HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommission Meeting March 4, 2008
REGULAR MEETING COMMISSION CHAMBER
MARCH 4, 2008
Augusta Richmond County Commission convened at 2:00 p.m., March 4, 2008, the Hon.
Deke Copenhaver, Mayor, presiding.
PRESENT: Hons. Holland, Smith, Mason, Grantham, Hatney, Beard, Johnson, Jackson,
Bowles and Brigham, members of Augusta Richmond County Commission.
The invocation was given by the Reverend Brian Laburt, St. Mary on the Hill Catholic
Church.
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was recited.
Mr. Mayor: Reverend, if you could come back we have a special recognition for you.
The Clerk: As a token of our appreciation on behalf of the Mayor and the members of
the commission, we’d like to honor you today as our Chaplain of the Day for that powerful as
well as sensible petition to heaven on our behalf. Once again thank you and God bless you.
(APPLAUSE)
Mr. Mayor: And I’d like to recognize Commissioner Jackson for a moment of personal
privilege.
Mr. Jackson: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. On behalf of the commission we want to thank the
volunteers of the First Saturday Cleanup Crew, the Boy Scouts, the Girl Scouts, the
Commissioners that have been out there, the Boxing Club and Aquinas High School students.
So thank you very much. They’ve done a real good job. There was over a hundred volunteers
out there. (APPLAUSE)
Mr. Mayor: All righty, Madam Clerk, let’s move on to the delegations.
The Clerk:
DELEGATIONS
A. Presentation by Mr. A.K. Hasan regarding the proposed public safety/transportation
Local Option Sales Tax.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, Mr. Hasan, and if you could keep it to five minutes please.
Mr. Hasan: I’d like to say Mrs. Heather Valentine who was to accompany me here today.
She’s under the weather and unfortunately she had to send her regards. Honorable Mayor
Copenhaver and Honorable Commissioners we are here as concerned citizens willing to lend a
consolidated voice in support of your efforts to address the challenges of improving public safety
and public transportation. Over the past few weeks the Administrative Services Committee has
entertained the idea of calling for a referendum on a public safety transportation Local Option
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Sales Tax. During our attendance as a presenter before the Administrative Services Committee
on February 25, 2008 we observed some reasonable concerns raised about an additional sales tax
and the need to be specific as to the planned expenditures. In the absence of concrete
information the committee forwarded the item to the full commission without a recommendation.
The resolution is Item #49 on your agenda. If there is no consistence on the issue today, if the
important questions raised in committee are not answered to each commissioner’s satisfaction we
are here to offer a possible consensus building solution. Let us first be clear for the record. We
are not here to suggest the commission raise taxes be it for a sales tax or otherwise. We’re here
to cheer on the commission for acting responsibly and for being willing to look at all viable
options to improve public safety and transportation. However if after careful consideration,
deliberations and consultations there are no alternatives the commission may choose to poll the
voters for an answer. We believe the best way to get accurate feedback from the voters is to
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conduct a non-binding straw poll in the July 15 Democratic and Republican primary elections.
This will enable the voters to decide if there should be a one-cent Local Option Sales Tax
referendum to improve public safety and transportation. According to Board of Elections
Director Lee Ann Bailey the straw poll could be conducted in the primary election without any
additional costs to taxpayers. This straw poll would require approval by both the Democratic
and Republican parties in order to add the resolution to their respective ballots. The straw poll
does not require approval by the local legislative delegation. The straw poll may be a wise
course of action because if the election trends continue as they have thus far we may experience
the highest primary turnout ever. Should the voters approve the public safety transportation
Local Option Sales Tax question in the straw poll the commission could add the referendum to
the November ballot if the commission approves the resolution on today’s agenda and the local
legislative delegation approves it this session. Otherwise the commission would ask voters for
official approval, could ask voters for official approval of the referendum in a special election in
the spring of 2009. Of course we would be remiss in our civic duties if we do not point out if the
voters say no new sales tax the commission would obviously have to go back to the drawing
board. Best wishes in your deliberations and explorations. Thank you.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you, sir.
Mr. Hasan: If I might add one comment, sir. I spoke with Lee Ann Bailey, the Director
of the Board of Elections and she indicated that she would be available considering that this
issue’s being discussed today and the resolutions put forward. And she would be available to
talk to you if there’s some questions come up about the straw poll.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you. All righty, Madam Clerk, next delegation.
The Clerk:
DELEGATIONS
B. Timie R. Hollobaugh RE: Radio Cab fares for the disabled and elderly patrons.
Mr. Hollobaugh: Honorable Mayor and members of the commission. I come before you
today with an issue of utmost importance and also utmost urgency. It may not seem to many of
you that are not in mobility devices or have handicaps that this issue is something of legislation.
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It seems more of enforced. However lack of enforcement means that we need to strengthen the
legislation. We have a company in town that charges the handicapped $40.00 for one block to
fifteen miles regularly. This is the standard fee. This company is also attached to you by the hip
at the airport. Underneath Title 2 and Title 3 and how those two mix under the Federal ADA
Law, if I call for an airport cab living less than two miles away from the airport this gentleman
will charge me $40.00 there and then $40.00 home. It is your duty underneath that legislation,
underneath the mixture of Title 2 and Title 3 to keep him in compliance. I understand and I’ve
never been confirmed that this commission or a part of this government at the local level helped
set the rate for cab companies that you set a rate of $40.00 for the handicapped. If not than how
has this man been able to get away with noncompliance abusing the citizens of Richmond
County for so long. And the reason I use the word abuse is anyone who actually extorts money
when there have been legislations, they’ve been informed, they have a set cap on their wages
targeting the disabled is also guilty underneath Georgia Code of elder abuse. Monopoly need not
be invoked then whether he has the facto monopoly or not is not an issue. An issue is that a
county has set a rate and he has targeted the handicapped individuals of this city and this county
with an excessive amount. If I could a mile in the cab it’s $40.00. If I’m left sitting at the
hospital in the emergency room after treatment and it’s 2:00 a.m. and all other available Para-
transit and handicap services are not available and I’m a Medicare client not Medicaid, I will pay
$40.00 or sit there until the buses run first thing in the morning. He holds us above this. I find it
appalling that an individual with such stature as the President and Vice President have openly in
mediation refused to follow the mediation after agreement with the Federal government. He is
under investigation with the DOJ. We’re going to have some logistic issues in the county I’m
sure because the state government and the states, the Lt. Governor’s office has been contacted.
They’ve contacted Logisticare. They’re looking for other providers because of their compliance
with a contractor underneath Title 2 and Title 3. They have no choice. This individual has been
affectively financially abusing the handicapped and senior citizens, those most vulnerable in our
city for an extensive amount of years. We ask this committee to take action either by new
legislation, enforcement of the code and also by achieving restitution on an individual basis but
more so on a community basis from a company who has apparently, you know I can’t see how
you can enforce a code or enforce a levy on someone and then his tax reports come back one
way that he’s charging that charge. This company needs looked at and looked at hard. If a
federal mediation is a joke to this individual I’m sure that he feels the same about any other
legislation levied against him. He feels he has the right to do this to our veterans. He has a right,
if the veteran is not going to medical care and he’s going to see his friends or to go out for the
night, he’s going to pay $40.00 one-way and $40.00 home. Is this what we want our
handicapped vets to come home to? We are a rehabilitation center with some of the best medical
facilities in the country here. And yet to be able to use them after hours of general public
transport will cost us the medication we must buy, the food in our mouths. If this is not elder
abuse I don’t know what is. And according to Georgia legislation, which I provided you copies
of it most definitely looks like it. And I would request that somebody take affirmative action to
find out, the governing body here to task their individuals who are supposed to be monitoring
this type of behavior to take solid and affirmative action. I really hate to say it this way but we
are left no other choice but to be very, very strong in this. Handicapped people are not weakened
we are major survivors. We have taken this fight, there is a large group of us and we will
continue this fight at all levels. However we are coming to you because at this point with this
man’s influence through his association with Augusta National’s Club and the Masters he has
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personal ties that no one will dare do anything to him. I’m asking the council are you
intimidated.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, thank you, sir. And that’s five minutes. Commissioner Bowles.
