HomeMy WebLinkAboutRegular Commission Meeting December 17, 2013
REGULAR MEETING COMMISSION CHAMBER
DECEMBER 17, 2013
Augusta Richmond County Commission convened at 2:00 p.m., December 17, 2013, the
Hon. Deke Copenhaver, Mayor, presiding.
PRESENT: Hons. Lockett, Guilfoyle, Mason, D. Smith, Williams, Fennoy, Johnson,
Jackson, Davis, G. Smith, members of Augusta Richmond County Commission.
The invocation was given by the Reverend Mark S. Pierson, Pastor, Bethel AME Church.
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was recited.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, Madam Clerk, let’s go to our delegations and then I know the attorney
had a need for a brief legal meeting to discuss litigation. And I had a quick real estate matter.
So then we’ll take just a moment. So I’ll call that after the delegations.
The Clerk: Yes, sir.
DELEGATIONS
B. Mr. Al Gray regarding pitfalls and Augusta’s burgeoning budget.
The Clerk: On our delegation item ‘B’ we have a request from Mr. Gray to delete that
from the agenda since he is ill and cannot be here. So delegation item ‘C’ is the next one.
DELEGATIONS
C. Ms. Appolina Bert regarding The Lydia Project.
Mr. Mayor: And if you could keep it to five minutes, please, ma’am.
Ms. Bert: Yes, sir. Good evening. I come before you as a recipient of the Lydia Project.
I first became involved with Lydia when my mother became sick with reoccurring breast cancer.
They also helped me get in the position where I can take care of her. And shortly after that I
moved my younger sister in with me. She’s a four-stage cancer patient as well. Lydia was
essential to my family as far as stopping eviction. They helped with utilities. They helped with
about $150.00 in medical supplies as far as diapers, the pins as far as medication for my family.
That’s been essential to my family as far as women coping with cancer. My family is the
representation of that. About six months ago Lydia became so much more important to my
family when I received my own cancer diagnosis. We are a family of three women facing cancer
but we’re just a small amount of women in the CSRA that is fighting cancer. And what we are
here today is just asking that if you waive the tax bill that we do have. Lydia is, it’s hard for me
to put into words what they have meant to my family being that I am a single mother of two
small children fighting cancer and that’s the sole care giver of my mother that does have
dementia at this point and my younger sister who is still fighting cancer. This is the type of
people that Lydia is serving in our community. This is the type of people that it’s helping. And
if you guys can find it in your hearts to waive that tax bill it would certainly, certainly help this
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organization. I do volunteer with The Lydia Project as well as being a recipient with them so I
see firsthand the other women. I have a unique story but I’m not the only one with a story in the
CSRA in the area or the women that Lydia serves. And if you guys could just find it in your
hearts to waive that tax bill it would really help the Lydia project. And if all you guys could also
pray for the women that Lydia serves as well. And thank you for giving me a chance.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you, ma’am. And before I recognize the Mayor Pro Tem I believe
agenda item 36 on our agenda is addressing that issue. So thank you for coming in and
advocating on Lydia’s behalf. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem.
Mr. Johnson: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. That’s what I was going to ask. And I think we’ll
have someone to come up and help us with this particular matter at that time. Okay.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you.
Mr. Johnson: Thank you, Ms. Bert. Thank you so much.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, Madam Clerk, on to the next delegation.
The Clerk:
DELEGATIONS
D. Ms. Mie Lucas, Augusta-Richmond County Emergency Management Disaster
Preparedness Coordinator: Recognition of Community Emergency Response Team
(CERT) volunteers.
Mr. Mayor: Chief?
Chief James: Mr. Mayor, I am not Mie. Ms. Lucas is the one that put this item on the
agenda for us but what we’d like to do at this particular time is come to the Mayor and the
Commission and show them and give recognition to our CERT members. CERT is our
Community Emergency Response Team. When this program was started in 2004 they did a
class and they had about 15 citizens become CERT members. Then the class kind of went
dormant but we started again in 2012. And as I talked with the staff of the EMA office I said I’d
like to try to get about 125 members this year. Let’s do what we have to do. Well, Ms. Lucas,
Chief Taylor, Sharon Bennett and Ms. Dugar who is down in the EMA office they went to work
and they set the standard and they tried to meet the standards. And so what the CERT team is
these are citizens that we train to respond to emergencies in case of disasters or in case of
emergencies when we can’t get there fast enough. In case of a disaster where our resources are
used so much that the first person that may get to you may be a citizen. It may be the neighbor
that lives in your neighborhood. And so we have trained these citizens and I’m glad to say that
after a one year period of doing the CERT training they were able to get 133 members in one
year. And so that definitely deserves some recognition. (APPLAUSE) If I could I would like to
ask the CERT members to stand up and so that the Commission can see you and to see the
citizens that have been participating and some of the citizens that have been participating in this
program. They train in how to put fires out with using extinguishers, how to do CPR, how to
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turn off utilities at home, things that could help us with prior to us getting there. The course
takes about seven weeks and they come one week a year, one class per week. The instructors
come from the fire department, the Sheriff’s office and other professionals throughout our
community. The Red Cross they assist us in responding to emergencies. This training is free to
the citizens. We want to encourage more citizens to come in the future to join it. We have a
population of around 200,000 or so and so over time it would be great for us to have a lot more
CERT members. We will need these citizens in an emergency to show people how to evacuate,
to help us run shelters and so this is very important to our community. And I’d just like to thank
these folks for coming out and volunteering to do this program. (APPLAUSE)
Mr. Mayor: And I’d just like to say I know on behalf of the Commission that we all say
thank you so much. You know I think our city has amazing citizens that stand up and do great
things and you guys are great examples of that. So thank ya’ll so much. Madam Clerk, next
delegation, please.
The Clerk:
DELEGATIONS
E. Ms. Mattie Mitchell regarding unsafe conditions at the Augusta Judicial Center John H.
Ruffin Court House.
Mr. Mayor: And if you could keep it to five minutes, please, ma’am.
Ms. Mitchell: Yes, sir, I will. My name is Mattie Mitchell and I would like to thank you
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all for allowing me to appear before you. Around Monday I think it was the 9 of December I
fell from the top stairs inside the Augusta Judicial Center. I could’ve fallen to my death. A
young man was coming down the steps he helped me up. Since I fell I’ve learned that
approximately six or seven people have fallen in this building. Something is seriously wrong. I
feel if signs could be placed there watch your step or hold hand rail or something like that and
also rails down the middle of the steps could possibly avoid it. Um and in doing so
Commissioners it could avoid future slips and falls and possible death. Thank you.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you, ma’am. Do we have any questions or? Okay. Mr. Mayor Pro
Tem?
Mr. Johnson: Well, I was just saying I think we’ve contacted Risk Management. But
Rick Acree is over the facilities I think it would probably be appropriate just to double check I
guess and make sure that they are following up with that to see what safety measures can be put
in place to make sure that it’s adequate and safe for people to walk down and up the stairs.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you for making that point. All righty, thank you, ma’am. Okay, lady
and gentlemen, I know that the attorney has a need for a quick legal session and once again to
address is it pending litigation?
Mr. MacKenzie: Pending and potential litigation and real estate.
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ADDENDUM
40. Motion to approve going into a legal meeting.
Mr. Mayor: And one quick real estate matter so could I get a motion to go into legal?
Mr. Johnson: So moved.
Mr. Mayor: Do we have a second?
Ms. Davis: Second.
Mr. Mayor: We have a motion that’s been made and properly seconded. Commissioners
will now vote by the usual sign.
Mr. Williams and Mr. Lockett vote No.
Mr. Jackson out.
Motion Passes 7-2.
Mr. Mayor: We are in Legal.
[LEGAL MEETING]
Mr. Mayor: We’ve got everybody back in place I’ll go ahead and call the meeting back
to order. Mr. MacKenzie.
43. Motion to authorize execution by the Mayor of the affidavit of compliance with
Georgia’s Open Meeting Act.
Mr. MacKenzie: I would entertain a motion to execute the Closed Meeting Affidavit.
Mr. Fennoy: So moved.
Mr. Mayor: We have a motion. Is there a second?
Mr. Fennoy: Second.
Mr. Mayor: Could you make a motion and second?
Mr. Johnson: Second.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, we have a motion that’s been properly seconded. Commissioners will
now vote by the usual sign.
Mr. Williams votes No.
Motion Passes 9-1.
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Mr. Mayor: Mr. MacKenzie.
41. Resolution authorizing the settlement of all claims by or on behalf of Kyvan James, a
minor; authorizing the Mayor to execute settlement documents and the Finance
Department to disburse the settlement amount; waiving Augusta, Georgia Code or
Ordinances sections in conflict for this instance only; and for other purposes.
Mr. MacKenzie: The next item is a resolution authorizing the settlement of all claims by
or on behalf of Kyvan James, a minor in the amount of $55,000.00 authorizing the Mayor to
execute settlement documents to this effect.
Mr. Lockett: So moved.
Mr. Fennoy: Second.
Mr. Mayor: We have a motion that’s been made and properly seconded. Commissioners
will now vote by the usual sign.
Mr. Guilfoyle votes No.
Mr. Williams abstains.
Motion Passes 8-1-1.
Mr. Mayor: Mr. MacKenzie.
Mr. MacKenzie:
42. The next item is a resolution in support of the Consolidated Government of Augusta,
Georgia supporting the financing of Discovery Plaza, increased security on the Riverwalk
and the construction of a surface parking lot to support new jobs and existing businesses
downtown.
Mr. Johnson: Motion to approve.
Ms. Davis: Second.
Mr. Mayor: We have a motion that’s been made and properly seconded. Commissioners
will now vote by the usual sign.
