HomeMy WebLinkAboutRegular Commission Meeting March 3, 2015
REGULAR MEETING COMMISSION CHAMBER
MARCH 3, 2015
Augusta Richmond County Commission convened at 2:00 p.m., March 3, 2015, the Hon.
Hardie Davis, Jr., Mayor, presiding.
PRESENT: Hons. Lockett, Guilfoyle, Sias, Harris, M. Williams, Fennoy, D. Williams,
Hasan, Davis and Smith, members of Augusta Richmond County Commission.
The Clerk: Ask Reverend Arthur Cutler, Pastor of United One Way Baptist Church, to
please come forward to deliver our invocation. Can we please stand?
The invocation was given by Reverend Arthur Cutler, Pastor, United One Way Baptist
Church.
Mr. Mayor: Continue standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Madam Clerk, we’ll move
to the recognitions.
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was recited.
Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk, we’ll move to the recognitions.
The Clerk:
RECOGNITIONS(S)
Employee of the Month
A. Congratulations! Mr. Sean Morgan, Information Technology Department, March 2015
Employee of the Month.
The Clerk: Yes, sir. At this time we would like to offer our congratulations to Mr. Sean
Morgan of our Information Technology Department. Mr. Mayor and Ms. Jackson, would you
please? Dear Mayor Davis. The Employee Recognition Committee has selected Sean Morgan
as the March 2015 Employee of the Month for Augusta Georgia. Mr. Morgan works with the
Information Technology Department where he has been employed for over 14 months. He was
nominated by Steve Snead. Sean is a part of our Radio Group which supports the Mobile Data
Terminals for Public Safety. Sean has been with IT just over a year and he has shown his ability
to handle the daily issues that arise with Public Safety and their MDT’s. He’s very customer
service conscience and strives to resolve problems as quickly and as efficiently as possible. His
troubleshooting skills are excellent and he’s never backed down from a problem, he follows
through to the end. Sean is a very attentive to our Public Safety Department and is always
attending to their needs as quickly as possible. Is there’s an issue that can’t be resolved in a
timely fashion Sean offers a temporary solution so our Deputies and Firefighters are able to get
back to protecting the citizens of Richmond County. Sean is always on time to work and never
needs to be told what has to be done. He’s a very dedicated employee and strives to resolve and
problems quickly and efficiently. H’s a team player and is willing to help out whenever he can.
Because of Sean’s quick response to our Public Safety customers they are able to get back on the
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streets so there aren’t any laps in coverage. By doing so he is saving the county money reducing
time with Public Safety. Sean is always looking for better solutions to problems that will save
the county money. Based on his nomination and Sean’s outstanding service the Employee
Recognition Committee would appreciate you in joining us in recognizing him as the March
2015 Employee of the Month. Congratulations. (APPLAUSE)
Mr. Mayor: And to you, Sean, thank you also for your service to the city. The positive
attitude and enthusiasm that you bring to your work is exemplary. We are especially proud of
you for the proactive and the creative ways upon which you found to serve Augusta Richmond
County and we look forward to your continued success and the success of this government and
this city and all of her citizens so thank you. (APPLAUSE)
Ms. Allen: Just one thing. Sean just like stated has been here almost, less than two years
and he has proven himself to be not only a great asset to the Information Technology Department
that I’m truly proud of but also as an asset to the city and our citizens because of what he does
with the Public Safety Sector. So I appreciate what you’ve done, Sean, and thank you for being
a great member of our team. Thank you very much. (APPLAUSE)
The Clerk: Ms. Bryant.
Ms. Bryant: Good afternoon, Augusta. Good afternoon to the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem
and all the Commissioners. My name is Tanika Bryant, your Human Resources Director, and
today we are so happy and excited to recognize our Years of Services Recipients. For the month
of February there were eleven employees who had five to twenty years of service. We have
three employees with 25 – 50 years of service. Two are here today with us. With 25 years of
service we have Jasper Jones with the Fire Department. (APPLAUSE) Also with 25 years of
service Daryl Grooms with the Sheriff’s Department. (APPLAUSE) Let’s give them a great
round of applause. We thank you and appreciate your service to Augusta.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you to those recipients for their service to the city. Madam Clerk.
The Clerk:
DELEGATIONS
B. Representative from AARP regarding the significance of Augusta being Designated as
an Age Friendly City. (Requested by Commissioner Bill Lockett)
The Clerk: Yes, sir. I call your attention to the Delegation portion of our agenda. Item B
representative from AARP regarding the significance of Augusta being designated as an Age
Friendly City.
Mr. Michael: Good afternoon I’m Norm Michael and I’m here today to represent AARP
in the state office in Atlanta representing Greg Tanner and Karen Cooper of that office. And I’m
here today as a volunteer and I’m also a council member of AARP in Georgia here and I’m here
to speak to the benefits to the Age Friendly Designation here in Augusta of which Augusta’s one
of three and the second one to be designated here in Augusta, here in Georgia. Commissioner
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Lockett had attended a meeting in Chicago a while back in 2013 and he heard about this thing
called Age Friendly and he decided to check in to it and he called the Atlanta office and they
decided to come down here and see about starting that initiative here in Augusta. And I’m here
to speak to the benefit of what that has done so far here in Augusta. Here in Augusta there’ve
been several things taking place as a result of that. There’s been several workshops on social
media for the elderly here in Augusta, senior citizens. There’s been a sponsorship of several
programs through the Recreation Department to benefit the seniors here in Augusta. You have
received a copy of a report that was done as a result of, result of the walkability, livability
community institute that spoke to the downtown area from the boathouse down to the railroad
depot. And that report, you have a copy of it and it speaks of what can be done and hopefully
this report will be a foundation for things that can be done in that particular area of Augusta.
And that’s one of the benefits that’s happened so far here in Augusta from that Age Friendly
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Designation. There’s also being planned currently a cleanup here in Augusta on the 14 of
March that Tanya will speak to shortly. And so I think the Age Friendly Designation in Augusta
has also worked very well toward accountability initiative probably going forward. I think
anyone seeing Augusta’s Age Friendly Community will see that this community has done its
share to make this community compatible for the seniors and while it does that it also makes it
compatible and easier and for anybody of any age. So that’s pretty much what has happened
here so far and hopefully there’ll be other things going on in Augusta as a result of that
designation. If you have any questions, I’ll take them.
Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes Commissioner Lockett.
Mr. Lockett: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Michael, thank you. This Walkability
Study that was just referenced we had two professionals from Washington state, we had two
other professionals from Washington, DC, two from Atlanta that were all here in Augusta and
took part in this Walkability Assessment. The cost incurred was over $14,000 dollars, it did not
cost Augusta Richmond County not even a dime. So one would think that Commissioner Bill
Lockett being the frequent traveler that he is we got this at $14,000 dollars and that should
prepare me into two or three other trips. For those of you that haven’t seen this it’s on our
website augustaga.gov and look at Walkability and Age Friendly streets and it will direct you to
this multipage document. And I think you will see in there some very important things that
could enhance the quality of life for those residents of Augusta Richmond County. Some things
that we need to do, some things that we need to put on the forefront and some things we need to
always keep in consideration. And lastly with the cold weather we’ve been having I’m quite
sure there are many people up north that’s just waiting for retirement so they can move down
south. But guess what? Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina does not have an Age
Friendly. Florida doesn’t have it, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana doesn’t have it. We are
ahead of Atlanta in something. Macon-Bibb County was number one, Augusta was number two,
Atlanta was number three and now Savannah’s working on it. So that just goes to show you that
this is something that’s extremely important and we have the remainder of this year to meet
certain requirements in order to get a three year extension on our designation. It’s going to
require lots of work, it’s going to require a community involvement. Thank you, Mr. Chairman,
thank you, Mr. Michael.
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Mr. Mayor: Thank you, Commissioner. Mr. Norman, I think we have a question for you
if you’ll please approach. The Chair recognizes the Commissioner Fennoy.
Mr. Fennoy: Yes, Mr. Norman, you know I don’t know if you are aware of it or not but
there’s almost a hundred million dollars going into Broad Street, Telfair Street and downtown
Augusta.
Mr. Norman: Yes.
Mr. Fennoy: I think that before the plans are finalized to spend this hundred million
dollars we need to look at the changes that were made and make sure that the changes are age
friendly to seniors and make sure that the changes that are made are also accessible for people
with disabilities.
Mr. Norman: Yes, and hopefully when your ADA person is selected we can work with
them also.
Mr. Fennoy: All right, thank you, that’s all.
Mr. Mayor: Before I bring up our next one we have a number of delegations who have
come in. Let me just share this with those of you that as you come you’re going to be, the Clerk
of Commission will announce it. I’ll recognize the Commissioner first who has placed this on
the agenda and then at the appropriate time we’ll call you to the podium. Madam Clerk.
The Clerk:
DELEGATIONS
C. Ms. Tonya Bonitatibus regarding the Age Friendly city-wide cleanup initiative.
(Requested by Commissioner Bill Lockett)
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Lockett, once again.
Mr. Lockett: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Ms. Tonya is here to talk about what we plan
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on doing on March the 14. We have a 100-day commitment we have to do something that’s
extremely important to the community within a 100-day time frame and we could think of
nothing better than going out and try to clean the city up. Mr. Chairman, if I may I’d like Ms.
Tonya to come up please.
Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes Tonya Bonitatibus.
Ms. Bonitatibus: Hello everybody, I hope you guys are having a good day. You are
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about to be handed out a package that talks about the cleanup that’s coming up March 14. The
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good news is that I need all of my commissioners to come and get dirty with me on March 14.
Aren’t you excited? We have five different places set up. We have Brigham, Lake Olmstead,
Diamond Lakes, Warren Road and May Park. I am here pleading with you please do not make
my board be the only folks that are out there flipping hamburgers. This is a city of Augusta
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event we need to make sure that we have strong representation from our Commissioners.
Essentially we have a lot of people that are beginning to sign up. We have two different things
we’re doing. We meet at 8:30 in the morning we come to your local Rec Department, you come
sign a waiver and you come get a form that is a Walkability Study and then you get a form that
shows how much you’re cleaning up. You go out with trash bags, you clean up for four hours.
You come back you get a tee shirt and you get lunch and you have a great day, you go on about
the rest of your Saturday. It does not take very long and it will make a huge difference in the
community in a very short period of time. So basically that’s I guess if there’s any questions
about it I mean the main thing is one, actually, Mr. Harris, I do have a very specific question for
you. When you go to the West Augusta Neighborhood Alliance, could you please present this
for us? But I would like to make sure that I have all of my commissioners there. I think it makes
a very strong statement. We have all of your departments or a lot of your departments that put a
lot of work into to it and we want to make sure that as we roll this out that we look like the
unified city that we are and that we really want to support these folks. The other thing that I
would say is that if you have places in your district that you know of that you would like us to
focus on I have teams that are calling up that we’re sending out in specific areas. I’ll give you an
example. Hollywood Subdivision was one that was brought to us by the Planning Department
that needed focus so we have a mason’s group that is going to go down there to specifically
focus on Hollywood Subdivision. I need that information so that I can figure out where I need to
put teams. So does anybody have any questions about the cleanup?
Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes Commissioner Lockett.
Mr. Lockett: Mr. Chairman, one thing that Tonya did not mention is we need before and
after pictures. We need to have something to support or request for an extension. We need to
show what a particular area looked like before we went in and cleaned it up and what it looks
like afterwards. And this is not just for cleanup. We’re going to take if somebody has extra
prescription drugs they don’t need we’re going to do all of that. We’re going to take names and
addresses for smoke detectors. We’re going to do everything in order to get our community to
look like and be what we think it should be. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Ms. Bonitatibus: One thing that I didn’t mention in there you’ll see there’s a map of
Pepperidge or no, it’s Pinnacle Place Subdivision. When people call us up as a group if they
give us a specific location they want to clean up we are sending them a map that outlines the area
that they are focused on and then again you also have the example of the Walkability Study that
we’ll be asking them to fill out. So this is a very easy form for folks to fill out. We should get
some really, really good information back and be able to turn it over to the Planning Department.
Thank you guys very much.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you, Ms. Bonitatibus.
DELEGATIONS
D. Mr. Tim Hollobaugh regarding ADA Parking Enforcement.
The Clerk: Mr. Mayor, members of the Commission, Mr. Hollobaugh called and
requested that his request be deleted from today’s agenda. Moving forward to the consent
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agenda, sir? Our consent agenda consists of items 1-29, items 1-29. For the benefit of any
objectors to our alcohol petitions would you please signify your objections by raising your hand
once the petition is read.
Item 1: Is a request for an on premise consumption Liquor, Beer & Wine license to be
used in connection with the location at 2821 Washington Road.
Item 2: Is for a retail package Liquor, Beer & Wine license to be used in connection with
OK Wine & Spirits located at 2811 Tobacco Road.
Item 3: Is for an on premise consumption Liquor, Beer & Wine license to be used in
connection with The Touch of Class located at 3156 Wrightsboro Road.
Item 4: Is for an on premise consumption Liquor, Beer & Wine license to be used in
connection with Beer & Wine, The Hive located at 215 Tenth Street.
Item 5: Is for an on premise consumption Liquor, Beer & Wine license to be used in
connection with Wheeler Tavern located at 3664 Wheeler Road.
Item 6: Is for retail package Beer & Wine License to be used in connection with Super
Express located at 1901 Gordon Highway.
Item 7: Is for a Sunday Sales license located at 491 Highland Avenue.
Item 8: Is for a Sunday Sales license located at property at 379 Highland Avenue.
The Clerk: Are there any objectors to any of those alcohol petition?
Mr. Mayor: There is an objection.
The Clerk: Okay, which petition, sir?
Mr. Speaker: (inaudible).
The Clerk: Number 2? Mr. Mayor, we need a show of hands so we can count. Mr.
Mayor, can we get those objectors to once again ---
Mr. Mayor: We can do that, Madam Clerk.
The Clerk: --- raise their hands so.
Mr. Mayor: We can do that. So there are a number of objectors.
The Clerk: Will you please raise your hands again?
Mr. Mayor: If you’ll, I’m going to get you, Commissioner.
The Clerk: Okay. We have 24, sir.
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Mr. Mayor: All right. The Chair recognizes Commissioner from the 4 Commissioner
Sias.
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Mr. Sias: It’s not the right protocol, Mr. Mayor. Thank you but (inaudible) excuse me
not to break protocol, Mr. Mayor, but on that particular item that you see most of the objectors
for I will be addressing that item on the consent pull.
Mr. Mayor: Duly noted.
The Clerk: Okay, our consent agenda consists of items 1-29 with no objectors to the
alcohol petitions with the exception of Item 2.
Mr. Mayor: The Chair will entertain any motions to add or pull from the consent agenda.
The Chair recognizes the Administrator.
Ms. Jackson: Yes, for the purposes of giving the Commission a very short briefing we’d
like to pull items 20 and 23.
Mr. Mayor: The Chair would also in that same vein like to pull item 21. All right, the
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Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 2 Commissioner D. Williams.
Mr. D. Williams: I’d like to pull item number 10.
Mr. Mayor: The Chair would also like to pull item 12 with concurrence from the
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Commissioner from the 9. The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 3.
Ms. Davis: Mr. Mayor, I’d like to pull number 11 please.
Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk, item 11.
The Clerk: Yes, sir.
Mr. Mayor: Okay. Commissioner Fennoy.
