HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommission Meeting December 16, 2008
REGULAR MEETING COMMISSION CHAMBER
DECEMBER 16, 2008
Augusta Richmond County Commission convened at 2:00 p.m., December 16, 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 C.D. Roberts, Pastor Elim Baptist Church.
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was recited.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you, Pastor. If you could come forward we have something for you.
By these present be it known that Reverend C.D. Roberts, Pastor of Elim Baptist Church is
Chaplain of the Day for his civic and spiritual guidance demonstrated throughout the community.
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Serves as an example for all of the faith community. Given under my hand this 16 Day of
December 2008. Thank you for that wonderful prayer. (APPLAUSE) Madam Clerk, on to the
Special Recognitions.
The Clerk:
RECOGNITIONS
ARC Senior Nutrition Services Program
A. Special recognition presentation – Ms. Patricia Strakosch, Center Director and Ms.
Brenda Buck in association with the management of the senior nutrition services program
at the Blyth Recreation Center. (Requested by Commissioner Jimmy Smith)
The Clerk: Yes, sir. At this time we would like to acknowledge Special Recognition for
Ms. Patricia Strakosch and Ms. Brenda Buck. Would you please join the Mayor, Commissioner
Jimmy Smith, Recreation Director or any of the other employees that would like to share in this
Special Recognition? I’ll read the, do you want me to read the recognition first and then Mr.
Smith, do you want me to read the wording on the recognition? Okay. This Special Recognition
presentation is to Ms. Patricia Strakosch, Center Director and Ms. Brenda Buck. This is being
presented they represent the Blythe Recreation Center. For receiving an exceptional review from
the CSRA Regional Development Center for the Blythe Recreation Center Senior Citizens
Nutritional Program who’s review was the best in the 13-county region and has consistently been
held up as an example of outstanding management of the nutrition services program.
Congratulation to you on this milestone achievement and the City of Augusta extends to you our
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deepest appreciation for your devoted service. Given this 16 Day of December 2008. Deke
Copenhaver, Mayor. (APPLAUSE)
Mr. Smith: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I wanted to mention I’m very familiar with the
Blythe Community Center. I’ve been there on several occasions and the way they conduct their
program out there with the seniors has just always been an eye catcher to me and I wanted to
read this from Dr. Andy Crossen from the CDRD&C. And it says, during the ’08 annual review
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of senior nutrition centers Blythe’s Senior Center operated by Augusta Recreation and Parks
Department was number one in the 12-county region. This review consists of performance,
requirements for congregants, home delivery meals, administrative responsibilities of service
providers, nutrition screening requirements and the overall maintenance and cleanliness of the
activity. And of course the center’s director is Patricia Strakosch and Coordinator Brenda Buck.
On behalf of this commissioner and District 8 I can’t say enough of how much we appreciate
what y’all do out there. (APPLAUSE)
Ms. Speaker: We appreciate it, thank you.
Mr. Beck: If I could just add to that. We are truly proud of our Blythe Nutrition Program
and the community center there and the job that Patricia and Brenda do every day. But also
we’re proud of our other five sites across the county. We serve all the senior sites for nutrition
programs countywide through the RDC. We’re proud of what we do I’m proud of all of them
and I did want to recognize Joyce Downs who’s the manager over the program for her leadership
in this endeavor. So congratulations. (APPLAUSE)
Mr. Mayor: I’ll just say thank y’all for this and well deserved. Thank you so much.
(APPLAUSE)
RECOGNITIONS
Employee of the Month
B. Congratulation! Ms. Tammie Faulkner, Customer Service Supervisor, ARC Solid
Waste Department, November Employee of the Month.
