HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOMMISSION MEETING January 22, 2009
REGULAR MEETING COMMISSION CHAMBER
JANUARY 22, 2009
Augusta Richmond County Commission convened at 2:00 p.m., January 22, 2009, 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 Sam Davis, Pastor, Beulah Grove Baptist
Church.
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was recited.
Mr. Mayor: Dr. Davis, if you could come forward. I have something for you. And I
shared with a few folks up here. Dr. Davis at the Martin Luther King Service on Monday
reminded the congregation gathered that the Mayor can’t do everything. I just want to publicly
thank you for that. Office of the Mayor. By these present be it known that Reverend Sam Davis,
Pastor, Beulah Grove Baptist Church is Chaplain of the Day for his civic and spiritual guidance
demonstrated throughout the community. Serves as an example for all of the faith community.
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Given under my hand this 22 Day of January 2009. Thank you, sir. (APPLAUSE)
Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk, on to the Delegations.
The Clerk:
DELEGATONS
A. Mr. Roderick Pearson. RE: Issue of automobiles being parked on the front lawns of
homes.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, moving on to the next delegation.
The Clerk:
DELEGATIONS
B. Mr. Tim Hollobaugh. RE: Update of Citizens ADA Concerns.
The Clerk: They may be coming later so ---
Mr. Mayor: Okay, Madam Clerk, seeing how we have no takers for the delegations on to
the consent agenda.
The Clerk: Okay. Our consent agenda consists of items 1-54, items 1-54. For the
benefit of any objectors to our Planning petitions I will read those petitions. Once the petitions
are read if there are any objectors to the petition would you please signify your objection at the
reading of the petition.
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Item 2. Is to approve a petition requesting a Special Exception to establish a Family Personal
Care Home on property located at 1307 Cabana Court.
Item 3. Is a petition requesting a change of zoning from a Zone B-1 (Neighborhood Business) to
a Zone B-2 (General Business) on property located at 2368 Gordon Highway.
Item 4. Is a request for a change of zoning from a Zone R-1A (One-family Residential) to a
Zone R-MH (Manufactured Home Residential) affecting property at 3508 Bullock Avenue.
The Clerk: Are there any objectors to those petitions?
Mr. Russell: None noted, Madam Clerk.
The Clerk: I call your attention to the Public Services portion of our agenda. If there are
any objectors to the alcohol petitions read please signify your objection.
Item 8. Is a request for an on premise consumption Liquor, Beer & Wine license to used in
connection with Club 3000 located at 1602 Gordon Highway.
The Clerk: Any objectors?
Mr. Russell: None noted, Madam Clerk.
The Clerk: Thank you. No objectors, Mr. Mayor, to the Planning or Alcohol petitions.
Our consent agenda items 1-54.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you, Madam Clerk. Do we have any additions to the consent agenda?
Commissioner Brigham.
Mr. Brigham: Mr. Mayor, I believe Item 55 could be added to the consent agenda.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, any further items to add to the consent agenda?
Mr. Grantham: Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Grantham.
Mr. Grantham: What about the addition to the agenda where the resolution for you to
invite the municipalities to our SPLOST meetings?
A Resolution to authorize the Mayor to call a meeting of the governing authority
(Augusta-Richmond County) and the qualified municipalities (Hephzibah and Blythe).
The Clerk: We’ll need a motion to add it.
Mr. Mayor: Can I get a motion to add and approve?
Mr. Grantham: I’ll make a motion that we do that.
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Mr. Hatney: Second.
Mr. Mayor: We have a motion to add and approve. It’s been moved and seconded.
Commissioners will now vote by the usual sign.
Mr. Hatney: Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: Yes, sir.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
15. Motion to approve an Ordinance to amend the Augusta-Richmond County Local Small
Business Opportunity Program (LSBOP) Ordinance, enacted in March 2008, so as to
further clarify the intent and facilitate implementation of said ordinance; to amend the
Augusta-Richmond County Code of Ordinance Title 1, Article 7, Sections 1-10-61(B)(2), 1-
10-61(B)(15), Section 1-10-65(A)(2), section 1-10-(A)(5), Section 1-10-65(A)(6), Section 1-10-
65(A)(6)(A); to repeal conflicting ordinances; and for other purposes. (Approved by
Administrative Services Committee January 12, 2009)
Mr. Hatney: Item 15, Mr. Mayor, if you don’t mind. I would like to have that sent back
to committee. I feel after we have a meeting with all of the stakeholders on the disparity study
and we’ll see what we’ve got.
Mr. Mayor: That’s item ---
Mr. Hatney: Fifteen.
