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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRegular Commission Meeting February 17, 2015 REGULAR MEETING COMMISSION CHAMBER FEBRUARY 17, 2015 Augusta Richmond County Commission convened at 2:00 p.m., February 17, 2015, the Hon. Hardie Davis, Jr., Mayor, presiding. PRESENT: Hons. Guilfoyle, Sias, Harris, M. Williams, Fennoy, D. Williams, Hasan, Davis and Smith, members of Augusta Richmond County Commission. Absent: Hon. Lockett, member of Augusta Richmond County Commission. Mr. Mayor: We hereby call this meeting to order. The Chair recognizes Madam Clerk. The Clerk: Yes, sir. At this time we would like to ask Reverend Charles E. Broome, Pastor, St. Mark United Methodist Church to please come forward to deliver our invocation. Mr. Mayor: Please stand. The invocation was given by the Reverend Charles E. Broome, Pastor, St. Mark United Methodist Church. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was recited. Mr. Mayor: Pastor Broome, we have something for you if you would please come. Thank you. Madam Clerk, we will now move to the delegations. The Clerk: DELEGATIONS A. Mr. Walter Sprouse, Executive Director, Augusta Economic Development Authority. RE: Resolution of Support from the Consolidated Government of Augusta, Georgia supporting a surface parking lot for passenger vehicles on 6.27 acres owned by Augusta, thth Georgia on the north side of Reynolds Street, between 5 and 6 Streets and the Toe of the Levy and exclusive use of the two-level parking garage at Fort Discovery Museum. (Requested by Commissioner Bill Fennoy) The Clerk: And I’d also like to call your attention to a revised resolution that was submitted this afternoon regarding this agenda item which is attached to our addendum agenda with the redline version attached as well. st Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 1 Commissioner Fennoy to speak on the resolution. Mr. Fennoy: Yes, I would like to make a motion to approve the resolution, the revised resolution and move forward. 1 Mr. Hasan: I’ll second that. Mr. Mayor: The Chair has received a motion and a proper second in support of the resolution. At this time we’ll open the floor for discussion. The Chair recognizes the th, Commissioner from the 9 Commissioner Williams, M. Williams. Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I’m in support, I just need to get some clarity I guess from the Attorney or someone what’s different in what we’re changing to on what we had I guess. I mean there’s a reason to change and I guess I need to know why was that change necessary and what would that do when you approve a resolution. At least I’ll be clear on it so, Mr. Attorney, if you? Mr. Mayor: Yes, I appreciate that Commissioner Williams. Let me draw everyone’s attention to the revised resolution in your handout which you should see is a redline resolution. This resolution speaks of the changes that are being offered. The most important change in the document is an area under Paragraph 1, it talks about the land. At this time the Chair asks the Attorney, Attorney Hagler, would you please approach the podium. Mr. Hagler: Yes, sir, thank you, sir, Commissioners. The reason for the change was, is there was some concern that it would obligate the city to construct a multi-story parking lot. So we made the change at the request I think of the Administrator. So it just says that if the city had something else that it can do with the property that it has to make suitable parking arrangements for the Augusta Development Authority. I don’t think the intention was ever that the city was going to be obligated to do anything other than provide the space for the parking. th Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 8. Mr. Guilfoyle: Mr. Mayor, I did not know. If I could hear from the Administrator, naturally I’ve got to go through the Chair to see if she has been party to this resolution from the - -- Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes --- Mr. Guilfoyle: --- start of it. Mr. Mayor: --- the Chair recognizes the Administrator. Ms. Jackson: Yes, sir, Mr. Guilfoyle, I have been in discussion about this since about Thursday of last week. I’ve been in the loop on this and we are comfortable with the language presented in this resolution given the revisions. rd, Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 3 Commissioner Mary Davis. Ms. Davis: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Can we just go over just so we’re all on the same page of exactly what this does make the city an agreement for? I know that Mr. Hagler just said 2 that not necessarily a parking deck but to provide parking for. Even if something is developed on that property in the future, what exactly does that mean? We provide property still on that piece of property or elsewhere in the downtown area. I’m just trying to make sure we all are very clear on the new changes. Mr. Mayor: So the Chair will speak to this resolution. The changes that have been made were substantial changes from the perspective of in the previous resolution which should be page three of your handout. On page three of your handout in that last sentence would it have previously indicated is that Augusta, Georgia would have the option to develop the parcel and relocate the surface parking to a location suitable to the Development Authority. The language that was stricken was specifically language that suggested that Augusta would be responsible for developing, building or constructing a multi-story parking deck. We did not want to obligate Augusta for those purposes. And so this provides flexibility for the project with Unisys to continue to move forward. It also allows us in the event that Augusta is approached by additional parties who may have interest in that parcel of land to engage us about future development. Ms. Davis: Thank you. Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes Commissioner Fennoy. Mr. Fennoy: Yes, I’d like to ask the Attorney a question. Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes Mr. Hagler if you’ll approach again. Mr. Fennoy: Well, not, our attorney. And maybe you could chime in if you don’t like, have a difference of opinion. What is the major difference between the resolution and a contract? This is not a contract or an agreement, this is a resolution. Mr. MacKenzie: No, the primary difference between a resolution and a contract is that this is just a action on the part of the government that doesn’t have the signature of both parties. It’s not something that outlines any terms or obligations on either party. Now I will caution that, you know, a resolution can be enforceable if the other party detrimentally relies on the provisions contained therein. Mr. Fennoy: Thank you. Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes Commissioner Guilfoyle. Mr. Guilfoyle: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor, you spoke about any future development on this parcel of land which is 6.27 acres. The five, six hundred parking spaces should consume about the four acres. Could we have some type of language where it doesn’t require all of the property, the 6.27, and reduce it down to four acres? And (inaudible), my only concern in the future if that property does sell for a big development will Augusta Richmond County be responsible for it to provide parking spaces? 