HomeMy WebLinkAboutRegular Commission Meeting April 20, 2021
REGULAR MEETING VIRTUAL/TELECONFERENCE
APRIL 20, 2021
Augusta Richmond County Commission convened at 2:00 p.m., April 20, 2021, the Hon.
Bobby Williams, Mayor Pro Tem, presiding.
PRESENT: Hons. Garrett, Sias, Johnson, Frantom, Scott, McKnight, D. Williams, Hasan
and Clarke, members of Augusta Richmond County Commission.
ABSENT: Hon. Hardie Davis, Jr., Mayor.
The Clerk: --- to lead us in our Invocation and Mr. Garrett our Pledge.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: I didn’t hear the invocation, Ms. Bonner.
The Clerk: Mr. Dennis Williams, he hasn’t ---
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay.
The Clerk: --- and Mr. Garrett to lead us in our Pledge.
Mr. D. Williams: Are we ready?
The Clerk: We will remain silent as he recites the Pledge.
The invocation was given by Commissioner Dennis Williams.
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was recited.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: All right, good afternoon and welcome to the Commission Meeting
today. Ms. Bonner, Ms. Bonner ---
The Clerk: Yes, sir ---
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: --- okay, we have the Addendum Agenda, right?
The Clerk: --- yes, sir.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay have ya’ll looked at the Addendum Agenda? Do we adopt it,
do we adopt it without objection? Okay, I don’t see any objections. Okay, which way you want
to go, Ms. Bonner? Do we want to go ahead and add to the Consent Agenda or what?
The Clerk: Yes, sir, you can do that or and then we’ll go back to the Delegations.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yeah, let’s do it first.
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The Clerk: Our Consent Agenda consists of Items 1 through 30, Items 1 through 30 and
for the benefit of any objectors to any of these, I would ask Mr. Sherman if there were any objectors
to the Planning Petitions on the Consent Agenda.
Mr. Lewis: He’s coming in right now.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: I’ve got you, Mr. Garrett, as soon as Mr. Sherman gets in.
Mr. Garrett: Thank you, Mayor Pro Tem.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: He’s down there, Mr. Sherman?
The Clerk: He’s trying to connect.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Can you hear him?
The Clerk: He’s having audio trouble. I think he was trying to indicate there were no
objectors to any of the Planning Petitions on the Consent Agenda. So our Consent Agenda consists
of Items 1 through 30.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, going to Mr. Garrett first. Commissioner Garrett.
Mr. Garrett: I’ve got a few items I’d like to place on Consent. I’d like to place Item 34 --
The Clerk: Item 34 ---
Mr. Garrett: --- 35, 39 and 42.
The Clerk: --- 39 and 42?
Mr. Garrett: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Oh, we don’t have 42. We haven’t gone into Legal so let me make sure you
said 39 and ---
Mr. Garrett: 34, 35, 39.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, all right, Mr. Hasan, you’re muted, sir.
Mr. Hasan: I’d like to pull Item #8 off the Consent and I’d like to add Item #35 to the
Consent.
The Clerk: We have 35 ---
Mr. Hasan: I’m sorry, 36.
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Mr. Clarke: I object to 36.
Mr. Hasan: All right, sir.
The Clerk: --- 36 ---
Mr. Hasan: No, they objected to it, Ms. Bonner. That’s fine.
The Clerk: --- Yeah, I was just looking at it.
Mr. Clarke: No, I just want a clarification on something about it that’s all.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, Commissioner Dennis Williams.
Mr. D. Williams: Yes, sir, if everyone would agree I would like to consent Items #38, #40
---
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Well, on #40 I don’t object to it. I just want to add a name to it, if we
can add Ms. Bonner can we add the name that I want to then make a decision?
The Clerk: Well, sir, for this to be a more orderly process we have three open seats ---
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay.
The Clerk: --- and these are appointed through the nomination process so we would need
to ---
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Well, let’s not ---
The Clerk: --- yeah ---
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: --- so let’s not do that.
The Clerk: --- okay. And he’s asking ---
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: --- let’s not do 40.
The Clerk: --- 38 to be, were there any objectors to adding 38 to the Consent Agenda?
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: I don’t think so.
Mr. D. Williams: And I have one more.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Go ahead.
Mr. D. Williams: I’m trying to find it, I’ll come back ---
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Mr. Johnson: Mayor Pro Tem?
Mr. D. Williams: --- I can’t find it, it’s on here.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, we’re going to Commissioner Sias first, Commissioner Sias,
Commissioner Johnson and then Commissioner Clarke.
Mr. Sias: I’d like to pull Item 24 and 25 ---
The Clerk: 24 and 25.
Mr. Sias: --- just some things we need to make sure.
Mr. Johnson: Mr. Mayor Pro Tem, am I recognized?
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Hang on a second ---
Mr. Johnson: Okay.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: --- are you finished, Mr. Sias?
Mr. Sias: Yes, sir, thank you.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: All right, Mr. Johnson, Commissioner Johnson.
Mr. Johnson: Thank you. On Number 38 it says consider. Is it consider approving or
we’re just considering? I mean what does that mean?
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Approving.
Mr. Johnson: Approval?
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yes, sir.
Mr. Johnson: Okay.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: All right, Mr. Clarke, Commissioner Clarke.
Mr. Clarke: By any chance can we add 37 to Consent?
Mr. Hasan: No, sir, got questions on that one.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, all right, Commissioner Dennis Williams, you good?
Mr. D. Williams: I got one more ---
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Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yes, sir.
Mr. D. Williams: --- oh, it’s Item Number 27.
Mr. Sias: Are you pulling it?
Mr. Garrett: It’s already on it.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, it’s already on Consent.
Mr. D. Williams: 27 is already on there?
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yes, sir, anyone else? Mr. Donald, you had a question, Mr. Donald?
Mr. Donald: Just to provide clarity I think you should leave it on the Consent but for that
item that is Number 38 that Commissioner Johnson asked about just for the record I think you
want to have the amount of that position and what the position that he was asking for was. And
so it’s $50,000, it’s about $51,000 dollars and it is a Judicial Court Clerk. And so we just want to
make sure that for the record, I’m sorry $50,474 dollars and it’s a Judicial Case Manager. I
apologize, I misspoke. So $50,474 dollars and it’s a Judicial Case Manager so I don’t think, I
think it can stay on the Consent. You just want that for the record.
Mr. D. Williams: Okay, thank you, sir.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: All right, Commissioner Hasan, Commissioner Hasan, go ahead.
Mr. Hasan: Yes, sir. Mr. Administrator, in terms of looking at that salary, are other
comparable positions, is that salary accurate?
Mr. Donald: Yes, it is ---
Mr. Hasan: Okay.
Mr. Donald: --- so actually it includes benefits, the computer and all of that good stuff and
it would be, there is no position over there now so it will be funded out of Contingency.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, Mr. Sias, Commissioner Sias.
Mr. Sias: Mayor Pro Tem, I object to 38 going on the Consent Agenda. We, I still, I support
it. I just, we just need to add this information properly so we could just do that item as normal.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, all right so we’re objecting to Number 38, Ms. Bonner.
Commissioner Clarke not Commissioner Clarke but Commissioner McKnight.
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Ms. McKnight: Yes, I just wanted to make sure we are already approving authorizing
Number 16 to maintain Clerk of Commission, is that ---
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yes, ma’am it’s on consent.
Ms. McKnight: --- okay, okay, thank you.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: All right, Commissioner Clarke.
Mr. Clarke: Can we pull, can we pull 8 off of the Consent Agenda because there’s a ---
Mr. Garrett: It’s already been done.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: It’s already been pulled.
Mr. Clarke: --- okay, thank you, didn’t hear that one.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, anybody else? Okay, Ms. Bonner ---
Mr. Garrett: Motion to approve.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: --- Ms. Bonner, hang on a second. Ms. Bonner, you’ve got the
numbers, you got it?
The Clerk: Well, let’s go through them to make sure we have everybody’s pull.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay.
The Clerk: Consent Agenda Item 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18,
19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 34, 35, 39.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, one more, Ms. Bonner. On the Addendum Agenda I believe
we’ve got the Mayor’s sign or something, I don’t know if anybody really has the appetite to really
sit here to discuss whether or not the Mayor’s going to put a sign on the side of his car so if we
could we put that one on the Consent Agenda?
The Clerk: To move forward with that?
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yes, ma’am.
Mr. Hasan: Excuse me, excuse me ---
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Hang on a second, Ms. Bonner, Commissioner Hasan.
Mr. Hasan: --- no, let the Attorney speak first. I’ll come back if need be, Attorney, go
ahead.
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Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Go ahead, Mr. Brown.
Mr. Brown: No problem with what I think you’re trying to do, Mayor Pro Tem, except I
believe it would need a motion to ---
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, let’s vote.
Mr. Brown: -- to schedule a public hearing for that matter.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, so can we move it forward knowing that with the public
hearing or you just need to take it off.
Mr. Sias: Leave it where it is.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, that’s fine, let’s leave it where it is. Don’t worry about it, Ms.
Bonner ---
The Clerk: Okay.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: --- so the ones that you named. We got a motion from Commissioner
Garrett. Do we have a second?
Mr. Clarke: Second.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: All right, whenever you’re ready, Ms. Bonner.
CONSENT AGENDA
PLANNING
1. Z-21-23 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to
approve with the conditions below a petition by James G. Swift and Associates, on behalf of
Which Two LLC and Pollock Company, requesting a Special Exception to construct
individual buildings, whether freestanding or attached, which would exceed 15,000 gross
square feet of area in the B-1 (Neighborhood Business) Zone per Section 21-2-(a) of the
Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance affecting property containing 1.94 acres and known as
1711 Central Avenue (aka 1709 Central Avenue). Tax Map 045-3-426-00-0 DISTRICT 1.
Any outdoor lighting shall be directed away from nearby residences. 2. Must comply with all
aspects of the Augusta Tree Ordinance. 3. This project shall comply with all development
standards and regulations set forth by the City of Augusta, GA at the time of development.
2. Z-21-25 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to
approve with the conditions below a petition by Angel’s Personal Care Home Inc., on behalf
of Angel Dunn, requesting a change of zoning from Zone R-1A (One-family Residential) to
Zone R-3A (Multiple-family Residential) to expand an existing Family Personal Care Home
into a Group Personal Care Home affecting property containing 4.83 acres and known as
2620 Richmond Hill Road. Tax Map 097-2-163-00-0 DISTRICT 2 1. The only permissible
uses of the property shall be a Group Personal Care Home or a single-family residence. 2.
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No detached residential space shall be used or added to the property for accommodation of
residents. 3. A directional sign with the address clearly labeled with reflective lettering will
be placed at the entrance to assist emergency personnel should they be called to the facility.
3. Z-21-26 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to
approve with the conditions below a petition by Angel’s Personal Care Home Inc., on behalf
of Angel Dunn, requesting a Special exception to expand an existing Family Personal Care
Home per Section 16-2 (d) of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for Augusta Georgia
affecting property affecting property containing 4.83 acres and known as 2620 Richmond
Hill Road. Tax Map 097-2-163-00-0 DISTRICT 2 1. Approval of Z-21-25 to rezone the
property to R-3A (Multiple Family Residential). 2. The home addition must be completed
and a Certificate of Occupancy issued before the increased residents may be allowed to move
in. The home will be limited to no more that 15 clients. The exact number shall be determined
by Building and Fire Department Officials. 3. The home shall be staffed and maintained in
compliance with all State Department of Community Health regulations for a Group
Personal Care Home. 4. No detached residential space shall be used or added to the property
for accommodations of residents. 5. A directional sign with the address clearly labeled with
reflective lettering will be placed at the entrance to assist emergency personnel should they
be called to the facility. 6. At least one ADA compliant paved parking space must be provided
for the use of residents. 7. The applicant must receive an updated City of Augusta business
license for the expanded number of residents and continue to maintain a license with the
State of Georgia. Proof of compliance with the minimum requirements of Chapter 290-2-5-
18 of the O.C.G.A must be provided, and the applicant must provide annual inspection
reports. All requirements must be met within six (6) months of approval of the Special
Exceptions is void. 8. An approved building permit for the addition and/or an updated
business license for the increased numbers must be obtained within six (6) months or the
Special Exception is void. The home must maintain all licenses without a 12-month lapse r
the Special Exception is void. 9. If wheelchair bound persons reside in the residence all 2010
ADA Standards for accessible Design requirements must be met, including but limited to:
All doorways must be at least 3 feet wide. At least one bathroom that permits a wheelchair
dependent person to use all bathroom facilities unimpeded.
4. Z-21-27 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to
approve with the conditions below a petition by Osbon Properties requesting a change of
zoning from Zone B-2 (General Business) to zone PUD (Planned Unit Development) affecting
property containing 0.83 acres and known as 1285 Broad Street. Tax Map 036-4-141-00-0
DISTRICT 1 1. Permitted uses of the site be limited to no more than 58 apartment units,
retail and restaurant development. 2. The total heights of the structure shall not exceed 4
stories of 55 feet, to include any attached or detached structures. 3. The overall density shall
not exceed 70 units per acre. 4. The total commercial space shall not exceed 25 percent of the
gross floor area of the building. 5. On-site dumpster and enclosure shall meet all regulations
set forth by the City. 6. There shall be no required front setback on Jones Street, a minimum
5 feet setback on broad Street and 0 feet or greater than 3 feet on the side property lines. 7.