Mr. Mayor: Item 15? Okay, we’re ---
The Clerk: I need Mr. Holland and Mr. Hatney and Mr. Grantham to vote on adding and
approving the addendum item.
Motion carries 10-0.
The Clerk: It’s unanimous. We’ve taken care of that one. So we’ll go back to our
consent agenda with the recommendation to add Item 55 and ---
Mr. Mayor: Do we have any further additions to and then, Commissioner Hatney, I’ll ---
Mr. Russell: Mr. Mayor, item um, ---
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Russell.
Mr. Russell: --- Item 57 is just a ratification of the action we took to authorize Potts to
begin construction. That could be added to the consent agenda.
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Mr. Mayor: Is everybody okay with adding fifty-seven? Okay.
Mr. Hatney: How about fifty-eight?
Mr. Mayor: Is everybody okay with fifty-eight?
Mr. Bowles: No, sir, I have an objection on that.
Mr. Mayor: Okay. Sixty? Has anybody got a problem with adding sixty?
Mr. Grantham: No.
Mr. Brigham: Mr. Mayor, sixty-one too?
Mr. Mayor: Is everybody okay with adding sixty-one?
Mr. Grantham: Absolutely.
Mr. Mayor: Okay. Do we have any further additions to? Okay, do we have any items to
be pulled for discussion? Reverend Hatney, I know you’d like to.
Mr. Hatney: Item 15, please.
Mr. Mayor: You’d like to refer fifteen back to committee.
Mr. Hatney: Back to committee until after we’ve have a meeting on the stakeholders as
to where we are in our disparity study.
Mr. Mayor: Okay.
Mr. Hatney: Because they’ve asked for more money and an extension of time. So we
don’t know where they are.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, is everybody okay with that? Commissioner Bowles.
Mr. Bowles: I’d some clarification on Item 53 please. I don’t know if we should do that
now or if we’ve got some property owners at that property that are trying to figure out what the
impact will be on their property. And before I can sign off on the realignment I would like to
know how those properties are going to be affected.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, we’ll pull that one for discussion. Commissioner Johnson.
Mr. Johnson: Thank you. I’d like to pull sixteen just to get clarification on
understanding exactly what we’re going to do with this.
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Mr. Mayor: Okay, do we have any further items to be pulled for discussion? Hearing
none can I get a motion to approve the consent agenda?
Mr. Hatney: So moved.
Mr. Holland: Second.
CONSENT AGENDA
PLANNING
1. FINAL PLAT – HEATH DRIVE REALIGNMENT – S-795 – A request for concurrence
with the Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission to approve a petition by
Cranston Engineering Group P.C. requesting final plat approval for Heath Drive
Realignment. This roadway is located at the intersection of Berckman Road and Heath
Drive.
2. Z-09-01 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County Planning
Commission to approve a petition by Cornelius Jones 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 .23 acres and is
known as 1307 Cabana Court. (Tax Map 041-1-116-00-0) DISTRICT 3
3. Z-09-02 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County Planning
Commission to approve with the condition that only a double wide manufactured home on
a masonry foundation may be placed on the property or those uses allowed in the R-1A
zone; a petition by Christopher Price, on behalf of Joe Storey and Doris Thorpe, requesting
a change of zoning from Zone R-1A (One-family Residential) to Zone R-MH
(Manufactured Home Residential) affecting property containing approximately .92 acres
and is known as 3508 Bullock Avenue. (Tax Map 120-0-2-5-00-0). DISTRICT 5
PUBLIC SERVICES
5. Motion to approve, in resolution form, support of the Georgia Transit Association’s FY
2009 Legislative Agenda. (Approved by Public Services Committee January 12, 2009)
6. Motion to approve the Letter of Agreement between the airport, Augusta Air Traffic
Control, and the 94 AW. (Approved by Public Services Committee January 12, 2009)
7. Motion to approve a request for the Daniel Field Manager Job Grade change.
(Approved by Public Services Committee January 12, 2009)
8. Motion to approve New Ownership Application: A.N. 08-58: request by Keith Douglas
for an on premise consumption Liquor, Beer & Wine license to be used in connection with
Club 3000 located at 1602 Gordon Hwy. There will be Dance. District 2. Super District 9.
(Approved by Public Services Committee January 12, 2009)
9. Motion to approve AvFuel Corporation as the Aviation Fuel Supplier for the airport
and approval of the contract between AvFuel and Augusta Regional Airport. (Approved by
Public Services Committee January 12, 2009)
10. Motion to approve Bid Item 08-159A, Exterior Painting at the Old Government House
to Morris Insulation for $28,300. (Approved by Public Services Committee January 12,
2009)
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11. Motion to approve the contract between Otis and Augusta Regional Airport for
maintenance of the two elevators in the main terminal leading to airport administration.