Mr. Williams abstains.
Motion Passes 9-0-1.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, Madam Clerk, let’s move on to the consent agenda, please.
The Clerk: Yes, sir. Our consent agenda consists of items 1-12.
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Mr. Mayor: Okay. Do we have any items to be added to and I would really look to the
committee chairs to focus on this. Commissioner Mason.
Mr. Mason: Yes, as far as Public Safety goes, Mr. Mayor, I would like to consent items
19-25.
Mr. Williams: Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Williams.
Mr. Williams: I have some issues I need to get some clarity on. Item 23 I need to talk
with that for a minute. I don’t have no problem with the rest of it but 23 I need to talk about it
please.
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Smith.
Mr. D. Smith: Mr. Mayor, I don’t want to pull number 19. I just want to ask a question
and if somebody can give me an answer we can keep it on the agenda, on the consent agenda.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, do we have somebody here to speak to item 19?
Mr. Lockett: Mr. Mayor, that’s not on the consent.
Mr. Mayor: Yes, sir.
Mr. Speaker: Tom Gunnels, Court Administrator. And Mike Blanchard from IT.
Mr. D. Smith: Thank you for appearing. Mr. Gunnels, can you tell me what the cost is
for this item?
Mr. Gunnels: $51,000.00.
Mr. D. Smith: What’s the revenue stream that’s going to pay for it, sir?
Mr. Gunnels: It is, we planned for it initially we have actually taken money from
participant fees that the Drug Court participants pay and reallocate it to purchase the software.
Mr. D. Smith: So this will not be an item that we got to pay for out of the General Fund?
Mr. Gunnels: No, sir.
Mr. D. Smith: Okay, thank you.
Mr. Mayor: Okay. Any further items to be placed on the added to the consent agenda?
Commissioner Smith.
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Mr. G. Smith: If there’s no opposition I’d like to put 13, 14, and 15 on Public Services.
Mr. Mayor: Okay. Commissioner Guilfoyle.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Yes, sir, Mr. Mayor, can I consent 26, 27, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35, 36 and I
don’t know if the Public Services had consented number 16. If you don’t mind if we could put
that on.
Mr. Mayor: Sixteen was that too?
Mr. Guilfoyle: Yes, sir.
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Williams.
Mr. Williams: No, no, Mr. Mayor, I just, it’s habit.
Mr. Mayor: Oh, okay.
Mr. Williams: I’m good until we get ready to pull. I’m ready to pull when you get ready.
I don’t have anything else.
Mr. Mayor: Okay.
The Clerk: Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Excuse me. Mr. Guilfoyle, I didn’t get all your items. I missed part of them.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Okay. Let’s start off with item number 16.
The Clerk: Okay.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Item number 26. You holler when you’re ready, Madam Clerk.
The Clerk: Go ahead.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Item number 27.
The Clerk: Okay 27.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Item number 30.
The Clerk: Thirty.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Item number 31.
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The Clerk: Okay.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Item 32.
The Clerk: Okay.
Mr. Guilfoyle: We got a bingo yet? Item 34.
The Clerk: Thirty-four.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Item number 35.
Mr. G. Smith: Bingo.
The Clerk: Thirty-five.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Item number 36, ma’am.
The Clerk: Thank you, sir.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Thank you.
Mr. Mayor: Okay and I believe we also had 13, 14, oh, you got it up there now.
Commissioner Smith.
Mr. D. Smith: I’m not trying to derail Commissioner Guilfoyle. I just need to ask a
question about 34 and I think Col. Partain can answer it and we can be done with that and put it
on consent.
Mr. Mayor: Col. Partain.
Mr. D. Smith: It deals with the money of the gun sales. It was just a technical question.
We were trying to get a technical answer for the Sheriff. It’s not, I don’t remember, we tasked
the Administrator or we tasked the lawyer the last time you were here. When we sold those guns
we used asset forfeiture to do it or was it done another mechanism.
Col. Partain: The previous gun sale we just completed?
Mr. D. Smith: Yes, sir.
Col. Partain: No, that was, there was no incumbent cost except for personnel issues. It
didn’t cost anything else, it was just in personnel doing inventory.
Mr. D. Smith: Let me restate what I’m trying to get to. What we’re concerned about is
there’s a group came and asked us for some money out of that. And I told them that I didn’t
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think if we used asset forfeiture the mechanism of asset forfeiture to seize those guns and then
sell them we couldn’t give them any money. They could only be used for your purposes,
training and equipment.
Col. Partain: Right and also in addition to that, the group that came and said they had
supplied guns, none of those guns were issued in the sale.
Mr. D. Smith: Then we’re good. Thank you, Sheriff, I appreciate your clarification.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you. Commissioner Jackson.
Mr. Jackson: Yes, sir, Mr. Mayor, I was going to ask if we could consent item 38 as
well.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, if there are no further items to be added to, Commissioner Lockett.
Mr. Lockett: Mr. Mayor, I’d like to add 23 if there’s no problem with it.
Mr. Williams: Mr. Mayor, I stated earlier I’ve got some questions I need answered. If
you all want to do it now we can do it now with 23 but I’ve got a couple of questions I need to
ask.
Mr. Mayor: Okay. Chief James, would you? Just a couple questions on agenda item 23,
correct?
Mr. Williams: Right.
Mr. Mayor: Okay. Commissioner Williams.
Mr. Williams: Chief, I was looking at 23 and some of the other entities that we did.
We’ve got how many medical directors do we have I guess is the first question I have. How
many do we have?
Chief James: We only have one. The fire department only has one medical director.
And we have our first responder’s license and we have an ambulance license but we have to have
a medical director, a doctor that signs off on how we operate, what procedures we do and we’ve
had this for some years now.
Mr. Williams: Okay and don’t we have one at 911 also, a medical director?
Chief James: I do believe that the 911 center’s director is separate from the fire
department’s director.
Mr. Williams: I’m sure it is because it’s 911 and the fire department. So my question
was we do have one we do have two that’s what I’m getting at I guess. We have one at 911 and
one at the fire department.
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Chief James: Yes.
Mr. Williams: And my question is I think $35,000 how much is this?
Chief James: It’s $35,000 a year.
Mr. Williams: Okay, was that a bid and only had one person to participate in the bid?
Chief James: Yes, sir. All of them, it’s a group at Georgia Regents University. The bid
went out like they all go out for everybody to bid and that was the only bid that came in.
Mr. Williams: So that’s a single source then when you only have but one. I mean we’ve
got two medical directors, that’s what I’m getting at. If we’re paying the 911 medical director
then we’re paying this director, do you know the difference in the price whether or not they both
got the same fee?
Chief James: I’m not sure. Mr. Nutter’s outside but I’m not sure of what their contract
price is or (inaudible).
Mr. Williams: And I’m thinking we ought to be able to combine some of these if it’s just
a medical director who signs off. Mr. Nutter, can you tell me about your medical director and
what his fee is?
Mr. Nutter: Yes, sir. My medical director also comes from the same group as Chief
James. I have a Dr. Seth Swartz also from GRU.
Mr. Williams: Okay but and I guess you understand what we’re ruling them on. I’m
trying to figure out how can we, they both come from the same group and we’re paying two and
we’re talking about directors who’s signing off. Why are we paying two? Can somebody
answer that?
Mr. Nutter: Well, because um, because I need a separate one because he’s advised me on
total separate procedures so they’ve got to be independent. I cannot have the same one as Chief
James.
Mr. Williams: I don’t understand but ---
Mr. D. Smith: Is there a rule ---
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Smith.
Mr. D. Smith: --- what rules designates that you have to have separate. Is there a state
law or is there a, what method of operation tells us we’ve got to have to two we can’t use one?
Mr. Nutter: Well, my, a two part answer, sir.
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Mr. D. Smith: Okay.
Mr. Nutter: Number one, my cost is significantly lower. Mine is only $6,000 a year
because my requirements are a lot less than Chief James’. So my cost is very small. I don’t
know the historical answer behind it. That’s something I would have to research and get an
answer back to you for that, sir.
Mr. Mayor: Okay. Commissioner Williams.
Mr. Williams: If I can continue, Mr. Mayor. And, Chief, yours is how much? I’m
looking for (unintelligible).
Chief James: Ours is $35,000 and ours is required by the state because we have a state
license as first responders and a state license as a, a state ambulance license. And you have to
have your medical director sign off on it. Our medical director is responsible for the drugs and
the narcotics that you have to have on the ambulance. They have to sign off on those so we
could get morphine and the drugs like that to put on the ambulance. Also he’s required to do
Q&A. If it’s an accident or a mistake out there he has to come in and review what actions took
place and help us write policies to make corrections on those actions. He’s also required to do so
many training classes a year for the fire department based on our protocol for our emergency
medical response. It will be a little bit more active than what Mr. Nutter would be doing at the
911 center.
Mr. Williams: You can understand why that got my attention because you’re talking
about a medical director that signs off. And I hear you, you know you’re saying about the
training he does –--
Mr. Mayor: I’ll give you another two.
Mr. Williams: Thank you Mr. Mayor, and the training he does. But when I looked at the
cost difference when I looked at the $35,000 ---
Chief James: Yes, sir, I understand.
Mr. Williams: --- versus $6,000 it really kind of ---
Chief James: And I think, you know, because of like I said the drugs that they carry it’s
under his signature that allow us to purchase those drugs to put on the ambulances. If we didn’t
have a doctor we couldn’t go out there and purchase the drugs to put on the ambulance.
Mr. Williams: I understand but if Mr. Nutter’s got a doctor and we’re paying him $6,000
then we wouldn’t have to pay the thirty-five thousand to get the same, I mean both doctors.