3 Mr. Mayor: Okay, so here’s our posture. We’ve got a motion and a proper second and th still discussion. I’m going to recognize in just a moment the Commissioner from the 6, Commissioner Hasan. As the attorney our attorney has just indicated a resolution does not have the rule of law. It does not the effect of general law and that is what is important for us to understand. This resolution again further substantiates our posture as a city of being willing to enter into continued conversations about the Unisys project which in a previous administration and the previous commission I think you all substantially agreed that this was important for the city of Augusta. And as such this resolution simply says that we’re going to continue to move forward. Make no mistake about it in a previous administration previous commission what was clearly communicated is that there were already parking spaces identified in Fort Discovery to handle the first wave of employees. You’ve already got that already established. In addition to that this surface parking will provide for any additional and or overflow parking associated with th, this project. The Chair will recognize the Commissioner from the 6 Commissioner Hasan. Mr. Hasan: Yes, sir, Mr. Mayor. Thank you. Commissioner Davis as well as Commissioner Wayne Guilfoyle I think what they’re asking along with what I hearing I hope I know everybody’s very clear on this is in the event that someone comes along and wants to purchase that property what do we do from there? How do we and I think, I think we could be mindful of it’s not to open up a can of worms but just remember that we do own a parking deck at the corner of James Brown Boulevard and Reynolds Street. Thank you very much, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor: Thank you. We’ve got a motion and a second. The Chair will recognize once more Commissioner Guilfoyle. Mr. Guilfoyle: Mr. Mayor, thank you for clarifying that. I do want to just say I have always been supportive of our Development Authority. They have created jobs where we never thought jobs would be coming to Augusta. I just needed to ask these questions to make sure that we are protected as a city and we’re not indebted in the future. Thank you. th, Mr. Mayor: The Chair will recognize the Commissioner from the 4 Commissioner Sias. Mr. Sias: Call for the question, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor: Thank you. Madam Clerk. Mr. M. Williams: Mr. Mayor? The question has been called (unintelligible) our Parliamentarian tell us what we need to do from that point on. Mr. Mayor: Well, when a motion is called, Commissioner, it is a superior motion. Call for the question, we’re now in a posture of voting. We have a motion and a proper second. Our posture is that we’re voting. It’s our posture. Mr. M. Williams: On the issue or whether the (unintelligible). 4 Mr. Mayor: On the issue before us and the issue before us is that we have a motion to th approve the resolution as written. We have a second from the Commissioner from the 6. Our th posture now is voting. The Commissioner from the 4 has called for the question --- Mr. M. Williams: But there’s some other --- Mr. Mayor: --- and the question is before us. Mr. M. Williams: --- but there’s some unreadiness and (inaudible). Mr. Mayor: And with all due respect, Commissioner, I think you can note that by voting in an appropriate manner. Madam Clerk, voting. Mr. M. Williams votes No. Mr. Lockett out. Motion Passes 8-1. The Clerk: And for the record Commissioner Lockett notified the office that he had some previous medical appointments so he may be in attendance later in the meeting. Mr. Mayor: Thank you, Madam Clerk. On to the consent agenda. The Clerk: Our consent agenda I call your attention to our consent agenda which consists of items 1-30, items 1-30. For the benefit of any objectors to our Planning petitions once those petitions are read if you would please signify your objection by raising your hand. I call your attention to: Item 3: Is a request for a Special Exception to establish a Family Personal Care Home located on property at 4368 Bath Edie Road. Item 4: Is a request for a change of zoning from a Zone B-1 (Neighborhood Business) to a Zone B-2 (General Business) affecting property at #1 East Boundary Street. Item 5: Is a request for a Special Exception to establish a Church affection property known as 3713 Wrightsboro Road. Item 6: Is a request for a Special Exception to establish a Family Personal Care Home on property located at 1938 Kings Grant Drive. The Clerk: Are there any objectors to any of those Planning petitions? Okay. I call your attention to our Public Services portion of the agenda. If there are any objectors to any of our alcohol petitions would you please signify your objection by raising your hand once the petition is read. I call your attention to: Item 7: Is a request for an on premise consumption Liquor, Beer & Wine License to be used in connection with The Partridge Inn located at 2110 Walton Way. Item 8: is for a retail package Beer & Wine License to be used in connection with Lucky Store located at 1801 Marvin Griffin Road. 5 The Clerk: Are there any objectors to those two alcohol petitions? Mr. Mayor, members of the Commission, our consent agenda consists of items 1-30 with no objectors to our Planning or Alcohol petitions. Mr. Mayor: Are there any items to be pulled from the consent agenda? Any items to th add? The Chair recognizes the Commissioner Guilfoyle from the 8. Mr. Guilfoyle: Mr. Mayor, can we pull item number nine please? Mr. Mayor: Are there any other items? Thank you, Madam Clerk, item number nine has been pulled from the consent agenda. Are there any additions to the consent agenda? Mr. Hasan: Yes, sir, Mr. Mayor, I think you have before you revisions of the commission agenda. I think you have some additions there. Number one Tim Hollobaugh to the Augusta Public Transit Board requested by myself, Commissioner Hasan. You also have approve recommendation of Augusta Richmond County appointments to the CSRA Economic Opportunity Authority Board there as listed as well. Also number three to approve the appointment of Mr. Booker T. Roberson to the ARC Coliseum Authority representing Super District 9 as well so there are some additions there. Mr. Mayor: Thank you, Commissioner. Madam Clerk, would you note that? The Clerk: Yes, sir. And for the record on item number three Mr. Roberson will be replacing Mr. Joseph Collier. Mr. Mayor: Is that Collins or Collier? The Clerk: Collier. Mr. Mayor: Thank you. All right, we’ve got item nine that has been pulled from the consent agenda and these that have been added. Thank you, Madam Clerk. All right, we’ve had a request to pull item nine from the consent agenda. Do we have unanimous consent to do so? We’ve now got three items that we’re adding to the agenda. Do we have unanimous consent to do so? All right, the posture is we’ve added items to the agenda, we’ve pulled item nine. Our posture now is we’re voting. The Clerk: I need a motion, sir. Mr. Sias: Motion to approve the consent agenda, Mr. Mayor. Ms. Davis: Second. The Clerk: The consent agenda will be items 1-30 with item 9 pulled and the addition of item 1, 2 and 3 from our Addendum agenda. CONSENT AGENDA 6 PLANNING 1. FINAL PLAT – MCCOY’S CREEK, SECTION 2, PHASE 2 – S-833-II – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to approve a petition by James G. Swift and Associates, on behalf of Prather Construction Co., requesting final plat approval for McCoy’s Creek, Section 2, Phase 2. This residential subdivision is located off Inman and York Drives and contains 31 lots. DISTRICT 3. 