Mr. Bowles: I’d like to hear from Mr. Sherman regarding the enforcement issues.
Mr. Sherman: Mr. Mayor and Commissioners, we heard about this situation at the
beginning of the year. Mr. Harris in our office called some of the cab companies to find out if
they have a policy for charging this high a fee to the disabled customers. He found that they do
not have a policy. He did find that if a driver has to assist a disabled person in putting his chair
into the vehicle he may charge you five dollars. I think if it’s acceptable to the commission that
we will meet with the cab drivers, with Mr. Hollobaugh and the cab drivers, cab companies and
come to some resolution with this. The fees are set by the commission it does not allow a fee
this high. Special rates are set during Masters Week. The last rates were set back in “06. If the
cab drivers want to charge anything other than the rate schedule that has been approved by the
commission they have got to come back to you before Masters of this year if they want to
continue to charge special rates that are allowed during Masters Week.
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Johnson.
Mr. Johnson: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Sherman, so is it you’re saying that they, we
hadn’t set the fee at $40.00 or something that they did?
Mr. Sherman: Apparently so. Now during Masters Week there are some high rates,
higher rates but that’s only for Masters Week. Normally the rate is $2.50 the first mile and $1.80
each additional mile. Two bags are free so, no, sir, you have not set anything near $40.00 a trip
outside of Masters Week.
Mr. Johnson: Okay, so what would be the recommended measure at this point to find out
what needs to be done and how can we enforce that they are not illegally charging these?
Mr. Sherman: I’ll see if I can set up a meeting with Mr. Hollobaugh and then get in
touch with the cab drivers. It’s probably time that we have another meeting with the cab
companies and cab drivers. We haven’t done that in a meeting type situation in probably a year
or two. And there’s some other issues that we need to highlight for them.
Mr. Johnson: Okay, well, if you can do that and abreast us once you get that information
I think we all would appreciate it.
Mr. Mayor: Absolutely. Anybody else? Thank you, Mr. Sherman. All righty, Madam
Clerk, on to the consent agenda.
The Clerk: Our consent agenda consists of items 1-40, items 1-40. For the benefit or any
objectors to our alcohol petitions, I will read those petitions. If there are any objectors would
you please signify your objection by raising your hand once the petition is read.
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Item 1. Is for a Liquor, Beer & Wine license to be used in connection at 1855 Central Avenue.
Item 2. Is for a Liquor, Beer & Wine license to be used in connection with the location at 1065
Stevens Creek Road.
Item 3. Is for a Beer & Wine license to be used in connection with the location at 3771 Peach
Orchard Road.
Item 4. Is for an on premise consumption Liquor & Beer license to be used at the location at
3663 Deans Bridge Road.
The Clerk: Are there any objectors to those alcohol petitions?
Mr. Russell: You need to mention the stipulation on item one.
The Clerk: Okay. Item 1 will be approved with the stipulation that dance will be stricken
from the application.
Mr. Russell: No objectors noted, Madam Clerk.
The Clerk: Consent agenda items 1-40.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, do we have any additions to the consent agenda? Commissioner
Hatney.
Mr. Hatney: (inaudible)
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Brigham.
Mr. Brigham: Mr. Mayor, if the applicant’s here on item #41 I’d like to hear the
recommendation of the License and Inspection. We may be able to add that to consent also.
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Sherman.
Mr. Sherman: The applicant is here. The License Department and the Sheriff’s
Department have reviewed it and recommending that it be approved.
Mr. Brigham: Can we see if there’s any objectors to that, Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk, would you like to read the agenda item back and see if we
have any objectors to item 41?
The Clerk: Okay. Item 41 is a request for a retail package Beer & Wine license to be
used in connection with Pak N Go located at 1649 Olive Road.
Mr. Russell: No objectors noted, Madam Clerk.
Mr. Brigham: Mr. Mayor, I move that we add it to the consent.
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Mr. Mayor: Okay, do we have any further additions to the consent agenda?
Commissioner Hatney.
Mr. Hatney: Mr. Mayor, if my colleagues have no objections, I would like to add 42,
three and four to the consent.
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Bowles.
Mr. Bowles: I’d like to and item number 47 and that’s to approve Mr. Hicks’
recommendation in our attachments.
Mr. Mayor: Okay. Commissioner Holland.
Mr. Holland: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I’d like to add agenda item number 46 to the
consent agenda please.
The Clerk: Forty-six?
Mr. Holland: Forty-six.
The Clerk: Okay.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, do we have any further additions to? Commissioner Brigham.
Mr. Brigham: Mr. Mayor, I’d like to add item number 53 to the consent.
Mr. Mayor: Do we have any further additions to? Commissioner Hatney.
Mr. Hatney: Number 45, how difficult is that? It looks like something that we --- to do,
number 45?
Mr. Holland: Uh, excuse me. I’m sorry.
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Holland.
Mr. Holland: Someone will be here to discuss number 45.
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Mason.
Mr. Mason: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Is there, if there are no issues with 48 being added
to the consent?
Mr. Brigham: There is.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, Commissioner Grantham, did you have your hand up?
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Mr. Grantham: I was going to discuss that one as well. What about 51?
Mr. Bowles: I’d like to hear from the Administrator on that.
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Bowles. Okay, do we have any further items to be added to
the consent agenda? Okay, do we have any items to be pulled for discussion? Commissioner
Brigham.
Mr. Brigham: Mr. Mayor, I don’t necessarily want to pull it but I want it to be clear that I
understand item number 34 correctly. And while we’re denying the request for an exemption
under development fees that we are approving the $7,000 that was paid in the past. If that’s the
case I’ll leave it on the consent, if not I want to pull it.
Mr. Mayor: Do we have somebody to speak to that issue? Item 34 ---
Mr. Brigham: Item 35 I think it is.
The Clerk: Thirty-five.
Mr. Mayor: Excuse me, item 35.
Mr. Goins: Yes, sir, it’s to give them a credit of $7,000 and charge the fee, the amount
they previously paid.
Mr. Brigham: We’ll leave it alone then.
Mr. Mayor: Okay. Any further items to be pulled or any others? Commissioner
Grantham.
Mr. Grantham: Mayor, I’d like to pull 39 and 40 for discussion.
Mr. Mayor: Any further items to be pulled for discussion? Commissioner Holland.
Mr. Holland: Item number 28, just some clarification on that. That’s a great deal of
money there. I just want to hear someone to explain what we have here.
Mr. Mayor: Okay.
The Clerk: You said 28 Mr. ---
Mr. Holland: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Okay.
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Mr. Mayor: Any further items to be pulled for discussion. Hearing none I’d look for a
motion to approve the consent agenda.
Mr. Hatney: So moved.
Ms. Beard: Second.
CONSENT AGENDA
PUBLIC SERVICES
1. Motion to approve New Application: A.N. 08-14 a request by Andrew Crumrine for an
on premise consumption Liquor, Beer & Wine license to be used in connection with
Crum’s On Central located at 1855 Central Ave. There will be Sunday Sales. District 1.
