith Harshfield on Ashland Drive. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee
March 13, 2006)
33. Motion to approve change order number one to contract for Bid Item 01-145
in an amount not to exceed $23,000 ($5,750 per semi-annual event) for four semi-
annual groundwater assessments at the new phase III cell, as required by EPD.
(Approved by Engineering Services Committee March 13, 2006)
34. Deleted from the consent agenda.
35. Motion to approve proposed Ordinance amending Augusta Code Section 5-2-
8 to repeal prohibition on resale or redistribution of water. (Approved by
Commission March 7, 2006 - second reading)
PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
36. Motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the Commission
held March 7, 2006 and Special Called meeting held March 13, 2006.
APPOINTMENT(S)
37. Motion to approve the following appointments representing District 9:
Paulette Curry- Tree Commission, Rodriques A. Johnson, Public Facilities, Tom
Givens- Riverfront Development, J.R. Riles- Personnel Board, Shelia Paulk- Zoning
Appeals, Margaret Armstrong- Planning Commission, Bernard Silverstein- Augusta
Aviation, Terrance Dicks- Human Relations, Annie Rogers- Historic Preservation,
Betty Tylers- Daniel Field, Barbara Gordon-Housing & Economic Development and
Charlie Hannah, Citizen Advisory Council.
38. Motion to approve the following appointments representing District 7:Jim
Jatho - Augusta Aviation Commission, Randy Hall - Public Facilities.
ATTORNEY
39. Motion to approve an Ordinance to amend the Code of Augusta-Richmond
County by adopting a new section to be known as Article 6, Chapter 2, Section
64(d)(1), et seq..; to define special alcohol license distance requirements with
reference to structures not originally built as a place of worship and located in the
Downtown Business District; to define the Downtown Business District for purposes
of the special alcohol license distance requirements, to provide for exceptions to this
Ordinance for such structures in use as of the effective date of this Ordinance; and
to repeal all Ordinances and parts of Ordinances in conflict herewith. (Approved by
the Commission March 7, 2006 - second reading)
40. Motion to approve an Ordinance to amend the Code of Augusta-Richmond
County by adopting a new section therein, to be known as Article 3, Chapter 9,
13
Section 1, et seq.; so as to define the offense of “Aggressive Panhandling” and to
provide a penalty for the violation of said Ordinance and to repeal all Ordinances
and parts of Ordinances in conflict herewith. (Approved by Commission March 7,
2006 - second reading)
PUBLIC SERVICES
44. New Application: A. N. 06 - 14: A request by Steve Okawa for a retail
package Beer & Wine license to be used in connection with Five Star Express, Inc.
located at 724 Laney Walker Blvd. District 1. Super District 9.
45. New Ownership Application: A. N. 06 - 15: A request by Linda B. Jones for
an on premise consumption Liquor, Beer & Wine license to be used in connection
with Push Restaurant & Lounge located at 1924 Gordon Hwy. There will be Dance.
District 5. Super District 9.
46. New Ownership Application: A. N. 06 - 16: A request by Kyong Sun Pak for
a retail package Beer & Wine License to be used in connection with K's Mart
located at 2301 Lumpkin Rd. District 6. Super District 10.
47. Discussion: A request by Brigette N. Haram for a Therapeutic Massage
License to be used in connection with Hand Over Stress located at 104 Warren Rd.
District 7. Super District 10.
48. Discussion: A request by Jan Scholer for a One Day Special Event License
(Beer) to be used in connection with Wild Wing Cafe (in the parking lot) located at
3035 Washington Rd. District 7. Super District 10.
49. Discussion: A request by Thomas D. Thompson for a Special Event License
(Alcohol) for April 3rd thru 8th 2006 (Masters Week) to be used in connection with
the Comfort Inn located at 629 Frontage Rd. District 7. Super District 10.
50. Discussion: A request by Jonathan Vick for a Special Event License (Beer)
for April 5, 2006 to be used in connection with National Hill Bar & Grill (in the
parking lot) located at 2701 Washington Rd. District 7. Super District 10.
51. Request the execution of the attached 'Release and Assignment' form
pertaining to the forfeiture of the Surety Bond for Christian Home Improvement,
claim # 00185073.
OTHER BUSINESS
53. Discuss the Letter of Reprimand for the Administrator. (Requested by
Mayor Pro Tem Marion Williams)
54. Consider action taken by legislative members regarding elected officials pay
raises. (Deferred from the March 7, 2006 Commission meeting)
Mr. Mayor: We have a motion and second. Commissioners will now vote by the
usual sign.
Mr. Hatney abstains.
Motion carries 8-1 [Items 44, 45, 46, 48, 49, 50].
Motion carries 9-0 [Items 1-2, 4-23, 26, 29-33, 35-40, 47, 51, 53, 54].
14
Mr. Mayor: Moving on to the regular agenda.
Mr. Williams: Are we going to go to the regular agenda or are we going to go
back to stuff we pulled?
Mr. Mayor: Let’s discuss the pulled items first. Let’s address item 44 first.
The Clerk: 43.
Mr. Mayor: Item 43?
The Clerk: Yes, sir. Mr. Sherman?
Mr. Sherman:
PUBLIC SERVICES
43. New Ownership Application: A..N. 06 - 13: A request by Tsegai T. Wasse for
a retail package Liquor, Beer & Wine license to be used in connection with Lion
Package located at 2102 Martin Luther King Blvd. District 2. Super District 9.
Mr. Sherman: Mr. Wasse, please state your name and address.
Mr. Wasse: My name is Tsegai Wasse, [unintelligible] Drive.
Mr. Mayor: Can you speak up a little bit, please?
Mr. Wasse: Tsegai Wasse, 1021 [unintelligible] Drive, Apartment
[unintelligible], Augusta, Georgia.
Mr. Mayor: Okay.
Mr. Sherman: The Sheriff’s Department and the License Department have
reviewed the application and recommended that it be approved.
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Williams?
Mr. Williams: Mr. Mayor, I think some of the neighborhood-Mr. Wasse I think is
a very good business person and the neighbors in that community have spoke out several
times against it and I see we got some of the neighborhood people here. I don’t know if
Mr. Russell or the Attorney get a count of how many people. And I would like for the
neighborhood president, Ms. Clarke, I guess who is here to speak on, on, on this issue.
Mr. Russell: If we could ask people to raise their hands that are in opposition,
please?
Mr. Mayor: Please keep them raised.
15
[9 objectors noted]
Mr. Mayor: Thank you, ma’am, if you could just keep it to five minutes, please.
Ms. Clark: Thank you, Mayor, thank you, Commissioner. To Mayor Copenhaver
and to the Commissioners, to our District 2 Commissioner, Rev. Marion Williams, the
Rev. Johnny R. Hatney, I thank you for the opportunity for letting me come to express
this afternoon. We come before you representing Turpin Hill Neighborhood Association.
Rev. Larry Fryer is our president. He’s working today and unable to be here. He
wholeheartedly supports our [unintelligible] today. We are asking you to vote no and not
th
to open the package store, the liquor store, lounge on 10 Avenue and Martin Luther
King Boulevard. This is not our first time here about this package store. About two
years ago or longer we were here not to open the lounge. Anyway, they went on and
built the building in the back. But we had a watchful eye so the lounge was never used.