(Approved by Public Services Committee January 12, 2009)
12. Motion to renew the Sec. 5311 Rural Transit grant application between the Georgia
Department of Transportation (GDOT) and Augusta, Georgia from July 2009 to June
2010. (Approved by Public Services Committee January 12, 2009)
13. Motion to approve an increase in transit fares to $1.25 and transfer fare to $.50, that
Saturday service not be eliminated, that a report be given to the committee in six months
regarding the effect of the increases and support state legislation to allow the city to enter
into an agreement either regionally and specifically in Augusta whereby a portion of the
sales tax would be dedicated to transit. (Approved by Public Services Committee January
12, 2009)
14. Motion to approve the contract between W. McKellar Logging and Augusta Regional
Airport for the removal of trees impeding the view of the approach end of runway 26.
(Approved by Public Services Committee January 12, 2009)
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
17. Motion to approve the Renewal of Temporary Employment Service Contract.
(Approved by Administrative Services Committee January 12, 2009)
18. Motion to approve the reclassification of the vacant Human Resources Coordinator
position to a Compensation Analyst and develop and administer a comprehensive
compensation program for the employees of Augusta. (Approved by Administrative
Services Committee January 12, 2009)
PUBLIC SAFETY
19. Motion to approve 800Mhz User Agreement and Mobile Data User Agreement.
(Approved by Public Safety Committee January 12, 2009)
20. Motion to approve a $109,250.00 increase in architectural fees to KSGW Architects for
additional construction administration services associated with the construction of the
Female Pod; and for the re-bid of the project. (Approved by Public Safety Committee
January 12, 2009)
21. Motion to approve award of Bid Item #08-167A, Construction of Fire Administration
Office Building. (Approved by Public Safety Committee January 12, 2009)
22. Motion to approve an Ordinance to amend the Augusta-Richmond County Code Title
Three Sections 3-3-10, 3-3-13, 3-3-14, 3-3-18.1, 3-3-20 and 3-3-25 relating to Fire
Department inspections, fee schedule and references to other Fire Prevention Codes; to
repeal all Code section and ordinances and parts of Code sections and ordinances in
conflict herewith; to provide an effective date and for other purposes. (Approved by Public
Safety Committee January 12, 2009)
23. Motion to approve an Ordinance to amend the Augusta-Richmond County Code Title
Three – Public Safety, to create a new Chapter Two, to be called “Chapter Two False
Alarms”; to create a system of governance for alarm systems intended to summon a public
safety response; to establish fees; to provide for penalties for violations; to establish a
system of administration for alarm systems; to set conditions for suspensions; to repeal all
code sections and ordinances and parts of Code sections and ordinances in conflict
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herewith; to provide an effective date and for other purposes. (Approved by Public Safety
Committee January 12, 2009)
24. Motion to approve recommendation for awarding Bid Item #08-211, Paving of the AFD
Training Center. (Approved by Public Safety Committee January 12, 2009)
25. Motion to approve recommendation for awarding Bid Item #08-200, 100 Ft. Aerial
Platform. (Approved by Public Safety Committee January 12, 2009)
FINANCE
26. Motion to approve the purchase of 12 Compact Pickup Trucks for Inspectors of
Inspections Department (License and Inspections Department). (Approved by Finance
Committee January 12, 2009)
27. Motion to approve a request from Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. regarding city
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sponsorship through the purchase of tickets for the 12 Annual rev. Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr. Unity Breakfast. (Approved by Finance Committee January 12, 2009)
28. Motion to approve allowing Mr. Dennis Myers to make payments of his tax bill in two
payments. (Approved by the Finance Committee January 12, 2009)
29. Motion to approve correction of 2008 contract for EMS services by Gold Cross due to a
typographical error. (Approved by Finance Committee January 12, 2009)
30. Motion to approve authorization for Historic Augusta, Inc. to prepare and submit a
2009 Historic Preservation Fund Grant Application on behalf of the City of Augusta in
order to complete phase two of a historic resources survey of the Harrisburg-West End
Historic District. (Approved by Finance Committee January 12, 2009)
31. Motion to increase the budget for CDBG Code Enforcement Grant from $50,000 to
$84,375. (Approved by Finance Committee January 12, 2009)
