HomeMy WebLinkAboutRegular Commission Meeting August 21, 2012
REGULAR MEETING COMMISSION CHAMBER
AUGUST 21, 2012
Augusta Richmond County Commission convened at 5:00 p.m., August 21, 2012, the
Hon. Deke Copenhaver, Mayor, presiding.
PRESENT: Hons. Lockett, Guilfoyle, Hatney, Aitken, Johnson, Jackson, Bowles and
Brigham, members of Augusta Richmond County Commission.
Absent: Hons. Mason and Smith, members of Augusta Richmond County Commission.
Mr. Mayor: And I’d like to go ahead and call the Regular Commission Meeting to order
and call on Reverend Arthur Cutler, Pastor United One Way Baptist Church for our invocation.
Please stand.
The Clerk: Reverend Cutler? Mr. Sherman, could you see if he’s in the hall? He’s not
out there. Thank you.
Mr. Mayor: Do we have a minister in the house?
The Clerk: We have one right here?
Mr. Mayor: Okay.
The Clerk: You can come up here to the podium please.
Mr. Mayor: Come on up. Magnify your voice. Thank you, my friend, for standing in.
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was recited.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you for that wonderful invocation. And, Madam Clerk, now on to the
recognitions.
The Clerk:
RECOGNITION(S)
Employee of the Month Award
A. Mr. Angelo Collier, Recreation, Parks & Facilities July 2012 Employee of the Month.
The Clerk: Would you please come forward along with any Recreation Directors, the
staff along with Mr. Collier. Is he here? Dear Mayor Copenhaver. The Employee Recognition
Committee has selected Mr. Angelo Collier as the July 2012 Employee of the Month for the City
of Augusta. Angelo Collier is employed as a Maintenance Worker I with the Augusta Recreation
Parks and Facilities Department. He has been employed with us for thirteen years. Angelo was
nominated by Carla McFreely of the Recreation Parks and Facilities Department. Angelo
displays enthusiasm and a knack for helping fellow employees and our customers. He has
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repeatedly responded to early Saturday calls so that he could allow a renter into a facility on the
spur of the moment. He would get dressed, arrive at the building in a very short time and ask,
“Is there anything else I can do to help?” Angelo is excellent at establishing good rapport with
our customer base and has on several occasions been instrumental in guiding the department
events through difficult situations. What would have been a disaster as far as customer service
goes with Angelo’s presence the situation would end up with success and without one single
complaint from our customers. Many times Angelo has been called after normal working hours
to go to the Old Government House because the alarm would go off. In such a case a security
check is required. Angelo was always readily available with no fuss and neither does he make
special personal requests for going the extra mile. On such occasions Angelo is available for the
Sheriff’s Department and the Fire Department personnel in the event of false alarms or any other
type of emergency calls. He has provided beyond the call of duty support of numerous occasions
particularly when primary managers or supervisors are on vacation. He continues to do so.
Again he goes the extra mile by insuring that the tasks at hand are all well prepared for in time of
events. The department consistently receives accolades for the excellent service provided by
Angelo. Angelo is considered to be one of the best rental superintendents for Carla McFreely.
Once he’s aware of the rules, policies he does not depart from them. He has taken the initiative
to learn various facilities by observing our customers as well as reading materials such as
Standard Operations Procedures. This enabled Angelo to anticipate and address potential
problems process before an unseen incident can occur. He is a fast learner, a willing and hard
working employee who is detailed in his execution of affairs. Managers are assured when
Angelo was on the job our customers are more than satisfied with the services provided. The
Employee Recognition Committee has assessed that based on this nomination and Angelo’s
dedicated and loyal service to the City of Augusta we would appreciate you in joining us in
awarding him the July 2012 Employee of the Month. Congratulations. (APPLAUSE)
Mr. Mayor: We’re going to load you down. I have a letter for you as well. And I just
want to say really you know the rank and file employees of this city are the face of this
government. So you are the face of this government in going over and above the call of duty for
customer service. You know you make us all look good so I want to say thank you. Dear Mr.
Angelo Collier. On behalf of the City of Augusta it is with great pleasure that I congratulate you
for being recognized as the Employee of the Month for July 2012. Your contribution to your
organization, Augusta Richmond County Government and the citizens of Augusta has earned
you this recognition. I appreciate your willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty and
your outstanding work ethic. You are truly as asset to the Recreation Parks and Facilities
Department and the citizens of Augusta Georgia. Please accept my personal congratulations of
this wonderful award. You are truly deserving of this recognition. Sincerely yours, Deke
Copenhaver, Mayor. (APPLAUSE)
Mr. Shanahan: Well, I guess I’m nominated to say something. I’m Bill Shanahan. I’m
Deputy Administrator of Operations and I’m also the active Recreation Director for the last
several months. And I have come to learn in a short time that Angelo was one of many
professional folks that do a really good job. And they have made my life so much easier and so
much safer. And I thank you and you’re just an example for others to follow and we’ll probably
see a lot more recreation folks up here. Thank you. (APPLAUSE)
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Mr. Johnson: Well, I’m not going to speak too long but I’d just like to echo the
sentiments and congratulate Mr. Collier. You’re a great asset to the City of Augusta and also the
Parks and Rec Department. And it just shows you that you know people on the ground these are
the guys that make it happen. They’re the ones you know make it easy for us to just serve the
citizens of Augusta Richmond County. This is just a great opportunity just to pay homage to
those folks. So we look forward to seeing more up here and you enjoy your trophy there and
also your goodies that you have. Okay? (APPLAUSE)
Ms. McFeely: I will just say that I nominated Angelo because he is an example of what
recreation is all about. He never says no, that’s not my job or no I don’t have time or I got off
thirty minutes ago. I can call him at one o’clock in the morning because I live in Waynesboro
and he doesn’t mind going, he never makes a fuss about getting his time back either so. He’s
just a true example of team work. (APPLAUSE)
Mr. Mayor: Okay, Madam Clerk, on to the delegations.
The Clerk:
DELEGATIONS
B. Ms. Jacqueline Kohlenberg. RE: Taxi Cab Inspections. (Deferred from the August 7,
2012 Commission meeting)
Mr. Mayor: And if you could keep it to five minutes, please, ma’am.
Ms. Kohlenberg: Good afternoon. I’d like to thank you for the opportunity
Commissioners ---
Mr. Mayor: If you could give us your name and address, please, ma’am.