But there were men loitering around all of the time. The Sheriff’s Department would run
them off but then they say they come right back. Still [unintelligible] is requesting to
keep this store closed. A day care has petitioned to open right next door to the liquor
store. This is a very needy thing in our neighborhood, a day care system. A few around
the corner, a few blocks away, there is two schools, Jenkins White Elementary School, T.
W. Josey High School, and one block away is the Carrie J. Mays Recreation Center run-
very well run by the Recreation Department and used very often by our children and our
adults daily. So we do not want our children to be exposed to all of this liquor and this
loitering every day. We ask that the liquor store be moved away from our area. This is
what’s happening. We ask what is happening to the youth today. We as adults, is some
of our faults. If we are so greedy about the almighty dollar to place a liquor store in a
neighborhood right next door where people living, we not serving our purpose on earth.
We ask ourselves what our purpose on earth-what are we here for and what are we
supposed to be about-we in Turpin Hill are trying to do what we think is the right thing
th
toward our seniors and toward our children, and 10 Avenue is a very beautiful street and
has beautiful, nice homes and nice lawns and so often they cannot enter into the street
because of the loitering. They have to go around a different block. So we ask this
afternoon that you vote no against this store, supporting our youth, and send our youth a
good message. This is an eyesore and it is very bitter taste in our mouths, in our
neighborhood. Please support us with this. Thank you. Respectfully submitted, Belle S.
Clark, vice president of Turpin Hill Association, and I’m very delighted to have one of
our strong supporters with us this afternoon, Mr. Van McMillan, who is a strong
supporter in Turpin Hill with the Weed and Seed Program. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you, ma’am. Ms. Beard?
Ms. Beard: Mr. Mayor and Ms. Clark and the other members of the delegation, I
feel I must speak in Mr. Wasse’s behalf. This is a man who purchased the property,
commercial property, for his package shop. He contacted me and I contacted Mr.
Sherman and Larry and I asked them to check on records with the police department and
I wanted to know if there was any reason he should not open his package shop. They
16
said Mrs. Beard, we checked. The person who was there before him had-it’s only been
four months that it is closed so he’s grandfathered in and there is no reason he should not
have that license. We do have to run businesses and we have all kinds of businesses. I
know, because my husband ran that store 25 years. My son, my daughter and I worked in
the store. My son is an aviator now. My daughter is an engineer. You do what you have
to do to live in this world. I have watched Mr. Wasse. I know his wife and I know his
two children. And he has had them there with him, too. And I feel sure with the
nurturing he is giving them they are going to do well. I am so sorry, because I know so
many of you, but this is essential to this family and it is my wish that we follow the codes
and procedures and do what is right here. And the right thing is, Mr. Wasse has
purchased this store, he’s paid for it or he’s paying for it, and he qualifies in every way to
keep it open. Gentlemen, I hope you will consider that as you look at this vote.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you, Ms. Beard. Mr. Williams?
Mr. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I think our License and Inspection or
Zoning board have approved a day care facility to go next door and I questioned it and I
called the department and I talked to Larry as well and he said there is no rules to govern
where the day care could be or whether it’s too close. It’s not a school. It’s a day care.
But like the community, this building, this establishment is an old establishment, been
there a long time. We trying to clean up, we’re trying to straighten out, we’re trying to
make it better. I understand it’s a business decision for this young man and I know he
wants [unintelligible]. I’ve got to look at it like the neighborhood looks at it. I got to
look at how much of that-just up the street there are five other locations doing the exact
same thing. I heard somebody on this board say well, what one more going to do then? I
mean I guess we just keep letting one more and one more and one more. No, sir. I don’t
have but one vote but I’m saying that I sympathize with the business owner and I really
feel sorry for this government who don’t have any better guidelines than to okay a day
care center next door-not around the corner, not behind, but next door, side-by-side to a
facility like that. What message is that going to send to young people that’s going in and
out this store? Everybody don’t get it and leave. They get it and stand there. They get it
and hold it. They get it and talk about it. And I’ve got too much of it. Mr. Mayor, I’m
going to make a motion that we deny this application to reopen that business. And if it is
passed, Mr. Mayor, I want to make sure that it’s not going to open in the rear of this
property, it’s going to be just the package store alone if it’s passed. That’s a
[unintelligible] piece I need to have.
Mr. Mayor: We have a motion to deny. Is there-Ms. Beard?
Ms. Beard: May I have a word at this particular time?
Mr. Mayor: Yes, ma’am.
Ms. Beard: I’d just like to once again state that the package store has been there
approximately 40 years. The day care center isn’t there at this time. And I’d like for Mr.
Sherman and Larry to come forth one more time. What is your recommendation?
17
Mr. Mayor: Through the Chair, please, ma’am.
Mr. Sherman: The Sheriff’s Department and the License Department have
reviewed the application and we recommend that it be approved. It is an existing
location, just the ownership is changing.
Ms. Beard: Thank you, sir.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, we have a motion to deny on the floor. Is there a second?
Mr. Holland: I’ll second that.
Mr. Mayor: We have a motion to deny and a second. Is there any further
discussion?
Mr. Brigham: Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Brigham?
Mr. Brigham: I’m going to make a substitute motion that we approve the license.
Mr. Mayor: We have a substitute motion. Is there a second?
Ms. Beard: I second it.
Mr. Mayor: Is there any further discussion? Commissioners will now vote on the
substitute motion using the substitute sign.
Mr. Smith, Mr. Williams and Mr. Holland vote No.
Mr. Hatney abstains.
Mr. Colclough votes Present.
Motion fails 4-3-2.
Mr. Mayor: Commissioners will now vote on the first motion by the usual sign.
Ms. Beard, Mr. Brigham, Mr. Bowles and Mr. Grantham vote No.
Mr. Hatney abstains.
Mr. Colclough votes Present.
Motion fails 3-4-2.
Mr. Mayor: No action taken.
Ms. Beard: Mr. Mayor, where do we go from here?
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Russell? It was not approved, nor was it denied.
18
Mr. Russell: That would be a question for the Attorney to respond to. No action
taken, maintain the status.
Ms. Flournoy: If a Commissioner requested it be placed on the next agenda, it
will be placed n that but [unintelligible] no action. No license is issued.
Ms. Beard: Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: Ms. Beard?
Ms. Beard: Now, Mr. Wasse qualifies in every way for this license. Is this
something he should need to take to court?
Mr. Mayor: I am not an attorney, nor do I hold myself out to be one.
Ms. Flournoy: As the Attorney for Augusta Richmond County I do not give
advice as to what a private citizen-action they can take against Augusta. That’s a matter
he would have to take up with his attorney.
Ms. Beard: Well, I’m going to ask-I’m going to-Mr. Sherman [unintelligible]. I
thought maybe he had-Mr. Mayor, I am wondering if I could move if this be tabled until
the end of the day and voted on again?
Mr. Mayor: I believe we’ve already voted on it. So it would have to come back
before the Commission.
Ms. Beard: Then I’d like to recommend that it comes back at the next meeting.
Mr. Mayor: Okay. Next agenda item?
The Clerk: You want to go to the pulled items?
Mr. Mayor: Yes.
The Clerk: Item 3.
Ms. Beard: Excuse me.
Mr. Mayor: Ms. Beard?