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Mr. Nutter: Right, so the reason my costs are a lot less is our doctor validates our
protocols that we use. So he comes in he does an assessment and he blesses off on them. And as
needed we call him and that’s why our costs are much lower.
Mr. Williams: Okay, I’m, Mr. Mayor, I’m through. I’ve got an answer but I’m just not
satisfied with it. And you can’t satisfy me because the difference is just so great. I’m not in that
field so I’m going to take the word of the expert and that’s what ya’ll do. But I just noticed the
difference of having two and then the amount of money that’s different for someone to sign off.
And then when I heard only one person even bidded and it did go out for bid I just think that’s,
just a little concerned that’s all. I wanted to bring it to your attention. Mr. Mayor, I’ve got no
problem. If we need to add that to the consent I guess go ahead and add it.
Mr. Mayor: Okay. Thank you, gentlemen. Thank you, Commissioner Williams, and
now do we have any items to be pulled ---
Mr. Johnson: Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: --- for discussion. Yes, Commissioner Johnson.
Mr. Johnson: I would like if we can, Mr. Mayor, item 17, 18 and 39. If we could send
those back to the first committee meeting in January. If my colleagues don’t have any objections
to that I’d like to send those back to committee.
Mr. Mason: Which ones?
Mr. Johnson: 17, 18 and 39.
Mr. Mayor: Ya’ll okay with that? Okay. Do we have any items to be pulled for
discussion? Commissioner Williams.
Mr. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I’d like to pull items number 3, 5, 6 and 8 to get
some clarity on those.
Mr. Mayor: Okay. Any further items? Hearing none can I get a motion to approve the
consent agenda?
Ms. Davis: So moved.
Mr. Jackson: Second.
CONSENT AGENDA
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
1. Motion to approve tasking the General Counsel to research the issues in 2009 as to the
reasons why changes were made regarding the Human Relations Commission (HRC) and
to provide this information and a copy of the HRC by-laws for review and discussion by
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the committee at the next meeting. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee
December 9, 2013)
2. Motion to approve proposed procedure for authorization of Agreements/Contracts for
the Laney Walker/Bethlehem Redevelopment Project, the Housing and Community
Development Department and the Hyde Park Drainage Improvement Project by the City
Administrator and Mayor for program/calendar year 2014. (Approved by Administrative
Services Committee December 9, 2013)
ENGINEERING SERVICES
4. Motion to approve award of Design Consultant Service Agreement Contract to
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Moreland Altobelli, Inc. and Associates in the amount of $58,950.00 for 7 Street Bridge
over Augusta Canal-Bridge Replacement, subject to receipt of signed contracts and proper
bonds as requested by AED. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee December 9,
2013)
6. Motion to approve award of Construction Contract to Blair Construction, Inc. in the
amount of $4,563,52.18 for East Augusta Roadway and Drainage Project CPB#328-041110-
211828101-Phase II (Aiken Street Channel), subject to receipt of signed contracts and
proper bonds as requested by AED. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee
December 9, 2013)
7. Motion to approve the application from GDOT for fiscal year 2014 Local Maintenance
and Improvement Grant (LMIG), to be used for Belair Road construction as requested by
Augusta Engineering Department (AED). (Approved by Engineering Services Committee
December 9, 2013)
9. Motion to approve an additional $67,200 to satisfy Mims Road Emergency Repair as
requested by AED. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee December 9, 2013)
10. Motion to approve the deeds of dedication, maintenance agreements, and road
resolutions submitted by the Engineering and Augusta Utilities Departments for Willhaven
Subdivision, Phase III, Section 4. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee December
9, 2013)
PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
11. Motion to approve the minutes of the regular meetings of the Commission held
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November 19, & December 3, 2013 and Special Called Meeting held December 9, 2013)
APPOINTMENTS
12. Motion to approve the appointment of Sue Pittman to the ARC Library Board and
Chris Naylor to the Citizens Small Business Advisory Board (DBE) representing District 7.
PUBLIC SERVICES
13. New Ownership Application: A.N. 13-34: A request by Unvashiben K. Patel for a retail
package Beer & Wine license to be used in connection with Jaii Muu Kuli., Inc. DBA Fast
Stop located at 3011 Wheeler Rd. District 7. Super District 10.
14. New Application: A.N. 13-35: A request by Elaine D’Arcy for an on premise
consumption Liquor, Beer & Wine license to be used in connection with O’Donovan’s Irish
Pub located at 1002-A Broad Street. District 1. Super District 9.
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15. New Ownership Application: A.N. 13-36: A request by David Greenfield for an on
premise consumption Liquor, Beer & Wine license to be used in connection with Helga’s
Pub & Grille located at 2015 Central Ave. District 1. Super District 9.
16. Approve the Memorandum of Agreement between the Augusta Regional Airport and
the Federal Aviation for the lease of the Air Traffic Control Tower as approved by the
Augusta Aviation Commission at their November 21, 2013 Meeting.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
17. Discuss the City Administrator’s job description and the Personnel, Policies, and
Procedure Manual (PPPM). (Requested by Commissioner Alvin Mason)
18. Discuss the Personnel, Policy & Procedure Manual (PPPM) and the ARC employment
application process. (Requested by Commissioner Marion Williams)
PUBLIC SAFETY
19. Approve FivePoints Solutions as the software provider for an Accountability Court
Case Management (ACCM) System.
20. Approve Additional Software License Agreements with New World Systems for AVL,
Mobile, and Data Analysis and Mapping Capability.
21. Approve reallocation of Augusta’s Broadband assets.
22. Motion to amend the Augusta, Georgia Code, Title 6 Chapter 6, Section 6-6-1 through
Section 6-6-36, to add a new section to be designated 6-6-37; to provide for additional
definitions; to clarity updates; 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.
23. Motion to approve extending contract for medical direction services provided to the
Fire Department for the 2014 calendar year as allowable in the contract.
24. Motion to approve mutual aid agreement with GRU.
25. Approve contracts with Woolpert and Azteca for the implementation of Cityworks
Software and associated hardware for the Augusta Utilities Department.
FINANCE
26. Approve the replacement of one vehicle for the Coroner’s Office with funds from Phase
VI of the Sales Tax Referendum.
27. Approve amendment to existing franchise ordinance with Comcast.
30. Approve and execute required agreements for Georgia Municipal Association Lease
Pool compliance.
31. Approve funding for the Special Election Runoff in HD 127.
32. Consider a request from Donto Bradford regarding a waiver of taxes for the Augusta
Boxing Club at 1929 Walton Way.
34. Approve a request from the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office to use the funds from
the sale of surplus firearms ($318,000.00) to replace/enhance operations of the Richmond
County Sheriff’s Office.
35. Approve the continuation of the GPS tracking service subscription with GPS North
America.
36. Consider a request from the Lydia Project, a 501(c)3 Corporation, regarding a possible
waiver of property taxes.
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ATTORNEY
38. Motion to approve the Augusta Engineering Department’s request to adopt the
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Augusta, GA and the Augusta National
regarding the Berckman Road project.
OTHER BUSINESS
39. Receive an update from staff on the progress of repairs on Riverwalk. (Requested by
Mayor Pro Tem Corey Johnson)
Mr. Mayor: We have a motion that’s been properly seconded. Commissioners will now
vote by the usual sign.
Mr. Fennoy out.
Motion Passes 9-0. [Items 1, 2, 4, 7, 9-27, 30-32, 34, 35, 38, 39]
Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk, let’s go to the pulled agenda items first.
The Clerk:
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
3. Motion to approve the written report from the Administrator/H.R. Director regarding
the number of department directors, number of directors living outside Richmond County
and the total salary amount of directors not living in Richmond County. (Approved by
Administrator Services Committee December 9, 2013)
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Williams.
Mr. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I’d like to hear something from the Administrator
if she’s in about, and this not to get anybody that’s outside that’s living outside to move back in.
But I think we’ve got to stop the madness. Can Ms. Allen give us a number as to how much
money for salary wise that we’re paying that’s going outside, a total.
Mr. Mayor: Madam Administrator.
Ms. Allen: Commissioner Williams, I think that information was provided on the last
meeting that we had. I apologize. In regards to the total cost I think Human Resources Director
is here as well with that information. I don’t have the actual total amount.
Ms. Bryant: (inaudible) I can go over $600,000. I don’t have the actual numbers with
me. I wasn’t aware of that. I can certainly get that information.
Mr. Williams: Okay. Mr. Mayor, I tasked the, I won’t say previous. Did I say previous?
I tasked the other Administrator to come back with that information so I could just know. And
we had the conversation with the Attorney whether we can demand or whether we could request
or require people coming in to this government. I had the numbers and I thought they was going
15
to bring it and give me you know so everybody can hear it. It’s not just me. I wanted the whole
body to be able to hear it. And I believe it’s over $600,000 dollars worth of salaries that we’re
paying that’s going outside of Richmond County. So when our tax base goes up and when
everything happens those department heads that don’t live inside of Richmond County who takes
those funds outside of Richmond County to me is a problem. And I think we need to do
something to fix that so when a person comes in they will maybe not be mandated but in some
way shape or fashion they need to know they’re going to take the money then they just can’t
move and live wherever they want to. If Richmond County’s not good enough to live in then
I’ve got some issues with you taking a paycheck out of here. That’s just, that’s a personal thing,
Mr. Mayor. So I wanted to know how much that was and I believe it’s over $600,000 dollars
worth of salary. And that’s just department heads. And at one point ---
Mr. Mayor: I’ll give you another two.
Mr. Williams: --- Thank you, Mr. Mayor. And at one point in Richmond County you
had to be a resident of Richmond County to work in Richmond County. Now I know things
have changed we have heard you know with people moving we couldn’t find qualified people.