Super District 9. (Approved with the stipulation that dance be stricken from caption Public
Services Committee February 25, 2008)
2. Motion to approve New Application: A.N. 08-15 a request by Harinderjit Singh for an
on premise consumption Liquor, Beer & Wine license to be used in connection with Stevens
Creek Hospitality, Inc. located at 1065 Stevens Creek Rd. There will be Dance. There will
be Sunday Sales. District 7. Super District 10. (Approved by Public Services Committee
February 25, 2008)
3. Motion to approve New Ownership Application: A.N. 08-12 a request by Mary J.
Robertson for a retail package Beer & Wine license to be used in connection with
Robertson Investments DBA Bob’s One Stop located at 3771 Peach Orchard Rd. District 6.
Super District 10. (Approved by Public Services Committee February 25, 2008)
4. Motion to approve New Ownership Application: A.N. 08-13 a request by Joe L. Jones
for an on premise consumption Liquor & Beer license to be used in connection with
Chong’s Lounge located at 3663 Deans Bridge Rd. District 4. Super District 9. (Approved
by Public Services Committee February 25, 2008)
5. Motion to approve TCA Electrical Change Order 1 Signage. (Approved by Public
Services Committee February 25, 2008)
6. Motion to approve Change Order with Chattahoochee Valley for $14,418.98 for fencing
at Daniel Field Airport. (Approved by Public Services Committee February 25, 2008)
7. Motion to approve a contract amendment with CSRA RDC for Senior Nutrition services
for compliance with Federal and State immigration laws. (Approved by Public Services
Committee February 25, 2008)
8. Motion to pre-approve acceptance of FAA Grant in the amount of $300,000.00.
(Approved by Public Services Committee February 25, 2008)
9. Motion to pre-approve Georgia DOT Grant. (Approved by Public Services Committee
February 25, 2008)
10. Motion to approve a request by Tavish L. Bell for Therapeutic Massage Operators
license to be used in connection with Tavish Bell Massage located at 512 Shartom Dr.
District 7. Super District 10. (Approved by Public Services Committee February 25, 2008)
11. Motion to approve an Ordinance to amend the Augusta Richmond County Code and to
provide for a dog park and dog park rules with a determination to be made regarding the
admission of children four years and younger when dogs are present. (Approved by Public
Services Committee February 26, 2008)
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12. Motion to approve W.K. Dickson Work Authorization in the amount of $25,500.00 for
Daniel Field Airport. (Approved by Public Services Committee February 25, 2008)
13. Motion to approve W.K. Dickson Work Authorization for Daniel Field Airport.
(Approved by Public Services Committee February 25, 2008)
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
14. Motion to approve a job reclassification at the Library to change the job title for a
position and upgrade it from a 40 to a 44. (Approved by Administrative Services
Committee February 25, 2008)
15. Motion to approve Resolution transmitting the Community Assessment and
Community Participation Program elements of the Augusta-Richmond County
Comprehensive Plan to the CSRA Regional Development Center. (Approved by
Administrative Services Committee February 25, 2008)
FINANCE
16. Motion to approve a request from 100 Black Men of Augusta, Inc. regarding city
sponsorship through the purchase of tickets for the Phase XI All About Us Program.
(Approved by Finance Committee February 25, 2008)
17. Motion to approve budget adjustments to 2007 budget. (Approved by Finance
Committee February 25, 2008)
18. Motion to approve request from Mr. James R. Davis on behalf of Mr. Clyde Dennis
Davis regarding an overpayment of property taxes for the property at 2011 Circular Drive.
(Approved by Finance Committee February 25, 2008)
19. Motion to approve a request to purchase 5 light vehicles for general fund departments.
(Approved by Finance Committee February 25, 2008)
20. Motion to approve an Ordinance to amend the 1945 Pension Plan; to provide for select
pensioners to receive a supplement to their retirement benefits; to repeal all Ordinances
and parts of Ordinances in conflict herewith; to provide an effective date and for other
purposes. (Approved by Commission February 25, 2008)
ENGINEERING SERVICES
22. Motion to approve contract to develop a Master Plan for Pendleton King Park (PKP)
with Davis Design Group of Augusta in the amount of $43,000, with $600 reserved to cover
reimbursable expenses, to be funded from Capital Account #272-06-1496. (Approved by
Engineering Services Committee February 25, 2008)
23. Motion to approve Change Order #4 for Beams Construction, Inc. in the deductive
amount of $111,439.68) on the Tobacco Road 20 Inch Water Main Project #10174.
(Approved by Engineering Services Committee February 25, 2008)
24. Motion to approve the deeds of dedication, maintenance agreements, and road
resolutions submitted by the Engineering and Augusta Utilities Departments for Arcadia,
Phase II. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee February 25, 2008)
25. Motion to approve request to replace collapsed 60” Corrugated Metal Pipe (CMP) on
Ashley Drive. The deteriorated pipe has caused numerous sinkholes creating an area that is
unsafe for residents. (Approve by Engineering Services Committee February 25, 2008)
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26. Motion to approve the deeds of dedication, maintenance agreements, and road
resolution submitted by the Engineering and Augusta Utilities Departments for Cameron
Subdivision, Section II. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee February 25, 2008)
27. Motion to approve and accept a Deed of Dedication and Maintenance Agreement for
utilities only in Magnolia Villas Phase 1 & 1B. (Approved by Engineering Services
Committee in meeting February 25, 2008)
29. Authorize award of bid for the Construction Phase-I (Bid Item #07-214) for the
Goodrich St. Raw Water Pumping Station Project to the lowest responsive bidder,
Crowder Construction, in the amount of $13,870,000.00. (Approved by Engineering
Services Committee in meeting February 25, 2008)
30. Motion to approve the deeds of dedication, maintenance agreements, and road
resolutions submitted by the Engineering, and Augusta Utilities Departments for Granite
Hill Subdivision, Section Five. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee February 25,
2008)
31. Motion to approve the deeds of dedication, maintenance agreements, and road
resolutions submitted by the Engineering and Augusta Utilities Departments for Granite
Hill Subdivision, Section One. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee February 25,
2008)
32. Motion to approve the deeds of dedication, maintenance agreements and road
resolutions submitted by the Engineering and Augusta Utilities Departments for Granite
Hill Subdivision, Section Two. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee February
25, 2008)
33. Motion to approve Change Order #1 (and final payment)in the amount of $41,115.46
for the Hephzibah McBean Road Project. This Change Order is due to the unforeseen
amount of work that was required to restore this roadway and remove any traffic hazards.
(Approved by Public Services Committee February 25, 2008)
34. Motion to approve CSXT-058482 Pipeline Crossing Agreement. (Approved by
Engineering Services Committee February 25, 2008)
35. Motion to deny request by Sheraton Hotels for exemption from commercial
development fees charged by Augusta Utilities Department. (Approved by Engineering
Services Committee February 25, 2008)
36. Motion to approve the deeds of dedication, maintenance agreements and road
resolutions submitted by the Engineering and Augusta Utilities Departments for Riverstone
Subdivision. Note: This dedication applies only to that portion of Riverstone Subdivision
located in Richmond County. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee February 25,
2008)
37. Motion to approve Water and Sewer Easements for Fort Gordon. (Approved by the
Engineering Services Committee in meeting February 25, 2008)
PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
38. Motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the Commission held on
February 19, 2008.
PUBLIC SERVICES
41. New Ownership Application: A.N. 08-11: A request by Choon B. Lee for a retail
package Beer & Wine license to be used in connection with the Choon Corporation DBA
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Pak N Go located at 1649 Olive Rd. District 2. Super District 9. (No recommendation from
Public Services Committee February 25, 2008)
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
42. Authorize Augusta Utilities Department to hire a Meter Testing & Services Manager at
a salary of $45,000 to be funded from Utilities Customer Service Budget.
43. Authorization to upgrade the position of Finance Officer in the Housing and
Community Development Department.
44. Approve Subordination Agreement between the City of Augusta, the Highlands at
Hope House, Inc., the Georgia Housing and Finance Authority and the State Housing Trust
Fund for the Homeless Commission.