Ms. Beard: I believe Mr. Bowles-
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Bowles?
19
Mr. Bowles: Would it be appropriate to reconsider this item later during the
meeting or is that inappropriate?
Mr. Mayor: Ms. Flournoy?
Ms. Flournoy: If the body decides that it be reconsidered, then yes. I believe he
would have to make a motion for reconsideration.
Mr. Williams: You don’t have unanimous consent to reconsider anyway, Mr.
Mayor.
Mr. Speaker: You don’t have to have unanimous consent to reconsider.
Mr. Mayor: You need six votes to reconsider. All right. Is there a motion to
reconsider? If not I’d like to move on to the next agenda item. Okay, let’s move on to
the next agenda item. Next agenda item?
The Clerk:
PLANNING
3. Z-06-15 - A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County
Planning Commission to APPROVE with the following conditions 1) The property
will be allowed to have two access points on Riverwatch Parkway, subject to GA
DOT permitting. One such access point will allow for full access into and out of the
site, to be accommodated by a new median break on Riverwatch Parkway which
will be signalized if warranted. The second such access point will allow only right
turns into the property and only right turns out of the property with no median
break. Driveway cuts that are currently provided for may be relocated per approval
of GA DOT. All improvements to the private and public properties that are needed
as a result of this project shall be provided by the developer. If the signalization is
not installed as part of the site development, funds will be escrowed or bonded for
installation if it is warranted within 5 years. 2) All sides and backs of buildings that
are visible from Riverwatch Parkway and/or Furys Ferry Road shall be designed so
that they reasonable conform to the fronts of said buildings. Building materials shall
be aesthetically complimentary on all sides of such buildings. Service entrances,
outside entrances and dumpsters shall be screened from direct view from Furys
Ferry Road and Riverwatch Parkway; 3) The applicant shall provide the property
owner directly to the west of the subject property vehicular access across the
applicant’s site from an access point along the common property line to the
driveway cut at the proposed median break which must substantially conform to the
final concept plan submitted with this petition (dated 3-1-06), subject to GA DOT’s
approval of such median break; a petition by Cousins Properties Incorporated, on
behalf of Amilee G. Johnson, as Trustee of the Julian & Ruth Adams Marital
Dedication Trust and Residuary Trust, requesting a modification of the conditions
that were placed on a 1995 rezoning case for B-2 (General Business) zoning of
approximately 7.5 acres of 24 acres involved in (Z-95-26) located on the northwest
20
right-of-way line of River Watch Parkway, 600 feet, more or less, southwest of
Furys Ferry Road. (Tax Map 11 Parcel 3) DISTRICT 7
The Clerk: Mr. Jerry Brigham.
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Brigham?
Mr. Brigham: Mr. Mayor, I’d like some discussion on this item. I’d like to hear
from the Planning Director and the applicant.
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Brigham, just let me know who you would like to hear from.
Mr. Brigham: I’d like to hear from the Planning Director and the applicant, Mr.
Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Patty?
Mr. Patty: This is a tract that straddles the county line up on Furys Ferry Road at
Riverwatch. It actually does not include property in the apex of that triangle. Would
include 7.5 acres in Richmond County, a total tract size of 24 acres, most of which is in
Columbia County. This property was rezoned in 1995 to a commercial classification. A
condition was put on that zoning that there would not be access, there would not be a
median cut in Riverwatch Parkway. And the project that resulted in that rezoning failed
and the property sat vacant since that time. Cousins has recently taken on the property.
They’re going to buy it subject to zoning and they want to build a lifestyle center there,
approximately 300,000 square feet, some of which would be in Richmond County but
most of which would be in Columbia County. The only reason that this is before you
today is that there was some stipulations on the property, the zoning of the property, one
of which was no access to Riverwatch, and they would like to change that. And the
conditions you see here are conditions that they have agreed to and that the Planning
Commission felt were fair. There were no, there were no objectors to this. There was
some confusion about the adjoining property located in Columbia County and access
issues and that’s been resolved. And the conditions you see in front of you we feel are a
fair and reasonable way to develop the property. It would involved the development of a
new intersection in the parkway about midway through their property. They would pay
for the intersection, they would pay for any signalization required, any improvements
required, and they would give access to that intersection, to their property, to the
adjoining property in Columbia County. We recommend you approve it.
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Colclough?
Mr. Colclough: George, how many acres are in Columbia County and how many
acres are in Richmond County?
Mr. Patty: It’s 24 acres. 7.5 in Richmond County, the balance in Columbia
County.
21
Mr. Colclough: The balance of their property is in Columbia County?
Mr. Patty: Yes.
Mr. Colclough: So we’re hearing about the seven point some acres?
Mr. Patty: Yes.
Mr. Colclough: That’s where all the access is going to be taken?
Mr. Patty: That’s where the access to Riverwatch would be. The county line runs
catty-cornered through it and the majority of the property has frontage on Furys Ferry
Road in Columbia County so there would be access up there as well. But the issue before
you today is access to Riverwatch basically.
Mr. Colclough: Riverwatch Parkway?
Mr. Patty: Yes.
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Holland?
Mr. Holland: In reference to both of them being divided like they are, who will
be responsible in terms of taxes?
Mr. Patty: Property taxes—Fred or someone else may be better to answer that
than I am but the sales tax would be collected at point of payment, is my understanding.
So unless you’ve got a store that’s located on the county line where there would have to
be some sort of distribution agreement, the tax would be paid—would be collected where
it’s paid. So they show several out parcels in Richmond County which sales tax would
come to us. The balance of the project which is in Columbia County would go to
Columbia County. If you look at the site it’s a—the closer you get to the intersection of
Furys Ferry and Riverwatch, the lower it is, and the visibility gets better as you go away
from it. And I think the site—and I’m not advocating that it be located in Columbia
County but I think as you look at the site and forget about the county line, it would make
sense, what they’re proposing makes sense as a reasonable way to develop it.
Mr. Mayor: Rev. Hatney?
Mr. Hatney: Mr. Mayor, the 7.5 acres that Augusta Richmond County
[unintelligible] they’re going to need that to enter the place?
Mr. Patty: Yes.
Mr. Hatney: Therefore, we won’t get anything from the sale?
22
Mr. Patty: Yes, sir, you’ll get—there are four out parcels [unintelligible] on this
7.5 acres that would be located in Richmond County. The developer is here and can
speak to that better than I can. You would get substantial tax benefits from it. it
wouldn’t be a large proportion of this total tax revenue because of the fact that a lot of the
project would be located in Columbia County.
Mr. Hatney: One other question. Without this 7.5 would they have enough space
to do what they need to do?
Mr. Patty: He’s going to have to answer that. That’s the developer right there.
Mr. Mayor: Like to hear from the developers. Please keep it to five minutes,
gentlemen.
Mr. Kelley: My name is John Kelley with Cousins Properties. [unintelligible]
lifestyle center. We’ve done many other projects throughout Georgia and out of the state
that has our trademark name. The site as mentioned in partially in Columbia County and
partially in Richmond County. It’s actually 35 acres total site, with 7.5 acres on the
Richmond County side of the line. One of the things that came up during the planning
[unintelligible] the original [unintelligible] on the Richmond County side of the line.
