HomeMy WebLinkAboutRegular Commission Meeting March 30, 2016
REGULAR MEETING COMMISSION CHAMBER
MARCH 30, 2016
Augusta Richmond County Commission convened at 2:00 p.m., March 30, 2016, the Hon.
Hardie Davis, Jr., Mayor, presiding.
PRESENT: Hons. Lockett, Guilfoyle, Frantom, M. Williams, Smith, Fennoy, D. Williams,
Hasan and Davis, members of Augusta Richmond County Commission.
Absent: Hon. Sias, member of Augusta Richmond County Commission.
Mr. Mayor: Our committee has arrived; I call this meeting to order. The Chair recognizes
Madam Clerk.
The Clerk: Yes, sir, at this time we would like to acknowledge our invocation being led
by the Reverend Vasile Bitere, Presiding Priest, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. I’m sorry,
Father. Thank you.
Rev. Bitere: Quite all right.
The Clerk: Please stand.
Mr. Mayor: Pledge of Allegiance. Reverend Vasile, we have something for you. We want
to recognize you for your service today as our Chaplain. Thank you for your spiritual guidance
and civic leadership and it certainly serves as an example to all of us as Augustans. Thank you so
much.
Rev. Bitere: I appreciate it very much.
Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk, I think we’ve got an item with regards to Housing and
Community Development and we’ll go there now.
The Clerk: Okay.
Mr. Mayor: Let’s go there now.
The Clerk:
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
10. Motion to adopt by Resolution the FY 2016 Annual Action Plan for the following
programs funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD):
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, Home Investment Partnerships
(HOME) Program, Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program, Housing Opportunities for
Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Program. (Originally Approved by Commission on October
6, 2015). (Deferred from the March 15, 2016 Commission Meeting)
1
Mr. Welcher: Mr. Mayor and members of the Commission, first from a public hearing
perspective in order to fulfill the statutory and regulatory requirements mandated by HUD as well
as part of the citizen participation Program the Housing and Community Development Department
over the last 30 days has made our Fiscal 2016 Annual Action Plan available to citizens of Augusta
Richmond County and ascertain any comments to this plan at this time.
Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk.
The Clerk: Yes, sir. To officially open this public hearing for any citizens that may be in
the chamber that would like to address the Commission regarding this matter would you please
come forward at this time. The Community Development Action Plan 2016.
Mr. Mayor: All right there be none, all right, the Chair recognizes the Mr. Welcher for
further comments.
Mr. Welcher: Okay thank you, Mr. Mayor and members of the Commission. Our agenda
item before you speaks to the City of Augusta Fiscal 2016 Annual Action Plan first approved by
this body back in October of 2015a and secondly submitted by HUD’s mandated deadline of
November ’15. Upon completion of HUD’s review on the termination of our submitted plan back
in November HUD actually made some revisions and or final projections for 2016. Therefore,
based on these changes and our adherence to fulfilling the necessary requirements before you we
would graciously ask that you move to approve the plan. But before we do Shaun Edwards, our
Deputy Director, will quickly walk you through our funding summary as well as give you a
timeline of what happens upon your approval today.
Mr. Edwards: Good afternoon ---
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Edwards, just suspend for a moment. Madam Clerk, when you read your
statement I want to make sure that Commissioners are aware of why we’re doing this now with
regards to the immediate deadline that’s before us.
The Clerk: Yes, sir.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, all right, thank you.
The Clerk: I sent out notification prior to the meeting. It was short notice but nevertheless
did you all receive that?
Mr. Mayor: Okay, very good.
Mr. Welcher: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Well, good afternoon. As Mr. Welcher referenced
in October you saw what is standard our Proposed Annual Action Plan which is always based upon
the previous fiscal year. You are now seeing before you the projected which is typically called the
Revised Action Plan, Revised Action Plan which shows a revision based upon HUD’s approval of
allocations. HUD completes its budget in December. Our Action Plan however is due in
November. We’re not notified until the following year of what our actual allocations will be. We
2
typically come back before this board in order to be able to receive your approval to submit our
Action Plan Revision based upon those actual amounts. And so for our 2016 Proposed versus our
2016 Projected which is our actual number you’ll see that we actually have an increase in revenue
of approximately $8,624.00 dollars allocated over the four grants that were described in the actual
agenda item. We’ve also made sure to point out where the adjustments had to be made based upon
changes in allocations. Two of our allocations actually increased and two of our allocations
decreased, however we did not have any impact decreased funds to any of our Social Service
Providers or sub-recipient non-profit agencies. Those decreases were absorbed through for one
program one of our transportation and administrative costs so we’ve not had any impact on any
agencies. Upon approval by this board we would then look to submit our Action Plan through the
IBIS System we would then receive word from HUD upon its approval approximately around
August or September, receive HUD Grant Agreements, bring those back before this panel in order
to be able to have those approved, be in a position to then send those back to HUD and move into
our sub-recipient non-profit agreements which would then allocate funds on the street for those
agencies to utilize these funds.
Mr. Lockett: Move to approve Mr. Chair.
Mr. Fennoy: Second.
Mr. Mayor: Okay all right very good, I appreciate that but before we do that I want to
make sure that I recognize the recognize Madam Clerk so that we can close the hearing before we
actually take a vote on it okay? Are there any, I’ve got a motion and a proper second, are there
any further questions? Okay all right there being ---
Mr. M. Williams: There’s one, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: --- okay all right very good. All right the Chair recognizes the Commissioner
th
from the 9 for a question.
Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Welcher, and I heard you say there was an
increase and a decrease but it didn’t have any bearing is that right?
Mr. Edwards: That is correct, sir.
Mr. M. Williams: How much total increase will the city be getting or does it balance out
with the decrease you talked about and there’s no effect is that the same status is my question I
guess.
Mr. Edwards: CDBG Community Development Block Grant funds actually decreased by
$14,101.00 dollars from you proposed to your projected. HOME funds increased by $45,552.00
dollars, Emergency Solutions Grants increased by $314.00 dollars and your HOPWA funds which
is your AIDS based funding decreased by $23,141.00 dollars so your net for those four allocations
including Program Income Projections is $8,624.00 increase. But again the two decreased
programs are not impacting non-profit agencies.
3
Mr. M. Williams: So my question is that the $8,600 is a gain I’ll say from the grant that
we’re going to get I’m just trying wrap my head around it. It wasn’t a total wash with because we
are going to see an increase I guess. However amount it is I’m just trying to make sure that there
was an increase, we’re not coming back with the same amount of money the same ---
Mr. Edwards: That is correct, sir.
Mr. M. Williams: --- okay that (unintelligible) is what I wanted to mention, thank you sir.
Mr. Mayor: All right, we’ve got a motion and a second. The Chair recognizes Madam
Clerk.
The Clerk: Yes, sir, Mr. Mayor and members of the Commission, at this time we would
st
like to officially close the public comment period which began on March 1 2016 and again call
for any persons in the chamber who wish to address the Commission regarding the Fiscal Year
2016 Annual Plan. The public hearing is hereby officially closed.
Mr. Mayor: All right, we’ve got a motion and a second to adopt a Resolution Annual Plan.
Voting.
Mr. Sias out.
Motion Passes 9-0.
The Clerk: And for the record Commissioner Sias will be out for the duration of today’s
meeting and we’d like to wish him a speedy recovery. Thank you.
Mr. Mayor: Speedy recovery and ask you all to keep him in your prayers he recovers well.
Oh my goodness all right we’ve got some recognitions that we want to do as well while we’re here
before we move on to the consent portion of our agenda. The Chair recognizes Madam Clerk for
some recognitions. We’re fortunate to have vistas in our community and they service in a variety
of communities but Augusta certainly without question as a part of United Way working from
organizations like Friendship Community Center, Ronald McDonald House and even here in the
Mayor’s office as well. So the Chair recognizes Madam Clerk for some recognitions.
The Clerk: At this time we ask Ms. Jacqueline Kennedy, Senior Citizen Council Greater
Augusta, would you please come forward.
Ms. Kennedy: Thank you. (APPLAUSE)
The Clerk: Now we will recognize Ms. Angela Collins, Community Impact Coordinator
for United Way. (APPLAUSE) Now we will have Certificate of Recognitions to our Meracore
Vista Workers Maria Vista Leader United Way of the CSRA. (APPLAUSE) Kathleen Webber,
American Red Cross Augusta Chapter. That was Kathleen, no, she’s not here. (APPLAUSE)
Maria Cook, Mayors Office My Brother’s Keeper Initiative. (APPLAUSE) Sandra with the
Augusta Partnership for Children. (APPLAUSE) Kathy with Libya Project.
4
Mr. Lockett: Kathy who? What’s her last name?
The Clerk: I’ll let her tell us. Good answer, huh? (APPLAUSE) Anna, Friendship
Community Center. (APPLAUSE) Joan, Senior Citizens Council. (APPLAUSE)
Mr. Fennoy: And for those of you who don’t know this says, on behalf of the City of
Augusta I commend you for your work as an American Vista for the Senior Citizens Council
Augusta and our neighbor’s communities are better places for residents to live, work, play and
raise their families because of your efforts, dedication and commitment. Thank you for your
exceptional service as a volunteer in service to America. (APPLAUSE)
The Clerk: Last but certainly not least Christian Gordon the Ronald McDonald House
Charities. That’s what I’m talking about, way to go, Commissioner. Good (APPLAUSE) that was
good. Closing remarks, Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: Thank you, Madam Clerk. We are so excited to have the Vistas here in our
community and the great work that they are doing all across Augusta. And on behalf of the City
of Augusta and this Commission we want to applaud you for those efforts and thank you so much
for what you do in Augusta. (APPLAUSE) Thank you.
