HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-01-12-Meeting Agendawww.augustaga.gov
Public Safety Committee Meeting Committee Room- 1/12/2009- 2:15 PM
PUBLIC SAFETY
1. Approve 800Mhz User Agreement and Mobile Data User Agreement.
Attachments
2. Motion to approve a $109,250.00 increase in architectural fees to KSGW
Architects for additional construction administration services associated
with the construction of the Female Pod; and for the re-bid of the project.
Attachments
3. Motion to approve award of Bid Item #08-167A, Construction of Fire
Administration Office Building.
Attachments
4. Motion to approve an Ordinance to amend the Augusta-Richmond County
Code Title Three Sections 3-3-10, 3-3-13, 3-3-14, 3-3-18.1, 3-3-20 and 3-3-
25 relating to Fire Department inspections, fee schedule and
references to other Fire Prevention Codes; to repeal all Code sections and
ordinances and parts of Code sections and ordinances in conflict herewith;
to provide an effective date and for other purposes.
Attachments
5. Motion to approve an Ordinance to amend the Augusta-Richmond County
Code Title Three - Public Safety, to create a new Chapter Two, to be called
"Chapter Two False Alarms"; to create a system of governance for alarm
systems intended to summon a public safety response; to establish fees;
to provide for penalties for violations; to establish a system of
administration for alarm systems; to set conditions for suspensions; to repeal
all code sections and ordinances and parts of Code sections and
ordinances in conflict herewith; to provide an effective date and for other
purposes.
Attachments
6. Motion to approve recommendation for awarding Bid Item #08-211, Paving
of the AFD Training Center.
Attachments
7. Motion to approve recommendation for awarding Bid Item# 08-200, 100 Ft.
Aerial Platform.
Attachments
Public Safety Committee Meeting
1/12/2009 2:15 PM
800Mhz User Agreement and Mobile Data User Agreement.
Department:Information Technology
Caption:Approve 800Mhz User Agreement and Mobile Data User Agreement.
Background:Augusta currently has approximately fifteen hundred and eighty (1,580)
radios in use on Motorola’s 800 Mhz System. These radios are used in the
daily coordination of Law Enforcement, Public Safety and Public Works
departments.
Analysis:Information Technology is recommending the approval of this contract. The
approval of this contract will lock our current pricing in for two (2) years.
Our current pricing is far below industry standard and has allowed us to
continue to operate on a Public Safety system without an increase for ten
(10) years. Augusta’s continued operation on a Public Safety system is
imperative to allow communications in the event of a major disaster.
Though several departments that utilize the system are not Public Safety, the
ability to communicate with all Augusta agencies is necessary during certain
scheduled events and all disaster situations. Every Augusta agency or
department that can potentially be involved in pre-disaster planning and
post-disaster activities should utilize the same system. The use of non-Public
Safety systems, such as cellular, cannot be relied on when it is most
important. The use of Public Safety rated communications equipment and
infrastructure is additionally important for reliability. In the event of a
weather related disaster, the structural rigidity, fault tolerance, battery and
generator backup systems will be required to operate post disaster. User
prioritization is also a consideration. Augusta Public Safety and non-Public
Safety personnel can be prioritized above all other communications to
provide the highest availability possible.
Financial Impact:Information Technology has investigated all options regarding standard and
Public Safety communications for Augusta departments and agencies. The
purchase of Augusta’s own system would require an estimated capital outlay
of $18,515,000 and cost an additional $390,045 per year in operating
expenses. The reason our current system costs less than sole ownership is
due to system expenses being shared among other Public Safety users.
Alternatives:Augusta can continue with our current environment on a month to month
basis. The cost would increase by an undetermined amount. Augusta could
also purchase our own system at the price point identified in the financial
impact. No current alternatives offer the same level of services we currently
have without a significant capital investment and increase in operating
expenses.
Cover Memo
Item # 1
Recommendation:Approve the attached 800Mhz User Agreement and Mobile Data User
Agreement
Funds are Available in
the Following
Accounts:
Funding requirements will remain at the current rate and will not negativly
impact operating expenses.
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:
Finance.
Law.
Administrator.
Clerk of Commission
Cover Memo
Item # 1
Public Safety Committee Meeting
1/12/2009 2:15 PM
APPROVE ADDITIONAL ARCHITECT FEES FOR FEMALE POD ADDITION AT WEBSTER DETENTION
CENTER
Department:Richmond County Sheriff's Office
Caption:Motion to approve a $109,250.00 increase in architectural fees to KSGW
Architects for additional construction administration services associated
with the construction of the Female Pod; and for the re-bid of the project.
Background:On July 10, 2007, the Commission approved Contract Amendment No. 1 to
the Agreement between Augusta and KSGW Architects. The Amendment
included an agreement to increase KSGW’s fees to design an Additive
Alternate Female Pod. This Amendment also stipulated that KSGW would
be entitled to additional fees for construction administration services, should
the additive alternate pod be accepted and constructed. On November 5,
2008 the Augusta Commission approved a $27,041,000 contract with
McKnight Construction to construct additions to the Detention Center. On
December 2, 2008, the Commission approved McKnight’s Alternate Bid of
$5,900,000.00 to construct the female housing pod, thereby triggering the
need to increase KSGW’s fees in accordance with Amendment No. 1 of
their Contract. In addition, KSGW is entitled to additional fees as
compensation for additional work associated with re-bid of the project,
which was undertaken following Augusta’s decision to reject all bids
following the first round of bidding
Analysis:The Architect’s fees were initially negotiated based on a scope of work
associated with an estimated construction cost of roughly $27M. As the
project design evolved and the needs of the RCSO became better defined, it
became apparent that the required scope of work would exceed the
dedicated funds. It was thus decided to pursue an additive alternate female
pod, which effectively increased the scope of work and thus the amount of
work required of the architect. This led to Contract Amendment No. 1,
which included additional fees for design of the additive alternate Female
Pod. It also included a provision to increase the architect’s fees to cover
their additional work associated with the Additive Alternate, should the
Commission exercise their option to build it. KSGW has also requested an
additional $20,000 in fees to cover their costs associated with re-bidding the
project. This action was chosen by Augusta following a bidding irregularity.
At that time, it was agreed between Augusta Procurement, CIPM and
KSGW that additional fees were justified.
Financial Impact:KSGW’s current contract amount is $2,539,475.00. This approval will
increase their fees by $89,250.00 to cover the construction services for the
Female Pod, plus $20,000.00 to cover the re-bid. This will raise the total fee
by $109,250.00, to a revised total of $2,648,725.00.
Cover Memo
Item # 2
Alternatives:There are no good alternatives to this action.
Recommendation:Approve a $109,250.00 increase in architectural fees to KSGW Architects
for additional construction administration services associated with the
construction of the Female Pod; and for the re-bid of the project.
Funds are Available in
the Following
Accounts:
FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE IN ACCOUNT: GL – 325-05-1130 /
206351101
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:
Finance.
Law.
Administrator.
Clerk of Commission
Cover Memo
Item # 2
Attachment number 1
Page 1 of 2
Item # 2
Attachment number 1
Page 2 of 2
Item # 2
Public Safety Committee Meeting
1/12/2009 2:15 PM
Award of Bid Item #08-167A
Department:Fire Department, Howard Willis, Chief
Caption:Motion to approve award of Bid Item #08-167A, Construction of Fire
Administration Office Building.