That [unintelligible] parcels [unintelligible] average [unintelligible] in annual sales
[unintelligible] four out parcels on the Richmond County side of the lot [unintelligible]
half a million dollars or more of sales tax revenues for Augusta Richmond County.
Mr. Mayor: You’re not guaranteeing that but should you put that type
[unintelligible].
Mr. Kelley: [unintelligible] As Mr. Patty mentioned, this property was rezoned in
1995. We are not here to seek a rezoning. We are here seeking a change in the
conditions that were imposed at that point in time. The property was rezoned with a
larger piece of property and we now have a smaller portion of the original property that
was rezoned that we’re here for today [unintelligible] property was rezoned, that
[unintelligible] had three out parcels shown on it at that time and I believe [unintelligible]
we do have more retail [unintelligible] than when it was rezoned ten years ago. The main
issue [unintelligible] that we’re trying to change to conditions to would be trying to get a
median break [unintelligible] which did not allow that median break [unintelligible] Tom
Robertson to address [unintelligible].
Mr. Grantham: Mr. Mayor, let me ask the developer—
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Grantham?
Mr. Grantham: I’d like to ask you a question, and I know as the Mayor
mentioned you cannot guarantee that type of return based on the four out parcels, but let’s
just say what if you’re not able to obtain the four restaurants on those out parcels, are you
23
going to build those out parcels first and then go get your people, or are you going to get
your people and then come build?
Mr. Kelley: We’re going to sell those out parcels [unintelligible] they purchase
the out parcels and build their own restaurants. And as I mentioned [unintelligible]
trademark name [unintelligible].
Mr. Grantham: That’s what I wanted to find out.
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Robertson? And keeping to the five minutes, we’ve got about a
minute and twenty seconds left.
Mr. Robertson: I’ll be briefly. Basically our assignment was to determine what
the traffic impact of this site would be on the traffic on Riverwatch Parkway
[unintelligible] turn left from—about a third of the people who would be coming from the
Columbia County side, all of those people would be required under the current condition
to make a left turn at Furys Ferry Road, increasing traffic at that location, without the
median break. If the median break were put there and a traffic signal [unintelligible]
warranted by the DOT then those traffic, that traffic would turn directly at the site and
wouldn’t enter into the congestion that might occur at Furys Ferry Road, therefore we
[unintelligible] good idea to have an extra median break and provide access to this site
that it wouldn’t cause congestion in the [unintelligible].
Mr. Brigham: Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: Okay. Ten seconds.
Mr. Kelley: I would just like to express my appreciation to [unintelligible] we
had some issues that came up and [unintelligible] he did help us to work through
[unintelligible].
Mr. Mayor: Thank you. Mr. Brigham?
Mr. Brigham: I’d like to ask Mr. Robertson a couple of questions.
Mr. Robertson: Okay.
Mr. Mayor: Go ahead.
Mr. Brigham: Mr. Robertson, is there any other reason other than this shopping
center to do a median cut in this median?
Mr. Robertson: Is there any other reason other than?
Mr. Brigham: Right.
24
Mr. Robertson: Well, the assignment was to figure out the effect of the shopping
center. I have not thought about the possibility of there being another use on this site.
Mr. Brigham: Is there any other reason why we would need a median cut other
than the shopping center?
Mr. Robertson: I think not.
Mr. Brigham: There’s no way that we will ever attain a—the word’s slipping out
of my mind—where we can cross the railroad track on the other side of this
[unintelligible]?
Mr. Robertson: We did look at the fact that there was a railroad track that
parallels the Riverwatch Parkway at this location and the only place you can get across
there now is at Pleasant Home Road, which is a little bit up from where we are. I don’t
think it’s possible to have another access across to the south from this location. As far as
the property is concerned, presumably any use of this property would be enhanced by the
location of a median break at this point, but if there were traffic generated on there such
as a shopping center would, it’s probably helpful to the traffic movements to have a
median break, whatever the intended use of that site might be.
Mr. Brigham: What is the relationship of this median break to [unintelligible]
Street?
Mr. Robertson: [unintelligible] Street, I believe, is a dead end road, comes in
from the other side of the railroad. I think that’s pretty unlikely to be able to be used
because it’s almost close to—
Mr. Brigham: Right. But I’m looking for additional access from Washington
Road. That’s why I’m asking what is the—is this aligned with [unintelligible] Street or
not or is there any possibility of any kind of crossing that would—
Mr. Robertson: Mr. Brigham, I didn’t study that. I don’t know the geography of
that.
Mr. Brigham: Well, if you’re going to get the best access to your shopping center
I would think that you would have studied that, not just have a break in the middle of the
median without crossing Riverwatch completely. That’s my concern with this.
Mr. Robertson: Well, the reason we didn’t look into that is because it would
involved a new [unintelligible] crossing of the railroad and we did not think that that was
a possibility.
Mr. Brigham: That’s why I’m asking.
Mr. Robertson: Okay.
25
Mr. Brigham: That’s it for right now.
Mr. Mayor: Does anybody have any further? I would look for a motion one way
or the other.
Mr. Grantham: Motion to approve, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Bowles: Second.
Mr. Mayor: We have a motion and second. Any further discussion?
Commissioners will now vote by the usual sign.
Motion carries 9-0.
Mr. Mayor: moving along. Next agenda item?
The Clerk:
ENGINEERING SERVICES
24. Motion to approve an Option for Right-of-Way between Carolyn C. Baggott,
Jean C. Beall and Mary C. Havron as owners, and Augusta, Georgia, as optionee,
for the acquisition of 0.17 acres in connection with the St. Sebastian Way Project.
(Approved by Engineering Services Committee March 13, 2006)
The Clerk: Is item 25 a companion item, Mr. Williams?
Mr. Williams: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk:
ENGINEERING SERVICES
25. Motion to approve an Option for Right-of-Way between Carolyn C. Baggott,
Jean C. Beall and Mary C. Havron as owners, and Augusta, Georgia, as optionee, in
connection with the St. Sebastian Way Project. (Approved by Engineering Services
Committee March 13, 2006)
Mr. Mayor: 24 and 25. Commissioner Williams?
Mr. Williams: Mr. Mayor, I’ve got no problem with the two items. When you
look at the backup material that we asked to be put in our package so we can study and
get an idea or get information from, I think we need to be mindful of who is doing it and
[unintelligible] both item 24 and 25, no way you can understand it. I mean I’m just
wondering we ought to put it in or don’t put it in like I’m doing something, you ain’t
going to understand it but I’m doing it. That don’t make good sense to me. This is bad.
The backup information [unintelligible], Mr. Mayor.
26
Mr. Mayor: Thank you, Mr. Williams. Is there any further discussion on these
two items? Rev. Hatney?
Mr. Hatney: I have the same concern because if we ask for something and it
[unintelligible] act like you’re really not trying to comply with our request, because I
can’t read none of this study. I mean I don’t think—if you going to put stuff in here and I
can’t read it it doesn’t do me any good. [unintelligible] don’t know what it means.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you, Rev. Hatney. Is there any further discussion? Can we
get a motion for action either way?
Mr. Williams: So move.
Mr. Mayor: We have—is that on 24 and 25?
The Clerk: Was that Commissioner Bowles?
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Williams. Was that a motion to approve?
The Clerk: Both?
Mr. Mayor: Okay. Do I heard a second?
Mr. Colclough: Second.