The Clerk: At this time we would like to offer our congratulations to Ms. Tammie
Faulkner. She’s a customer service supervisor with the Augusta Richmond County Solid Waste
Department. Would you please join the Mayor here at the podium with Mr. Mark Johnson and
other members of the Solid Waste who would like to join in this presentation? Dear Mayor
Copenhaver. The Employee Recognition Committee has selected Tammie Faulkner as the
November Employee of the Month for the City of Augusta. Tammie is currently a Customer
Service Supervisor with the Solid Waste Department under the direction of Mark Johnson. She
has been employed with the City of Augusta for two years. Tammie was nominated by Laurie
Vedeto who is a supervisor with the Solid Waste Department. Ms. Faulkner was nominated for
spearheading the 2007/2008 United Way Campaign for the City of Augusta. This year’s
contributions exceeded the goal and set a new standard. Tammie is a model employee and has
dedicated herself to providing quality service to the community on a daily basis. The committee
felt that based on this nomination and Ms. Faulkner’s dedicated and loyal service to the City of
Augusta we would appreciate you in joining us in awarding her Employee of the Month for the
Month of November. Congratulations. (APPLAUSE)
Mr. Mayor: And I’ll just read you the letter that goes along with the award. Dear Ms.
Faulkner. On behalf of the City of Augusta it is with great pleasure that I congratulate you for
being recognized as Employee of the Month for November 2008. Your contribution to your
organization in Augusta Richmond County Government and the citizens of Augusta has earned
you this recognition. I appreciate your willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty and
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your outstanding work ethic. You are truly and asset to the Augusta Richmond County Solid
Waste Department and the citizens of Augusta, Georgia. Please accept my personal
congratulations on this award. You are truly deserving of this recognition. (APPLAUSE)
Mr. Smith: Thank you. We do have some first class leadership in our employment, now
2700 employees and thank you very much for your leadership in our landfill.
Mr. Johnson: And I’d like to end on a couple of things you may not know about
Tammie. First she’s been with us for two years and she’s basically become the voice of
customer service for the Solid Waste Department. She’s the first person that you talk to and
she’s the last person that will follow up with you to make sure that it got done. She volunteered
for the United Way Campaign, which is very hard to get a volunteer these days. We exceeded
our goals by 116%, $4,025.00. She set a new standard for us she set a new standard for the
community and we’re going to push her to do better next year. Thank you. (APPLAUSE)
Mr. Mayor: I want to thank you for spearheading the United Way Campaign and I want
to take a minute though to recognize our city employees. When we can exceed the goal by that
much in a very difficult economy that’s says a lot about the people that work for this
government. So I’d like a round of applause for everybody within this government as well.
(APPLAUSE) Madam Clerk, on to the consent agenda.
The Clerk: Yes, sir, Mr. Mayor, members of the Commission our consent agenda
consists of items 1-30, items 1-30. For the benefit of any objectors to our Planning Petitions I
will read those petitions. If there are any objectors when the petition is read please signify your
objections by raising your hand.
Item 1. Is requesting a Special Exception to establish an Adult Daycare Center located 1327
Troupe Street.
Item 4. Requesting a Special Exception to establish a Family Personal Care home on property
located at 1618 Cider Lane.
Item 5. With conditions is a Special Exception to establish a club or meeting place on property
located at 1749 Watkins Street.
Item 6. Is a Special Exception to establish a Family Personal Care Home on property located at
3029 Richmond Hill Road.
Item 7. A planning petition with conditions requesting a change of zoning from a Zone R-1
(One-family Residential) to a Zone P-1 (Professional) affecting property known as 2662 Tobacco
Road.
Item 8. Is requesting a change of zoning from a Zone R1-C (One-family Residential) to Zone R-
MH (Manufactured Home Residential) affecting property known as 2020 Walnut Street.
The Clerk: Are there any objectors to those planning petitions?
Mr. Russell: Madam Clerk, there’s an objector to item one. It was the only one I noted.
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The Clerk: Okay, item one. Under the Public Services portion of the agenda if there are
any objectors to our alcohol petitions would you please signify your objection by raising your
hand when the petition is read.