There shall be no minimum lot coverage. 8. A fence or screen wall in the required front yard
shall not exceed six (6) feet in height. 9. Any outdoor storage and mechanical systems,
including HVAC units, shall be limited to enclosed buildings or screening with a 6-foot-tall
wood privacy fence or masonry wall or an acceptable size or material approved by the
Historic Preservation Commission. 10. No freestanding signs will be permitted on the
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property. Any building or wall mounted signs require approval of a Certificate of
Appropriateness since the site is located within a historic district. These signs are limited to
a maximum surface area of 2 square feet per linear foot. Projecting signs may not extend
more than 5 feet from the face of the wall except for canopy or awning mounted signs.
Window signs may not occupy more than 20 percent of the area of any window. 11. Lighting
in the parking lot be directed away from nearby residences. 12. Exterior elevations and
materials must receive final approval from the Historic Preservation Commission or HPC.
13. Minor changes to an approved PUD site plan may be handled administratively by the
Planning Director or his/her designee. 14. Any changes deemed major will trigger the need
to amend the original PUD site plan and require Augusta Commission approval and
subsequent HPC approvals.
5. Z-21-28 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to
approve with the conditions below a petition by Diane Johnston, on behalf of Herbert L.
Judon Jr., requesting a change of zoning from Zone A (Agriculture) to Zone HI (Heavy
Industry) affecting approximately 77 acres known as part of 1501 Aviation Way. Tax Map
159-0-002-00-0 DISTRICT 1. 1. The Concept Plan, supplied with the Zoning Application, is
for illustrative purposes only and does not indicate approval of a Site Plan in the future. 2.
The project proposed for the North Development Area, as outlined on the Concept Plan,
shall comply with all development standards and regulations set forth by the City of Augusta,
GA at the time of development. 3. Building height is limited to 44.5 feet in height, not to
exceed 200 feet, or as approved by the FAA, whichever height is height. 4. Adherence to
Augusta’s Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, including the requirement that all new
construction be elevated to 3’ above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE), is required. 5. Corp of
Engineers permitting is required for any wetlands disturbance and must be submitted prior
to issuance of a Land Disturbance Permit. 6. A streetyard is required on the road frontage
of Doug Barnard Parkway, for any construction done on the subject property; however, said
streetyard must conform to FAA requirements and the FAA-approved Wildlife Hazard
Management Plan, which may include small or medium trees being planted in lieu of the
required large trees, or no trees at all. All other components of Tree Ordinance compliance
may be waived at the discretion of the Planning and Development Director for Airport safety,
including compliance with FAA requirements and/or the Airport’s Wildlife Hazard
Management Plan.
6. Z-21-30 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to
approve with the conditions below a petition by R.T. Bailey Construction requesting a
change of zoning from Zone R-1 (One-family Residential) and Zone R-1C (One-family
Residential) to Zone R-1C affecting property containing approximately 148 acres and known
as 2370 Willis Foreman Road. Tax Map 194-0-032-01-0 DISTRICT 8. 1. This development
shall substantially conform to the concept plan submitted with the rezoning application. 2.
Conduct a traffic study to assess whether acceleration/deceleration lanes are needed. 3.
Sidewalks must be provided on at least one side of the street within the development and
comply with ADA standards. 4 Provide walking trails and pathways to connect area of the
development. 5. Extend sidewalk on the side adjacent to the property along Willis Foreman
Road. 6. Must comply with all aspects of the Augusta Tree Ordinance. 7. Street lights will
need to be installed and operating (or bonded) prior to final Plat approval. This project shall
comply with all development standards.
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7. Z-21-31 – A petition by Airgas USA, LLC requesting a change of zoning from Zone LI
(Light Industry) to Zone HI (Heavy Industry) affecting property containing 6.55 acres and
known as 1317 Columbia Nitrogen Drive. Tax Map 062-0-006-00-0 DISTRICT 1 1. The
Concept Plan, supplied with the Zoning Application, is for illustrative purposes only and
does not indicate approval of a Site Plan in the future. 2. Any future project on the subject
property shall comply with all development standards and regulations set forth by the City
of Augusta, GA at the time of development. 3. Any future development on the property, to
include the prosed above ground fueling area and the above ground fuel storage tank, should
be constructed to be “substantially free from flooding”. An as-built certification letter from
a GA licensed design engineer must be submitted, prior to usage of the proposed above
ground fueling area and the above ground fuel storage tank, certifying that the above ground
fueling area and the above ground fuel storage tank were constructed and installed to be
“substantially free from flooding”. 4. The above ground fueling area and the above ground
fuel storage tank must be anchored to prevent floatation and lateral movement. 5. The above
ground fueling area and the above ground storage must meet all of the requirements of
Augusta Fire Department prior to usage. 6. Corp of Engineers permitting is required for any
wetlands disturbance and must be submitted prior to issuance of a Land Disturbance Permit.
7. A streetyard in compliance with the Augusta Tree Ordinance is required on all four road
frontages at the time of development.
PUBLIC SERVICES
9. Motion to approve the expenditure of $29,000 for the cost of asbestos removal prior to the
demolition of the existing maintenance buildings on airport property. Per Addendum 1 of
bid #20-244, if asbestos was discovered, the expense for the removal of the asbestos would be
added as a change order. (ITB-20-2-44) (Approved by Public Services Committee April 13
2021)
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
10. Motion to approve due to purchases on the individual purchase orders will exceed
$25,000.00 per order. The following annual bid items: Central Services Department – 21-006
Elevator Maintenance Agreement; Environmental Services Department – 21-129 Landscape
Maintenance Services; Utilities Department 20-011 Chemicals and 21-055A Chemicals;
Engineering Department 21-100 On-Call ITS Construction & Emergency Repair.
(Approved by Administrative Services Committee April 13, 2021)
11. Motion to approve a one year extension of the Augusta Fleet Maintenance contract for
2022 at a cost of $2,963,946.00 to First Vehicle Services. (REF-RFP 19-225) (Approved by
Administrative Services Committee April 13, 2021)
12. Motion to accept as information and approve moving forward with Phase 2 of the
Comprehensive Fleet Management Operations, Maintenance and Replacement Policy
(Approved by Administrative Services Committee April 13, 2021)
13. Motion to approve seven (7) Emergency Rehabilitation projects. (Approved by
Administrative Services Committee April 13, 2021)
14. Motion to approve Housing and Community Development Department’s (HCD’s)
request to provide HOME funding to assist one (1) low to moderate income homebuyer with
gap financing, down payment and closing cost to purchase a home through the Homebuyer
Subsidy Program. (Approved by Administrative Services committee April 13, 2021)
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15. Motion to approve new titles change for IT executive staff from Director and Deputy
Director to Chief Information Officer and Deputy Chief Information Officer. (Approved by
Administrative Services April 13, 2021)
16. Motion to authorize the Clerk of Commission Office to maintain control of and schedule
use of the following rooms in the Municipal Building: 1) The Commission Chambers 2)3)
Commission Executive Session Conference Room 293 4) Conference Room 292 and 5)
Conference Room 291. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee April 13, 2021)
17. Motion to accept as information the Investment Grade Audit Report and proceed with
Phase 2 of the process to enter into a Performance Contract with Trane, Inc – details and
financials to follow after procurement biding. (REF 18-164) (Approved by Administrative
Services Committee April 13, 2021)
FINANCE
18. Motion to approve authorizing the Administrator to organize a budget work session and
an American Rescue Plan work session for the Commission in May. (Approved by Finance
Committee April 13, 2021)
ENGINEERING SERVICES
19. Motion to approve transfer of ownership from Advanced Disposal Services Augusta,
LLC to Waste Management, Inc. and to authorize the Mayor to execute a Consent to Change
in Control (Approved by Engineering Services April 13, 2021)
20. Motion to approve professional services contract with WK Dickson for Phase 3 Design of
the Camp Hancock Sewer Basin Outfall Infrastructure Rehabilitation Plan
recommendations in the amount of $280,000.00. (Approved by Engineering Services April
13, 2021)
21. Motion to approve award of Bid Item #21-137 to Blair Construction, Inc. to construct the
Fort Gordon Cyber CoE Campus Utilities Project D2 (MCA-2) under the Task Order
Program RFQ #18-263 in the amount of $470,414.00. (Approved by Engineering Services
April 13, 2021)
22. Motion to determine that Crescent Drive as shown on the attached map has ceased to be
used by the public to the extent that no substantial public purpose is served by it or that its
removal from the county road system is otherwise in the best public interest, pursuant to
O.C.G.A. §32-7-2, with the abandoned property to be quit-claimed to the appropriate
party(ies), as provided by law and an easement to be retained over the entire abandoned
portion for existing or future utilities as directed by Augusta Engineering Department and
Augusta Utilities Department. (Approved by Engineering Services April 12, 2021)
23. Motion to determine that the Alley East of Heard Avenue and South of Central Avenue,
as shown on the attached map has ceased to be used by the public to the extent that no
substantial public purpose is served by it or that its removal from the county road system is
otherwise in the best public interest, and to receive as information the results of the public
hearing held regarding the issue of abandonment pursuant to O.C.G.A. §32-7-2, with the
abandoned property to be quit-claimed to the appropriate party(ies), as provided by law and
an easement to be retained over the entire abandoned portion for existing or future utilities
as directed by Augusta Engineering Department and adopt the attached Resolution.
(Approved by Engineering Services April 13, 2021)
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24. Motion to approve and provide funding for emergency repair to the main Storm Drain
System and the Main Sewage Line serving the Fairwoods Subdivision at Nance Blvd.
(Approved by Engineering Services Committee April 13, 2021)
25. Motion to approve the installation of fully functional Traffic Signal Lights at the
following intersections: 1) Tobacco Road/Talbot Ave and Windsor Spring Rd/Inverness Dr.
(Approved by Engineering Services April 13, 2021)
PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
26. Motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Commission held on April
1, 2021 and Special Called Meeting held April 13, 2021)
APPOINTMENT(S)
27. Motion to approve the appointment of Mr. Tony Williamson to the Housing &
Community Development Citizens Advisory Board representing District 2.
28. Motion to approve the appointment of Mr. Kenneth cone to the Augusta Port Authority
representing District 3.
29. Motion to appoint Dr. Marquez Hall – ARC Historic Preservation Commission, Mr.
Wendell Morgan – Animal Control Board and reappoint Mr. J.R. Riles to the Augusta
Personnel Board representing District 9.
OTHER BUSINESS
30. Motion to approve Alcohol Ordinance: request approval of amendments to the Augusta,
Georgia Code, Title 6, chapter 2, Article 1, Alcoholic Beverages, to include licensing
requirements and definitions for Indoor amusement and Recreational Gaming as a business
type that is eligible for an Incidental Alcohol License. (Approved by Commission April 1,
2021 – second reading)
PLANNING
34. Motion to accept CJCC FY21 Supplemental Grant award in the amount of $20,316. This
is a supplemental grant award to the already approved CJCC FY21 Grant for Accountability
Court.
35. Motion to approve assigning the honorary road name of Rev. Clyde Hill Way to Chestnut
Street. (Deferred from Public Safety Committee April 13, 2021 meeting)
ENGINEERING SERVICES
39. As requested by the Commission on March 16, 2021, status on submittal of 1947 Eagle
Way to 1568 Broad Street Facility Phase 2 relocation improvements construction plan and
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funding source(s) by April 13 to Augusta Commission for Phase 2 Improvements final
approval. (Requested by Commission Brandon Garrett)
The Clerk: Mr. Clarke.
Mr. Clarke: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Frantom.
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Mr. Frantom: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Garrett.
Mr. Garrett: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Hasan.
Mr. Hasan: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Johnson.
Mr. Johnson: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Ms. McKnight.
Ms. McKnight. Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Ms. Scott.
Ms. Scott: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Sias.
Mr. Sias: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Bobby Williams.
Mr. B. Williams: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Dennis Williams.
Mr. D. Williams: Yes, ma’am.
Motion Passes 10-0. \[Items 1-7, 9-30, 34, 35, 39\]
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Where do you want to go, Ms. Bonner? Do you want to go back to
---
The Clerk: The Delegations, sir, since we have ---
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: --- yes, ma’am. Let’s start with A, we’ll start with A.
The Clerk: --- (inaudible) okay.
The Clerk:
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DELEGATIONS
A. Mr. Robert W. Lee regarding support from Mayor Davis to musical message of hope.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Is he here?
The Clerk: He should be in the public space.
Ms. McFarley: He’s on his way up.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, do we still need Mr. Sherman in here?
The Clerk: He’s okay. We’ll be (inaudible) shortly to the Planning Office.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Gotcha. Good afternoon, Mr. Lee, how are you doing?
Mr. Lee: Good afternoon, how are ya’ll doing?
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Great, great, you have five minutes, Mr. Lee. You need to state his
name and address, Ms. Bonner?
The Clerk: Yes, please.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: State your name and address, sir.