Mr. Fennoy: (inaudible).
Mr. Sias: Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Sias.
Mr. Sias: Item number 2 to pull.
Mr. Mayor: Are there any other motions to either add or pull from the consent agenda?
If there’ll be none the Chair will entertain a motion.
Mr. Sias: Motion to approve.
Ms. Davis: Second.
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CONSENT AGENDA
PUBLIC SERVICES
1. Motion to approve New Application: A.N. 15-05: a request by Michael Thomas Evertsen
for an on premise consumption Liquor, Beer & Wine license to be used in connection with
Forty-One, Inc. D/B/A Tin Lizzy’s Taqueria Cantina located at 2821 Washington Rd.
There will be Sunday Sales. District 7. Super District 10. (Approved by Public Services
Committee February 23, 2015)
3. Motion to approve New Application: A.N. 15-07: request by Richard Kellogg for an on
premise consumption Liquor, Beer & Wine license to be used in connection with The
Touch of Class located at 3156 Wrightsboro Rd. There will be Dance. District 2. Super
District 9. (Approved by Public Services Committee February 23, 2015)
4. Motion to approve New Application: A.N. 15-08: a request by Eric Kinlaw for an on
premise consumption Liquor, Beer & Wine license as well as a retail package Beer & Wine
to be used in connection with The Hive located at 215 Tenth St. There will be Sunday Sales.
District 1. Super District 9. (Approved by Public Services Committee February 23, 2015)
5. Motion to approve New Ownership Application: A.N. 15-10: a request by Shena Brewer
for an on premise consumption Liquor, Beer & Wine license to be used in connection with
Wheeler Tavern located at 3664 Wheeler Rd. There will be Dance. District 3. Super
District 10. (Approved by Public Services Committee February 23, 2015)
6. Motion to approve New Ownership Application: A.N. 15-11: request by Ritaben Patel
for a retail package Beer & Wine License to be used in connection with Super Express #7
located at 1901 Gordon Hwy. District 5. Super District 9. (Approved by Public Services
Committee February 23, 2015)
7. Motion to approve a request by Henry Todd Schafer for a Sunday Sales license to be
used in connection with Abel Brown located at 491 Highland Ave. Ste. B. There will be
Sunday Sales. District 7. Super District 10. (Approved by Public Services Committee
February 23, 2015)
8. Motion to approve a request by Faulkner Warlick for a Sunday Sales license to be used
in connection with Finch & Fifth located at 379 Highland Ave. There will be Sunday Sales.
District 7. Super District 10. (Approved by Public Services Committee February 23, 2015)
9. Motion to approve a request by Marva Renee Little for a Therapeutic Massage
Operators License to be used in connection with Marva’s Relaxing Bodywork located at
6070 Reynolds Circle, Grovetown, GA 30813. (massage outcall) District 1 thru 8. Super
District 9 & 10. (Approved by Public Services Committee February 23, 2015)
13. Motion to approve Excess Worker’s Compensation Insurance with Safety National with
Statutory limits and an $1,000,000.00 Self Insured Retention (SIR-otherwise known as the
deductible) to cover all positions for a premium of $275,551. (Approved by Administrative
Services Committee February 23, 2015)
PUBLIC SAFETY
14. Motion to approve payment of Annual Maintenance for Premier One CSR Software
used by 311. (Approved by Public Safety Committee February 23, 2015)
FINANCE
15. Motion to approve a request from the Garden City Rescue Mission regarding a refund
of land taxes in the amount of $6,935.09 with the establishment of a Memorandum of
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Understanding (MOU) and land parcel numbers be included. #046-2-162-00-0, #046-4-009-
00-0, #046-4-100-00-0 and #047-3-1-2-00-0. (Approved by Finance Committee February 23,
2015)
16. Motion to approve a request from Ms. Arlain Robertson of Thermal Ceramics, Inc. for
a waiver of late payment penalty and interest on property tax bills charged to Thermal
Ceramics in the amount of $18,215.12. (Approved by Finance Committee February 23,
2015)
ENGINEERING SERVICES
17. Motion to authorize condemnation to acquire title of a portion of property for right of
way, temporary easement for construction, and temporary driveway easement (Parcel 041-
0-018-02-0 3429 Wrightsboro Road. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee
February 23, 2015)
18. Motion to approve award of Bid Item #14-235, Chain Link Fences & Gates, to Precision
Fenceworks, LLC. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee February 23, 2015)
19. Motion to approve award of purchase order to Cranston Engineering Group for
$47,910.00. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee February 23, 2015)
22. Motion to approve Scrap Tire Collection Amnesty Days and Scrap Tire Pilot Project
with an allowance of ten tires. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee February 23,
2015)
24. Motion to authorize the Mayor, Clerk of Commission and the Augusta Law
Department to execute the Three Party Agreement between the Georgia Department of
Transportation (GDOT), Central of Georgia Railroad – Norfolk Southern Corporation,
and Augusta, Georgia on the project to reconstruct the bridge over Norfolk Southern
Railroad as part of the Windsor Spring Road Phase V improvements from SR 88 in
Hephzibah to Willis Foreman Rd, CPB#323-04-299823786. Execution of the Agreement
acknowledges that Augusta, Georgia will be responsible for the maintenance of the bridge
crossing after construction is completed. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee
February 23, 2015)
25. Motion to approve Supplemental Agreement Eighteen, CPB#323-04-299823786, with
Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. in the amount of $87,820 to prepare construction plan
revision for submission to GDOT for the redesign of roadway alignment and geometry to
minimize impacts to parcel 9, United States Post Office, on the project to improve Windsor
Spring Road Phase V from SR 88 in Hephzibah to Willis Foreman Rd as requested by
AED. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee February 23, 2015)
PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
26. Motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the Commission held February
17, 2015 and Special Called meeting held February 23, 2015.
SUBCOMMITTEE
Pension Committee
27. Motion to approve the Georgia Municipal Employees Benefit System Defined Benefit
Retirement Plan – An Ordinance and Adoption Agreement for Augusta, Georgia (DMEBS
Plan I(Amended Effective March 17, 2015). (Approved by the Pension Committee
February 23, 2015)
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APPOINTMENTS
28. Motion to approve the appointment of Ms. Carol Taylor to the Augusta Public Transit
Citizens Advisory Board due to the resignation of Mr. Bill Quinn representing District 3.
29. Motion to approve the appointment of Mr. Phillip A. Williams to the ARC Library
Board of Trustees due to the resignation of Dr. Linda C. Lumpkin and the reappointment
of Ms. Evett Davis to the ARC Board of Zoning Appeals representing District 8.
The Clerk: It’s unanimous.
Motion Passes 10-0. [Items 1, 3-19, 22, 24-29]
Mr. Mayor: All right.
The Clerk: Are we going in numerical order?
Mr. Mayor: We will at this moment ---
The Clerk: Okay.
Mr. Mayor: --- we will, Madam Clerk.
The Clerk:
PUBLIC SERVICES
2. Motion to approve New Application: A.N. 15-06: request by Ok Pun Kartye for a retail
package Liquor, Beer & Wine license to be used in connection with OK Wine & Spirits
located at 2811 Tobacco Rd. There will be Sunday Sales. Subject to the license not being
sold until the trailer in the rear is completely dismantled and the fence screening is in place.
District 4. Super District 9. (Approved by Public Services Committee February 23, 2015)
Mr. Mayor: Before the Chair recognizes Madam Clerk, do we have a count on the
petitioners who are objecting?
The Clerk: We have 24 objectors.
Mr. Mayor: Twenty-four objectors. Commission duly note 24 objectors to item number
two. The Chair recognizes Commissioner Sias.
Mr. Sias: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor, on this item we have as you and The
Clerk noted we have some objectors to this item. And most of these folks are from the
neighborhoods in this general area who’s been working years and years to keep their
neighborhoods up, keep the standards up. And one of the things that we’ve always found in
these areas is we want to get the right businesses in those areas. What we have, the group has a
spokesman, Mr. Mayor, and I’d like to hear from him and that is Mr. L. C. Miles from the
Fairington Neighborhood Association.
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Mr. Mayor: The Chair will recognize Mr. L. C. Miles.
Mr. Miles: Good evening Mayor, Commissioners. First of all I’m here as a spokesman
for all of the neighborhoods in that corridor from Tobacco Road, Deans Bridge Road, Windsor
Spring Road. Personally we have about four liquor stores within four miles radius of this
particular location. There’s one within less than a mile from this location. We have plenty of
liquor stores in the area. That whole corridor there we are trying to as the Commissioner said we
are trying to entice some national chains and some wholesome businesses for our neighborhoods.
These type of businesses especially when you have a corridor there with a lot of liquor stores and
storage buildings and clubs and so forth it just invites a lot of undesirables to come to your
neighborhoods and a lot of undesirable things to happen. We are very, very jealous of our
reputations of our neighborhoods. They have been in the past have been battered by a lot of
very, very unproductive publicity. We are trying to build that up and keep our property values
up to let people know that we are really working to make these wholesome neighborhoods where
people can come and raise their families and they don’t have to put up with some of the
undesirables and some of the undesirable things that’s coming like the liquor store. And I realize
that this already in a business area and it’s another liquor store and somebody’s trying to do
some business. But that business for our neighborhood first of all it’s located pretty close to two
schools. There’s Morgan Road Elementary School and there’s a Morgan Road Middle School,
Jamestown Elementary that’s in close proximity to this particular area even those it’s not in a
school district. Now we just feel like we have enough of these liquor stores in our neighborhood
already and particularly in this corridor especially because it’s the one right on the corner of
Tobacco Road and Windsor Spring Road. It’s a pretty big size one and it does good business.
There’s one down at Meadowbrook and Windsor Spring Road which is less than two miles, three
miles away. We have four of them really in close proximity of this and we just feel like we just
do not need another one of these types of businesses in our neighborhood. And the business is
not bringing any value to the neighborhood, it just taking something out of it. We don’t see any
value to bring it in there. We’re trying to get some national chains in and having liquor stores
and clubs and the kind of businesses that located there, we’ve got more storage sheds per square
feet I think than any place in this part of the city. And we’ve got a lot of Dollar Stores but now
don’t get me wrong Dollar Stores are needed at some point but we want to get some other type of
businesses there. We feel having this liquor store there and approving the license is going to
deter our efforts to do that and is going bring in undesirable people there who really don’t we
don’t need those types of businesses there. If we didn’t have a liquor store we’d be fine but
we’ve got four. We just got too many, we don’t want a whole corridor with nothing but liquor
stores, bars, pawn shops and so forth, it’s just a bad image for the whole image down there and
we are really trying to change that image down there that part of town. So we really would urge
you to disapprove this liquor license at this time.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you, Mr. Miles. The Chair recognizes Commissioner Sias.
Mr. Sias: Mr. Mayor, in respect for these neighborhoods and the neighborhood
associations that are really trying to keep up their area and when we see that we have businesses
following certain patterns. We’ve eliminated some areas in downtown and I’ve seen that certain
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businesses are following their way out to South Augusta. With that in mind, Mr. Mayor, I move
that we disapprove this application.
Mr. Smith: Second.
Mr. Mayor: All right. The Chair recognizes the distinguished Dean of the Commission
Commissioner M. Williams.
Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. To my good friend Mr. L. C. Miles and to the
District 4 people in that area I understand what you’re saying but I do know that the south
Augusta is all we’ve got left to grow in. And my question would be if this business whoever it is
meets the guidelines and if Rob Sherman, License and Inspections, that’s why I’m casting my
vote on, that’s my opinion on. If they were too close to the school or they were too close to a
church facility I can understand what you are saying but because we think there’s too many.
And I guess, Mr. Mayor, if I can get License and Inspection to tell me and the Sheriff’s
Department first of all, tell me if they meet the guidelines. Now if they don’t meet the guidelines
I understand that but because we don’t want to like them, I think we’d be setting the city up for a
law suit if we don’t do that. Now I just need some information from the people that do that
every day.
Mr. Mayor: I appreciate that, suspend, Mr. Sherman. Is the applicant here? Is the
applicant here in the audience? Okay, all right. I’m going to give the applicant an opportunity to
speak as well, that’s what our posture is at this point. Mr. Sherman, the Chair recognizes Rob
Sherman.
Mr. Sherman: Okay, Mayor and Commissioners, with regard to the alcohol ordinance
and whether or not it meets the qualifications or the criteria for a liquor store at this location
there are two things to consider, two categories to consider the objective criteria which is the
zoning of the property, the distance from churches, schools and playgrounds and the distance
from other liquor stores. On those criteria it meets those requirements. The other group of
criteria that you can consider is what we call the subjective criteria and that’s what Mr. Miles
was hitting on the location, the number of businesses in the neighborhood or in the vicinity, the
manner of conducting prior liquor businesses, violation of liquor laws, the reputation and
character of the person making the application whether a previous revocation of license payment
of taxes congregation of minors etcetera. So, on the objective side it does meet the requirements.
It is zoned, properly zoned, it does meet the distance requirements of churches, schools and
playgrounds. It meets the distance requirements from other liquor stores however you those
other criteria to consider ant that’s what you debate up there is the number that you have in the
neighborhood, the location, et cetera.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you, Mr. Sherman. The Chair recognizes the applicant who’s here to
speak on the measure. Would you please come?
Ms. Kartye: Thank you so much. To the city I was in the Columbia County in a liquor
store. I had it for 15 years and we never had any problem. We had a very classy looking
(unintelligible) liquor store and anybody can come in. We set up I cannot show you it’s different
12
from other liquor store. We keep a very clean property and we deny all the unnecessary sales.
And (unintelligible) when I got the property and I clean up the property really well. You can see
I repaired things and I fixed it up pretty nice. And I even had the property owner fix their
problems so it can be approved today. And I met all the criteria, I work hard. I work 15 hours a
day for the past 15 years. The reason I left the location was because the rent is so expensive and
paying $7,000 a month and working 15 hours a day, it was all going to the rent. And so that’s
why I moved to Richmond County is the rent is a little cheaper. I understand a liquor store is
approximately around four miles before the location but it’s no liquor store in the Tobacco Road
corridor of Fort Gordon. And I understand I live in Richmond County myself so I like to keep
Richmond County very clean and nice and pretty. I promise you I will keep my promise, I will
not sell to under age and also is the people (unintelligible) it’s a neighborhood people it’s not like
they’re driving car four miles from there to come to my liquor store. Normally they go the
closest in their neighborhood so people living approximately the closest to that location they’re
the ones that will be our customer so please, I’m a hard working citizen I pay my taxes. I just
don’t want to pay the high rent in and I move also Columbia County. I reside in Richmond
County. Each year I have a license I have to have designated for the license. I want to minimize
that also. So consider I’m a good citizen, I live in Richmond County for almost 40 years and I
pay my taxes. I believe I have a right to open my business as long as I keep laws and order.
Thank you so much.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you, Ms. Pun. The Chair recognizes Commissioner Sias.
Mr. Sias: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. And without prolonging this, Mr. Mayor, I will also
add that these citizens who have been working in these neighborhoods for 20, 25 and 30 years
have a right to have a say so what affects them and what affects their property value. With that
being said, Mr. Mayor, I move the previous question with a roll call vote.
Mr. Mayor: We’ve got a motion and a proper second and we’ve got a move to the
previous question. The previous question was to deny this petition. That was the question that
was before us.