We was told and all this other stuff. But if you want to work here I think you ought to live here.
That’s just my personal opinion.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you, sir. Commissioner Smith then Commissioner Guilfoyle.
Mr. D. Smith: Ms. Bryant, can you do me a favor? I’d like to have a list of the names of
those people that are department directors submitted to me please, or through this body. I don’t
care I just personally want to know. I don’t know whether anybody else wants to know but I
would like to be able to see who those people are.
Mr. Bryant: Okay.
Mr. D. Smith: Okay.
Mr. Mason: You could do that for everyone (inaudible).
Mr. Mayor: Exactly.
Mr. D. Smith: Thank you.
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Guilfoyle?
Mr. Guilfoyle: Yes, we actually questioned in that if any of the directors live within the
city of Augusta Richmond County why don’t we go as far and say all the employees. I think it’s
just not my place to tell where somebody lives that has to do from where their family might live
for the education. I don’t think it’s our place to tell them and to, I would like the Attorney to
answer this question legally. Are we stepping on chartered waters that we shouldn’t be?
16
Mr. MacKenzie: As I indicated previously there is a state law that does have a
prohibition on residency restrictions in general. If there is an allowance of that it would have to
be for a governmental purpose. For example there’s a case out there if you have law
enforcement officers and the government needs to have a speedy response time than you could
require officers to live within the geographical region that would allow for a speedy response
time. Other than that the law restricts a general prohibition on residency restrictions.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Mr. Mayor, I don’t know why we’re pursuing this issue then. Thank you.
Mr. Mayor: And, Commissioner Williams, I’ve recognized you twice. I’ll give you one
more minute.
Mr. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor, because I mean we can put this back on the next
agenda to talk about it the next day if we don’t talk about it no more today. I ain’t got no
problem but I’ve got some documents from the National League of Cities from NALC and from
even the GMA that says you can’t demand but there is a way. And we find a way to do
everything we want to do right here. And I got a problem when we pay folks who live outside of
this county and even in different states to work for this government. And then the mass of us
have to pay the taxes when taxes go up the folks that live in this county have to pay those taxes.
And I’ve got an issue with that. So if, my colleague may not understand but I’ve got some
documents here that I did get from the training that I go to that I’m always criticized for doing.
But I just don’t go and sit and look out the window. I bring something back. And I brought this
back. And if, I would love to share this with you, Mr. Guilfoyle, and anybody else that needs to
see it. But there is a way, Mr. Mayor, that we may not be able to make it mandatory ---
Mr. Mayor: Okay.
Mr. Williams: --- but we can specify when folks move into this county and except this
position and take this funds they ought to be able to stay in Richmond County.
Mr. Mayor: Your one minute’s up thank you, sir. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem.
Mr. Johnson:
Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I think what we probably need to do I know that
there’s a national agency and it could be applicable to other states however it may not be
applicable to Georgia. So we probably could look there first to see whether that’s even a
situation. And that’s maybe what’s happening here and that’s probably why you saw that when
you went to that you know that conference there. But it may be applicable in other states but
Georgia may not of course support that law. And that probably ought to be something that the
. However I would like to make a motion to receive it as
legislators do from the state
information ---
Ms. Davis: Second.
Mr. Johnson: --- and move forward and then probably do a little bit more research to find
out exactly what states that it do apply to.
17
Mr. Mayor: Okay, we have a motion that’s been made and properly seconded.
Commissioner Lockett.
Mr. Lockett: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I understand what my colleague is talking about
however I wish that this governing body would do the things that would make Augusta
Richmond County so attractive until we wouldn’t have any problem with keeping the people
here. They’d all want to come. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Mayor: Amen to that Commissioner. We have a motion that’s been made and
properly seconded. Commissioners will now vote by the usual sign of voting.
Mr. Williams: Point of personal privilege, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: Um ---
Mr. Williams votes No.
Mr. Fennoy out.
Motion Passes 8-1.
Mr. Mayor: I’ll recognize you for a minute, Commissioner.
Mr. Williams: I don’t need a minute. Madam Clerk, would you have this added back to
the agenda for me next January meeting. Thank you.
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The Clerk: January 7?
Mr. Williams: Yes, ma’am.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, Madam Clerk, on to the next pulled item please.
The Clerk:
ENGINEERING SERVICES
5. Motion to approve Amendment No. 4 to Agreement with ESG Operations, Inc. to
establish the final budget amount for 2014 facility operation at $5,529,132.00 and
additional work at $499,800.00. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee December
9, 2013)
Mr. Jackson: Motion to approve.
Ms. Davis: Second.
Mr. Mayor: We have a motion that’s been made and properly seconded. Commissioner
Williams.
18
Mr. Williams: Yes, sir, thank you, Mr. Mayor. Thank you for the motion and properly
seconded. I’m not against this but, Mr. Mayor, we’re talking about $5,529,000.000 for this
contract. We were supposed to be doing something and I thought that we working to the
transition stage where the city would take over. I’m in support of what the contract says, Tom,
but the other part the $499,800.00 dollars, was that a bid process?
Mr. Wiedmeier: No, sir, that is a ---
Mr. Williams: Well, I think the rule says that everything ought to be bidded out.
Everything over $5,000 dollars I think.
Mr. Wiedmeier: This is cost plus contract so it is, they are supplementing our staff to do
consent order work.
Mr. Williams: Now being under consent and I’ve been here too long, ya’ll. I mean I
probably shouldn’t have came back but I remembers when the consent order was put out here
and we paid all this money to get our money to consent on. That’s been ten, twelve years ago.
In fact we done changed firms since we had to consent those. And I understand and we had been
pushed with that a whole lot. I’m in support of this business. I’ve been trying to make sure. But
I can’t sit here and let that type of contract go with an additional four hundred and seven
thousand dollars we didn’t even bid it, didn’t even talk about it. I mean this, I know you did
(unintelligible) war, Tom, but this ain’t war we’re talking about now we’re talking about dollars.
So I don’t understand how we can sit here and not address that and let that just float by. Why
wasn’t that bidded out? How do you know we couldn’t have got that cheaper? How do you
know we couldn’t have got someone else to do that? Or maybe this price is the best price. But if
you ain’t got nothing to compare it to, Tom, I mean there’s some things going on in enterprises
and that’s your expertise. That’s where you’re at. But I think the government needs to know
that all the money still belongs to the government because it comes through an enterprise. We
just can’t do what we want to do. There are several groups that’s in the enterprise that’s going to
have to come before this body and answer. So I’ve got some issues with that, Mr. Mayor,
because the contract is one thing and I agree with that, I’m in support but the additional money
we’ll say $500,000 dollars ---
Mr. Mayor: I’ll give you another two.
Mr. Williams: --- the additional $500,000 dollars, Mr. Mayor, should have been bidded
out. It should have gave somebody else an opportunity.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you, sir. Commissioner Guilfoyle.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Thank you. Tom, I, this was pulled for question why is this actually
being done? Who’s, is it a mandate?
Mr. Wiedmeier: Well, this is to assist in our assessment of the collection system. We do
have a consent order from APD that requires that we go through our system on a five year cycle
and ESG is just supplementing our staff to assist in that.
19
Mr. Guilfoyle: So the benefit of using ESG versus in house is what?
Mr. Wiedmeier: Well, it’s a, this initial assessment is a relatively short term thing. We
didn’t want to staff up because I think that our needs will diminish. I didn’t want to add staff to
do this only to have to lay them off later. So they’ll, I believe that we’ll require these services
for another couple of years.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Okay and as far as when we initially started production in house doing it
in house versus outsourcing to ESG what has been the difference in the linear footage?
Mr. Wiedmeier: They have, they have gotten more production than our crews were
getting. Now one of the things our crews were kind of split they would get called off of to deal
with sewage backups and that type of thing. This, these personnel are dedicated to only this and
I feel like it’s the most efficient way to perform the work.
Mr. Guilfoyle: And this is something we have to do before the five year deadline.
Mr. Wiedmeier: Yes, sir.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Thank you.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, we have a motion that’s been made and properly seconded.
Commissioner Williams, I have recognized you. I’ve given you two, two minute time frames.
I’ll give you another minute.
Mr. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Tom, I’d like to see what the EPD has been
tasked up with in the last five years, where we are with the consent. You know we’re supposed
to be transitioning. I’m not opposed to the contract because I think we extended it, it’s the fourth
year I think. I’m not opposed to that. But when you add additional stuff to that, that really
bothers me. So I need a report back to see where the EPD has required, requested of us since
we’ve been under this consent order and when we’re going to come out from under it. Because
if we’re going to continue to pay an outside source we will never have employees whether it be
this company or any other company. So it’s not about the company but it’s time for us to do the
job we get paid to do. We just can’t and people been complaining about the two bills a month
but I workup every year, every year automatically. And that money’s going to enterprise we get
a very little bit of. And I think the people need to be mindful of what we’re doing with that
money.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, thank you, sir, your minute’s up. We have a motion that’s been made
and properly seconded. Commissioners will now vote by the usual sign.
Mr. Fennoy out.
Motion Passes 9-0.
Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk, next pulled agenda item please.
20
The Clerk:
ENGINEERNG SERVICES
6. Motion to approve award of Construction Contract to Blair Construction, Inc. in the
amount of $3,563,562.18 for East Augusta Roadway and Drainage Project CPB# 328-
041110-211828101-Phase II(Aiken Street Channel), subject to receiptof signed contracts
and proper bonds as requested by AED. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee
December 9, 2013)
Mr. Jackson: Motion to approve.
Mr. Lockett: Second.
Mr. Mayor: We have a motion that’s been made and properly seconded. Commissioner
Williams.