32. Motion to approve refund request from A-1 Sanitation Service Inc. for January 2009.
(Approved by Finance Committee January 12, 2009)
33. Motion to approve a request from L.P.B. Properties regarding a refund of taxes in the
amount of $13,868.45 and penalty in the amount of $8,019.41 for property located at 2531
Center West Parkway in the total amount of $21,887.86. (Approved by Finance Committee
January 12, 2009)
34. Motion to approve property insurance coverage for 2009 offered through Affiliated FM
Insurance for a premium of $266,457 on a $50,000 deductible policy ($100,000 deductible
on flood and earth movement). Breakdown on premium quote: $248,957 property
coverage, $10,000 engineering fee and $7,500 terrorism coverage. (Approved by Finance
Committee January 12, 2009)
35. Motion to approve a request from Ms. Teresa L. Tuten of Teresa’s Treasures for a
refund of interest in the amount of $129 and accept the penalty regarding her 2007 taxes,
business. (Approved by Finance Committee January 12, 2009)
36. Motion to approve reimbursement of Federal Funds to HCD for the appraised value of
1328 Baker Ave (Transition Ctr). (Approved by Finance Committee January 12, 2009)
ENGINEERING SERVICES
37. Motion to award bid to L-J, Inc. (Low Bidder) in the amount of $123,950 for the
removal of 520’ x 60” failed corrugated metal pipe (CMP). The failed CMP will be replaced
with HDPE. Request that this project be approved under emergency conditions due to the
enormous cave-in that has occurred. Contractor has been given a “Notice to Proceed”
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under emergency conditions. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee January 12,
2009)
38. Motion to authorize condemnation to acquire title of a portion of property for a right-
of-way consisting of 8312.22 square feet, a permanent construction easement of 14406.26
square feet, site improvements (asphalt, concrete and light pole) and cost to repair
landscaping, parking and damages to sign for the Alexander Drive Project. A temporary
driveway easement is necessary. The total appraised value is $407,200.00. Project Parcel 1
(Tax Map 013-3, Parcel 011-03), 2745 Washington Road. (Approved by Engineering
Services Committee January 12, 2009)
39. Motion to provide authorization to Potts Construction Company to award Bid Package
#3, in the amount of $7,102,179.00, which includes Building Foundations and Concrete
Frame for the new Judicial Center. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee
January 12, 2009)
40. Motion to approve proposal from Graves Engineering, Inc. for Special Inspections and
Construction Materials Testing Services in conjunction with the new Judicial Center.
(Approved by Engineering Services Committee January 12, 2009)
41. Motion to approve Revised Proposal from ATC Associates, Inc. for Special Inspections
and Construction Materials Testing Services in conjunction with the new Judicial Center,
reducing their Role and Fee to Provide for Local Participation. (Approved by Engineering
Services Committee January 12, 2009)
42. Motion to approve the selection of the courtrooms on the second floor of the Municipal
Building as a new location for the Commission Chambers. (Approved by Engineering
Services Committee January 12, 2009)
43. 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 off Phinizy Road and between Mike Padgett Highway and Peach Orchard
Road. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee January 12, 2009)
44. Motion to approve design contract to James G. Swift & Associates in the amount of
$101,300.00 for the Fort Gordon Replacement of the Water Distribution System in the
vicinity of Eisenhower Hospital. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee January
12, 2009)
45. Motion to approve an amount of $30,000.00 to provide construction materials for
Eisenhower Emergency Driveway. Funding is available in SPLOST Phase 2 Recapture
Account number 326-041110-288811333 as requested by the Engineering Department.
(Approved by Engineering Services Committee January 12, 2009)
46. Motion to approve Phase II of the Engineering Department Reorganization to provide a
more efficient structure and increase productivity. (Approved by Engineering Services
Committee January 12, 2009)
47. Motion to approve relocation of the “Lady Justice” statue behind the Municipal
Building to the new Judicial Center. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee
January 12,2009)
48. Motion to approve CPB #323-041110-296823665 Change Number Four in the amount
of $4,426,497.96 with funding of $1,190,849.00 from SPLOST Phase III, and $215,649.00
from SPLOST Phase III for Project Construction. Also approve award of Construction
Contract to Mabus Brothers Construction, Co., Inc. in the amount of $4,426,497.96 for the
Morgan Road Improvement Project, subject to receipt of a detailed project schedule, a
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contractor’s project team approved by the Engineering Department, a traffic control plan,
a staging plan, a detail plan and method approved by the Engineering Department for
constructing the proposed Concrete box Culvert, signed contract(s), and proper bonds.