Mr. M. Williams: When the question’s been called we need to vote to see if there’s
enough conversation and wants to continue. If there’s not, I’m mean I’ve got no objection.
Mr. Mayor: Well, this is your appropriate time to say object ---
Mr. M. Williams: No, sir ---
Mr. Mayor: --- move the previous question ---
Mr. M. Williams: --- no, sir ---
Mr. Mayor: --- you have an opportunity to object.
Mr. M. Williams: --- the rules say, Mr. Mayor, and I don’t want to get into a debate with
this but our Parliamentarian’s sitting there. He needs to come forward. This is the third time that
13
this has happened. When the question’s being called that means that we vote to see if there is
enough votes to continue the conversation or not. If there is not enough votes, then we vote on
the motion. We don’t just vote in the negative.
Mr. Mayor: All right, so let me tell you what our posture is again.
Mr. M. Williams: I don’t know what our posture is. I know what the rules say.
Mr. Mayor: The Chair has the floor, Commissioner.
Mr. M. Williams: Okay.
Mr. Mayor: You objected and because you objected Commissioner Sias has moved the
previous question and that requires a majority vote. And if it fails, the conversation the debate
continues.
Mr. M. Williams: And that’s what I’ve been asking for.
Mr. Mayor: Well, if you give me the opportunity I’m going to get you there. All right,
we have an objection and the objection is to moving the previous question. All those in favor of
moving the previous question will signify by saying aye and those opposed will vote nay if you
want to move the previous question. This is not voting on this motion that’s before us to deny
the application but it is a posture again pursuant to the rules if he objected. He objected to move
the previous question. Since you brought it up the Commissioner wants to continue debate and
that’s what’s before us. If you want to continue debate right now, you will vote if you want to
continue the debate.
Mr. M. Williams: You’ve confused the whole issue now and throw everybody off, they
don’t know what they’re voting.
Mr. Mayor: Right now you’re not voting on what you see on your screen. You are not
voting on what you see on your screen. The Chair recognizes Attorney MacKenzie.
Mr. MacKenzie: Yes, sir, I think to make it very clear you would vote, I think we will
make sure that everyone knows what they’re voting on. It’s a motion to whether or not to
continue debate. If you want to continue debating, vote yes. If you want to stop debate, vote no.
Mr. Mayor: That’s right.
Mr. Hasan: Ya’ll came out even on that, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: I wasn’t counting on taking score, Commissioner. All right if you want to
continue to vote, continue the debate as Commissioner Williams is asking you will vote in the
affirmative.
14
The Clerk: That motion ties 5-5 with Mr. Fennoy voting yes, Mr. Louis Harris voting
yes, Mr. Wayne Guilfoyle voting yes ---
Mr. Mayor: The Mayor was not given an opportunity to vote?
The Clerk: --- and Mr. Grady Smith. Well, once, you will? And voting no, Mr. Dennis
Williams, Ms. Mary Davis, Mr. Sammie Sias, Mr. Bill Lockett. Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: Yes, ma’am, following your lead, Madam Clerk.
The Clerk: You get to vote. It was a tie.
Mr. Mayor: All right. Oh my goodness. I can’t believe it.
The Clerk: The Mayor votes yes.
Motion Passes 6-5.
Mr. Mayor: All right. The Chair recognizes Commissioner Fennoy, the Commissioner
st
from the 1.
Mr. Fennoy: I think previously Commissioner Williams wanted to know about the
Sheriff’s recommendation for this location. Is there anybody here from the Sheriff’s Department
I would like to --- oh, so we don’t talk about (unintelligible).
Mr. Mayor: Now you vote on it.
Mr. M. Williams: Oh that’s, wait a minute, Mr. Mayor. You voted in the affirmative and
you said if we wanted to continue debate, no you voted yes and I voted yes, five other people
voted yes and you have to allow us to continue the conversation. And that’s what Commissioner
Fennoy was doing.
Mr. Mayor: See I’m on your side this time.
Mr. M. Williams: But you didn’t know you were on my side.
Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes Mr. Elim.
Mr. Elim: Yes, sir.
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner, do you have any questions?
Mr. Fennoy: Yes, what is the Sheriff’s recommendation?
Mr. Speaker: Our recommendation concurs with license excuse me Planning and
Development to approve.
15
Mr. Fennoy: Okay. May I continue, Mr. Mayor? Has the applicant had any other
license in Richmond County that you know of?
Mr. Elim: Not that I know of, sir.
Mr. Fennoy: Okay and do you all do an investigation when I mean I think she said she’s
been in business for 15 years in Columbia County.
Mr. Elim: Yes, sir.
Mr. Fennoy: Had there been any incidents in Columbia County would you all be aware
of that?
Mr. Elim: Yes, sir. She had an underage buyer in Columbia County, I believe that was
three years ago.
Mr. Fennoy: Okay. Is that the only incident?
Mr. Elim: That’s only what I know about, sir.
Mr. Fennoy: Okay. Thank you, sir.
Mr. Elim: Thank you.
Mr. Mayor: All right. Well, we’ve got a motion.
Mr. M. Williams: Mr. Mayor, I want to make a substitute motion if I can.
Mr. Mayor: Okay.
Mr. M. Williams: My motion is to approve this application for this business.
Mr. Fennoy: Did we get a second?
Mr. Mayor: We did not.
Mr. Fennoy: Second.
Mr. Mayor: We’ve got a motion, well, we’ve got a substitute motion and a proper second
to approve this application. Mr. Attorney, I believe our posture is we take the substitute motion
first.
Mr. Sias: Request a roll call vote, Mr. Mayor.
The Clerk: Substitute motion is to approve item number two. Ms. Davis.
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Ms. Davis: No, ma’am.
The Clerk: I beg your pardon?
Ms. Davis: No, ma’am.
The Clerk: Ms. Davis votes No. Mr. Fennoy.
Mr. Fennoy: Yes.
The Clerk: Mr. Guilfoyle. Out. Mr. Harris.
Mr. Harris: Yes.
The Clerk: Mr. Hasan.
Mr. Hasan: No.
The Clerk: Mr. Lockett. Out. Mr. Sias.
Mr. Sias: No.
The Clerk: Mr. Smith.
Mr. Smith: No.
The Clerk: Mr. Dennis Williams.
Mr. D. Williams: No.
The Clerk: Mr. Marion Williams.
Mr. M. Williams: Yes.
The Clerk: Mr. Lockett, did you want to?
Mr. Lockett: Yes.
The Clerk: Yes, okay.
Mr. Guilfoyle out.
Motion Fails 4-5.
The Clerk: The primary motion to deny.
17
Mr. Sias: Roll call, Mr. Mayor.
The Clerk: Ms. Davis.
Ms. Davis: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Fennoy.
Mr. Fennoy: No.
The Clerk: Mr. Guilfoyle. Mr. Harris.
Mr. Harris: Yes.
Mr. Mayor: This is a primary motion which is to ---
The Clerk: It’s to disapprove.
Mr. Mayor: --- deny.
The Clerk: Disapprove. You’re voting no? Okay. Mr. Hasan.
Mr. Hasan: Yes.
The Clerk: Mr. Lockett.
Mr. Lockett: No.
The Clerk: Mr. Sias.
Mr. Sias: Yes.
The Clerk: Mr. Smith.
Mr. Smith: Yes.
The Clerk: Mr. Dennis Williams.
Mr. D. Williams: Yes.
The Clerk: Mr. Marion Williams.
Mr. M. Williams: No.
Mr. Guilfoyle out.
Motion Fails 5-4.
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Mr. Mayor: Thank you, Madam Clerk.
Mr. Sias: Point of personal privilege, Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes Commissioner Sias.
Mr. Sias: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. As citizens of this city when we conduct hearings and
we conduct meetings, this is your opportunity to see the process and understand the ramifications
of the process and what you expect from your elected officials. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: Item number ten.
The Clerk: Continue sir? Item number ten?
Mr. Mayor: Yes, I believe that was our next item.
The Clerk:
PUBLIC SERVICES
10. Motion to approve twelve-month probationary period of the alcohol license and
business license held by Ralph H. Dillman, Jr. for Ralph’s Five Pines Lounge, Inc. located
at 2301 Gordon Hwy. for violating the controlled substance law. District 3. Super District
10. (Approved by Public Services Committee February 23, 2015)
Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes Commissioner D. Williams.
Mr. D. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I understand that during our discussion
regarding this situation that there were some products being sold in the establishment that was
used for, that was allegedly used for cutting drugs. Has that issue been addressed yet or has the
items been removed from the facility?
Mr. Mayor: Yes, Commissioner, that’s your question? Okay. Who’s speaking on that?
Mr. Hunter: I can.
Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes Mr. Hunter.
Mr. Hunter: Thank you, Mayor. Yes, that is the stipulation as to this probation. Mr.
Elim and I stipulated to that.
Mr. Hasan: Mr. Mayor, I have a question.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, the Chair recognizes Commissioner Fennoy and then Hasan.
Mr. Fennoy: Mr. Mayor, I’d like to ---
19
Mr. Mayor: Suspend, suspend if we could keep the chatter down in the corner over there.
Continue, Commissioner.
Mr. Fennoy: --- Mr. Mayor, based on the seriousness this event I’d like to make a
motion that we pull the license. I think that was the recommendation from the Sheriff’s
Department that, can I ask Mr. Elim?
Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes Mr. Elim.
Mr. Elim: Yes, sir.
Mr. Fennoy: Mr. Elim, what was the recommendation from the Sheriff’s Department?
Mr. Elim: The Sheriff’s initial recommendation was revocation.
Mr. Fennoy: And that means taking away his license.
Mr. Elim: Yes, sir.
Mr. Fennoy: Okay and you said initial. Has that changed?
Mr. Elim: The Sheriff is fine with the 12-month probation being that the man has been in
business 30 years and the stipulations that were in place he thought would also keep the crowd
there but he submissive to the will of the Commission.
Mr. Fennoy: And my next question is that have we taken away other folks’ licenses for
less serious offenses than this?
Mr. Elim: Yes, sir, but we also to be honest we also have allowed people to keep licenses
for more serious things.
Mr. Fennoy: Okay.
Mr. Elim: It’s the balance of that. I mean I understand where you’re going with it but at
the end of the day the Sheriff is looking for fairness and he wanted in front of you in his initial
his initial is for revocation.
Mr. Fennoy: Okay and just to refresh my memory how much drugs were found in the
building?
Mr. Elim: Two ounces of methamphetamines that was attributed to a suspect and another
just shot two pounds of marijuana that was attributed no one. And about a half an ounce of
marijuana that was attributed to a bartender.
Mr. Fennoy: And the person with the Meth he was charged with what?
20
Mr. Elim: Possession of methamphetamines.
Mr. Fennoy: And the person with the marijuana was charged with?
Mr. Elim: Misdemeanor marijuana possession.
Mr. Fennoy: And ---
Mr. Elim: That’s the bartender that had a small amount of marijuana in his pocket.
Mr. Fennoy: Okay and nobody was charged with possession of the pounds of marijuana.
Mr. Elim: No, sir, they were unable to establish charges on anybody for the marijuana.
Mr. Fennoy: And my last question I think, we talked about this before Mr. Elam in the
past ---
Mr. Elim: Yes, sir.
Mr. Fennoy: --- you know if you go into in the past doesn’t somebody usually assume
response, I mean when I say don’t we hold somebody responsible or accountable for that?
Mr. Elim: Yes, sir, we in this particular instance because of the lack of information
relative to the substantial weight of the marijuana that we found and the way we found it we got
with the ownership and a significant amount of time went by and thought that information, they
would be able to retrieve information. We weren’t able to retrieve any information, they weren’t
able to give us any information therefore that’s what really took that’s the reason of the delay
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between December 19 and us coming forward now bringing it to the Commission because we
were trying to hopefully get some information relative to that two pounds of marijuana but we
didn’t so we brought forward to the Commission for ya’ll to take action on their license.
Mr. Fennoy: Mr. Elim, when I be looking at Cops and they pull the car over and if
nobody claims the drugs or the weapon that’s in the vehicle everybody gets charged.
Mr. Elim: Yes, sir, it’s a little bit more complicated than that but I understand what you
mean and where you’re going. This marijuana, the majority of it was found in a trash can a
regular commercial size trash can, clean trash can. The marijuana was in the bottom of it, black
trash bag on top of it was near a restroom in the far corner of the business. Additional marijuana
was found in the kitchen area which really gave me more heartache to explain how it got there
rather than the marijuana that’s out in the common areas. Also an additional amount of
marijuana found in the kitchen area directly behind the bar. Mr. Dillman was not working at the,
was not present at the location.
Mr. Fennoy: And my last question I promise. You all normally test the quality of
marijuana every now and then?
21
Mr. Elim: Every now and then.
Mr. Fennoy: And I guess what I want to know is that whether the same marijuana that
was found in the kitchen is the same marijuana that was found in the trash can.
Mr. Elim: I can tell you what I was told from the narcotics investigation and they believe
that it was the same batch of marijuana.
Mr. Fennoy: All right.
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Mr. Mayor: Thank you. All right the Chair recognizes Commissioner from the 10
Commissioner Grady Smith.
Mr. G. Smith: Sgt. Elim ---
Mr. Elim: Yes, sir.
Mr. G. Smith: --- did you check to see if anybody was on any medical disability there?
Mr. Elim: There actually were some older people there but I do not believe that any of
them had a medical marijuana card.
Mr. G. Smith: I just, you know we want to be legal.
Mr. Elim: Yes, sir.
nd
Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes Commissioner D. Williams from the 2.
Mr. D. Williams: Mr. Chairman, I would like to make a motion to approve it.
Ms. Davis: I’ll second that.
Mr. Mayor: We’ve got a motion and a second.
Mr. Sias: To approve the recommendation, Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: To approve the recommendation.
Mr. Lockett: Mr. Chair, is that the agenda item as posted?
Mr. Mayor: The agenda item is to approve a 12-month probationary period before us on
the screen. A lot of business left for this Commission, a lot of business. Let’s pick up the pace.
A lot of business.
Mr. Fennoy votes No.
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Motion Passes 9-1.
The Clerk:
PUBLIC SERVICES
11. Motion to approve Ordinance amending Augusta, Georgia Code Title 6, Chapter 2,
Article 1, Alcoholic Beverages, Section 6-2-14 and 6-2-15 relating to alcoholic beverages
and days and times sales allowed; to repeal all code sections and ordinances and parts of
code sections and ordinances in conflict herewith; to provide an effective date and for other
purposes. (Approved by the Commission February 17, 2015 – second reading)
Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes Commissioner Mary Davis.
Ms. Davis: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I just and we had vetted this back with our Legal
Department I believe back in October or November and approved this ordinance. Back then and
I know there have been some changes that have been discussed and I just have concerns about
when the Sheriff’s Office, I believe Mr. Elim brought his concerns to us about having the
So I was just pulling
resources to monitor these establishments until the proposed timeframe.
this to actually make a motion to deny these changes.
Mr. Mayor: We’ve got a motion to deny.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Second.
Mr. Mayor: Second from Commissioner Guilfoyle. The Chair recognizes the
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Commissioner from the 6.
Mr. Hasan: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I think like Commissioner Davis made mention I
think this is the second reading if I’m not mistaken. I think the first reading passed if I’m not
mistaken if I can get some clarification. So where would that leave us in the event that this
second motion, reading is denied?
Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Attorney.