2. FINAL PLAT – MCCOY’S CREEK, SECTION 4 – S-846 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to approve a petition by James G. Swift and Associates, on behalf of Prather Construction Co., requesting final plat approval for McCoy’s Creek, Section 4. This residential subdivision is located off Chase Creek Court at Chase Creek Drive and contains 16 lots. DISTRICT 3. 3. Z-15-01-SP – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to approve a petition by Kimlynn Sturgis, on behalf of Yolanda Yarbary, requesting a Special Exception to establish a Family Personal Care Home per Section 26- 1(h) of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for Augusta, Georgia affecting property containing approximately .38 acres and is known as 4368 Bath Edie Road. Tax Map 269-0- 001-03-0. DISTRICT 8. 4. Z-15-03 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to approve with the conditions listed below a petition by Shewangizaw Miriam requesting a change of zoning from Zone B-1 (Neighborhood Business) to Zone B-2 (General Business), for the purpose of establishing an auto sales lot or a gas/food mart and no other permitted uses in the B-2 zone, affecting property containing .20 acres and is known as 1 East Boundary Street. Tax Map 060-4-044-00-0. DISTRICT 1. 1) The rezoning will only allow for an automobile vehicle sales lot or a gas station /food mart or those uses permitted in a B-1 zone. 2) Provide landscaping along the street consistent with provisions of the Tree Ordinance. 3) Replace the deteriorated solid board fence at the rear of the property. 4) Parking lot and security lighting must be directed away from any adjoining residential properties. 5. Z-15-04-SP – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to approve a petition by Vineyard Community Church requesting a Special Exception to establish a Church per Section 26-1(a) of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for Augusta, Georgia affecting property containing 4.0 acres and known as 3713 Wrightsboro Road - Tax Map 040-0-020-00-0. DISTRICT 3 6. Z-15-05-SP – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to approve with the conditions below a petition by Margaret Brown requesting a Special Exception to establish a Family Personal Care Home per Section 26- 1(h) of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for Augusta, Georgia affecting property containing .34 acres and known as 1938 Kings Grant Drive – Tax Map 110-4-259-00-0. DISTRICT 2 1) Replace within 45 days the existing 4’ chain-link fence adjacent to the creek with a 6’ privacy fence that consists of a wood material to provide added security for residents. PUBLIC SERVICES 7. Motion to approve New Ownership Application: A.N. 15-03: request by Tijuana Jenkins for an on premise consumption Liquor, Beer & Wine License to be used in connection with The Partridge Inn Located at 2110 Walton Way. There will be Sunday Sales. There will be 7 Dance. District 3. Super District 10. (Approved by Public Services Committee February 9, 2015) 8. Motion to approve New Ownership Application: A.N. 15-04: request by Myong K. Shouse for a Retail Package Beer & Wine License to be used in connection with Lucky Store located at 1801 Marvin Griffin Rd. District 1. Super District 9. (Approved by Public Services Committee February 9, 2015) 10. Motion to approve the selection of Raymond James to perform bond underwriting services for the Augusta Regional Airport as approved by the Augusta Aviation Commission at their January 29, 2015 meeting. (RFP 15-124)(Approved by Public Services Committee February 9, 2015) 11. Motion to approve contract in the amount of $28,865.00 to Southern Roofing & Insulation to replace a portion of the roof on the Law Department and Engineering Building as outlined in ITB 14-224. (Approved by Public Services Committee February 9, 2015) 12. Motion to approve resolution authorizing FTA Grants for Augusta Public Transit. (Approved by Public Services Committee February 9, 2015) 13. Motion to approve the Morris Communications, LLC and Cessna Aircraft Company Sublease as approved by the Augusta Aviation Commission at their January 29, 2015 Meeting. (Approved by Public Services Committee February 9, 2015) 14. Motion to approve Change Order #1 to the SDI-ISYS Fiber Optic & Security Camera Upgrade Project as approved by the Augusta Aviation Commission at their January 29, 2015 Meeting. (Approved by Public Services Committee February 9, 2015) ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES 15. Motion to approve reestablishment of the Citizens Advisory Committee to serve in an advisory capacity to the Housing and Community Development Department. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee February 9, 2015) PUBLIC SAFETY 16. Motion to approve a budget amendment to the 2015 budget that will allow the Fire Department to utilize the $5000 donation from Georgia Pacific for the purchase of firefighting nozzles. (Approved by Public Safety Committee February 9, 2015) 17. Motion to approve procurement for integration of certain security systems to the team of True North Consulting, Simplex Grinnell and Commins Cabling. (Approved by Public Safety Committee February 9, 2015) 18. Motion to deny a Speaker Notification and Queuing System for the Augusta Commission. (Approved by Public Safety Committee February 9, 2015) FINANCE 19. Motion to approve request for refund for years 2011-2013 for Joshalun Young on property owned by Mamie L. F. Young, located at 2833 Wheeler Road, Map/Parcel# 033-2- 001-00-0, for tax years 2011, 2012 and 2013 in the amounts of $204.25 (2013), $197.40 (2012), $216.69 (2011). (Approved by Finance Committee February 9, 2015) ENGINEERING SERVICES 8 20. Motion to authorize condemnation to acquire title of a portion of property for right of way, temporary construction easement, and two temporary driveway easements (Parcel 041-1-062-00-0) 14-6 Marks Church Road. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee February 9, 2015) 21. Motion to authorize condemnation to acquire title of a portion of property for right of way, temporary easement for construction, and one temporary easement for driveway (Parcel 041-4-002-01-0) 3432 Wrightsboro Road. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee February 9, 2015) 22. Motion to authorize condemnation to acquire title of a portion of property for right of way and temporary easement for construction (Parcel 041-0-064-00-0) 3430 Wrightsboro Road. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee February 9, 2015) 23. Motion to approve funding to Dewberry Engineers Inc. in the amount of $194,690.00 for the Fort Gordon Redetermination and New Inventory Analysis, RFP Item #14-201 (Approved by Engineering Services Committee February 9, 2015) 24. Motion to approve CSX Parallel Crossing 772911 for the 10153 Gordon Highway 24’ Water Main Project in the amount of $119,050.00. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee February 9, 2015) 25. Motion to approve and accept an Easement Deed from Huntsman (formerly Rockwood). (Approved by Engineering Services Committee February 9, 2015) 26. Motion to increase the funding for approved RFQ #13-194: Task Order Program for Infrastructure for the City of Augusta-Utilities Department in the amount of $2,000,000.00 for execution by CMI, Inc., Blair Construction, Inc., Eagle Utilities and Quality Storm Water Solutions as qualified and selected contractors for subject FRQ. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee February 9, 2015) 27. Motion to approve Purchase of Three Additional 250kw Emergency Generators for Installation at Water Facilities under Bid Item 12-224. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee February 9, 2015) PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS 28. Motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the Commission held February 3, 2015 and Special Called meeting held February 9, 2015. APPOINITMENTS 29. Motion to approve the appointment of Ms. Angela Freeman Brown to Augusta Animal Services Control Board representing District 4. 30. Motion to approve the appointment and reappointment of the following representing District 6: Appoint Mr. Michael Owens - Planning Commission, reappointment of Mr. Bob Finnegan - Personnel Board, Ms. Linda Finnegan – Augusta Animal Control Board, Mr. Frank Carl – Augusta Port Authority and Davis Fields – General Aviation Commission (Daniel Field. ADDENDUM 34. Approve the appointment of Mr. Tim R. Hollobaugh to the Augusta Public Transit Advisory Board representing District 6. (Requested by Commission Ben Hasan) 35. Approve the (recommendations) Augusta Richmond County appointments to the CSRA Economic Opportunity Authority, Inc. Board of Directors as listed: Mr. Marion E. Barnes, 9 Chairperson, Four Years (1/1/15 – 12/31/18); Ms. Imogene P. Ford, Vice Chairperson, Four Years (1/1/15 – 12/31/18); Ms. Brenda J. Bonner, Four Years (1/1/15 – 12/31/18); Ms. Margaret Huskey, Four Years (/1/1/15 – 12/31/18); Ms. Linda LaMarr, Four Years (1/1/15 – 12/31/18); Ms. Gwendolyn C. Roundtree, Four Years (1/1/15 – 12/31/18); Mr. Augustus C. Thurmond, Four Years (1/1/15 – 12/31/18) 36. Approve the appointment of Mr. Booker T. Roberson to the ARC Coliseum Authority representing District Super District 9 to replace Mr. Joseph Collier. Mr. Lockett out. Motion Passes 9-0. [Items 1-8, 10-30, 34, 35, 36] The Clerk: Mr. Mayor, are you going to the pulled item or are we going, are we going to the pulled item? Is that where we’re, okay. The Clerk: PUBLIC SERVICES 9. Motion to approve reverting back to the hours of operations that were in effect before September relative to a request from Alter Ego’z Sports Bar and Grill regarding the Ordinance amending Augusta, Georgia Code Title 6, Chapter 2, Article 1, Alcoholic Beverages, Section 6-2-1 through 6-2-145. (Approved by Public Services Committee February 9, 2015) Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Guilfoyle, are you going to speak to this matter? Mr. Guilfoyle: Yes, sir. Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes Commissioner Guilfoyle. Mr. Guilfoyle: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor, I’m not on the Public Services, listening to the Sheriff’s Department as well as recommendations from the staff that they were not in favor on changing these hours. And my take is since I didn’t have a vote with the Public Services I would pull it and make a motion to deny. Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes Commissioner Fennoy. Mr. Fennoy: Yes, if we, Mr. Sherman. Mr. Sherman: Yes, sir. Mr. Fennoy: If we approve this item not only would this impact Alter Ego’z Sports Bar and Grill but it would impact the other similar restaurants that are operating the same way? Mr. Sherman: Yes, sir, anyone who is licensed and meets the definition of a restaurant and the alcohol ordinance they would be able to stay open after closing hours for establishments that sell alcohol. 10 Mr. Fennoy: So in addition to Alter Ego’z a lot of the restaurants that we have downtown that stay open until 2:00 o’clock they would be able to stay open later than 2:00? Mr. Sherman: They would be able to. Mr. Fennoy: Okay. Mr. Mayor, I’d like to make a substitute motion (inaudible). rd Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 3. Ms. Davis: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I was going to, I’m in agreement with Mr. Guilfoyle so I was going to second his original motion to deny. st Mr. Mayor: Okay. All right. The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 1 Commissioner Fennoy. Mr. Fennoy: I’d like to make a substitute motion to approve. Mr. Hasan: Mr. Mayor, I’d like to second it but with an addendum to that to make for clarity that we, with the permission of the Chair, to support this in passing this but also make it like as Commissioner Fennoy inquired that it’s all businesses and except for those that, and including all those, only ones that are in good standing, I’m sorry ones that are in good standing may have some that are not in good standing. But that it impact all the businesses that you say of those ones that are in good standing. a like nature but especially Mr. Mayor: All right, so we’ve got a motion but now a substitute motion. The Chair recognizes Attorney MacKenzie (unintelligible) posture to turn in a motion. Mr. MacKenzie: I just want to clarify that the addendum that was passed out is the motion that would do the action which is the substitute motion. And that would be effective as to all similarly situated businesses that qualify as a restaurant and have the ratio of food sales to alcohol sales. There are currently no provisions relating to whether or not they’re in good standing. If they’re not in good standing those are the actions that would be brought forth through the License and Inspections Department for their license to be revoked. Mr. Mayor: Thank you. So I want to make sure everyone is aware of the handout that’s at your seats that has the redline changes that the Attorney is referring to. Is that true, Attorney MacKenzie? Mr. MacKenzie: Yes, that’s correct. And that would grant the request of Alter Ego’z to go back to the time before September. th, Mr. Mayor: Thank you. The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 4 Commissioner Sias. 11 Mr. Sias: Thank you Mayor. I would like to pose a question to our License and Inspections Director, Mr. Sherman. Mr. Mayor: (inaudible). Mr. Sias: Thank you. Can the city, can you all live with this and will this benefit the city? Mr. Sherman: Can we deal with this? Mr. Sias: Can ya’ll live with that and will it benefit the city? Mr. Sherman: Live with it as in going back --- Mr. Fennoy: Substitute motion. Mr. Sherman: --- which is? Mr. Sias: To deny. Mr. Sherman: Well, this is not what we had proposed. What we had proposed was that everyone close at the regular hours for an establishment selling alcohol, a bar. And the reason we did that was because it came up from the Sheriff’s Department with the problems that they’ve had with these establishments after hours. We did some research and then this what we came back to you with and that is that anyone who sells alcohol be it a restaurant or a bar you close at 2:30 and 3:00 the regular hours for that for a bar. As far as what implications this will have it’s just that the Sheriff’s Department will have to be monitoring these establishments especially the ones who are not now staying open beyond these hours but the ones who will be staying open. It’s probably going to require more manpower from the Sheriff’s Department. But you know either way whatever you do we certainly, we can work with it. Mr. Sias: Follow up, Mr. Mayor? Will this have a positive effect of our downtown businesses from your perspective, Mr. Sherman? Mr. Sherman: You know as far as the business goes and the impact that it will have if people are not behaving then it will have a negative impact. And one reason that we were proposing this is because that’s the situation that the Sheriff’s Department comes upon is just people lingering around the establishments and you know after you’ve had a night of drinking then things sometimes can get a little squirrely. Mr. Sias: Thank you, Mayor. Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner Harris. Mr. Harris: Rob, is this allowing them to be down the line like a supper club where you know after hours you can bring your own alcohol in? 12 Mr. Sherman: Well, no, this well a supper club anyone that sells alcohol you can’t brown bag into the establishment. Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes Commissioner Williams. Mr. M. Williams: Rob, Commissioner Sias’ question to you was that would this be a positive or a negative impact on downtown. And you assume the worse and I guess that’s what people do but if it was a positive, would that be a positive impact on downtown? Would it be a positive impact on this city if the revenues went up? Mr. Sherman: It would be if the revenue went up. Mr. M. Williams: Okay. Well, I understand how sensitive this is but I mean I’m still real and you’ve got to be real. And you know we talk about the growth and we talk about the changes coming to Augusta and how people are coming, moving here. People are looking for things to do. Things, people are coming to the church and do some bad things so you can’t dictate you can’t say well you’re not going to have it here because people are going to leave. And that looks like the mindset that we’ve been here for a long time to not have entertainment and not have people to be able to make a decision or make a choice because we have that right to do that. I’m in support of the substitute motion but I didn’t want to belabor one side. I know the Sheriff’s Department has a job to do and if I was going to be a Sheriff or an officer on that force I would know what that entails and that’s what it takes. But hopefully that we will be beyond setting an example to tell people you’ve got to go elsewhere versus coming here so that’s my comment, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor: Thank you, Commissioner Williams, I appreciate that. The Chair recognizes Commissioner Fennoy. Mr. Fennoy: Yes and, Rob, any of the businesses that operate under what we’re proposing if they are not, if those establishments are creating a problem for the city and the Sheriff’s Office has to be called there all the time because they’re open until two, three, four o’clock in the morning then couldn’t the Sheriff’s Department bring back a recommendation to us to have their license suspended or then we could take the appropriate action then as long as that’s an issue? Mr. Sherman: Yes, sir. Mr. Fennoy: Okay. Mr. Sias: Call for the question, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor: Is there any further discussion? Mr. Sherman: Mr. Mayor, Ms. Nipper would like to say something if she could. She’s with Alter Ego’z. 13 Mr. Mayor: (unintelligible). Mr. Sherman: Okay. Mr. Mayor: We have a substitute motion that’s before us. We have a second for the substitute. Madam Clerk, we’re voting at this time. Madam Clerk, for the record would you mind reading the caption on the ordinance for the benefit of the audience who didn’t see that? The Clerk: The substitute motion was to approve reverting back to the hours of operation that were in effect before the September, before September relative to a request from Alter Ego’z Sports Bar and Grill. Mr. Mayor: Thank you. Mr. Harris and Mr. Guilfoyle vote and Ms. Davis vote No. Motion Passes 6-3. Ms. Davis: Mr. Mayor, can I ask Madam Clerk, my vote was a No on the substitute, Madam Clerk, I got confused on which one I was voting on, I’m sorry. The Clerk: Okay, so that motion carries 6-3 with Mr. Harris, Mr. Guilfoyle and Ms. Davis voting no. Mr. Mayor: All right, all right. Okay. Mr. Sias: Mr. Mayor? Mr. Mayor: I’ll tell you what, my hair’s getting gray today. The Chair recognizes the th Commissioner from the 4. Mr. Sias: Mr. Mayor, with all due respect to everyone behind the dais, can we get a clarification from our parliamentarian if that change is possible? If not then we need to move forward. No objection to my colleagues, but we just need to move forward if we’ve already decided. Mr. Mayor: All right so our posture is the following. Once pursuant to the rules, pursuant to the rules once the motion vote has been read the posturing is you can move to reconsider and at which point we can revote again but that would have to come in the form of a rd motion. The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 3. The Chair recognizes the rd Commissioner from the 3. Ms. Davis: Mr. Mayor, I’d like to make a motion to reconsider. I apologize to my colleagues. Mr. Grady Smith: Second. 14 Mr. Mayor: We’ve got a motion and a second to reconsider this action. For purposes the st Commissioner from the 1. Mr. Fennoy: Yes, I’d like to ask our attorney a question. When you have a move to reconsider, how many votes does it take? Mr. MacKenzie: It takes six affirmative votes to approve that motion. Mr. Fennoy: Okay. th Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 4. Mr. Sias: Mr. Mayor, just for the clarity for the record that motion for reconsideration will be 7-3 that was passed. Am I correct? Mr. Mayor: What’s before us is that the Commission is being asked to reconsider its action on the motion that was just taken which was to approve the ordinance as has been presented. Mr. Sias: Yes. Mr. Mayor: So we’ve got a motion and a second and if the Commission is able to determine whether you want to reconsider your actions. Mr. Sias: Mr. Mayor, my colleagues are telling me to let it go but I want to say this real quick. The Clerk it was originally 7-3 and The Clerk said we will now go to 6-4. I just want to make sure we should be back to 6-3 on the original substitute motion. The Clerk: (unintelligible). Mr. Mayor: The whole purpose we’re doing this, Commissioner Sias, is that we don’t have a, we don’t have a process where votes are able to be changed. And so the only posture you have at this point is to reconsider your action and then for them to get an opportunity to do it again. All right, we’re voting to reconsider. Mr. Fennoy, Mr. Sias, Mr. Hasan and Mr. Williams vote No. Mr. D. Williams, Ms. Davis, Mr. Harris, Mr. Guilfoyle and Mr. G. Smith vote Yes. Motion Fails 5-4. Mr. Mayor: Thank you, Madam Clerk. Madam Clerk --- The Clerk: Yes, sir. Mr. Mayor: --- we’ll call item number 33. 