The Clerk: Our consent agenda? I call your attention to our consent agenda which consists
of items 1-3, our consent agenda items 1-3.
Mr. Mayor: All right, I’ll entertain any, entertain any motions to add or remove from the
consent agenda at this time.
The Clerk: Mr. Guilfoyle has his hand (inaudible).
th
Mr. Mayor: Okay, I’m sorry. The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 8,
Commissioner Guilfoyle.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Thank you, Mr. Mayor, if the colleagues does not mind underneath the
Finance number 20 if we could add that to the consent agenda.
The Clerk: Item 20?
Mr. Guilfoyle: Yes, ma’am.
st
Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 1, Commissioner Fennoy.
Mr. Fennoy: Yes, I’d like to add under Engineering Services number 22 to the consent
agenda.
th
Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 9.
5
Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor, I don’t have a problem with 22 but I would like
to know the easement exactly what are we approving or what that easement will consist. I don’t
have a problem with it but I don’t want to just approve it and not have any discussion on it I think
that’s something that ---
Mr. Mayor: Okay, all right, so with objection we will leave it on the regular agenda and
then we’ll get to it first it’ll be one of the ones we get to first. Okay? All right, the Chair recognizes
th
the Commissioner from the 5.
Mr. Lockett: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. With the consideration of my colleagues I’d like
to consent 13, 14 and 19.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, could you repeat those Commissioner?
Mr. Lockett: 13, 14 and 19.
Mr. Mayor: Okay.
Mr. Hasan: I object to 19.
Mr. Mayor: Okay all right so, Madam Clerk, what that means is 13 and 14.
The Clerk: Yes, sir.
Mr. Mayor: Okay. All right any additional motions to add or remove from the consent
agenda?
Mr. Guilfoyle: So moved, sir.
Mr. Lockett: Second.
CONSENT AGENDA
PLANNING
1. ZA-R-242 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to approve
petition to amend the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance as follows: • Section 2 (Definitions)
– add “Greenspace”, “Open Space”, “Recreation Space” and “Street Lighting” • Section 3-
A – Outdoor/Street Lighting – new section to provide a regulatory strategy for outdoor
lighting • Section 3-B – Open Space/Recreation Area – new section to provide open space
consistent with the requirements set forth in this section • Section 4 Off-Street Parking and
Loading – add Townhome/Patio Home Parking and amend One and Two-family and
restaurant parking requirements. (Approved by Commission March 15, 2016 – second
reading.
2. ZA-R-243 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to approve
a petition to amend the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance by amending Section 33-5(b) –
Powers of the Board of Zoning Appeals by implementing guidelines and inspection criteria
6
for second living units approved under a medical hardship. (Approved by the Commission
March 15, 2016 – second reading.
PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
3. Motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the Commission held March 15,
2016.
PUBLIC SAFETY
13. Motion to approve the replacement of obsolete technology equipment (laptops,
computers, servers, printers, scanners, switches, routers, VOIP phones, other
telecommunication devices and MDTs) as well as the purchase of any required computer
software upgrades.
14. Motion to amend Section 1-3-44 of the Augusta Georgia Code relating to the Launching
and Operation of Drones and Model Aircraft and for other purposes. Waive second reading.
Mr. Mayor: We’ve got a motion and a second to adopt the consent agenda as noted. Any
further discussion? All right there being none, voting.
Mr. Sias out.
Motion Passes 9-0. [Items 1-3, 13, 14]
The Clerk: Item 22 you said?
Mr. Mayor: Yes, Madam Clerk.
The Clerk:
ENGINEERING SERVICES
22. Motion to approve a Board of Regents Easement for Fifteenth St. and Wrightsboro Road.
Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes Utilities Director Wiedmeier.
Mr. Wiedmeier: Mr. Mayor and members of the Commission, this simply a routing
easement that would allow us to run a sanitary sewer on Augusta University property near Fifteenth
Street and Wrightsboro Road.
th
Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 9.
Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Tom, I know at Fifteenth Street and
Wrightsboro Road there’s a bridge there.
Mr. Wiedmeier: Yes, sir.
Mr. M. Williams: And when I heard that easement at Fifteen and Wrightsboro Road it
kind of concerned me because I was trying to figure out how you were going to do an easement
7
there but that’s not necessarily Fifteenth Street that’s Wrightsboro Road because you’re going
through that side there I guess to add this sanitary sewer for the construction going on, is that right?
Mr. Wiedmeier: Right. We’re going to bore underneath the, this would be north of
Wrightsboro Road, we’ll bore underneath the approach to that bridge and then run along the
retaining wall and then turn and go up Wrightsboro Road. It’s a fairly short easement.
Mr. M. Williams:
Okay and I have no problem with it I just wanted to know you know
clarity because when it said Fifteen and Wrightsboro Road I know at Wrightsboro Road that’s
where the bridge is there. And I couldn’t understand that but I got no problem with it, Mr. Mayor,
I make a motion to approve.
so
Mr. Guilfoyle: Second.
Mr. Hasan: Motion to approve.
Ms. Davis: Second.
The Clerk: No, we have a motion.
Mr. Hasan: There’s already a motion, okay.
Mr. M. Williams: We’ve got two motions and two seconds.
Mr. Smith: Call for the vote please.
Mr. Sias out.
Motion Passes 9-0.
The Clerk: Okay, Mr. Mayor Pro Tem, we’re starting at the Public Services portion?
Mr. Smith: That’s right.
The Clerk: Okay, Mr. Sherman.
PUBLIC SERVICES
4. Motion to approve new application request by Paul M. Davis, Sr. for an on premise
consumption Liquor, Beer and Wine License to be used in connection with Andrews Place
located at 231 Fury’s Ferry Road. There will be Dance.
Mr. Sherman: Okay number four on the agenda it’s a motion to approve a New Ownership
Application it’s A.N. 16-16. This is a request by Paul M. Davis, Sr. for an on premise consumption
Liquor, Beer and Wine License to be used in connection with Andrews Place located at 231 Fury’s
Ferry Road. There will be Dance. District 7. Super District 10.
Mr. Davis: Paul Davis, 733 Fury’s Ferry Road, Evans, Georgia.
8
Mr. Sherman: Are there any objectors to the alcohol application? There are none, Ms.
Bonner.
Mr. Guilfoyle: So moved.
Mr. Frantom: Second.
Mr. Smith: We have a motion and a second. Call for the vote.
Mr. M. Williams: Mr. Mayor Pro Tem, I’m in favor and I’m going to support it but I was
asking Rob the Sheriff’s Department and all of them in favor?
Mr. Sherman: Yes, sir, the Sheriff’s Office and Planning and Development recommend
that it be approved.
Mr. M. Williams: Okay.
Mr. D. Williams votes No.
Mr. Sias out.
Motion Passes 8-1.
PUBLIC SERVICES
5. Motion to approve New Ownership Application: A.N. 16-19: request by Taketta Miller
for an on premise consumption Liquor, Beer & Wine License to be used in connection with
Midtown Soul Bistro located at 2417 Milledgeville Road. There will be dance. District 2.
Super District 9.
Mr. Sherman: Okay number five is a motion to approve a New Ownership Application
and it’s A.N. 16-19 it’s a request by Taketta Miller for an on premise consumption Liquor, Beer
& Wine License be used in connection with Midtown Soul Bistro located at 2417 Milledgeville
Road. There will be dance. District 2. Super District 9.
Ms. Miller: I’m Taketta Miller (inaudible).
The Clerk: Can we get you to speak into the mike please?
Ms. Miller: I’m Taketta Miller and I live at 4004 Pinnacle Way in Hephzibah, Georgia.
The Clerk: Thank you.
Mr. Sherman: The Sheriff’s Office and Planning and Development recommend that it be
approved.
Mr. M. Williams: So moved.
9
Mr. Guilfoyle: Second.
Mr. Mayor: We’ve got a motion and a second. Voting.
Mr. Sias out.
Motion Passes 9-0.
PUBLIC SERVICES
6. Motion to approve New Application: A.N. 16-18: request by James R. Key for a retail
package Beer & Wine License to be used in connection with Fast Gas located at 2067 Olive
Road. District 2. Super District 9.
Mr. Sherman: Okay number six is a motion to approve a new application it’s A.N. 16-18
it’s a request by James R. Key for a retail package Beer & Wine License to be used in connection
with Fast Gas located at 2067 Olive Road. District 2. Super District 9.
Mr. Key: I’m Jimmy Key. I live at 1250 Gordon Highway, Augusta, Georgia.
Mr. Sherman: The Sheriff’s Office and Planning and Development recommend that it be
approved.
Mr. M. Williams: So moved.
Mr. Fennoy: Second.
Mr. Mayor: Motion and a second to approve. All those in favor will vote yea and those
opposed will vote no.
Mr. D. Williams votes No.
Mr. Sias out.
Motion Passes 8-1.
The Clerk:
PUBLIC SERVICES
7. Provide an update on the Municipal Golf Course Operation. Comment on strategies
utilized to increase membership and to capitalize on tourist participation of those in town
for the Masters Tournament. Explain how you market The Patch and how you take
advantage of its uniqueness coupled with its history. Discuss plans for future development.