PUBLIC SAFETY
46. Approve request to authorize payment of Standard Software Maintenance Agreement
with New World Systems, Inc. for the period covering January 1, 2008 – December 31,
2008.
FINANCE
47. Consider a request from C. Thomas Huggins for a refund of taxes for 2007 for property
located at 2366 Winston Way. (No recommendation from Finance Committee February 25,
2008)
ATTORNEY
53. Motion to grant and convey to Georgia Power an underground easement for
installation of an underground electrical distribution line through property owned by the
City at 4330 Deans Bridge Road, Blyth, GA 30805 for a nominal value of $10.00.
ADDENDUM
2. Motion to approve a Resolution in opposition to House Bill 938 regarding franchise fees.
Mr. Mayor: We have a motion and a second. Commissioners will now vote by the usual
sign.
Mr. Hatney abstains
Motion carries 9-1. [Items 1-4, 41]
Motion carries 10-0. [Items 5-27, 29-38, 42-44, 46-47, 53, Addendum Item 2]
Mr. Hatney: Madam Clerk?
Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk, Commissioner Reverend Hatney.
The Clerk: Did you vote, Mr. Hatney?
Mr. Hatney: I did but I abstain on all alcohol.
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The Clerk: Yes, sir, okay.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, Madam Clerk, let’s go through the, actually I believe we’ve got two
potential items to add. These should be in front of everybody. If you could read those two
potential additions.
The Clerk: Our addendum agenda consists of items 1 and 2. Item 1 is to approve the
appointment of Mr. John Butler to the Housing & Community Development Citizens Advisory
Board representing District 2. Item 2 is to approve a Resolution in opposition to House Bill 938
regarding franchise fees.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, do we have unanimous consent for these two items?
Mr. Grantham: No, you don’t.
Mr. Mayor: For neither or them or ---
Mr. Grantham: Item number one.
Mr. Mayor: Okay. Do we have unanimous consent for item number two? Okay.
Mr. Brigham: Mr. Mayor, can we add item number two so we can make that a
unanimous vote?
Mr. Mayor: Commissioners to add item number two, commissioners will now vote by
the usual sign.
Mr. Brigham: Add and approve.
Mr. Mayor: Add and approve.
Motion carries 10-0.
Mr. Mayor: I thank you and GMA thanks you as well. And our citizens thank you.
Okay, Madam Clerk, let’s go first to the pulled items.
The Clerk:
APPOINTMENTS
39. Motion to approve the appointment of James Germany to the ARC Human Relations
Commission, Marion Williams to the Planning Commission, Michael Kent Thames to the
Augusta Canal Authority, Frank Bowman to the Augusta Aviation Commission and
Charles W. Paschal to the ARC Board of Zoning Appeals representing District 2.
40. Motion to approve the appointment of Tanya Barnhill to the ARC Planning
Commission and James O. McCormick, Sr. to the ARC Personnel Board representing
District 4.
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Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Grantham, I believe this was your pull.
Mr. Grantham: Yes, I pulled both 39 and 40, Mr. Mayor, and I’ve noticed that in the past
and where it was requested here at our last commission meeting that we vote on the individuals
that are being recommended for various positions individually and so I think out of respect to
these people individually that we vote on them that way and not collectively.
Mr. Mayor: Okay. Commissioner Mason.
Mr. Mason: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I disagree with my esteemed colleague here. I
think what was mentioned before was that we voted on it collectively was because it was a
commission appointment. These are individual district appointments, district commissioner
appointments so I don’t think that it holds the same weight as a whole commission appointment.
So I’m in total disagreement with Mr. Grantham on this particular item.
Mr. Mayor: Okay. Commissioner Johnson.
Mr. Johnson: I concur with what Commissioner Mason is saying. I think that this is an
individual appointment however the other appointment was a full body commission appointment.
So therefore it does not carry the same magnitude that this particular appointment does.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, can we get a motion either way on this?
Mr. Mason: I make a motion that we, well, first of all on 39 if in reference to, I would
ask Mr. Grantham, Mr. Mayor, if he is opposed to every name that’s on that appointment or can
we consent some of those or does he have a particular discussion that he wants to do on a
particular appointment because there’s about four or five different names, four or five different
positions?
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Grantham.
Mr. Grantham: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. And yes, Mr. Mason, you are correct. I would
like to request the commission to discuss the appointment of Mr. Marion Williams to the
Planning Commission and I would like to withdraw that name from item number 39 leaving the
others in place as to consent agenda.
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Holland.
Mr. Holland: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Once again I wholly disagree with our esteemed
colleague also. At this particular time we have someone that has served eight years as a
commissioner and has a knowledge and expertise of this commission and of this community and
would be a complete asset to this program and to this community if he or she or he served on this
Planning Commission. So I disagree and I don’t think that we need to discuss any different
personalities when it comes to trying to place individuals in these different committees. I think
the commissioners are intelligent enough to choose the persons that they want to represent them.
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So I disagree wholeheartedly and I move that Mr. Marion Williams’ name remain on the, on this
agenda and be voted in as a member of the Planning Commission.
Mr. Hatney: Second.
Mr. Bowles: I second Mr. Grantham’s motion.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, so then Commissioner Holland’s motion would have been a
substitute, you would put forth a substitute motion. Okay. Commissioner Mason.
Mr. Mason: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Given the fact that Mr. Grantham has stipulated
that he would consent to the remaining names on 39, I would wonder if he would consent to 40
as well.
Mr. Grantham: Yes, I will.
Mr. Hatney: Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Hatney.
Mr. Hatney: I’m not trying to be picky but the second for Mr. Grantham’s motion came
after the other motion and second had been done.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, we’ll take Mr. Holland’s motion as a primary motion.
Mr. Hatney: The motion because the other one didn’t have a second.
Mr. Mayor: The motion. But I will give Mr. Grantham an opportunity to make a
substitute motion.
Mr. Grantham: I make a substitute motion that we withdraw Mr. Marion
Williams’ name from agenda item number 39
.
Mr. Bowles: Second.
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Johnson.
Mr. Johnson: Yes, we had a retreat this week. I spoke about respect. I spoke about
respect of others positions here as a commissioner. I would like to, and each and every last one
of these commissioners to evaluate that comment that I made at the retreat. I think we’re all
cognizant basically of the people that we put in place to do the position. I understand that there
may be some animosity here with some of the people here and Mr. Marion Williams but
however, I don’t think he’s had direct contact with these people that has the conflict with him. I
do feel that he is comfortable enough to come in and do the job on the Planning Commission. I
do have confidence in him to do the job. I don’t agree with everything he does or says but I do
know that he would be very fluent on that position and I do have the confidence in him. I would
14
like that each and every last one of us reconsider this and understand that we’re not throwing
stones. We’re just possibly trying to move the city forward and do what’s best for the city. And
I think we can do that. I don’t think he would be a hindrance in that position and I really feel
like we can do better amongst ourselves. We’ve been doing a good job this year and I would like
to keep that up.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, we have a substitute motion and a second. Madam Clerk, could you
read back the substitute motion prior to voting on it?
The Clerk: The substitute motion was to approve item 39 with the deletion of Mr.
Marion Williams appointment to the Planning Commission.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, if there’s no further discussion commissioners will ---
Mr. Bowles: I’d like a roll call vote please.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, roll call vote. Let’s remember what the Minister said. When we
stumble we reach up and grab that hand. See we need like some music or a video to play when
we have an interlude.
Mr. Russell: If I may, Mr. Mayor, when you vote on the roll call if you could press your,
what do we call those things? Just press the little thing that you got there so we’ll have a record
of what we’re doing. Remote control, I guess what it is.
Mr. Holland: Excuse me Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Holland.