(Approved by Engineering Services Committee January 12, 2009)
49. Motion to approve CSX-617059 Encroachment Agreement between CSX
Transportation, Inc. and Augusta, Georgia. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee
January 12, 2009)
50. Motion to approve two-year lease (with option to renew two additional years) for 360
Bay Street for continued use of Utilities Operations at this location. (Approved by
Engineering Services Committee January 12, 2009)
51. Motion to grant and convey to Georgia Power an easement for installation of an
underground electrical distribution line through property owned by the City at Fenwick
Street, Tenth Street, Talcot St. and James Brown Blvd. in relation to Augusta’s Judicial
Center project for a nominal value of $10.00. (Approved by Engineering Services
Committee January 12, 2009)
52. Motion to authorize the Engineering Department to approve Supplemental Agreement
Number Four and Change Number Five with Jordan, Jones & Goulding (JJG) in the
amount of $142,177 which will allow the erosion control plans to be updated in accordance
with the State of Georgia EPD guidelines that became effective August 1, 2008, for
adjustments to the bridge foundation investigation schedule and fee, and for the addition of
Underground Storage Tank/Hazardous Waste Site investigations for the Windsor Spring
Road improvement projects, Phase IV & V, CPB #323-04-299823766 & 323-04-299823786.
Funds are available in SPLOST Phase III in the Windsor Spring Road Phase IV project
right of way account. Funds from the Phase IV project right of way account will be
transferred in the amount of $71,088.50 to each project engineering account. (Approved by
Engineering Services Committee January 12,2009)
PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
54. Motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the Commission held on
January 6, 2009 and Special Called meeting held January 12, 2009.
PUBLIC SERVICES
55. Motion to ratify letter authorizing the License & Inspections Department to issue a
probationary Alcohol License for Sunday Sales to Limelite Café.
ENGINEERING SERVICES
57. Motion to ratify authorization letter to authorize Potts Construction Company to
award Bid Package 2, consisting of Deep Foundation Auger Cast Piles and Pile Reinforcing
to L.G. Barcus & Sons and CMC Rebar Carolinas, thus facilitating continuation of
construction of the new Judicial Center.
ATTORNEY
60. Resolution of Settlement for Claim of Augusta v. Norfolk Southern Railway company
for Contribution to its Expenses of Remediation of the “Old Freight Depot Property” (511
Reynolds Street; Map 47-2 Parcel 3)
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OTHER BUSINESS
61. Motion to approve attached Resolution regarding the development and funding
agreement of a Bass Pro Shop at the Village at Riverwatch. (Requested by Commissioner
Don Grantham)
Mr. Mayor: We have a motion and a second. Commissioners will now vote by the usual
sign.
Mr. Hatney: Madam Clerk, I abstain on all alcohol please.
The Clerk: Let me put it on the record, Mr. Hatney.
Mr. Hatney: On the record?
The Clerk: Yes, sir, that you’re abstaining on all alcohol.
Mr. Hatney: All of it.
The Clerk: Okay. Thank you.
Mr. Hatney abstains.
Motion carries 9-1. [Item 8]
Motion carries 10-0. [Items 1-14, 17-52, 54, 55, 57, 60-61]
Mr. Mayor: Okay, Madam Clerk, let’s go to the pulled items first.
The Clerk:
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
16. Motion to approve an Ordinance to amend the Augusta, Ga. Code Title One, Sections
1-4-112 and 104-114 thru 1-4-130 relating to the Human Relations Commission; to repeal
all Code sections and Ordinances and parts of Code Sections and Ordinances in conflict
herewith; to provide an effective date and for other purposes as an advisory committee and
reporting to the Administrator. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee January
12, 2009.
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Russell, would you like to?
Mr. Russell: Yes, sir, Mr. Mayor. As part of the budget process y’all remember that we
abolished the staff of the Human Relations Commission. What was abolished was the staff that
was doing investigations for the Federal Government, the federal Human Relations people and I
think their exact title basically. By removing that we basically put ourselves in a situation as
most localities are in Georgia where individuals with complaints of that nature have to deal with
the feds and not directly with our office. So we quit supplementing the federal effort in that
particular area. What this does it eliminates the language that created the staffing part of that.
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What it does keep the Human Relation Commission in tact as an advisory board that we feel and
I felt as staff would be available to the Mayor, the Commission to help with issues in our
community would be similar to what they’re handling now. I didn’t want to throw the baby out
with the bath water. I think they do a good job and I’m very fond of what they do. I think we
have opportunities for them to help us continue to move the city forward. What I didn’t think we
should do is supplement the federal activity by providing Augusta dollars to do what the feds are
supposed to do. So that’s what this legislation does.
Mr. Johnson: Okay, thank you. So we just basically going to keep the board in tact but
the actual department would just be deleted.
Mr. Russell: Yes.
Mr. Johnson: Okay, thank you.
Mr. Mayor: Can I get a motion to approve?
Mr. Grantham: So moved.
Mr. Hatney: 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: Magnanimous.