Background:The Augusta Fire Department and the Procurement Department have
concluded the bid process for the construction of the Fire Administration
Offices for the Augusta Fire Department. After review of the bid proposals,
RCN Contracting Inc. was the lowest bidder that was in compliance with the
City of Augusta Procurement Department’s bid requirements
Analysis:The architects for this project, Virgo-Gambill Architects, have reviewed the
proposal by RCN Contracting Inc, and have found them to be in compliance
with the bid specifications that were advertised. RCN Contracting Inc. has
met all the specified requirements of the bid documents without taking any
exceptions and within the allocated budget amount. It is the opinion of the
Augusta Fire Department that, RCN Contracting Inc. with a bid of
$1,104,583.00 should be awarded the contract as low bidder.
Financial Impact:RCN Contracting Inc. with a bid of $1,104,583.00 is within the allocated
budget for this project.
Alternatives:None at this time
Recommendation:RCN Contracting Inc. with a bid of $1,104,583.00 should be awarded the
contract as low bidder.
Funds are Available in
the Following
Accounts:
324-03-4510 207324003
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:
Fire Department
Finance
Procurement
Law
Clerk of Commission
Cover Memo
Item # 3
1
Memo
To: Geri Sams
From: Deputy Chief Mike Rogers
CC: Howard Willis, Fred Russell, Phyllis Mills
Date: December 16, 2008
Re: Recommendation for awarding Bid Item# 08-167A, Fire Administration Building
The Augusta Fire Department and the Procurement Department have concluded the
bid process for the construction of the Fire Administration Offices for the Augusta Fire
Department. After review of the bid proposals, RCN Contracting Inc. was the lowest
bidder that was in compliance with the City of Augusta Procurement Department’s
bid requirements
The architects for this project, Virgo-Gambill Architects, have reviewed the proposal
by RCN Contracting Inc, and have found them to be in compliance with the bid
specifications that were advertised.
RCN Contracting Inc. has met all the specified requirements of the bid documents
without taking any exceptions and within the allocated budget amount. It is the
opinion of the Augusta Fire Department that, RCN Contracting Inc. with a bid of
$1,104,583.00 should be awarded the contract as low bidder.
Attachment number 1
Page 1 of 1
Item # 3
Invitation To Re-Bid
Sealed re-bids will be received at this office until 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Re-Bid Item #08-167A Fire Administration Building for Augusta Fire Department
Re-Bids will be received by Augusta, GA Commission hereinafter referred to as the OWNER at the
offices of:
Geri A. Sams
Procurement Department
530 Greene Street - Room 605
Augusta, Georgia 30901
706-821-2422
Bid documents may be examined at the office of the Augusta, GA Procurement Department, 530
Greene Street – Room 605, Augusta, GA 30901. Plans and specifications for the project will
be made available upon request to Imaging Technologies. The fees for the plans and
specifications which are non-refundable is $150.00
Documents may also be examined during regular business hours at the Augusta Builders
Exchange, 1262 Merry Street, Augusta, GA 30904; F. W. Dodge Plan Room, 1281 Broad Street,
Augusta, GA 30901. It is the wish of the Owner that all businesses are given the opportunity to
submit on this project. To facilitate this policy the Owner is providing the opportunity to view plans
online (www.itrepro.com) at no charge through Imaging Technologies (706 724-7924) beginning
Monday, November 3, 2008. Bidders are cautioned that submitting a package without Procurement
of a complete set are likely to overlook issues of construction phasing, delivery of goods or services,
or coordination with other work that is material to the successful completion of the project. Bidders
are cautioned that sequestration of documents through any other source is not advisable.
Acquisition of documents from unauthorized sources places the bidder at the risk of receiving
incomplete or inaccurate information upon which to base his qualifications.
A Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held on Friday, November 7, 2008 @ 10:00 a.m. in the
Procurement Department – Room 605. All questions must be submitted in writing to the
office of the Procurement Department by fax at 706-821-2811 or by mail. No bid will be
accepted by fax, all must be received by mail or hand delivered. All questions are to be
submitted in writing by Tuesday, November 11, 2008 by 3:00 p.m.
No Bid may be withdrawn for a period of 60 days after time has been called on the date of opening.
A 10% Bid bond is required to be submitted in a separate envelope so marked along with the
bidders’ qualifications; a 100% performance bond and a 100% payment bond will be required
for award.
Bidders will please note that the number of copies requested; all supporting documents including
financial statements and references and such other attachments that may be required by the bid are
material conditions of the package. Any package found incomplete or submitted late shall be
rejected by the Procurement Office. Any bidder allegedly contending that he/she has been
improperly disqualified from bidding due to an incomplete bid submission shall have the right to
appeal to the appropriate committee of the Augusta Commission. Please mark Bid number on the
outside of the envelope.
GERI A. SAMS, Procurement Director
cc: Tameka Allen Interim Deputy Administrator
Howard Willis Fire Department
Mike Rogers Fire Department
Attachment number 2
Page 1 of 1
Item # 3
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Attachment number 3
Page 1 of 1
Item # 3
Scherer Construction
507 North Davis Drive
Warner Robbins, GA 31093
Attn: Tommy Carter
Scherer Construction
507 North Davis Drive
Warner Robbins, GA 31093
Attn: Tommy Carter
Scherer Construction
507 North Davis Drive
Warner Robbins, GA 31093
Attn: Tommy Carter
Ammar Construction
P.O. Box 1877
Evans, GA 30809
Attn: Tony Ammar
Ammar Construction
P.O. Box 1877
Evans, GA 30809
Attn: Tony Ammar
Ammar Construction
P.O. Box 1877
Evans, GA 30809
Attn: Tony Ammar
RCN
1115 Franke Place Court
Augusta, GA 30907
Attn: Jim Newman
RCN
1115 Franke Place Court
Augusta, GA 30907
Attn: Jim Newman
RCN
1115 Franke Place Court
Augusta, GA 30907
Attn: Jim Newman
Continental Construction
P.O. Box 204198
Augusta, GA 30917
Attn: Paul Cannady
Continental Construction
P.O. Box 204198
Augusta, GA 30917
Attn: Paul Cannady
Continental Construction
P.O. Box 204198
Augusta, GA 30917
Attn: Paul Cannady
J.E. Stewart Builders
237 Chesterfield St, NW
Aiken, SC 29801
Attn: Josh Stewart
J.E. Stewart Builders
237 Chesterfield St, NW
Aiken, SC 29801
Attn: Josh Stewart
J.E. Stewart Builders
237 Chesterfield St, NW
Aiken, SC 29801
Attn: Josh Stewart
Contract Management, Inc.
1827 Killingsworth Road
Augusta, GA 30904
Attn: Greg Williams
Contract Management, Inc.
1827 Killingsworth Road
Augusta, GA 30904
Attn: Greg Williams
Contract Management, Inc.