Ms. Kohlenberg: My name is Jacqueline Kohlenberg. I live at 2430 Tobacco Road in
Hephzibah, Georgia. I come before you today because I feel like I’ve been discriminated in a
business aspect as a cab driver in the City of Augusta. I feel like I’ve been harassed and I’ve
denied my rights to open a business that I acquired to open five years ago. I was told I was not
allowed to open up a transportation service here and so thus far I opened up a cab business. And
since I opened the cab business I have been unhappy, I’ve been mistreated by Larry Harris and
Mr. Morrison. I also have not been able to get the service I need, excuse me that I’ve been
needing when I need to inspect my cabs on time. Also when I bring people there to get their
cabs inspected I’ve been talked about in a bad manner. It’s just been a really bad thing. I’m
really unhappy. I’ve been a business owner here about seven years now and it’s just been one
thing after the other. So I spend close to $2,000 a year just in taxes so I feel like as a tax payer
just in the City of Hephzibah I feel like I need to be addressing this not only for myself but for
other cab drivers here in the city as well. Thank you.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you, ma’am. Commissioner Johnson.
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Mr. Johnson: Mr. Mayor, thank you. I’d just like to say I think in reference to Ms.
Kohlenberg it may be an opportunity to maybe get with the Administrator and of course I guess
the director Rob Sherman to see if you guys can maybe come to a resolution to solve your
problems. And I don’t know whether Delegation D has the same problem but before you leave if
you can, Mr. Mayor, if it would be okay with them.
Ms. Kohlenberg: I’d like to say one more thing. If y’all want to I would be more than
willing to take a blood test or a drug test of any kind because I am not a drug addict or a drug
dealer and that’s what I’ve been discriminated against. I think that’s a shame because I’ve been
an honest worker here in this city. I’ve never been pulled over for a traffic violation, DUI
anything like that. So I think this is serious. I think that somebody needs to get to the bottom of
this.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, if you could give your contact information to the Deputy
Administrator sitting here, Tameka Allen, we can get that set up. Okay? Madam Clerk?
The Clerk:
DELEGATIONS
D. Mr. Phillip T. Barrett. RE: Taxi Cab Inspections. (Deferred from the August 7, 2012
Commission meeting)
Mr. Mayor: And if you could state your name and address and keep it to five minutes as
well, please, sir.
Mr. Barrett: My name is Phillip T. Barrett and I live at 4837 Mike Padgett Highway,
Augusta, Georgia 30906. I’ve been in the business now for ten years. My family has been
harassed ever since. My dad’s been in the business for 35 years and every time we get over ten
vehicles it’s always something. They’re always coming harder against us, pushing and pushing
more and more. It’s like we can’t never do to the best of our knowledge. I was grazed about a
month ago. I had a call on the phone telling me that I had a meeting to come to within an hour.
So I had to get ready within an hour to come to this meeting, this meeting at the business office
that I was not advised of and I had an hour to come to it. So I came to the meeting and the whole
meeting I wasn’t able to say nothing, they were telling me to shut up, they didn’t care. They
were basically just harassing me the whole time. Mr. Officer Morrison he told me he didn’t care
what I had to say that my drivers they driving entirely too fast for conditions. They said that they
see them driving fast on the road. I said okay I tried to talk to them but they wouldn’t let me
talk. If you see a cab driver speeding why don’t you get his tag number and his cab number, call
the deputy and have them pulled over. If you’re a deputy or somebody high ranked in the
business licenses why can’t you have that done? And the whole time I was just not able to say
nothing they were just telling me to shut up and it wasn’t my meeting I wasn’t able to say
anything in the meeting. I felt like I was just being harassed the whole time. I got the whole
meeting recorded. They said that they didn’t care what I did. If I went before the county
Commission they didn’t care if I went to the Sheriff they didn’t care if I went to the Mayor
myself and had a personal sit-down that no matter what I would never be able to drive a cab
again in the state of Georgia. I said well, since y’all think that I ain’t a good cab driver then I’ll
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give you my business license, I’ll give you my hack card, I’ll quit working, I’ll try to find a job
no matter what. And he said Mr. Larry Harris no we’re not going to take your hack card from
you right now and then Morrison said no, no, no you will never drive a cab as long as I’m the
inspector here in Augusta Georgia. I said well, you do what you want to do, sir. I want you to
be happy. If you want my hack card you can have it. But then three days later he told me within
three days I should have something in the mail coming to me telling me I can’t drive a cab no
more. Well, I decided to come and make placing to this county commission and let y’all know
what I’ve been going through. I had over ten phone calls from police officers telling me it’s best
on your best requirement and interest not to show up to that county commission. And that is
why that we kind of was late for the last county commission because we just felt threatened from
the police department. It just don’t make no sense.
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Jackson.
Mr. Jackson: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I’d like to see a meeting with the Administrator,
License and Inspection and the Sheriff’s official that’s inspects these vehicles. And I’d love to
be of a partaking in that meeting to find out and get to any bottom of favoritism/discrimination. I
don’t think it’s right and I’m not going to stand for it. So if you can give your same information
to Ms. Tameka Allen then we’ll set that meeting up ---
Mr. Barrett: Yes, sir.
Mr. Jackson: --- and have all affected parties there.
Mr. Barrett: Yes, sir.
Mr. Jackson: Thank you.
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Johnson.
Mr. Johnson:
Well, thank you, Mr. Mayor, I don’t have anything to add to that. I’d just
like to I know as we’re moving forward before we get to the actual consent agenda we had a
delegation here that was unable to get the information, well somehow the information got mixed
up and it didn’t get to Ms. Bonner in time. And we had consent with everybody except
If we do have
Commissioner Lockett because he was out there doing the recognition there.
your consent, unanimous consent to add the Hyde Park delegation on to speak five minutes
that would be gracious.
Mr. Mayor: So we do have unanimous consent for the Hyde Park delegation? Okay. If
we can get the spokesperson for the Hyde Park delegation to come up and state your name and
address for the record, please, sir, and keep it to five minutes as well.