Mr. Lee: Robert Lee of Augusta, GA 2216 Grand Boulevard. Yes, I’m going to try to use
the five minutes very productive. I was listening to (unintelligible) about the pandemic and have
prayed to ask the Lord to give me something that I can do to hopefully help others (unintelligible).
So he gave me a song and I wanted to hopefully where ya’ll could hear it from me and give me
your opinion where it could be something to help people in this pandemic to get their shots.
Mr. Mayor: Are you all right, Mr. Lee?
Mr. Lee: I’m saying in the style of James Brown and I’m singing in his style I hope ya’ll
enjoy this.
The Clerk: Are you having audio trouble, Mr. Brown, I mean, Mr. Mayor Pro Tem, would
you like to give Mr. Lee an opportunity to be, and then he can come after the other delegations?
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Sure, sure.
The Clerk: Okay, Mr. Lee, if you could step out and allow the next delegation and we will
call you when your audio is on again.
The Clerk:
14
DELEGATIONS
B. Ms. Deloris OpapeJo regarding Black Lives Matters Movement.
Ms. OpapeJo: Good afternoon ---
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Good morning ---
Ms. OpapeJo: --- in 1982 ---
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: --- hang on a second, ma’am ---
Ms. OpapeJo: --- oh, I’m sorry.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: --- I need you to say your name and your address then you have five
minutes.
Ms. OpapeJo: My address is 101 East Walker Street, Augusta, GA. my name is (inaudible)
OpapeJo.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, go ahead, you have five minutes.
Ms. OpapeJo: In 1982 when the Black Panthers came to (inaudible) organizations thought
that some black people would become a racial problem for the future so they poured in some
money by creating a movement that would be called the Black Lives Movement to literally detour
some black people off their course of successful achievement opportunities, no schools, no
education, no jobs. These organizations came from over the water different nationalities as
children. Their parents taught them that black people were bad, white people (inaudible) so they
went on and were easily to be brought down. The white man and the black man has been brought
down by various organizations. That’s why they keep the black man down talking about Jim Crow
(unintelligible). Their agenda is to demolish, destroy, tear down, burn down, ready to come back
to fight because they oppose the freedom, the liberty, the quality of rights of the United States.
These groups down the street, around the corner, down by the clubs, at the restaurants waiting,
standing by on call for the next riot. I can’t call no police because we have to be imagine the police
when they take my last five dollars out of my pocket. Let’s get the record straight. The black
Indians were here first in the United States after Noah’s Ark. The great turmoil, the disturbance,
th
the smaller they came and relocated to the United States of America around the 19 Century. The
Spanish arrived in America around 1440. Mexico came out of (unintelligible). The white man did
not take America from the Spanish, Mesopotamia (unintelligible). I’m concerned about the great-
great grandchildren of our future. We are being outnumbered. God called the white man and the
black man to work together however you lost your way. Now look where we are. They dyed their
hair. You think they are white. They are not white (unintelligible). Thank you, ma’am.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Thank you Ma’am, any comments by anybody? Okay, thank you.
The Clerk:
15
DELEGATIONS
C. Dr. Rebecca G. Harper regarding Aiken Augusta Swim League Partnership and grant
awarded for swim lessons.
Dr. Harper: Good afternoon ---
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Hang on one second. I need you to state your name and address and
you have five minutes.
Dr. Harper: My name is Dr. Rebecca Harper and my address is 1040 Valley Green Drive,
Aiken, SC.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Good afternoon.
Dr. Harper: Good afternoon. Thank you for having me. I am the Board President of the
Aiken Augusta Swim League and our home pool is in Richmond County at the Augusta Aquatic
Center. In the past month we received funding from the Kisner Foundation for awarding swim
lessons to low-income children in this area. So it’s a small grant, it’s about $6200 dollars so we’re
looking forward to working with Richmond County and the residents to be able to offer this
service. Maurice McDowell has been instrumental in helping us at the Aquatic Center and we
know there’s a significant amount of potential for that facility. A lot of residents in this county
I’m not sure who know that facility’s there and as a swim club I don’t know that we do the best
job of working with residents in Richmond County. A significant number of our memberships
come from Columbia County and as you’ve noticed I don’t live in Georgia, I live in Aiken but we
use the facility. So several things that we’re looking forward to doing is to bring some new
(inaudible) to Augusta that will be housed at the Augusta Aquatic Center which would allow a
significant number of people from outside of this area from across the State of Georgia and even
possibly having people from the Southeast come here in Augusta that would help with tourism and
of course dollars coming into this area. We worked well with the current administration to improve
that facility. The Aiken Augusta Assembly helped secure a grant from the CSRA Community
Foundation for a brand new scoreboard a few years ago. We assisted in purchasing brand new
lane lines for the Aquatic Center and we also assisted in the purchase of eight new starting blocks
so we are very interested invested in that facility and what we can do as a non-profit to help
strengthen our relationship with Richmond County, make sure that we’re serving the residents of
this county and doing what we can do to help improve that facility. So in the coming weeks the
Board of Directors is going to be working with our program director as well as Mr. McDowell
about the next steps for securing children to come take part in these swim lessons which will be
free to them so we’re really excited about that because there are probably a lot of children who
might not have access and this is a great way to teach life-saving skills but also to help maybe
some students who haven’t thought about a possibility of swimming for athletics and the number
of opportunities there are for scholarships and such. The other portion of that Kisner grant is going
to allow us to do an education component so in my job that I get paid I’m an associate professor
of literacy at Augusta University and so as part of this grant there will be a type of education
component so either a tutoring component or a book club so that’s also going to be a part of this
particular grant that will be available for these students.
16
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: All right, thank you. Any questions from anyone? We’re good if
you’re good, thank you.
Dr. Harper: I’m good. Thank you.
The Clerk:
DELEGATIONS
D. Mr. Graylen Bell regarding application for Small Business Relief vs. PRP/EIOL.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Good afternoon, Mr. Bell ---
Mr. Bell: Good afternoon, how are you doing?
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: --- I need you to state your name and address and you have five
minutes after that.
Mr. Bell: Graylen Bell, I live at 3202 Woolridge Place, Hephzibah, GA.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: You have five minutes sir, yes, sir.
Mr. Bell: I currently went online to apply for the Small Business Payroll protection that
Richmond County was offering and it was asking entirely too much information. And I went on
the federal side and applied in 15 minutes with none of the stuff that was asked from the local side
and I was wondering why it was so hard to apply for this because I gave up. I didn’t want to go no
further along with me and a lot of other people that I know of who tried to apply for this thing. It
was asking for entirely too much information to keep our businesses afloat payroll wise. And it
was just, it was hard. I’ve been here about 30, about 20 years and my mission to other people to
help people with jobs but it keeps us afloat during the pandemic and stuff like that it’s been really
hard the applications process because it asks too much personal stuff. The EIM number I do have,
I’m licensed, I’ve got everything all my documents in order but this other paperwork was just
entirely impossible.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Gotcha. Anybody want to take a stab at that? Mr. Hasan.
Mr. Hasan: Thank you, sir. Mr. Bell, how you doing, sir?
Mr. Bell: Good, you?
Mr. Hasan: Yes, you mentioned a couple of things. You mentioned you had the EIM
number. I hate to ask you this but I’m going to ask you this so I can make a point if you don’t mind
so I’m going to apologize to you in advance if I insult you because actually it’s not my intention.
Do you have your tax returns from the last couple of years as well?
Mr. Bell: I do, everything’s in order.
17
Mr. Hasan: Okay, all right, sir. My next comment, Mayor Pro Tem, is to the Administrator.
Mr. Administrator, can you take a look at it just exactly what he said or if you’d like to speak to it
in terms of what the federal government is asking and what we’re asking you know. That’s always
been one of the Achilles heels and I do know we are to be applauded for trying to at least put some
real protection on the resources but not that we should make it so cumbersome that persons get
discombobulated with the actual information being asked for. So number one do you want to
speak to it as well as trying to take a look at that and see how we can make some adjustments.
Mr. Donald: Yeah, we can definitely take a look at it and see if there are other adjustments
but what we did with the program is the difference is you’ve got one step with us. Once you
complete our information it’s actually the same exact information that the feds require because our
money is 100% federal and it’s the questions that HUD requires us to ask. But what we do is we
ask them up front so that we can make sure there’s only 10 to 15-days before folks get the money
in their hands. And so what may be the issue is that we are asking it all up front and we’re not just
gathering the basic information and coming back to ask more questions later. But we can definitely
find out exactly what concerns he has because the personal information is exactly the same.
Mr. Hasan: Okay, can I do a follow up, Mr. Mayor Pro Tem?
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yes, go ahead, sir.
Mr. Hasan: Mr. Administrator ---
Mr. Bell: No, the information is not the same because I just (inaudible).
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, hold on a second ---
Mr. Hasan: --- (inaudible).
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: --- hold on a second, Mr. Hasan.
Mr. Hasan: Yes, Mr. Administrator ---
Mr. Donald: Yes, sir.
Mr. Hasan: --- talk to me about the steps again, this information, what happens from there?
Mr. Donald: That’s right so they would fill out the information online, we get the
information, vet it and then we follow up with the applicant to confirm all the information. From
there we actually begin processing their application and payments ---
Mr. Hasan: Okay.
Mr. Donald: --- we removed the evaluation steps and all of that. You literally go from
application to fund delivery.
18
Mr. Hasan: Okay, okay.
Mr. Donald: So that’s why we don’t ask secondary steps on the backend. We combined
it where they do all the work up front and then we’re delivering payment.
Mr. Hasan: Okay, okay all right, thank you.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: All right, anyone else? Can we, can I encourage Mr. Bell to give
someone your information and we have the Administrator give you a call and sit down and you
guys can look at the information, I think Natasha’s there, Ms. Bonner?
The Clerk: Yes, sir, she’s there. We have Mr. Bell’s information ---
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay.
The Clerk: --- his request to appear. We can forward that to Administration.
Mr. Donald: Please because Mr. Welcher is waiting right now to have a conversation so
we’re ready to go.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, okay thank you, Mr. Bell. They’ll get in touch with you and
get it solved.
Mr. Bell: Thank you very much.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yes, sir. All right, Ms. Bonner.
The Clerk: Our next Delegation is ‘E’ with a correction it’s Mr. Anaya S. Price.
DELEGATIONS
E. Ms. Anaya S. Price regarding small business funding and application process.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Hey sir, how are you doing?
Mr. Price: I’m doing quite well ---
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, would you give your name and address ---
Mr. Price: --- my name is ---
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: --- hang on ---
Mr. Price: --- Hepzibah, GA.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: --- okay good, you’ve got five minutes.
19
Mr. Price: I’m the owner of Transportation on Time. We are a small business for non-
emergency medical transportation company here in Augusta. What we do is we transport clients
to and from their appointments doctor appointments, day care (inaudible) and it’s all Medicaid
clients. Just so you know that I’ve been in business for almost three years and as you know when,
as we were moving rapidly moving forward but then of course COVID hit and we took a hard hit.
As you know hospitals shut down, people were doing telehealth, a lot of facilities shut down. I
had to downsize. We’re starting to move back, move forward however I took a hart hit and when
I first started I was able to receive EIB help as well as the PPP. Now what I’m hearing from you
guys you know especially with the gentleman who just spoke when you guys first came out with
the $5,000 grant. That grant was so difficult I even let my lawyer look at it and she was like are
you sure you want to do this. Now you guys just came out with a $7500 and it’s still made it more
difficult to be able to receive it. We need help. We need not to be holding us (inaudible) because
I have employees and I need more employees but I have a small business all to myself and not
only do I have to be the owner, be the manager I have to be the dispatcher and the driver myself.
What I’m asking from you guys is we need some relief and come off of some of the restrictions
on me.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: And I think the two of you coming forward today with pretty much
the same complaint we’ll take a look at that process. You’ve got to remember that this comes
down the Federal Government also but what I want you to do is give your name to Natasha also
and the Administrator will get in touch with somebody to try to help you get what you need, Hang
on a second. Commissioner Johnson.
Mr. Johnson: Thank you, Mayor Pro Tem. You know two people talking about the same
thing I can only imagine there are more people out here that’s having the same issue. So a couple
of things that I’d be interested in knowing is how many people have the same issue with asking,
filling out this application to get funded? But what I hope that we can do is and I’d like for them
to meet with the Administrator to figure something out but if there are multiple people having this
same issue the Administrator can’t meet with multiple people. So what I think we ought to do is
I would like to add something you know to this effect to the appropriate agenda for a committee
meeting so that we can get some information about you know exactly what this process looks like
and why it’s so difficult and maybe just you know just have a (inaudible) conversation to review
this process because these two gentlemen aren’t the first that I’ve heard speak to these issues. And
you know that’s just something again like I said it’s worth us having a conversation about
loosening these restrictions because if the money is there but folks aren’t able to get to it because
of how hard the process is what’s the point of allocating resources. So I would like to further this
conversation in committee but certainly we need to have a conversation about it.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Mr. Donald.