Item 9. Is for an on premise consumption Liquor, Beer & Wine license to be used in connection
with the location at 2925 Peach Orchard Road.
Item 10. Is for a retail package Liquor, Beer & Wine license to be used in connection with the
location at 1889 Gordon Highway.
Item 11. Is for a retail package Beer & Wine to be used in connection with the location at 1671
Olive Road.
Item 12. Is for an on premise consumption Liquor, Beer & Wine license to be used in connection
with the location at 2512 Peach Orchard Road.
The Clerk: Are there any objectors to those alcohol petitions?
Mr. Russell: None noted, Madam Clerk.
The Clerk: We have one other. Item 15. Is a Liquor, Beer & Wine license to be used in
connection with Beamie’s located at 865 Reynolds Street.
The Clerk: Are there any objectors to that alcohol petition?
Mr. Russell: None noted.
The Clerk: Okay, Mr. Mayor, our consent agenda consists of items 1-30 with an objector
on item 1.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, do we need to pull item 1 for the objector? Okay, do we have any
additions to the consent agenda?
Mr. Brigham: Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Brigham.
Mr. Brigham: I’d like to add item 32 to the consent agenda. I understand Ms. Thomas is
here and I don’t see any reason why we can’t approve this alcohol license also.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, other than item 1, do we have any items to be pulled for discussion?
Mr. Russell.
Mr. Russell: I have an addition when you want to get back to that, please, a potential
addition.
Mr. Mayor: Ms. Bonner.
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The Clerk: For clarification purposes, Mr. Mayor, our consent agenda would consist of
items 1-31 and with the addition of item 32. Mr. Brigham, are the petitioners in the chamber?
Mr. Brigham: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Okay, we wanted to note that for the record. For the record the petitioner for
item 32 is in the chamber. On item 32 for an on premise consumption Liquor, Beer & Wine
license to be used in connection with the location at 275 Robert C. Daniel Parkway. Are there
any objectors to that alcohol petition?
Mr. Russell: None noted, Madam Clerk.
The Clerk: Okay. Consent agenda items 1-31 with the addition of item 32 with item 1
with an objector.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, Mr. Russell.
ADDENDUM
33. Motion to authorize year-end departmental budget adjustments and accept Federal
grants.
Mr. Russell: Mr. Mayor, if it’s appropriate at this time I would like to ask for a motion to
allow us to pay the bills as we normally do at the end of the year. We need to make some
transfers to cover costs, accept Federal grants and we will be providing you a list of those at the
end of, the middle of January as we normally do. It allows us to continue operations until the
end of the year.
Mr. Hatney: So moved.
Mr. Johnson: Second.
Mr. Mayor: We have unanimous consent on that? Okay, would y’all like to add that to
the consent agenda?
Mr. Grantham: So moved.
Mr. Jackson: Second.
Mr. Mayor: We have a motion and a second.
The Clerk: Unanimous consent?
Mr. Mayor: Unanimous consent, exactly. Everybody’s excited. Can I get a motion to
approve ---
The Clerk: Mr. Mayor, okay, yes, go ahead, a motion to approve.
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Mr. Mayor: Can I get a motion to approve the consent agenda?
Mr. Hatney: So moved.
Mr. Jackson: Second.
Mr. Mason: Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Mason.
Mr. Mason: I don’t need to pull but I do need some clarification on number seven if I
could from Mr. Patty.
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Patty.
Mr. Mason: Mr. Patty, my question on this one that I just have a concern with. If you
could clear it up we don’t need to pull it to discuss it. But it was to my understanding at the
Pinnacle Place Subdivision meeting when we approved I think it as 2660 or 2664 that the
entrance to this particular establishment would be off of Fairington Road. And what I’m seeing
here is that this one there is no access to Fairington Road. So is the entrance actually going to be
on Tobacco Road?
Mr. Patty: Tobacco Road. The existing driveway will probably be modified to the
existing driveway on Tobacco Road.