Mr. MacKenzie: Because there was no unanimous consent to waive the second reading,
the second reading would be required for it to pass.
Mr. Hasan: Okay. Thank you.
Mr. Mayor: We’ve got a motion to deny and a second. Voting.
Mr. Fennoy, Mr. D. Williams and Mr. M. Williams vote No.
Motion Passes 7-3.
Mr. M. Williams: Point of Order, Mr. Mayor.
23
Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes Commissioner M. Williams.
Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, sir. Where does that leave us now if we passed one and
we denied one reading and we done put this back out again? I was asking the Attorney where
that would put us if this comes back that what?
Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes Attorney MacKenzie.
Mr. MacKenzie: The motion to deny was approved on the second reading so the
amendment did not go through.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you. All right, Madam Clerk.
The Clerk: Mr. Sherman would like to be recognized.
Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes Mr. Sherman.
Mr. Sherman: Thank you, Mayor. If I could just ask a question. Where does that put us
with the enforcement do we not require them to close or do we require them to close or are we
back with the ordinance as it was amended and approved which means that everyone closes at
regular hours. Since this didn’t pass the second reading didn’t pass I suppose then the, to go
back to the original hours. It did not pass so as you can see I’m confused.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you. The Chair will recognize Attorney MacKenzie. Attorney
MacKenzie, in your explanation would you please bring the Commission back up to speed with
what we did, the amendments and then of course the first reading and now this failure here? If
you would, thank you.
Mr. MacKenzie: I’ll try to do that.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you.
Mr. MacKenzie: As a result of the second reading not passing there has been no
amendment to the ordinance and so it is in full force and effect as it was passed in September.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you.
The Clerk:
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
12. Motion to approve moving the committee meetings dates from Monday to Tuesday on a
trial basis leaving in effect all deadlines for submittal of agenda items. (Approved by
Administrative Services Committee February 23, 2015)
Mr. Mayor: Thank you, Madam Clerk. I asked Commissioner Williams if we could pull
this. I wanted to have some discussion about moving these meetings and their potential impact
24
to Legal meetings. That now will need to be moved as well. I would suggest that they be moved
to this date as well so I’d like to have some discussion about that. The Chair recognizes
Commissioner Hasan.
Mr. Hasan: Yes, sir, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor, you’re saying the Legal will have to be
moved as well. What are your basis on that?
Mr. Mayor: Well, if you’re going to move the committee meetings I would submit that
you all would want to come down here for one day instead of two days. But I could be
completely wrong.
Mr. Hasan: Do that again, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: I would submit that you all would want to come one day instead of two days
but I could be completely wrong.
Mr. Hasan: But Legal couldn’t follow committee meetings as it currently is? Am I
missing, Mr. Mayor maybe I’m overcomplicating this and I have a tendency to do that so kind of
slow down for me for a minute if you don’t mind.
Mr. Mayor: I’m moving at a turtle’s pace right now. The Chair recognizes
Commissioner Grady Smith.
Mr. G. Smith: I think it’d be a good idea. I mean everybody know that one day is
Tuesday’s the day we do business down here at this Chamber instead of every other week or
whatever and have that way have the agenda sit down and you know straight forward bam,
Tuesday is the day.
Mr. Mayor: For the sake of being one sided I’m going to switch to this side now with my
digital machine. The Chair recognizes Commissioner M. Williams.
Mr. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I think this came about when we were trying to
figure out how to get our books early enough for some of the Commissioners to have time to
study and go over the agenda. But if we meet every Tuesday like Commissioner Grady Smith
said one Tuesday will be committee and Legal, the next two would be Commission and no
Legal. But we wouldn’t meet a Monday at all it would just be meeting every Tuesday but it
would be the same thing we’re just given an extra day for those Commissioners who needed the
extra time to study the agenda book. So I don’t think it would be two days I think we just keep
Legal on Tuesdays instead of a Monday but every week we’ll be here. You know and I think
that’s why this item was put on there.
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Mr. Mayor: All right. The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 8
Commissioner Guilfoyle.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Mr. Mayor, I think I’m not talking for this whole body by any means. I
guess I assumed that Legal would follow before any committee meeting. If we change it to
25
Tuesday Legal would move to Tuesday as well. I don’t know if it’s brought up for a reason by
the Chair has this anything to do with the Charter change of is this just something the body just
has to be aware and approve.
Mr. Mayor: Duly noted. It has nothing to do with a Charter change. I just want to make
sure we don’t lose things in midstream. If we’re having meetings we want to make sure that
everything follows with that. The Chair recognizes Commissioner Fennoy.
Mr. Fennoy: Motion to approve.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you.
Mr. Harris: Second.
Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes ---
Mr. Lockett: Point of personal privilege, Mr. Chairman. We definitely need a piece of
equipment that was denied because it’s really difficult for you to see all the way down in both
directions. But I forgive you.
Mr. Mayor: Do you want a button too? The Chair recognizes Attorney MacKenzie.
Mr. MacKenzie: To clarify the motion to approve would include changing the Legal
time to precede on Tuesday as it now precedes the committees on Monday. I want to clarify that
as part of the motion.
Mr. Mayor: I think it’s important for us to make sure we note that and record that
otherwise it would be left hanging in abeyance. All right.
Motion Passes 10-0.
The Clerk: Madam Administrator, are you going to take your items as companion or
separate?
Ms. Jackson: (inaudible)
The Clerk: Okay, Mr. Mayor, that would be items 20 and 23.
The Clerk:
ENGINEERING SERVICES
20. Motion to approve holding public information meetings and establish a concrete fee at
the end of the information session relative to the implementation of the Stormwater Fee
Phase II Plan as presented in the February 11, 2015 Augusta Commission Work Session.
(Approved by Engineering Services Committee February 23, 2015)
26
23. Motion to approve and authorize the Engineering Department (AED) to supplement
Systems & Software, Inc. (S&S) existing contract with Augusta Utilities Department (AUD)
in the amount of $339,500 for implementation of the enQuesta Storm Drainage Module as
part of creating the Stormwater Utility Fee Billing System. Funding is available through
Project SPLOST PHASE VI as requested by AED. (Approved by Engineering Services
Committee February 23, 201)
Ms. Jackson: Thank you. We pulled these two items to update you on the schedule of
activities related to these and to make you aware of the timelines necessary for us to be able to
implement the fee on July 1 as we had discussed previously. Regarding those meetings we are
currently nailing down final locations and times of meetings but as of right now we have all
thth
those meetings scheduled or tentatively scheduled for March 16 through March 25 that we
would have seven neighborhood meetings. It would be seven rather than right because a couple
of our districts routinely use Diamond Lakes as the location for their meetings so we’ll basically
have two district meetings at once at Diamond Lakes and the remainder of those meetings will be
in individual districts.
Mr. Mayor: Madam Administrator, can you repeat those dates?
thth
Ms. Jackson: March 16 through March 25. We have seven meetings between those
dates. And as I’ve indicated we’re in the process now of identifying specific locations and dates
for each one of those district meetings. We expect to have that completed and published
hopefully by Thursday but certainly no later than Friday of this week so that would give at least a
week and a half notice to each one of those areas.
Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes Commissioner Lockett then Guilfoyle.
Mr. Lockett: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, if I may I’d like to address this
to the Administrator.
Mr. Mayor: You may.
Mr. Lockett: I support both agenda items but I found on this Commission when you are
dealing with something that’s going to cost the taxpayer money first of all they don’t want the
fee in the first place but secondly they want to know how much is it going to cost me. And to me
to go out and tell them about what the stormwater fee is, how many pipes and so forth we’re
going to be able to do with this but we can’t tell them how much it’s going to cost them, I think
that puts us at a disadvantage. I mean we’ve got this cart before the horse. I would think that we
should ascertain that the fee is going to be so we go out we can level with the taxpayer. If we do
this this is what it’s going to cost you, not, well we don’t know we want your support but we
don’t have the foggiest idea how much it’s going to cost. And I think that puts us at a
disadvantage. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Mayor: The Chair will recognize the Administrator then I’ll come back to you
Commissioner Guilfoyle.
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Ms. Jackson: Sir, all of the studies that we had done indicated a fee of $6.40 is the base
fee for residential customers. We also have a detailed fee structure in place for commercial
customers that can be explained. So our proposal was to present the information that’s been
supplied to us as a result of the Engineering studies that have been completed.
Mr. Lockett: Mr. Chairman, if I may follow up.
Mr. Mayor: Please do.
Mr. Lockett: But the agenda item as I read it agenda item number twenty it doesn’t show
that that fee of $6.40 that you mentioned had been established.
Ms. Jackson: That’s correct. The proposal would be as the calendar as we have it laid
out now we would come back to you all at the end of the sessions which is I think the wording of
the motion as it was intended was to establish a fee at the end of the information session to
firmly codify that fee. But the presentation would be based upon the engineering studies that
have been completed unless this Commission thinks otherwise at this time.
Mr. Lockett: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you. So, Madam Administrator, I’ll direct this question to you as
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well. Better yet let me go to the Commissioner from the 8 and then I’ll come back. Mr.
Guilfoyle.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I was wondering if I could ask the
Administrator, direct this question for the Administrator. Ms. Administrator you had spoke
about doing seven public meetings. There were some districts that were going to be tied together
since they I guess sit side by side. What two districts are you talking about? You’ve got eight
districts and you’re going to have seven public meetings.
Mr. Ladson: That would be district four and six. That line pretty much goes right down
Windsor Spring Road so I’ve been to meetings where they have both, both districts speak.
Mr. Guilfoyle: I know my Commissioner to the right has big meetings he does have all
the neighborhoods at this one location. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you.
Mr. M. Williams: Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner M. Williams.
Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, sir. Along with Commissioner Lockett I agree with the
fees and what we’re supposed to be implementing but we had not touched on several things.
And one is this going to be an enterprise where is this money going to go into one area and
specifically for stomwater, how long that fee’s going to be in place, how we’re going to collect
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that fee. How are we going to limit I guess not limit but how are we, once we get to a max with
our enterprise water we’ve got to increase a 3% every year. That’s automatic and people just
don’t even pay any attention but it’s been there for a long time. So we need to sit down along
with the Engineering and along with the Administrator before we go out into the public because I
couldn’t tell them anything. I mean I know we’re going to have some public meetings but we’ve
got a sales tactic we’re going to try to push out there for the people too and if it’s a fee we need
to know how much. We hadn’t talked about who’s going to be exempt if anybody’s going to be
exempt. We’ve got a lot of the churches we’ve got a lot of non-profits, we’ve got a lot of
agencies no one mentioned that at all. I guess everybody’s going to be all inclusive. Well if they
are that’s fine but that needs to be said. A lot of people, we just got through approving a tax for
the homeless shelter over here on Fenway Street when we we’re going through are consent
agenda. So there still needs some conversation to be had that we ought to be able to say this is
what we need to do and this is the way we’re going in and this is how it’s going to be but I just
wanted to make those comments. Ms. Jackson might be able to respond to some of that maybe
to help me out.
Mr. Mayor: Duly noted. For the sake of the conversation I’ve got on this side and on
this side I’m going to go ahead and interject mine, Madam Administrator. I asked for item
number 21 to be pulled and it really should in fact be part of this conversation. Originally when
we were talking about this which was the sanitary sewer connection process we were talking
about this we initially started at $14.00 and subsequent to the committee meeting it’s now $10.00
and it’s not mandatory, it’s a volunteer process. What I would ask is that as we’re approaching
this issue, this issue of the stormwater fee and its implementation and long term use what I
submit is that given what’s happened in the previous commission and administration with the
property tax what I would submit is that we roll this issue up and that it be a part of the
stormwater fee implementation such that we’re not double taxing individuals whether they
voluntarily or this is an unfunded mandate that rather we look at it in a holistic fashion and we
roll it all up together. Whether those are concerns from a public health perspective as opposed to
looking at them and we’re doing two different things that’s just what I offer for the conversation.
And now I’ll again pursuant to what Commissioner Williams, M. Williams indicated, Madam
Administrator, the floor is yours.
Ms. Jackson: There have no discussions about rolling those up into one. I think the
complicating factor there is that we’re talking about two entirely different enterprise funds.
Sanitary sewer is part of our Augusta Utilities Fund and the storm water would be part of a storm
water utility that would be an enterprise fund, Commissioner Marion Williams. So I mean there
would not be any harm in having those discussions as part of the same meeting but they you
know if we have the public there certainly we could talk about both and we can have staff
available to talk about both but they really are two separate issues in two separate funding
mechanisms.
Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes Commissioner Hasan.
Mr. Hasan: Mr. Chair, can I defer to Commissioner Sias first and then come back here if
you don’t mind, Mr. Chair.
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Mr. Mayor: I do not mind. Commissioner Sias.
Mr. Sias: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. The initial comment was reference item 20, 23 but
have to reference all three. Reference item 20, 23 when we talk about the setting the fee one of
the biggest complaints we’ve heard from the public was a fee being set before they get before
they are engaged. And one of the things with that was if we had a base line number to work
from that would give us something to discuss with the public. And one of the things we should
be able to assure them is that we’re not looking to go higher but with no discussion you’d never
know it might come down some. So and the other thing about the Commission being well
educated on this I believe there’s I’ve heard some discussion and had some talks about that. I
actually asked the engineering folks on a personal basis myself to increase my understanding
that’s just explained it to me. So obviously I think there needs to be some education for the
Commission itself and whatever basis we can best get there from them before going to the
public. On item 21, Mr. Mayor, that is an entirely different issue from this. It’s been worked
and said this is an issue that has nothing to do with stormwater but technically this is a sewage
issue where the folks have been without the sewage for years and years and not have an
opportunity to vacate themselves of septic tanks stop strewing the sewage and waste across
through the neighborhood and other folks yards and a sanitary issue there. So I was extremely I
would urge that we do not roll those three together and continue with item 21 as a separate issue.
Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes Commissioner Hasan.
Mr. Hasan: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Mayor, on item 21 I think if like I say once again
these things do happen to me. We’re talking about the $10, $10 is a one time connection fee, it’s
not an ongoing project in terms of the $10.00 dollars duly taxing it when you mentioned the
$14.00 dollars. The $14.00 dollars was referenced to $504.00 dollars that the governor’s going
to be eating this city’s going to eat about 2/3 of the cost possibly by a $1,500 dollar project the
city was going to come back to $504.00 dollars and then pay a $14.00 per month for about 36
months. That’s where the $14.00 dollars came from. Now you and that was going to be
somewhat a mandatory program. What you see before you now around the $10.00 dollar it is
saying it is a onetime connection fee. It’s not a monthly fee it’s one and done and it’s a
volunteer program.
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Mr. Mayor: The Chair has a question for the Commissioner from the 6. One and done
who pays for it? Who installs it?
Mr. Hasan: As I understand the Utilities Department would be soliciting about four
companies to get four plumbers so just the citizens of Augusta Richmond County would doing it
because what the result of that ---
Mr. Mayor: So we’ll pay for it?
Mr. Hasan: --- the city will pay for it.
Mr. Mayor: Up front.
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Mr. Hasan: Up front. Oh also and another thing, Mr. Mayor, I’m sorry.
Mr. Mayor: The city pays for it up front. How do we recoup the cost if there’s only a
single fee?