Mr. Donald: One, I would ask those two gentlemen to stay here on site. We’ve actually
got one of our team members coming. And we also provide this service that we’ll actually help
you fill out the application if you’re having trouble. And so we want those two gentlemen to stay
so that we can help them with it. I will tell you that we released the application process and
simplified it as much as the federal regulations allow so the information that we’re asking we have
to ask it we don’t have a way around that because, and I know you were not here yet, Commissioner
20
Johnson, but these are actually HUD funds. These are not the general Cares Act funds. Augusta
long before I started decided to use those funds to kind of fill some of the gaps and holes that we
had. The federal Cares Act fund we got permission to use the HUD version of those funds to
deliver this small business service. So the information that we received is required under their
program. And so because people had challenges when you mention the $5,000 he’s 100% on point
and accurate. It was like an act of God to be able to go through that process. The $7,500 we
expanded it because small businesses just weren’t getting enough money but unfortunately the
questions and things that are being asked they have to be and what we did was remove every other
requirement. All they have to do is fill out the paperwork and as long as that information is correct
and accurate and they meet those thresholds, they get a check. And so what we’re trying to do is
give that concierge service so if these two gentlemen stay where they are, we’ll make sure that
they get their issue rectified today. And for the general public I would challenge, call on HCD
because we actually have brought on staff that is specifically there to help them fill out their
application but, yes, sir, we’ll make sure we’re ready (inaudible).
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Go ahead, sir.
Mr. Price: (inaudible). Now the restriction that you have on it because even though my
business has took a bad hurt, I did the previous year I made just barely a little bit more, more than
what I did that previous year. So with that that automatically knocked me out of being able to
apply for that loan but really I took a major hit last year. I think I made basically what it was said
because I made like $2,000 more, two or three thousand dollars more than I did the previous year.
I was disqualified from it but I still have had a very bad year.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: All right, well, somebody’s coming to help you and they can answer
those questions probably a little bit better than we can so he said stay in the area where you are
and somebody’s going to help you out.
Mr. Donald: Commissioner ---
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yes, sir, Mr. Donald, yes, sir.
Mr. Donald: --- you need to make a point on that so the Commission understands now if
you did not experience a loss because of the pandemic so if he actually profited more during the
pandemic there may not be relief because in that instance your business didn’t lose money. So if
that’s the issue and the challenge, our program (inaudible).
Mr. Price: (Inaudible) I was hurting, I mean I don’t I really don’t call it that I really
(inaudible) a profit but still my business suffered.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay ---
Mr. Price: I still hurt but I mean --
21
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Sir, we understand. We’ve got people coming who can help you but
we’ve got to move this agenda along because we’ve got one more delegation but somebody’s
coming to help you, sir.
Mr. Price: All right.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Thank you. Ms. Bonner, are we going back to Mr. Lee?
The Clerk: Ms. McFarley, is Mr. Lee in a good place to make his presentation? I think
he’s coming on, well, I guess ---
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Is he coming?
The Clerk: --- Ms. McFarley, is he in the Chamber?
Mr. Lee: (Inaudible) I’m sorry about earlier. This is about the pandemic (unintelligible).
The Clerk: All right, Mr. Lee, okay, Mr. Mayor Pro Tem, do you want to proceed with the
agenda, sir?
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: That’s the end of our Delegations. The next item will be Item Number 8.
The Clerk:
PUBLIC SERVICES
8. Motion to approve the intent of the Administrator’s recommendation to purchase three
sculptures with funding of $100,000 from the current 2020 capital outlay budget and to do
this every two years with the next funding in the year 2023 and again in 2025 with
reevaluation in the year 2027 to support the continuation of the sculpture trail. (Approved
by Public Services Committee April 13, 2021)
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Commissioner Hasan.
Mr. Hasan: Thank you, sir. As I expressed at the committee cycle I still have concerns
about it even I think my colleague Commissioner Frantom and the Mayor as well made
mention that there’s some progress being made around the Gateway statues. As well as that
but still I’d like to see them come in and do a presentation of something around exactly where
we are. So I’d like to make a motion to bring this item back to the committee cycle in 90-
days with an update on the Gateway statues.
Ms. McKnight: Second.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: All right, we’ve got a motion and a second, Ms. Bonner.
22
The Clerk: Was that Mr. Frantom? Who seconded that I’m sorry? Ms. McKnight okay,
Mr. Clarke.
Mr. Clarke: Yes, ma’am.
Mr. Frantom: May I speak?
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Hang on a second, Mr. Frantom, go ahead.
Mr. Frantom: Thank you and I appreciate Mr. Hasan bringing it up and I’m not going to
disagree with the whole Gateway but this is a different funding than the Gateway. I mean we
talked about possibly not supporting the Gateway and coming back and maybe putting additional
funds from the Gateway elsewhere and I’m willing to have that conversation, absolutely. But this
is about supporting ongoing public art within the operational aspect of things and the sculptures
that within two years we know that they’re either going to be taken up or purchased. So I mean I
agree that we need an update on Gateway but like I think its two different conversations is my
point. I’m not real sure why we would want to stop one conversation without you know because
the Gateway, like I said the Gateway and the funding of the sculptures, the Gateway I’m totally
with you on that like let’s have a conversation and stop, pump the brakes let’s see maybe we do
need to reassess and move funds over. But the funding of the SPLOST which you can’t move
those funds out of there anyway which is voted on by the people is the bucket of money that you’re
talking about which I’m willing to have that conversation. So I think like I’m just confused on
why we want to pump the brakes on one when it doesn’t affect from a funding standpoint that
allocation that we already have.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Mr. Clarke.
Mr. Clarke: Thank you, Mr. Pro Tem. I think and you know I agree with Commissioner
Frantom but I think but a lot of concerns that I’ve heard and we just need a clarification from the
Administrator I believe is that it’s not going to be $100,000 per year. It’s $100,000 for the total
on the sculptures about the art, the sculpture trail. So it’s not a $100,000 per year. It’s $100,000
total during that time span, is that not correct?
Mr. Hasan: Every other year.
Mr. Clarke: Pardon me?
Ms. McKnight: Every other year.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Hang on a second, Mr. Donald.
Mr. Donald: He’s right. It’s the first allocation for these three sculptures is up to $100,000
and it would last through 2023 and then you would have the option of allocating again in ‘25 and
again in ’27 sot that’s correct. It’s a $100,000 that would cover that two-year period.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, okay, Mr. Hasan.
23
Mr. Hasan: Yes, sir. Let me, I think I make it plain I think my colleague when they’re
addressing I think they’re running together. I’m very clear it’s not the same thing. My concern is
that you have ready the $700 to $800,000 dollars at this point for Gateway statutes and we can’t
seem to get that running, I’m reluctant to give additional money to try to do some other things
statues of the same thing even though they may be on the trail. I think it amounts to the same and
you can’t seem to get traction with that. And that’s why I say really by being a SPLOST project I
don’t think I’m not even asking at this point I think I have suggested it so let me retract that part
of it. But I think you might be in SPLOST money if you chose to because it's still statues in nature,
you’re just moving the location so I think you could still do that. So all I’m asking them to do is
hey, I don’t see the need to give up additional money statues (unintelligible) they had this money
almost a couple of years now. And so that’s all I’m saying.
Give us any update and I won’t give you more money you’re not managing that what you’re
responsible for currently, that’s my whole thing ---
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Gotcha, any other discussion ---
Mr. Hasan: --- that’s two different (inaudible).
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: --- okay, any other discussion, any other discussion? All right, let’s
vote on it, Ms. Bonner.
The Clerk: Continuing the vote, Mr. Frantom.
Mr. Frantom: Yes.
The Clerk: Mr. Garrett.
Mr. Garrett: Yes, mMa’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Hasan.
Mr. Hasan: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Johnson.
Mr. Johnson: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Ms. McKnight.
Ms. McKnight: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Ms. Scott.
Ms. Scott: Yes, ma’am.
24
The Clerk: Mr. Sias.
Mr. Sias: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Bobby Williams.
Mr. B. Williams: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Dennis Williams.
Mr. D. Williams: Yes, ma’am.
Motion Passes 10-0.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: All right, what do we have next, Ms. Bonner?
The Clerk:
ENGINEERING SERVICES
24. Motion to approve and provide funding for emergency repair to the main Storm Drain
System and the Main Sewage Line serving the Fairwoods Subdivision at Nance Blvd.
(Approved by Engineering Services Committee April 13, 2021)
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Commissioner Sias.
Mr. Sias: Yes, Mayor Pro Tem. I would like to hear from Dr. Malik. And the purpose of
this is just to Dr. Malik had sent out some additional information and I just want to make sure that
we have all our proper funding lined up with these projects, so I’d like to hear from him please,
sir.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Is he in the room?
Mr. Lewis: He’s coming in.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Dr. Malik ---
Dr. Malik: Yes, sir ---
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: --- did you hear the question?
Dr. Malik: --- yes, sir, repair our storm line. It’s spilling all over the place. It’s old metal
pipes, what you call CMP. It runs between the property lines and has multiple sink holes. We
walked the area with Commissioner Sias and it does warrant immediate attention and replacement.
It’s around well under 1500 linear feet, 72-inch pipe. So the funding which we propose and I had
a discussion with the Finance Director that a $25-million dollar from SPLOST 7 allocated to the
stormwater what we call drainage and grading funding for .13 around that number has been
25
released so (unintelligible) leave the remaining balance of about $25 million and we can use
towards this effort maybe some other similar.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Commissioner Sias.
Mr. Sias: Yes ---
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Go ahead, go ahead.
Mr. Sias: --- I think Dr. Malik has stated the case. I just wanted to be sure that our motion
gives Dr. Malik exactly what he’s asking for. Just to be clear I see the caption, Dr. Malik, is that,
does that give us exactly what we want? Can we say approve this as is?
Dr. Malik: Yes, sir, this will give us the needed funds to complete the project.
Mr. Garrett: Motion to approve.
Mr. Sias: Second, thank you there, Number 8.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: We got a motion and a second, Ms. Bonner.
The Clerk: Okay, Mr. Sias, would 25, could that be a companion item once you get your
confirming information with this vote?
Mr. Sias: It could be, Ms. Bonner, Mayor Pro Tem, it depends on what the Mayor Pro Tem
wants.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: I would like that.
The Clerk: Okay Item 25 just for the record, is to approve the installation of fully
functional Traffic Signal Lights at the following intersection: 1) Tobacco Road/Talbot Ave
and Windsor Spring Rd/Inverness Dr. (Approved by Engineering Services April 13, 2021)
Mr. Sias: May I, Mayor Pro Tem?
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yes, sir.
Mr. Sias: There’s one change that I want to do on Item 25, a request so if we could I
apologize for the inconvenience, could we go ahead and do #24 first?
The Clerk: Okay, all right, okay, Mr. Clarke.
Mr. Clarke: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Frantom.
26
Mr. Frantom: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Garrett.
Mr. Garrett: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Hasan.
Mr. Hasan: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Johnson.
Mr. Johnson: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Ms. McKnight.
Ms. McKnight: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Ms. Scott.
Ms. Scott: Yes Ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Sias.
Mr. Sias: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Bobby Williams.
Mr. B. Williams: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Dennis Williams.
Mr. D. Williams: Yes, ma’am.
Motion Passes 10-0.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: All right, back to you, Commissioner Sias.
Mr. Sias: Can the Clerk do 25, sir?
The Clerk: I’ve read it okay ---
Mr. Sias: All right, thank you.
The Clerk: --- whenever you’re ready.
27
Mr. Sias: Dr. Malik, I just, if I may, Mayor Pro Tem, two things I want to make sure we
have the funding but also I want the word ‘construction’ the word in construction to include the
actual installation of the traffic signals. Dr. Malik knows what he intends but he could be gone
next year so we want to ensure that construction means installation of the traffic signals
themselves. Can I hear from Dr. Malik, Mayor Pro Tem?
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yes, sir.
Dr. Malik: Commissioner, what was the question because I was not in the room in the
back (unintelligible)?
Mr. Sias: On Item 25 which is I think was #8 on the committee or nine or something but
just to ensure that, I want to make this motion that in construction means installation of the signal
light itself as well as the other construction things that has to be done particularly on Talbot
Avenue.
Dr. Malik: Yes, sir, the both at the both intersections include design and installation of
traffic signals. The first one you just mentioned one also includes some other improvements to
make it work. And just to add on there’s a development coming nearby and we tried to set up a
meeting with the developer Friday because he owns another large tract next to it. We want to
make sure that any new development is also taken into consideration that it does include
construction.
Mr. Sias: Mayor Pro Tem, I move that we approve this with construction also
meaning installation of the traffic signals themselves.
Mr. Garrett: Second.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: We’ve got a motion and a second, Ms. Bonner.
The Clerk: Yes, sir, Mr. Clarke.
Mr. Clarke: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Frantom.
Mr. Frantom: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Garrett.
Mr. Garrett: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Hasan.
Mr. Hasan: Yes, ma’am.
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The Clerk: Mr. Johnson.
Mr. Johnson: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Ms. McKnight.
Ms. McKnight: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Ms. Scott.
Ms. Scott: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Sias.
Mr. Sias: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Bobby Williams.
Mr. B. Williams: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Dennis Williams.
Mr. D. Williams: Yes.
Motion Passes 10-0.
Mr. Sias: Thank you.