1827 Killingsworth Road
Augusta, GA 30904
Attn: Greg Williams
Thomson Carpet Center
113 West Hill Street
Thomson, GA 30824
Attn: Raymond Swana
Thomson Carpet Center
113 West Hill Street
Thomson, GA 30824
Attn: Raymond Swana
Thomson Carpet Center
113 West Hill Street
Thomson, GA 30824
Attn: Raymond Swana
Augusta Fire Protection
109 Commercial Boulevard
Martinez, GA 30907
Attn: Matt Hamilton
Augusta Fire Protection
109 Commercial Boulevard
Martinez, GA 30907
Attn: Matt Hamilton
Augusta Fire Protection
109 Commercial Boulevard
Martinez, GA 30907
Attn: Matt Hamilton
McMichael’s Construction
90 Almond Road
Covington, GA 30014
Attn: Linda Plunk
McMichael’s Construction
90 Almond Road
Covington, GA 30014
Attn: Linda Plunk
McMichael’s Construction
90 Almond Road
Covington, GA 30014
Attn: Linda Plunk
Bid Item #08-167A
Fire Administration Building
For Fire Department
Bid Due: Wed 11/19/08 @ 3:00p.m.
Attachment number 4
Page 1 of 2
Item # 3
Imaging Technologies
1030 Reynolds Street
Augusta, GA 30901
Attn: Bill Bottomley
Imaging Technologies
1030 Reynolds Street
Augusta, GA 30901
Attn: Bill Bottomley
Imaging Technologies
1030 Reynolds Street
Augusta, GA 30901
Attn: Bill Bottomley
Augusta Builders Exchange
1262 Merry Street
Augusta, GA 30904
Attn: Joan Kennedy
Augusta Builders Exchange
1262 Merry Street
Augusta, GA 30904
Attn: Joan Kennedy
Augusta Builders Exchange
1262 Merry Street
Augusta, GA 30904
Attn: Joan Kennedy
The Dodge Room
1281 Broad Street
Augusta, GA 30901
Attn: Linda Blackston
The Dodge Room
1281 Broad Street
Augusta, GA 30901
Attn: Linda Blackston
The Dodge Room
1281 Broad Street
Augusta, GA 30901
Attn: Linda Blackston
The Dodge Room
1281 Broad Street
Augusta, GA 30901
Attn: Linda Blackston
The
1281
Aug
Attn
The Dodge Room
1281 Broad Street
Augusta, GA 30901
Attn: Linda Blackston
The Dodge Room
1281 Broad Street
Augusta, GA 30901
Attn: Linda Blackston
The Dodge Room
1281 Broad Street
Augusta, GA 30901
Attn: Linda Blackston
Mr. Bryan Corbitt
Stewart-Corbitt
P.O. Box 1256
Thomson, GA 30824
Mr. Bryan Corbitt
Stewart-Corbitt
P.O. Box 1256
Thomson, GA 30824
Mr. Bryan Corbitt
Stewart-Corbitt
P.O. Box 1256
Thomson, GA 30824
Howard Willis
Fire Department
Mike Rogers
Fire Department
Tameka Allen
Interim Deputy Director
Yvonne Gentry
DBE Coordinator
Bid Item #08-167A
Fire Administration Building
For Fire Department
Bid Due: Wed 11/19/08 @ 3:00p.m.
Bid Item #08-167A
Fire Administration Building
For Fire Department
Bid Due: Wed 11/19/08 @ 3:00p.m.
Attachment number 4
Page 2 of 2
Item # 3
Attachment number 5
Page 1 of 2
Item # 3
Attachment number 5
Page 2 of 2
Item # 3
Public Safety Committee Meeting
1/12/2009 2:15 PM
ORDINANCE TO AMEND CODE RELATING TO FIRE DEPARTMENT INSPECTIONS, FEE SCHEDULE AND
REFERENCES TO OTHER FIRE PREVENTION CODES
Department:Fire Department
Caption:Motion to approve an Ordinance to amend the Augusta-Richmond County
Code Title Three Sections 3-3-10, 3-3-13, 3-3-14, 3-3-18.1, 3-3-20 and 3-3-
25 relating to Fire Department inspections, fee schedule and
references to other Fire Prevention Codes; to repeal all Code sections and
ordinances and parts of Code sections and ordinances in conflict herewith;
to provide an effective date and for other purposes.
Background:Supreme Court caselaw relating to inspections require an update to the
inspection portion of the Augusta, GA Code. New fire codes and
publications also require updated references in the Code. The fee schedule in
the Code also needs correcting and updating.
Analysis:It is anticipated that these changes will improve the fire inspection process
as well as insure that the Code accrately references other fire codes and
publications.
Financial Impact:No finiancial liability is anticipated by this Code revision.
Alternatives:Leave the Code the same without making any revisions at this time.
Recommendation:Adopt the suggested changes to the Code.
Funds are Available in
the Following
Accounts:
N/A.
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:
Finance.
Law.
Administrator.
Clerk of Commission
Cover Memo
Item # 4
ORDINANCE NO. ___________
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE AUGUSTA-RICHMOND COUNTY CODE TITLE
THREE SECTIONS 3-3-10, 3-3-13, 3-3-14, 3-3-18.1, 3-3-20 AND 3-3-25 RELATING TO
FIRE DEPARTMENT INSPECTIONS, FEE SCHEDULE AND REFERENCES TO
OTHER FIRE PREVENTION CODES; TO REPEAL ALL CODE SECTIONS AND
ORDINANCES AND PARTS OF CODE SECTIONS AND ORDINANCES IN
CONFLICT HEREWITH; TO PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE DATE AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES.
WHEREAS, Augusta-Richmond County desires to update and amend the Code to clarify
procedures relating to fire department inspections, to modify the fee schedule for the fire
inspection bureau and to update references to other fire prevention codes and publications;
THE AUGUSTA-RICHMOND COUNTY COMMISSION, ordains as follows:
SECTION 1. Augusta-Richmond-County Code Sections 3-3-10, 3-3-13, 3-3-14, 3-3-18.1, 3-3-
20 and 3-3-25 as set forth in the Augusta-Richmond County Code, re adopted July 10, 2007, is
hereby amended by striking each of these section in their entirety and inserting in lieu thereof a
new Code Sections 3-3-10, 3-3-13, 3-3-14, 3-3-18.1, 3-3-20 and 3-3-25 restated as set forth in
³([KLELW$´KHUHWR
SECTION 2. This ordinance shall become effective upon its adoption in accordance with
applicable laws.
SECTION 3. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.
Adopted this _____ day of January, 2009.
___________________________
David S. Copenhaver
As its Mayor
Attest:
______________________________
Lena J. Bonner, Clerk of Commission
Seal:
Attachment number 1
Page 1 of 11
Item # 4
CERTIFICATION
The undersigned Clerk of Commission, Lena J. Bonner, hereby certifies that the
foregoing Ordinance was duly adopted by the Augusta-Richmond County Commission on
_________________, 2009 and that such Ordinance has not been modified or rescinded as of the
date hereof and the undersigned further certifies that attached hereto is a true copy of the
Ordinance which was approved and adopted in the foregoing meeting(s).
______________________________
Lena J. Bonner, Clerk of Commission
Published in the Augusta Chronicle.
Date: ______________________
Attachment number 1
Page 2 of 11
Item # 4
Exhibit A
Section 3-3-10. Inspections-authority to enter buildings or premises.
The chief of the fire department, the chief of the fire prevention bureau or any inspector may, at
all reasonable hours, enter any building or premises within his jurisdiction for the purpose of
making any inspection or investigation which, under the provisions of this chapter, he may deem
necessary to be made.
Section 3-3-10. Inspections-authority to enter buildings or premises.
The chief of the fire department, the chief of the fire prevention bureau or any fire inspector or
firefighter may, at anytime, with the permission of the owner or occupant or a properly executed
warrant, enter any building or premises within Augusta-Richmond County, for the purpose of
making any inspection or investigation which, under the provisions of this chapter, he or she may
deem necessary to be made.