Mr. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Thank you to those Commissioners for moving
and approving but ya’ll ain’t going nowhere. Well, you might go but you’re going to have to
hear this part. I’m not opposed to this, Mr. Ladson, but we done fixed East Augusta a number of
times. We’ve been putting in pipes by the same construction company over and over and over
and over again. My question to you is, is this going to fix it because this is the third maybe the
fourth time we done went down East Augusta, call ourselves putting in the size piping we need
or doing the drainage we need but is this going to fix it or is this just a band aid that’s going over
something else we got to come back with. Because you know we’ve been getting a lot of
complaints about the Marion Homes area, the lower end of East Boundary and the water runs
downhill. But I’m sick of coming back talking about and we keep the roads torn up but we done
did it too many times now not to get it right so. Is this going to fix it is my question to you.
Mr. Ladson: Let me, Mr. Mayor and members of the Commission, let me address that.
This is an ongoing project that started back in 2007. When we initially proposed funding for this
project it was in phase (unintelligible) and we actually asked for about $16 million dollars. The
project was funded for $4 million. So what we did was we, let me just kind of go back and just
kind of give you the, what the actually project encompasses. The project consists of total
drainage improvement and street resurfacing within the boundaries of Sand Bar Ferry, I-520,
East Boundary and Laney Walker. All right that whole total project if you did all of the
construction at one time it will cost you about 17/18 million dollars. We did ask for that as
stated in phase six. We only got $4 million dollars that was approved in SPLOST. So what we
did we split the project up into seven different phases. We completed phase one already and now
we’re we bid phase two and we’re ready to go to construction on that once or if it’s approved by
this body. The actual amount as stated for that project is $3.5 million dollars that’s what we got.
The budgeted amount in the engineering that’s $4 million dollars. So to kind of answer your
question we’re looking at the whole entire area to improve it drainage wise and it’s not a band
aid. This is actually to improve permanently that area down there.
21
Mr. Williams: So, Mr. Ladson, what you’re saying is that you’re $12 million dollars
short of the sixteen. But if you get this phase you won’t be coming back with another phase in
order to continue. Is that what you’re saying?
Mr. Ladson: To continue and hopefully the funding you know we’ve been coming back
to this body for funding also.
Mr. Williams: Okay now the fee we talked about is that going to be a part of this. Is that
what you’re saying that we get, see once we get open the hole up and put something in the
ground then we say well got to continue, you know.
Mr. Ladson: If the storm water fee is passed you can use the storm water fee funds
towards this. Or we can be bonded and get the whole entire project done. Because we’re talking
about generating with the storm water fee $10 million dollars per year. So at least at that point
we have the capacity to bond projects and to get those much needed projects done in a sooner
manner a quicker manner.
Mr. Williams: That’s all I have, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, we have a motion that’s been made and properly seconded. If there is
no further discussion Commissioners will now vote by the usual sign.
Mr. Fennoy out.
Motion Passes 9-0.
Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk, next pulled agenda item which is I think our final one.
The Clerk:
ENGINEERING SERVICES
8. Motion to approve award of Construction Contract to Blair Construction, Inc. in the
amount of $517,079.90 for Transportation Investment Act (TIA) Project, Highland Avenue
Resurfacing from Wrightsboro Rd. to Wheeler Rd. Award is contingent upon receipt of
signed contracts and proper bonds. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee
December 9, 2013)
Mr. Jackson: Motion to approve.
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Williams.
Mr. Williams: Mr. Ladson, are we just resurfacing the street? What are we doing in that
aspect?
Mr. Ladson: Basically what we’re doing on this street milling it, milling two inches off
and then we’re actually coming back in and resurfacing the road. We’re going to stripe it and
we’re going to put in wheel chair ramps throughout the limits of the project.
22
Mr. Williams: And that’s Highland Avenue, right?
Mr. Ladson: That is correct. It’s from Highland, Wrightsboro Road I think all the way
up to Wheeler Road.
Mr. Williams: All the way out to Wheeler Road.
Mr. Ladson: Yes, from Wrightsboro Road to Wheeler Road. It goes, well, Wrightsboro
Road goes all the way to Walton Way and then it kind of you have to make a left turn and then --
-
Mr. Williams: Okay, let me ask another crazy question they think I ask anyway so let me
ask another crazy question. What about those historic trees that people was you know we had
some trees along there that’s been really. I guess my question are they going to be affected when
we’re going down through there because we’ve got some trees that have done grown over the
curb in the whole area Mr. Mayor. I’m just asking the question.
Mr. Ladson: Are we going to damage the trees?
Mr. Williams: Right, is there going to be, there won’t be no affecting it?
Mr. Ladson: It’s not going to be affected.
Mr. Williams: Okay.
Mr. Mayor: Can I get a motion to approve?
Mr. Williams: We already got one, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: Oh, we do?
Mr. G. Smith: Second.
Mr. Mayor: We have a motion and second. Commissioner Lockett.
Mr. Lockett: Abie, I noticed that if I’m not mistaken this is the project number two out of
fifty projected projects. Is that correct?
Mr. Ladson: Yes, sir.
Mr. Lockett: Do you have a list or something we can get at a later date that would show
what those other 48 projects are?
Mr. Ladson: Yes, sir, I can get that to this body.
23
Mr. Lockett: All right. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you, sir. We have a motion that’s been made and properly seconded.
Commissioners will now vote by the usual sign.
Mr. Fennoy out.
Motion Passes 9-0.
Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk, on to the regular agenda please.
The Clerk:
FINANCE
28. Motion to approve resolution proposing the adoption of the amended Augusta
Richmond County Redevelopment plan for TAD number One.
29. Motion to approve resolution proposing the adoption of the Augusta Richmond County
Downtown Development Plan and the creation of Tax Allocation District Number Four.
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Jackson.
Mr. Jackson: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I’m not sure if Mr. Plunkett’s in the house or not.
The Clerk: He is.
Mr. Jackson: He was hiding in the back. Mr. Plunkett, with this right here with item 28
and 29 what I was thinking are they, could they be considered companion items because I’ve got
a list or a map, Jeff, if I can get this on the overhead.
Mr. Plunkett: I would think so.
Mr. Jackson: I’m eating up my two minutes.
Mr. Mayor: No, I only, I keep it while people are actually talking.
Mr. Speaker: IT’s having some problems today.
Mr. Mayor: I don’t dock anybody for technical malfunctions.
Mr. Jackson: Mr. Plunkett, on this right here I was after discussing with you with the two
obligations that this government or one obligation that this government made previous was one
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with the hotel and second with the 15 Street Corridor which is owned by the space up on the, I
don’t know if you can see it, on the left hand side. It’s mostly owned by the MCG Foundation.
Is that correct?
Mr. Plunkett: Correct.
24
Mr. Jackson
: Okay. Now I know that we had talked about TAD One and how it really
didn’t get started so I’ve kind of made a motion and this going from TAD 1 which is around
1300 and some change on parcels to this TAD 4 of 294 parcels. So the motion that I was going
do
to make because to do away with TAD 1 and reduce TAD, reduce or excuse me, motion to
away with TAD1 and add into TAD 4 this new map that we’ve gotup here that helps with
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the 15 Street Corridor and the hotel which is downhere on Broad Street that’s under
construction and incorporate the values.
Mr. Mayor: Can we get a second on that?
Mr. Johnson: I’ll second it, Mr. Mayor. I just want to ask Jim ---
Mr. Mayor: We’ve got a motion that’s been properly seconded. Mr. Mayor Pro Tem.
Mr. Johnson: Jim, if you can, can you tell us how I guess we can transition this into the
TAD 4?
Mr. Plunkett: Sure. The first thing is a motion to terminate TAD 1 and we need a
finding that there are no projects outstanding there are no reimbursements that have not been
paid which is, which is an accurate statement. And that there’s no need for TAD 1 anymore. If
that motion we can pass the TAD 1 to be terminated.
Mr. Johnson: Okay.
Mr. Plunkett: At that point in time these parcels which were originally TAD 1 and could
be used to create a TAD 4 we had the requisite public hearing we’ve had the plan. And so what
we would be doing is adopting a plan that adopts this map and these 294 parcels with the values
that go with that. And then we would have this TAD 4. This is done based on the conversations
at the last meeting. It incorporates where Mr. Reddy’s hotel is right down here. It also goes up
Telfair Street on both sides of Telfair Street and then it goes up to approximately where the old
Davidson High School is. And then it cuts over and I apologize for the darkness. It takes in both
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sides of 13 Street and Walton Way because effectively for a TAD you have to start with a pin
and not lift the pin. So that’s why that road is there minimizing as many parcels as possible.
And then as you know the Wal Mart grocery store area with the Kroger and that’s what this
bump out is down there and it goes up to the one block pass at Chafee Avenue. And I apologize
I can’t at Watkins Street and that’s where that is. So that would be those two major projects.
And if you were to go forward with the Arts Scape Project which is basically along Telfair
Street. So it’s, I don’t have a value at this point in time but I can get it done for the resolution to
adopt it this year.
Mr. Johnson: So how many parcels exactly by us adding these? Do you know how many
it would be?
Mr. Plunkett: When I met with the tax assessor’s office to draw this they said 294
parcels.
25
Mr. Johnson: Okay.
Mr. Plunkett: TAD 1 was approximately between 8 and 9,000 parcels.
Mr. Johnson: Yeah.
Mr. Plunkett: Amended TAD 4 was going to be about 1100 to 1300 parcels. So this is --
-
Mr. Johnson: Scaled back.
Mr. Plunkett: It’s still not small but certainly more manageable.
Mr. Johnson: Right.
Mr. Plunkett: (inaudible).