The Clerk: Mr. Mayor Pro Tem, that carries us to our Regular Agenda.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Start with Item #31?
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yes, ma’am, that’s good.
The Clerk:
PLANNING
31. Z-21-21 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to
approve with the conditions below a petition by Yagya Midhi Puri requesting a change of
zoning from Zone R-1A (One-family Residential) To Zone R-3A (Multiple-family
Residential) affecting property containing 0.77 acres and known as 108 Skinner Road. Tax
Map 011-0-178-00-0 CONTINUED from March 1, 2021 meeting DISTRICT 7 1. The
proposed development shall substantially conform to the concept plan and elevations
submitted with the rezoning application. 2. Proposed buildings shall not exceed 1 story nor
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contain more that 6 total dwelling units. 3. Any parking or security lighting shall be directed
away from adjoining residential properties. 4. Install sidewalks along Skinner Road adjacent
to the property. 5. Must comply with all aspects of the Augusta Tree Ordinance. 6. This
project shall comply with all development standards and regulations set forth by the City of
Augusta, GA at the time of development.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, is that yours, Commissioner Frantom?
The Clerk: No, that’s Mr. Sherman.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, Mr. Sherman.
The Clerk: Is he in, Mr. Lewis?
Mr. Lewis: Who are we looking for?
The Clerk: Rob Sherman.
Mr. Lewis: Yes, he’s coming in.
The Clerk: Okay, Mr. Sherman, go ahead Item #31.
Mr. Sherman: Okay #31 is a, well, you read the agenda item so ---
The Clerk: I read part of it.
Mr. Sherman: --- okay, Skinner Road the intersection of Washington Road where Chic-
Fil-A is. The property in question is directly behind Chick-Fil-A. It’s .77 acres. They are asking
to rezone it to R-3A to put in apartments. This first went to the Planning Commission on March
st
1 and we do have objectors, they did set up a petition. At the Planning Commission meeting there
was discussion and the Planning Commission tabled it, asked the neighbors and the applicant to
th
meet, see if they could come to some agreement. On March 10 there was a ZOOM meeting and
the discussion it was a good discussion. The neighbors have objections because of the traffic and
the density. The traffic big issue is right at Washington Road with traffic coming in and out of
Chick-Fil-A. The application originally started with the request to rezone to multi-family for 16-
units, they then reduced it to 12-units. At the meeting with the neighbors, they agreed to reduce
the number of units to 6-units and where they were to be two-story, they will be one story. There
will be two buildings, three units each building is facing towards Skinner Road. The buildings
will be set, the front building will be set back in line with the house that’s beside it. And so the
Planning Commission the staff’s recommendation was to approve it and the Planning Commission
voted to approve it, so that’s the recommendation to you today.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Any discussion? Commissioner Frantom.
Mr. Frantom: Thank you, Mayor Pro Tem. Just want to let everybody know that most
everybody in the area was against it and most of it was based on the traffic aspect as well as just
30
the townhomes being in that area. They did obviously go down to one story in a six units. I won’t
be supporting it today but just letting everybody know that that everybody in that area was
definitely against it. I got lots of calls on this one as well, so just letting everybody know.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: I motion that we approve.
Mr. Sherman: Mr. Chairman, I believe ---
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yes, sir.
Mr. Sherman: --- I believe that there is a spokesperson for the neighbors in the public room
if you want to (inaudible).
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yes, sir and I just threw a motion out there because we’ve got to
move on one way or another but go ahead do we have somebody out there, Ms. Bonner?
The Clerk: Mr. Sherman has staff there to facilitate that process.
Ms. Speaker: Good afternoon, Commissioners ---
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yes, ma’am. State your name and address please.
Ms. Speaker: --- my name is Sarah Skinner (inaudible) and I live at 200 Skinner Road
approximately seven houses from where this particular complex is being proposed. I’m here to
speak on behalf of the Gardner Woods/Crystal Woods neighbors. We as a neighborhood are
unanimously opposed to the rezoning of the property at 108 Skinner Road and we have submitted
a petition signed by 40 of the homeowners in the surrounding neighborhood. We have seen or you
have seen photos or I assume you’ve seen the photos, I actually had a PowerPoint presentation that
you don’t seem to have, but you’ve seen photos of the existing house. There is a shopping center
across the street and the proposed apartments they did take them down to single units or a single
story but still have six units total along with 17 parking spaces, a dumpster area and a detention
pond. Let me tell you about the rest of the neighborhood because there are quite a few of us and
there are quite a few of us in this room today. Many of the residents in our neighborhood have
been there for forty-plus years and quite a few including myself and my husband are 3rd generation
living in our family home and in most areas it’s odd for children to move back to their childhood
homes but for us it’s quite (unintelligible). I purchased the home that my grandparents built in
1950 on land that they were gifted by my great grandfather and many of the kids that I grew up
with have also purchased their ancestorial home, ancestors’ home and we all are just wanting to
raise our family in a quiet tucked away neighborhood that we grew up in. There are many great
qualities about our neighborhood that make it unique but the most compelling aspect that brought
us back and the most important to us is the organically cultivated community feel that has and
flourished for over 80 years. Not only do we know the neighbors on either side of us and across
the street but we know the neighbors five houses down as well as the ones on the next block and
we believe that an apartment complex would destroy our beloved neighborhood. In the last year
and a half Chick-Fil-A has taken over our residential street by moving their main entrance to
Skinner Road and closing off their entrance from Washington Road causing many more accidents,
31
near head-on collisions and made it nearly impossible for residents to leave the neighborhood
without the fear of being hit. Adding an apartment complex immediately behind Chick-Fil-A
would only increase the likelihood of more severe accidents. Many of us like to walk the
neighborhood or ride bikes with our children and typically can be found outside in the yard to chat
with the neighbors. Our neighborhood has no sidewalks (inaudible) more traffic would put all of
us at an even greater risk. We ask that at a minimum prior to approval for rezoning a traffic study
be conducted at the intersection of Skinner Road and Washington Road. We as a neighborhood
believe that the rezoning of 108 Skinner Road from an R-1 to an R-3 multi-unit property on .77
acres is inappropriate for our well established and well-maintained neighborhood. Rezoning the
property will greatly diminish the values of our homes, drastically increase the already congested
traffic in our small neighborhood, cause an increase in noise and light pollution and will ultimately
cause a ripple effect of the properties being sold out to build more apartments. In fact the owner
of the house next door 110 Skinner Road has already reached out to the developer and offered to
sell his property for (unintelligible) which would end his issue but it would increase our issues.
Commissioners, I would like to ask you would you want an apartment complex at the entrance of
your neighborhood because we are asking you do not allow our neighborhood to have this property
rezoned.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Commissioner McKnight.
Ms. McKnight: Go ahead and say we make a motion to deny this.
Mr. Clarke: Second.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Hang on a second. Did I get a second, Ms. Bonner?
Mr. Clarke: Second.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, so we got a motion and a second to deny, is Ms. Bonner on?
The Clerk: I’m sorry, okay.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay ---
The Clerk: Are we voting?
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: --- we got a motion and a second to deny.
The Clerk: Yes, sir.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Hang on a second, hang on a second, Mr. Dennis Williams.
Mr. D. Williams: What was staff’s recommendation?
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: To approve.
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The Clerk: To approve.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, any other conversation? Any other conversation?
The Clerk: Um, Mr. Sherman ---
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Hang on a second, Mr. Sherman, we got Mr. Sherman, Mr. Sherman?
Mr. Sherman: Chairman, just to mention the applicant is also in the room.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, let’s give the applicant about three minutes, Ms. Bonner.
The Clerk: --- okay.
Mr. Gray: Hello, I’m Chris Gray, the developer B&B Commercial, 1350 W. Martintown
Road, North Augusta. I’m the developer, the owner is sitting in the audience. Can I go ahead?
The Clerk: Yes.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yes, sir, yes, sir.
Mr. Gray: I mean it’s hard to argue with everything that the lady said I mean very valid
concerns. All we wanted to do was really go in there a build some apartments. We scaled back
several times to try to appease the neighborhood, to try to get a win, win situation permit but like
I said the main thing is from our standpoint we purchased the land. We want to put some
apartments on it. We have been reached out by the neighbors I will concur with that they are
talking to us about purchasing their land to do apartments as well. So I mean really the facts are
in front of you and you know we’ve given it everything we’ve got so it’s left up in your hands.
You have a good one.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: All right, I think Commissioner Scott had her hand up first then we’ll
go to Mr. Hasan.
Ms. Scott: Yes, sir, Mayor Pro Tem. I wanted to ask Mr. Sherman, I think I heard that the
traffic study had not been done and before we vote on it could we get a traffic study done?
Mr. Sherman: Commissioner Scott, we did hear from, we discussed this with Mr. Ussery
the Traffic Engineer and he did not feel that a traffic study is needed because of the small, the few
number of cars, the few number of apartments and that it would not have an adverse impact on this
area. Now this is right behind Chick-Fil-A just for your information. We’ve been informed that
Chick-Fil-A is purchasing the property beside it, the Mi Rancho Restaurant which is between
Chick-Fil-A and Burger King. That building that restaurant will be demolished, Chick-Fil-A will
rebuild on that property. They will still have access off of Skinner Road and they will use the
traffic light at the, that is there right on Washington Road and across from the entrance to Westside
High School, Westside Drive. So there will be two entrances, there may be another entrance on
Washington Road Chick-Fil-A a right turn only. But they with what will be going on there and
33
the number of units that they’re proposing to put here, the traffic engineer didn’t feel a study was
necessary.
Ms. Scot: Thank you.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: All right, Commissioner Hasan, you’re muted, sir.
Mr. Hasan: Mr. Sherman ---
Mr. Sherman: Yes, sir.
Mr. Hasan: --- with all the this made about the purchase Chick-Fil-A purchase so what
you said that should lighten the traffic on that particular street or do you see that increasing the
traffic? I know what you said about Mr. Ussery not necessarily in terms of making the observation
about the purchase that Chick-Fil-A’s going to do, what impact does that do on the traffic that the
neighborhood is concerned about if any?
Mr. Sherman: Well, so all the traffic will be at the intersection of Skinner Road and
Washington Road and with the proposed layout and it was just a preliminary layout there will be
more cars using the entrance off of Skinner Road going into Chick-Fil-A if that layout occurs but
this development itself would not, the increase in traffic because of this development would not
affect the functioning of Skinner Road.
Mr. Hasan: I’d like to make a substitute motion, Mr. Chairman ---
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yes, sir.
Mr. Hasan: --- I’d like to make a motion to approve.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: I’ll second that. Any other discussion? Ms. Bonner, we have a
substitute motion to approve ---
Mr. Speaker: (Unintelligible)
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: --- hang on a second. Mr. Brown, Wayne Brown.
Mr. Brown: Yes, Mr. Mayor Pro Tem, given the size of the Commission and the formality
of these hearings it will be more appropriate for someone other than the sitting chair to make a
substitute motion ---
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Well, I take my ---
Mr. Brown: --- I mean for a second.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: --- second, well I take my second back, sir.
34
Mr. D. Williams: I second it.
Ms. Scott: Second.
The Clerk: We have Commissioner Dennis Williams first and Ms. Scott third, all right are
we ready to vote, sir?
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Okay, Mr. Clarke.
Mr. Clarke: No.
The Clerk: Mr. Frantom.
Mr. Frantom: No, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Garrett.
Mr. Garrett: No.
The Clerk: Mr. Hasan.
Mr. Hasan: Yes.
The Clerk: Mr. Johnson.
Mr. Johnson: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Ms. McKnight.
Ms. McKnight: No, ma’am.
The Clerk: Ms. Scott
Ms. Scot: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Sias, Mr. Sias, he’s out. Mr. Bobby Williams.
Mr. B. Williams: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Dennis Williams.
Mr. D. Williams: Yes, ma’am.
Mr. Sias out.
35
Motion Fails 5-4.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, we’ve got a motion to deny.
The Clerk: To deny, Ms. McKnight and Mr. Clarke. Mr. Clarke:
Mr. Clarke: Yes.
The Clerk: Mr. Frantom.
Mr. Frantom: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Garrett.
Mr. Garrett: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Hasan.
Mr. Hasan: No, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Johnson.
Mr. Johnson: No, ma’am.
The Clerk: Ms. McKnight.
Ms. McKnight: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Ms. Scott.
Ms. Scott: No, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Sias, Mr. Bobby Williams.
Mr. B. Williams: No, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Dennis Williams.
Mr. D. Williams: No.
Mr. Sias out.
Mr. Hasan, Mr. Johnson, Ms. Scott, Mr. Bobby Williams and Mr. Dennis Williams vote No.
Motion Fails 4-5.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: All right, we’re good with that, Ms. Bonner?
36
The Clerk: Yes, sir.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Let’s move on to 32.
The Clerk:
PLANNING
32. Z-21-24 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to
approve with the conditions below a petition by James Trotter, on behalf of Purko Builders,
Inc., requesting a change of zoning from Zone R-1A (One-family Residential) to Zone R-1E
(One-family Residential) affecting property containing approximately 4 acres and known as
3055 and 3061 Dennis Road. Tax Map 007-1-006-00-0 and 006-0-039-00-0 DISTRICT 7 1.