Section 3-3-13. Inspection- Periodic inspections; correction of improper conditions.
It shall be the duty of the chief of the fire department to inspect, or cause to be inspected by the
bureau of fire prevention, or by fire department officers and members, as often as may be
necessary, all buildings and premises, except the interior of private dwellings, for the purpose of
ascertaining and causing to be corrected any conditions liable to cause fire, or any violations of
the provisions or intent of this chapter, or of the Augusta-Richmond County code, or any other
ordinance of Augusta-Richmond County affecting the fire hazard. Whenever any inspector shall
find in any building or upon any premises combustible or explosive matter, or dangerous
accumulations of rubbish or unnecessary accumulation of waste paper, boxes, shavings or any
highly flammable materials, which is so situated as to endanger property, or shall find
obstructions to or on fire escapes, stairs, passageways, doors or windows, liable to interfere with
the operations of the fire department or egress of occupants in case of fire, he shall order the
same to be removed or remedied.
Section 3-3-13. Inspection- Periodic inspections; correction of improper conditions.
In accordance with Section 3-3-10 of this Code, it shall be the duty of the chief of the fire
department to inspect, or cause to be inspected by the bureau of fire prevention, or by fire
department officers and members, as often as may be necessary, all buildings and premises, for
the purpose of ascertaining and causing to be corrected any conditions liable to cause fire, or any
violations of the provisions or intent of this chapter, or of the Augusta-Richmond County Code,
or any other ordinance of Augusta-Richmond County affecting fire hazards. Unless exigent
circumstances exist, such officers shall obtain a properly executed warrant or permission from
the owners or occupants of any building or other structure before entering such premises.
Whenever any inspector shall find in any building or upon any premises combustible or
explosive matter, or dangerous accumulations of rubbish or unnecessary accumulation of waste
paper, boxes, shavings or any highly flammable materials, which is so situated as to endanger
property, or shall find obstructions to or on fire escapes, stairs, passageways, doors or windows,
liable to interfere with the operations of the fire department or egress of occupants in case of fire,
he or she shall order the same to be removed or remedied.
Attachment number 1
Page 3 of 11
Item # 4
Section 3-3-14. Inspections- Upon complaint; remedy or removal of dangerous conditions.
The chief of the fire department, the chief of the bureau of fire prevention or an inspector, upon
the complaint of any person, or wherever he shall deem necessary, shall inspect all buildings and
premises within his jurisdiction. Whenever any of such officers shall find any building or other
structure which, for want of repairs, lack of sufficient fire escapes, automatic or other fire alarm
apparatus or fire extinguishing equipment or by reason of age or dilapidated condition, or from
any other cause, is especially liable to fire, and which is so situated as to endanger other property
or the occupants thereof, and whenever such officer shall find in any building combustible or
explosive matter or flammable conditions dangerous to the safety of such building or the
occupants thereof, he shall order such dangerous conditions or materials to be removed or
remedied.
Section 3-3-14. Inspections- Upon complaint; remedy or removal of dangerous conditions.
In accordance with Section 3-3-10 of this Code, the chief of the fire department, the chief of the
bureau of fire prevention, a fire inspector or any firefighter, upon the complaint of any person,
shall inspect all buildings and premises within Augusta-Richmond County. Unless exigent
circumstances exist, such officers shall obtain a properly executed warrant or permission from
the owners or occupants of any building or other structure before entering such premises.
Whenever any such officer shall find any building or other structure which, for want of repairs,
lack of sufficient fire escapes, automatic or other fire alarm apparatus or fire extinguishing
equipment or by reason of age or dilapidated condition, or from any other cause, is especially
liable to fire, and which is so situated as to endanger other property or the occupants thereof, and
whenever such officer shall find in any building combustible or explosive matter or flammable
conditions dangerous to the safety of such building or the occupants thereof, he or she shall order
such dangerous conditions or materials to be removed or remedied.
Section 3-3-18.1. Fee Schedule.
The fee schedule for the Fire Inspection Bureau is as follows:
Certificate of $150.00
Occupancy (CO)
Construction Permit:
Under 10,000 sq. ft . $150.00
Over 10,000 sq. ft. $150.00 + .040 per sq. ft
Annual Inspection and -0
First Re-Inspection
Second Re-Inspection $100.00
Third Re- Inspection $150.00
and each Follow-Up
Day Care Provider
Class
Five hour class $30.00
One-and- a- half hour $15.00
Attachment number 1
Page 4 of 11
Item # 4
class
(Ord. No. 6222, § 1, 12-7-99)
Section 3-3-18.1. Fee Schedule.
The fee schedule for the Fire Inspection Bureau is as follows:
Certificate of
Occupancy (CO)
Construction Permit:
Under 10,000 sq. ft. $150.00
Over 10,000 sq. ft. $150.00 + .050 per sq. ft. over 10,000
(example: 25,000 sq. ft.= $900.00)
Initial Annual Inspection $0
First Re-Inspection $0
Second Re-Inspection $25.00
Third Re-Inspection $25.00
Each Follow-Up $25.00
Day Care Provider
Class:
Five hour class $30.00
Two hour class $15.00
Section 3-3-20. Adoption by reference; where filed.
7KH1DWLRQDO)LUH3URWHFWLRQ$VVRFLDWLRQ¶V/LIH6DIHW\&RGH HGLWLRQWKH*HRUJLD6WDWH
Minimum Standard Fire Prevention Code, 1994 edition, as published by the Southern Building
Code Congress International, and as may be amended by the State of Georgia and/or Augusta-
Richmond County, and the standards, recommended practices, guides and methods as published
in the 1992 National Fire Codes, as may from time to time be modified or amended, are hereby
adopted and shall be controlling within Augusta-Richmond County for the purpose of
prescribing regulations governing conditions hazardous to life and property from fire or
explosion, copies of said codes and all amendments thereto being on file in the office of the
Clerk of the Commission , and available to the public any time during regular office hours of the
Clerk.
Section 3-3-20. Adoption by reference; where filed.
Augusta-Richmond County hereby adopts other codes, standards and practices as follows: All
parts of the most recent edition of the 1DWLRQDO)LUH3URWHFWLRQ$VVRFLDWLRQ¶V/LIH Safety Code
which have been approved by the State of Georgia; the Georgia State Minimum Standard Fire
Prevention Code, 2007 edition, as published by International Building Code, and as may be
amended by the State of Georgia and/or Augusta-Richmond County; and the standards,
recommended practices, guides and methods as published in the most recent edition of the
International Fire Code, as may from time to time be modified or amended. The International
Fire Code shall be controlling within Augusta-Richmond County for the purpose of prescribing
regulations governing conditions hazardous to life and property from fire or explosion. Copies
of said codes and all amendments thereto should be on file in the office of the Clerk of the
Attachment number 1
Page 5 of 11
Item # 4
Commission and should be made available to the public any time during regular office hours of
the Clerk.
Section 3-3-25. Special hazard buildings and structures.