Mr. Williams: Mr. Mayor, with stipulation that when they bring something back
and it’s not clear, I mean it’s no sense in giving us information—I mean there’s no way
you can [unintelligible] information. You might as well—
Mr. Mayor: Okay. Mr. Holland?
Mr. Holland: Is there any way it can be printed larger so we have an opportunity
to read it? Because it is too small even with us with bifocal glasses.
Mr. Mayor: Okay.
Mr. Russell: Mr. Mayor, if I may?
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Russell?
Mr. Russell: This was an item provided by the attorney. I’ll be happy to work
with him to make sure that the backup material is both legible and readable and move
forward—I see your issues.
27
Mr. Mayor: Thank you, Mr. Russell. We have a motion to approve, with that
stipulation. Is there a second?
The Clerk: Yes, Mr. Colclough.
Mr. Mayor: We have got a motion and second. Any further discussion?
Commissioners will now vote by the usual sign.
Motion carries 9-0.
The Clerk:
ENGINEERING SERVICES
27. Motion to approve award of construction contract in the amount of
$4,135,310.00 to Chandler Construction for the Belair Hills Sanitary Sewer
Collection System. Bid item #06-097. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee
March 13, 2006)
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Williams?
Mr. Williams:
Mr. Mayor, I had this pulled. We talked about this in committee.
I know there some very needed projects, something the community been waiting on for a
long time. But I asked the DBE person about this disadvantaged business, local business
and staff having a part. We spending $4,135,310 and I’m just not satisfied with the
amount of participation we got with local people and small business being a part. Now,
we talk about best effort. I don’t know what best effort is cause somebody’s—I mean
your best effort, Mr. Mayor, may be working all day on it where mine may be just
working five minutes on it. So best effort don’t say much. I think we need to put some
I’m going to make a motion to approve this but I think we need to
language in place.
put some language in place that’s going to help us, help local, small businesses take a
part.
I mean we spend a lot of money in this county and the local business still walking
around, watching other folks make money and take it out of Augusta, still don’t have an
I just want to make a motion we approve this, Mr. Mayor, in fact both
opportunity so
items, item 27 and 28, companion items. We spending $1,499,000 on the next item
but we need to come back to committee, Administrative Services Committee or to
whatever committee need to be, Mr. Russell, we need to get some people in place
where we can put some language in place that’s going to do what we need to do
versus saying best effort.
ENGINEERING SERVICES
28. Motion to approve award of construction contract in the amount of
$1,499,806.20 to Eagle Utility for the Upper Butler Sewer Extension Project. Bid
Item: #06-095 (Approved by Engineering Services Committee March 13, 2006)
Mr. Williams: Cause whatever best effort means I really don’t know. Sylvia
Cooper’s best effort is to stay up all night writing a story. But other folks don’t do that.
28
So best effort, Mr. Mayor, I just don’t think get it and we sit here and go along with that,
then we just as guilty or just as wrong as those who just doing their best effort, whatever
that is.
Mr. Mayor: We have a motion and I think you put your best effort forward on
that motion.
Mr. Williams: [unintelligible]
Mr. Mayor: Can we get—
Mr. Colclough: Second.
Mr. Mayor: We have a motion and a second. Any further discussion?
Commissioners will now vote by the usual sign.
The Clerk: Who seconded that, Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Colclough.
The Clerk: Mr. Colclough?
Mr. Williams: He gave his best effort.
The Clerk: Was that on both, Mr. Williams?
Mr. Williams: 28 and 29.
The Clerk: 28 and 29? Thank you.
Motion carries 9-0.
The Clerk:
34. Motion to approve and accept the attached Easement Deed from Norfolk
Southern. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee March 13, 2006)
Mr. Williams: Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Williams?
Mr. Williams: I had item 34 pulled and I approved it in committee. Reading The
Augusta Chronicle and talking with our personal reporter, Sylvia Cooper, found out that
we have got some money that owed to us that we hadn’t collected. Now, we looking at
paying Norfolk Southern some money but they got a debt to us, and I think before we pay
them anything we need to make sure that we have collected or we need to collect. Ain’t
29
no sense in paying folks who been owing you for a long time. So we need to make sure
before this has gone through that we have gotten our figures together, they have done
their—put their best effort forward and we put our best effort forward and collect the
money that we supposed to be collecting for the Norfolk Southern railroad before we pay
them any money for an easement.
Mr. Mayor: Would you be willing to put that in the form of a motion, a
motion to approve pending we—they do not owe us any money?
Mr. Williams: So move, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Bowles: Second.
Mr. Mayor: We have a motion and second. Any further discussion?
Mr. Brigham: Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Brigham?
Mr. Brigham: Since I was the one that actually asked to have this pulled—
Mr. Mayor: I apologize.
Mr. Brigham: That’s okay. I’ve got a little better deal. I want to have an
ordinance written called an offset ordinance where anybody, not just Norfolk Southern,
but anybody that we pay that owes us money, that we first collect any debts owed us.
Mr. Mayor: And that sounds like a wonderful move to me, Mr. Brigham.
Mr. Brigham: I would hope the Attorney would bring that item back and place it
on the agenda for our next meeting or meeting after that.
Mr. Mayor: Madame Parliamentarian?
Ms. Flournoy: Yes, sir, we will make our best effort.
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Hicks? We do have a motion and second.
Mr. Hicks: Mr. Mayor, if I might speak to this. This is a crossing under the
railroad that’s part of the Spirit Creek force main project, which we’re under a consent
order deadline to have it [unintelligible] the end of September, first of October, and of
course whatever time it takes, just please bear that in mind that we do need to get this
portion of that line done. They can go on beyond it and stop before it, I guess, but it
would be—I mention it if you would, please, bear that in mind. We do have to cross
under this railroad before we can complete that sewer force main. So just bear that in
30
mind. This is not an optional project that we have going. This is a consent order required
project.
Mr. Mayor: We have a motion that does not have a second.
Mr. Brigham: I didn’t make mind in the form of a motion.
Mr. Mayor: We do have a motion? Mr. Williams did.
Mr. Brigham: I thought he already had a second.
Mr. Bowles: I seconded it.
Mr. Mayor: You seconded it?
The Clerk: Yes.
Mr. Williams: Joe Bowles seconded it.
Mr. Mayor: Okay. Is there any further discussion on the original motion?
Commissioners will now vote by the usual sign.
Motion carries 9-0.
Mr. Hicks: Might I get a ruling on this from the Attorney? I gather they can’t
proceed with construction yet till this is finalized; is that the way this [unintelligible] or
what?
Mr. Mayor: Ms. Attorney?
Ms. Flournoy: My understanding of the motion is that prior to any action on this
contract we are to collect our money and then proceed after that; is that not correct?
Mr. Hicks: I just want to understand it so I know how we can proceed with that
force main. That’s all.
Mr. Grantham: Mr. Mayor, let me ask—
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Grantham?
Mr. Grantham: Mr. Hicks, based on what you’re saying do you foresee a time
problem in your being able to start, in allowing us to collect this money by a certain
period of time? We need to know that from you so that we’re on track based on this
consent [unintelligible] that we have.