Mr. Jackson: First of all I’d like to say thank you for allowing me to speak. My name is,
and I’d like to thank the residents of Hyde Park that didn’t show up. My name is Anthony
Jackson and my address is 2306 Stephanie Lane, Augusta, Georgia 30906. And mainly what I
come to talk about is just to make a statement for the residents and a little history for those who
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don’t know about Hyde Park. Hyde Park residents are proud, hard working taxpaying citizens
who have been through much adversity and natural disasters from flooding. The residents
survived the (unintelligible) and the sharecropper era. How can a community with such promise
be so cursed? The people had the American dream. Some have fought, bled, shed tears even
died for the dream of home ownership and land. Hyde Park became a reality when the people
bought plots of land which was swamp land, a local dumping ground surrounded by Southern
Wood Piedmont, Murray Brick Company, electric power stations, other industries and Dixie
Land Junk Yard at a time when the EPA and the EPD did not exist. There was no responsibility
for public safety or health. The new found community continued to do what they knew best,
work and cultivate the land to a produce and produce a harvest, excuse me while working at the
industries of factories that surrounded them. In addition some started business to increase their
ability to take care of their families. Some even paid their children’s way through college on low
wages by working two and three jobs and the pursuit of maintaining a dream. Over time the
neighborhood dealt with much flooding. Sometimes the water would climb as high as the roof
tops during heavy, torrential rains. Some of the residents started having illnesses and various
cancers, even loss of life from exposures. This did not go unnoticed. Contamination was
discovered. Signs were put up that planting in ditches could be hazardous to your health. You
could no longer drink well water, grow a garden or either eat produce from them. Children could
not play in the soil and Hyde Park residents continue to be exposed while $10 million dollars
was spent in a limited attempt to remediate the dangers. As much as $200,000 dollars was spent
to sample adjacent neighborhoods and the neighborhood itself, and with high exposure and
extreme health impacts, cancers and other illnesses. Now keep in mind there’s not safe level of
exposure to anything that may be hazardous to your health. Augusta was ranked the #1 Air
Polluted City in Augusta. Then came the mockery, mockery of the Augusta Republican Party.
When they took a straw poll and put it on the ballot on to whether or not Hyde Park should be
relocated ridiculing the hard working people of Hyde Park. No more years of fighting to be
heard yet receiving a deaf ear and Lord forbid and I don’t want to think that way could race play
a part? I hope not. Race, creed, color and financial privilege should not be the reason the city
has not acted here. Not in Augusta. All right? Heavy rains and flooding are still a major
problem in Augusta. Districts 1, 2, 5 and 8. Hyde Park is not looking for a handout, let’s make
that clear, we’re not looking for a handout. Only a lended hand. All citizens lose when a wrong
is done. Okay? Relocation has been voted on and passed. The area would be best used for a
retention pond because it holds water naturally. So that would be a good spot. Relocate Hyde
Park without delay. Sufficient time has passed. Hyde Park has had enough. We have had
enough. And I appreciate you Mayor, I appreciate the Commission, appreciate the audience for
listening. And I appreciate the residents for coming out and having the will to stand up for
what’s right.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, thank you, sir. Commission Johnson?
Mr. Johnson: Thank you Mr. Mayor. Mr. Jackson, again, thank you for eloquently
putting that history and also the concerns that this community has been faced with over the years.
And of course it’s been one of my commitments to the community and of course we have made
some strive there to get to a resolution of course. Along the way we ran into a few snags and
I’ve always told I know anything worth having won’t come easy. But again I think it is
something of course due to the recent storms we had recently that everybody and anybody who
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lives anywhere in this community dealt with or knows somebody who dealt with flooding. And
we do have an issue here in this community with flooding. We had 100-year rain, a downfall of
rain here recently and of course I don’t think any system is built to the capacity to deal with that.
But this is just something that of course in neighborhoods like Hyde Park and others Rocky
Creek, you know these people have been dealing with this for decades. And it’s just come high
time that we really put our feet on the ground and our hard work and effort to work to try to do
something to resolve these problems. Of course I would love to have the support of my
colleagues. I know before we had some issues with the three employees that we were trying to
hire. But I will have this back on the agenda the first part of September, that the results were
back in ob RFP IV, those three employees and hopefully we can move forward with the
relocation. But I would like my colleagues to, of course I know you’re probably have done some
research. But for those who don’t know I’d love to get with you all to take you out there and
show you not just Hyde Park but even Rocky Creek to show you what these folks are dealing
with right now and much it impacts their community and lifestyle. So again thank you, Mr.
Mayor and Mr. Jackson, and the community of Hyde Park. Thank you all for being here.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you, Commissioner Johnson. Madam Clerk, on to the consent
agenda, please, ma’am.
The Clerk: Yes, sir. Our consent agenda consists of items 1-26, items 1-26. For the
benefit of any objectors to our Planning petitions once those petitions are read would you please
signify your objection by raising your hand. I call your attention to:
Item 2: Is a request for a Special Exception to establish A Family Personal Care Home
on property located at 1938 Kings Grant Drive.
Item 3: Is a request for a Special Exception to establish a Family Personal Care Home at
property at 2740 Antler Drive W.
Item 4: Is a petition for a change of zoning from a Zone B-2 (General Business) to a
Light Industry affecting property at 3035, 3043 and 3047 Tobacco Road.
The Clerk: Are there any objectors to any of those Planning petitions? No objectors
noted. I call your attention to the Public Services portion of the agenda.
Item 7: Is to approve a transfer license, Liquor, Beer & Wine license to be used in
connection with Cloud Nine Sports Bar & Grill formerly located at 3156 Wrightsboro Road to
Pure Platinum Sports Bar located at 2064 Gordon Highway.
The Clerk: Are there any objectors to this alcohol petition? Okay Mr. Mayor and
members of the Commission our consent agenda consists of items 1-26 with no objectors to our
Planning our Alcohol petitions.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you, ma’am. Gentlemen, any items to be added to the consent
agenda? Commissioner Brigham.
Mr. Brigham: Mr. Mayor, if we could add items number 29 and 30.
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Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Lockett.
Mr. Lockett: Mr. Chairman, I would like to add 27, 28 and 31.
Mr. Mayor: Okay any further, yes, sir. Mr. MacKenzie.
Mr. MacKenzie: Clarification on 28. Is that to send it back to committee?
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Lockett, is that to send 28 back to committee?
Mr. Lockett: That would be fine, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, thank you, sir. Okay if there’s nothing further to be added is there
anything to be pulled for discussion. Commissioner Lockett.
Mr. Lockett: Mr. Chairman, I’d like to pull 10, 23, 25, 26.
The Clerk: Okay, can we get that again? Ten ---
Mr. Lockett: 23, 25, 26 and, Mr. Mayor, I have a question of 6, 8 and 18.
The Clerk: Six ---
Mr. Lockett: 8 and 18, a question.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, do we want to go ahead and address your questions on 6, 8 and 18?