(a) Certain buildings and structures may, because of construction or use, constitute a special
hazard to property or to life and safety of persons on account of fire or panic caused by a fear of
fire. Buildings constructed or used in the following manner present such a fire hazard:
(1) Buildings or structures three (3) stories or more in height; however, nothing herein shall
apply to any individually owned residential unit within any such building;
(2) Any building three (3) or more stories in height and used as a residence by three (3) or
more families, with individual cooking and bathroom facilities; provided, however,
nothing herein shall apply to any individually owned residential unit within such
building;
(3) Any building in which there is more than fifteen (15) sleeping accommodations for hire,
with or without meals but without individual cooking facilities, whether designated as a
hotel, motel, inn, club, dormitory, rooming or boardinghouse, or by any other name;
(4) Any building or group of buildings which contains schools and academies for any
combination of grades 1 through 12 having more than fifteen (15) children or students in
attendance at any given time and all state-funded kindergarten programs; (5) Hospitals,
health care centers, mental health institutions, orphanages, nursing homes, convalescent
homes, old-age homes, jails, prisons, and reformatories, and all administrative, public
assembly, and academic buildings of colleges, universities, and vocational-technical
schools. As used in this paragraph, nursing homes, convalescent homes and old-age
homes shall mean any building used for the lodging, personal care, or nursing care on a
twenty-four hour basis of four (4) or more invalids, convalescents or elderly persons who
are not members of the same family;
(6) Racetracks, stadiums and grandstands;
(7) Theaters, auditoriums, restaurants, bars, lounges, nightclubs, dance halls, recreation halls,
and other places of assembly having an occupant load of three hundred (300) or more
persons, except that the occupant load shall be 100 or more persons in those buildings
where alcoholic beverages are served;
(8) Churches having an occupant load of 500 or more persons in a common area or having an
occupant load greater than 1,000 persons based on total occupant load of the building or
structure;
(9) Department stores and retail mercantile establishments having a gross floor area of fifteen
thousand (15,000) square feet on any one (1) floor or having three (3) or more floors that
are open to the public. For purposes of this paragraph, shopping centers and malls shall
be assessed upon the basis of the entire area covered by the same roof or sharing common
walls; provided, however, that nothing contained herein shall apply to single-story malls
or shopping centers subdivided into areas of less than fifteen thousand (15,000) square
feet by a wall or walls with a two-hour fire resistance rating and where there are
unobstructed exit doors in the front and rear of every such individual occupancy which
open directly to the outside;
(10) Group day-care homes and group daycare centers required to be licensed or
commissioned as such by the Georgia Department of Human Resources and in which at
least seven (7) children receive care. As used in this subparagraph a group day care home
means a day-care facility subject to licensure by the Georgia Department of Human
Attachment number 1
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Item # 4
Resources where at least seven (7) but not more than twelve (12) children receive care,
and a group day care center means a day-care facility subject to licensure or issuance of a
commission by the Georgia Department of Human Resources where more than twelve
(12) children receive care. Fire safety standards adopted by rules of the Georgia Fire
Safety Commissioner pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 25-2-4 which are applicable to group day-
care homes and daycare centers shall not require staff-to child ratios;
(11) Personal care homes required to be licensed as such by the Georgia Department of
Human Resources and having at least seven (7) beds for nonfamily adults. The Georgia
Fire Safety Commissioner shall, pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 25-2-4, by rule adopt state
minimum fire safety standards for those homes, and say structure constructed as or
converted to a personal care home on or after April 15, 1986, shall be deemed to be a
proposed building pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 25-2-14(d) and that structure may be required
to be furnished with a sprinkler system meeting the standards established by the Georgia
Fire Safety Commissioner if the chief of the fire department, or his duly authorized
representative, deems this necessary for proper fire safety.
(b) Any building or structure which is used exclusively for agricultural purposes, or which has
been designated historic property or which is located within a designated historic district
pursuant to the Georgia Historic Preservation Act approved April 8, 1980 (Ga. Laws 1980, p.
1723), as now or hereafter amended, shall be exempt from the above classification.
(c) Landmark museum buildings, whose designations are recognized by ordinances of Augusta-
Richmond County, shall be governed by the provisions of O.C.G.A. § 25-2-13(b)(3) and the
provisions of subparagraphs (B) and (C) of O.C.G.A. §25-2-13(b)(3) are by reference
incorporated herein as fully as if set forth verbatim herein.
(d) Capacity as used in this section shall mean the maximum number of persons who may be
reasonably expected to be present in any building or on any floor thereof at a given time
according to the use which is made of such building. The bureau of fire prevention shall
determine and by rule declare the formula for determining capacity for each of the uses herein.
(e) Plans and specifications for all proposed buildings which come under classification in section
3-3-25 shall be submitted to and receive approval by the bureau of fire prevention before any
state or Augusta-Richmond County building permit may be issued or construction started. All
such plans and specifications submitted for review as required herein shall be accompanied by a
one hundred dollar ($100.00) fee for buildings or structures less than or equal to ten thousand
(10,000) square feet gross area and a fee of one and one-half cents ($0.015) per square foot for
buildings or structures more than ten thousand (10,000) square feet gross area, and shall bear the
seal and Georgia registration number of the drafting architect or engineer or otherwise have the
approval of the bureau of fire prevention. A complete set of approval plans and specifications
shall be maintained on the construction-site, and construction shall proceed in compliance with
the minimum fire safety standards under which such plans and specifications were approved. The
owner of any such building or structure, or his authorized representative, shall notify the bureau
of fire prevention upon completion of approximately eighty (80) percent of the construction
thereof and shall apply for a certificate of occupancy when construction of such building or
structure is complete.
(f) Every building or structure which comes under classification in section 3-3-25 shall have a
certificate of occupancy issued by the bureau of fire prevention before such building or structure
Attachment number 1
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Item # 4
may be occupied. Such certificate of occupancy shall be issued for each class of occupancy
within the building, shall carry a flat rate of one hundred dollars ($100.00), shall state the
occupant load, shall be kept on file within each business establishment where issued or on file
with the building owner, shall be posted in a prominent location within such business establish
mentor building, and shall run for the life of the building except as provided in subsection (1)
herein.
(1) Every certificate of occupancy required in subsection (e) shall run for the life of the
building; provided the internal or external features of the building are not materially
altered, the type of occupancy remains unchanged or there has been no fire or serious
consequences, or other hazard discovered and not transferrable.
(2) For purpose of this section, any existing building or structure listed in subsection (a) of
this section shall be deemed to be a proposed building in the event such building or
structure is subject to substantial renovation, a fire or other hazard of serious
consequence, or a change in the classification of occupancy. For purpose of this section,
substantial renovation shall mean any construction project involving exits or internal
features of such building or structure costing more than the building's or structure's
assessed value according to county tax records at the time of such renovation.
(3) In existing buildings set up under section 3-3-25 when substandard conditions are found,
a temporary occupancy permit may be issued, such permit carrying a time adjusted to
meet the amount of time deemed necessary to make the proper corrections in order to
bring the building up to standard. A fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) shall be required for each
temporary certificate of occupancy.
(4) All federal, state, or local publicly-owned buildings covered by this section are exempt
from any fee or license which may be herein specified. Such fees or licenses may be
waived where chargeable to churches and charitable organizations.
Section 3-3-25. Special hazard buildings and structures.