The Clerk: Magnanimous.
Mr. Mayor: Next pulled item, Madam Clerk.
The Clerk:
ENGINEERING SERVICES
53. Motion to approve a resolution to send to the Georgia Department of Transportation
(GDOT) to support the realignment of Barton Chapel Road to the east so that it will be
aligned opposite existing Augusta West Parkway and rescinds the resolution adopted June
19, 2001 which opposed the realignment of Augusta West Parkway and Barton Chapel
Road as part of the project to improve Wrightsboro Road from Minnie Dyess Parkway to
I-520, project number 323-04-296823309. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee
January 12, 2009)
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Bowles.
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Mr. Bowles: Mr. Mayor, I believe we have someone here that had some questions
regarding this issue and how it’s going to affect his property.
Mr. Mayor: Yes, sir, if you could come forward. And if you could state your name and
address for the record.
Mr. Speaker: My name is Wallace Zealy. My address is 3526 Interlaken Drive,
Martinez. My mother and I own the corner of Wrightsboro and Baron Chapel at Crescent Drive.
And we are affected by the realignment of Barton Chapel Road, the current proposed
realignment for Barton Chapel. It comes around now the proposal from the DOT has been to go
to the west of the site proposed today. That site does impact us economically with the
realignment because Barton Chapel Road is closed off at that point. But we do have an access
road coming into the back of our property from the new Barton Chapel Road. Currently what’s
proposed I understand and I don’t know and I just heard about it early this morning is that Barton
Chapel be realigned to come in opposite Augusta West Parkway, which I think comes in from
the shopping center. It comes into the Ford Dealer’s parking lot. And my understanding what
then Barton Chapel will meet up with Augusta West Parkway. I do not know how this will
economically affect this piece of property and really just don’t know until I see some plans
myself. And I feel like that it would be incumbent upon this body to possibly look at how it does
affect economically the adjacent landowners. So I don’t know if that’s been brought into
account in this resolution. Does it affect positively or negatively. If you’re voting on something
I hope you know how it does affect the adjacent landowners and I currently don’t know being the
owner of the property because I haven’t really seen a plan for what is proposed. I would ask that
you would just consider that.
Mr. Bowles: Mr. Mayor, I would like to ask ---
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Bowles.
Mr. Bowles: --- Mr. Cassell if he’s got a, I hate to throw this in his lap but he is the
Traffic Engineer. Do you have a drawing of what is being requested or?
Mr. Cassell: Yeah, I mean again I spoke back in there and what we’re going to do is I
just propose that we do have a concept of what we’re going to do. And I could just meet with
him after this meeting or some time this next week and go over what’s going to happen there.
Mr. Zealy: That would be great.
Mr. Mayor: Would it, is it going to impact the time frame exactly? Does this need to be
done today or can it be, do we have the time before Engineering to get together with this
gentleman to show him renderings?
Mr. Speaker: Whenever you want to get together we’ll get together.
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Grantham.
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Mr. Grantham: Mr. Mayor, I don’t mind putting it off two weeks. And I think it’s
certainly something that does lend to Mr. Zealy’s request. However let me just say that this has
been the process now for over two years from the DOT when the initial widening of Wrightsboro
Road was discussed and brought before the Commission and before the DOT board. And there
was a time when the property owners were going to have to afford the cost of the realignment
since it was going to give some or better opportunity for the roadway as well as some not quite
as good. But how the DOT has taken on the full responsibility of realigning that along with the
signalization and everything that would take place at that corner. So hopefully with the
acquisition of right-of-way property the DOT will start back within the next six months to a year
on that project. And looking at this particular piece of property it would realigned it from a
safety standpoint that I think Mr. Cassel could allude to. So all that being said I don’t two weeks
is going to hurt us but I do think that we need to move forward with the DOT plans and what
their recommendations are.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you, Commissioner Grantham. With that being said can I get a
motion to forward it to the next full Commission meeting?
Mr. Jackson: So moved.
Mr. Johnson: 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.
Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk, next agenda item.
The Clerk:
FINANCE
56. Motion to approve a request from the Richmond County Health Department regarding
a 15% proposed fee schedule adjustment associated with its environmental health services.
(No recommendation from Finance Committee January 12, 2009.
Mr. Mayor: Fred, do we have somebody to speak to? Thank you, sir. And if you could
just state your name and address for the record please sir.