15 The Clerk: ENGINEERING SERVICES 33. Motion to approve the implementation of the Stormwater Fee Phase II Plan as presented in the February 11, 2015 Augusta Commission Work Session. (Requested by Commissioner Ben Hasan) Mr. Hasan: Mr. Mayor? Mr. Mayor: If I had a little button I could see you. The Chair recognizes the th Commissioner from the 6. Mr. Hasan: Mr. Mayor, I move that we send this back to committee, to the Engineering Services Committee. Mr. Mayor: We’ve got a motion to refer this back to Engineering Services --- Mr. Sias: Second. Mr. Mayor: --- and a proper second. The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the st 1. Mr. Fennoy: Yes, one of the biggest issues that I’ve heard with this item is lack of input from the community. I would like to make a substitute motion that we have a community forum to address this issue so that we can move forward or move forward with it. Mr. Speaker: (inaudible). Mr. Fennoy: All right then I’ll withdraw my motion. Mr. Mayor: We’ve got a motion and a second. The Chair recognizes Commissioner M. th Williams from the 9. Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I think the committee is probably the best place to send this but I think some public hearing is going to have to be done. But there’s some things that we probably need to talk about in committee before it gets to holding public hearings on it. I’ve got several questions myself that I would like to at least put on the table so going back to committee I think will be the best move to make with this versus going straight to having public meetings on it right now. So I’m in favor of sending it back. Mr. Mayor: All right, thank you. We’ve got a motion and a second. Voting? Motion carries 9-0. 16 Mr. Mayor: Thank you, Madam Clerk. Commissioners, thank you for your leadership on that. I think it is in fact our best interest to we talk about accountability and transparency this is the way to do it. The Clerk: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES 32. Motion to require Commission approval for all out of state Commission travel and provide the following information: (A) name of conference (B) number of days of attendance (C) location and (D) brief summary on benefit(s) of attendance. (Requested by Mayor Pro Tem Grady Smith) th Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 10 Commission, Mayor Pro Tem Grady Smith. Mr. G. Smith: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I think that --- Mr. Mayor: Will you pull your microphone down, sir. Mr. G. Smith: --- sometimes you want it, sometimes you don’t. But anyway sometimes I think it’s best to be as transparent as we can on items such as this because of, you know, the conversations that go on about what we do where we go. And I’d like to be as open as we can to let them know that we go there for a reason. I’m not trying to deny any person or like I had a gentleman say to me that I was wanting to take it out on him. I you know I don’t know what he was talking about anyway, he can go next time I’m supposed to go, he can go. But anyway the thing is I just want to be as open with the taxpayers’ money as we can. We have nothing to hide up here. I think most of the seminars and all we’ve been to some of them have been productive but then you know you’ve got to ask yourself sometimes does it take, you know, five or six people to go to a seminar that, you know, maybe two go and come back and tell us what’s there. I’m just for whatever’s good to get us back into the black on the ledger sheet the sheet and show these people in Richmond County that we are definitely responsible with their money. And if those don’t want to be responsible about it and everything then, you know, I’ll just refer them to you when the call comes. But it’s mainly the issue’s not about who goes and doesn’t go it’s what can the county benefit with the taxpayer’s money. th, Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 9 Commissioner M. Williams. Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. My colleague, my Mayor Pro Tem has stated his reason for this. I’ve got a question I’d like to pose to the General Counsel. From my understanding the Mayor and Commissioner Counsel is all one unit. If it comes to travel I think that’s going to affect everybody. I’m like my Mayor Pro Tem I’ve got no problem with saying what conference we’re in. We have joined the National League of Cities, we joined the Georgia Municipal Association and we pay dues. This city pays into those organizations for the training and the expertise that they have. A lot of times we call on them to help us solve some issues and problems that they may have already dealt with. And when we go off to training a lot of that 17 comes back up and it’s very beneficial. But I’ve got no problem with that I mean but my question to the General Counsel is am I correct in thinking or assuming what I learned in my training and what the rules say that the Mayor and the Commission one counsel that will affect everybody. I mean the Mayor has to vote on that we’re going to pass something like this. Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes Attorney MacKenzie. Mr. MacKenzie: I’d be happy to respond to that. First there is a term called the Commission Counsel which is in the Consolidation Act and that does include the Mayor as well as all of the Commissioners. However just being included in that group does not prohibit the Commission from taking an action such as this. That would only be applicable to a subpar of the Commission Counsel. They don’t always have to be included together. That distinction’s already been made with respect to the budgeting and since the Mayor’s Office has a separate budget from the Commissioners’ budget although there may be some travel budget items that may have overlapped a little bit, it does not prohibit this action from being proper. Mr. M. Williams: My question was not that is prohibited the action, I didn’t ask that question. I understand that. My question was and if he answered it and went on to something else that the Mayor and Commission is a Counsel pro to consolidation. So I mean if it affects one it affects all. If we’re going to pass and I’m not such (unintelligible) for doing it but I got no problem with it if that’s what the body decides. I’m ready to make a substitute motion just to receive this as information but to clarify what I was trying to say was that if this body’s a body some things we’re together on and some things we’re not. He mentioned the budget and our budget is certainly different. I mean it’s nothing that one of us did it’s what this consolidation and this body has put before us and that we go by. Even the pay scales is different but we’re still a unit when it comes to other things so we can pick and choose now. And if you want to pick and choose today I mean you know there’s another day coming or we can pick another day. So that’s why I asked that question, Mr. Mayor, not to prolong it but just to let us know that any information we get to learn if you don’t go you don’t grow, you don’t know how to deal with situations someone has already done dealt with so. Mr. Mayor: Duly noted. The Chair recognizes Commissioner Wayne Guilfoyle, th Commissioner from the 8. Mr. Guilfoyle: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor, I believe the only three organizations that we are members of and Ms. Madam Clerk could clarify is National League of Cities, ACCG, GMA. Now the ACCG and the GMA I do attend down there in Savannah. National League of Cities I did have my colleagues go and you know they do come back. I think if we put a limitation on our travel, let’s say if it just applies to these three I don’t know if National League of Cities has it twice a year, three times a year or one time a year. But if we put a limit three to four trips a year because I know ACCG, GMA that’s twice a year and then the National League of Cities. Put a limit on it. From what I read in the paper last week there was one of the colleagues that went on numerous trips and I think, I don’t know where this body’s going or the mindset it’s just a thing I threw out there to see if it gains any support. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. 18 Mr. Mayor. The Chair recognizes the Mayor Pro Tem. Mr. G. Smith: Yes, Mr. Mayor, let me make this clear. I you know if we can go and this county can benefit that’s my number one go and just be transparent with the taxpayers so when they, you know when I get these calls about it you know who all goes on these trips why you know and the only thing they know of a lot of times is what they see or hear in the media. And you know when a group goes on a trip out here or wherever it’s you know I’m not in that. If someone on this county commission here, we’ve always sworn to try to do what’s best for this county and if they feel that way fine. I’m just saying at the end of the trip come back and write a little synopses of what we learned or whatever and when we want to go back and look at the record, boom here’s what we learned and what we spent the money for. And you know and I’m not going to worry about what somebody else does. I’m like this I’m seeing that everybody took an oath to do what’s best for this county and that’s what we expect. th, Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 7 Commissioner Hap Harris. Mr. Harris: You know I feel like it’s accountability. We’re now trying to have all the employees in this county be accountable for what they do so this not a gigantic dollar issue but it’s a responsibility to the taxpayer. It is their money and it’s being accountable. If you’re going to take these trips you’re being accountable just to be able to say what did you do, what did you learn and is it going to benefit the county. And if you go on trips and come back and are able to implement something that has a nice change to the positive I think you’ll find everybody might be all excited about it. You come back and after a while somebody says well you’ve been on about seven trips and not, you haven’t done anything I just don’t, I just want to be accountable to the taxpayers. st, Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 1 Commissioner Fennoy. Mr. Fennoy: Yes, I don’t have a problem with that but and I don’t have a problem bringing back a report if I go to a conference or workshop but if we’re going to do that then I think that the Commissioner’s that do not go to a conference or do not go to a workshop or to their constituents to explain why they didn’t go or why they’re not being there is going to benefit their district, the people that they represent. Why are they not getting the full benefit that the Commissioners that attend are getting? Mr. Mayor: A lot of passion in the room, lot of passion. The Chair recognizes Commissioner M. Williams. Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, Mayor. I just want to give a brief bit of history. And people say one thing and do something else. I remember when we traveled just to Savannah and went to Savannah and found out that they was charging, they was paying $3 million dollars a year to preventive maintenance. And they brought it in house and they told us how they could save a million and a half. We came back to Augusta with that information with technology and everything else they were using and this body, not this particular body but the body decided to keep doing the same way. We’re paying $3 million dollars now. I remember we went to Atlanta 19 and went and talked with the Commissioner of Corrections who showed us and said to us they had inmates that was incarcerated that would build an animal shelter at that facility. They did everything but heat and air. We still spent almost three and a half million dollars to do it. So we go off and we learn stuff and that’s how you learn. I wouldn’t have learned that here in Augusta. But that’s two of the many things I can tell you about that we brought back. But the posture, Mr. Mayor, and I’m learning that word from you the posture is to ask the word to keep doing the same you’ve been doing and get a different result. That hadn’t worked yet, that’s all that gets you. But my point is for folks to think you’re going just to go on vacation I’m old enough now I worked long enough now if I want to go on vacation I can go 24/7 if I want to. I don’t need to be the hassle that goes through being an elected official to get a vacation. So we need to be clear about some things and make sure people understand that we are trying to move the city forward. If you go out of town, if you visit other places you’re going to see something. My closing remarks, Mr. Mayor, the previous Mayor before you Bob Young brought the Mayor of Charlotte, NC to Augusta. He met with all of the Commissioners. The Mayor of Charlotte told us they send 100 people a year to some city to see what’s going on in that city and they come back and they implement it in Charlotte. And Charlotte is probably the most progressive city you’re going to find anywhere. But every year they send out not Commissioners but they send out 100 people a year to some location to see how it’s working and what they’re doing and they come back and implement it. He said to us if it works with your neighbor it’ll work with you. And you neighbor ain’t got to be next door, your neighbor can be across the country. But it’ll work it’ll work but if you hadn’t been nowhere you don’t understand that. And I’m not saying nobody up here now hadn’t been nowhere I’m just saying if you, whoever you are, hadn’t been nowhere then you don’t understand that. Mr. Mayor: Now I think that Commissioner Hasan is in the queue. I think he is I don’t have a queue but I think he’s in the queue. Mr. Hasan: Mr. Mayor, you’re politicking hard. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I just want to talk about a different way that we can do it if my colleagues are interested. Say for instance we have as Commissioners we have $24,000 dollars in the travel budget. We can break it out ten ways $2,400 each Commissioner can go as they see fit to the conferences that are of their liking. And say for instance if I am able to use all of my funds my $2,400 dollars and Commissioner Williams has some resources left and I’m able to convince him to send me on a trip out of his money than that’s fine with my colleagues. And my thing is if it’s a pot of money let’s divide it equally and do what needs to be done, you know. That’s just a suggestion it’s not necessarily a motion just something for conversation piece. Mr. Mayor: Well, I think it’s appropriate for the Chair to comment on this. To Commissioner Williams, M. Williams point and I hope we’ll move expeditiously beyond this th (unintelligible) discussion Commissioner M. Williams’ point. On February the 26 we’ve got Mayor Wellington Webb, former Mayor of Denver, former member of the Clinton Administration who will be in town to talk about some of these same issues. He’ll talk about urban renewal, the Denver Airport and all of those things the things that you learn because