(a) Certain buildings and structures may, because of construction or use, constitute a special
hazard to property or to life and safety of persons on account of fire or panic caused by a fear of
fire. Buildings constructed or used in the following manner present such a fire hazard:
(1) Buildings or structures three (3) stories or more in height; however, nothing herein shall
apply to any individually owned residential unit within any such building;
(2) Any building three (3) or more stories in height and used as a residence by three (3) or
more families, with individual cooking and bathroom facilities; provided, however,
nothing herein shall apply to any individually owned residential unit within such
building;
(3) Any building in which there is more than fifteen (15) sleeping accommodations for hire,
with or without meals but without individual cooking facilities, whether designated as a
hotel, motel, inn, club, dormitory, rooming or boardinghouse, or by any other name;
(4) Any building or group of buildings which contains schools and academies for any
combination of grades 1 through 12 having more than fifteen (15) children or students in
attendance at any given time and all state-funded kindergarten programs;
(5) Hospitals, health care centers, mental health institutions, orphanages, nursing homes,
convalescent homes, old-age homes, jails, prisons, and reformatories, and all
administrative, public assembly, and academic buildings of colleges, universities, and
vocational-technical schools. As used in this paragraph, nursing homes, convalescent
Attachment number 1
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Item # 4
homes and old-age homes shall mean any building used for the lodging, personal care, or
nursing care on a twenty-four hour basis of four (4) or more invalids, convalescents or
elderly persons who are not members of the same family;
(6) Racetracks, stadiums and grandstands;
(7) Theaters, auditoriums, restaurants, bars, lounges, nightclubs, dance halls, recreation halls,
and other places of assembly having an occupant load of three-hundred (300) or more
persons, except that the occupant load shall be one-hundred (100) or more persons in
those buildings where alcoholic beverages are served.
(8) Churches having an occupant load of five-hundred (500) or more persons in a common
area or having an occupant load greater than one-thousand (1,000) persons based on total
occupant load of the building or structure;
(9) Department stores and retail mercantile establishments having a gross floor area of fifteen
thousand (15,000) square feet on any one (1) floor or having three (3) or more floors that
are open to the public. For purposes of this paragraph, shopping centers and malls shall
be assessed upon the basis of the entire area covered by the same roof or sharing common
walls; provided, however, that nothing contained herein shall apply to single-story malls
or shopping centers subdivided into areas of less than fifteen thousand (15,000) square
feet by a wall or walls with a two-hour fire resistance rating and where there are
unobstructed exit doors in the front and rear of every such individual occupancy which
open directly to the outside;
(10) Group day-care homes and group daycare centers required to be licensed or
commissioned as such by the Georgia Department of Human Resources and in which at
least seven (7) children receive care. As used in this subparagraph, a group day care
home means a day-care facility subject to licensure by the Georgia Department of Human
Resources where at least seven (7), but not more than twelve (12), children receive care,
and a group day care center means a day-care facility subject to licensure or issuance of a
commission by the Georgia Department of Human Resources where more than twelve
(12) children receive care. Fire safety standards adopted by rules of the Georgia Fire
Safety Commissioner pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 25-2-4, which are applicable to group day-
care homes and daycare centers, shall not require staff-to-child ratios;
(11) Personal care homes required to be licensed as such by the Georgia Department of
Human Resources and having at least seven (7) beds for nonfamily adults. The Georgia
Fire Safety Commissioner shall, pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 25-2-4, by rule adopt state
minimum fire safety standards for those homes, and any structure constructed as or
converted to a personal care home on or after April 15, 1986, shall be deemed to be a
proposed building pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 25-2-14(d) and that structure may be required
to be furnished with a sprinkler system meeting the standards established by the Georgia
Fire Safety Commissioner, if the chief of the fire department, or his/her duly authorized
representative, deems this necessary for proper fire safety.
(b) Any building or structure which is used exclusively for agricultural purposes, or which has
been designated historic property or which is located within a designated historic district
pursuant to the Georgia Historic Preservation Act approved April 8, 1980 (Ga. Laws 1980, p.
1723), as now or hereafter amended, shall be exempt from the classification of subsection (a)
above.
(c) Landmark museum buildings, whose designations are recognized by ordinances of Augusta-
Richmond County, shall be governed by the provisions of O.C.G.A. § 25-2-13(b)(3) and the
Attachment number 1
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Item # 4
provisions of subparagraphs (B) and (C) of O.C.G.A. § 25-2-13(b)(3) are by reference
incorporated herein as fully as if set forth verbatim herein.
(d) Capacity as used in this section shall mean the maximum number of persons who may be
reasonably expected to be present in any building or on any floor thereof at a given time
according to the use which is made of such building. The bureau of fire prevention shall
determine and by rule declare the formula for determining capacity for each of the uses herein.
(e) Plans and specifications for all proposed buildings which come under classification in section
3-3-25 shall be submitted to and receive approval by the bureau of fire prevention before any
state or Augusta-Richmond County building permit may be issued or construction started. All
such plans and specifications submitted for review as required herein shall be accompanied by a
one hundred-fifty dollar ($150.00) fee for buildings or structures less than or equal to ten
thousand (10,000) square feet gross area. For buildings or structures more than ten thousand
(10,000) square feet gross area, all such plans and specifications submitted for review shall be
accompanied by a one hundred-fifty dollar ($150.00) fee and a fee of five cents ($0.05) per
square foot for each square foot exceeding ten thousand (10,000) square feet gross area. All such
plans and specifications submitted for review shall bear the seal and Georgia registration number
of the drafting architect or engineer or otherwise have the approval of the bureau of fire
prevention. A complete set of approval plans and specifications shall be maintained on the
construction-site, and construction shall proceed in compliance with the minimum fire safety
standards under which such plans and specifications were approved. The owner of any such
building or structure, or his or her authorized representative, shall notify the bureau of fire
prevention upon completion of approximately eighty (80) percent of the construction thereof and
shall apply for a certificate of occupancy when construction of such building or structure is
complete.
(f) Every building or structure which comes under classification in section 3-3-25 shall have a
certificate of occupancy issued by the bureau of fire prevention before such building or structure
may be occupied. Such certificate of occupancy shall be issued for each class of occupancy
within the building; shall carry a flat rate of one hundred-fifty dollars ($150.00); shall state the
occupant load; shall be kept on file within each business establishment where issued or on file
with the building owner; shall be posted in a prominent location within such business establish
mentor building; and shall run for the life of the building except as provided in subsection (1)
herein.
(1) Every certificate of occupancy required in subsection (e) shall run for the life of the
building, provided the internal or external features of the building are not materially
altered, the type of occupancy remains unchanged, there has been no fire or serious
consequences, or other hazard discovered which is not transferrable.
(2) For purpose of this section, any existing building or structure listed in subsection (a) of
this section shall be deemed to be a proposed building in the event such building or
structure is subject to substantial renovation, a fire or other hazard of serious
consequence, or a change in the classification of occupancy. For purposes of this section,
substantial renovation shall mean any construction project involving exits or internal
features of such building or structure costing more than the building's or structure's
assessed value according to county tax records at the time of such renovation.
(3) All federal, state, or local publicly-owned buildings covered by this section are exempt
from any fee or license which may be herein specified. Such fees or licenses may be
Attachment number 1
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Item # 4
waived by the Augusta-Richmond County Commission where chargeable to churches and
charitable organizations.
(g) Assembly occupancies having occupant loads of one-hundred (100) or more shall be
provided with a minimum of one trained crowd manager or crowd manager supervisor. Every
crowd manager and crowd supervisor shall receive approved training in crowd management
techniques. Where the occupant load exceeds two-hundred-fifty (250), additional trained crowd
managers or crowd manager supervisors shall be provided at a ratio of 1:250, crowd
manager/supervisor to occupants, respectively, unless otherwise permitted by the following:
(1) This requirement shall not apply to assembly occupancies used exclusively for religious
worship with an occupant load not exceeding two-thousand (2000) persons.