Mr. Speaker: Yes sir. My name is Michael Allison and I reside at 2404 Norton Drive,
Augusta, GA 30906. I’m with the Richmond County Health Department. I work in the
environmental health section. The fee schedule that we used to help recover costs that are
associated with the environmental health services that we provide for the county was adjusted in
2006. We’re proposing a 15% adjustment to the existing schedule that would go into effect July
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1, 2009, which is exactly three years since the last adjustment. Subsequent adjustments would
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be made by the annual cost of living index and would go into effect July 1 thereafter. I sent the
Commission a letter that outlines the changes to the fee schedule. So I’m here today to ask for
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your support, for your approval of this fee schedule and also to answer any questions that you
might have.
Mr. Mayor: Okay. Does anybody have any questions on this? Okay, can I get a motion
on it?
Mr. Bowles: So moved.
Mr. Brigham: Second.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, we have a motion to approve and a second. If there’s no further
discussion Commissioners will now vote by the usual sign.
Ms. Beard votes No.
Motion carries 9-1.
Mr. Allison: Thank you very much.
The Clerk:
PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
58. Motion to approve tasking the Law Department to craft a resolution in support of the
National League of Cities and the Georgia Municipal Association lobbying efforts of direct
funding for local infrastructure projects to be included in the anticipated federal economic
stimulus package and provide cities greater access to credit markets. (Mayor Deke
Copenhaver and Commissioner Betty Beard)
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Bowles, I believe this was yours.
Mr. Bowles: Yes, sir, thank you, Mr. Mayor. The reason I pulled this, Mr. Mayor, while
I think infrastructure projects are critical I think the approach of our federal government to
borrow into the trillions of dollars and put our future generations into debt is unforeseen would
be a mistake for this body to try to support going, the more support the National League of Cities
has the more support our Congress will think we have that we think borrowing money from
ourselves when we don’t have it is a good idea. And I just can’t support that idea.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, thank you, Commissioner Bowles. I appreciate your viewpoint on
that. Commissioner Grantham.
Mr. Grantham: You know is this in the form of a request from our government as to
what we’re looking for? Is this in the form of a I guess a granted stimulus package that we don’t
receive?
Mr. Mayor: No, it’s I’ll tell you, Don, it’s to request a resolution of support for the
position of the National League of Cities and the Georgia Municipal Association. It’s not listing
projects by any means but it’s just and basically the Georgia Municipal Association is advocating
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that if in fact there were a package that those funds go directly to local governments as opposed
to going through the state.
Mr. Grantham: What commitment or obligation would we have by presenting this
resolution?
Mr. Mayor: None, it’s just to support, to show support for the National League of Cities
and the GMA.
Mr. Grantham: I just wanted to get a little information on it to clear that up.
Mr. Mayor: Okay. Commissioner Brigham.
Mr. Brigham: Mr. Mayor, first I believe everything that I’ve every seen it was a federal
program that required a local match. And if we’re going to request funding for a federal program
and we haven’t identified local matches, that kind of makes us look stupid in my opinion. But
that’s my opinion that’s not necessarily this group’s opinion. And I really would like to more
with what we’re requesting then just to say we’re going to draft a resolution. I’d like to know
what the resolution says and I’d like to make sure it goes to the entire delegation. And I’d like
some idea of how we’re going to plan on funding any kind of local match that’s going to be
involved in it.
Mr. Mayor: And here again and I, Commissioner Brigham, this is not a request for
funding. It’s and we’re talking about a package that nobody knows exactly if it passes what it’s
going to look like at this point. This is just a resolution in support of the National League of
Cities and the GMA. Commissioner Johnson.
Mr. Johnson: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I just wanted to kind of elaborate a little bit on
what you were saying. I think I understand where you’re coming from. What you’re really
trying, what they’re saying is just show from a city perspective that we support this initiative to
do so. Therefore the funding if it’s available comes straight to the city versus going to the state
government, right?
Mr. Mayor: We support the positions of the GMA and the National League of Cities that
if funding comes available that it should go directly to local governments.
Mr. Johnson: I agree, thank you.
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Bowles.
Mr. Bowles: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. And I know what we’re saying but I think by
voting for this we’re saying to the federal government go ahead and print money and give it out.
We don’t care that you’re indebting future generations. And that’s the philosophical difference I
have.
Mr. Smith: Mr. Mayor?
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Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Smith.
Mr. Smith: Thank you. I think all it does is just put our name in the pot. Isn’t that right?
Mr. Mayor: Well, at this point it’s not even that. It’s, you know, it’s just showing
support for those two organizations. Can I get a motion on this?
Mr. Smith: I so move.
Mr. Hatney: Second.
Mr. Mayor: We have a motion and a second. If there’s no further discussion
Commissioners will now vote by the usual sign.
Mr. Bowles and Mr. Brigham vote No.
Motion carries 8-2.