31
Mr. Hicks: I can give you a better report on that, Mr. Mayor and Commissioners,
at the next meeting, maybe next week. Because this is a force main. It’s not like a
gravity line where you pretty well have to lay it all at one time. You can stop, skip over
it, and start again and go so I really can’t tell you right now what the time constraint is.
Just the overall time constraint is to have it all completed by October. That’s all. So it
could very well be that this action today won’t hurt a thing. I just didn’t know if we
could go forward or not.
Mr. Grantham: In the meantime let’s put forth our best effort to collect the
money.
Mr. Mayor: Amen. Mr. Williams?
Mr. Williams: Mr. Mayor, I just want to know from Mr. Hicks, are you starting
your construction next week at that facility? If not, how long do you think? Because I
don’t think—this government moves pretty slow on some things. Some things don’t
move at all. But 30 days from now if we ain’t solved this issue, Mr. Hicks, I think we got
more problems in our best effort. We got some folks who ain’t doing nothing. So I’m
saying that we ought to have that kind of stuff straightened out in the next couple of
week, if not sooner. But 30 days at the most ought to be done. Unless you have the
railroad track now to go under then I can’t see us holding you up. But so—
Mr. Hicks: I don’t imagine that’s the case, Commissioner Williams. I just—you
know, if in fact—I don’t know, I don’t know for what reason they owe the money to
Augusta, I don’t think they owe it to Utilities, and this is 5,000 that we owe to them in
order to be able to cross under their railroad so the collection of the money from them to
us is something that is out of our jurisdiction, so you can see where I’m coming from.
We’ve got something holding us up that’s not something we can control. That’s all. But
I can give you a better picture of it next week and I don’t imagine it will take that long,
either, but I’ll let you know.
Mr. Mayor: Okay. Thank you, Mr. Hicks. Lena, do you want to go to the
additions to the agenda first before we get into the—
The Clerk: Yes, sir, we can.
Mr. Mayor: Okay.
The Clerk: The addendum agenda.
ADDENDUM
Item 1/56. Consider a request from Radio Cab Company for an adjustment of
taxi-cab rates during Masters Week. (Requested by Commissioner Grantham)
Item 2/55. Discuss the duties and responsibilities of the Solid Waste Inspectors.
(Requested by Commissioner Williams)
32
Mr. Grantham: Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Grantham?
Mr. Grantham: I make the motion that we accept these as an addition to our
agenda.
Mr. Mayor: We have a motion. Is there a second?
Mr. Smith: Second.
Mr. Mayor: Any further discussion? Commissioners will now vote by the usual
sign.
Motion carries 9-0.
The Clerk:
ADDENDUM
Item 1/ 56. Consider a request from Radio Cab Company for an adjustment of
taxi-cab rates during Masters Week. (Requested by Commissioner Grantham)
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Grantham?
Mr. Grantham:
Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I requested this, on the request of
Radio Cab. They called and asked that we consider allowing them to do this. They do
have to petition their increases with our government. And so we have a spokesman here
today from Radio Cab, Mr. David Fields. [unintelligible] questions of him
I’m going to make a motion that we approve this request, being
[unintelligible] ask.
it’s Masters Week, and Masters Week only, that they’re requesting this increase.
Other companies have their increases during that week and I’d like to see them be
provided the same perk.
Mr. Hatney: Second.
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Williams?
Mr. Williams: Yes, sir, Mr. Mayor, I’m in support. I just want to be inclusive,
though. Every year the other businesses do increase and raise their fees and their—in
their establishments. But the other cab companies, too, I think we ought to include, so we
include everybody. That way we won’t have to come back again and do this again. I
think Radio Cab is taking the initiative to understand that this time of year, which is a
golf tournament coming up and people are coming in to visit and people are coming in to
even play. But I just think we ought to be inclusive and include all those other businesses
who are able to [unintelligible] all the cabs ought to be allowed because this is not just
33
the only company. There are several other companies that been asking for it and trying to
get it and do the same thing. So let’s be inclusive and include everybody.
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Grantham?
Mr. Grantham: Thank you, Mr. Mayor, if you will I think Mr. Fields can answer
that question for us.
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Fields?
Mr. Fields: Mr. Williams, this is for all cab companies, not just my company.
I’m just the one that wrote the letter. But we’re all wanting—we need the increase
because of the, you know, the price of gas has gone up 150% in the last four years.
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Williams, it does say adjustment of taxi cab rates.
Mr. Fields: That’s for the whole county. It’s not just my company.
Mr. Williams: I understand those verbatim minutes, Mr. Fields, help me a lot. So
if I don’t say it up here, we will assume. I don’t want to assume, I want to make sure that
we’re inclusive.
Mr. Fields: Yes, sir.
Mr. Williams: I got no problem. I’m voting for it, Mr. Mayor. We can talk about
it a while longer or we can go on to the next item.
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Grantham?
Mr. Grantham: Mr. Mayor, I will amend my motion to say that the request
is being made by Radio Cab Company but it affects all taxicab companies in our
government area.
Mr. Mayor: Okay.
Mr. Hatney: I amend my second.
Mr. Mayor: Everybody’s putting their best foot forward today. We have a
motion and a second. Any further discussion? Commissioners will now vote by the
usual sign.
Motion carries 9-0.
The Clerk:
ADDENDUM
34
Item 2/55. Discuss the duties and responsibilities of the Solid Waste Inspectors.
(Requested by Commissioner Williams)
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Williams?
Mr. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I know that the solid waste department
has got a large responsibility and a lot of things to do but I’ve got a serious issue when
solid waste have been reported about issues that they take issue with, that they think or
say it have not been done. One area this county has been suffering for a long time with
the lack of landlords or property owners, people have neglected properties. And I’m
really, really disappointed as to what the solid waste people respond. Now we got
people, inspectors to go out and check areas to look at, to see what is going on. When
you call a situation in and have somebody supposed to go check on it and they tell you
that situation wasn’t like that yesterday and you know it been like that three weeks, and
then when you do finally call, giving them time to do it cause it’s so much and I
understand they can’t be everybody. But I take issue when they won’t come out and
won’t even return a call when you calling them to try to find out what, when can they do
something. Just because you got a landlord or a property owner who don’t care, the rest
of the community does care and I think somebody ought to respond to the need when
there is a need such as the one I’m speaking about here. So if that’s their duties to—and I
see the Administrator and I talked with him, I talked to his assistant and I think he’s got a
handle on it. They went out and did their job. But I was very disappointed when we pay
people who have gas cars, ride around, have the necessary means to get to where they
need to get to check out properties and sit on the phone and say it wasn’t like that
yesterday, I just through there, and it’s not true. So I think Mr. Russell have got a process
in place or I think he can address it, Mr. Mayor. But I just want to make sure that they
understand that they are servants of the people and need to work in that capacity, Mr.
Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Russell?
Mr. Russell: Yes, sir, Mr. Mayor. Commissioner Williams and I did speak at
some length yesterday about that. I spoke to Mr. Johnson in Solid Waste and Ms. King
and was developing the information back and forth. And we think that we actually took
care of the problem yesterday. The specific problem is the ongoing communication issue
that we’ll be dealing with and we’ll be dealing with that to make sure that we don’t have
that problem again and I appreciate Mr.—Commissioner Williams letting us deal with the
issue.
Mr. Mayor: Okay. Thank you, Mr. Administrator.
Mr. Williams: Motion to approve, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: We have a motion. Do we have a second?