(Requested by Commissioner Bill Lockett)
Mr. Mayor: All right thank you, Madam Clerk. All right so the Chair is going to recognize
th
the Commissioner from the 5. We’ve had some conversation about this and give him an
opportunity to speak to this matter.
10
Mr. Lockett: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My first task on the Commission January 1, 2010
was to save The Patch. And it was a long arduous battle but it was a battle that won and we won.
And I just wanted Mr. Ira Miller to come in and tell us what progress had been made since he’s
been there.
Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes Mr. Miller to speak.
Mr. Miller: Good afternoon, Mr. Mayor, Commissioners and citizens of Augusta. I’m
proud to be standing here to let you know all things are well at the Augusta Municipal Golf Course.
Mr. Lockett contacted me and he wanted me to go over some things that we have done and things
that we’re going to do in the future. Some of the things that we have implemented here recently
was with the lounge. We took the lounge and we got a beer license and have a full fledged
restaurant in there with sandwiches which Mr. Guilfoyle has enjoyed a couple of times. And we
also put in a 70-inch television and we also have our 40-inch television in that room also. We have
also changed a few rules when you’re coming out to play golf and that is now you can’t come out
with a tee shirt on. You have to wear a collared shirt and look presentable. No jeans with holes,
no cutoffs when you’re coming out to play golf. We’ve also added to our staff is a pro so we do
have lessons. We have a pro, we have an assistant pro that you can take lessons at any time. Last
year we did lesson with the women on Thursday evening we gave free lessons to all females from
5:00 until about 7:30 at night. We will be bringing that back again this year; we just haven’t
decided what night whether that will be a Thursday night or a Wednesday night from 5:00 to 7:00
at night and on that night also when the women coming out we give them a discount of things of
inside of the lounge and also a discount on apparel that we have inside. As far as on the golf course
we have did some improvements on the railroad ties that we had them there all of them are just
about gone except for one area that we still have to work out which is the first tee. And last time
I brought a booklet with those pictures showing that. We took all that out and we put stone walls
up and it’s looking really good out there with the stone walls and all of that. And also from
Recreation we have a new sign out front which says Augusta Municipal Golf Course which was
contributed to us from the Recreation Department. Also we’re starting after the Masters we are
going to work on the tee boxes. The majority of our members are seniors and those are the tee
boxes that really need a lot of work that need work on the seniors and the women tee boxes that
we will be working on. We’re going to sod those, we’re going to even them out and we’re going
to sod those tee boxes with Bermuda grass on them. So far this year we have already which no
course is known to do this early in time but we’ve already put fertilizer down getting ready for the
summer grass growth which should start growing somewhere around June. Bermuda likes the hot,
humid weather. Any questions that you have so far on strategies and things that we’ve done so
far?
Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes the Mayor Pro Tem Smith.
Mr. Smith: I was just going to say how are ya’ll how do you all going to interact with the
high school junior high and high school?
Mr. Miller: I’m glad you brought that question up. Right now I think this body every high
school in Richmond County and Columbia County has been coming to us and playing this year so
Tuesdays, Thursdays and Wednesday nights we are packed with high school and middle schools.
11
We’ve had a little bit of problems with that because our members you know they want to get out
there and play too but we have so many kids ---
Mr. Smith: Right.
Mr. Miller: --- so we’re trying to work around it to make it that everybody can play. All
the middle schools matter of fact we’re having a middle school championship is two weeks after
the Masters which will be that Friday, Thursday and Friday. Thursday will be the female and then
Friday will be the male championship.
Mr. Smith: Well when I grew up there several of our friends ended up going to college
and playing on golf teams and one of our, The Patch’s former members is a head pro down where
Tiger Woods practiced last year before he came up here to Augusta. Course I called him up and
told him you must not have taught Tiger very much because he didn’t make the cut. But anyway
there’s been a lot of history of folks that played up there that were just real good and you know
my grandson plays some of the best courses around but he’s over there. He loves The Patch, he
really does. So you’ve all done a great job.
Mr. Miller: Thank you.
st
Mr. Mayor: All right the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 1.
Mr. Fennoy: Yes, Ira, thank you for the update. One of the, something that I’ve heard is
that The Patch has the best greens in Augusta.
Mr. Miller: That’s what we’ve been told; they put us in the top three public courses that
we moved from being in a place where nobody wants to play to now where people are wanting to
come out and play just to look at our greens because they can’t believe it ---
Mr. Fennoy: Okay.
Mr. Miller: --- how much work we’ve done on those greens.
Mr. Fennoy: Okay and my next question, Mr. Mayor, is I also understand is that at times
you all have a shortage of golf carts.
Mr. Miller: Well right, yes we do well right now we’re working something with
Recreation. I think we’re working with Legal so that we can get some golf carts. One good thing
out of this is the Mayor made a comment the last time we was here that E-Z-Go rides better than
the Yamaha because the Yamaha gave us a great deal. Well, we went to the table and E-Z-Go did
beat Yamaha’s deal so that’s who we’re going to be going with E-Z-Go once Legal can get
everything straight.
Mr. Smith: Stay local.
Mr. Miller: Stay local.
12
Mr. Mayor: Fantastic, it’s an amazing thing when 65% of the world’s low speed vehicles
th
are made in your community. The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 8.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Ira, I just want to tell you thank you for the good
lunches when I do come and visit. And the view is absolutely getting better and better year after
year.
Mr. Miller: Thank you.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Tell me about your membership from you first starting with Augusta
Richmond County to where it is two years, three years.
Mr. Miller: When we started out membership was around about 25, 30, 40 in that range.
And I made a mistake when I gave the report to the paper and I said 79. Really it’s, right now we
have 134 members and each day more people are beginning to join as they come out and see the
course. And a lot of that comes from what we did with a lot of groups that want to come back like
the Irish Mafia; we have the Do Sweepers in the morning which is the Harrisburg group. We have
Bob West and his group that come out and we have Tin Cup that plays every Tuesday evening.
And from that a lot of those guys are beginning to join. And I thank those groups for wanting to
come out because they’re helping our membership along that way.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Well good I do want to tell my colleagues I went to lunch today with a
friend of mine from Rankin, Georgia and when we was driving by Gordon Highway keep hearing
a lot of good things about The Patch and he said you’ve been by there and I said absolutely. He
said I hear that it’s getting better and prettier and user friendly and I appreciate that and I appreciate
your service that you have been giving to Augusta Richmond County.
Mr. Miller: Thank you. In front of you I have some booklets there and the first one I want
to go to is the Augusta Food and Spirits because he was asking what are we doing for Masters
time. And if you open that booklet if you go straight to the center what do you see Augusta
Municipal Golf Course. And I asked for that spot last year we got it and they promised we’re
going to have that same spot again, it’s right there where the map is located so you get to see us
first when you’re looking to go find someplace to eat and dine. We’re right in the center of that
booklet. The other piece of paper that I put there in front of you is something we did different this
year with Augusta Chronicle who’s really been partnering with us very good this year and helping
us out. The page there where you see which is in Augusta.com impression that we did and if you
can see us there at the top and we was the first ones that start at about the first three weeks we were
the only ones in there. No other groups was in there. When I went on today some other golf
courses were on there. I wish there was some way I could erase them out of there but I can’t. But
anyway as you can see the update about every ten seconds so within every ten seconds you’ll get
to see what we’re offering. As you can see we’ve got the golf course, what our prices are for the
week and for this week during Masters week we’re going to have Cosmic Golf which is something
that’s big in the nation now. And they’re going to be there from Monday through Thursday and
its night golf on the range, opportunity to win a car and some money and we’re going to take a
couple of holes and you’re going to be able to play night golf. So we’re going to stay open until
13
11:00 o’clock at night during Masters Week. First Tee tried to steal it from us but we wouldn’t let
it happen.
th
Mr. Mayor: Fantastic, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 9.
Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Ira, thank you for all you’re doing up there and
this just goes back to my predecessors years ago wanting to get rid of that course and I couldn’t
understand why a city who’s known for golf would want to get rid of their city’s golf course and
I’m glad we didn’t. But let me ask another question. Your neighbor to the right of you up there
at the airport needs to remove some trees and we understand the process in that but I guess my
question is what impact would that have whether that be financially or any other. I know that the
airport has got grants and all to help with the taking down of the trees but would that impact you?
I know they’re not going to do it soon because we got to get through this Masters season and all
that other stuff but when that does happen can you foresee any problems or additional work or
whatever with that happening? And it needs to happen because of what you know what our
neighbors did on the right so we understand that.
Mr. Miller: Right now I don’t see any. Tim Harden which is here we’ve been talking we’ve
also been talking with the airport authorities. It shouldn’t be no financial burden on us; they are
willing they are going to take on all the financial burden there and anything that goes along with
that. Once the trees are removed and trying to put something else in there as a buffer zone in
certain areas to protect the vehicles that are parked.
Mr. M. Williams: And that was my question really as to what’s going in there when those
trees come out versus just taking those trees out. You know we’ve got a lot of tree huggers around
here and there ain’t nothing wrong with hugging trees but we can always plant some more, Tim,
we can always put some other trees where we want them to be. A lot of trees got there by chance
but I just think that you know ya’ll doing a great job just keep doing what ya’ll doing.
th
Mr. Mayor: All right the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 5.
