HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-24-2004 Meeting
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PUBLIC SAFETY
COMMITTEE
COMMITTEE ROOM - May 24, 2004
1:30 P.M.
PRESENT: Hons. Williams, Chairman; Sims, Co-Chairman; Beard and Boyles,
members; Steve Shepard, Attorney; George Kolb, Administrator; Fred Russell, Deputy
Administrator; Chief Al Gillespie, Fire Department; Lena Bonner, Clerk of Commission.
ABSENT: Hon. Bob Young, Mayor.
Also Present: Sylvia Cooper of the Augusta Chronicle, Stacey Eidson of the
Metro Spirit, other members of the news media and Hons. Grantham, Mays and
Colclough, Commissioners.
1. Approve closure of CSX Railroad Crossing on Foster Lane and development
of alternate emergency route for Lover's Lane. (Deferred from Public Safety
Committee May 10, 2004)
Mr. Shepard outlined the procedure for the closure of the railroad crossing. He
noted that the railroad is proposing to abandon the railroad line to the Museum and that
process is moving forward.
After a lengthy discussion of the matter, Mr. Mays asked for a determination of a
funding source for the work involved in the closure.
A representative from the CSX Railroad appeared before the committee to discuss
the closing ofthe crossing and the matter of the issue of public safety since the road goes
through an active rail yard.
After additional discussion, Ms. Chairman: I'd like a motion to deny this and
send it to a public hearing and let the public, the railroad and the public safety agencies
come together and discuss it so we can get some finalization as to what we're going to
do.
Ms. Beard: I so move.
Mr. Chairman: I'll second it.
Mr. Mays: Do you have any idea about what the cost would be?
Mr. Kolb: Our best guess at this point would be between $400,000 and
$600,000.
Motion adopted unanimously.
2. Discuss the disposition of the old Sandbar Ferry Road Fire Station.
(Requested by Commissioner Marion Williams)
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Mr. Russell: We've been working with several groups on this and you have three
options available to you. One is to declare the property surplus and attempt to sell it.
The second is that we have discussed with the dive team about using it as a storage
facility and meeting place for them and the third option is that we've had discussions
with the East Augusta Neighborhood Association for the use of the property as a
community center. We would be glad to discuss any of these options and develop some
further information for involvement with any of the groups.
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After further discussion, Mr. Russell: So the direction is to bring back the
business plan from East Augusta Neighborhood Association and determine ifit is
appropriate and if not, we can go to the dive team.
Ms. Sims: I so move.
Ms. Beard: Second.
Motion adopted unanimously.
3. Approve placing the federal grant from the Georgia Emergency
Management Agency (GEMA) in the amount of $13,271.00 into an account
for the Emergency Management Agency to be used in conjunction with
LEOP (Local Emergency Operation Plan) expenditures for completion of the
LEOP.
Mr: Boyles: I move for approval.
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Mr. Chairman: Second.
Motion adopted unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, the meeting was adjoumed.
Lena: 1. Bonner
Clerk of Commission
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PUBLIC'SAFETY
AGENDA
COMMITfEE ROOM Mav 24.2004
1:30 P.M.
1. Approve closure ofCSX Railroad Crossing on Foster Lane and development of .
Alternate Emergency Route for Lover's Lane. (Deferred from Publid;afety
. Committee May 10,2004)
2. DisCuss the disposition of the old Sandbar Ferry Road Fire Station; (Requested
by Commissioner Marion Williams)
3. Approve placing th~ federal grant from the Georgia.Emergency Management
Agency (GEMA) in the amount tof$13,271.00.into an account for the
Emergency Management Agency to be used in conjunction with LEOP (Local
Emergency Operation Plan) expenditures for completion of the LEOP.
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