Mr. Holland: Second.
35
Mr. Mayor: Any further discussion? Commissioners will now vote by the usual
sign.
Mr. Bowles out.
Motion carries 8-0.
The Clerk: Regular?
Mr. Mayor: Please, ma’am.
The Clerk:
PLANNING
41. Z-06-19 - A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County
Planning Commission to DENY a petition by Southern Specialty Inc. requesting a
change of zoning from Zones R-1A (One-family Residential) and R-MH
(Manufactured Home Residential) to Zone R-1A (One-family Residential) with a
Special Exception to allow greater flexibility for a proposed detached single family
residential subdivision not to exceed 4 units per acres in density per Section 9-2 (a)
of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for Augusta-Richmond County affecting
property located 2,553 feet, more or less, west of the southwest corner of the
intersection of Windsor Spring Road and Spirit Creek Road and containing
approximately 95 acres. (Part of Tax Map 153 Parcel 72) DISTRICT 4
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Patty?
Mr. Patty: Yes, sir, this is a 95-acre tract behind Fieldcrest subdivision on
Windsor Spring Road, not too far north of the entrance to the regional park out there.
The property, there’s a companion property behind it that’s about equal size, so the total
size of this area that will be developed in the future is about 200 acres. And the—we
dealt with half of this property at the, at the February meeting and we dealt with the other
half of it that you see on the agenda today at the March meeting of the Planning
Commission. And this is typical of the development in the area of what Nordahl wants to
do, or what Southern Specialty wants to do, rather. The only catch on this is that the only
way in and out of this property is through the two minor streets that are entrances to
Fieldcrest subdivision. Fieldcrest is a small subdivision that has been there for 20-
something years. And we checked with the county and consultants that—the design for
the Windsor Spring project and they have not gotten—at this point they have not gotten
to the consideration for whether, where signals will be warranted in the future so we
don’t know if a signal will be warranted at this location in the absence of this
development. And we don’t believe that it would be without this development. Windsor
Spring Road carries about 9,000 vehicles a day right now. The full development of this
property would generate 500-and-some houses and 4,000 trips. With that kind of traffic
coming into [unintelligible] Drive, which is one of these entrances into Fieldcrest
Subdivision it would have to be signalized. So the question really is who would be
36
responsible for that. And this came up with the [unintelligible] Planning Commission
meeting, it was debated and there was some confusion and at the time Nordahl didn’t feel
it should be their responsibility to do that or participate in it. I had asked the Planning
Commission and Nordahl to postpone acting on it and they for contractual reasons or
whatever reasons they just didn’t feel that they could postpone it at that time. So the
Planning Commission did deny it. But they are here today to address this. They’ve come
forward with--I guess you could say a light went on and they’ve come forward with a
th
willingness to participate in that signal now at a reasonable amount, 1/6 of the cost, not
to exceed 20%. And I’m personally satisfied with that. Now, I’m here representing the
Planning Commission and their recommendation is to deny it, but I believe that if this
had come forward on the floor of the Planning Commission meeting that it would have
been a different recommendation, would have been a recommendation to approve it with
that as a condition.
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Colclough?
Mr. Colclough:
Mr. Mayor [unintelligible] that area out there is a primary area
th
to be developed and I think if the developer is willing to participate at 1/6 of the cost,
I’m going to make a motion to approve it.
Mr. Brigham: Second.
Mr. Mayor: We have a motion and second. Is there any further discussion?
Commissioners will now vote by the usual sign.
Mr. Williams out.
Motion carries 8-0.
The Clerk:
PLANNING
42. Z-06-23 - A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County
Planning Commission to DENY a petition by Rosario S. Chacon, on behalf of Phil-
Am Development Inc,, requesting a change of zoning from Zone R-3B (Multiple-
family Residential) to Zone P-1 (Professional) of the Augusta-Richmond County
Zoning Ordinance affecting property known under the present numbering system
as 1026 Bertram Road and containing approximately .45 acres. (Tax map 12 Parcel
41) DISTRICT 7
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Patty?
Mr. Patty: This is property [unintelligible] Bertram road, if you’ve been back
there lately, you’ve got mixed development starting at Washington Road for a certain
distance back. And after you pass the mini-warehouses you get into an area that is almost
all—well, it is all new housing development. It’s a mixture of condominiums and
townhomes and patio homes but it’s all new with the exception of this property which
37
contains an old brick home that’s surrounded by this new development. And the
applicant wants to purchase that property and get it zoned so that they can develop it as a
beauty shop and that sort of thing. And we had objectors to it. We feel that it would be a
spot zoning and it’s clearly back beyond the point where you’ve got mixed zoning and
the mixed uses and we recommend it be denied.
Mr. Mayor: Like to hear from—is this the petitioners?
Mr. Brigham: Mr. Mayor, are there objectors to this?
Mr. Mayor: Do we have any objectors in the room?
Mr. Chacon: My name is [unintelligible] Chacon and I will speak on behalf of
Rose and the Philippine Association Development Corporation. Basically two weeks we
present a petition for rezoning of this property from R-3B, multi-family residential, to P-
1, professional. We would like to appeal the recommendation to deny the rezoning based
on two concerns previously presented, that was based on aesthetics and increase in
[unintelligible] traffic flow. With regard to aesthetics you can see the house is vacant for
a number of years and no one present to attend to is, so therefore the house is visually in
poor condition. It has been somewhat of an eyesore to the area. You can see from the
rendering, [unintelligible] has been passed around and a sketch. A preliminary plan
includes but the aesthetic treatment and landscaping and the structure itself. Just go give
you a little insight on the business. A [unintelligible] beauty salon is typical of small
beauty salons in the area, especially when it pertains to the rental of work space to the
cosmetologists and hair stylists. So a revenue will be based on two sources: from
owner’s personal clients and from the monthly rental of the work space. So therefore our
main goal are both to attract prospective cosmetologists and [unintelligible] maintain
rental of the work space. I’m sure you would agree that an unsightly work space is not
good for business and therefore not good for keeping renters. And so we are indeed
motivated to invest in beautifying the place. And also another concern was the increase
in traffic flow. [unintelligible] state a few facts. Our petition, again, is for rezoning R-3
to P-1 and not commercial. The simply beauty salon will not have an excessive inventory
of products. No reason for continuous influx of customers, so therefore we will not cater
to random customers [unintelligible] clients. Our clients are scheduled to visit primarily
by appointment only. We expect minimal walk-ins since the salon is tucked away pretty
good and behind the main road, and therefore it’s over—actually there’s also over 15 hair
and nail salons within a one mile area. In fact, the hair [unintelligible] rent the work
space has an established list of clientele so the average hairstylist seems [unintelligible]
per day and that’s an average of two haircuts an hour apiece, two perms, and two
[unintelligible] so hours of operation is 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. so normal work day is
about eight hours. And the clients will be scheduled a minimum one week typically at a
time. So the place is small and is not economically feasible to have the same number of
styling chairs [unintelligible] hair dryers. Again, revenue is not from [unintelligible]
client service but from a fixed monthly rent. So therefore there is no incentive to cram
people in this small salon. And therefore appointments [unintelligible] to be scheduled
will be staggered. The salon can accommodate five styling chairs. So just to do the
38
math, five stylists, four to five clients per day, 20 to 25 clients in the span of eight hours,
that’s an average of 12 clients for four hours, and continuing with the math, it’s basically
one to two customers going there per 20 minutes. So therefore just based on that fact
alone, the average number of traffic flow would just be one to two every half hour.