Mr. Lockett: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Ira, a shortage of the golf course might be a good
thing because we all need to walk more and that should be an incentive for The Patch. I’m not a
golfer but I’m getting ready to retire from up here and it’s a good possibility I might be out there
standing in line to take those lessons. But I have had some conversations with the people at The
Patch and at Daniel Field and they’re working together and I think they’re going to come out with
something where both sides will be in agreement. Daniel Field is extremely important and The
Patch has been important since 1928 so I think we’re going to come up with something where we
each can live in harmony. And I want to thank you and your group for the outstanding job that
you’re doing ---
Mr. Miller: Thank you.
Mr. Lockett: --- and I want to get by there Masters Week and do a head count to see what
we’ve got.
14
Mr. Miller: We’ll welcome you.
Mr. Lockett: All right thank you and thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Mayor: All right thank you, Mr. Miller, thank you. All right I think we’ll just receive
it as information.
Mr. Hasan: Motion to receive as information.
Mr. Lockett: Second.
Mr. Mayor: Voting.
Mr. Sias out.
Motion Passes 9-0.
The Clerk:
PUBLIC SERVICES
8. Provide and update of the public transit operation, to include contract compliance.
Discuss ridership and provide a comparison of our transit system as opposed to the transit
operations in cities of similar size in Georgia. Comment on any progress made in the
rebranding of the Augusta Public Transit System. Provide any other relevant information
not specifically requested. (Requested by Commissioner Bill Lockett)
th
Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 5.
Mr. Lockett: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’ve talked with the Transportation Director and
I made him aware of the fact that there are going to be some time constraints today so he’s just
going to give you an abbreviated view of what we anticipate doing with the Public Transit. And
if I may I’d like to recognize the Transit Director.
Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes Patrick Stephens, our Transit Director. Thank you, sir.
Mr. Stephens: Good afternoon Mayor and members of the Commission. Approximately
10 ½ months ago this elected body and the employees associated with Transit had embarked on a
mission to improve transit. Today we’ll give you a few brief highlights of where we are. I have
had the opportunity to meet with several members of the Commission over the past several months
to at least outline some plans of our approach to improving transit. As a reminder some of the
statistics that we currently operate a total of 32 buses within Richmond County and a small portion
of Columbia County. We’ve got nine routes along with 692 bus stops. Currently we have an
annual ridership approaching 800,000. On our fixed route there’s over 23,000 demands response
trips that serve our senior and disabled and we’ve got almost 14,000 rural trips providing
transportation to our folks down in south Augusta with an average ridership of 2,600 passengers
daily. One of the ways we measure how we’re doing and especially financial is a comparison
between ourselves and our peer group. The chart that you see before you shows the operation cost
15
per revenue hour for motorbus with other transit agencies similar to our sites throughout Georgia.
I want to point out that this is 2013 data and we get that data from the National Transit Database.
The 2014 information has not been published but if you’ll look at the 2013 information you’ll see
that our motorbus operation was about $78.00 per hour. With 2014 the statistics that we have
submitted show us to be about $70.60 an hour. And the reason and the difference of those prices
is because the 2013 statistics show the cost from the former subcontractor that was on board. There
was some elements such as fuel and some software costs that were paid directly by the city. Those
costs have now been rolled into some of McDonalds thus a lower cost. In addition, you can see
the similar comparison when we look at our demand response or ADA exactly where we fall on
that chart with both a 2013 and 2014 figures. I shared with many of you some of our major
planning initiatives in order to move us forward and those dealt with an operational analysis of our
area, a rebranding issue. We knew we wanted to upgrade of shelters and refurbish and replace.
We worked along beside the city engineering and their ADA self assessments study to evaluate
bus stops. And lastly one of our key initiatives was to bring some intelligent transportation systems
on board and that would allow for trip planning for our customers, give us real time location access
and improve data collection. If we go back and focus on our comprehensive operational analysis
this is one of two elements today that we see are key and that is is we want to be able to evaluate
our system as it is now to create and sustain the best transit network for the Richmond County area
within the available transit budget. This analysis would help us maximize the impact of taxpayer
funding for transit by gaining a better knowledge of our riders, improving efficiencyand directing
transit investment where it is most needed. As you look at the slide these are some of the points
that we’re asking the consultant to look at and some of the things we want to do what are some of
the changes that we may need to make to our route structure. Are there any service delivery
methods that’ll improve our service performance? And additionally what downtown route
structure or other types of services will best accommodate the efforts you know that we’re making
to improve the downtown region? And then more importantly we want to understand what our
customer’s needs are especially with regard to transportational employment, healthcare, schools,
education, recreation and lastly we want to understand our fair mix and our revenue service. You
know is that appropriate for our system, what changes do we need to make? The other key issue
that I want to talk about is our branding and marketing strategy. Just like many businesses out
there today this is a critical component of improving our transit service. It’s key to building our
business and additionally our ability to retain and attract new customers. And what we’re trying
to create a mindset within public transit is we must think like a for-profit business. While we do
not see ourselves making a profit we certainly have to bring value added services to this community
to provide a return on that investment. Ultimately our branding and marketing strategy is going to
build an identity that’s going to make us stand out and it’s going to drive our customer loyalty.
Here’s some of the branding components that are important to us: the bus paint scheme, changing
our schedule brochures, ticket vending machine, bus stop signage, improving our website, operator
uniforms and taglines such as ‘come grow with us’ and we’ve been working hard to improve that.
One of the things that I might mention is that the branding approach has had to have been a
comprehensive approach; it just could not be done in a vacuum. You don’t want to just put colors
on something that just not match with the fabric within the city heritage and the colors. Where
possible we need to develop our branding within our existing budget. Branding can be extremely
expensive especially if you have to call in outside sources. What we started out is I explained we
wanted to partner with our local universities and we thought that if that could be a class project
that not only would Augusta benefit from it but additionally that those students would have real
16
world experience in trying to develop that. Now we came through several variations many buses
et cetera and ultimately what it boiled down to is that transit cannot be branded in such a way that
it falls outside of the City of Augusta you know their fabric. So ultimately when we looked at the
City of Augusta logo that was there, we worked with the Administrator, we had the advisory
council members the Citizens Advisory many members and what I submit to you right now is a
possible design of that new look. That is a tremendous change in the way we look and what is
good about that is it brings about value, it brings about prestige and that is a bus that you hope
your citizens would want to get on. And I think for us to attract new customers it’s absolutely
critical that we rethink about branding the way we look. Here’s another possible rendition of how
our paratransit vehicles could look. Looking forward when we build upon the results that we get
from the comprehensive operational analysis and all the other studies that we’re doing this
Commission as we get later in the year and we get into a transit workshop we see the leaders of
this community along with elected officials being able to come up with a decision, what should
public transit look like in the future in Augusta. And in order to do that as we get these studies in
we’ve got to begin now to plan and build and form those cornerstones of how we progress in the
future. And we also need to understand that we’ve got to build incrementally. It’s important for
the citizens to know that we just can’t throw a route out there and hope folks come. We’ve got to
understand what their needs are, we’ve got to do it within our budget, we’ve got to be able to plan
long term. There are many, many federal grants that are available now and it looks like with this
recent bill that there will be more grants available but we’ve got to consider our transit oriented
development opportunities for revitalizing you know the community and our neighborhoods and
as such that the comprehensive operational analysis will help us possibly in selecting a location
for our downtown transit terminal. In closing we want to keep the commitment to improve service
and we’re working hard to do that. We’ve got to recognize transit as an important part of the
community infrastructure. We need to get transit in the mix of community planning and sustain
and maintain this system. But ultimately what we see is we want to put Augusta on the map as a
best practice amongst small systems.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you so much, Mr. Stephens. I’m excited, I love the colors on the bus
th
I’m ready to ride now and take another trip. The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 9.
Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Stephens, thank you for that condensed
version you just gave. I don’t know what the full version would be like but I guess my question
would be about the shelters. Until we can get to the point where we need to get, you know Augusta
has and like the golf course I think you’re doing a great job. I think the transit is changing, I think
people are starting to appreciate and see the buses and know that they are running on a schedule.
So I’m excited but I do know people still have to stand in the rain, people are still sitting even on
the ground to wait for a bus. My personal opinion I don’t do transit you know in fact I plan to ride
this summer more. We’ll see how the bus moves from point A to point B. But in my thinking that
if people can depend on the bus and have the opportunity to wait there and not just stand there.
We’re trying to get more riders and I think if we can do something in that vein and I don’t know
where you are I’m just throwing that out there because you and I had several conversations about
transit. So if we can work with that and get a place so people can get in out of the weather, won’t
have to stand in the heat by a pole and just hope the bus comes and that kind of thing I think the
transit’s going to take off even more than we expected. But I really thank you for your effort and
all you’re doing.
17
Mr. Stephens: Thank you.
th,
Mr. Mayor: Fantastic. The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 5
Commissioner Lockett.
Mr. Lockett: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’ve done a little reading on the rebranding.
Based on your experience what impact does rebranding actually have on the transit system?
Mr. Stephens: Quite a bit because first of all the major issue is image. You can think of
any restaurant why do you go there that brand attracts you. Quite frankly right now in order to
grow this we’ve got to change the image. It’s got to be inviting and it’s absolutely critical that we
get that element in there.