Mr. Lockett: Sure because it will be brief.
Mr. Mayor: Okay.
. Lockett: Number 6 and 8 I can treat those as companion. I’d like to know whether or
not there was an increase or decrease in these rates this year as opposed to last year.
Mr. Mayor: Do we have somebody to speak to those? Mr. Shanahan.
Mr. Shanahan: Yes, sir. It’s being brief, it’s the same, sir.
Mr. Lockett: All right, thank you. And, Mr. Chairman, on #18 I would like to know
what is the projected cost for that particular project, the time frame and whether or not a funding
source has been identified.
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Ladson.
Mr. Ladson: Mr. Mayor, Commissioners, I can give you an answer to the estimated
costs. The estimated costs that we have right now is between $700 and $800,000. However that
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was a real basic cost. The funding source I don’t have an answer on that. That would have to
come from the Administrator.
Mr. Lockett: And the timeframe?
Mr. Ladson: I believe I think the timeframe would be this, to actually start this year. Yes
sir.
Mr. Lockett: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Mayor: Okay. Commissioner Guilfoyle.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Yes, let me pull #27, please.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, so that had been placed on the consent and you’re pulling it back off
the consent.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Yes.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, can I get a motion to approve the consent agenda?
Mr. Johnson: So moved.
Mr. Lockett: Second.
CONSENT AGENDA
PLANNING
1. FINAL PLAT – GRANITE HILL, SECTION 3-C – S-830 – A request for concurrence
with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to approve a petition by southern
partners, on behalf of Crowell & Co. Inc., requesting final plat approval for Granite Hill
Section 3-C. This residential subdivision is located at Harper Franklin Avenue at its
current terminus and contains 26 lots.
2. Z-12-49 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to
approve a petition by Curtis and Margaret Brown requesting a Special Exception to
establish a Family Personal Care Home per Section 26-I (H) of the Comprehensive Zoning
Ordinance for Augusta Georgia affecting property containing .34 acres and is known as
1938 Kings Grant Drive. (Tax Map 110-4-259-00-0) DISTRICT 6
3. Z-12-50 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to
approve a petition by Rosa Payne, on behalf of Rajan Massey, requesting a Special
Exception to establish a Family Personal Care Home per Section 26-I (H) of the
Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for Augusta Georgia affecting property containing .21
acres and is known as 2740 Antler Drive W. (Tax Map 120-0-373-00-0) DISTRICT 5
4. Z-12-51 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to
approve a petition by Augusta Solid Waste requesting a change of zoning from Zone B-2
(General Business) to Zone LI (Light Industry) affecting property containing
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approximately 6.09 acres and known as 3035, 3043 and 3047 Tobacco Road (Tax Map 128-
0-014-07-0, 128-0-014-09-0 and 128-0-014-03-0) DISTRICT 4
5. ZA-R-215 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission
to approve a petition to amend the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for Augusta Georgia
by adding language to Section 25-A (Planned Development Riverfront) establishing an
annual meeting on the second Tuesday of each January and all other meetings on an as
needed basis.
PUBLIC SERVICES
6. Motion to approve the 2013 Cooperative Agreement with CSRA Regional Commission
for Senior Nutrition Services for Augusta-Richmond County. (Approved by Public Services
Committee August 13, 2012)
7. Motion to approve the Transfer Application: A.T. 12-28: request by Tyrone Davis to
transfer the Liquor, Beer & Wine license used in connection with Cloud Nine Sports Bar &
Grill formerly located at 3156 Wrightsboro Rd. to Pure Platinum Sports Bar located at
2064 Gordon Hwy. There will be Dance. District 5. Super District 9. (Approved by Public
Services Committee August 13, 2012)
8. Motion to approve the Food Service Contract with G.A. Food Service, Inc. for the 2013
Senior Nutrition Program. (Approved by Public Services Committee August 13, 2012)
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
9. Motion to approve tasking the Housing & Community Development Director to prepare
a written response regarding the Pine Street Development and other related activities as
th
presented in the June 18 Questionnaire for the August 27 Administrative Services
Committee. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee August 13, 2012)
PUBLIC SAFETY
11. Motion to approve an Ordinance to amend the Augusta, Ga. Code Title Three, Chapter
Seven, Section 3-7-45 relating to the carrying and possession of dangerous or deadly
weapons in airport facilities in Augusta, Georgia; to repeal all Code sections and
ordinances and parts of Code sections and ordinances in conflict herewith; to provide an
effective date and for other purposes. (Approved by Public Safety Committee August 13,
2012)
12. Motion to approve an Ordinance to amend the Augusta, Ga. Code Title Three, Chapter
Seven, Sections 3-7-13 through 3-7-14.5 relating to the sale and possession of firearms in
Augusta, Georgia; to repeal all Code sections and ordinances and parts of Code sections
and ordinances in conflict herewith; to provide an effective date and for other purposes.
(Approved by Public Safety Committee August 13, 2012)
13. Motion to approve a Maintenance Contract with Simplex Grinnell, LP in the amount of
$26,725.00 for the Security System at the Augusta Judicial Center. (Approved by Public
Safety Committee August 13, 2012)
14. Motion to approve the renewal of the probation contract with Sentinel Offender
Services for 2012/2013. (Approved by Public Safety Committee August 13, 2012)
ENGINEERING SERVICES
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15. Motion to approve 2012 Utilities Refunding Bond Reimbursement Resolution and
Update. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee August 13, 2012)
16. Motion to approve award to Beam’s Contracting in the amount of $569,025.00 for
Emergency Bid Item #12-183, Closure of Collapsing Abandoned Sewer on Doug Barnard
Parkway. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee August 13, 2012)
17. Motion to approve contract award to Khafra Engineering Consultants, Inc. in the
amount of $80,403.00 for the fees associated with performing the required NPDES Storm
Water Monitoring on various Augusta Utilities Projects. (Approved by Engineering
Services Committee August 13, 2012)
18. Motion to approve the construction of the Frontage Road Extension and task the
Administrator with identifying the Funding source for Commission approval. (Approved
by Engineering Services Committee August 13, 2012)
19. Motion to approve the deeds of dedication, maintenance agreements, and road
resolution submitted by the Engineering and Augusta Utilities Departments for Granite
Hill Subdivision, Section Three “B”. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee
August 13, 2012)
20. Motion to approve the deeds of dedication, maintenance agreements, and road
resolutions submitted by the Engineering and Augusta Utilities Departments for Granite
Hill Subdivision, Section Three. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee August 13,
2012)
21. Motion to approve the deeds of dedication, maintenance agreements, and road
resolutions submitted by the Engineering and Augusta Utilities Departments for Hayne’s
Station Subdivision, Phase I. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee August 13,
2012)
22. Motion to approve the deeds of dedication, maintenance agreements, and road
resolutions submitted by the Engineering and Augusta Utilities Departments for
Manchester Subdivision, Section Six. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee
August 13, 2012)
PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
24. Motion to approve the minutes of the regular and Special Called meetings of the
Commission held August 7 and August 13, 2012)