Mr. Johnson: Yeah, good deal. Okay. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, Commissioner Williams then Commissioner Smith then
Commissioner Guilfoyle then Commissioner Lockett.
Mr. Williams: Jim, wouldn’t we have to have another meeting if we close out TAD 1 or
whatever when we have to go back?
Mr. Plunkett: That’s where I actually I read the law and then I checked with one of the
foremost authorities on it also. And a simple resolution finding the TAD 1 is no longer
necessary is all that has to be done.
Mr. Williams: Okay that was my question.
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Smith then Commissioner Guilfoyle then Commissioner
Lockett.
Mr. D. Smith: There’s a great deal of discussion about this TAD business and we’ve, I’m
not 100% sure that we’re getting at least I know I’m not I’m not getting a full understanding.
TAD 1 has not created the amount of money or the amount of new investment that it was
supposed to create. Am I right?
Mr. Plunkett: It created none.
Mr. D. Smith: It created none.
Mr. Plunkett: Yes, sir.
26
Mr. D. Smith: Okay so why, what’s the thinking that TAD 4 is going to do any better
than TAD 1?
Mr. Plunkett: Well, by the Commission indicating last year that they would support it we
have a hotel that was the old Days Inn which was ---
Mr. D. Smith: Mr. Reddy’s property.
Mr. Plunkett: --- Mr. Reddy’s property and it is certainly a significant amount of
investment in that area. And then the Wal Mart grocery store area that is very much active. The
property’s been acquired and the TAD would potentially allow them to do other types of
development. So between those two areas I think there would be significant investment.
Mr. D. Smith: So what brings us down Telfair Street? I’m curious about that.
Mr. Plunkett: Well, you have to draw a single line okay? It has to, in other words you
can’t lift the pins so to speak. So to connect those two areas there has been discussion I want to
say it was early spring about Arts Scape some live work areas and things of that nature that could
be potentially done in that area at the old Davidson School.
Mr. D. Smith: But I guess what bothers me is we are taking property off the tax roll or
giving it a reduction in hopes that somebody’s going to come along and do something there.
And for the next however long this TAD’s going on we got property that’s sitting there that’s not
being taxed at its current value and we lose money. Am I right? Is that a simple assessment?
Mr. Plunkett: No, sir, not ---
Mr. D. Smith: Well, explain it.
Mr. Plunkett: --- the property owner pays the assessment the full amount of the tax based
on the assessment. There’s a number that’s set as a base year. In this case it would be 2013.
Any growth above that value in the TAD is still taxed 100% but the change at delta is then that
growth those tax dollars are used at redevelopment cost. That’s just removal in a property. If it
was the school down at there to redevelop that maybe there’s some problems with that site that
otherwise could not be developed. So the people are still paying the taxes it’s just a decision that
growth the taxes from that growth go to projects being redeveloped.
Mr. D. Smith: Okay.
Mr. Plunkett: And it’s typically, Mr. Smith, we have a kind of a rule of thumb less than
10% of the project. So you know in this case if Mr. Reddy’s hotel increases by $6 million
dollars the max he would get reimbursed would be $600,000 dollars. So you’ve got a significant
change there. Once those reimbursements are paid, then you can terminate the TAD as well. So
it’s kind of a project by project issue there.
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Guilfoyle then Commissioner Lockett.
27
Mr. Guilfoyle: Well, Jim, I appreciate that you have been working with Commissioner
Jackson on this on what needs to be done and what don’t need to be done.
Mr. Plunkett: It was based on the conversations at the last meeting.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Right. The problem I have Jim, no different than I reached out to you.
When he had a public meeting this Commission actually took longer in legal than necessary and
the public meeting I think was set at 2:00 o’clock or some, at sometime and the time we got out
of this lengthy legal the public meeting got pushed off to 4:00 o’clock. Well, you were probably
one of the few that was standing in this room to discuss this TAD but there was nobody else. So
the citizens really didn’t have a fair chance. That’s one of my statements. The second one is, is
the fact that I know we’ve got Augusta Tomorrow for the John Shields 20-year plan for the
Master Plan. Are we working in unison with them because I don’t think the direction of this map
is going in the direction of John Shields.
Mr. Plunkett: Well, for the Shields Plan in my opinion the original plan with TAD 4
which would’ve been substantially the downtown area was more consistent. The has or the tools
to help redevelopment it’s not inconsistent with the Shields Plan and if there’s a will of this body
down the road to try to implement more of the Shields Plans and there’s a developer that comes
along where the TAD would be beneficial we can go through the same exercise again and create
that TAD for that project.
Mr. Guilfoyle: All right. Where the bus barn is. Mr. Mayor, can I have two more
minutes please?
Mr. Guilfoyle: You’ve only done one. You’ve got ---
Mr. Guilfoyle: Okay. I’m still good? Okay. Why are we carrying one block past
Chafee where it hits the residential?
Mr. Plunkett: When I did the map for that I looked at the properties and resurgent
properties had properties on both side of Chafee. And so we took the end of the block where it’s
easier to delineate by streets.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Okay. Thank you, Jim.
Mr. Mayor: Okay Commissioner Lockett.
Mr. Lockett: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Plunkett, I know in TAD 1 we have a $22
million dollar shortfall and you said that everything’s been taken care of. What happened to that
$22 million dollars?
Mr. Plunkett: What we’re saying is that when you started the face value in 2008
whatever that number is the values of those properties have gone down not increased. There was
never an agreement by this body to reimburse any project so there’s no reimbursements that we
28
have pledged monies, pledged an agreement to reimburse a redeveloper. So there’s no monies
that we have an obligation to pay. So since there’s no obligation to pay you can terminate that
TAD.
Mr. Lockett: Okay, so you terminated the TAD 1 and we’ll have no monies coming from
TAD 1 to go into our general fund. Is that correct?
Mr. Plunkett: All the ad valorem property taxes that were in those, from those properties
would go into the general fund.
Mr. Lockett: Do you have any idea at this juncture how much that would be?
Mr. Plunkett: No, sir, I don’t.
Mr. Lockett: With the ---
Mr. Plunkett: If I may say you’re just restoring it to though it was never a TAD. So it
would be just whatever the taxes, there’s nothing going into a special fund it’s just back to being
normal here.
Mr. Lockett: I understand the connectivity that’s required here but this is like somebody
has (unintelligible) drawing up a area for a politician. You know it would look a lots better if
this was separate and apart from the bond that we have. I think that if that particular area is so
important why couldn’t we do a separate TAD for that as opposed to making it a part of TAD 4
and stretching it a little like a maze there?
Mr. Plunkett: Mr. Lockett, last week Mr. Jackson at this meeting said that he was
interested in a TAD that would run from the hotel site down Telfair and incorporate that site. As
a visual it’s very hard to me a more visual person I thought it would be helpful to have a map of
what he said and so the body would have something to discuss. That was his suggestion last
week and I tried to make it so that everybody could see what he was talking about on paper.
Mr. Lockett: Well, to me it would seem like it would be advantageous if that bond area is
important to make that a separate TAD from the one up here because it’s my understanding that
we have to make a decision no later than close of business on December 31 for this TAD 4. Is
that correct?
Mr. Plunkett: In order to have the values for ’13 for that hotel site, yes, sir.
Mr. Lockett: Okay.
Mr. Plunkett: And again I’m not advocating one way or the other. Ya’ll said one spot or
another spot or just that parcel. We’re able to do that by virtue of the legal proceedings I’ve
done before. Ya’ll simply have to tell me the map.
29
Mr. Lockett: So in other words then if we said we don’t want to take no action on this
today we want this to be on the agenda come January what would your response be?
Mr. Plunkett: I would say it would be a detriment to Mr. Reddy and Mr. Mason.
Mr. Lockett: Therefore we need TAD 4.
Mr. Plunkett: We need TAD 4.
Mr. Lockett: All right, thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Mayor: Okay. Thank you. Commissioner Jackson.
Mr. Jackson: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Jim, in discussion with coming up with this most
of this real estate going down Greene Street and Watkins is government or federal or the James
Brown Arena, not the James Brown Arena, the Bell, the Federal Court House. I mean there’s a
couple of businesses you’ve got mostly non profit’s on Telfair that back between Telfair and
Greene. Is that correct?
Mr. Plunkett: I would say the substantial part of it is going to be you know exempt
properties in terms of that. I can’t say the exact number but if you just visually think about going
down Telfair you’ve got the museums you’ve got the school,
Mr. Jackson: First Presbyterian.
Mr. Plunkett: --- First Presbyterian ---
Mr. Jackson: Holy Trinity, James Brown Arena the Federal Court House, the library ---
Mr. Plunkett: (inaudible).
Mr. Mayor: And I know I saw Mr. Reddy standing up for a moment. And as we’ve
discussed he’s an example of how the TAD does benefit and help with redevelopment. So Mr.
Reddy I just ask.
Mr. Reddy: Thank you very much for having me for a second. I just want to add the
sales tax dollars we will generate here in the way of some two hundred to $235,000 dollars. If I
pay only $200,000 dollars I will be losing money. That means I must generate a number of jobs
(inaudible), anywhere from fifty to seventy jobs (inaudible).
Mr. Mayor: Thank you, sir. Okay, we have a motion that’s been made and properly
seconded. Madam Clerk, for the point of clarity if you could read back the motion?
The Clerk: Yes, sir. It was to terminate the TAD 1 and to add into the TAD 4 the 294
parcels on the new map here and to incorporate the values.
30
Mr. Lockett: Mr. Mayor, I’d like to make a substitute motion.
Mr. Mayor: Okay.
Mr. Lockett: My substitute motion was to make these, separate these two items and let’s
vote on each one individually.
Mr. Mayor: Okay.