The proposed development shall substantially conform to the concept plan submitted with
the rezoning applications. 2. Conduct a traffic study to assess whether
acceleration/deceleration lanes are needed. 3. Provide sidewalks along at least on side of all
internal street and meet all standards of the Augusta Traffic Engineering Department,
including handicap access, where required. 4. Adequate off-street parking must be provided
for this development. Based on the plan, a minimum of 6 additional paved spaces are
required. 5. Alice Lane to be improved from the intersection to the end of Lot 17. If the total
distance of internal street is longer than 150 feet there must be an approved turn-around
area for fire apparatus. 6. Shift the lot lines of Lots 20-22 so that Lot 20 meets the minimum
front setback requirements. 7. A Stormwater Management Plan is required at the time of
Site Plan submittal. 8. Review of any future Site Plan be jointly conducted with the Columbia
County, since there is a high likelihood that water and sewer will have to come from
Columbia County and stormwater outfall flows into Columbia County. 9. The project shall
comply with all development standards and regulations set forth by the City of Augusta, GA
at the time of development, including but not limited to the Augusta Tree Ordinance.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Mr. Frantom or should we go to Mr. Sherman first, Ms. Bonner?
The Clerk: Mr. Sherman, Mr. Sherman.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, we go to Mr. Sherman and then we’ll go to Mr. Frantom.
Mr. Sherman: Mr. Chairman, Commissioners the property in question is on Dennis Road.
Dennis Road intersects Stevens Creek Road. Dennis Road is a narrow road that goes back to
another townhome development and then two single-family subdivisions. The property in question
is 4.20 acres. There is a request to rezone it to R-1E single-family residential to allow for 22
townhomes to be built on it. Now I’ll take you back to 2019. This was before you, there was a
request again to rezone the 4.2 acres to R-3A multiple family to put 40 apartments on it. That was
denied and so the applicant has come back with a scaled down project that will be very similar to
the adjoining project, the adjoining property that is zoned again R-3B and with townhomes on it.
The densities are very similar. Actually the density on this project is slightly less when you look
at the density of the adjoining property when you consider only the property it’s built on. There
are six additional acres on the adjoining property that probably will not be developed because of
the topography. So the densities are very similar and they’ve reduced the number of units and
37
these will be fee simple. We have heard from the neighbors, and we have a petition and I believe
the application as well as the spokesperson for the objectors are in the public room.
The Clerk: You have someone in the public room to facilitate, Mr. Sherman?
Mr. Sherman: Yes, Ms. Bonner.
The Clerk: Okay.
Ms. Schmidt: Who would you like to hear from first?
Mr. Sherman: If we could hear from the applicant, Lois.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Sir, your name and your address please.
Mr. Trotter: Thank you, Mr. Mayor Pro Tem. my name is James Trotter, my address is
3527 Walton Way in Augusta. I’m here on behalf of Pete Purko and Purko Builders. The project
as many of you may be aware was before you in the fall of 2019. At the time Mr. Purko was
seeking an apartment development with approximate 40 units which came out to 10 units an acre.
That project as you understand the history was approved at the time by the Planning Commission
but rejected by the full Commission. Purko and I have been back to the drawing board, worked
with the Planning Department and we have come forward now with a petition or plan for a fee
simple townhome units instead, a total of 22 townhomes that result in a density of just 5 ½ under
5 ½ units an acre, it results in open space of 39% when only 25% is required. Mr. Sherman made
reference to the densities in the area. The townhomes of Mayo are a higher density than what
we’re seeking. The O’Shields Court residents next door is a 7.2 unit per acre R-1C development.
Most importantly the Planning staff recommended approval with this revised plan. The Planning
Commission voted to approve this revised plan. I certainly understand the residents that are
concerned about Dennis Road. I know that the improvements on Dennis Road are a priority for
Commissioner Frantom and for the whole Commission and my understanding is that they are a
priority on the next round of SPLOST as well for improvements. We had our own traffic study
done in 2019 when we were proposing a 40-unit apartment development and the study at that time
acknowledged that Dennis Road had its challenges but that the units would not change the level
of service on Dennis Road. So many the opponents that we worked with we’ve continually tried
to talk to them. I understand their concern about this piece of property being developed whatsoever
but 18 months ago when we were here and they were opposed to apartments they said that they
could support fee simple townhomes. Here we are with a fee simple townhome plan half the
density and something that we believe would be outstanding for that area. I’ll certainly stand
around to answer any questions that may come up, thank you.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: So we have any objectors, Mr. Sherman?
Mr. Sherman: Yes, sir, I believe the, there’s a spokesperson in the public room.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay.
38
Mr. Brown: Good afternoon. My name Wesley Brown. My address is 3049 Dennis Road,
Augusta, GA and I’m here today to speak on behalf of the Dennis Road Community. As a
community we strongly oppose the request submitted by Purko Builders to rezone four acres of
land to build a townhome community that would include 22 units. I know this because my fellow
neighbors and I have directly been told this by the residents who live in the Dennis Road
community. We’ve gone door to door, we’ve spoken to the neighborhood associations, we have
sent text messages and emails and made phone calls. The community members said they all
oppose the development and they signed a neighborhood petition opposing the request. Today the
neighborhood petition has 135 signatures from residents who live in the area including the Hunter
Ridge, Magnolia Ridge, Riverstone, Stone Creek and West Hill neighborhoods. A petition was
submitted to the Clerk of Commission for your review. The following key issues are the main
reasons why the Dennis Road community opposes the rezoning request. Although the current state
of Dennis Road is a major concern it is not the only or primary concern. Again it is not the only
concern. One primary concern is as proposed unlike what has been said the density of the new
townhome community would be the highest in the Dennis Road community. The new townhome
development proposed by Purko Builders would have a density of 5.47 acres per unit. That’s
according to the Augusta Planning Commission’s staff report. The actual density from that same
report which is directly west of the land Purko Builders wants to rezone has a density of 4.52 units
per acre. Magnolia Ridge which is O’Shields Court which Mr. Trotter referenced is directly east
of the land Purko wants to rezone. It has density of fewer than three units per acre and that’s
according to Richmond County GIS data. While we are opposed to the entire proposed
development, we ask that if rezoning is approved the county would require Purko Builders to
eliminate, if you’re looking at your drawing Units 17, 18 and 19 from this proposed plan bringing
the density down to 4.73 units per acre. That’s still about Mayo Townhomes but it would allow
the community to be self-contained off the frontage of Dennis Road behind my property. And we
offered this same compromise to Mr. Trotter and Purko Builders and they did not seem interested.
In our opinion the proposed rezoning is inconsistent with the city’s 2035 Comprehensive Plan
Envision Augusta. The vision for west Augusta is outlined in the Comprehensive Plan to “promote
limited development of the remaining vacant tracts while preserving the single-family residential
character that is predominant in the area”. The Dennis Road area of west Augusta is considered
to be low density subdivisions characterized by more than 300 single family homes. We along
with many others who live adjacent to this property purchased our homes under the knowledge
that the property was zoned R1-A and under the assumption that single family homes would be
built on this land. Thank you for hearing our concerns. We respectfully ask that the Commission
reject this rezoning request. Thank you.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, Commissioner Frantom hang on a second. Commissioner
Frantom, I believe Commissioner Dennis Williams had his hand up and then we’ll go to
Commissioner Sias, go ahead ---
Mr. Frantom: Thank you, Mayor Pro Tem ---
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: --- in that order.
Mr. Frantom: --- okay. First thank you for all the presentations. This is a major issue in
District 7. For those on the Commission or anyone in the community that’s never been on Dennis
39
Road it’s a very dangerous road. It’s had fatalities on that road in the past. It’s a road where we
continually have to maintain whether it’s crush and run or whether, it’s like a single road car road.
And it’s very concerning that this project if approved the additional traffic that would come on it,
number one. Four years ago I went to Columbia County and asked them to get their buses off of
Dennis Road because I continue to get complaints about cars coming down the Dennis Road curve
there with buses who Columbia County runs two buses through there each day. And basically
they told me you know they never gave me a solution or didn’t really care to hear it I guess but
you know until we get number one the Columbia County bus off Dennis Road where they could
go Mitchell Street, Angela Street, Parker Street around with their buses. And the fact that you
know and I appreciate Commissioner Sias who’s always supported Dennis Road since I’ve been
on the Commission I think we got the TIA funding on there as well. This road is a $7 million
dollar fix and that shows you how much of a problem this road is and I think as Commissioners
and we talked about the density and all that’s been talked but I think sometimes as Commissioners
we have to put the health and safety of our citizens above a development. We obviously want to
support development but, in this case until we get the buses off the road, until we fix this road
where the traffic and things, I mean on my conscience I would never support this because of that
if something tragically happens on that road and I approve something like this I wouldn’t be able
to like think that why did we approve something like this when we didn’t fix the road before. And
I know we’re still a few years away from approving this road. I will tell people, everybody thinks
that Stevens Creek is going to get widening and we’re going to have some new things, Stevens
Creek is not widening. That’s off the table, it’s not even going to happen. There is a Dollar Tree
going in at the corner there, again it’s going to create more traffic. I’m not talking about that piece
when it comes to this project. I’m more talking about the fact that when come into that curve if
you’ve never been on it and how dangerous it is and the fact that cars have to go the side when a
bus or a car comes down it, I just can’t in conscience support something that would increase that
aspect of travel. I mean obviously we talked about the density of the properties that were
mentioned as well as the fact that the community unanimously supported it against it all the way
around. So I would like to make a motion to deny this project on Dennis Road today. Thank
you.
Mr. Clarke: Second.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: All right, we’ve got a motion and a second but we still have other
discussion, Mr. Dennis Williams ---
Mr. D. Williams: Yeah ---
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: --- you good?
Mr. D. Williams: --- yeah.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: All right, Commission Sias.
Mr. Sias: Thank you, Mayor Pro Tem. A couple things I want to say. I heard Mr. Trotter
mention about the next round of SPLOST which technically be SPLOST 9. We have as my
th
colleague from the 7 mentioned we have funding in TIA which actually I believe it begins next
40
year and Dennis Road has been put as a priority on the TIA and it could even be moved up even
higher than that. It would depend on how my colleagues would like to address that so it was a
serious consideration; we know the road is dangerous. I support development as well but as before
I still have a concern about the liability of Dennis Road. I know Mr. Trotter said it was 18-months
ago but if we do this right, we can go ahead and actually move up the issue with Dennis Road and
get it done much, much earlier and I believe we could actually start on it next year so it depends
on what our Engineering Department and the Administrator can give us a recommendation. So
with that being said I’m very concerned about Dennis Road and adding anything else to it. Thank
you, Mayor Pro Tem.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Any other discussion? Commissioner Hasan.
Mr. Hasan: Yes, sir, yes, sir. A couple of things and I listened to my colleague
Commissioner Frantom in particular it is scary to hear him say about traffic and what you have to
do. And I’m not doubting that Commissioner Frantom is saying it. My question is why would
Traffic Engineering and they’re waiting on approving this project if they’re having that type of
congestion. Now I’m separating that from the need to do something to the road because I’ve been
a part of that conversation as well. But currently as we speak the question for me becomes how
does traffic engineer said this project is okay and they weighed in on it. I mean somebody, is Dr.
Malik or Mr. Ussery here, Mr. Administrator, to answer that part of it? That has nothing to do
with road repairs now. I’m talking about just the traffic because there’s, and define (unintelligible)
as it is he’s speaking with the work to be done. Talk to me, Doc.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Hang on a second ---
Mr. Donald: He’s here.
Mr. Hasan: Okay ---
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: --- you want to go to Dr. Malik?
Mr. Hasan: --- yes sir, Dr. Malik, yes.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: All right, Dr. Malik, go ahead.
Dr. Malik: Yes, sir. We interviewed this project and looked at what was proposed and
working with the developer and request a few changes and they did accommodate that.
Engineering Department final review of this development will not add anything new to the current
conditions. We have you know the primary issue is the width of the road as Commissioner
Frantom mentioned heavy traffic like school buses. When the bus is there you cannot pass. You
have pull it to the side so that condition will stay the way it is. From our point of view this 22
units is not going to add anything to the conditions we have. I do want to point out that the
Engineering Department did (unintelligible) this project so it is under concept. We did, we already
finished the survey, I have the concept layout. The city or Augusta does have a 60 foot right-of-
way already so no new right-of-way is needed. We just have to find the money to construct the
41
roads. I’m working towards you know finalizing and finish the design at least even before
(inaudible).
Mr. Hasan: Okay, I have one more question and that’s for Mr. Trotter, if you don’t mind
if he’s still in ---
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yes, sir, yes, sir, yes, sir, yes, sir.
Mr. Hasan: Mr. Trotter, how are you doing, sir?
Mr. Trotter: I’m great, Commissioner Hasan, how are you?
Mr. Hasan: Doing fantastic. Listen, I’m just asking and I’m not suggesting this all I’m
just trying I got an ask on the table. And ask on the table is the gentleman made mention I think
it was about I don’t know what you call it three apartments, three units there or what have you that
he asked. I do already realize that you all have downsized your project substantially but I just want
to speak to the part he said hey, we can possibly can live with these three units or three apartments
I don’t know. Can you speak to that for me please?