Mr. Mason: And you didn’t see any potential issues with that being that close to the
light?
Mr. Patty: (inaudible) to the vacant track that’s adjacent to Fairington not the entrance
where the house is.
Mr. Mason: I understand that but you know that we had that close proximity to the traffic
light there. No issues? Okay.
CONSENT AGENDA
PLANNING
2. FINAL PLAT – MANCHESTER, SECTION 4 – S-772-IV – A request for concurrence
with the Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission to approve a petition from
Southern Partners Inc. on behalf of COEL Development Co., for final plat approval for
Manchester, Section 4. This residential subdivision is located on Dave MacDonald Drive,
adjacent to Manchester, Section 1, Phase 1 and contains 30 lots.
3. FINAL PLAT – WEST WHEELER TOWNHOMES, PHASE 7 PART B – S-794 – A
request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission to
approve a petition from Southern Partners Inc. on behalf of ATC Development Co., for
final plat approval for West Wheeler Townhomes, Phase 7, Part B. This residential
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subdivision is located on Aruba Circle and Wheeler Lake Road, adjacent to Phase 7 Part A
and contains 14 lots.
4. Z-08-78 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County Planning
Commission to approve a petition by Patricia Jones, on behalf of Johnny Nelson requesting
a Special Exception to establish a Family Personal Care Home per Section 26-1 (h) of the
Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for Augusta-Richmond County affecting property
containing .22 acres and is known as 1618 Cider Lane. (Tax Map 134-2-023-00-0)
DISTRICT 2
5. Z-08-79 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County Planning
Commission to approve with the following conditions 1) a meeting per day, limited to 4
hours; 2) a limit of 18 persons in attendance or what is approved by the Fire Marshall,
whichever is less; 3) no residential use of the property other than the property owner and
her family; a petition by Dawn Brown Creech requesting a Special Exception to establish a
club or meeting place per Section 26-1 (i) of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for
Augusta-Richmond County affecting property containing .23 acres and is known as 1749
Watkins Street. (Tax Map 035-4-085-00-0) DISTRICT 1
6. Z-08-81 – A request fro concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County Planning
Commission to approve a petition by John L. Williams requesting a Special Exception to
establish a Family Personal Care Home per Section 26-1 (h) of the Comprehensive Zoning
Ordinance for Augusta-Richmond County affecting property containing .43 acres and
known as 3029 Richmond Hill Road. (Tax Map 109-4-004-02-0) DISTRICT 6
7. Z-08-82 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County Planning
Commission to approve with the following conditions 1) the only uses permitted shall be
Physicians, lawyers, engineers, architects, insurance, finance, mortgage, accounting,
appraisal, business consultant, real estate, and other similar services where no retail or
wholesale activities are conducted on the premises or those uses permitted in the R-1 zone;
2) no access to Fairington Drive; 3) the site must meet or exceed the parking requirements
in the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance before a Certificate of Occupancy is issued; and
4) the site must meet or exceed the requirements of the Augusta-Richmond County Tree
Ordinance before a Certificate of Occupancy is issued; a petition by Randolph Frails, on
behalf of Irene Nuite Lofton, requesting a change of zoning from Zone R-1 (One-family
Residential) to Zone P-1 (Professional) affecting property containing approximately .45
acres and is known as 2662 Tobacco road. (Tax Map 140-0-10-03-0) DISTRICT 4
8. Z-08-83 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County Planning
Commission to approve a petition by Shirley Ann Dunn requesting a change of zoning
from Zone R-1C (One-family Residential) to Zone R-MH (Manufactured Home
Residential) affecting property containing .17 acres and is known as 2020 Walnut Street.