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
28. Motion to adopt Equal Employment Opportunity Plan (EEOP) for Augusta, Georgia.
(No recommendation from Administrative Services Committee August 13, 2012)
FINANCE
29. Approve funding for the August 21, 2012 General Primary Runoff.
30. Motion to approve the payment of dues to the CSRA Regional Commission.
ENGINEERING SERVICES
31. Motion to approve a request to Augusta Technical College and Georgia State Properties
Commission for a Utility Easement and Temporary Construction Easement.
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Mr. Mayor: Okay we have a motion and a second. If there is no further discussion
Commissioners will now vote by the usual sign of voting. Commissioner Bowles.
Mr. Bowles: Madam Clerk, could you please recognize me as an abstention on items 6, 8
and 30?
The Clerk: Six, eight and thirty.
Mr. Bowles: Yes, ma’am.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, Madam Clerk, let’s go to the pulled items first, please, ma’am.
Mr. Bowles abstains.
Motion carries 7-0-1. [Items 6, 8 and 30]
Mr. Hatney abstains.
Motion carries 7-0-1. [Item 7]
Motion carries 8-0. [Items 1-5, 9, 11-22, 24, 28, 29, 30, 31)
The Clerk:
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
10. Motion to approve list of (188) properties for demolition to be funded from the Reserve
Fund and authorize staff to proceed with a year-end completion date. (Approved by
Administrative Services Committee August 13, 2012)
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Lockett.
Mr. Lockett: During our last meeting when this list was first provided it did not have
districts indicated. And I requested that we do have it. I’ve met with the Administrator and
Commissioner Aitken was on speaker phone and we discussed what would be a fair way to
divide this money. Because Commissioner Johnson and myself we’ve been pushing for extra
money to be provided for this blighted structures for an extended period of time. And the way it
stands now is we show approximately 64 of these structures would be in District 1 and 99 in
District 2. Now in District 5 you only have nine blighted structures listed and I know there’s ten
times that many there. But I understand what the process is and my colleague Commissioner
Guilfoyle you only have four in his. And so the discussion with the Administrator was is we’re
not going to support all of these structures in District 1 and 2 which would take all the money
plus. We had a tentative agreement that about 50% of the money would be used for one and two
and the remaining funds would be used when blighted structures in these other districts become
available after it goes through the court process and so forth. So I want to know, what do you all
have to say about that?
Mr. Patty: My recollection of that conversation was I was to try to find surplus urban
district funds to add to the pot.
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Mr. Lockett: Right.
Mr. Patty: And we determined that through Finance there’s about $250,000 available to
do some of these demolitions with that money. What we’re talking about is what we can do this
year even though we’ve got a list of 111 that are ready now and 77 or something like that that are
in the pipeline right now. We’re not going to be able to do any more than that number this year.
We need some kind of, as soon as you approve it we’ve got to go to asbestos abatement and
that’s, unfortunately there’s only one or two people that do that locally so that’s going to be a
long process. But we’re not going to probably spend more than 250 this year. But we’d like
your support to continue to do these demolitions. I think that they’re a blight on the community,
they breed additional blight and we can use your, you know the urban money is until it runs out
and then the surplus funds from 2012 or suburban money if necessary.
Mr. Lockett: Mr. Mayor, if I may follow up. I mean this is all good and great. You
indicated that you don’t have the staff to have all of these ready at a particular time. Because the
money is available we do have lots of blight out there. All I’m trying to do is make sure that
when you all work your way out to District 5 that District 8 to District 4 we haven’t extended all
the funds on District 1 and 2 and we’ve got to wait another five years. So Commissioner Aitken
and I talked with the Administrator and there was a tentative agreement that that wasn’t going to
happen. About 50% of the existing funds would be allocated to 1 and 2 with the remaining
balance allocated to the other districts one the blighted structures are available.
Mr. Patty: My people are working on a second list. My people are working on a second
list.
Mr. Lockett: Yeah, Phase II.
Mr. Patty: Phase II.
Mr. Lockett: Right.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, so but you would like for us to approve this as Phase I to get started
with the work today.
Mr. Patty: Sure.
Mr. Mayor: Okay. Commissioner Brigham. Joe said by the way, Commissioner
Lockett, is you want to put what you just said in the form of a motion he’d second it.
Mr. Lockett: Oh, okay.
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Brigham.
Mr. Brigham: Mr. Mayor, if I remember the motion made in committee which I think I
do is that the funding would come from urban services district for the parcels that were in the
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urban services district and that the funding for the suburban district would come from the
suburban district. And I believe that was the motion that was made in committee. And I’m
assuming since that was the motion that was made in committee that’s the motion we’re voting
on today. Is that correct or not correct or can somebody ---
Mr. Mayor: Basically we’re voting on ---
Mr. Brigham: --- or can the Clerk clarify that or not or?
The Clerk: Well, Mr. Brigham, I don’t recall the distinction of the urban and suburban
funding mechanism. I just picked up on the reserve funding. But I could stand corrected if that’s
what the intent of your motion was to be.
Mr. Brigham: The motion was at that time was that we fund the urban parcels out
of the urban services district surplus ---
The Clerk: Okay.
---
Mr. Brigham: and that the remaining come out of the suburban surplus.
The Clerk: Okay.
Mr. Brigham: And as to, you’re having eight houses tearing down in your district. I’m
fortunate enough I don’t have any.
Mr. Lockett: Well, you are blessed. Excuse me, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, but just if you ---
Mr. Lockett: I’m sure I’ve got some, I’m sure I haven’t as many dilapidated houses as
most everybody else ---
Mr. Mayor: But basically this is Phase I we’re approving today. And we will be coming
with Phase II which will address more houses in those districts. Would somebody like to make a
motion to approve?
The Clerk: Well, we have, okay. So we have a motion on the floor with Mr. Brigham, I
mean Mr. Lockett and Mr. Bowles.