Mr. Trotter: Yes, sir I’ll be happy to. Actually the first plan we presented to the Planning
Department for review had 25 townhomes and had six units going up Alice Lane. What we learned
in the review process in Dr. Malik’s office and with Rob Sherman’s office was that if we built
townhomes further that 150 feet up Alice Lane that we had to have a firetruck turnaround at the
end of Alice Lane. That’s not feasible on this plan because we don’t, the client doesn’t own enough
land to build a firetruck turnaround therefore we took out three of the units to reduce it down to
twenty-two and so that we did not build more than 150 feet off Alice Lane off of Dennis Road.
That’s why those three units are where they are. We would love to build them further back away
from Mr. Brown’s house and build them further up Alice Lane if we could get released from the
firetruck turnaround but I believe and Dr. Malik can speak to this if the units are more than 150
feet off of Dennis Road then a firetruck turnaround is required and it’s just not feasible in this
development. I’ve been working with Mr. Brown and explained this to him. Like I said we’ve
reduced it from 25 to 22. We would love to push those last three units at the (inaudible) further
north up Alice Lane but it’s not feasible with that firetruck turnaround that’s required.
Mr. Hasan: Thank you, sir. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem, with our Planning and Zoning Department
weighing in (unintelligible) and our Engineering Department supporting thinking this is a feasible
project I’d like to make a substitute motion to approve.
Mr. D. Williams: (Unintelligible).
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: You what, Commissioner Williams?
Mr. D. Williams: I second.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, we’ve got a second, Ms. Bonner?
42
The Clerk: Yes, sir, I’m here.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: We’ve got a substitute motion to approve.
The Clerk: Okay, are you ready to vote, sir?
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Okay, substitute motion to approve Item #32, Mr. Clarke.
Mr. Clarke: No.
The Clerk: Mr. Frantom.
Mr. Frantom: No, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Garrett.
Mr. Garrett: No, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Hasan.
Mr. Hasan: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Johnson.
Mr. Johnson: No, ma’am.
The Clerk: Ms. McKnight.
Ms. McKnight: No, ma’am.
The Clerk: Ms. Scott.
Ms. Scott: Yes.
The Clerk: Mr. Sias.
Mr. Sias: No, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Bobby Williams.
Mr. B. Williams: No, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Dennis Williams.
43
Mr. D. Williams: Yes, ma’am.
Mr. Hasan, Ms. Scott and Mr. D. Williams vote Yes.
Motion Fails 3-7.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: All right, the original motion.
The Clerk: Okay.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yes, ma’am, sorry, go ahead.
The Clerk: The original motion for Item #32 is to deny Commissioner Frantom and
Commissioner Clarke. Ready to vote, sir?
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Clarke.
Mr. Clarke: Yes.
The Clerk: Mr. Frantom.
Mr. Frantom: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Garrett.
Mr. Garrett: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Hasan.
Mr. Hasan: No, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Johnson.
Mr. Johnson: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Ms. McKnight.
Ms. McKnight: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Ms. Scott.
Ms. Scott: No, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Sias.
44
Mr. Sias: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Bobby Williams.
Mr. B. Williams: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Dennis Williams.
Mr. D. Williams: Yes, ma’am.
Mr. Hasan and Ms. Scott vote No.
Motion Passes 8-2.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: All right, where are we going, Ms. Bonner.
The Clerk: That takes us to Item #33.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: All righty.
The Clerk:
PLANNING
33. Z-21-29 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to
deny a petition by Guru Darshan, LLC requesting a change of zoning from Zone A
(Agriculture) to Zone B-2 (General Business) affecting property containing approximately 1
acre and known as 2657 Tobacco Road. Tax Map 140-2-002-00-0 DISTRICT 4
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Mr. Sias.
Mr. Sias: Thank you, Mayor Pro Tem. Unfortunately this is another one of those
circumstances where the infrastructure is not in place to support a business, there’s no sewer, there
may be a concern with the water and certainly the traffic piece has not been fixed there. So and
with this event there’s also been a project where this has come up before and there’s been no
solution to the existing problems from the first time it came up. I move that we deny this request.
Mr. Hasan: Second.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Any other discussion?
The Clerk: Mr. Mayor Pro Tem, I’m sorry, it was muffled.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: It was Mr. Hasan. You had Mr. Sias and then Mr. Hasan.
The Clerk: Okay and that was to deny, thank you.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yes, ma’am.
45
The Clerk: Are you ready to vote, sir?
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Clarke.
Mr. Clarke: Yes.
The Clerk: Mr. Frantom.
Mr. Frantom: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Garrett.
Mr. Garrett: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Hasan.
Mr. Hasan: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Johnson.
Mr. Johnson: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Ms. McKnight.
Ms. McKnight: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Ms. Scott.
Ms. Scott: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Sias.
Mr. Sias: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Bobby Williams.
Mr. B. Williams: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Dennis Williams.
Mr. D. Williams: Yes, ma’am.
Motion Passes 10-0.
46
The Clerk:
PUBLIC SAFETY
36. Motion to approve the appointment of Chris Rockwell, EMS Chief, Augusta Fire
Department to the EMS/Ambulance Quality of Service Subcommittee. (Requested by
Commissioner Ben Hasan)
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Commissioner Clarke, you had an objection to it.
Mr. Hasan: Let me (unaudible)
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Hang on a second, Mr. Hasan, I’m coming to you. Go ahead, Mr.
Clarke.
Mr. Clarke: I just wanted to inquire when and how will we develop a EMS/Ambulance
Quality of Service Committee. How long has that been in existence?
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Mr. Hasan, I come to you, go ahead, Mr. Hasan, Mr. Hasan?
Mr. Hasan: Yes, sir ---
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Go ahead.
Mr. Hasan: That’s the committee that you’re on, Commissioner Clarke, that’s the name of
it.
Mr. Clarke: That’s the name of it?
Mr. Hasan: That’s the name of it but before what I wanted to, if there’s any objection, I’d
like to pull this from the agenda. There’s several of my colleagues that’s concerned about
appointing anybody else to that so I’d like to pull it from the committee without any objection.
Mr. Clarke: I appreciate you letting me know that had a name.
Mr. Sias: Move to delete.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: All right ---
Mr. Garrett: So moved.
The Clerk: Okay, no objections, okay.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: No objections Ms. Bonner ---
The Clerk: Okay.
47
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: --- 37.
The Clerk:
PUBLIC SAFETY
37. Discuss a request from the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) relative to the
inmate commissary and telephone call profits be returned to Sheriff’s Office for jail
maintenance and upkeep. (No recommendation from Public Safety Committee April 13,
2021)
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Mr. Hasan, I think you asked questions about it.
Mr. Hasan: Yeah, but what I think we did initially, I want to probably weigh in and I would
assume we turn this over to the Administrator and let him look into this.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Mr. Administrator?
Mr. Donald: Yes, sir, can you hear me, Commissioner ---
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yes, sir.
Mr. Donald: --- we actually had a pretty lively meeting with the Sheriff’s Office and I
think Sheriff Roundtree was putting that together. I think the request has a value of about a million
dollars in the General Fund and so there are some concerns that were expressed by Finance that I
also share. I would like to say that there are some maintenance needs that are at the Sheriff’s
Office and I believe that you know the same way that you know we’re fixing the roof over there
and providing additional maintenance service and being able to evaluate those needs I think we
can identify another funding source. But there is a concern about using this particular funding
source and I’ll explain it very, very quickly so I won’t talk about the maintenance needs because I
think we definitely need to provide any maintenance service that is needed at that facility. But this
funding source in particular in 2020 which was a pandemic year had a value of about $830,000.
The revenue sources for the Law Enforcement Fund which basically provides the funding over
there is about $62.6 million dollars. That’s paid almost exclusively through property and sales
taxes but we offset that cost with some of these minor revenues. In this instance we’ll just look at
this one that’s $800,000. If we were to grant this request and give it from this funding source, you
would basically either be removing $800,000 from their operations and it would leave that fund in
a deficit or you would have to choose to take that $800,000 from some other source and you would
then be leaving another program at a deficit. And so with us just getting that information yesterday
what I would have preferred to do because we haven’t had a chance to do any type of evaluation
or what not like we did with their roof and other things. But if their estimates, let’s just say they’re
correct at $1.1 million of the projects we wouldn’t be able to do but maybe a fifth of those in this
year and so that value around $380,000. And so we’ve identified where those funds could come
from and we could start on those projects in this year but removing that million dollars in perpetuity
creates a hole that I’m not sure how we fill.
48
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Gotcha, Mr. Hasan, Commissioner Hasan.
Mr. Hasan: Yes sir, thank you, Mr. Administrator, for that. With that being said I’m
going to make a motion, Mr. Mayor Pro Tem, and that is to deny the request to give the
commissary funds to the Sheriff’s Office but at the same time allow the Administrator to
find a way to deal with the infrastructure needs that currently exist there, and that’s my
motion.
Mr. Sias: Second.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: We’ve got a motion and a second. Any other discussion? All right,
Ms. Bonner.
The Clerk: Mr. Clarke
Mr. Clarke: No.
The Clerk: Mr. Frantom.
Mr. Frantom: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Garrett.
Mr. Garrett: Could you repeat that motion one more time please?
The Clerk: The motion is to deny the request and to allow the Administrator to address the
needs through his plan of review.
Mr. Garrett: Yes.
The Clerk: Mr. Hasan.
Mr. Hasan: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Johnson.
Mr. Johnson: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Ms. McKnight.
Ms. McKnight: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Ms. Scott.
Ms. Scot: Yes, ma’am.
49
The Clerk: Mr. Sias.
Mr. Sias: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Bobby Williams.
Mr. B. Williams: Yes, ma’am.
Mr. Dennis Williams.
Mr. D. Williams: Yes, ma’am.
Mr. Clarke votes No.
Motion Passes 9-1.
The Clerk: Okay our next item, Item #40 ---
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Ms. Bonner ---
The Clerk: Yes, sir.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: --- don’t we need to do 38, I think?
The Clerk: Yes, sir we do. That was taken yeah, Commissioner Sias asked that that be
pulled from Consent, you’re right.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay.
The Clerk:
FINANCE
38. Consider request from Probate Judge Harry James regarding a new staff position in the
Probate Court. (Approved Administrative Services Committee and No recommendation
from Finance Committee April 13, 2021)
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Commissioner Sias.
Mr. Sias: Yes sir, I support this agenda item. I simply want to give the Administrator the
opportunity to add information he wanted to add in there and once he tell us what that is, I will be
happy to make the motion for approval with that information included.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: You gave the salary and some other stuff. Mr. Administrator.
Mr. Donald: Yes, sir, the funding source we will pull from Contingency. The total amount
is $50,474.00 and it is for the position of Judicial Case Manager. That includes the actual salary
as well as $5,000 dollars for the computer as well as the benefits are all included in that amount.
50
Mr. Sias: So moved.
Ms. Scott: Motion to approve.
Ms. McKnight: Second.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: We’ve got a motion and a second.
The Clerk: Mr. Clarke.
Mr. Clarke: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Frantom.
Mr. Frantom: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Garrett.
Mr. Garrett: Yes.
The Clerk: Mr. Hasan.
Mr. Hasan: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Johnson.
Mr. Johnson: Yes, ma’am
The Clerk: Ms. McKnight.
Ms. McKnight: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Ms. Scott.
Ms. Scott: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Sias.
Mr. Sias: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Bobby Williams.
Mr. B. Williams: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Dennis Williams.
51
Mr. D. Williams: Yes, ma’am.
Motion Passes 10-0.
The Clerk: Mr. Mayor Pro Tem, where are you headed?
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: I think, are we, weren’t we doing 40?
The Clerk: Yes, sir, that’s going to be an open nomination process, sir.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay.
The Clerk: We have ---
APPOINTMENTS
40. Nominate and appoint Mr. Michael Woods to Richmond County Sheriff’s Merit Board
to the seat held by Mr. Quincy Robertson. (Requested by Commissioner Dennis Williams)
Mr. Garrett: Quick question before we jump into this, Madam. Would this be to fill all
three positions?
The Clerk: That’s up to you. All three are expired terms.
Mr. Sias: But we only have one on the agenda.
The Clerk: Well, that well let me, can I explain that, Mayor Pro Tem?
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Okay, when the memorandum was sent to you all advising you of the three
open seats, Commissioner Dennis Williams pretty much submitted a name as a nominee. You
notice it’s to nominate and appoint. So if we open the seats, they’re done through the nomination
process and for the sake of voting we will number Mr. Weigle Number Seat 1, Mr. Hall Seat 2 and
Mr. Quincy Robertson Seat 3. The Chairman would open nominations for Mr. Weigle and once
nominations are received and ask that they be closed then we will vote on that seat. Then we
would open Seat Number 2 for nominations and then we would proceed to Seat 3 under the same
order.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Gotcha so, Ms. Bonner, so we except I guess Mr. Woods for Mr.,
well, Dennis Williams has a nomination?
The Clerk: Yes and we just need to identify the seat I guess Mr. Williams is asking Mr.