Mr. Lockett: My colleague just questioned you about the shelters or places that people can
sit and wait. Where do we stand on that now?
Mr. Stephens: Actually twofold. As you know the community approved SPLOST package
for us to take and refurbish shelters as we get money coming in. Originally I planned on replacing
a number of those shelters, we’ve rethought through that. We actually want to go out and refurbish
and repaint them, put some new panels in and then buy new. So instead of getting rid of old
shelters we want to add new to them. I’m hoping that we can get that process underway by July
or August just as soon as we start getting regular funding in. It will be a long-term process to get
the funds in that will be necessary to you know put benches et cetera at stops. There are a few
vendors that have approached us about benches but we’re studying that right now.
Mr. Lockett: Well, is there any urgency in the rebranding? I know we have what, how
many buses to we have on order now?
Mr. Stephens: We have eleven that should be in here by some of them the end of August
and the others hopefully by the end of September.
Mr. Lockett: And those buses that are coming in what is their life expectancy of those
buses?
Mr. Stephens: The three big ones it’s twelve years and then the remaining five are
paratransit vehicles they’re four years, 100,000 miles we expect to keep them probably five to 5
½ years.
Mr. Lockett: Okay now the buses that are older the pictures that you showed us with the
Augusta colors and so forth on it will there be an additional cost if that’s put on those eleven buses
that have been ordered already?
Mr. Stephens: No, we’ve got a price for five paint passes. The current buses are scheduled
to come in with white with blue on them. If we made a decision to convert these to that they would
be covered in that cost.
18
Mr. Lockett: And this decision would have to be made or should be made by when?
Mr. Stephens: As soon as possible because they’re ordered these buses we’ve got turned
around coming in August that normally takes eighteen to 24. As a matter of fact, the ultimate
decision probably I should have should’ve notified them a few weeks ago but I think there’s an
opportunity if the will of the body is to go with this paint job that we could probably communicate
that and get that done.
Mr. Lockett: Well, Mr. Mayor, I really like what I see and I hope that’s not the death knoll
because I like it. But I think it would be a good thing for us to go on and jump on and get those
eleven and get going with the process.
Mr. Mayor: Well, I think that’s a very valid point. I couldn’t agree with you more; that’s
certainly very pretty. It looks a whole lot better than the current blue busses that we have. It fresh
isn’t it, Ms. Bonner.
The Clerk: Yeah.
Mr. Mayor: Yeah, all right I’m going to go with what Ms. Bonner’s saying today I agree
with that 100%. All right so at the appropriate time, well, I’ll go with her every day. At the
th
appropriate time I’m going to recognize the Commissioner from the 5 for that motion. I think that
st
would be appropriate. All right I’m going to recognize the Commissioner from the 1 who has
raised his hand.
Mr. Fennoy: Mr. Stephens ---
Mr. Stephens: Yes, sir.
Mr. Fennoy: --- last Friday was the first holiday run from that we implemented?
Mr. Stephens: Yes, sir.
Mr. Fennoy: How did we do?
Mr. Stephens: I’d like to say we did outstanding. An average ridership during weekdays
is 2,600; our statistics show we carried 2,216. And you know hopefully that will grow but I really
thank our media partners and everybody else for getting the word out for us.
Mr. Fennoy: I had an opportunity to talk to some of the riders on Good Friday at my
hangout at McDonald’s on Deans Bridge Road and Gordon Highway and they were very glad to
have had the opportunity to ride the bus on a holiday. And ridership wasn’t as great at that location
because a lot of the people that come through there are students at Augusta Tech and Augusta Tech
was closed that day so that cut down a little bit. But I think if we continue to promote ridership
and let the residents of Richmond County know that we are trying to provide a good accessible
19
affordable public transportation for them I think that our ridership is going to increase. And I’d
like to thank you for the outstanding job that you have done with our public transportation system.
Mr. Mayor: Yeah, fantastic. All right, so I’m going to recognize the Commissioner from
th.th
the 6 He had a question I think it’s a valid one, then I’m going to go to the 5 for a motion. All
th
right the Chair will recognize the Commissioner from the 6.
Mr. Hasan: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Stephens, a great job and also I concur with my
colleague’s I like the color as well but this afford you the opportunity to do outside advertisement
on the bus or you have no intention of doing that just design.
Mr. Stephens: Honestly I prefer to keep it off the outside because while advertising can
bring you in revenue often the damage that can be caused to your outside paint jobs often exceeds
the other. I would think that we would put it on those that we may chose for a while not to repaint.
Mr. Hasan: Okay. Thank you, sir.
Mr. Mayor: Fantastic. All right if you can let’s go back to that picture I think it’s fantastic.
th
All right the Chair’s going to recognize the Commissioner from the 5 for a motion.
Commissioner Lockett.
Mr. Lockett
: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Considering it’s not going to be any additional costs
I move that we go with the rebranding of this
and in the long run it’s going to save us money,
particular bus at this particular time so that the eleven buses that we have on order will be,
that we’ll get later this year will have that without us incurring additional expenses.
Mr. G. Smith: Second.
Mr. Mayor: Fantastic I’ve got a motion and a second to adopt this as our branding effort.
All right any additional questions? All right excellent. Voting.
Mr. Sias out.
Motion Passes 9-0.
The Clerk:
PUBLIC SERVICES
9. Motion to approve the establishment of a Fee Discount and Waiver policy for areas and
facilities maintained by the Recreation and Parks Department.
Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes Mr. Parker. I want to draw everybody’s
attention to Tab 9 as he walks us through this measure.
Mr. Parker: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. First thing I would say this is, staff has done a good
job researching this. What you’re primarily looking at is a program that Durham, NC was using
and we just adopted this and changed it around so that it would work here so we felt like it would
20
work here in Augusta. Our premise under this is that non-profits who proved to us they’re a non-
profit right off the bat would get 15% discount. Then if they feel like they deserve more of a
discount they have the opportunity to apply for a larger percentage of a discount. We feel like this
is a work in progress this is something we’d probably come back and look at in six/eight months
and tweak it if we find some things going on. The groups that would be eligible would be non-
profits who do have a current 501C status, clubs and organizations that provide educational or
community program opportunities that are open to the general public and then the other ones the
last group would obviously be the Augusta Richmond County departments and we work closely
with those in the past and I don’t think in the past there’s been a fee for other departments to use
our facilities to do things. I would tell you the first four pages of the document you received that’s
what the renter would receive that’s what they would fill out there’s only two or three pages there
for them to fill out. The final few pages in the memo there that was for staff’s clarification on how
to implement the policy. Our premise was that this would come to staff, there would be a
committee there and then we would make a recommendation on whether or not there would be a
discount given to them. We asked that they blend to the mission of the Parks and Recreation
Department a little bit and you know they would have to prove to us they have local sponsorship,
groups they’re are working with and then we ask them through a questionnaire a number of things
of how this would impact Augusta. We’ve asked for a copy of their budget and those kinds of
things and we won’t we don’t need to know down to the nickel what their budget is but we are
looking to see that is ammunition for us and to give us some background I guess just to say on
whether or not the fees are waived for these particular groups. In 2014 just so you know in 2014
there were ten groups that had their fee waived. In 2015 there were 13 groups that had their fee
waived. So that’s in a nutshell what we propose before you so I’d be glad to entertain any questions
or address any points in here you might have.
st
Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 1.
Mr. Fennoy: Yes, Mr. Parker, based on the new I mean on the proposed fee waiver
application the groups and organizations that have requested a waiver in the past and I think in the
past we waivered the usage and cleanup fees, in the past? Okay, based on the new proposal they
would only get a percentage waivered or how would that?
Mr. Parker: That’s correct. The cleanup fee typically goes back to them anyway if the
facility is left clean. Still even if this goes forward if they don’t leave the facility clean then we
have the right to retain some or all of that cleanup fee. We’re not proposing to change that at all.
What we’re basically doing is saying the rental fee for the facility that’s what you have the right
to waive. You’re still paying for security, you’re still paying for staff to be on site ---
Mr. Fennoy: Okay.
Mr. Parker: --- those are hard costs that we have all the time with these different rentals.
Mr. Fennoy: All right, thank you.
rd
Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 3 Commissioner Davis.
21
Ms. Davis: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Thank you, Mr. Parker, so for the process in this now
if we are called by some of these organizations that Commissioner Fennoy was talking about that
have in the past have these waived they go directly through the right department for this, they don’t
come to the Commission, correct?
Mr. Parker: That’s what we’re proposing, yes, ma’am.
Ms. Davis: What you’re proposing and then it goes to your staff. Is it to your events person
or is it a committee in your staff?
Mr. Parker: We thought it would be a committee, a regular group of staff and then if there’s
events downtown we would bring in someone like Margaret from DDA. If it’s someone at if it’s
Diamond Lakes that would be our staff but maybe someone who’s directly responsible for
athletics. So a core group but if we needed to pull somebody in who’s got a better knowledge of
the program then we would want to reserve the right to do that.
Ms. Davis: Okay.
Mr. Parker: And one thing I would mention is all these groups who have done this in the
past I think what we would want to do is pick a start date be that July 1 June 1 whatever that would
be and then would send them a letter notifying them of this process, sending them the application
so that they would know so that they can budget accordingly for what’s coming forward.
st
Ms. Davis: Right. Do you think it would be appropriate to start this January 1 2017 just
to give this timeframe for organizations in the past or would that be okay budget wise for you?