(2) With the exception of assembly occupancies noted above where alcoholic beverages are
consumed, the ratio of trained crowd managers to occupants shall be permitted to be
reduced where, in the opinion of the Augusta-Richmond County fire chief, the existence
of an approved supervised sprinkler system and the nature of the event warrant.
Attachment number 1
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Item # 4
Public Safety Committee Meeting
1/12/2009 2:15 PM
ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODE TO CREATE REGULATIONS FOR FALSE ALARMS
Department:911
Caption:Motion to approve an Ordinance to amend the Augusta-Richmond County
Code Title Three - Public Safety, to create a new Chapter Two, to be called
"Chapter Two False Alarms"; to create a system of governance for alarm
systems intended to summon a public safety response; to establish fees;
to provide for penalties for violations; to establish a system of
administration for alarm systems; to set conditions for suspensions; to repeal
all code sections and ordinances and parts of Code sections and
ordinances in conflict herewith; to provide an effective date and for other
purposes.
Background:These regulations are intended to encourage alarm users to properly use and
maintain alarm systems and to reduce or eliminate false alarms that may
unduly divert Public Safety resources.
Analysis:It is anticipated that these regulations will improve public safety services to
the citizens of Augusta-Richmond County and reduce public safety
resources spent responding to false alarms.
Financial Impact:No negative financial impact is anticipated.
Alternatives:Decline to pass this Ordinance.
Recommendation:Pass this Ordiniance.
Funds are Available in
the Following
Accounts:
N/A.
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:
Finance.
Law.
Administrator.
Clerk of Commission
Cover Memo
Item # 5
ORDINANCE NO. ___________
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE AUGUSTA-RICHMOND COUNTY CODE TITLE
THREE- PUBLIC SAFETY, TO CREATE A NEW CHAPTER TWO, TO BE CALLED
³CHAPTER TWO )$/6( $/$506´ TO CREATE A SYSTEM OF GOVERANCE
FOR ALARM SYSTEMS INTENDED TO SUMMON A PUBLIC SAFETY RESPONSE;
TO ESTABLISH FEES; TO PROVIDE FOR PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS; TO
ESTABLISH A SYSTEM OF ADMINISTRATION FOR ALARM SYSTEMS; TO SET
CONDITIONS FOR SUSPENSION; TO REPEAL ALL CODE SECTIONS AND
ORDINANCES AND PARTS OF CODE SECTIONS AND ORDINANCES IN
CONFLICT HEREWITH; TO PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE DATE AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES.
WHEREAS, Augusta-Richmond County desires to encourage alarm users to properly use and
maintain alarm systems and to reduce or eliminate false alarms that may unduly divert Public
Safety resources.
WHEREAS, based on the foregoing, the Augusta-Richmond County Commission, recommends
adopting a system of governance for alarm systems intended to summon a public safety
response;
THE AUGUSTA-RICHMOND COUNTY COMMISSION, ordains as follows:
TITLE III- PUBLIC SAFETY, CHAPTER TWO. Augusta-Richmond-County Code Title
III- Public Safety, Chapter Two, as set forth in the Augusta-Richmond County Code, re adopted
July 10, 2007, is hereby amended by striking this Chapter reference in its entirety and inserting
in lieu thereof a new Chapter Two, called ³&KDSWHU7ZR)DOVH$ODUPV´DVVHWIRUWKLQ³([KLELW
$´KHUHWR
SECTION 2. This ordinance shall become effective upon its adoption in accordance with
applicable laws.
SECTION 3. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.
Adopted this ___ day of January, 2009.
___________________________
David S. Copenhaver
As its Mayor
Attest:
______________________________
Lena J. Bonner, Clerk of Commission
Seal:
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CERTIFICATION
The undersigned Clerk of Commission, Lena J. Bonner, hereby certifies that the
foregoing Ordinance was duly adopted by the Augusta-Richmond County Commission on
_________________, 2009 and that such Ordinance has not been modified or rescinded as of the
date hereof and the undersigned further certifies that attached hereto is a true copy of the
Ordinance which was approved and adopted in the foregoing meeting(s).
______________________________
Lena J. Bonner, Clerk of Commission
Published in the Augusta Chronicle.
Date: ______________________
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Exhibit A
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Title III PUBLIC SAFETY
Chapter 2 FIREARMS RESERVED
Chapter 2 FALSE ALARMS
Sec. 3-2-1. Purpose.
To encourage alarm users to properly use and maintain alarm systems and to reduce or eliminate
false alarms that may unduly divert Public Safety resources. This section governs systems
intended to summon a Public Safety response, establishes fees, provides for penalties for
violations, establishes a system of administration, and sets conditions for suspension.
Sec. 3-2-2. Definitions.
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings
ascribed to them in this subsection, except where the context clearly indicates a different
meaning:
(a) Alarm Administrator means the Director of 9-1-1.
(b) Alarm systems business means a person or business subject to the licensing requirements of
Augusta-Richmond County and engaged in selling, leasing, installing, servicing or
monitoring alarm systems within the Augusta-Richmond County, Georgia.
(c) Alarm user means any owner, tenant or other person or entity that uses or is in control of an
alarm system within Augusta-Richmond County, Georgia.
(d) Alarm site means the geographical location of a specific alarm system.
(e) Alarm system means any assembly of equipment, mechanical or electrical, device or series of
devices, including, but not limited, to systems interconnected with a radio frequency method
such as cellular or private radio signals, which emit or transmit a remote or local audible,
visual or electronic signal indicating an alarm condition and intended to discourage crime
and summon a Public Safety response.
(f) Automatic dialing device means an alarm system which automatically sends, via telephone, a
pre-recorded voice message or coded signal indicating the existence of an emergency
situation.
(g) Augusta means the Augusta-Richmond County consolidated government or its agents.
(h) Commercial premises means any structure or area which is not defined in this section as a
governmental or residential premise.
(i) County means Richmond County, Georgia, or its agent.
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(j) Deactivated alarm means an alarm system that has the primary and secondary power and the
telephone line disconnected at the alarm control panel.
(k) False alarm means the activation of an alarm system for any reason other than a bona fide
request for Public Safety assistance. A false alarm for this section does not include:
(1)
(2) An alarm caused by physical damage to the alarm system as a result of lightning,
wind, or other meteorological event, where there is clear evidence of physical damage
to the alarm system; or
(3) An alarm caused by disconnection of a telephone circuit beyond the control of the
DODUPXVHURUWKHDODUPXVHU¶VDJHQWYHULILHGE\ZULWWHQFRPPXQLFDWLRQIURPWKH
telephone company; or
(4) An alarm caused by continuous electrical power disruption in excess of four hours.
(l)
(m) Governmental premises mean a structure or area operated by a government entity not
including premises leased to non-governmental entities.
(n) Permit year means a calendar year from January to December.
(o) Public Safety Responder means the sheriff, police, fire or EMS services for Augusta,
Richmond County, Georgia.
(p) Residential premises mean any structure serving as a home, residence, or sleeping place by
one person or by two or more persons who maintain a common household consistent with the
provisions of the Zoning Ordinance for Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia.
Sec. 3-2-3. Alarm systems.
Every Alarm System Business shall register annually with Augusta-Richmond County. Each
registration shall provide the following information:
(a) Name, street address and telephone number of the Alarm Systems Business.