(Tax Map 087-2-167-00-0) DISTRICT 2
PUBLIC SERVICES
9. Motion to approve a New Application: A.N. 08-53: request by Kun Yong Kim for an on
premise consumption Liquor & Beer license to be used in connection with Po Cha Po Cha
Restaurant located at 2925 Peach Orchard Rd. District 6. Super District 10. (Approved by
Public Services Committee December 8, 2008)
10. Motion to approve a New Ownership Application: A.N. 08-54: A request by Pranav K.
Patel for a retail package Liquor, Beer & Wine license to be used in connection with
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Harrison’s Package Store located at 1889 Gordon Hwy. District 5. Super District 9.
(Approved by Public Services Committee December 8, 2008)
11. Motion to approve a new Ownership Application: A.N. 08-56: request by Jae S. Kim for
a retail package Beer & Wine license to be used in connection with Olive Supermarket
located at 1671 Olive Rd. District 2. Super District 9. (Approved by Public Services
Committee December 8, 2008)
12. Motion to approve a New Ownership Application: A.N. 08-57: request by Charles E.
Sconyers for an on premise consumption Liquor, Beer & Wine license to be used in
connection with Coyotes located at 2512 Peach Orchard Road. There will be Dance.
District 2. Super District 9. (Approved by Public Services Committee December 8, 2008)
13. Motion to approve Change Order to the RW Allen Contract to construct the new Main
Library, for removal of unsuitable soils and replacement with engineered fill. (Approved
by Public Services Committee December 8, 2008)
14. Motion to approve the ownership and maintenance of the new Hephzibah Carroll
Sports Complex. (Approved by Public Services Committee December 8, 2008)
15. Motion to approve New Ownership Application: A.N. 08-55: request by Permelia
Clifton for an on premise consumption Liquor, Beer & Wine license to be used in
connection with Beamie’s At the River located at 865 Reynolds St. There will be Sunday
Sales. District 1. Super District 9. (Approved by Public Services Committee December 8,
2008)
PUBLIC SAFETY
16. Motion to approve entering into a contract with QORE Property Sciences for National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) monitoring and testing services
associated with construction of the Webster Detention Center Expansion. (Approved by
Public Safety Committee December 8, 2008)
ENGINEERING SERVICES
17. Motion to approved an Option for Right-of-Way between Lora L. Wooten, Mary E.
Kelly and Shelly L. Hopkins, as owners, and Augusta, Georgia, as optionee, in connection
with the Alexander Drive Project, consisting of 0.190 acre (8,283.66 square feet) in fee and
0.110 acre (4,776.62 square feet) of permanent construction and maintenance easement and
one temporary driveway easement for the property located at 1064 Alexander Drive, for a
purchase price of $200,000.00. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee December 8,
2008)
18. Motion to approve Supplemental Agreement Number Five and Change Number Six as
requested by the Engineering Department with Cranston Engineering Group in the
amount of $223,530 for engineering and design changes to ensure compliance with the
NPDES Permit Guidelines, Nationwide Permit Guidelines, additional environmental
services, additional design changes to facilitate the right of way acquisition ($117,680) and
survey, design and construction phase consulting services as related to water and sewer
main ($105,850) on the Alexander Drive widening project, CPB #323-041110-296823215.