Mr. Hasan: There’s a $40.00 fee that the people be on sewer on a monthly basis. In
about 32 to 38 months the city will be done recouped the investment and have about 3,500 to as
many as 5,000 people on sewer that were previously not on sewer and many of them could not
have paid to get off the septic tank and, Mr. Mayor, one more thing to follow up. In terms of I
was talking to Mr. Ladson this morning. I gave him a call this morning to try to make sure that
the Commission would have to Commissioner Marion Williams’ point Commissioner Williams’
point about the Commission getting a little bit more up close and personal in understanding this.
And that’s one of the reasons I think he’s probably going to mention that at some point in time
unless it’s after the meeting or not initially they were attempting to start Monday coming. I don’t
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know what the day is today is the 3 so I guess next Monday will be the 9 or 10 they were
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going to start at that particular time but it’s going to take that time in between now and the 16 to
sit with Commissioners who still had some challenges about understanding exactly where they’re
going off line before they go public. So all that was in the works and I think I would apologize
for Mr. Ladson this morning but we had that conversation this morning.
Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes Commissioner Guilfoyle.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor, as far as items 20 and 23 are they
germane to each other? Item number 21 is a standalone item as different departments, a different
issue all together. We had discussed this as well as myself in committee this past week and I
don’t see where it pertains to the other two but you know maybe some is getting confused with
the storm and sewage but it’s two totally different departments. And I make a motion to approve
item number 21 so we can get this out of the way.
Mr. Sias: Second.
Mr. Mayor: Wait a minute, wait a minute. We’re moving the cart before the horse.
We’ve got two items that are before us item 20 and 23. I’m simply asked a question about 21
and this is not an issue of germane that question’s never been asked. Madam Administrator still
has the floor for items 20 and 23.
Ms. Jackson: In terms of how we present it I think the question was you know does the
Commission need to set the fee or even perhaps draft an ordinance before we go out and do
public meetings. The way that we have laid out what I’m describing now is based upon the
discussion that the Commission had in the last couple of go rounds with this. Certainly it’s in the
will of the Commission to determine how you all want to handle it but we’re basically following
what was discussed in the last couple of meetings about this. Key milestones, as it’s now laid
out the way this motion reads is to establish a fee at the end of the information session relative to
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implementation. If we have public meetings between March 16 and March 25 that would
mean in late March or early April we will be prepared to adopt the fee and do the first reading of
a proposed ordinance. The consulting firm that we hired to develop the fee for us has submitted
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draft language that our Law Department and Engineering Department are now reviewing so we
should be prepared after the completion of the public meetings to have that draft language before
you for your consideration. Also important for us during this timeframe is that we meet with
officials in Blythe and Hephzibah. As you know they are separate municipalities and we need to
determine how they would be considered as part of this ordinance and we need to have those
meetings with them to see if they do in fact want to be included if not how their needs would be
addressed. That is what I had for item 20. Relative to item 23 item 23 is basically the purchase
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of billing software that would enable us to be ready for billing of this fee starting July 1. This
would be a $339,000 expense and just want to make clear that everybody understands that
moving forward with this item, item 23 allows us to be prepared to do the billing in a timely
fashion. We would look toward implementation of that by the end of April so we could run tests
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in May and June and be ready to begin billing of July 1. So I just wanted to make clear the
connection between those two items.
Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes Commissioner Lockett.
Mr. Lockett: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, this is for the Administrator if I may. The only
way I can support agenda item number 20 is if we have a range I think is what Commissioner
Sias indicated earlier on. If I can go out to my constituents and say the storm water fee is going
to cost you no more than no less than. I just can’t go out there and see the one time we discuss
$6.40. To me that’s not good enough but if I can give them a range of what it’s going to be
$6.40 to $7.00 dollars or $5.00 dollars to $6.40 cents I think that’s something we ought to have.
And you’ve already had the consultant’s do this work and they should have a pretty good idea of
what it’s going to cost anyway. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes Commissioner Sias.
Mr. Sias: Move to approve these agenda items with the fee range of max $6.48 minimum
$6.00.
Mr. Mayor: As a proposal?
Mr. Sias: As a proposal for discussion at the public meetings.
Mr. Lockett: Mr. Chair, I’ll second that motion.
Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes Commissioner M. Williams.
Mr. M. Williams: Mr. Mayor, I need to know from the Administrator how we propose to
enforce or collect that fee and how will that be done.
Ms. Jackson: The Utilities Department would be billing along with the typical water bill.
They would be doing the same type of mechanism that they do for currently now for the bills
owed to them.
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Mr. M. Williams: Yeah, but if you pay your water bill and don’t pay your storm water
fee I’m just asking how it’s going to be implemented. I see Tom Wiedmeier maybe he can help
me out but I don’t think we can add that to the water bill and say if you don’t pay your water bill
then you don’t you know ---
Ms. Jackson: Are you referring to the question of if you don’t pay, can you get cut off
for both? Is that basically what you’re (inaudible).
Mr. M. Williams: I’m asking how are we going to enforce it because if it comes to the
water bill every month and we pay our water bill but don’t pay the storm water fee because some
folks are going to wash their cars and don’t do nothing else so I understand they’re going to pay
that bill but what about enforcement. Can somebody?
Mr. Mayor: The Chair will recognize in this order Abie Ladson our Engineering Director
and if necessary Tom Wiedmeier. Mr. Ladson.
Mr. Ladson: Mr. Mayor, members of the Commission, we’ve actually looked into that
and looked into the different scenarios that could happen if you know a person doesn’t or an
individual doesn’t pay their storm water fee. One action is a collection agency to actually start
with with making sure that the fee is collected. If once you go to a collection agency then
eventually if it goes for too long then you’re actually going to go to court.
Mr. M. Williams: Since Mr. Mayor is not here I’m going to respond to that. It takes
seniority I guess to do that. But I mean that’s you’re going to have some people who’s going to
follow the guidelines they’re going to do just what it said. But you’re going to have so many
people who Tom has a problem with right now even with their water bill so if that’s, and I hear
what you’re saying if that’s the route we’re going but I think you’re going to find you’re going to
have more people that’s not doing it and saying hey let’s put it with my other file 13.
Mr. Ladson: That’s actually been taken into consideration of you know you have a
certain amount of bad what we call bad debt so that’s all been included in the study. It’s kind of
it’s an estimate but it’s actually been included in the study and looked at.
Mr. Mayor: Here’s our posture. I know we feel good about generally where we are.
Here’s what I’d like to do. Madam Administrator and the Engineering Committee Chairman,
can we stand at ease? Attorney, can you see me for just a minute? Madam Administrator?
Here’s what our posture is. We have before us items 20 and 23. There’s a motion to approve as
they are already written with no amendments no changes as they’re written.
The Clerk: Twenty was amended.
Mr. Mayor: Did we have a motion and a second?
The Clerk: Yes, sir.
Mr. Mayor: I would like for whoever made that motion to withdraw it.
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The Clerk: That was Mr. Sias and Commissioner Lockett.
Mr. Mayor: We believe the motions as written are proper and better.
Mr. Sias: I can do that, Mr. Mayor, if my second will allow it. Thank you.
Mr. Lockett: I will allow it, Mr. Chairman, however under normal conditions I would
ask for an explanation but I think I know why the conference was held so I just deny it. I mean
will go on and go along with the maker or the motion.
Mr. Mayor: All right. The Chair now recognizes the Engineering Chair.
Mr. Fennoy: Yes, I’d like to make a motion that we approve items number 20 and 23 as
presented.
Mr. Lockett: Second.
Mr. Mayor: All right, thank you. Voting? Point of Personal?
Mr. Hasan: Yes, sir, Mr. Mayor, Point of Personal Privilege.
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Mr. Mayor: I’ll recognize the Commissioner from the 6.
Mr. Hasan: I’m on a roll today, Mr. Mayor, I done missed something again. It seems
like we’re right back we’re told just to pull it and leave it like it was. Did I miss something? I’m
on a roll today now.
Mr. Mayor: Not if you’re voting.
Mr. Hasan: Okay, all right I just wanted to make sure. I’m on a roll.
Mr. Mayor: If you’re voting you’re right where you got to be.
Mr. Hasan: Okay, all right.
Mr. Williams votes No.
Motion Passes 9-1.
The Clerk:
ENGINEERING SERVICES
21. Motion to approve Sanitary Sewer Connection Program recommended with a
connection fee of $10.00 and on a volunteer basis. (Approved by Engineering Services
Committee February 23, 2015)
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Mr. Sias: Move to approve.
Mr. Hasan: Second.
Mr. Mayor: We have a motion and a second. Voting?
Motion Passes 10-0.
The Clerk: Mr. Mayor, that takes us to our regular agenda.
Mr. Mayor: All right.
The Clerk: Mr. Sherman.
Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the distinguished Public Services Committee Chair on
this item number 30 then we’ll come to you, Mr. Sherman. Public Services Committee Chair
and I’m recognizing because there was no recommendation from Public Services.
Ms. Davis: Mr. Mayor, I think the petitioner wasn’t here that day so we moved it to
Commission. So Mr., I guess, Mr. Mayor, if we could ask Mr. Sherman to present this motion.
PUBLIC SERVICES
30. Motion to approve New Ownership Application: A.N. 15-09: request by Hemant K.
Patel for a retail package Beer & Wine license to be used in connection with Ja Ho Market
located at 1770 Kissingbower Rd. There will be Sunday Sales. District 2. Super District 9.
(No recommendation by Public Services Committee February 23, 2015)
Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes Mr. Sherman.
Mr. Sherman: Thank you. Number 30 is a motion to approve New Ownership
Application. It’s a request by Hemant K. Patel for a retail package Beer & Wine license to be
used in connection with Ja Ho Market located at 1770 Kissingbower Road. There will be
Sunday Sales. District 2. Super District 9. If you could state your name and address for the
record.
Mr. Mayor: If you’ll please state your name.
Mr. Patel: My name is Hemant K. Patel and my address is 2348 Spring House Lane
Apartment C Augusta Georgia.
Mr. Sherman: Do we have any objectors to this application? If not, Mr. Mayor and
Commissioners, the Sheriff’s Department and Planning and Development recommend that it be
approved.
Mr. Lockett: Move to approve, Mr. Chairman.
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Ms. Davis: Second.
Mr. Mayor: We’ve got a motion and a second. Voting?
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Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 9.
Mr. M. Williams: Rob, did he get confused on the date of the committee meeting he was
supposed to have been to. Did something happen is that why he didn’t?
Mr. Sherman: I’m not certain. Can you tell them why you were not at the committee
meeting?
Mr. Patel: Yes, I’m out of town that day.
Mr. M. Williams: Okay.
Motion Passes 10-0.
Mr. Sherman: Thank you.
The Clerk:
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
31. Discuss expanding the duties and responsibilities of the Administrator to include hiring
and firing of all department directors, minus direct commission reports. (Requested by
Commissioners Mary Davis and Sammie Sias)
Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes in this order Commissioner Sias and then
Commissioner Davis.
Mr. Sias: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. At this point I will defer to Commissioner Davis.
Ms. Davis: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Recently our Mayor brought forth discussions as far
as our government structure and I appreciate that because it’s definitely something that we
should all be discussing and make decisions of what’s best to always continue to work more
efficiently and move our government forward. So I thought it was, you know, probably good
timing to bring this back up or bring this motion to the Commission to have discussion on just
basically to try to figure out the best way to take the Commission out of personnel issues and to
help us run more efficient. You know I feel like it’s difficult for anybody to work or have ten
bosses especially department heads in this government and to have clear direction, you know, as
far as the short term goals long terms goals and have a true evaluation of their performance. You
know sometimes I’ve been told that it’s working at the will of the Commission can be
intimidating at times and that sometimes employees can feel like if they make a mistake their job
could be in jeopardy because they do work at the will of the Commission. So, you know, the last
thing I want to do is make things more complicated or make it more difficult for department
heads to do their jobs but I do want us to work as a team as far as the Commission and the Office
36
of the Mayor and have these discussions and just to see if there could be some changes with the
way we’re set up now and I thought maybe that would be good discussion to talk about giving
that authority to the Administrator. So that was why I wanted to discuss this, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you Commissioner. The Chair recognizes Commissioner Fennoy.
Mr. Fennoy: Mr. Mayor, I’d like to make a motion that we refer this back to committee
for discussion and bring forth a recommendation at our next Commission meeting.
Mr. Lockett: Second, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: We’ve got a motion and a second. The Chair will recognize the
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Commissioner from the 9.
Mr. M. Williams: Mr. Mayor, it’s on this agenda I guess if we’re going to discuss it I
mean it’s no better time than the present. We had been talking around this for a long time. I’ve
got a couple of questions and if we did what Commissioner Sias and Commissioner Davis have
put on the agenda and they got a right to put whatever they want to but if we changed the
structure or changed the direction who will be the appeal process or what would be the appeal
process because if the appeal process is going to be back with the commissioners then all we’re
doing is just swapping seats. I mean we move from one side to the other side. Now I’m not in
favor of taking any power that was designated to this body out of my hands and put it in anybody
else’s hand. I don’t know if the Administrator requested this or I heard Commissioner Davis say
people feel like they’re working for ten commissioners. That’s not true; they work for the
Administrator. We do have the authority to hire the department heads and we do have the
authority to fire department heads. I can’t get my way on either one of them but if that was so
that will be different. But we talk about personnel issues every time we have a legal meeting
because there’s a need to talk about personnel issues. There’s some things there that we’ve been
sued on that we have to be we had to pay out because of personnel issues. We are elected to
make the hard decisions we’re elected to face our accusers and stand for what we think is right.
If one person regardless of who it is had that authority than you’re really going to create a
scenario that’s not going to be pleasant around this community I think. Now I don’t know if the
Administrator requested this. I know, Mr. Mayor, you asked about it but I’m not in favor of
moving anything out of the hands that the people entrusted me to put in somebody else’s hands.
Now if we was unfair and there’s case proven that we were then I think there’s a method to deal
with that but we’re talking around this thing as if it’s going to disappear. It’s not going to
disappear. We can take it back to committee like my colleague said but we need to be talking
and talk honestly about it and let them understand that we are elected to do a job and that’s part
of the job that we have. Now if you want to rewrite the rules then you might want to run for
another position you might not want to be in this particular seat. But if we’re going to be the
agency that appeals the case and we’ve got to hear it one person can’t appeal it. If one person
can hire and fire Ms. Jackson or whoever the Administrator is that they make a recommendation
this body has always followed it not necessarily these elected group but whoever’s been here has
always followed the direction of the Administrator. So that process is still there. So I don’t
understand how this is supposed to be such a good deal to change and get it back where it’s
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working so good. It ain’t worked that good in all these years and if we change it in that direction
it’s really going to go bad. That’s just my opinion.
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Mr. Mayor: The Chair will recognize the Commissioner from the 5 Commissioner
Lockett.
Mr. Lockett: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I know it’s going to snow this afternoon
because I completely agree with my colleague Commissioner Williams.
Mr. M. Williams: It’s snowing somewhere now, Bill.
Mr. Lockett: Number one is we recently tend to circumvent the committee process.
Things such as this are supposed to go through committee and I was told a long time ago if it’s
not broke then don’t fix it. We haven’t had any difficulties at all with terminating department
directors nor employing department directors. And to say that this will make the department
directors feel better because they’ve only go one person to report to just remember if this body
decides they want any department director gone and the Administrator stands in the way, guess
what, we’ve got two people that’s gone. So really that thing has no legs at all. We should leave
it the way it is now because it’s working quite well or as worst case scenario let’s send it back to
Administrative Services Committee where it should be. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Mayor: All right. I’m going to stay on this end for a minute.