(b) The Alarm Systems Business license number issued by the State of Georgia.
Sec. 3-2-4. Restrictions.
Automatic dialing devices prohibited. No alarm user shall operate an alarm system equipped
with an automatic dialing device programmed to connect directly to the 9-1-1 Center either via
9-1-1 or any administrative lines of the 9-1-1 Center. Alarm users using an automatic dialing
device dialing device programmed to connect directly to 9-1-1 Center shall be determined to be
operating a non-permitted alarm system. Such use shall be a violation of this section.
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Sec. 3-2-5. Penalties for false alarms.
Responsibility for false alarms shall be borne by the alarm user. The following
penalties shall be required for each false alarm per alarm system within one permit year:
(1) First and second false alarms there is no penalty;
(2) The third false alarm will result in written notification that the next false alarm
will result in a penalty;
(3) The fourth and fifth false alarms: $25.00 each;
(4) The sixth and seventh false alarms: $50.00 each;
(5) The eighth and above false alarms: $100.00 each;
(b) For any violation of the provisions of this section other than a false alarm, a violator shall be
subject to a penalty in the amount of $50.00.
(c) Augusta-Richmond County may offer an alarm awareness class to alarm users. Alarm users
may attend the class, if available, in lieu of paying one civil penalty per calendar year.
(d) After responding to an alarm and determining that the alarm was false, the public safety
responder shall leave written notice at the alarm site that there was a false alarm. The notice
shall include the identity of the responder and time of response.
(e) The alarm user shall not be liable for a false alarm that occurs at an alarm site for which the
alarm user has previously given a written disconnection notice to the alarm systems business
or monitoring service.
(f) Payment of penalties: Penalties shall be paid within 30 days from the date of the notification.
Violators shall be issued a written invoice which must be paid within 30 days of the
notification date. If not paid within the 30-day period, then an additional twentyfive dollars
($25.00) delinquency charge shall be assessed for each 30-day period thereafter until paid in
full.
(g) The Alarm Administrator is herby authorized by the Augusta-Richmond County Commission
to enforce the false alarm ordinance and may issue notifications and invoices for violations of
this chapter.
(h) The General Counsel of Augusta-Richmond County, or designee, is authorized to file suit on
behalf of the Augusta-Richmond County to collect any unpaid citations and any delinquency
charge, and the Alarm Administrator, or official designee, is authorized to verify and sign
complaints on behalf of Augusta-Richmond County in such suits. If litigation is required to
recover the penalties and delinquency charges, the General Counsel or designee, in addition
to the penalties and delinquency charges, PD\UHFRYHUUHDVRQDEOHDWWRUQH\V¶IHHVDQGRWKHU
costs incurred in bringing the action and collecting the judgment.
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(i) Equitable remedy: Augusta-Richmond County may enforce the provisions of this section by
applying to a court of competent jurisdiction for an injunction, abatement order or any other
appropriate equitable remedy.
Sec. 3-2-6. No public duty:
The permitting of an alarm system is not intended to, nor will it create a contract, duty or
obligation, either expressed or implied, of response. Any and all liability and consequential
damage resulting from the failure to respond to a notification is hereby disclaimed and
governmental immunity, as provided by law, is retained. By registering the alarm system, the
alarm user acknowledges any response may be based on factors such as availability of Public
Safety units, priority of calls, weather conditions, traffic conditions, emergency conditions, and
staffing levels.
Sec. 3-2-7. Repeal of conflicting provisions.
All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of
such conflict.
Sec. 3-2-8. Severability of provision:
Any part or provision of this ordinance found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be in
violation of the Constitution or laws of the United States or the State of Georgia is hereby
deemed severable and shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions of the ordinance.
Attachment number 1
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Item # 5
Public Safety Committee Meeting
1/12/2009 2:15 PM
Recommendation for awarding Bid Item #08-211
Department:Fire, Chief Howard Willis
Caption:Motion to approve recommendation for awarding Bid Item #08-211, Paving
of the AFD Training Center.
Background:The Augusta Fire Department and the Procurement Department have
concluded the bid process for Bid Item #08-211 Paving of the AFD Training
Center in accordance to City of Augusta policies and procedures.
Analysis:After review of the compliant bid proposals, Blair Construction has met all
the specified requirements of the bid documents without taking any
exceptions and is within the allocated budget amount with the low bid of
$97,264.00.
Financial Impact:Funding for this project is allocated in the Phase V SPLOST allocations for
the renovation of the training facility property.
Alternatives:None at this time
Recommendation:It is the opinion of the Augusta Fire Department that, Blair Construction,
with a bid of $97,264.00 should be awarded the contract as low bidder.
Funds are Available in
the Following
Accounts:
324-03-4510 207324003
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:
Finance.
Procurement.
Law.
Administrator.
Clerk of Commission
Cover Memo
Item # 6
1
Memo
To: Geri Sams
From: Deputy Chief Mike Rogers
CC: Howard Willis, Fred Russell, Phyllis Mills
Date: December 29, 2008
Re: Recommendation for awarding Bid Item #08-211 Paving of the AFD Training
Center
The Augusta Fire Department and the Procurement Department have concluded the
bid process for Bid Item #08-211 Paving of the AFD Training Center. After review of
the compliant bid proposals, Blair Construction has met all the specified requirements
of the bid documents without taking any exceptions and is within the allocated budget
amount with the low bid of $97,264.00. It is the opinion of the Augusta Fire
Department that, Blair Construction, with a bid of $97,264.00 should be awarded the
contract as low bidder.
RCN Contracting Inc
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Public Safety Committee Meeting
1/12/2009 2:15 PM
Recommendation for awarding Bid Item# 08-200
Department:Fire, Chief Howard Willis
Caption:Motion to approve recommendation for awarding Bid Item# 08-200, 100 Ft.
Aerial Platform.
Background:The Augusta Fire Department and the Procurement Department have
concluded the bid process for the purchase of a 100 FT. Aerial Platform.
Proposals were received from only one vendor, Ten-8 Fire Equipment.
Analysis:After review of their proposal,Ten-8 Fire Equipment has met all the
specified requirements of the bid documents without taking any exceptions
and within the allocated budget amount.
Financial Impact:Funding for this purchase is available in the Fire Department capital budget
Alternatives:None at this time.
Recommendation:It is the opinion of the Augusta Fire Department that, Ten-8 Fire Equipment
with a bid of $944,971.00 should be awarded the contract for Bid Item #08-
200.
Funds are Available in
the Following
Accounts:
274034510 5422210
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:
Finance.
Procurement.
Law.
Administrator.
Clerk of Commission
Cover Memo
Item # 7
1
Memo
To: Geri Sams
From: Deputy Chief Mike Rogers
CC: Howard Willis, Phyllis Mills
Date: December 3, 2008
Re: Recommendation for awarding Bid Item# 08-200, 100 FT. Aerial Platform
The Augusta Fire Department and the Procurement Department have concluded the
bid process for the purchase of a 100 FT. Aerial Platform. Proposals were received
from only one vendor, Ten-8 Fire Equipment.
After review of their proposal,Ten-8 Fire Equipment has met all the specified
requirements of the bid documents without taking any exceptions and within the
allocated budget amount. It is the opinion of the Augusta Fire Department that, Ten-8
Fire Equipment with a bid of $944,971.00 should be awarded the contract for Bid
Item #08-200.
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