Mr. Bowles: I don’t think he really made a motion.
The Clerk: He said okay, well, are you ---
Mr. Johnson: My motion is ---
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Mr. Brigham: The motion is coming from committee. It doesn’t need a motion. You’ve
got a motion on the floor with it coming from committee. If I’m correct about my Robert’s
Rules, I don’t know.
Mr. Mayor: I believe you are correct in that. Mr. MacKenzie?
Mr. MacKenzie: I guess what we’re asking is if there’s a substitute motion from
Commissioner Lockett.
The Clerk: No, no, you know, this is the motion. This is not what he, he’s motioning
that we do half of the appropriation for District 1 and 2 and the remaining be applied to the other
districts.
Mr. Lockett: That was, Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: Yes, sir. Commissioner Lockett.
Mr. Lockett: I don’t have any problem with the motion that Commissioner Brigham
spoke of. It really doesn’t make any difference what part it comes from. My concern was to
make sure that we don’t empty the pot before we get to these other districts. And so if Mr.
Brigham, Commissioner Brigham wants to make that motion fine, I’ll second it. It’s not a
problem.
Mr. Brigham: So moved.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, Madam Clerk, if we could?
The Clerk: Yes, sir. The motion was that the demolition of properties that are in the
urban service district be paid from the urban service reserve fund. And those properties from the
suburban service district be funded from that reserve fund.
Mr. Mayor: We have a motion that’s been properly seconded. If there’s no further
discussion Commissioners will now vote by the usual sign of voting.
Mr. Bowles votes No.
Motion Passes 7-1.
Mr. Mayor: Next agenda item, please, ma’am.
The Clerk:
ENGINEERING SERVICES
23. Motion to approve the recommendation of the Administrator to proceed with Option 2d
and identify additional funding sources for Commission approval for the Augusta, Georgia
Municipal Building Renovations and Modernization Project. (Approved by Engineering
Services Committee August 13, 2012)
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Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Lockett, I believe this was your pull.
Mr. Lockett:
Mr. Chairman, I would like for this to go back to committee because I do
believe that the Administrator needs to be here. I do know that he made a presentation but that
was a cold turkey presentation. We had no opportunity to review anything prior to that. And so
I’d like to see this go back to committee so that the
if it’s okay with my colleagues
Administrator can be here and answer additional questions.
Mr. Bowles: I’ll second that.
Mr. Mayor: So you put that in the form of a motion that’s been seconded?
Mr. Lockett: Yes.
Mr. Mayor: If there’s no further discussion Commissioners will now vote by the usual
sign of voting.
Motion Passes 8-0.
The Clerk: Mr. Lockett, items 25 and 26 could they be considered companion?
Mr. Lockett: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk:
SUBCOMMITTEE
Pension Committee
25. Motion to approve an Ordinance to amend the Richmond County 1945 Employee
Pension Fund. (Approved by the Pension & Audit Committee August 13, 2012)
Pension Committee
26. Motion to approve an Ordinance to amend the City of Augusta 1949 General
Retirement Fund. (Approved by the Pension & Audit Committee August 13, 2012)
Mr. Mayor: Ms. Jody. She can explain it to you. There’s no additional cost just change
in language.
Mr. Lockett: I read extensively these two ordinances and I don’t see any difference in
what we have and where we want to go. But it seems like we want to do something retroactively
and I was under the impression this government didn’t do anything retroactively. So I need
some legal expertise.
Ms. Smitherman: This is not a retroactive amendment. What we’re doing is it’s not any
different than the way we currently operate. However when we got our approval letter from the
IRS they specifically requested that we clarified the language in this way. This language has
been sent to the IRS and it has been approved by the IRS to comply with our approval letter that
16
we got from the Fair Determination letter that we got from the IRS. It does not in fact change
the plan in any way. It simply clarifies a language to make it clear the way that we already
currently operate.
Mr. Lockett: Then you realize I was going to ask you that question if it wasn’t indicated
as to why we’re doing that?
Ms. Smitherman: No, sir.
Mr. Lockett: And the last thing is I would have a suggestion that we’re going to have a
changing of the guard at the end of this year. Then when we do come back in January that we
take another look at the Pension Fund Committee. I think that the members that serve on that
committee should be representative of those retirees that we have. And right now we don’t have
it. I understand there’s certain positions and so forth that determines who’s on the committee but
we need to take a look at that so it’ll be different next year. Thank you, ma’am.
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Brigham.
Mr. Brigham: Mr. Mayor, as to that committee I don’t think we need to change anything.
We are the trustees of the Pension Plan. If somebody’s goes to jail over the pension plan it’s the
people that are sitting at this podium. And I think it needs to be made up of our members and
our staff. And I think it needs to remain that way. I don’t think we need to put pension people
on a committee to make recommendations to us about a pension that they’re growing. I think
that would be foolish.
Mr. Lockett: Mr. Mayor, if I may please.
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Lockett.
Mr. Lockett: My colleague is completely on left field.
Mr. Mayor: He’s on right field.
Mr. Lockett: That’s not what I said.
Mr. Mayor: You’re left field.
Mr. Lockett: That’s not what I said and that wasn’t my intent. Let me say it one more
time. I’m not asking that any outsiders come in. What I am saying is this. And I sat in the last
pension committee. I didn’t see anybody else in there that looked like me so what I’m saying is
this. There needs to be somebody like me in there because decisions are being made that impact
a whole bunch of people just like me.
Mr. Mayor: But you were in there.
Mr. Lockett: But I wasn’t a part of the committee.
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Mr. Mayor: But you’re free to give input and I’d listen. I get what you’re saying.
Mr. Lockett: Thank you.
Mr. Mayor: Can I get a ---
Mr. Brigham: Make a final decision.
Mr. Mayor: Can I get a motion to approve these two agenda items?
Mr. Lockett: So moved.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Second.
Mr. Mayor: We have a motion and a second. If there is no further discussion
Commissioners will now vote by the usual sign of voting.
Motion Passes 8-0.
Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk?
The Clerk: Item 27?
Mr. Mayor: Yes, ma’am. Please?
The Clerk:
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
27. Motion to approve tasking the Director of Housing & Community Development
Department and the General Counsel to amend/revise the 2006 By Laws of the HCD
Citizens Advisory Committee in accordance with the recommendations of the July 2012
report from the Augusta State University Foundation. (No recommendation from the
Administrative Services Committee August 13, 2012)
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Guilfoyle.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Yes, sir. I’m going to need to rely on the seasoned colleagues of mine to
explain to me why this board was deactivated in 2006 and why we’re reactivating it in 2012.