Mr. Lockett: Because I don’t see the relevancy of voting on the two together unless I’m
missing something.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, do we have a second on that?
Mr. Williams: Second.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, we have a motion that’s been made, substitute motion that’s been
made and properly seconded. Commissioner Jackson.
Mr. Jackson: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I think, I think I understand where Commissioner
Lockett’s going. He wanted to vote on both of them separately. Is that correct?
Mr. Mayor: Yes.
Mr. Jackson: Okay, that’s fine. We can, I’ll amend my motion to vote on each of them
individually.
Mr. Mayor: Is the seconder of the motion? So basically we want to ---
Mr. Lockett: I’ll accept that as a friendly amendment. Yes, sir.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, but we still have a substitute motion that’s been made and properly
seconded. Commissioner Mason.
Mr. Mason: Thank you. Jim, perhaps you can clear this up for me. We’re having or if
we’re breaking this down into two motions it’s still one TAD right?
Mr. Plunkett: Well, you need to do something to TAD 1 in order to create TAD 4.
Mr. Mason: Right so what ---
Mr. Plunkett: You have to terminate (inaudible).
Mr. Mason: --- I’m hearing you saying, to make sure that I’m clear there’s a termination
of TAD 1 that has to happen first and foremost.
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Mr. Plunkett: That’s correct.
Mr. Mason: Then there is a vote on whether TAD 4 will be approved or disapproved.
Mr. Plunkett: Correct.
Mr. Mason: Now is that TAD 4 based on what I’m hearing Mr. Lockett saying is that
encompassing the 294 acres that Mr. Jackson is saying or is that breaking it down the bus barn is
now not a part of that and we’re voting on two separate things as it relates to TAD 4.
Mr. Plunkett: I believe I heard the Clerk say that is was 294 parcels by the way ---
Mr. Mason: Parcels.
Mr. Plunkett: --- not, it was the motion was to terminate TAD 1 and to approve TAD 4
as to this map including both areas.
Mr. Mayor: Yes.
Mr. Mason: Is that where we’re at?
Mr. Lockett: Yeah, that’s where we’re at. That was really what I wanted but that’s ----
Mr. Mason: Okay, I didn’t think so but I just wanted to know where we’re at. Okay, so
that’s the motion that’s on the table.
Mr. Mayor: That’s the, well the substitute motion that’s on the table is to vote on both
agenda items separately. The primary motion is what you just said to ---
Mr. Jackson: To terminate TAD 1 ---
Mr. Mayor: Terminate TAD 1 and to implement TAD 4 to include the 294 parcels
included on the map that was shown.
Mr. Mason: And that’s what we’re about to vote on now?
Mr. Mayor: No, no, no. We’re voting on the substitute motion first which is (inaudible).
Mr. Lockett: Mr. Mayor, may I withdraw my substitute motion?
Mr. Mayor: Yes, you may.
Mr. Lockett: Thank you.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, the substitute motion has been withdrawn. We will now vote on the
primary motion. Commissioners will now vote by the usual ---
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Mr. Williams: That is, that is?
Mr. Mayor: That is to dissolve TAD 1 correct? And to implement TAD 4 to include the
294 parcels included in the map as part of the agenda item. Commissioners will now vote by the
usual sign.
Mr. Fennoy and Mr. Guilfoyle out.
Motion Passes 8-0.
Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk, next agenda item please.
The Clerk: Yes, sir. Would that be 29 or is that part of the other one?
Mr. Mayor: No, that we, 28 and 29 were disposed of.
The Clerk: They were together.
Mr. Mayor: Yes.
The Clerk: Okay.
The Clerk:
FINANCE
33. Motion to approve Urban Redevelopment Area Plan and approve the related
documents:
1. Intergovernmental Agreement
2. Bond Resolution
3. Bond Parameters Resolution
4. Continuing Disclosure Resolution
Mr. Mayor: You’re still up, Mr. Plunkett.
Mr. Plunkett: Mr. Mayor, members of the Commission, this is the idea of approving
Redevelopment Plan for downtown. When it was submitted it was much smaller. We had the
five areas that were redone. The plan has two projects noted, one is the Municipal Building and
the other one is the Port Royal Project. We need to approve that plan if we’re going to move
forward with that. As this is also for financing of this building we would need to have these
various documents approved to go forward with the debt.
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Smith.
Mr. D. Smith: Jim, in order for us, if we approve this, then we have approved all the
buildings lock, stock and barrel meaning the IT building and that kind of stuff. Or at some point
33
if this Commission were to decide that we want to come back and only finance the Municipal
Building itself and not build the IT building how does this tie us up with that?
Mr. Plunkett: This, what we’re adopting today is a Parameters Resolution if it’s
approved and that is authorizing up to a sum certain. It would be and IGA, Intergovernmental
Agreement between the URA, Urban Redevelopment Agency and Augusta. We could come
back and revise that IGA to incorporate what portion of the campus that you ultimately decided.
This is kind of the get started motion. There are some documents that have to be approved by
this body so that the URA can approve them and move forward with it. But we can certainly
amend the IGA at any time prior to the sale of the bonds to reduce the amount.
Mr. D. Smith: That’s what I wanted to know. We can change the scope of the project if
we chose to.
Mr. Plunkett: Yes, sir, you could.
Mr. D. Smith: Thank you.
Mr. Mayor: Anybody like to make a motion?
Mr. Jackson: So moved.
Mr. Johnson: Second.
Mr. Mayor: We have a motion that’s been made and properly seconded. Commissioner
Williams.
Mr. Williams: Jim, what process would that take though? Commissioner Smith asked
the question about any of the change. What process would that take if we decided to just fund
this building? What do we have to do now? I mean we can change anything but how many
hoops do we have to go through?
Mr. Plunkett: Well, sir, I think it’d be more practical and more legal if that makes sense
if this body made a motion that said we’re going to only fund this building then we would issue
debt sufficient to do just this building. These bonds would not even on this category probably
would not be issued until well, arguably you could tell us when. But as (unintelligible) slated
today it would probably be the second meeting of January. So you could you know have the first
meeting and if ya’ll said we want to reduce the scope then we just tell Finance Department
reduce the scope and we will adjust the documents accordingly. The amount of the bonds really
is not determined until the day of the sale of the bonds so we can adjust up to that point in time.
Mr. Williams: And if we decided if we made that decision to fund I’m going to say
everything and after it got out of Finance, after we got the ball rolling we would have to continue
what we voted on. It wouldn’t be later, hey, say you know that’s ---
34
Mr. Plunkett: There are two different issues that you’re looking at. If the debt was issue
then we would have to use the monies for projects with the ERA. If you change the amount prior
to the sale of the bonds we could adjust the amount of debt that we’re issuing for the building.
So you’ve kind of got a little bit of flexibility but not a lot of time.
Mr. Mayor: Okay. Commissioner Lockett.
Mr. Lockett: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Plunkett, what would happen if I vote for a
particular agenda item that will encompass the entire project and then in 30 days six of my
colleagues decide, well, we don’t want to fund that portion of it. But you’ve already received my
vote for the entire project.
Mr. Plunkett: My understanding of that is, is that it’s the will of the body and that this
body can change votes. You know it’s more of a procedural issue from the vote of the body.
And my understanding is just parliamentary procedures is that you all, six can undo prior actions.
Once we issued a debt that’s, you’re obligated to repay that debt. So I mean that, I don’t know if
I’m answering that question or not.
Mr. Lockett: Yeah, but the way I look at it, Mr. Plunkett, is for me to vote on something
because this is what we have agreed upon at this particular time and then later on the minds say,
no, we’re going to change it, we’re going to eliminate this project or this portion of the project.
But you already received my vote and I’m dealing with you in good faith.
Ms. Davis: Don’t answer that.
Mr. Lockett: I’m not really looking for an answer.
Mr. Plunkett: I don’t know how to respond to that, sir. I apologize.
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Guilfoyle.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Yes, thank you. Jim, as far as this motion here is to approve the $40
million dollar bond. Is that right?
Mr. Plunkett: The Parameters Resolution is up to $28 million dollars, sir.
Mr. Guilfoyle: All right, so we could actually cut it by $8 million dollars by doing away
with the outside IT and the Print Shop. And I would actually task the Administrator to see if we
could actually well, I can’t task. I’m going to ask her if she could look at other avenues such as
the library, second floor because right now with the utilities wanting to use it the whole upper
floor was just going to be used as data storage. I don’t know if it will work it’s already got the
sides, the top, the bottom on it. It’ll save us money but my concern is it’s simple. The footprint
of that IT building and the Print Shop every time I come into this building I have to search to
find me a parking space not only for myself that has to be here on time or earlier it’s the residents
that comes before this body that actually has to park on the side streets. We’re doing nothing
different than what we did at the Judicial Center. We didn’t put in the plan or the afterthought
35
knowing that you got 330 employees and you build a 350 parking space facility. So this is going
to be a ordeal that we are going to have to face and we have to be considerate on ways to saving
money.
Mr. Plunkett: The, what is before you today is a not to exceed amount is a way to look at
the Parameters Resolution. So if Augusta ultimately revised the Intergovernmental Agreement
and said we’re only going to support this building then it would readopt the IGA and at that point
in time we would issue a debt for that amount. You know it’s kind of asking for how much can
we do and if you want to do less as opposed to more.
Mr. Mayor: Is this the same IGA that you’re going to get guaranteed low prices from?
Mr. Guilfoyle: I’ve got an IGA across my street from my house. I like it.
Mr. Plunkett: (inaudible).
Mr. Mayor: Okay. We have a motion that’s been made and properly seconded.
Commissioners, if there’s no further discussion Commissioners will now vote by the usual sign.