Mr. Holland: Could she read the motion again, please?
Mr. Mayor: Yes, this is a substitute motion.
The Clerk: That motion was to approve item 39 with the deletion of Mr. Marion
Williams’s appointment to the Planning Commission. That motion was made by Mr. Grantham,
seconded by Mr. Bowles.
Mr. Mayor: Okay. Roll call vote, Madam Clerk.
The Clerk: Ms. Beard.
Ms. Beard: Do I press the button?
The Clerk: You need to let me know.
Ms. Beard: Yes.
15
The Clerk: Mr. Bowles.
Mr. Bowles: No. Wait, yes, I’m approving Mr. Grantham’s recommendation.
Mr. Mayor: We’re voting on the substitute motion.
Mr. Bowles: Yes.
The Clerk: Okay. Ms. Beard yes, Mr. Bowles yes, Mr. Brigham?
Mr. Brigham: Yes.
The Clerk: Mr. Brigham yes. Mr. Grantham?
Mr. Grantham: Yes.
The Clerk: Yes. Mr. Hatney?
Mr. Hatney: No.
The Clerk: Mr. Hatney no. Mr. Holland?
Mr. Holland: No.
The Clerk: Mr. Holland no. Mr. Jackson?
Mr. Jackson: Yes.
The Clerk: Mr. Jackson yes. Mr. Johnson?
Mr. Johnson: No.
The Clerk: Mr. Johnson no. Mr. Mason?
Mr. Mason: Yes.
The Clerk: Mr. Mason yes. Mr. Smith.
Mr. Smith: Yes.
The Clerk: Mr. Smith yes.
Motion carries 7-3.
Mr. Mayor: Okay Madam Clerk, next agenda item.
16
The Clerk: Next item is agenda item, did you include 40 in that ---
Mr. Grantham: Yes.
The Clerk: --- motion?
Mr. Mayor: That did include 40?
Mr. Grantham: Yes.
Mr. Mason: Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: Point of personal privilege?
Mr. Mason: That 40, I’m sorry one addition to the agenda.
The Clerk: Mr. Grantham objected to that being added.
Mr. Mayor: You need to have unanimous consent to add.
The Clerk: You didn’t have unanimous consent.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, Madam Clerk, I think we’re on to the regular agenda.
The Clerk: Item 28. Mr. Holland had a question on item 28.
Mr. Mayor: Oh, excuse me. Item 28.
The Clerk:
ENGINEERING SERVICES
28. Authorize award of bids for Pre-purchase of the Diesel Engines and the associated
equipment (Bid Item #07-295A) for the Goodrich St. Raw Water Pumping Station Project
to the lowest responsive bidder W.W. Williams in the amount of $1,331,370. (Approved by
Engineering Services Committee in meeting February 25, 2008)
Mr. Holland: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I think we have someone here to speak to that
item. Do we have anyone here to speak to that? I need some questions answered in reference to
this item.
Mr. Mayor: Drew, you working your way forward?
Mr. Goins: Yes, sir.
17
Mr. Holland: Just give me a clarification on this bid item here. It’s for $1,331,370. And
we’ve asked previously that we get a copy of the bid items that the persons had put up for bids
for these different projects. Can you share that information with me?
Mr. Goins: Yes, sir, it’s in your backup material.
Mr. Holland: I didn’t see it.
Mr. Goins: I’m not sure what information you want other than what’s in the backup
material, which is a tabulation of the bids.
Mr. Holland: Just explain to me how we came to this particular figure and who received
this, how they received this bid please.
Mr. Goins: The Procurement Department puts out the bids. They advertise them
publicly and we have different vendors come and request the bid packages. At the time of the
bid is accepted then you compare bid tabulations from those vendors that submit a bid. And that
information is tabulated by in this case there were three reviewers that was this department; there
was the consulting engineer on the project and the Procurement Department. And then those
individuals concur with the recommendation and then we submit that recommendation in the
form of an agenda item.
Mr. Holland: And this was agreed upon?
Mr. Goins: Yes, sir, by the three parties that I mentioned.
Mr. Holland: Okay. That’s all I have, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: Can we get a motion to approve?
Mr. Smith: So moved.
Mr. Johnson: Second.
Mr. Mayor: We have a motion and a second. If there’s no further discussion
commissioners will now vote by the usual sign.
Motion carries 10-0.
Mr. Mayor: Lord knows I dread the day when the batteries go out in these things.
The Clerk:
PUBLIC SAFETY
45. Approve Lease/Purchase Agreement with Bell South Financial Services.
18
Mr. Wasson: Mr. Mayor, members of the commission. I’m Phil Wasson, Director of
Augusta 911. Back in the fall we had this commission had authorized us to go to Bell South
Financial Services to get a Lease Proposal regarding the new 911 equipment. This matter was
brought before the commission in this agenda item however before the actual agenda item got to
Public Safety just prior to it I had received word from Mr. Shepard’s office who is the attorney
that reviewed all the material and he asked that a resolution be included that he had written up
for this document. This was approximately mid January that we got that and it was after the item
had already been put in the meeting agenda. So it wasn’t included. So what we’re asking if we
can is that the commission not only approve the Lease/Purchase but the resolution prepared by
Mr. Shepard that states that we are tax exempt and this resolution back to Bell South Financial.
Mr. Grantham: So moved.
Mr. Holland: Second.
Mr. Mayor: We have a motion and a second. If there is no further discussion
commissioners will now vote by the usual sign.
Motion carries 10-0.
The Clerk:
FINANCE
48. Motion to approve a request from the Mayor of Keysville, Georgia for the donation of
a police vehicle. (No recommendation from Finance Committee February 25, 2008)
Mr. Mayor: Okay, Mr. Brigham, I believe you had a question on this.
Mr. Brigham: Mr. Mayor, I think it’s improper for us to be just giving equipment to
another city or anybody else in this state and therefore I’m not planning on voting for it.
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Mason.
Mr. Mason: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Is the Fleet Manager, Ron, is he here?
Mr. Mayor: He is.
Mr. Mason: I need to ask him a question or two.
Mr. Mayor: Through the Chair.
Mr. Mason: Thank you.
Mr. Mayor: Feel free.
19
Mr. Mason: Good afternoon. I have a question for you. Is this, we’re here to discuss the
possibility of a donation of a police vehicle that’s in our fleet. Is there any, is this a precedence
thing that we’re asking for today or has it been done in the past. If so when was it done
specifically and is this a normal practice.
Mr. Crowden: The Commission has entertained four different courses of actions as it
applies to this type of thing. The first course of action was to deny and they chose to do that in
2004. They have sold to other government entities at a reduced cost or an agreed upon amount
for cars for public safety and they have donated fully. The last car was donated to the City of
Wrens. It was a dog car and that was done earlier this year. Prior to that there was we don’t
donate. And that was from 2004 to present.
Mr. Mason: Okay, so, Mr. Mayor, earlier this year we donated to Wrens and if I’m not
mistaken can you give us the dollar value on this particular vehicle that you pointed out that
could be donated?
Mr. Crowden: As indicated in the agenda item the estimated value of the car at public
auction is somewhere between $800 and $1200 dollars.
Mr. Mason: Mr. Mayor I’m going to make a motion that we move to approve the
donation.
Mr. Johnson: I second that motion.
Mr. Mayor: We have a motion and a second. Is there any further discussion?
Mr. Brigham: Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Brigham.
Mr. Brigham: I’m going to offer a substitute motion that we don’t donate the car.
Mr. Bowles: Second.