Funds are available in SPLOST Phase III Recapture Account (117,680) and account
number 507043410-5212115/80800030-5212115 ($10,850). (Approved by Engineering
Services Committee December 8, 2008)
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19. Motion to approve award of RFP 08-182, Construction of Deans Bridge Road MSW
Landfill Phase III, Stage 2, Cell 1 and Gas Collection Control System (GCCS) to Cooper,
Barnette, and Page, Inc. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee December 8, 2008)
20. Motion to authorize condemnation to acquire title of a portion of property for
permanent and temporary easements for the AUD 50202 Horsepen Sanitary Sewer, Phase
2 Project, Parcel 13, Tax Map 139-0, Parcel 141, 3840 New Karleen Road. (Approved by
Engineering Services Committee December 8, 2008)
21. Motion to authorize condemnation to acquire title of a portion of property for right-of-
way and permanent easement on the Alexander Drive Project Parcel 34, Tax Map 013,
Parcel 001. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee December 8, 2008)
22. Motion to authorize condemnation to acquire title of a portion of property for right-of-
way and a permanent easement for the Alexander Drive Project, Parcel 51, Tax Map 013-1,
Parcel 252, 2815 Brickrun Way. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee December
8, 2008)
23. Motion to authorize condemnation to acquire title of a portion of property for
permanent and temporary easements for the AUD 50202 Horsepen Sanitary Sewer, Phase
2 Project, Tax Map 140, Parcel 212, 3738 Pinnacle Place Drive. (Approved by Engineering
Services Committee December 8, 2008)
24. Motion to authorize condemnation to acquire title of a portion of property for right-of-
way, permanent and temporary easements for the Alexander Drive Project, Parcel 13, Tax
Map 012, Parcel 75, 1085 Alexander Drive. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee
December 8, 2008)
25. Motion to authorize condemnation to acquire title of a portion of property for
temporary demotion for the Alexander Drive Project, Parcel 7, Tax Map 013-1, Parcel 107,
2503 Carriage Creek, Augusta. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee December
8, 2008)
26. Motion to approve a Deed of Easement Dedication from Augusta, Georgia to the
Augusta Utilities Department, across eleven properties within the green space corridor of
Butler Creek of Phinizy Road and between Mike Padgett Highway and Peach Orchard
road. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee December 8, 2008)
27. Motion to authorize execution of Change Order #1 in an amount not to exceed
$448,779.00 to Crowder Construction for additional work at the Goodrich Street Raw
Water Pumping Station. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee December 8, 2008)
28. Motion to approve CSX-059412, a Facility Encroachment Agreement between CSX
Transportation, Inc. and Augusta, Georgia. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee
December 8, 2008)
29. Motion to approve Proposal from Augusta IT Department to install Utilities Highland
Avenue Filter Plant Network Hardware and Cabling. (Approved by Engineering Services
Committee December 8, 2008)
PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
30. Motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the Commission held on
December 2, 2008 and Special Called Meeting December 8, 2008.
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ATTORNEY
31. Motion to approve an Ordinance to amend the Augusta Richmond County Code; to
create new Chapter 5 to Title II (Finance and Taxation) called “Chapter 5, called “Article 1
Identity Theft Prevention Program”; to create a new Article 2 to the new Chapter 5 called
“Article 2 Treatment of Address Discrepancies”; to comply with federal regulations
relating to red flags and identity theft; to provide for codification; to provide for
severability; to provide for an adoption date; to provide an effective date; and for other
purposes allowed by law. (Approved by the Commission December 2, 2008)
PUBLIC SERVICES
32. New Ownership Application: A.N. 08-52: A request by Clara Thomas for an on premise
consumption Liquor, Beer & Wine license to be used in connection with MAC Acquisition,
LLC DBA Romano’s Macaroni Grill located at 275 Robert C. Daniel Pkwy. There will be
Sunday Sales. District 3. Super District 10. (No recommendation from Public Services
Committee December 8, 2008)
Mr. Mayor: We have a motion and a second. If there’s no further discussion
Commissioners will now vote by the usual sign of voting.
The Clerk: It’s unanimous. Mr. Hatney? And the record will reflect that Commissioner
Hatney will be abstaining on the alcohol petitions.
Mr. Hatney abstains.
Motion carries 9-1. [Items 9-12, 15, 32]
Motion carries 10-0. [Items 2-8, 13-14, 16-31]
Mr. Mayor: Okay, Madam Clerk, if we could address agenda item one so we can hear
from the objectors.