Can somebody please explain that to me?
Mr. Lockett: Mr. Mayor, I can if I have your permission.
Mr. Mayor: Well, let’s, shouldn’t we have somebody from the department make the,
explain?
18
Mr. Lockett: Never mind, (inaudible) he’s fine.
Mr. Hatney: Simply put, Mr. Mayor? Simply put ---
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Hatney.
Mr. Hatney: --- the director refused to work with that group and the Administrator
permitted it to happen.
Mr. Guilfoyle: But it took six members.
Mr. Hatney: It never came before this group.
Mr. Mayor: Okay.
The Clerk: It was never abolished.
Mr. Hatney: It was never officially done.
Mr. Mayor: Do we, and it sounds like this might need a little bit more discussion. Do we
want to send this back to committee? Commissioner Lockett.
Mr. Lockett: Mr. Mayor, that was my agenda item. It still is in fact. This thing has been
bounced back to the Administrator on several occasions and nothing happened. As was said this
advisory committee was not deactivated. They just stopped meeting. There is a great need. I
have done lots of research on this and I have it here. There’s a great need for this advisory
committee. Mr. Wheeler sent a letter which I don’t have a copy of, wasn’t given a copy of it, to
the ASU Foundation. The ASU Foundation came back with their findings. They said that the
law has changed, there’s no requirement that we have it. But if we want to have it they said it’s
fine and they made some stipulations that. So in other words we would have to go back and
make some changes to the existing bylaws. We discussed this in detail in committee and Mr.
Brigham seconded it and Mr. Matt Aitken voted no because he was concerned about all of the
other boards and committees we have that we wanted to know what they were doing. But this is
a valid request. The community has got a right to know what’s going on there. They don’t have
any responsibilities or dictate to the director. But you know they just apprise that information
and they go back and report to the community. And that’s what it’s all about. That’s what the
Feds have said and that’s what the ASU Foundation legal attorney has said.
Mr. Mayor: Well, I guess, Commissioner Lockett, if you don’t want to send it back to
committee you just go with the recommendation to approve and see, vote it up or vote it down.
Mr. Lockett: I think that would be proper.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, you’re making a motion to?
Mr. Lockett: I make a motion to approve.
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Mr. Mayor: Okay. Is there a second?
Mr. Johnson: I second it.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, we have a second. Commissioner Brigham and then Commissioner
Bowles coming back this way.
Mr. Brigham: Okay, I’m going to say the same thing I said in committee. I will support
this as long as it’s not an oversight committee that is going to direct the department. Department
heads work for the Commission. It is our job to do oversight. It is not a committee’s job to do
oversight. So as long as that’s language is in there as they are to advise and that was what I was
under the impression that this was about was advice. I have no trouble supporting this. If it’s
going to get into being an oversight committee, I am totally opposed to it.
Mr. Lockett: Mr. Mayor, may I please?
Mr. Mayor: I’ve gotten you twice, sir. I apologize but let me just say. I think that you
know if you want to move ahead on this they still have to put together a final product to come
back to. Commissioner Bowles because I called you and then I’ll recognize you for a point of
personal privilege.
Mr. Bowles: Mr. Mayor, how many people are going to be on this board and what
requirements academically or educationally will they have to have? That’s my concern.
Mr. Mayor: Well, that’s why I say the devil’s in the details. They’ll have to have a final
product that they would bring back from my understanding to this, to us for approval.
Mr. Bowles: Okay.
Mr. Mayor: Okay? Commissioner Lockett, point of personal privilege?
Mr. Lockett: Yes, sir. Thank you.
Mr. Lockett: Commissioner Brigham has no oversight at all in this. And the motion that
was made during committee was this information goes to the general counsel for them to go
through and see the recommendation made by the ASU Foundation Legal. And once this is done
it’ll come back to us for us do whatever we want to it. If we want to approve it at that point or
we want to not approve it at that point or whatever. But there’s no oversight at all in this. Thank
you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Guilfoyle.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Yes, on the attachment on this #27 discuss reactivation or reestablishment
of a Citizen Advisory Board. Provide oversight of the complex activities of HCD. That was in
my ---
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The Clerk: That was what was in committee but Item 27 is the motion that came out of
that discussion.
Mr. Guilfoyle: We have a motion that’s been properly seconded. If there’s no further
discussion Commissioners will now vote by the usual sign of voting.
Mr. Aitken, Mr. Jackson and Mr. Guilfoyle vote No.
Motion fails 5-3.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, no action taken. Madam Clerk, on to what I believe is our final
agenda item.
The Clerk:
OTHER BUSINESS
32. Motion to approve a resolution to the University System of Georgia Board of Regents
from the City of Augusta, Georgia Board of Commissioners to request that the work
“AUGUSTA” be included in the official name of the newly consolidated academic
institution, which includes “Augusta State University” and “Georgia Health Science
University”. (Requested by Commissioner Matt Aitken)
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Aitken.
Mr. Aitken: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. With all due respect to Georgia Health Science
University, Augusta State University, Dr. Azziz and the Board of Regents I bring this resolution
back to you that my colleague Commissioner Brigham brought up. And I think everyone knows
that I didn’t support the motion last time looking forward towards the process that was going to
be in place. As we look back at the process and we see University of Augusta being the first
choice out of four categories, University of Augusta ranked three of those four. And as we look
at Georgia Regents University ranking number four, five and six. I thought long and hard about
how to bring this back up to this community because I think as we look at the outpouring that we
heard across this city about this naming. And I felt like there was no leadership on behalf of the
citizens, the alumni of students standup with them to go through this process. So I had to bring
this back before this body. I realize that the support may not be here. I also realize that we have
to stand in a way that we to support those citizens that bring us into these seats that we serve.
And as a political leader on behalf of the citizens of Augusta I do bring this resolution and ask
that we would vote on this and unite behind the citizens of this city that are looking at us for that
kind of leadership that unites us. You know we look for state delegation support. We didn’t get
anything from them and all I want is for this community to know that we care about this
community. That the people would understand that we love Augusta and that we take a stand.
It’s nothing derogatory against the university, of those in position but it’s about this city. And I
think if we continue to stand on behalf of the city and unite this city in the way that we need.
We’re at a very strong turning point right now and unity and trying to ---
Mr. Mayor: I’ll recognize you for another two minutes.