Mr. Brigham: I don’t think we ought to, for discussion purposes I don’t think we ought
to be donating to any government outside of Richmond County. I don’t think the taxpayers in
Burke County are going to come up here and give us $1,200.00. I don’t think the taxpayers of
Richmond County ought to go down there and give them $1,200.00. And I think that’s the way
it is. Why should we reduce the cost of government to our surrounding counties? That is not our
purpose. Our purpose is to reduce the cost of government to the citizens of Richmond County.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, thank you. And there’s a substitute motion and they’re going to get
the car or they’re not. We have a substitute motion. If there’s no further discussion, Madam
Clerk, so that we’re clear if you could read back the substitute motion.
20
The Clerk: The substitute motion is to deny the request from the Mayor of Keysville for
the donation of the police vehicle.
Mr. Mayor: Commissioners will now vote by the usual sign.
Ms. Beard, Mr. Hatney, Mr. Holland, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Grantham, Mr. Smith and Mr. Mason
vote No.
Motion fails 3-7.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, we will now go to the primary motion, which I believe is to approve
the request. Commissioners will now vote by the usual sign.
Mr. Bowles and Mr. Brigham vote No.
Motion carries 8-2.
Mr. Mayor: So Keysville where everybody is somebody gets their car.
Mr. Mason: We’re being a good neighbor.
Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk, next agenda item.
The Clerk:
FINANCE
49. Motion to approve a Resolution to impose a Local Sales and Use Tax (LOST) as
authorized by the Official Code of Georgia, Sections 48-8-80, et. seq. to provide funding for
additional law enforcement recruitment for the Sheriff’s Department, funding for the Fire,
Marshal, E-911, Emergency Management Service and RCCI Departments, and support of
the public transportation system with excess funds collected to be used for millage rollback.
(No recommendation from Administrative Services & Finance Committees February 25,
2008)
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Grantham, I believe this is yours.
Mr. Grantham: Mr. Mayor, thank you and let me make one correction. This is not for us
to impose the tax it’s for us to request a resolution for our delegation to request a referendum for
the voters to impose a tax on themselves if they so see fit. The purpose of this request is to
support our Sheriff’s Department, our Fire Department, our Marshall’s Department, Emergency
911, the EMS Service and the RCCI Department. Those are our public safety departments that
are in need of not only staff support but financial support to retain the staff that they presently
have. In addition to that you heard Mr. Hasan earlier today make comments in regards to our
publictransportation. This too, this tax will also support our transit system that we’re having
right now on an annual basis to pay the shortfall as to the expenses that they have. This request
is also indicating that we would get somewhere in the neighborhood between $32 and $37
million dollars a year. 33% of those dollars collected would come from outside of Richmond
County. People coming in to do business within our community. That has been a proven fact
21
based on the SPLOST collections that we have made as well as our Local Option Sales Tax that
is presently in place. These funds would be designated to those particular departments and right
now the amount I had the Clerk to put in your packet or to deliver a packet to you from our
various departments as far as the request that they would need should this request be granted by
the voters in November. And the reason for that was to let you know what the shortfall is of our
public safety departments throughout our government. There’s an area where we can support
that they people of this community would be supporting. In would not be a burden of just the
property owners. This would be spread throughout the entire community with everyone
participating in a sales tax program. In addition to that like I said it would be 33% collected
from outside. It certainly goes a long way.
Mr. Mayor: Okay.
Mr. Grantham: Just one more, pardon?
Mr. Mayor: That’s two minutes but I’ll let you make one more point.
Mr. Grantham: Okay thank you, just one more then. The point I’m making is I realize
that Columbia County is at 7%, Aiken County and Edgefield County is a little higher than we
are. But with the cost of gasoline and the way things are right now I don’t see how people would
drive five miles to buy a gallon of gas to go save twenty cents on a dollar purchase.
Mr. Mayor: Okay.
Mr. Grantham: So thank you, Mr. Mayor, and I request that we do this and let our
delegation be the ones to turn it down and we could show a proactive attitude from this
commission.
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Hatney.
Mr. Hatney: Mr. Mayor, I want to let Commissioner Grantham know I appreciate his
efforts and no doubt in my mind that the Public Safety and Transportation needs some assistance
but I’ve got some struggles with our methodology of financing. We’ve got folk right now whose
water bills have been put so high they can’t hardly pay that. That may not mean that to some
folks but there’s a lot of folk out there struggling and a one-cent may not sound like a lot of
money until you need four pennies you’ve got a problem. I do believe that we should before we
attempt to send this burden to the legislature or even ask our constituents to look at this and see if
there is any other alternative means to which we can finance these activities because there’s no
doubt in my mind there’s some money somewhere that we could get. I just hope we would
consider further areas of financing these folks because I cannot support the one-cent increase on
seven cents already. I can’t do that.
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Bowles.
Mr. Bowles: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. There’s a strange phenomenon in economic terms
going on in Richmond County and Columbia County is Columbia County is continuing to
22
multiply. It’s citizens, their sales tax dollars are going down and ours are increasing and that’s
telling me that when the people from Columbia County come to work in Augusta they’re staying
and shopping and I for one, I just don’t want to give them the reason and justification to wait
until they get home to shop. I wantthem to continue to shop here in Augusta so I think we need
to look for some ways we can trim our, you know, services in certain areas and implement the
services of Public Safety.
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Johnson.
Mr. Johnson: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I agree with what Mr. Bowles is saying. I think
that we won’t have as many people coming into town shopping and spending money because of
the tax base and also I feel that, I basically feel right now it’s just too premature to make that
assessment. We haven’t really saw the impact that the raise that was granted last year is going to
have on you know our law enforcement. I do understand that we have some dire needs for
transportation but we need to look at other options right now. I just don’t think raising you know
or even making this request would be the best option at this time.
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Brigham.
Mr. Brigham: Mr. Mayor, I’d like to ask Ms. Johnson. What’s the cap on sales tax now?
Can we go to 8% without some legislation being changed?
Ms. Johnson: No, we could not because of the constitutional amendment that was
imposed in 1983. It’s part of the Georgia Constitution.
Mr. Brigham: So really our request is that the legislature consider looking at the way of
financing sales tax for the future and with that and the fact that the legislature is talking about
capping assessments and we already have a millage cap I think we ought to look at other tools
that could be available in the future that would provide property tax relief to the people of
Richmond County and I would be in support of this motion on account of that. I don’t think
anything’s going to happen immediately because I think the legislature’s probably going to take
several years as usual to even discuss and issue like this. But I think we ought to be proactive in
trying to find relief for our citizens wherever we can find it.
Mr. Grantham: Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Mason and then Commissioner Grantham.
Mr. Mason: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I believe there’s been some good points made on
both sides of the house. In as much as I did or was the one who asked for this budget so that we
can understand exactly where the dollars were going in addition to asking for the budget I asked
for some specific services that we would receive not only where these dollars were going but
what additional services would we receive. And I see that in some of this but there are some,
still are some questions in reference to the services that would be received based on the monies
that would be collected. So I’m not totally clear and I don’t know that I could clear today in this
setting on those questions that I have both with the Sheriff’s Department, the Marshall’s
23
Department, RCCI and 911 in particular. I have several questions in regard to that. But I do
think that we are dealing with a livable document here that has given us an avenue to explore.
Now having said that I think perhaps somewhere in the middle was what Mr. Hasan had
recommended in terms of perhaps a straw poll in July. Because it still has to go before the
people no matter how you look at it. In the interim perhaps we can close out some of the
questions that we have here and address some real concerns that really quite frankly have not
been brought out up here that perhaps we need to address to the appropriate folks about the
concerns such as the various new beats that was referenced to in this particular document.
Specifically I would like to know what new areas are we talking about so that we could feel a
little bit better about the decisions that would have to be made. And that’s just, I have questions
like that and I don’t think we can get that done in this quorum today unless you’re going to
change the rules of the game today. So would make a motion that we do this as recommended
by the straw poll in July that will go on I think it’s the Democratic and Republican ticket. If
that’s possible. I don’t know how that works but I think that may be an option in the interim,
working this thing out, the little few kinks that are in there.