Mr. Parker: For us budget wise it would be fine. You do have in 2015 you had seven
groups, eight groups excuse me between July 1 and the end of the year that had their events so that
would impact you know if we implemented something July 1 that could impact those groups. They
probably have already filled out their application and I don’t know if, I’m speaking for 2016 so if
we implemented something at the start of 2017 that would give everybody ample time to know
that. But from an implementation standpoint we could do it sooner if you chose.
Ms. Davis: Okay, thank you, I think this is a great process. I appreciate it.
Mr. Parker: Thank you.
th
Mr. Mayor: All right the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 9.
Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Parker, thank you for looking across the
road and seeing what somebody else is doing and trying to implement it. It’s not rocket science
work to do that working over there to work here. My question is though all of the different moving
parts with the Rec Department and you’re talking about a 15% discount. How would that apply
when it comes to I think Rec’s got a situation now where a person is charged the cost of an
electrician just to be there. I totally disagree with that but that’s something in place where if you
rent the facility you’ve got to pay an electrician to be at your facility that are renting from you and
22
I think ought to be something different. So I guess my point is would the 15% come off of his or
her pay versus the other staff members going to be there plus the building itself or the facility
itself? So how would that impact those other entities or are you just speaking just on the building?
Mr. Parker: Just on the building yes, sir.
Mr. M. Williams: Okay.
Mr. Parker: And you and I talked about the need for an electrician at every event and a fire
marshal maybe at every event but a lot of those are dictated depending on the size, I understand
that from a security standpoint. But we are looking at the electrician because there are some times
probably a bad example but if you were having a birthday party you don’t need an electrician there.
But most of those I think are along the Riverwalk where they’ve had it at the Amphitheater in case
of a problem setting up their system.
Mr. M. Williams: Well, I mean if I rent a private facility anyway the P.I Department
(unintelligible) I think they ought to be responsible for having their electrician there. Now if I do
something, if I cause a problem I may be charged for doing something but if the facility goes down
then I shouldn’t have to pay a man or a woman to be there at my event in case something does
happen that they’re supposed to be, and you and I talked about it so I mean we just need to look at
that. But that was my question what percentage for those other fees because you’ve got a staff
person on duty there most times to then you’ve got an electrician there who’s just in case and then
you’ve got the police if necessary and then the firemen if necessary. So it can get quite expensive
and I just think we ought to try to look out as much as we possibly can. You know we hear about
events happening in other places and we say I wonder why they’re taking it somewhere else. We
got to make it interesting and affordable where folks want to bring it to us as well and versus saying
well I’m going to take it somewhere else. So my two cents, thank you, sir.
th
Mr. Mayor: Thank you, sir. The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 6.
Mr. Hasan: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Parker, my question is in terms of whenever you
decide to implement this program whether it’s July 1 or January 2017 if a person comes in next
week and wanted to talk to you around these issues they definitely would not be able to secure that
event in 2017 you’re going to close the door on them for that, right? In other words, even if you
come in now you say hey I want something May of 2017, are you allowing them to do that
prematurely?
Mr. Parker: They could still rent the facility.
Mr. Hasan: Not rent but you know if they wanted to get the 15% discount and things of
that nature.
Mr. Parker: My interpretation would be if we waited until January 1 to put this policy in
place than what’s currently in place would still go on and that means they would be coming to you
for a fee waiver.
23
Mr. Hasan: So that’s my real question will we continue to do that now if we wait that long?
If they wanted it for next year would they have to abide by that policy? So you want us to make
that decision?
Mr. Parker: No, I’m sorry. No, if you came in tomorrow and wanted to rent in February
of 2016 ---
Mr. Hasan: Seventeen.
Mr. Parker: --- seventeen, if the policy’s adopted then if they’re renting it after the policy’s
in place, correct, it would not come back to you. The policy would apply even though they’re
renting it today they’re renting it in 2017.
Mr. Hasan: Exactly.
Mr. Parker: Yes, sir.
Mr. Hasan: So we need to make a decision so a decision needs to be made about when this
policy needs to be implemented so you won’t close the door on them, right?
Mr. Parker: Yes.
Mr. Hasan: Okay.
st
Mr. Mayor: All right the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 1.
Mr. Fennoy: I noticed that so far we have granted 100% of usage so will you all be able to
grant 100% waiver for usage?
Mr. Parker: We would have the option of granting 25, 50, 75 or 100. If I may in speaking
with the folks in Durham, NC ---
Mr. Fennoy: Uh-huh.
Mr. Parker: --- you notice that some criteria here that we want these groups and these
events to line up with what’s going on in Augusta we want it to enhance what’s going on in
Augusta ---
Mr. Fennoy: Right.
Mr. Parker: --- work with our mission statement. If there’s a group that doesn’t fall quite
in line with that what the folks there told me is that’s what you tell them you received a 50%
discount, here’s the reasoning behind that and they would work to get to the 100% by making it a
more family friendly event, working more towards the mission statement of the city, yes, sir.
Mr. Fennoy: Okay and you said that you’re going to have a committee to determine.
24
Mr. Parker: Primarily staff and we would bring in some additional folks like the staff from
the Downtown Development if we needed to if it’s an event that’s largely impacting downtown.
Mr. Fennoy: Okay, is it possible do you think it would be feasible maybe to have someone
from one of the Commissioners especially someone who’s from Public Services to be a part of that
committee?
Mr. Parker: That’s your decision.
Mr. Fennoy: Okay, and they have said no.
Mr. Parker: I would say this in addressing that. We deliberately did not put a, we’re going
to review these every month ---
Mr. Fennoy: Okay.
Mr. Parker: --- because I understand they come in sometimes one every three months and
then they’ll come in in droves. So what we want to do is as they come in we’ll gather the group
together to review these. We’re not going to say every Tuesday we’re not going to, we don’t want
a slow a group down that bring their application in waiting on others so if we get one in then we’ll
look at them.
Mr. Fennoy: Okay, thank you.
Mr. Mayor: All right, I’ll add my two cents worth. I think that it’s appropriate for us to
have a policy in place that does a number of things one, it provides certainty and number two it
provides consistency. And so if this is what this policy would in fact allow us I think it’s a step in
the right direction as opposed to us taking a subjective approach to whatever group comes in. And
so to do that I think puts Augusta in the best position as we move forward as a city. All right the
rd
Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 3 Commissioner Davis.
Ms. Davis:
I agree, Mr. Mayor, I think that this is a good starting point. And if we’re you
But I would like to
said we’ll review this and get updates from you and if we have to tweak it.
make a motion to approve this per the recommendation of Mr. Parker and adopt the fee
discount and waiver policy being effective for events planned after January 1, 2017.
Mr. Lockett: Second.
Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes Commissioner Davis. I’m going to direct the question
to you. One of the things that this body did some time ago is expressed an interest and an urgency
in wanting to have something in place so that this body would not continue to have to, to continue
vetting these types of requests. And I caution with an effective date of January 1, 2017 is that you
continue therein as opposed to if I take the word from the distinguished Mayor Pro Tem as he
whispered in my ear and it was not a sweet nothing a moment ago a June 1, 2016 date might be
more appropriate. That allows us to again practice it and if there are issues we can begin addressing
25
those so that we’ve got something that’s even more solid as we move into 2017 and that is just
rd
what I’m directing to you. To the Commissioner from the 3 do you want to speak to that?
Ms. Davis: Yes.
Mr. Mayor: I’m directing my question to you.
Ms. Davis: Yeah and I mean I’m totally fine with it and changing my motion to that effect.
I just didn’t want to hurt any of the organizations that have already filled out all their paperwork
for the next you know seven months, eight months.
Mr. Mayor: Okay.
Ms. Davis: That was the only reason. I agree with you on the urgency because it’s hard
for these groups to come in front of this body and us having to make these decisions.
th
Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 6.
Mr. Hasan: Yes, sir, Mr. Mayor, and that was my point the Commissioner just made
st
because I think Mr. Parker mentioned through I think from July up until the end of December 31
that’s about six to eight organizations that typically from last year that will probably come in and
get those so we didn’t want to cut them off, let them have the privilege of what they were doing
and start it next year and stuff like that. And he wasn’t sure whether they’ve already applied for
those things he wasn’t sure about that so that’s why I think that we came to that conclusion around
those issues ---
Mr. Parker: The timeline.
Mr. Hasan: --- the timeline I’m sorry.
Mr. Mayor: Right and while I concur with that 100% I think that again with an effective
date of June 1 or even if it was effective next week I think what you’re saying is you’re going to
promulgate that authority over to whatever committee he establishes and they can in turn make
that decision moving forward and they still don’t have to come back to this body. I think they still
can exercise the full weight of this policy and say whatever that group is he can and that group can
then make that decision. I think that’s what we’re really trying to go. All right Mr. Parker wants
to speak. The Chair recognizes Mr. Parker.
Mr. Parker: If I can ask just one thing. I’m not sure but if you have previously approved
someone already that still is in place, just want to make sure of that.
Mr. Mayor: I think that would be accurate. All right I’m going to come to you. All right
th
the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 9.
Mr. M. Williams: I just need some clarity, Mr. Mayor. We’re talking about non-profits or
like non-profits that come and wants, we’re not talking about people who put on an event to raise
26
money. These are non-profits that coming to do something in our city that hopefully fits our
programs that we are doing in enhancing more growth downtown. And that’s why we’re doing
this I think, right, Mr. Parker?