The Clerk:
APPOINTMENTS
59. Consider the following nominations for a four-year term for the Member-at-Large seat
from the Richmond County Hospital Authority. Thomas Sizemore, Anne D. Trotter and
Levi W. Hill, IV.
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Smith.
Mr. Smith: Mr. Mayor, I’d like to nominate Thomas Sizemore to the hospital.
Mr. Grantham: Nominations be closed.
Mr. Hatney: You can’t do that, we got to ---
Mr. Mayor: Okay, procedurally, we ---
Mr. Hatney: We’ve got three more names out there.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, would somebody like to?
Mr. Hatney: I’d like to nominate Mr. Levi Hill, IV.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, do we have any further nominations from the list of recommended
nominations?
Mr. Holland: Move the nominations be closed on those two names.
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Mr. Brigham: Wait a minute. If we’re going to do that let’s nominate all three of them.
Mr. Hatney: Okay, so I’ve been told Mr. Hill folded so he out of it.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, we have a motion to nominate Thomas Sizemore.
Mr. Hatney: Mr. Mayor, can I ask one question?
Mr. Mayor: Yes, sir.
Mr. Hatney: Why don’t you folk just go on and pick who you want? Obviously they’re
going to pick who they want.
Mr. Grantham: Well, if that’s what they did give us ---
Mr. Hatney: I don’t see no debate. Why do we need to vote on it?
The Clerk: State law says they have to submit to the Commission a list of three names ---
Mr. Hatney: Really?
The Clerk: --- by which ---
Mr. Hatney: State law.
The Clerk: --- they select one for appointment. That’s why.
Mr. Hatney: I’m not trying to create no chaos necessarily.
Mr. Grantham: Mr. Mayor, it has been in the standard practice of these authorities that
submit three names based on state law that the first name they submitted is the request that
they’d like to have.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, well, we have a motion and a second for Mr. Sizemore. If there’s no
further discussion Commissioners will now vote by the usual sign.
Mr. Hatney abstains.
Motion carries 9-1.
Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk, I believe that’s the last agenda item if I’m not incorrect.
The Clerk: Yes, sir.
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Attorney, do we need a Legal Session?
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Mr. Grantham: Mr. Mayor, may I have a point of personal privilege just a second,
please?
Mr. Mayor: Certainly. Commissioner Grantham.
Mr. Grantham: And I want to thank all the Commissioners and everyone that has been
involved in this item #61, the Bass Pro Shop. And this is in regards to that development funding
and I appreciate the opportunity that we have put that on consent and that it has passed
unanimously. This could be a big day for Augusta and certainly one that I think opens the door
for the future as far as any retail stores of this nature and of the size and magnitude that will be
coming to the Riverwatch Village. So I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who’s been
involved in it. I think there’s been notification to all the Commissioners as well as trips were
made to various locations to see what these people do. There’s been a great deal of time put in
by the developer as well as by our financial advisor as to the funding requirements and what
would be necessary for our city. So I just wanted to say thanks and applause for this group for
doing something that I think is going to be great for us.
Mr. Mayor: And, Commissioner Grantham, I want to say the same thing. Just to
reiterate what you’ve said this is a great situation for the city and there have been so many
rumors swirling around this that I was constantly getting questions are we moving forward on
this. Nobody’s notified me any different so put the rumors to rest.
LEGAL MEETING
A. Pending and Potential Litigation.
B. Real Estate.
C. Personnel.
ADDENDUM
63. Motion to go into a Legal Meeting.
Mr. Mayor: Can I get a motion to go into a Legal Meeting to discuss, Wayne, what do
we need to?
Mr. Hatney: Do we need one?
Mr. Mayor: We do to discuss pending and potential Litigation.
Mr. Johnson: So moved.
Ms. Beard: Second.
Mr. Mayor: We have a motion and a second. Commissioners will now vote by the usual
sign.
Mr. Jackson votes No.
Motion carries 9-1.
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Mr. Mayor: We are in Legal.
[LEGAL MEETING]
64. Motion to authorize execution by the Mayor of the affidavit of compliance with
Georgia’s Open Meeting Act.
Mr. Mayor: I’ll go ahead and call the meeting back to order. And I would look for a
motion to authorize execution by the Mayor of the affidavit of compliance with Georgia’s Open
Meeting Act.
Mr. Johnson: So moved.
Mr. Holland: Second.
Mr. Mayor: We have a motion and a second. Commissioners will now vote by the usual
sign.
Mr. Smith out.
Motion carries 9-0.
Mr. Mayor: With no more business to come before the body we stand adjourned and
thanks y’all for a great meeting.
[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
January 22, 2009.
______________________________
Clerk of Commission
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