Mr. Sias: Should I consider myself recognized, Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: I wasn’t going to say that. You had somebody whose hand that was before
yours though you did. Commissioner Guilfoyle.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. You know the whole thing is a nutshell about
why this is even coming up, we as Commissioners get involved in the day to day operations. We
get into the director’s office question, question what they’re doing. Their education far exceeds
a lot of us up here. Their experience exceeds. Until we as a body learn to control ourselves
control our own actions to do the right thing stay in our lane we wouldn’t even have to discuss
this. But this is the reason why we’re here because we get into the micromanaging. The
employees have provisions in the Policy Manual that protects them; we should not circumvent
that system whatsoever. Let the Policy Manual with the checks and balances take place. You
know I did something when this was reached out to me. I actually reached out to some of the
directors and the directors basically said in a nutshell if we stayed in our lane and do our job as
policy setters, enforcers and stay out of their day to day operation you’d be surprised how much
this city will succeed. But sometimes people just like spending time down here and I don’t have
time to do that. But the perfect thing is one of my favorite directors said this ship needs to calm
down. We need to look at what we’re doing put things into perspective and take care of our
business that we were elected to do not get into the micromanaging of this government. Thank
you, Mr. Mayor.
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Mr. Mayor: I want to make sure that our language is appropriate for this body as we
move forward.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Point of Privilege? Mr. Mayor, s-h-i-p, I’m sorry if somebody took that
the wrong way.
Mr. Mayor: Again we are elected officials who have been granted the public’s trust in
terms of decorum and how we conduct ourselves. Let’s make sure we keep that in mind. All
right the Chair recognizes, we’ve got a motion we’ve got a second but the Chair will recognize
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the Commissioner from the 4.
Mr. Sias: Absolutely, thank you, Mr. Mayor. As you just said as a public official I have
no intention of engaging in disparaging comments about my colleagues, this city or anyone else.
When I talk about business for our city it is always in an attempt to make it better to better serve
our constituents and grow our economy and bring other folks and businesses to our city. I have
absolutely no fear of discussing as we are saying power I consider authority and responsibility so
that is my number one issue. I have no axe to grind with anybody but I will never walk away
from a discussion that could make our government more functional and make it more responsive
to the needs of our citizens. And with that, Mr. Mayor, thank you.
Mr. Mayor: All right, we’ve got a motion that’s right I’m coming to this end of town.
Mr. Hasan: Thank you, sir, Mr. Mayor.
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Mr. Mayor: All right. The Chair recognizes Commissioner from the 6.
Mr. Hasan: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. You know really when you think about the reason
why this issue has my support to do it because being here ever since I would say the last of
August of 2014 up until now more often than not the Commissioners was accused of being in the
weeds too far. And being in the weeds too far many times I totally disagree with it, you know, in
terms of how it was laid out and what was being said. And so you’re trying to make that go
away and clear the images as much as humanly possible. And so when I hear that from my
colleagues who said that time and time again you’d think it would be ample opportunity to take
advantage of this as opposed to saying it’s working just fine. And many times people say stay in
your own lane well, Commissioner Guilfoyle and I had this conversation and we both agree we
agree this was different angles. Staying in our own lane we in many ways we do have the right
to engage with department heads and deputy department heads so that is our lane. I mean want
to be there some times but we do have that right. I thought this would give us the opportunity
that we would be out of our lane truly it would be our jurisdiction to be doing that. However this
goes it has my support one way or the other but I just want my colleagues and the community
who’s hearing us now and watching us by way of the internet that the Commissioners now feel
that we’re doing just fine, nobody’s bothering department heads and we’re all heading in the
right direction. So if that’s the way we are, I’m fine with it. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Fennoy: Mr. Mayor.
39
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Mr. Mayor: Yes, sir the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 1.
Mr. Fennoy: I would like to withdraw my motion to move this to the committee and we
discuss it today.
Mr. Mayor: So again to the public to those listening and watching by internet our posture
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is we’re just having a discussion. The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 9.
Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. This is not the first discussion we had on this;
it’s been discussed for a number of years. But the employees are taxpayers too, they work in this
government but they got a right to hear complaints or give complaints or to be addressed. Now I
heard years ago that the Commission was micromanaging and that’s from a group that don’t
want you to know or don’t want you to put your hands into or on anything that they’re doing and
may not be doing it right. But when you allow people if and I don’t know anybody up here I
certainly have never done it I never went into a department and tell a department head or
anybody in the department to do anything. If I went into that department to ask questions and as
an elected official we have that right to ask any question we want to ask but when people want to
pinch you oh you’re not to come over here you ought not to be in there. If you’re doing your job
you don’t have to worry about who comes in. If you’re doing what you’re supposed to do, you
shouldn’t have any problem. There’s no area that we’re supposed to say oh you stay out because
you’re an elected official, you know, but you can make decisions. So this is another screen
process to screen you out to make you feel like you’re not to be involved in this government.
When people come here and bring you information and that’s what they do, they’ll bring you
information and if you’re smart you listen to them and you check into that. Maybe necessarily
not act but you at least check into it. But some Commissioners think that if you give it
somebody else then that’s going to tie your hands. You cannot tie an elected official’s hands.
The people voted us in; if they want to vote us out that’s what they’ll do.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you. The Chair recognizes Commissioner Hap Harris and then I’ll
recognize Commissioner Mary Davis.
Mr. Harris
: Well, I would like to remind everybody in the grand scheme of things this
is a $781 million dollar a year business. You have stockholders which are the voters you have a
board of directors which is basically us you have a CEO which in my opinion should be the
Administrator. We hear a lot of talk about there’s not a lot of accountability on the part that they
can’t, department heads have sometimes a difficult time holding somebody’s foot to the fire
below them because to be perfectly honest they don’t want to drag that in front of us. There will
be checks and balances so that if an employee truly feels like they’re being wronged, I mean
there is a chain of command they can work their way up and eventually fall back with us. But
the ten of us as the board of directors has oversight over the CEO and that’s the way it ought to
run like a business. I mean we have a humongous amount of money we deal with and we’re all
sitting around trying to figure that out. Our job basically is policy and finance those should be
I’d like to make a motion to send it back to committee to nail down these
our two things.
different points and go from there.
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Mr. Mayor: Well, just from a governmental clarification to the newly interim
Commissioner the Chair is in fact the CEO, the Charter states that. Just as a point of
clarification. To change that would be a change to the structure of government. Thought you
might want to know that.
Mr. Harris: Thank you. Well, then a point of order I would say not CEO.
Mr. Mayor: We’ve got a motion. Do we have a second?
Ms. Davis: I’ll second that, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you.
Mr. Lockett: Mr. Chairman, could you read the motion please?
Mr. Mayor: The motion is to refer this back to committee.
Mr. Lockett: Thank you.
Mr. M. Williams votes No.
Motion Passes 9-1.
The Clerk:
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
32. Motion to require the 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. (No
recommendation from Administrative Services Committee February 23, 2015)
Mr. Mayor: Thank you, Madam Clerk, I’m going to recognize the Mayor Pro Tem. But
before we do this is the second time we’ve had this before us again with no recommendation. It
is my hope that we either take action of we dispense of this matter today. The Chair recognizes
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the Commissioner from the 10 Mayor Pro Tem Grady Smith.
Mr. Smith: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Like I said before I’ve said it and I don’t want to be
to redundant on it it’s just that we’re all responsible for the taxpayers’ money and I think like this
should be for a record of what good we’re trying to do for the counties. It show our taxpayers
we’re not just sitting up here just you know let’s increase taxes or this or that. And I don’t care
who goes when they go where they go as long as it benefits this county. You know I know you
know Mr. Lockett’s been on a few and brought back some good things we saw this earlier in the
meeting part of his efforts so some meetings he’s been too. So there are good things that come
about and I think most people and most things we go to are beneficial. I’m just stating that when
we’re dealing with the taxpayer’s money it’s just like in private enterprise the people are the
board of directors in my company and when I go you know over to Jamaica to have a pipe
conference they want to know what pipe I was using when I was over there. So anyway when I
41
get back I have to explain what, where, when and what I did. And that’s all I’m asking for but
I’m not going to beat a dead horse into the ground, you know, do what you want to do. I usually
explain to most of the folks in my district and they know how I am I’m fairly conservative and
anyway they want to know what I’m doing just all they’ve got to do is ask.
Mr. M. Williams: Motion to deny.
Mr. Lockett: Second.
Mr. Mayor: We’ve got a motion and a second to deny this. The Chair recognizes the
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Commissioner from the 1.
Mr. Fennoy: Yes, you know I’ve had an opportunity to go to a couple of conferences in
state and out of state and most of the, well, all of the conferences I’ve been to so far have been I
think beneficial and made me a better Commissioner and brought some ideas that I could my
district can benefit from. I mean I don’t have a problem with the, what our Mayor Pro Tem is
requesting if being the Commissioner’s that do not go to a conference write a summary to their
district explaining why they’re not going and why there will be no benefit for their district by
them staying home.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you. We’ve got a motion and a second. Voting.
Mr. Fennoy, Mr. D. Williams, Mr. Lockett, Mr. Hasan and Mr. M. Williams vote Yes.
Ms. Davis, Mr. Sias, Mr. L. Harris, Mr. Guilfoyle and Mr. G. Smith vote No.
Motion Fails 5-5.
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Attorney. The posture of the Chair is that I can vote but I’m not
required to vote. Is that not true?
Mr. MacKenzie: That’s correct.
Mr. Mayor: And if I fail to vote.
Mr. MacKenzie: No action is taken.
Mr. Mayor: If I fail to vote, no action’s taken. Could we please, could we reconsider?
Mr. MacKenzie: The item could be brought back at any time.
Mr. Mayor: And we could move to reconsider immediately is that not true?
Mr. MacKenzie: That’s true.
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Mr. Mayor: Okay. The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 6.
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Mr. Hasan: Mr. Mayor, I’d like to if you don’t mind kind of remind you that your
position on this before the votes were cast before we got into it you was hoping that if it doesn’t
pass or something it would be disposed and we have to deal with it at that time. And you was
admonishing, not admonishing, just reminding us and I think rightfully so. So you’ve got a
chance to determine how all that plays out, Mr. Mayor. It couldn’t have happened to a better
fellow at this time.
Mr. Mayor: I couldn’t agree with you more with the one exception being that my
suggestion to you all at the previous meeting was that it not be brought back before this body.
Mr. Hasan: Now you can stop it.
Mr. Mayor: And I would like for the Commission demonstrate some leadership on this
and vote it down that’s what I’d like to see happen. And if I take no action you could move
immediately to reconsider your action and then the Commission could vote in unanimity to vote
this down.
Mr. M. Williams: Mr. Mayor.
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Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 9.
Mr. M. Williams: If that happens what you just explained and you don’t have enough
votes to reconsider then what do we do?
Mr. Mayor: I can’t imagine why you wouldn’t have enough votes to reconsider.
Mr. M. Williams: I’m just asking a question. I’m just trying to figure out.
Mr. Mayor: Because everyone agrees that they wanted to dispense of this today.
Mr. M. Williams: Okay, well I’m just asking that question.
Mr. Speaker: (inaudible).
Mr. Mayor: Absolutely that’s what I hoping. The Chair recognizes the Commissioner
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from the 7.
Mr. Harris: I just don’t understand how anybody on this board at the taxpayers’ expense
for the good go to take a course and have a problem coming back and telling us something you
know the minor details, gee I took a course of this I learned that and I really think we’ve got a
chance to implement this and save some money. I don’t understand what it is to fear of coming
back and just telling us where you went and what you did. I mean it would be a simple form that
the Administrator could print up for us and you just fill it in or you could just sit here and talk it
at the committee. But it’s just it’s just nothing serious it’s just taxpayers’ money. They just want
to know what we’re up to. I mean they, you know we all kind of doing all this stuff and here’s
an opportunity to come back and say this is what I learned in school. So I think it ought to stand.
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Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes Commissioner D. Williams.
Mr. D. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. The item says motion to require the
Commission approval for all out of state Commission travel and provide the following. It’s not
saying that says I have to come before the Commission to get the entire Commission’s approval
in order to take some type of workshop that’s out of state. That is what the motion is for not the
results of after going to any training. I understand after going to any training yes you should be
able to come back and provide some type of summary and how it would benefit the community.
Mr. Mayor: We’ve got a motion that has not passed. The Chair will not be voting.
Mr. Sias: Mr. Mayor?
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Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 4.
Mr. Sias: If the protocol of my statement is incorrect, please have the attorney correct
me. I make a motion that we receive this as information with further discussion as we, if we see
fit.
Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Attorney.
Mr. MacKenzie: The appropriate motion would be first a motion to reconsider the item
as it’s already been concluded.
Mr. Sias: Mr. Mayor, I make a motion that we reconsider and approve this item for as
information to be discussed later if so desired.
Mr. Mayor: That would be incorrect, Commissioner. The motion would be to
reconsider
reconsider for the Commission to its actions.
Mr. Sias: So done.
Mr. Mayor: I need that to come from one of you all.
Mr. Sias: That was, Mr. Mayor, a motion.
Mr. Mayor: We’ve got a motion. Do we have a second?
Mr. G. Smith: Second.
Mr. Mayor: All right. All right, this is what’s before us. Right now you’re voting to
reconsider your action. Everyone should vote yes.
Mr. Lockett, Mr. Hasan, Mr. Guilfoyle and Mr. M. Williams vote No.
Motion Passes 6-4.
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Mr. Mayor: All right. Now what’s before us is an opportunity the Commission has
reconsidered its action. Item 32 which is a motion to require Commission approval for all out of
state commission travel.
Mr. M. Williams: Mr. Mayor, can we have a roll call vote?
Mr. Mayor: All right. Mr. Sias, I’m going to recognize Commissioner Sias. Is that what
you wanted?
Mr. Sias: Mr. Mayor, I move that we accept this item as information with the
opportunity to discuss in the future if we see fit.
Mr. G. Smith: Second.
Mr. Mayor: Reconsidering your action and that’s what’s before us (inaudible).
Mr. G. Smith: We’re reconsidering is that what we’re doing?
Mr. Mayor: The posture of the Commission as you voted to reconsider your action on
Item 32 and you failed you failed to get approval for this item. So our posture is Item 32 in its
present form is what’s before us. Mr. Attorney, address that please.
Mr. MacKenzie: It is now as if the item first appeared. No motions have been made
other than if the motion is made to receive as information then you’d look for a second on that.
Mr. Mayor: All right so, I understand but what was before us is item number 32 in its
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original form. That’s what was before us. What the Commissioner from the 4 has done is to
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receive it once again as information as we’ve got a second from the Commissioner from the 10.
Mr. M. Williams: Point of Order. I thought we was voting on the item that was that I
made a motion to deny and it failed 5-5. So if we were going to reconsider that are we going to
make another motion or substitute motion or are we going back to the same motion?
Mr. Mayor: We went back to the original motion which is what’s before you,
Commissioner, on the screen.
Mr. M. Williams: But I made a substitute motion to deny. This motion was to require us
I said I made a motion to deny.
Mr. Mayor: That is correct.
Mr. M. Williams: Okay and then I mean we voted on that motion that I made which was
a substitute motion, right?
Mr. Mayor: Correct.
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Mr. M. Williams: And it failed.
Mr. Mayor: Correct.