21
Mr. Aitken: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. And I think as we look for this body to step up,
support those in the city to help us in ways that bring about what we need. Finally it’s not
anything for the Board of Regents, the governor but I think it’s people in those leadership roles
would even respect this body to say we care enough about our city and how it’s named and
where we go from here. I’m all for about building this city. I always have been. I’ve taken
stances for us to do that. You know as we look at our children, my wife’s here my family’s here.
My wife graduated there. My Dad retired from there. My sister works there. My other sister
graduated from Augusta State a Valedictorian. So it has a huge impact on me personally. And I
think that’s what we need to do is we unite our city that we send a message that we care about
our city that we need to move forward in a way we never forward in ways of breaking some of
the things. And I want to stand on behalf of those that felt like they didn’t have anybody there
for them. And I’m willing to take the fallout out whatever comes and there’s going to be fallout
on my behalf. But as a leader in this city somewhere we’ve got to be, have that within our being
to be able to do that. So with this I’ll leave this as Augusta Regents University. Thank you, Mr.
Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you. Commissioner Johnson.
Mr. Johnson: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I am too one that publicly came out and said I did
not support the new name. However I did respect their decision. As I spoke with my colleague
on Sunday, well I think yesterday regarding this matter I did mention to him that Commissioner
Brigham did bring forth a resolution that we all somewhat support it. And I don’t know whether
or not there’s a need to go back into a resolution and try to re-support it again. But let’s be real
here. This is a matter that of course is done at the state level. I think as Commissioner’s we all
have stated our opinion one way or the other on this matter and we’re not too happy with the
results of it. But nothing we do up here today is going to change what happens up there. I’m
just going to be honest with you. I’m not going to sugar coat it. Nothing we do here as a
Commission is going to change what happens up there. Their mind has been made. As a matter
of fact they have made a resolution not to change it. So it’s not going to change. I’m going to be
honest its economics. It’s all about economics. It’s all about the money that’s going to be
funneled into this city. And it’s not going to be funneled under the name Augusta period. And
that’s the bottom line. There’s a lot of, I was disappointed but honestly, honestly ---
Mr. Mayor: Um, please, men, please y’all.
Mr. Johnson: --- this is something that we have, we have talked about and it’s absolutely
correct. You know I think our state delegation need to probably do a little bit more and be more
involved in this. But this is what it’s about its economics. And I’m just going to be honest with
you. It’s not going to change based on anything we do up here today. As I told Matt that day
and I support it. I support it the resolution when Mr. Brigham brought it forth and I thought it
was worth, worthy of having the name Augusta in it but unfortunately we don’t win that battle
and we’re here today. So I just wanted to make that statement for the record and also let you
know Matt that I did support that. I think that we do have the resolution already voted on. And I
think we’re in position. So I think we’re pretty much going to need to be pretty much redundant
on that and just kind of let it proceed from there. And I’ll yield. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
22
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Bowles and then Commissioner Guilfoyle.
Mr. Bowles: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I agree with my colleague Commissioner Johnson
about 50%. You know I obviously don’t like the name and I don’t respect the decision the Board
of Regents made with this name. However with that being said I think Commissioner Brigham
had the right idea three months ago to make a suggestion to the Board of Regents to include the
name Augusta. Now that they’ve obviously decided not to I think it’s a little too late to do that.
However I’m going to make a substitute motion that we send a letter ---
Mr. Mayor: There hasn’t been a motion made to this point.
Mr. Bowles: Okay, well, I’ll make a motion that we send a letter requesting any name
other than GRU. Because nobody not one single person likes that name. And that’s going to be
my motion.
Mr. Guilfoyle: I’ll second that.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, Commissioner Guilfoyle then Commissioner Lockett.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Well, I ain’t going to give up. I didn’t give up
when Mr. Brigham brought it up three months ago and I didn’t really know where he was going.
Truly did not because you would have always thought the Board of Regents would’ve used the
Augusta in it. It was somewhat of a ‘gimme’ but I had supported Mr. Brigham then and I’m
going to support Mr. Matt Aitken right now. But if I was the Board of Regents I would listen to
the people.
(APPLAUSE)
Mr. Mayor: Y’all please keep it down.
Mr. Guilfoyle: If I was to error on a vote I would rather error on the side of the people.
That’s what they need to do. Thank you.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, are you going to put that in the form on a substitute motion to support
Commissioner Aitken’s resolution or?
Mr. Guilfoyle: Yeah, I’m going to second on Mr. Bowles.
Mr. Mayor: It’s already been seconded. Commissioner Lockett.
Mr. Lockett: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’m somewhat in agreement with the comments
that have been made. However I look at this a little different. Here we are talking about a name
when we should be talking about flooding, 97 out of 100 as far as public transit’s concerned,
high unemployment. I’m quite sure most of you all heard within the past year that consideration
was being given to moving a good part of what we now recognize as Georgia Health Sciences
23
University to the Athens area. And I can assure you that if a decision was made to move GRU to
Athens they would welcome it with open arms. Now the governor supports this, the Board of
Regents supports this and look that’s where the money is. They’ve already indicated the millions
that they’re going to pop into Augusta Richmond County. We’re talking about jobs and we need
that with the high unemployment rate that we have. We’re always talking about moving forward
but as soon as we get an innovator in town such as Dr. Azziz all we want to do is call names and
point fingers. For those million dollars that they have indicated they’re going to bring here and
the fact that the Board of Regents have already indicated in fact I understand that was the press
release put out but I didn’t see it. That they were not going to change the name. So look I think
and I’m an elected official but I’m going to be honest. Sometime you’ll be in agreement with me
sometimes you’re going to disagree. But I’m going to be honest with you. When it comes down
to a name or when it comes down to the millions of dollars that’s going to be invested into our
community I’ll take the money. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Jackson.
Mr. Jackson: (inaudible).
Mr. Mayor: Okay, we have a motion that’s been properly seconded. Commissioners will
now vote by the usual sign of voting.
Mr. Lockett votes No.
Mr. Hatney out.
Motion Passes 6-1.
Mr. Mayor: Okay. If there’s no further business to come before the body we stand
adjourned.
[MEETING ADJOURNED]
Lena Bonner
Clerk of Commission
CERTIFICATION:
I, Lena J. Bonner, Clerk of Commission, hereby certify that the above is a true and correct copy
of the minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Augusta Richmond County Commission held on
August 21, 2012.
______________________________
Clerk of Commission
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