Mr. Parker: They’re registered non-profits ---
Mr. M. Williams: Registered non-profits ---
Mr. Parker: --- in the State of Georgia.
Mr. M. Williams: --- that’s right registered non-profits that we are trying to assist that’s
going to help us bring folks downtown. And even with that this body still has six votes if we
decide to do something different, is that right?
Mr. Parker: Yes, sir.
Mr. M. Williams: Okay well whether it starts January or December I don’t see that being
effective you know, Mr. Mayor, personally I’m just saying that since they are non-profit registered
non-profits that we’re trying to help trying to bring activities downtown or to our facilities
wherever they are. So you know we’ve got a lot of conversation but I think we’re saying the same
thing. If we decide to do something different six votes here can do something different. So
whether it be January 2017 or June of this year because if somebody already done signed up you
can’t go back now and say hey you know we done changed our policy so you can’t do that. It’s a
non-profit. It’s not a paid facility that’s making money, it’s a non-profit so we’re dealing with
those agencies so I think we’re ready to vote on that.
Mr. Mayor: Well, I think we’re getting there. All right I’m going to go back to the
Commissioner from the, was your hand up, Commissioner?
Mr. Lockett: Yes, sir, it’s been up.
th
Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 5.
Mr. Lockett: Thank you. All kinds of dates have been throwing around but being a career
government person we don’t do anything on June 1; we either do it 1 January or July 1. And I
would think if the commitment has already been made to those groups for the remainder of this
year I think we’d be getting in a little trouble if we go back after and say we’re going to change it.
So I would think that we should begin this on July 1 but if someone has already gone through the
process and been tentatively approved by Parks and Recreation I don’t think we should bother that
part of it.
Mr. Mayor: All right ---
st
Ms. Davis: Mr. Mayor, I will change that date in my motion to July 1 or Grady’s
birthday.
27
Mr. Mayor: --- all right I appreciate that.
Mr. Lockett: I’ll second that change.
Mr. Mayor: All right fantastic so, Madam Clerk, we’re noting a July 1, 2016 effective date.
All right I want to make sure everybody we’ve got a motion and a second for that purpose. Voting.
Mr. Sias out.
Motion Passes 9-0.
The Clerk:
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
11. Recognize the International Fire Fighters Local 3357 Union. (Requested by
Commissioner Wayne Guilfoyle)
Mr. Mayor: All right thank you, Madam Clerk. The Chair recognizes the Commissioner
th
from the 8 to speak to this matter.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I know that there’s been a lot of discussion on this
issue through the media et cetera. My intent on this is to look at the Augusta Fire Fighters
Association. You know I realize from what the Attorney had spoken they don’t have any collective
bargaining agreement or contract with the City of Augusta, I agree with that. The purpose of the
association is to insure health and safety of Augusta Fire Fighters as well as the best possible
service to the citizens of Augusta Richmond County. You know we’re going to have to look at a
process. I know there’s a lot of knives being thrown over these past couple months but we have
to look at the solution. I spoke with Chief James. I have no hard wishes or no ill will. I do not
want to fire I do not want to discipline or any of that intent to Chief James but what we do have is
a safety issue with the fire trucks and he’s aware of it as well as the fire fighters. What we’re going
to have to do is come up with a process, a process that’s going to be a solution that’s going to give,
relieve the risk for our men and women that’s fighting these fires as well as giving relief to Chief
James. You know we have other associations, we have neighborhood associations; the PBA we
just gave out ten certificates at the beginning of this meeting to different organizations. You know
but I would like to see if Chief James and the Attorney could get together and see if KME which
I’m part of the problem I voted to purchase these KME trucks when they came forth in 2012. But
we have recognized that these trucks are potential problems, potential harm to our employees.
Other cities encountered and endured harm to their employees and that’s the last thing I want to
get a phone call saying you know somebody just got majorly injured or one of the products failed
on this truck. I know that my colleague had brought forth three weeks ago about the airbags. It
was a safety issue for our employees, we all listened and we all heard. But, Mr. Mayor, I don’t
know if this motion would even pass but to task the Attorney and Chief James to come up with a
solution for KME to take back these three trucks and to respect the Augusta Fire Fighters
Association no different than any other associations that comes before us. That’s my motion.
Mr. Frantom: Second.
28
Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk, did you get that motion?
The Clerk: Yes, sir.
st
Mr. Mayor: All right the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 1.
Mr. Fennoy: Mr. Mayor, I’m also concerned about the safety of all of our employees the
firemen, the policemen, the engineers, utility workers and I’m concerned about the equipment that
they use whether they’re safe or not. But what really concerns me is when we have someone who
represents the International Fire Fighters that send out statements that our Fire Chief has
misappropriated $6 million dollars and there’s no documentation to substantiate that. That’s where
I have a problem and I think that this was something that was supposed to happen in 2012. If it
happened in 2012, why is it just now being brought to our attention? It appears to me and I may
be wrong that the only reason it was sent out was to discredit the Fire Chief and to keep the Fire
Chief from getting another position. Regardless of whether we recognize a union or not I do not
believe that we should have employees of Richmond County to discredit, make accusations against
the people that supervise them the people that work with them unless they have proof to document
whatever they say. To me this is character assassination and it should not happen and we should
not allow that to continue. And we cannot allow people to use a union in order to put out false
information like that.
th
Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 5.
Mr. Lockett: Thank you, Mr. Chair. I don’t believe that, I think we kind of got off track
here. The fire trucks to me is not germane to this particular agenda item. What is important is the
misrepresentation of truth and fact. I have been a union member. I was a District Director of the
largest union in the United States of America. I’ve always been pro-union however there’s a rule
that unions play and there’s also a role that associations play and this organization that we are
talking about has been completely out of whack in what they have been doing. I have no problem
at all with a union or an association but they’ve got to have bylaws that they must agree with. And
I think at the last meeting Ms. Smitherman from the Law Department made it clear, crystal clear
what we could have and that this group is not recognized by this governing body. I think that for
us to approve something at this juncture I think it would be extremely unfair. I think we need to
wait until things cool down and maybe next year consider it but there’s no way in the world I can
support it today or next month. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
th
Mr. Mayor: All right, I’m going to recognize the Commissioner from the 9 to speak to
th
this matter next. But the Commissioner from the 5 has duly noted that and raised the issue of
germaneness. The issue that is before us is whether or not we’re recognizing the International Fire
Fighters Local 3357 as a union. I want to bring everybody back to that place that that is a relevant
question and he has raised that issue and anything associated with fire trucks is non-germane to
th
this matter. All right the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 9.
Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I don’t see how you can separate a fire truck
from a fireman. I mean if we’re talking about the same issues here first of all whether it’s germane
or not if this issue was as serious as it sounds to me it looks like the Law Department along with
29
the Fire Chief would have done something a long time ago. But that’s just common sense if you’ve
got a piece of equipment that’s not functioning or is not safe no one would even want to put it on
the street. Now we have 26 trucks with airbags that’s still on the street so you’ve got a fire machine
which is an emergency vehicle that’s giving problems. I’m wanting to here from my Attorney why
hadn’t that company been brought in, why hadn’t the news media put it out they shouldn’t be
selling no more equipment. Why is it that we ain’t in court to get our money back, why aren’t we
trying to park those machines if they’re that bad. That was but since ya’ll want to separate it I got
that much out there. Now let’s go to the other side.
Mr. Mayor: Suspend, Commissioner.
Mr. M. Williams: What would that mean, Mr. Mayor, suspend?
Mr. Mayor: It means stop talking.
Mr. M. Williams: Okay well you say stop talking, it’s suspend. I’m not in the military, I
don’t know nothing about that.
Mr. Mayor: Well I’ve been saying that for (inaudible) ---
Mr. M. Williams: Yes, you have you have and I ---
Mr. Mayor: --- three months and ---
Mr. M. Williams: You can get by with that ---
Mr. Mayor: --- and 30 days and so I’m going to ask you to suspend.
Mr. M. Williams: --- I’m going to stop talking, is that right?
Mr. Mayor: All right, thank you, I appreciate you doing that. Now we have a matter that’s
before us and that’s recognizing the International Fire Fighters Local 3357 ---
Mr. M. Williams: All right if I can ---
Mr. Mayor: --- and to the degree that you have brought the issue of whether a fire fighter
rides on a fire truck or whether he rides in a Bronco that also is not germane. And as such I want
to get to the matter that’s before us and that is whether we’re going to recognize the union or the
association.
Mr. M. Williams: We have heard, Mr. Mayor, from ---
Mr. Mayor: Now, now ---
Mr. M. Williams: --- attorney on that issue.
30
Mr. Mayor: --- and to the degree that we’ve heard from the attorney on that matter we can
th
quickly dispose of this, okay? And so the Commissioner from the 5 has raised this issue and he
is right. This is not a matter of debate about whether the attorney has spoken with regards to the
fire trucks. Now if you want to speak to the issue of whether we recognize the association as a
union then I think that’s what the debate is about. But if we’re going to talk about fire trucks,
we’re not debating fire trucks who the vendor is today.
Mr. M. Williams: My colleague made a motion ---
Mr. Guilfoyle: Thank you.