Mr. Mayor: I think your motion and really the Republican Party and the Democratic
Party would have to agree to that. So we really as this body couldn’t trigger that straw poll. So I
would just say that. Commissioner Grantham.
:
Mr. Grantham Yes, thank you, Mr. Mayor. And I appreciate what my colleagues are
saying in this regard but you know if we don’t take some form of action and present this in a
form that can be deliberated and talked about in Atlanta and brought back to us with either some
additional recommendations or based on what our department heads have done in providing us
with a budget on an annual basis. And if we can’t add to what their needs are then you know I
think we’re not looking at the whole picture. What we’re doing is we’re just taking the number
of dollars we’re being presented out of our General Fund and we’re providing that to those
various departments for their use. These people have come to us with a legitimate and serious
.
request in protecting the people of this community and I just feel like that we owe this to them
And I’m going to ask for a motion that this resolution be sent to the delegation for discussion and
ask them to provide a referendum for us in November.
Mr. Mayor: So that’s in the form of a motion to approve.
Mr. Smith: Second.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, we have a motion and a second. Commissioner Mason.
Mr. Mason: Okay, thank you, Mr. Mayor. I’m in agreement with Commissioner
Grantham for the most part but as an elected official I think it’s our duty and responsibility if
we’re going to ask the people to dig into their pockets once again I think we should at least when
we’re forwarding this type of document, do our due diligence in terms of the type of services
specifically that we’re going to receive and where the dollars are going. Now the budget
breakdown I definitely do not have any problem with that. But I think in order to, for folks to
feel a little bit more comfortable about what’s going on I think they ought to know. And if we’re
going to present a document to the delegation I think we should present it in a fashion that we’ve
24
done our due diligence. And it’s a good document that we’ve done what we’ve needed to do.
And we’ve looked at everything so the questions we’re asking here are the same questions that
will be asked up there. We can take some of that out of the way right now and then push it
forward.
Mr. Mayor: Okay. We have a motion and a second. If there’s no further discussion
commissioners will now vote by the usual sign.
The Clerk: The motion is to approve the resolution and that it be forwarded to the
legislative delegation.
Ms. Beard, Mr. Bowles, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Hatney, Mr. Mason and Mr. Holland vote No.
Motion fails 4-6.
Mr. Mayor: Next agenda item, Madam Clerk.
The Clerk:
FINANCE
50. Discuss/approve RFP for methane gas conversion at Landfill. (No recommendation
from Finance Committee February 25, 2008.
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Bowles.
Mr. Bowles: Mr. Russell, I just need an update from you on these two RFP’s or RFQ
process. We’ve been under for the last six months for the methane gas in the last two years with
the surplus real estate property.
Mr. Mayor: And I believe on the first one Mr. Johnson’s got.
Mr. Johnson: On the methane gas a week ago Friday or a week ago Thursday we opened
up the RFP’s for methane gas Request for Qualifications. There were two responsive bidders to
that. At this point the solid waste department is putting together the evaluation criteria to get to
Procurement. That process should be done in about two to three weeks.
Mr. Bowles: Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: Can we get a motion to receive that one as information? Commissioner
Smith.
Mr. Smith: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I just want to bring out the fact that we have been
working on this for a couple of years and we’ve got lines from the Landfill over to the mining
place in Hephzibah. And we are collecting as least last month over $100,000.00 and this month
for February that we just passed about the same amount. So I think we ought to have, you know
take that into consideration before we do a whole lot of anything. Give it time to work.
25
Mr. Mayor: Did we get a motion on that to receive as information? Can we get a motion
to receive ---
Mr. Brigham: So moved.
Mr. Mayor: Can we get a second?
Mr. Jackson: Second.
Mr. Mayor: We have a motion and a second. Commissioners will now vote by the usual
sign.
Motion carries 10-0.
The Clerk:
FINANCE
51. Discuss/approve RFP for auctioneer to sell surplus property. (No recommendation
from Finance Committee February 25, 2008)
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Russell.
Mr. Russell: Mr. Mayor, members of the commission, as you know for the past several
years we’ve working of putting together a list of surplus properties to be determined and how to
best move those properties. We’re working with the Attorney Mr. Plunkett out of that office.
We currently have a list of about fifteen properties that we are ready to bring to you in the near
future on what we need to do. Because of the complexities of some of these properties and the
adjoining property owners and the opportunities that are there at this point just to hold an auction
I think would be a little bit premature. I think what we do need to do though and I’m not
opposed to the idea of going out and getting an auctioneer on staff, not staff but go out as a
professional service and hiring an auctioneer to handle those kinds of things. We’ve had some
brief discussion about that internally but I’ve been hesitant to move on that until we actually
knew what we had available to sell. And I think it’s probably worth our while even with the
percentage of costs of what that would be to go ahead and do that. So I’m ready to move
forward after some degree of hesitation and will probably have something in front of you in the
next 30-60 days.
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Hatney.
Mr. Hatney: Mr. Mayor, I was under the impression that we authorized this a year or so
ago. This is not the first time this has come up.
Mr. Russell: You authorized putting together the list of properties. We’ve been doing
that. You authorized trying to figure out how to sell those properties and we’ve been trying to do
that. We’ve haven’t moved as rapidly as we probably should have in those areas but we have
been moving forward in some degree and so that’s where we’re at.
26
Mr. Brigham: I make a motion we receive this as information.
Mr. Bowles: Second.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, we have a motion and a second. Is there any further discussion?
Commissioners will now vote by the usual sign.
Motion carries 10-0.
The Clerk:
ENGINEERING SERVICES
52. Determine whether staff should award the contract for maintenance of elevators at the
Municipal Building, LEC and Webster Detention Center with the attached 12 month
extension or rebid the contract.
Mr. Acree: Good afternoon, Mr. Mayor and Commissioners. In November the
commission approved the elevator and maintenance contract to the elevator at Webster Detention
Center, LEC and the Municipal Building with Premier Elevators. They made a mistake in their
bid form. It was a monthly cost. It should’ve been a 12-month cost. I have deferred to
Procurement and the Law Department to determine whether we should allow them to correct to
rebid the surface contract. We received two bids on the contract. One of them was
noncompliant. I have included for your information in the bid packet in the agenda book the
extension of both firms numbers. Allowing this firm to correct would not in any way shape of
form change the outcome of the bid had the other firm not been compliant. Whichever means
you choose to direct me to go that’s the way we’re ready to go. I’ve got to get a service contract
back on these elevators as soon as possible.
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Bowles.
Mr. Bowles: I’d like the Administrator’s recommendation.
Mr. Russell: After conferring with the Attorney the recommendation is to rebid.
Mr. Bowles: I’ll make a motion in that manner.
Mr. Grantham: Second.
Mr. Hatney: What manner?
Mr. Mayor: This is to rebid. Fred’s recommendation is to rebid. Okay, we have a
motion and a second.
Mr. Brigham: Mr. Mayor?
27
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Brigham.
Mr. Brigham: How long would it take us to rebid it and what would it cost us?
Mr. Russell: You’re probably talking about another three months to rebid. The elevators
in this building are ---
Mr. Brigham: I know about the elevators in this building. I’ve been here for ten years.
They hadn’t improved very much.
Mr. Russell: We’re working on it.
Mr. Acree: We have one almost complete.
Mr. Brigham: That’s good.
Mr. Russell: The cost at the Webster Detention Center is probably going to be fairly, I
don’t know what our monthly costs are but it’s ---
Mr. Brigham: I’m just trying to figure if it’s cost efficient to approve to rebid or not.
That’s what I want to know.