you visit and travel to other cities, other international cities you are able to bring those things back. Let me also say this that this issue that we are talking about that we’re communicating about in this setting quite frankly I’m going to make a suggestion that it clearly needs further discussion 20 th and consideration. I would hope that in light of that that the Commissioner from the 10 the Mayor Pro Tem would take this item and refer it back to the committee from whence it came. But let me also add the following that as we talk about these types of things just on last week several of your colleagues attended the same tourism conference that I was at that was being held here. They presented us i.e. this city with a check for $24 million dollars because of people coming to your city, a progressive city, a city that has national prominence. And for us to be in this body having this conversation around a notion of whether or not we’re being transparent, whether we’re giving the citizens of this great city the best bang for their buck I think it’s important for us to leave that up to each and every one to determine. But when we talk about transparency what I do know about this government, what I do know about this government is that Finance and Accounting do a very good job of making certain that they know where the resources are, where they’ve been spent and who spends those resources. At any moment at any time the members of the media can in fact go and make a request and they can pull that information or you can in fact do what the Mayor’s Office does upon traveling you provide that information to the media in advance of them asking for it. You can in fact do that. But I would ask that the Mayor Pro Tem give grave consideration to this action. What I don’t want is the City of Augusta to be viewed as an isolationist city, we are a progressive city. There are reasons why we travel, there are reasons why it’s important to go and learn and glean from other entities. And I would hope that you take that into consideration. The Chair recognizes the Commissioner st, from the 1 Commissioner Fennoy. Mr. Fennoy: And just as information I want the audience to know that I followed the Mayor to the bank and he put that $24 million dollar check in the bank, he did not take it home with him. Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner. Mr. Smith: Yeah, I just want to say listen I’m agreeing with you. You know when you go places and everything and see things and how other people live and do is a lot of you try to pick out what will benefit this community. That’s what I’m all about. But the main thing is, is let’s decide you know who’s going to make that decision. Hey if I wanted to go out and jump on a jumbo jet tomorrow and I’m going to fly out to Nome, Alaska I’m going to tell you, you know when it snows it’s going to come down, it’s going to be white and it’s going to cover the ground. I learned something. But I’m just saying who makes that decision and the word is accountability. That’s what I’m trying to come across with and not just everybody taking their own time and jump on a plane to go somewhere and what do you bring back, how much is it worth. That’s all I’m saying and everybody can do what they want. Mr. Mayor: I think that’s a very good point. The Chair would like to entertain a motion from someone and I’m confident somebody’s going to refer this back to committee and that this body, a body of elected officials duly elected from their individual districts who understand how important it is, how important it is how important this matter is, how important it is to represent this fine city. 21 Mr. G. Smith: I’d like to make a motion to send it back to committee for more discussion to see how we can be more effective and bring back the information we need to move this county forward. Mr. Sias: Second. Mr. Mayor: We have a motion and a second. Madam Clerk, we’re voting. Mr. Fennoy votes No. Motion Passes 8-1. Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk item 31. The Clerk: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES 31. Discuss and review the duties and responsibilities of the Administrator. (Requested by Commissioner Sammie Sias) th Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 4 Commissioner Sias. Mr. Sias: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor and fellow Commissioners, this meeting has been going on approximately 59 minutes. And that is a very good improvement for this city. So I want to say this governing body has improved in an extraordinary manner how it conducts the public’s business for Augusta Richmond County. This change began in late 2014 and accelerated in 2015. It has become, it began with a very smart decision to hire our present Administrator Ms. Janice Jackson. Public confidence in this governing body has risen greatly by all accounts that I hear and interacting with the public. Many of my colleagues hear the same. It is my view that the media must work three times as hard to find controversial salacious details to report. The public no longer wastes hours on end for this Commission to attend to their concerns. Department heads have discovered that the Commission Chamber is not a war zone and the employees know that they matter. Is there room for improvement? Absolutely. As always an organization must search for ways to be more efficient and more responsive to the needs of its constituency. Many questions continue to circulate around the authoritative elements of this government yet the fact remains that the core document of this government rests at the greater responsibilities with the Commission. I say today that the success of the present Mayor and Commission puts that very question in jeopardy. The commission has handled its responsibilities in a grand fashion deserving of our city. I see us growing and expanding. The system is not broke yet we should not feel having an open and inclusive dialogue about the authority of the Administrator to hire and fire. This Commission is strong and comfortable enough that it need not fear having a discussion. So I say in closing to my colleagues and the Mayor when it’s time to discuss sensitive issues if you’re doing what you need to do and you’re meeting the needs of our constituents of this city, we don’t have to fear that. If we decide changes need to be made so be it. If we decide there’s no need for changes so be it but the public as these questions continue to linger deserves nothing less than this open and inclusive dialogue about that very subject. I’m not here to recommend a committee or anything of that nature 22 today. I just wanted to ask my colleagues that when it is time to have that discussion that we have the fortitude to get that discussion on the table and do it. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor: Thank you, Commissioner. Madam Clerk, if there is nothing else that is before us --- The Clerk: No, sir, yes, sir. Mr. Mayor: Right I understand that. I hereby call this meeting adjourned. [MEETING ADJOURNED] Lena Bonner Clerk of Commission CERTIFICATION: I, Lena J. Bonner, Clerk of Commission, hereby certify that the above is a true and correct copy of the minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Augusta Richmond County Commission held on February 17, 2015. ______________________________ Clerk of Commission 23