The Clerk:
PLANNING
1. Z-08-77 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County Planning
Commission to approve a petition by Atkins & Associates, on behalf of Wendell Johnston,
requesting a Special Exception to establish an Adult Day Care Center per Section 26-1 (e)
of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for Augusta-Richmond County affecting property
containing .22 acres and is known as 1327 Troupe Street. (Tax Map 044-4-120-00-0)
DISTRICT 1.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, if we could hear from the objector. If you could please state your
name and address for the record and keep it to 5-minutes and then we’ll give 5 minutes to the
petitioner if they’re here.
Ms. Conway: Tara Conway, 1227 Meigs Street and I’m representing the Summerville
Neighborhood Association. We are not opposed to a well-run facility but we have some
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questions about this facility. We came to the Planning and Zoning and were told by the ladies
that want to run it that they would house ten patients and they would be open from 9-5. We set
up a meeting with the ladies to talk to them to get some more information and our biggest
concern is the traffic because that’s the corner of Wrightsboro Road and Troupe Street, which is
very, very busy and there’s Monte Santo Elementary that backs up to it. And we’re concerned
about a patient getting out, getting in traffic, getting hurt and they said that they cannot put up a
fence; it’s a rented piece of property. They were not sure about locks on the doors. They had an
alarm system that would monitor getting in and out but you know the alarm goes off you could
still be out the door pretty quickly. Mr. Meyers did vote against it just based on the traffic.
Another concern that we have is new laws are going into effect. They’re supposed to start in
January. It’ll be July now with the State and they allow 35 square feet per patient. But square
footage does not include passageways, bathrooms, offices, staff areas and any areas that are not
for the patients. And these ladies run an in-home care center and they’re putting they’re offices
in this building as well, in here as well so we’re concerned about how much room, how much
they’re actually going to be able to accommodate patients. We are just we’re also worried with
the business license office. I called and if the State does not give them a certificate they cannot
get a business license in Richmond County. And we’re very concerned that we want to make
sure this is the right type of business coming into Summerville. We already have, a good
example is the Jud Hickey Center, which is right outside Summerville but we have some really
bad examples as well. We were also told that the variance was only for these ladies and their
business not the property. And then I talked to Mr. Patty and he said it’s for the property itself.
So we’re asking if it does pass that you do it just for this particular business and not the building
itself. Again we’re not against a great run facility we’re just worried that they have not
addressed all the issues.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, thank you and Mr. Patty, if we could just hear your take on this.
Mr. Patty: We heard from the petitioners in this case and they’re a couple of registered
nurses. Have familiarity with this type of business although they have not operated an adult day
care center they testified. But I think the Planning Commission felt they’re uniquely qualified to
run a facility like this well and the location it’s been a professional office for some time. We
zoned that years ago. It’s got ample parking in the back it’s got a drive through so it’s set up for
it although it is in fact located in the intersection of Troupe Street and Wrightsboro Road which
is a pretty busy intersection. So I think when you sort of balance all that out probably what the
objector is I think asking overall is not a bad solution that is because these ladies seem to be
uniquely qualified to run this thing and control it. If you temper that against the traffic safety
issue if people were allowed to roam which in some of these things they do I think you could
approve it with the condition. Normally zoning whether it’s rezoning or special exceptions go
with the land and there are equal protection issues if that does happen. But in this case where
you’ve got people that are uniquely qualified to do this and a potentially dangerous situation if it
isn’t done right I think you feel right to limit this to the applicant’s or to the folks that are
represented that are going to run it. I would recommend that you do that to make this workable.
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Bowles.
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Mr. Bowles: Mr. Patty, before you run off. What type of adult care facility? Is this like
the Jud Hickey Center or?
Mr. Patty: This is an adult day care center where people would drop off elderly folks for
some period of time during the day. It might be for an hour or it might be 9-5 where they drop
them off on the way to work and pick them up on the way back.
Mr. Bowles: So it’s not a specialty Alzheimer’s type drop off or?
Mr. Patty: They are here and I’m sure they’d be glad to answer these questions. I think
they stated I mean there would be possibly Alzheimer’s patients but they’d be controllable or
whatever.