Mr. Mayor: Ms. Johnson.
Ms. Johnson: It is more so than it is to extend the contract. If we were going to extend
the contract we should’ve done it prior to this point. Premier has been performing the work but
without a contract. It’s extended or otherwise.
Mr. Mayor: Okay. Commissioner Hatney.
Mr. Hatney: These elevators that they’re doing in this building will have in effect on
what we’re talking about now any way right?
Mr. Acree: No, sir, the elevators that would be under the service contract on this building
or the two hydraulic elevators at the east and west ends of the building.
Mr. Hatney: Okay.
Mr. Acree: The ones that they’re rebuilding now will be under a warranty service.
Mr. Hatney: Okay. Thank you.
Mr. Acree: I did speak with Procurement and they have indicated that we can do this on
an accelerated new schedule rather than do an entire three-month process. We may be able to get
something in place soon.
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Mr. Hatney: Thank you.
Mr. Mayor: Okay.
Ms. Johnson: That accelerated basis may be as soon as 45 days.
Mr. Mayor: Okay because we take our lives in our hands when we ride those on a daily
basis. If there’s no further discussion the commission will now vote by the usual sign.
Mr. Smith: Can we get the, Fred?
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Smith?
Mr. Smith: What was ---
The Clerk: To rebid.
Mr. Smith: --- the Administrator’s recommendation?
Mr. Smith: The Administrator’s recommendation was to rebid.
Motion carries 10-0.
Mr. Mayor: Some people skydive, some people bungee jump, we ride these elevators.
The Clerk: I want a balloon ride.
Mr. Mayor: I’ll set that up. There’s a local real estate agent who does that.
The Clerk:
OTHER BUSINESS
54. Resolution requesting the Richmond County Georgia Legislative Delegation amend the
local law which created the Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum Authority (GA. L. 1973,
P. 3042) to provide for the restructuring of the Authority; to repeal conflicting laws; and
for other purposes. (Requested by Commissioner Jerry Brigham)
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Brigham.
Mr. Brigham: I think the resolution says itself and I think all we’re doing is making a
request to the delegation to do something.
Mr. Mayor: So would you make ---
Mr. Brigham: I make a motion that we approve it.
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Mr. Bowles: Second.
Mr. Mayor: We have a motion and a second. Is there any further discussion? Mr.
Grantham.
Mr. Grantham: Thank you, Mr. Mayor, yeah, I’d like to amend it and tell them to either
restructure it or abolish it.
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Brigham, would you like to include that within your motion?
Mr. Brigham: From the gathering of the delegation in Atlanta they told us basically they
weren’t going to abolish it so ---
Mr. Grantham: I know so that’s why they should restructure.
Mr. Brigham: --- I don’t see where it would be diplomatic to add that right now.
Mr. Mayor: We’re requesting that they do something in leaving that ball in their court.
Commissioner Johnson.
Mr. Johnson: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. When you say restructure what, I mean what are
you saying?
Mr. Brigham: Just what restructuring says, restructure. I didn’t say anything best of.
Mr. Mayor: Leave it up to them.
Mr. Brigham: They created it, let them fix it.
Mr. Johnson: Well, I do know that we do need to change the way the appointments are
done on the boards. That is a definite problem. I know myself and I think Commissioner Mason
I think Joe as well. We went out in the position of appointing anybody to that board until next
year and that’s a problem so.
Mr. Brigham: That’s something the Legislature has to do.
Mr. Johnson: I agree.
Mr. Mayor: Okay. Commissioner Holland.
Mr. Holland: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor, in reference to the Coliseum
Authority I think at this particular time and during this time of the year thus far I think they’ve
been bashed enough. The Coliseum Authority has traveled to Atlanta and they’ve spoken with
the delegation. The delegation has met with them and shared their input with them in reference
to what they want them to do down at the Coliseum Authority. They’ve added, they rehired the
Attorney they brought him back; they added someone in the Finance Department to work along
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with Mr. Gordon. And it appears as if the Coliseum Authority is on the right track now trying to
do things right and get things going like they’re supposed to be going downtown and trying to
bring in some more entertainment here in Augusta. So I’m thinking that we need to give them an
opportunity to work together, sit down and do the things they’re supposed to be doing and for
some reason during the course of the year that we have some problems with them, let them come
forward to us and share that information with us. And let us not continue to bash them. Give
them an opportunity to work together and do what they’re supposed to do as an Authority. We
have some other Authorities that we may need to look at but I think we’re basing the Coliseum
Authority a lot and we need to just give them an opportunity to work together and solve some of
the problems that they have down there among themselves. We know that there are one or two
people down there that continuously create problems. They’re a thorn in the side of some of the
people down there but they continue to work together and still try to solve the problems. So I
don’t think we even need to think about restructuring them right now because when that kind of
information hit them they intend to focus differently in reference to the work that they’re trying
to do among the Authority. So I just disagree with us even trying to come up with any
restructuring of the Coliseum Authority. Now let’s give them an opportunity to work together
and solve the problems they have among themselves. We appointed them, as Commissioners
and I believe that they are intelligent enough to handle their problems themselves at this
particular time.
Mr. Mayor: Okay. Commissioner Jackson.
Mr. Jackson: I believe one of the problems we have is the first two meetings that I’ve
gone to they didn’t even have a quorum. Couldn’t move the city forward with the Coliseum. I
think a lot of it is the appointments don’t run concurrent with the Commissioners.
Mr. Mayor: Okay. We have a motion and a second. If there’s no further discussion
commissioners will now vote by the usual sign.
Mr. Holland: This is to ---
The Clerk: To approve the resolution.
Mr. Mayor: To approve the resolution.
Mr. Holland, Ms. Beard, Mr. Johnson and Mr. Hatney vote No.
Motion carries 6-4.
Mr. Mayor: Do we need a Legal Meeting? Okay, I believe that was the final agenda
item but Madam Attorney is saying we need a Legal Meeting. Madam Attorney.
Ms. Johnson: Yes, we have a Personnel and a Litigation matter to discuss in Legal
session.
ADDENDUM
56. Motion to go into a Legal Meeting.
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Mr. Mayor: Can I get a motion to go into Legal session to discuss those matters.
Ms. Beard: So moved.
Mr. Mayor: A second?
Mr. Johnson: I second it.
Mr. Mayor: We have a motion and a second. Commissioners will now vote by the usual
sign. We’re in Legal.
Mr. Bowles votes No.
Motion carries 9-1.
[LEGAL MEETING]
Motion to authorize the Mayor to execute the affidavit of compliance with Georgia’s
Open Meeting Act.
Ms. Beard: I so move.
Mr. Johnson: Second.
Mr. Hatney out.
Motion carries 9-0.
Motion to approve the negotiated salary for the General Counsel in the amount of
$125,000 per annum with a $7,200 per annum car allowance. The position includes vesting
in the Augusta Richmond County pension plan and five (5) percent contributed to the same
annually by Augusta Richmond County. Additionally, $4,000 will be paid to the General
Counsel for moving expenses.
Ms. Beard: I so move with the stipulation that if Ms. Johnson leaves her
employment with ARC within two years that she would have to reimburse ARC for the
moving expenses on a prorata basis.
Mr. Holland: Second the motion.
Mr. Hatney out.
Motion carries 9-0.
Mr. Mayor: Inclement weather was due to move in at four o’clock and we’re out of here
fifteen minutes prior to the inclement weather. With no, with nothing else to come before the
body we stand adjourned.
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[MEETING ADJOURNED]
Lena Bonner
Clerk of Commission
CERTIFICATION:
I, Lena J. Bonner, Clerk of Commission, herby certify that the above is a true and correct copy of
the minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Augusta Richmond County Commission held on
March 4, 2008.
______________________________
Clerk of Commission
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