[unintelligible] hope with the two concerns being address. And since we do have strong
incentive to invest in the necessary renovations, especially with [unintelligible] our
workspace [unintelligible] establish clienteles. And one to two cars every half hour
certainly will not impact the average [unintelligible] initial concern. Thank you all for
the opportunity and we respectfully request for the Commission’s reconsideration.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you. Thank you so much. Mr. Patty?
Mr. Patty: Yes, sir, I mentioned we had objectors. I failed to mention we had a
petition with 25 names from there opposed to it.
Mr. Mayor: Okay.
Mr. Brigham: Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Brigham?
Mr. Brigham: I’d love to hear from the objector.
Mr. Mayor: Yes, ma’am, please come forward and state your name and your
address.
Ms. Beatty: My name is Belinda Beatty. I’m at 2001 Summer Valley Way. My
house is directly across from 1026 Bertram Road and I’m the one that put together the
petition. There’s actually 29. We had one of our items, it had five on the back but one of
the names is also on the front. The homeowners and also the renters in the area, well
mainly the homeowners, are concerned with the decrease in property values and the
increase in traffic flow. Right there there is a bus stop pickup to pick up the kids.
Granted that 10:00 a.m. would be after the pickup but it would also, when they actually
drop them off, it would be during hours. We’re also concerned that if this does happen,
the beauty salon be in here now, but in the future it will be professional, what will come
later on if this doesn’t work out. And this is mostly residential area. We’d like to
preserve that. That’s pretty much all I have to say.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you.
Mr. Brigham: Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Brigham? I’m sorry, go ahead.
Ms. Beatty: I’m sorry. I did take pictures of the area if y’all wanted to see, just to
show, just to show the area is mainly residential.
39
Mr. Brigham: Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Brigham?
Mr. Brigham: Mr. Patty, may I just ask Mr. Patty a couple of questions, sir?
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Patty?
Mr. Brigham: Mr. Patty, is this property within 400 feet of Washington Road?
Mr. Patty: No, sir.
Mr. Brigham: Does that meet with our master plan?
Mr. Patty: That is the standard in the master plan, yes, sir.
Mr. Brigham: Is there anything, is there any reason why we would not want to go
with the master plan in this area?
Mr. Patty: [unintelligible] no, no reason.
Mr. Brigham: Mr. Mayor, I’m going to make a motion that we deny this
petition.
Mr. Grantham: Second.
Mr. Mayor: We have a motion and a second. Commissioners will now vote by
the usual sign.
Mr. Williams and Mr. Holland out.
Motion carries 7-0.
Mr. Mayor: The next agenda item?
The Clerk:
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
52. Consider a request to adopt the Augusta Seminoles as the City's Official
Sports Team. (No recommendation from the Administrative Services Committee
March 7, 2006)
Mr. Mayor: Do we have somebody here to—
The Clerk: He’s here to address this.
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Mr. Mayor: --address this issue?
The Clerk: Yes.
Mr. Mayor: Please state your name and address for the record.
Mr. Myers: Good afternoon. My name is Michael Myers. My address is 1927
Central Avenue, Augusta, Georgia 30904.
Mr. Mayor: Please keep it at five minutes.
Mr. Myers: You should have received a packet. Some of you know me. I work
over at the Augusta Focus. I’m also a member of the Augusta Seminoles semi-pro
football team. So I’ll come, as our owner was to address this today but he had to be out
because he had to have emergency surgery. So if you get a chance please keep him in
your thoughts and your prayers. You should receive a package and inside should be
some information about our team and also a recent feature in the Augusta Focus where it
talked about our football team. Today I come in front of you to ask that you adopt this as
the football team for the city. There’s a letter addressed from Charles—Mr. Cummings.
By adopting us as the official team we will always donate complimentary tickets to the
city for every home game. We’ll be able to participate in many of the city events and
help to organize a city football camp for the Parks and Rec Department. And also it
could be something that we can add to the to do list for Augusta. In return we just ask
that we are allowed to represent the city as ambassadors on away and home games to
show how good the citizens are here in Augusta. We also ask that you allow us to use
city logo on our banners and tee shirts that we have made for the team. And we also
would have one home game that will be strictly for the city, that we would donate all
proceeds to either the city or to a charity of your choice. Anybody have any questions of
me?
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Holland?
Mr. Holland: Is there a law or ruling in reference to using—maybe one of the
Commissioners can help me or the Attorney. Is there a ruling or law in reference to using
[unintelligible] jerseys and tee shirts and things of this nature [unintelligible] permission?
Mr. Mayor: Ms. Flournoy?
Ms. Flournoy: I’m not aware of any law [unintelligible] research it and determine
whether there is anything [unintelligible] but at this point I know of nothing
[unintelligible].
Mr. Brigham: Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Brigham?
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Mr. Brigham: I believe our logo is copyrighted, isn’t it? Nobody is supposed to
use it without our permission.
The Clerk: That’s right.
Mr. Myers: [unintelligible] just for our tee shirts. It’s not for our actual jerseys.
Just for tee shirts that we give out, like on the back it would show that we represent the
city.
Mr. Hatney: Well, what procedure would we need to go to? Just vote on it here?
Just give them permission to go ahead and use it here, as a Commission? To use the
logo?
Mr. Mayor: Are there legal issues that we need to deal with, Ms. Flournoy?
Ms. Flournoy: I think if the Commission asks that we look into it [unintelligible]
subject to approval by the Attorney.
Mr. Hatney: I didn’t hear her.
Mr. Mayor: She said it approve it subject to approval by the attorney and
researching all legal issues.
Mr. Colclough: I’ll make that in the form of a motion.
Mr. Hatney: Second.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, we have a motion and second. Any further discussion?
Mr. Brigham: Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Brigham?
Mr. Brigham: Is there any other request other than just the use of our official
logo? Is that all you’re asking for?
Mr. Myers: Just to be a representative—
Mr. Brigham: To be the only football team that we sponsor; I understand that.
But I didn’t know if the sponsorship entitled [unintelligible] anything else.
Mr. Mayor: it does not commit us financially to anything?
Mr. Myers: I’m not asking for any money. Not asking for any money.
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Mr. Mayor: We have a motion and a second. Is there further discussion?
Commissioners will now vote by the usual sign.
Mr. Hatney: No money involved; that’s good.
Mr. Mayor: I like hearing no money involved.
Mr. Williams out.
Motion carries 8-0.
Mr. Myers: Thank you very much.
Mr. Mayor: Is that the final agenda item, Ms. Bonner?
The Clerk: Yes, sir.
Mr. Hatney: Move we adjourn.
Mr. Mayor: Do I hear a second?
Mr. Grantham: You don’t need it.
Mr. Mayor: We stand adjourned.
[MEETING ADJOURNED]
Lena Bonner
Clerk of Commission
CERTIFICATION:
I, Lena J. Bonner, Clerk of Commission, hereby certify that the above is a true and
correct copy of the minutes of the Regular Meeting of Augusta Richmond County
Commission held on March 21, 2006.
________________________
Clerk of Commission
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