Mr. Bowles: My concern there, Mr. Mayor, is with it being on Wrightsboro Road if
someone were to walk outside the house and get out into the street what kind of safety measures
you would have there?
Ms. Taylor: My name’s Tina Taylor, 1939 Woodchuck Way. We have what we’re going
to call like a safety lock. Once the door opens it’ll chime. It’ll let us know. Every CNA will
have a certain amount of patients, whatever the State allows. So the patient, it’s not like it’s
going to be just patients in the room and they won’t be monitored. Say it’ll be like CNA safe.
One CNA will have five patients. We might get some Alzheimer’s patients but it won’t be just a
house facility for Alzheimer’s.
Mr. Bowles: Okay, thank you and thank you for what you’re doing for the community.
Ms. Taylor: Yes, sir.
Mr. Mayor: Would anybody like to make a motion on this?
Mr. Hatney: Move for acceptance.
Mr. Holland: Second.
Mr. Mayor: We have a motion and ---
Mr. Bowles: With Mr. Patty’s recommendation.
Mr. Mayor: Move to accept Mr. Patty’s recommendation. Is that correct?
Mr. Hatney: Yes.
Mr. Brigham: Is there any special stipulations?
Mr. Patty: Approve it with the condition that it would only be affective for the ladies that
are proposing and they are not the applicants. The applicant was actually a real estate firm so I
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think we need to get their names for the record. But it would only apply to them and it would
and the special exception would cease to exist if they cease to operate it.
Mr. Brigham: Is there any other stipulations that were agreed to at Planning and Zoning?
Mr. Patty: No, sir.
Mr. Brigham: There was no hours of operation or anything?
Mr. Patty: No.
The Clerk: Can we get their names for the record?
Mr. Mayor: Yes, can we get everybody’s names for the record?
Ms. Speaker: Pamela Griffin, 2216 Ramblewood Drive.
Ms. Speaker: Brynor Lovett, 1039 Woodberry Drive, Hephzibah Georgia.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, 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: Mr. Russell.
Mr. Russell: Mr. Mayor, if I can as a point of personal privilege. We’ve got a gentleman
with us that’s been with us almost every time we’ve met for the entire 8 year of my tenure, eight
years of my tenure and prior to that. Apparently he’s outlasted several Administrators and most
people on the Commission here. This is his last meeting that he’s going to be with us today and I
would like to just for a second tell you how much we as a staff and as a government appreciate
the fact that open government is what we’re about here in Augusta. And Axle Rose our
television guy from Comcast has helped make that open government over the last, oh, twelve
years or so from what I understand. He’s moving on to a position in Atlanta and I’d like on
behalf of the staff wish him the best of luck as he goes forward. But if we could just for a second
maybe give Axle a round of applause for his hard work. Thank you. (APPLAUSE)
Mr. Mayor: Before I adjourn the meeting I did want to have two more recognitions. One
for Ms. Beard. This is her last meeting as Mayor Pro Tem. She has done a tremendous job and
so I just wanted to recognize all her hard work. (APPLAUSE) And, secondly, for this
Commission. I think that we have had the best year I’ve seen you know since looking from the
outside and looking from the inside. We’ve managed to get our big picture SPLOST projects
moving forward. So I want to give a personal thank you to this Commission. To my mind y’all
have had a tremendous year and it has been a pleasure working with everybody. (APPLAUSE)
And with, Mr. Russell.
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Mr. Russell: All right, sir, I don’t want to trespass on your time but there is a SPLOST
workshop tomorrow at 3 o’clock. We’ll be providing some information in reference to the past
SPLOST that we’ve been asked about and in doing that we’ll be making some recommendations
for discussion and moving forward there at three. So it is an important meeting and I just wanted
to remind you of that. Thank you.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, with no further business to come before the body, Merry Christmas to
everybody and we’re 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 the Augusta Richmond County Commission held on
December 16, 2008.
______________________________
Clerk of Commission
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