Mr. M. Williams: Okay, now we’re reconsidering that so that wouldn’t be.
Mr. Mayor: It would not be Commissioner Sias’ motion.
Mr. M. Williams: Right, it would be the motion that ---
Mr. Mayor: That is correct.
Mr. M. Williams: --- okay.
Mr. Mayor: All right, here’s our posture. Commissioner M. Williams’ substitute motion
that we voted on was to deny Item 32. That’s our posture. That is what is before us we
reconsidered its action. All right, suspend. All right, commission, ya’ll are working overtime
today. All right so we’ve got Commissioner Sias’ motion and a second from the Commissioner
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from the 10. Commissioner M. Williams is now recognized.
Mr. M. Williams: I make a substitute motion to deny.
Mr. Fennoy: Second.
Mr. Mayor: All right.
Mr. M. Williams: Can we get a roll call vote?
Mr. Mayor: We’ve got a motion and a substitute, a substitute motion and a second to
deny Item 32. All right, let’s call for a roll call vote.
The Clerk: Ms. Davis.
Ms. Davis: No, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Fennoy.
Mr. Fennoy: Yes
The Clerk: Mr. Guilfoyle.
Mr. Guilfoyle: No, ma’am.
The Clerk: Mr. Harris.
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Mr. Harris: No.
The Clerk: Mr. Hasan.
Mr. Hasan: Can you read the motion again? I’m sorry I got distracted.
The Clerk: To deny.
Mr. Hasan: Yes.
The Clerk: Mr. Lockett.
Mr. Lockett: Yes.
The Clerk: Mr. Sias.
Mr. Sias: No.
The Clerk: Mr. Smith.
Mr. Smith: No.
The Clerk: Mr. Dennis Williams.
Mr. D. Williams: No.
The Clerk: Mr. Williams.
Mr. M. Williams: Yes.
Motion Fails 4-6.
The Clerk: Primary motion is to receive as information with the opportunity to discuss at
a later date if necessary. Mr. Sias and Mr. Grady Smith. Ms. Davis.
Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk, would you repeat that for them ---
The Clerk: Okay.
Mr. Mayor: --- what the motion is.
The Clerk: The motion was to receive as information and have the opportunity to discuss
at a later date if necessary.
Ms. Davis: Yes, ma’am.
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The Clerk: Mr. Fennoy.
Mr. Fennoy: No.
The Clerk: Mr. Guilfoyle.
Mr. Guilfoyle: No.
The Clerk: Mr. Harris.
Mr. Harris: No.
The Clerk: Mr. Hasan.
Mr. Hasan: No.
The Clerk: Mr. Lockett.
Mr. Lockett: No.
The Clerk: Mr. Sias.
Mr. Sias: Yes.
The Clerk: Mr. Grady Smith.
Mr. G. Smith: Yes.
The Clerk: Mr. Dennis Williams.
Mr. D. Williams: No.
The Clerk: Mr. Marion Williams.
Mr. M. Williams: No.
Motion Fails 3-7.
Mr. Mayor: All right.
ADDENDUM
34. Motion to adjourn the meeting.
Mr. Lockett: Mr. Chair, I make a motion that the meeting be adjourned, I’m tired of this.
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Mr. Mayor: All right, all right. We’ve got one more item on the regular agenda. Again
it is an item that was brought before us with no recommendation from committee.
Mr. M. Williams: Mr. Mayor, can I have a point of clarity please?
Mr. Mayor: So before we take a motion to adjourn we do have further business before
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this body. The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 9.
Mr. M. Williams: Is that a non-debatable motion to adjourn?
Mr. Mayor: It is a non-debatable motion.
Mr. M. Williams: Can we do anything else but vote? I mean that’s what the motion was
and that’s a non-debatable motion ---
Mr. Mayor: It is absolutely a non-debatable motion.
Mr. M. Williams: --- so we’ve got to take action on that before we do anything else I
think. Is that right?
Mr. Mayor: That is 100% correct.
Mr. M. Williams: Okay.
Mr. Mayor: It is a superior motion.
Mr. MacKenzie: It does require a second.
Mr. Mayor: That’s correct which we did not get.
Mr. M. Williams: I missed something. What did he say?
Mr. Mayor: We didn’t get a proper second.
Mr. M. Williams: I’ll second it.
Mr. Mayor: All right, we’ve got a motion and a second to adjourn.
Mr. Lockett, Mr. Harris, Mr. Guilfoyle and Mr. M. Williams vote Yes.
Mr. Fennoy, Mr. D. Williams, Ms. Davis, Mr. Sias, Mr. Hasan and Mr. G. Smith vote No.
Motion Fails 4-6.
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner M. Williams, it looks like everybody’s been paying attention
at our cheat sheet. Very good.
The Clerk:
49
FINANCE
33. Consider request by Mr. Vincent McClain regarding a request for quote issued by First
Vehicle Services to tow county vehicles. (No recommendation from Finance Committee
February 23, 2015)
Mr. Mayor: All right. The Chair recognizes Mr. which committee did we come out of
with this item?
The Clerk: Finance, Mr. Guilfoyle.
Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes Commissioner Guilfoyle.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. We have been discussing this. I listened to our
Procurement Director and listed to our Fleet Director as well as the management company and I
even listened to Mr. Vincent McClain. I think as of last week that I think ya’ll were supposed to
be meeting and discussion on how to work together. But as far as I look at it right now what we
have a contract in place with Fleet Management. Now they actually have a subcontract that has
nothing to do with the city but, you know, we don’t tell them who to hire or the procedure which
they follow. And for some reason we’re getting involved in this and the only time to change it is
the next contract which will be next year were we could put the guidance and the wording in the
contract so we could open it up. But I’m not no contract specialist. It’d be nice if this
government did have one.
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Mr. Mayor: The Chair will recognize in this order. Commissioner from the 1 then the
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Commissioner from the 9(unintelligible).
Mr. Fennoy: Is anybody here from the Procurement Department?
Mr. Mayor: I don’t see anyone.
Mr. Fennoy: Nobody’s here?
Mr. Mayor: All right, Mr. McLain, if you’ll pause for just a moment. The Chair will
recognize the Procurement Director Geri Sams.
Mr. Fennoy: Ms. Sams ---
Ms. Sams: Yes, sir.
Mr. Fennoy: --- I think at our last committee meeting the parties involved were supposed
to have gotten together and come up with a way to resolve this issue.
Ms. Sams: Yes, sir.
Mr. Fennoy: Okay, has a resolution, has anything been agreed on by both parties?
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Ms. Sams: The parties that met this morning were the City of Augusta, the contractor
which the city has a contract with and the Fleet Department. From that meeting we had a
telephone conference with all parties involved. After carefully reviewing the contract that the
City of Augusta has with the contractor, it was decided as a resolution to look at Augusta’s
contract and make necessary changes to it. The contractor has agreed to go back out for quotes
with new specification and that would be that would take about six months.
Mr. Fennoy: Okay. Based on, based on what took place as far as the bidding process and
does Mr. McClain did he, did he do what he was supposed to have done? I mean did he follow
the procurement process?
Ms. Sams: Well, as of this morning we learned that there were some stipulations in the
quote that was not adhered to by Mr. McClain.
Mr. Fennoy: Okay. All right. I have no other questions.
Mr. Mayor: The Chair will recognize Commissioner Hasan.
Mr. Hasan: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. When you say that, Mr. Mayor, can I speak to
Ms. Sams if you don’t mind.
Mr. Mayor: Of course.
Mr. Hasan: I still want to do some follow ups, I want to get some clarity. The things that
you, you say that as you learned this morning because this is almost like after the fact you know
everything so you learned this morning. So prior to this morning back to Commissioner
Fennoy’s question, did Mr. McClain do what he needed to do?
Ms. Sams: No, sir, because when we took a careful look at the submittal packages which
was not, I did not have privy to that information at the time of the last meeting when we carefully
went through the contract of Augusta, Georgia and all of the submittals and the quote from our
contractor we found some diffractions on all parties aside ---
Mr. Hasan: All parties?
Ms. Sams: --- all parties.
Mr. Hasan: Okay.
Ms. Sams: And we also found that we asked for, that the contractor asked for towing
insurance which has not been received as of this date.
Mr. Hasan: Now is there debate about that or is that one side? Is Mr. McClain refuting
that particular statement or is he acknowledging that statement?
Ms. Sams: He’s acknowledging that he has not submitted that paperwork.
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Ms. Hasan: But he’s saying something different though, Ms. Sams. Do I have the right
to how does this go? Mr. Mayor Pro Tem, can I?
Ms. Sams: Mr. Commissioner if I may, Mr. Mayor, just interject something here that’s
very important to the City of Augusta. And the interjection would be our contract is with the
prime contractor who went out for bid and did not, had some issues with the quote but also when
I look at the city’s contract with the prime contractor some of the processes and procedures were
followed and others were not.
Mr. Hasan: Okay.
Ms. Sams: And I think the cleanest process for all parties concerned is for the city to
make corrections to that contract with our contractor and the contractor go back out for a quote.
Mr. Hasan: Okay. For sake of time I don’t want to dominate the meeting, Mr. Chair, at
this point.
Mr. Mayor: Go ahead.
Mr. Hasan: Is um, I know the last time we were here Ms. Sams, Mr. Beam, from first
what, first what, what’s the name of it?
Ms. Sams: First Vehicle.
Mr. Hasan: And it is beam, B-E-A-M? B-E-A-N, bean. Okay, sorry, he admitted in
many ways that he had some challenges as well in awarding this contract. And his position was
that he didn’t want to lose his primary as opposed to something that was just an extension of or a
small part of his overall contract. I think now from what we’re hearing that for the most part the
parties have agreed to let it be bidded back out, there’s a six month window and that there are
also (unintelligible) before I get to this point here that Mr. Bean did feel like in many ways that
Mr. McClain’s Vern’s Towing was short-sighted I mean I’m not saying you said that but I’m
saying I attributed that to him, I don’t want to put nothing in your mouth but I definitely
understood you’d be saying. So with that being said if there’s going to be a sixth months’
window who currently has that contract if you don’t mind. No, that doesn’t, that’s not important
don’t answer that part. If there’s going to be a six months’ window knowing that Mr. McClain
and for all intensive purposes had probably had some things that was treated unfairly, I think Mr.
Bean pretty much, what are going to do for the next six months? Why not let two parties Mr.
Vincent McClain three months in that business of whatever he’s able to provide as opposed to
letting a sitting contract stay in place in the meantime.
Ms. Sams: Mr. Commissioner, if I may speak, Mr. Mayor. There is a contract in place
and the contract that’s in place belongs to that chassis.
Mr. Hasan: Has it expired?
Ms. Sams: No, sir.
Mr. Hasan: When does it expire?
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Ms. Sams: On December 31.
Mr. Hasan: Is that the one he was just now awarded?
Ms. Sams: Yes, sir.
Mr. Hasan: No, no, no, no that’s not what we’re talking about. You said you were going
to rebid it back out now, Ms. Sams.
Ms. Sams: He’s, we’re going to rebid it to take corrective action.
Mr. Hasan: And so what does that mean?
Ms. Sams: Your question to me was what contract is in place. Currently he has that
contract and has agreed ---
Mr. Hasan: I’ll give you that. I’ve got you.
Ms. Sams: --- okay.
Mr. Hasan: I’ll give you that but I don’t think you know what I meant but I’ll give you
that. That’s a good thing. So my point is if you’re going to pull that contract back as I
understand it then right?
Ms. Sams: Augusta, Georgia cannot pull the contract back to from a subcontractor.
Augusta, Georgia will have to look at the contract that it has between Augusta’s contractor who
is now First Vehicle Services. The contract that is in question belongs to a subcontractor and
Augusta was simply trying to clean up some of the language in a quote of the prime contractor.
Mr. Hasan: So what are we rebidding then?
Ms. Sams: He has agreed to redo his quote and put his bid back on the street.
Mr. Hasan: All parties?
Ms. Sams: Yes, sir.
Mr. Hasan: And so if that was, let’s make a point here, ask a question for clarity here. If
that was to happen let’s just say in a week’s time, what contract would we be talking about?
Would we be talking about the current contract would that would be rebidded out that’s in place
now?
Ms. Sams: Yes, sir.
Mr. Hasan: Okay, so we’re saying the same thing. So you’re saying you’re going to
honor this contract that you’re rebidding out in the meantime. It looks like you would stop it and
make it null and void.
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Ms. Sams: Well, sir, is you would make ---
Mr. Hasan: I mean Mr. Bean or somebody because you’re going to rebid it out.
Ms. Sams: --- if you make a, the contract at this point null and void you would not have
any coverage for the city’s towing service.
Mr. Hasan: And that is my point again, my point again you have no coverage, you have a
six month’s window give it to, allow those two parties to do business together for that
appropriate time until the contract is properly awarded. That’s my whole point. Thank you, Mr.
Mayor.
Ms. Sams: Um, ---
Mr. Mayor: Madam, Madam Sams don’t you probably don’t want to. We’re trying to
solve procurement issues on the floor and it’s probably not the right place for us to be doing that.
I think this is the conversation that we have before us. I’m going to ask Mr. McClain to
approach and came with an intent in mind to speak to us. All right if you so choose to. If you
don’t then we’ll, there’s a lot of conversation but I don’t think it’s the posture of the Commission
to solve procurement issues on the floor. That’s not our posture. The Chair will recognize Mr.
McClain. I’m going to come back to you, Commissioner. In fact you waited on me, you did.
All right, I’m going to recognize Commissioner Williams and then I’m going to come to you, sir.
Mr. McClain: Mr. Mayor, Commissioners ---
Mr. Mayor: Hold on, hold on.
Mr. M. Williams: Mr. Mayor, you can let him go ahead.
Mr. Mayor: Let him go ahead? Okay Mr. McClain go ahead.
Mr. McClain: --- yes, I did come with the intentions of speaking this afternoon and we
did have a conference call this morning. Let me address the insurance issue. The whole process
in my opinion is flawed, that’s bottom line. Whether it’s Procurement’s issue, whether it’s First
Vehicle Services issue, there is a problem with the process. I bidded on a contract that was put
before me and basically what it says if you can tow these type vehicles, if you come in at the
lowest bid you would be awarded the contract, that’s basic. But now I’m being told that I had an
issue with my insurance that, you know, it’s not Procurement it’s the contract between
Procurement and the subcontractor. I did not get awarded a bid that I should have been awarded
based on the present bid document. And now I’m being told that I’ve got to wait six months to
clarify to clear up this contract issue. I bidded on it, I won it based on the bid document and now
I’m told again I need to wait. And you know people are getting agitated because it seems to be
wasting time. I’ve got employees that depend on this business, I depend on it. It’s not fair to
me, it’s not fair to my employees but I did what I was asked. Now in reference to my insurance I
did not receive the bid document that I’ve been receiving for years on time. I did not receive my
bid document on time. I received it and I was asked to get it back to me by not be meaning get it
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back to me today because they never faxed it to me. And now I’m being told that, well, you
didn’t turn your insurance in. What I was told was if you are awarded the contract then we will
take care of all of that then. That is what was said to me. Thank you.
th
Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 9.
Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. This is something that one of my colleagues
has I think I’m going to say misunderstood. There are guidelines that the subcontractors or the
contractors need to use according to the rules that we have with this government. You just can’t
do what they want to do and I think that has been stated several times. What I’m hearing there’s
flaws on both sides from Purchasing. If there are flaws on both sides why is it that one side’s got
to stand down for six month if there’s flaws on both sides. Now we know that this young man
has been here several times and we have been addressing this issue. And I thought they had
worked out a compromise where he was going to get a portion of the towing from the city and
the other vendor would get another portion of the towing. But now I’m hearing that he had to
wait for six months. It doesn’t sound quite right. Now if Ms. Sams can explain it, Mr. Mayor, to
me just a little bit better I would really like to hear why there’s flaws on both sides. Now if he
didn’t have any insurance at all and if that’s an issue we tried to talk about this in committee.
Like you said, Mr. Mayor, they should’ve handled it in committee but we didn’t get all this on
the table. We left here and the two parties left at the door talking as if they’re going come
together and work this thing out because we see where the mistake has been made. Now I’m
hearing that’s not possible. So if Purchasing can just tell me why is it if there’s flaws on both
sides why does just one side have to stand down for six months if there’s flaws on both sides.
Now I don’t care how large or how small but if there’s flaws on both sides it looks like they’re
going to have to do the same thing. And if there’s a move, went out of business we’d have to do
a search for another company and it won’t take six months it’d probably do a thirty-day search to
find somebody to come in and replace it. So there is a remedy for this but I just need to know
from Purchasing how is it that one side or both sides got an issue but only one side is standing
down. Can I get Ms. Sams to help me with that?
Mr. Mayor: Thank you. Thank you, Mr. McClain. The Chair recognizes Ms. Sams.
Ms. Sams: Mr. Williams thank you, Commissioner Williams. I think that we need to
first recognize that this vendor does not have a contract with Augusta. The vendor has a contract
with First Fleet that’s the you know and during our conversation if was agreed that these two
companies would meet and come up with a resolution as it relates to what portion could be
shared or experience. Now could the city go in and say to a company that subcontracts with a
prime contractor that the city has. I think that that would be a difficult for the city but I need the
Attorney to address that legally. At the end of the meeting the resolution was that the two
companies would see if they could possibly come up with a solution to work together keeping in
mind that this is not a city’s quote. Secondly when we talk there were some issues of concern
that needs to be addressed. And the only way that those issues can be that we can come to a
remedy or conclusion is to review what was written before us. So to clean that up and go back
out for a quote would be a timely, would be about three to four, about two or three months and
then to get it back it would be another 30 days. That’s why it was six months. But in that six
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months perhaps the two companies can work together and that would be between those two
companies and not the City of Augusta.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, all right so continue Commissioner. Ms. Sams, don’t ---
Mr. M. Williams: Ms. Sams and I hear that and that makes a lot of sense if the two were
working together. And I guess we got the wrong person up front we probably need to hear First
Vehicle Services here because we do business with them, I understand that. But we’ve got
guidelines that they’re supposed to know about that we do business with this city because it
affects city dollars. Now if that’s not in their contract then we need to look at their contract too
because if they don’t have no guidelines to go by and I’m sure there are but they don’t have any
guidelines to go by then they could willy nilly do whatever they choose to do. But there are
some stipulations when it comes to taxpayer’s money that my colleague just got through talking
about that we’re supposed to manage we’re supposed to be the stewards of to make sure that the
people who live, work or have fair opportunity to do. But if the contract got flawed on both
sides and they’re going to work as a unit or on call so to speak and in that way you know they
can share but to hold either one of these contractors out for six months until we reiterate because
by that time a half a year is gone, in fact it will be gone it’ll be time for a new contract. And that
means the bidder who done what we was supposed to do and all he done about from what I’m
hearing from Mr. McClain he went by what he was proposing as a bidder and he followed that
but he didn’t receive the job so how can we cut to the chase and get this worked out I guess is my
question to you. How can we make sure that they have a joint effort to work together and be
able to move this thing forward until the bid? Now you’re saying rebid. Once these two
companies done bid it and they got to rebid against each other again? When the bid is put out
there I’m sure I know what the other person bidding and the other person over here I bid so how
is that going to be competitive I guess if we go back and rebid it now since all of this stuff has
been put out on the floor so to speak. I know what you know what this person has and this
person and what I have and if I mean how can we do that?
Ms. Sams: Well, Mr. Commissioner, it will be a competitive true and open process
because when you go back and look at your specifications and whatever missteps there are
within those specifications, correct those, make sure that all of the qualifications as it relates to
the requirements of the State of Georgia and the Augusta Richmond County Code are included.
That will be a fair and open process. Both of these vendors may find that when they’re bidding
against new specifications that their bottom line will change. And one of the things that comes
to mind when I looked at it the State of Georgia required an E-Verify number. Well, there
wasn’t an E-Verify number that was asked for so I cannot hold both of the contractors harmless.
That’s a law, that’s a requirement.
Mr. M. Williams: Excuse me but that E-Verify number goes with the city. When you’re
doing a contract with First Vehicle Services we need an E-Verify number but they don’t require
him to have an E-Verify number with the subs he’s doing. The government requires that, is that
right? I’m just trying to get some understanding.
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Ms. Sams: Mr. Commissioner, I believe and I’m not an attorney but the way that law
reads is if the city dispenses any taxpayers’ money to any vendor it is a requirement that that
vendor has an E-Verify number.
Mr. M. Williams: So we are doing business with the subcontractor then because we
(inaudible).
Ms. Sams: A subcontractor receives city dollars.
Mr. M. Williams: I understand so that means we are doing business because we receive I
mean you can’t it’s all in the Kool-Aid it’s all there.
Mr. Mayor: All right. The Chair recognizes Commissioner Smith.
Mr. G. Smith: Andrew, in other words what Ms. Sams stated we have a contract with
Fleet Services or I mean what’s our legal right? I mean that’s the main thing if we do something
that’s not correct one side or one of the other is going sue. You know how we do and the next
thing we’ve got a big mess. What is the legal thing we should do? We’ve got a contract and I do
contract work and so does Mr. Sias and someone else and a certain day when the bid’s due
you’ve got to have certain documents there or you’re not in the ballgame. And I know that for a
school job we’ve got messed up on a couple of months ago we didn’t have the right documents.
The thing about it is we didn’t get the bid but what do we have legally that we should do and
hopefully these gentlemen can get together and work the deal out. But what is our liability?
Mr. Mayor: The Chair will recognize Attorney MacKenzie.
Mr. MacKenzie: Sure, I think I’ll try to address that quickly. I mean we did meet on this
issue and I think from the very beginning it’s been made clear that the reason that this is different
from most of our procurements is because we don’t have a direct contractual relationship with
the subcontractor. We only have a relationship with the prime vendor. And what’s being alleged
whether it’s true or not is that the procurement that the prime did has problems. Well, that’s
nothing that Augusta can control or should try to control. All we do is make sure that all our
contractors are following the contract that we have with them. It would be my suggestion that if
there’s some legal process that they need to work out amongst each other then let’s let them do
that because we don’t have any direct recourse with respect to the sub because we did not
procure anything related to the sub. It would be my recommendation to just receive this as
information and we will hold our contractor accountable to the contract and that’s all we can do.
Mr. G. Smith: And keep our neck off the line for a law suit and let’s just make sure, get
them together and they can work out whatever they work out because we’ve got the contract with
one person, right, Ms. Sams?
Ms. Sams: (inaudible).
Mr. G. Smith: Okay. I make a motion that we receive this as information and hopefully
the gentlemen can get together and work out some kind of deal to work together.
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Ms. Davis: Second.
Mr. Mayor: We’ve got a motion and a second to receive it as information.
Mr. Hasan: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I appreciate it. With that being said, Andrew, I’m
sorry, Mr. Mayor, I’d like to ask the Attorney a couple of questions for clarity if you don’t mind.
Attorney Andrew, if the parties met this morning and they agreed to you know to bid it back out
there’s six months’ window that’s been placed on that. What gives the right for the current one
who’s been awarded, the bid to continue to operate in the meantime? What gives them that
right?
Mr. MacKenzie: Well, that’s the right that would be determined by the prime because we
only have a contract with the prime. The prime is the one that bid out the sub contract although
if it affects the performance of that contract than that’s where it goes to Augusta’s problem. So
we’re essentially wiping our hands clean because we didn’t have any involvement with respect to
that procurement.
Mr. Hasan: So the prime being First Vehicle Services can help remedy that in the
meantime because we’re going to put it, you know, because you say you’re going to rebid it, it’s
going to be rebidded back out not we but First Vehicle Services admitted that they’re going to
rebid it out. And so my concern is how does the current contract act as though they have the
contract. What gives them the right to the contract that’s going to be rebidded out? That’s my
concern and if it’s going to be six months, why not both parties in the meantime? I know you
said we can’t you know that why I’m speaking to the either or both parties work accordingly up
until that particular time. Maybe that’s something that they will consider. Another thing for my
colleagues, Mr. Mayor, is I don’t know how this works, I don’t know how many departments do
what we’re experiencing right now but I just don’t know whether it’s good for us as a
government when contracts get so far away from us that we have no control over how business is
conducted. I think it is something that we need to seriously consider going across different
departments and see how far the Procurement Department is out the loop and then leave other
people exposed and won’t have to abide by the rules and regulations that govern this
government. And I would like for my colleagues to at least consider that. And I’m going to
place it on the Administrative Services Committee to try to get some clarity on that
Administrative Services Commissioner Williams to try to get some clarity. Is this widespread in
the government or what have you and so with that being said I just wish to find a way to work
with Mr. McClain and under let them currently have the contract in the meantime and work it out
because right now the contract officially belongs to nobody. Thank you.
Mr. Mayor: All right, we’ve got a motion and a second to receive this as information. It
came from the Finance Committee with no recommendation. We’ve heard from the
Procurement Director, we’ve heard from the essential contractor Mr. McClain.
Mr. Fennoy: I’ve got one final comment. And I’d like to ---
Mr. Mayor: Point of Order?
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Mr. Fennoy: --- I’d like to address this to Ms. Sams as a personal privilege.
Mr. Mayor: Ms. Sams?
Ms. Sams: Yes, sir, Mr. Commissioner.
Mr. Fennoy: Ms. Sams, under our current operation procedures when we award a
contract to a vendor there are no requirements that the subcontractor hire local hire minority or
hire disadvantaged?
Ms. Sams: Mr. Commissioner, there are some rules and regulations that governs that
process but as stated earlier on the driving, the vehicle in which you put those things in place is
determined by the funding source. When you’re looking at DBE or minority or disadvantaged
businesses you’re looking at federal contracts. When you’re looking at your general funds then
you have a way of working with local businesses. And it’s acceptable as it relates to the laws
that govern the City of Augusta. We have to be careful when we talk about minority and
disadvantaged businesses because one, the funding source is the vehicle that drives it to or you
don’t want to make it appear as though you’re cherry picking different entities for various
projects. And I think that that needs to be a conversation that we should have so that we can
understand the process and procedures that governs what you just asked us.
Mr. Fennoy: And my concern is that when we give a vendor let them be the primary
contractor that we don’t have any I guess any teeth in the procurement process that would say to
this contractor, you know, we want you to involve people that are local want you to involve
people that are disadvantaged. And I know you said the driving force is the money and that if it
comes from the federal government it’s there. But because this is our money, you know, it looks
like and I know this is a topic that will probably need to be addressed at another place and time
but I think that we as a government ought to have something in place that would assure that I
think the last I heard that even, you know, talking about 4.5%. You know and we need to do
better than this and until we put teeth into the contract, you know, nothing’s going to happen
especially when the sub is the lowest bidder on a project. That really disturbs me.
Mr. Sias: Call for the question, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: All right, we’ve got a motion we’ve got a second that’s before us to receive
this as information. All right, voting. For those of you that are still here our posture is that when
we adjourn this meeting we’re going immediately into legal.
Mr. Fennoy: Right away.
Mr. Mayor: Right away.
Mr. M. Williams: Point of Order, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: Yes, sir.
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Mr. M. Williams: Mr. Mayor, I’d like for the Clerk to put on the committee agenda to
talk to the First Vehicle Services contract and not the subcontract to discuss what we can’t get
through because we don’t have a contract with them and we have a contract with that agency. So
we need to address that to see how we can get this thing worked out.
thth
Mr. Mayor: Thank you, Commissioner. All right Commissioners from the 5 and 8 are
not here. All right.
Mr. M. Williams votes No.
Mr. Lockett and Mr. Guilfoyle out.
Motion Passes 7-1.
Mr. Mayor: All right.
LEGAL MEETING
A. Pending and Potential Litigation.
B. Real Estate.
C. Personnel.
ADDENDUM
35. Motion to approve going into a Legal Meeting.
Mr. MacKenzie: I would entertain a motion to go into a Closed Legal Meeting to discuss
Pending and Potential Litigation and Real Estate and Personnel.
Mr. Fennoy: So moved.
Ms. Davis: Second.
Mr. Mayor: All right. Voting.
The Clerk: Mr. Mayor? Mr. Mayor? Mr. Mayor, we need a vote.
Mr. Mayor: I’m waiting on the Commissioners to vote so we, all right. Commissioner
Williams, Commissioner Sias, I need you to push your buttons. Is Commissioner M. Williams
outside? Get him to push his button. Eight and nine are absent. We’re good?
The Clerk: We’re good.
Mr. Mayor: Fantastic.
Mr. M. Williams, Mr. Guilfoyle and Mr. Lockett out.
Motion Passes 7-0.
Mr. Mayor: I’m not sure ---
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Mr. Fennoy: I’m still in Commission Meeting. When the Commission meeting is over
then it’s mandatory to go into Legal. All right, well, I’ve got some information I want to share
with you.
[LEGAL MEETING]
Mr. Mayor: All right, we’ll call this meeting back to order.
37. Motion to approve 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. Harris: Second. We’re ready to vote.
Mr. Mayor: All right.
Mr. Lockett out.
Motion Passes 9-0.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you, Madam Clerk. All right, all right just for a few minutes.
Commissioner Williams has said that he will gracefully take everybody out to dinner afterwards.
Mr. Speaker: (inaudible) McDonald’s.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, we’ve got one matter that’s before us. All right, the Chair will
recognize Commissioner Fennoy.
36. Motion to approve hiring Veterinarian Tara Poppy in the Augusta Animal Services
Department at a salary of eighty thousand four hundred fifty five dollars and thirty five
cents ($80,455.35) and a start date of Marcy 16, 2015 and to increase the Animal Services
Department Budget in the amount of fifteen thousand nine hundred ninety one dollars and
seven cents ($15,991.07) with such funds being transferred from the contingency fund
account (101-101110) to the salary line item of the Augusta Animal Services Department
budget account number (101039110-5111110.
Mr. Fennoy: Yes, I’d like a motion to approve hiring Veterinarian Tara Poppy in the
Augusta Animal Services Department at a salary of $80,455.35 and a start date of March 16,
2015 and to increase the Animal Services Department Budget in the amount $15,991.07 with
such funds being transferred from the contingency fund account 101-101110 to the salary line
item of the Augusta Animal Services Department budget account number (101039110-5111110).
Ms. Davis: Can you read that again?
Mr. Fennoy: Can I read that again.
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Mr. Harris: So moved.
Mr. Mayor: We’ve got a motion and a second. Voting.
Mr. Lockett out.
Motion Passes 9-0.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you, Commissioner. All right, if there be no further business before
this body, this meeting is 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
March 3, 2015.
______________________________
Clerk of Commission
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