Mr. D. Smith and Mr. Guilfoyle vote No.
Mr. Fennoy out.
Motion Passes 7-2.
Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk, the final agenda item please.
The Clerk:
ADMINISTRATOR
37. Motion to approve appointments to the Urban Redevelopment Agency.
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Plunkett.
Mr. Plunkett: Following up on the prior conversation about issuing the debt the Urban
Redevelopment Agency has five expired terms and this body needs to appoint new members.
The other half of issuing the debt is the Urban Redevelopment Agency has to act to issue the
debt. So until that body, theoretically you can continue to issue the debt with the expired terms
and it’s legal. But it is certainly preferable to have new members appointed to that body.
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Mason.
Mr. Mason: That’s some good chocolate cake whoever made it.
Mr. Mayor: Let you eat cake.
Mr. Mason: But, gentlemen, at this point I don’t believe that we have a means to appoint
at this time. One thing I want to make mention of is that we do currently have as you stated five
36
expired terms. But really nothing stops this body from determining how many personnel will sit
on there be it five or otherwise. Is that not correct?
Mr. Plunkett: You can certainly amend.
Mr. Mason: Sure, sure so what I would say to this I mean clearly I don’t know of
anybody who’s got five names on their head right now that anybody would agree to today.
While we’re in this recess Mr. Mayor I would hope we were able to maybe each bring a name
and maybe even decide on how many folks that we do want to have on that particular board
because nothing keeps us at five. We could have three we could have seven we could have
whatever it is we want to have on there. But the fact of the matter is whatever board it is or
whatever number it is I do want to see some parameters that are different than what I’ve seen in
the past from the previous board because there were times when boards weren’t even meeting.
And they certainly wasn’t meeting and we certainly didn’t receive that information as was stated
from the previous board in terms of the meeting minutes and those sorts of things. I had to
request those from the Clerk to see what was going on and found out that there was meetings that
hadn’t happened over a year maybe a year and a half. So that’s not going to work moving
forward. So my question to you then is and perhaps I didn’t see it in here are we doing the exact
same thing in terms of how we designated this board and their scope of work or what their
responsibilities are or is that the exact same as what was there before. Have we tweaked that and
made some necessary changes on that URA?
Mr. Plunkett: I’ve had no direction to tweak it so it is the same. But if I’m having, you
know, I’m happy to incorporate any changes into that requirement so periodic meetings, minutes
to be sent to this body. You know if there’s suggestions I’m happy to do this. It was originally
drafted by Bond Counsel. And as again the URA’s often times are very inactive boards.
They’re there for facilitating debt issuance and we make this as active or as inactive as this body
(inaudible).
Mr. Mason: Sure. I guess what I’m saying, Mr. Mayor, I don’t think we’re prepared to
do that today. I would look for some more discussion from my other colleagues to see what it is
they want to do moving forward because unless miraculously came today with five names and
that we would miraculously agree on those five I don’t see that happening today.
Mr. Mayor: Well, it just so happens I’ve worked on a special little Christmas miracle for
you Commissioner Mason. Just kidding but watch this. No, I just wanted to say I do, Jim, I
wanted to ask you a question. Are we, you know we’ve gone ahead and approved it. Do we
have to have these names approved prior to years end?
Mr. Plunkett: No, we don’t. What we really to, I think philosophically do we want to
wait to the new five members are appointed to issue the debt. That’s really what we’re looking
at. They could issue it as the membership sits today but as Mr. Mason is suggesting maybe
there’s some more recording issues. I know our Bond Counsel would prefer to have reappointed
members in that regard. So what we would do is this body acted on the prior motions it’s
approve this but you’re kind of like in a holding pattern until, it seems to be in a holding pattern
until you all appoint the new members.
37
Mr. Mayor: But when would we be looking to issue the debt because I think we could
have agreement prior to that. We could have the new members in place.
Mr. Plunkett: We would, there’s action that has to be taken by the URA Board. And it
requires notices for them and things of that nature. So realistically you want to back in about 30
days from when you want to issue the debt. And that’s really kind of when this board really
should notify us or elect those members or appoint those members I should say so that we have
that. So if you’re trying to issue debt you know middle of February you know that first or
second meeting of January would be an ideal time and to get everything accomplished.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, and I think we can come to agreement prior to the first meeting in
January. And I do want to I think along with the approval of the new board members I think to
have reporting requirement of at least quarterly reports to this body you know to amend the
legislation or whatever to do that would be a good thing. Commissioner Williams.
Mr. Williams: My colleague down on the end wants to look to that direction too, Mr.
Mayor.
Ms. Davis: (inaudible).
Mr. Mayor: It’s all the testosterone on this end.
Mr. Williams: I’d just like to know Jim what if the board’s already in place and you
know in January have that meeting what are the guidelines for the board that they have not
heeded to or maybe they don’t have any guidelines. I think I need to see those before I can select
somebody to put on a board or to nominate for a board. If the board is there and has some
guidelines that need tweaking I may need certainly doing that. But I need to see those so I can at
least share with whoever I’m looking at as to their job duties or what they’re supposed to be
doing. Naturally if they’re going to be on the board they ought to be meeting and being able to
handle that but who handles the guidelines I guess.
Mr. Plunkett: I have a copy of the bylaws. Mr. Williams if I may if I could I guess go
through the Clerk’s office. What I could do is provide a copy of, I could provide a copy of the
bylaws for that body and I will do a very short one page synopsis. Sometimes that helps of what
that says. And I’ll try to get that out hopefully maybe this week so that you all can see what,
what we’re looking at and then you all can revisit that issue. Mr. (unintelligible) also pointed out
the ratings that we have on these, on this bond issuance is good for 60 days. That was issued in
the middle of December so if we can avoid 60, you know sometime in the middle of January
would be the ideal time if we could issue the debt to avoid additional costs and having go back to
a ratings call which was a good rating by the way ---
Mr. Williams: Mr. Mayor, if I can I’d like to have Jim to also add the names of those
people on the board now as well as the guidelines that you have. I’d like to see who’s been
serving and who’s not been serving.
38
Mr. Mayor: That’d be great and but so with the first meeting in January we would still
based on those timelines be okay.
Mr. Plunkett: We could do it in that meeting I believe.
Mr. Mayor: Okay. Commissioner Davis and then Commissioner Guilfoyle and then
Commissioner Jackson and then Commissioner Lockett.
Ms. Davis: I was just going to ask Mr. Plunkett to get us a condensed of what has been
done and what needs to be done. And I was going to include that in a motion. So you answered
all my questions.
Mr. Mayor: Okay. Okay, would you like to go ahead and make that motion?
Ms. Davis: Yeah, I’d like to make a motion to move forward with receiving
information from Jim Plunkett about the Urban Redevelopment Agency and present that
to the Commission to appoint members to that agency and bring back to the next
committee meeting ---
Mr. Lockett: Second.
Ms. Davis: --- which is January.
Mr. Mason: Committee or Commission.
Mr. Mayor: Commission meeting.
Ms. Davis: Commission meeting in January.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, we have a motion that’s been made and properly seconded.
Commissioner Guilfoyle and then Commissioner Jackson and then Commissioner Lockett.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Jim, just for clarification as far as this URA
committee the only time they meet is at the time when we do a bond.
Mr. Plunkett: They have met roughly semiannually with the, to accept revised budgets
for the Laney Walker/Bethlehem. They set up parameters and as that budget evolved they would
meet to approve that and get information from the Laney Walker/Bethlehem project. Outside of
that there was really no need for them to meet. They try to meet twice a year.
Mr. Guilfoyle: All right so basically we need information you know semiannually then
versus quarterly because ---
Mr. Mason: --- quarterly they don’t have (inaudible) because they don’t have nothing
(inaudible).
39
Mr. Guilfoyle: Right.
Mr. Plunkett: It’s whatever obligations you want to put on them to meet.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Thank you.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you. Commissioner Lockett.
Mr. Lockett: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I agree with Commissioner Mason about we
need to determine how many people we want to have on now. But I do notice with the
guidelines that we were presented it showed that the chairperson and the vice-chair or co-chair or
which ever for a three year period if I’m not mistaken and that’s going to restrict who can be the
chair and co-chair. And it’s also with the other timeframe that’s there is going ascertain whether
or not some of my colleagues can serve on that committee because they’re sort termers. That’s
something we need to keep into consideration.
Mr. Plunkett: Mr. Lockett, if the idea was to make members of this body serve then what
we would do is change the rules to be that it would be for their terms. The, this body selects not
only the membership but a chair and a vice-chair and the body, the agency selects a secretary
from its own membership. But if you wanted to change to say that five of the Commissioners
you know in a status position or something like that it would, you would just say that we could
revise accordingly.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you. We have a motion that’s been made and properly seconded. If
there’s no further discussion Commissioners will now vote by the usual sign.
Mr. Fennoy out.
Motion Passes 9-0.
Mr. Mayor: And I want to take a point of personal privilege to thank the Commissioners
for a very good and very productive meeting and to wish you and your families a Merry
Christmas. And thanks for all you do for the city. Commissioner Lockett.
Mr. Lockett: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I’d like to have a point of personal privilege also.
I’d like for all of ya’ll to wish me a happy birthday on Christmas.
Mr. Mayor: Oh, man, you get your presents cut in half. Commissioner Guilfoyle.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Yes, as a matter of fact point of privilege. I think we all need to go by
Bill Lockett’s house, get a two by four and let’s whip him what, 87 times?
Mr. Mayor: Merry Christmas, everyone. We stand adjourned.
[MEETING ADJOURNED]
40
Nancy Morawski
Deputy 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
December 17, 2013.
_________________________________
Clerk of Commission
41