Woods to be nominated to.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay.
52
The Clerk: Okay, to replace, Mr. Williams, are you prepared?
Mr. D. Williams: I will go with the first one on the list because we all need replacing so it
makes no difference who we replace so I will go for Seat A.
The Clerk: Number, okay.
Mr. Sias: Well, may I make a suggestion?
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Go ahead, Commissioner Sias.
Mr. Sias: Mr. Quincy Robertson, I would suggest we do that particular seat in this setting
because as you know Mr. Robertson is deceased.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Right, well, I had somebody that I wanted to do for his seat. Mr.
Robertson lives in my district. It doesn’t matter, you’ve got three seats open so let’s just nominate
and go.
Mr. Sias: Nobody’s sent any other names forward other than this. The rest of us will be
blind on the others. That’s my concern.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Ms. Bonner ---
The Clerk: Yes, sir ---
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: --- who was the first one’s that is coming off, who’s the first one
coming off?
The Clerk: --- Mr. Weigle’s term expired on 5/31/12, Mr. Hall’s expired in ’09 and Mr.
Robertson of course due to his death his term expired in ’12.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay so, Ms. Bonner, let’s like you say let’s do Quincy Robertson
so we’re nominating Mr. Woods for Mr. Robertson’s seat, is that good?
Mr. D. Williams: I’m fine with it.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: You’re fine with that?
The Clerk: Opening Seat Number Three, okay, the nomination was challenged ---
Mr. Hasan: (Inaudible) closed.
The Clerk: --- okay, closed with Mr. Woods replacing Mr. Robertson.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Right.
53
The Clerk: Okay, Mr. Clarke?
Mr. Clarke: Yes.
The Clerk: Mr. Frantom.
Mr. Frantom: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Garrett.
Mr. Garrett: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Hasan.
Mr. Hasan: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Johnson.
Mr. Johnson: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Ms. McKnight.
Ms. McKnight: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Ms. Scott.
Ms. Scott: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Sias.
Mr. Sias: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Bobby Williams.
Mr. B. Williams: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Dennis Williams.
Mr. D. Williams: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: So Mr. Woods would replace Mr. Robertson.
Motion Passes 10-0.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Let’s open up the next seat, Ms. Bonner.
54
The Clerk: Would that be Mr. Weigle?
Mr. Sias: (Unintelligible).
Ms. Scott: What do you mean?
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Hang on a second. We’ve got somebody else seat that went out in
2009 and I would like to nominate Steve Morris.
The Clerk: Is that Mr. Weigle #1 Steve Morris?
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: You need to ask if there are any other nominations.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Any other nominations for that one?
Mr. Hasan: Nominations closed.
The Clerk: Okay, Mr. Weigle, Mr. Morris is being nominated for that. Mr. Clarke.
Mr. Clarke: Yes.
The Clerk: Mr. Frantom.
Mr. Frantom: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Garrett.
Mr. Garrett: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Hasan.
Mr. Hasan: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Johnson.
Mr. Johnson: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Ms. McKnight.
Ms. McKnight: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Ms. Scott.
55
Ms. Scott: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Sias.
Mr. Sias: No, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Bobby Williams.
Mr. B. Williams: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Dennis Williams.
Mr. D. Williams: No, ma’am.
Mr. Sias and Mr. D. Williams vote No.
Motion Passes 8-2.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Do we want to do the third one or do we want to quit?
Mr. Garrett: Yes, Mayor Pro Tem ---
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Go ahead.
Mr. Garrett: --- I’d like to nominate Sarah Scott for that last position.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: All right, any other nominations, any other nominations for that seat?
Mr. Hasan: Nominations closed.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Closed the nominations.
The Clerk: Okay, Mr. Clarke.
Mr. Clarke: Yes.
The Clerk: Mr. Frantom.
Mr. Frantom: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Garrett.
Mr. Garrett: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Hasan.
Mr. Hasan: Yes, ma’am.
56
The Clerk: Mr. Johnson.
Mr. Johnson: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Ms. McKnight.
Ms. McKnight: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Ms. Scott.
Ms. Scott: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Sias.
Mr. Sias: No, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Bobby Williams.
Mr. B. Williams: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Dennis Williams.
Mr. D. Williams: Yes, ma’am.
Mr. Sias votes No.
Motion Passes 9-1.
The Clerk: Mr. Garrett, can we get Ms. Sarah Scott to provide us a TVQ please?
Mr. Garrett: She has one on file.
The Clerk: She does, thank you. And Mr. Morris has one on file.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Yes, sir, okay we’re done with that. That takes us ---
Mr. Sias: Not yet.
The Clerk: --- no, we go the last item.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Hang on a second.
The Clerk: Okay.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Commissioner Sias, you have a question?
57
Mr. Sias: Yes, sir. I have nothing against any of the nominees that were nominated and
approved not one thing. What I have is an issue with the process. We’ve kind of threw the process
out the door and we’re just sitting here in the middle of a meeting bringing up names that nobody
has any reference had anything the opportunity to ask a question about. That’s the problem I have
with that. This other gentleman was already on the agenda and we know we had the opportunity
to ask question but that’s my problem with this process. Going back to what the Commissioner
th
from the 9 said earlier we should have a process that we’re using. Normally we want to know
who these folks are before you vote on them. You don’t have to investigate them but at least you
know who these consensus appointments, these recommended names are. That was my issue with
that. Thank you.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: I agree, who else has something to say, anybody? All right 41, Ms.
Bonner.
The Clerk:
ADMINISTRATOR
41. Discussion: Review of Recommended Guidelines to Return to Outdoor Events.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Mr. Administrator.
Mr. Donald: Yes, can we have Director McDowell brought into the meeting and while we
bring him in ---
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yes, sir.
Mr. Donald: --- just an update. I think we forwarded through the appropriate committee
what the guidelines are and I believe that the partnership between I mean just about every entity
that does outdoor events our Parks and Recreation leaders as well as representatives from the
Mayor’s Office and others we have a safe plan to reopen and begin providing access to outdoor
events on city sponsored property and thank you, Commissioner Frantom, for kind of leading the
way in helping us put these things in place. What I would also say is that the Governor just released
some guidelines that really hinder all restrictions to a certain extent and so while those are
temporary I would defer to Legal on comparing our recommendations to that of the Governor’s
restrictions but I do believe that information distributed covers all of the activities, Mr. McDowell,
although I sent it to you in writing he can give you a summary if you need it but I would entertain
any questions concerns or thoughts that the Commission might have.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Anyone? Mr. Frantom.
Mr. Frantom: Thank you, Mayor Pro Tem. I have a question for the Administrator. Based
on the Governor’s orders is every restaurant now or bar allowed to be at 100% capacity?
Mr. Donald: You know let me just do a quick ---
58
Mr. Frantom: I’m going to tell you how, I saw a local establishment put out a video
yesterday that basically said everything’s 100% open and I didn’t know that was the case.
Mr. Donald: --- I don’t necessarily think that the interpretation is that everything is 100%
open. The interesting thing that I read and again I’m not a lawyer but the interesting things that I
read in his order or the interpretation that we received is that it restricts your ability to enforce so
while they may not be open if you don’t have the ability to enforce it kind of renders you powerless.
I’m looking for the, here we go I’ll just give you a couple of highlights just from his order. So it
eliminates the ability of Law Enforcement to close an organization for failure to comply with the
Executive Order provisions. That’s a challenge in itself. Of course it became effective on April
th,
8 it eliminates the ban on gatherings of any size, it eliminates shelter in place requirements, it
removed the critical infrastructure distinction and collapses all suggested measures into one main
list with a small number of additional industry specific requirements. Of course it did still require
folks to wear a mask and things of that nature but the way I interpreted it again as a non-lawyer it
really restricted our ability to enforce folks who do not comply or organizations that do not comply.
And so one thing that I’m not sure we’ve had enough time to do is actually break down what the
definitions of let’s say an organization would be and things of that nature but the summary that I
provided was to give high level guidance and I’m sure our Legal team will, you know, give more
definitive insights once they’ve had a chance to review.
Mr. Frantom: And I appreciate that. I think my concern is that I saw an establishment this
weekend that’ll probably have 5 to 700 people in it, not one mask, having a good time and you
have as a government we’re saying that we can’t have a Parks and Rec event but we’re letting the
private side and just you know let’s be across the board fair based on whatever we can do. It’s not
saying as to how we’re going to move forward, so thank you, sir.
Mr. Donald: Yes sir, and I will just to give you some clarity I think our recommendations
are after the Governor’s orders expire because I don’t think we can you know at this point if there
is no, if it eliminates bands of any size the way I would interpret that is that we cannot band events
or any size but again I’m not a lawyer so I want to make sure I make that clear for the record.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Any other discussion, anyone else? All right, do we just need to take
this as information or what?
The Clerk: Without objection would be nice.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, without objection, okay. Where are we going, Ms. Bonner,
Addendum?
The Clerk: Yes, sir, the Addendum Item #1.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk:
ADDENDUM
59
42. Motion to discuss renewing the exemption of the county vehicle assigned to the Mayor
from the Decal requirement under O.C.G.A. Section 36-80-20. (Requested by the
Administrator)
The Clerk: The Administrator or Ms. Douse, I don’t know who you have.
Mr. Donald: If Ms. Douse could be let in she’d be able to answer any questions. I would
just say as you know being new to Augusta we’ve just been looking at all of the requirements of
the office just to make sure we’re in compliance with all state, federal, federal, state and local laws.
And so this is one that is a requirement that was not addressed through the office last year and so
it’s a simple requirement that a hearing be held. It’s a fairly new law and the Mayor definitely
wants to be in compliance as well and so we just wanted to bring it forward to have the required
public hearing. And so that is what the request would be today if there’s any clarity needed I
would defer to both Director Douse as well as Attorney Brown.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, let me ask a question first I mean if we just need a hearing do
we want to go ahead do the hearing or do we want to hear from Ms. Douse and Attorney Brown,
anyone? Attorney Brown.
Mr. Brown: I believe, Mayor Pro Tem and Commissioners, I believe that the needed action
at this point if is the will of the body would be to prepare I mean to make a motion to have a public
hearing in consideration of renewing the exemptions of the Mayor’s vehicle from the decal
ordinance.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yes sir. Ms. Douse, anything to add to that?
Ms. Douse: No, sir.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, can we get a motion?
Mr. Hasan: I’ll make that motion. Do you need a date associated with that when you want
to do the public hearing?
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Ms. Douse: We’re targeting May 27 which is the same day of the Commission meeting
That would be consistent with the timeframe in which we did this last which means the public
hearing will be held earlier and then the Commission meeting will follow.
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Mr. Hasan: Okay, so you said do the public hearing on May 27.
Ms. Douse: Yes, sir.
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Mr. Hasan: April or May 27?
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Ms. Douse: That’s May 27.
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Mr. Hasan: May 27, okay, I think it’s April, isn’t it?
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Ms. Douse: My apologies, May 25.
Mr. Brown: There is ---
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Go ahead sir, go ahead, go ahead, sir.
Mr. Brown: --- I’m not sure there’s a need to wait another month. It will be a half hour
meeting, a half hour before the Commission Meeting. It could be any date that the Commission
wants to go ahead and move forward with this.
Mr. Hasan: Mayor Pro Tem, can I ask a question?
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yes sir, go ahead.
Mr. Hasan: When is the next Commission meeting scheduled?
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The Clerk: May 4.
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Mr. Hasan: May 4 ---
The Clerk: Yes, sir.
Mr. Hasan: --- I’d like to make a motion for the public hearing about the decals on
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the Mayor’s for May the 4.
Ms. McKnight: Second.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, before we go Ms. Douse you had your finger up?
Ms. Douse: No, I was looking at my calendar. I wanted to ensure that we enough time to
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run it in the Chronicle so it seems that we would if we do it on May 4.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, Ms. Bonner, we’ve got a motion and a second.
The Clerk: Yes, sir, Mr. Clarke.
Mr. Clarke: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Frantom.
Mr. Frantom: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Garrett.
Mr. Garrett: Yes.
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The Clerk: Mr. Hasan.
Mr. Hasan: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Johnson.
Mr. Johnson: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Ms. McKnight.
Ms. McKnight: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Ms. Scott.
Ms. Scott: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Sias.
Mr. Sias: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Bobby Williams.
Mr. B. Williams: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Dennis Williams.
Mr. D. Williams: Yes, ma’am.
Motion Passes 10-0.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yes, ma’am, where we going?
The Clerk: To adjournment, sir.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: I thought we had two more.
Ms. Scott: Addendum?
The Clerk: We did the Addendum. The other one was for information; it was just
supporting documentation behind Item #39.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, so we’re good?
The Clerk: Yes, sir.
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Ms. Speaker: Motion to adjourn.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: All right, well, bye.
Mr. Brown: (Inaudible) that motion.
Ms. Speaker: Bye.
The Clerk: Okay.
Mr. B. Williams: What’d you say?
The Clerk: Happy Trails.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Happy Trails, Attorney Brown, we did something wrong but we’ll
correct it next meeting, all right.
\[MEETING ADJOURNED\]
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
April 20, 2021.
______________________________
Clerk of Commission
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