Mr. M. Williams: --- whether he got a second or not my colleague made a motion and as
an elected official I have right to address that issue that he brought to the table who he has a right
to bring. Now you may not like that, Mr. Mayor, you might not even understand that but I’ve got
enough knowledge about this government to know that because someone else may not like it
doesn’t mean I have to stop talking about it. Now I ain’t got no problem addressing the issue of
the International Fire Fighters Association. It’s been brought to us by the attorney and plainly said
it was not a credible organization to do any negotiations. But this is back on the agenda. My
colleague has a right to put it on there and he put it on there. But my point is, is that if the attorney
has already ruled and gave us the information that it’s not credible why are we still talking about
it? Now am I supposed to not talk about it because it’s back on the agenda?
Mr. Mayor: So all right so all right now the Chair has the floor. I’ve given you the floor,
I’ve recognized you and my statement with regards to an ability to put an item on the agenda I
think you’ve demonstrated in a short period of time I’ve been here that you’re very adept at putting
an item on the agenda multiple times even if it’s been debated and discussed and defeated multiple
th
times. And the Commissioner from the 8 certainly based on the current rules that we have as is
within his purview to bring it up as many times until such time that we fix the rules. Since that’s
the case I’ve got a motion and a second all right and the second, Madam Clerk, came from the
thth
Commissioner from the 7. The motion was made from the Commissioner from the 8 and as
such if you support recognizing the Fire Fighters Local 3357 then you can vote yea and if you
don’t you can vote no.
Mr. Hasan: Point of personal privilege, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Guilfoyle: That’s the Fire Fighters Association.
Mr. Mayor: That’s right the association as a union.
Mr. M. Williams: Madam Clerk, can you read the motion back? I don’t understand the
motion because that’s not what I heard.
Mr. Mayor: All right the Chair has the floor, Commissioner, suspend.
Mr. M. Williams: Yeah the Chair has the floor, Mr. Mayor, I have the right to ask the
question.
31
Mr. Mayor: But you direct the question to the Chair.
Mr. M. Williams: I need to hear the motion again.
Mr. Mayor: All right and you direct it to the Chair. Suspend. Direct the question to the
Chair not the Clerk.
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Mayor, you can’t tell who to direct my question to.
Mr. Mayor: Well, the Chair has the floor. You don’t have the floor ---
Mr. M. Williams: You can adjourn this meeting that’s all you can do. You can adjourn
this meeting; you can’t tell me who to direct my question to.
Mr. Mayor: You are out of order.
Mr. M. Williams: I may be but you can’t tell me who to direct my question to. You can
adjourn the meeting that’s all you can do.
Mr. Mayor: You are out of order, Commissioner, and I’m simply being as patient with you
as possible. You’re out of order.
Mr. Hasan: Point of personal privilege, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: All right the Chair will recognize the Clerk to restate the motion but we have
th.
a motion and a second, okay, from the Commissioner from the 8 Madam Clerk, would you restate
the motion?
The Clerk: The only motion that I have is the motion to task the Fire Chief and the General
Counsel to work out a solution with KME to take back the defective trucks which you have deemed
not germane however there was no action taken about the motion so---
Mr. Mayor: That is correct.
The Clerk: --- the germaneness of the motion.
Mr. Mayor: And the Chair can certainly rule on the germaneness of the motion as well.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Point of privilege, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: I’ve got a couple of those floating around. All right the Chair recognizes
Attorney MacKenzie to speak to the issue of germaneness with regards to the motion.
Mr. MacKenzie: The rules do have a provision in it that say any motion relating to an item
on the agenda should be germane to the agenda item. That determination is usually made by the
32
Chair. If there’s unanimous consent to add an item that’s not on the agenda, that can certainly be
done as well.
Mr. Mayor: All right the motion a base motion that’s been made is likewise not germane
to the issue that’s before us. All right the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the, again I’ll
go back down there and we’ll recognize (inaudible). All right again pursuant to what the
Parliamentarian has indicated the Chair rules the motion non-germane. The Chair recognizes the
th
Commissioner from the 6 ---
Mr. Hasan: Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: --- state your inquiry.
Mr. Hasan: Thank you, sir. Mr. Mayor, for the record I’d like to get my memory refreshed
by the Attorney around the issue of what would qualify in terms as I remember it I don’t know in
which order it comes in. I know it has to be in terms of recognizing an association under the State
of Georgia Law that was given to us last week. Certain things I know for a city that’s over 20,000
which we certainly fit that criteria. Also you needed to have an ordinance from the local
government and recognize that. Also you had to have I think about 50% of the membership so
I’m asking we know we fit the over 20,000 so which one comes first if we wanted to recognize
should they get their membership first you will recognize that are we recognize them first then
they get their membership that’s my question and I’ll do a follow up after that, sir.
Mr. Mayor: Certainly very appropriate. The Chair recognizes Attorney MacKenzie.
Mr. MacKenzie: Sure, I’m going to defer to Jody on that but I will state initially the statute
that exists is related to municipalities only there’s not any current cases out there addressing
whether or not a consolidated government could utilize this provision and call themselves a
municipality. There are currently no consolidated governments that have utilized this law that’s
applicable to municipal governments only. There’s only one avenue where a fire fighter system
can use this. It’s in a city so a threshold issue would be whether or not we can even use this statute.
But if the statute was applicable to us there are various steps that would be required before they
could be recognized as a, under this Mediation Act but I’ll defer to Jody with the details on that.
Mr. Hasan: Excuse me, Mr. Mayor, may I ask the question before ---
Mr. Mayor: Continue, follow up.
Mr. Hasan: Well if I understand your question or your answer I’m sorry your answer I’m
going to direct it to the Attorney if you don’t mind, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: Certainly.
Mr. Hasan: Then that means that if I understand you correctly then what Ms. Smitherman
has presented to us is not valid. Did I misunderstand you there?
33
Mr. MacKenzie: Let me correct. If the statute is applicable to consolidated government,
which is a big if, then there is a certain procedure which I think she outlined last time. We can do
it again if we need to do that. Then there’s, under that procedure there’s a number of steps that
would take place before the recognition could occur but we are not a municipality, we’re a
consolidated government so there is a very real question of whether or not this statute can even
apply to this government.
Mr. Hasan: Well, Mr. Mayor, one more follow up and I’ll say based on what our attorney
just said it seems as though we need to do a little more due diligence. And Ms. Smitherman could
possibly say something that would be different but obviously our General Counsel has seen what
she’s saying to us. But obviously we have some way to go in terms of what law is appropriate or
is there any law appropriate in terms of how we do we officially recognize them, are they on the
record officially already because we were told last week or two weeks ago that, you know, we
don’t recognize them. Now the General Counsel is making it suspect in terms of a municipal
perspective consolidation. So really we don’t know where we stand right now. Maybe Ms.
Smitherman may say something that would give us a little more insight around this issue.
Mr. Mayor: Well, I don’t think that was quite what the Attorney indicated with regards to
whether or not we know where we stand. I think with regards to current state statute what does
not apply is that we are a consolidated government and the statute currently applies to
municipalities unless it is for the purposes of elections which in the most recent legislation Senate
Bill 922012 that’s when they applied municipalities and consolidated governments equally. So
with regards to this measure that’s before us right now what he’s referring to in terms of municipal
statute ---
Mr. Hasan: Yeah I’m ---
Mr. Mayor: --- that will not apply.
Mr. Hasan: --- Mr. Mayor and I get that I get that and I appreciate that addition you added
to that at the end but I was just saying based on what he was saying he just was not sure because
whether any consolidated government is recognized as a municipality and I was talking in that
framework based on the information given to us. But I’m prepared to listen to Ms. Smitherman to
see what she has to say along those lines.
Mr. Mayor: So before I recognize Ms. Smitherman what I would say is that this is a very
important issue and this body needs to decide how or if it wants to recognize unions in general and
for what purposes, that’s the broader question. Ms. Smitherman.
Ms. Smitherman: Thank you, Mayor. As we said last time and as articulated by Andrew
this afternoon the first step would be to determine whether this government wanted to try to fit our
form of government into a municipal form of government such that the statute applied to us at all.
That would be step one. In the event that the Commission determined that they wanted to try to
fit our form of government into the municipal form of government the first thing that you would
do as a commission would be to pass an ordinance subjecting the consolidated government of
Augusta Georgia to the Georgia Fire Fighters Mediation Act. So that would be an ordinance in
34
which we say the consolidated government seeks to be included under OCGA 2551. Once the
consolidated government passes an ordinance saying it wishes to be covered under the Georgia
Fire Fighters Mediation Act, the next step would be that the fire fighters, the employees of the fire
department, would need to select by a 50% majority of the fire fighters, 51% majority of the fire
fighters a particular organization to act as its representative agency. It does not in fact have to be
a union but it has to be an organization or association of some sort. Once 51% of the fire fighters
or employees of the fire department have selected a particular organization, it is then incumbent
upon the consolidated government to recognize officially recognize whatever organization is
selected by the fire fighters. Once they are recognized then that organization has the right to
demand mediation, collective bargaining and mediation over all aspects of employment for the
employees of the fire department.
Mr. Hasan: Mr. Mayor, can I do a follow up?
th
Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 6for a question.
Mr. Hasan: And, Mr. Mayor, and I appreciate yourself and my colleagues being patient
with me around this issue and I don’t want to seem to be belaboring the point but right now we’re
getting quite some different information around criteria as opposed to last week. Last week this
government just did not recognize. Now I understand the municipality’s part of it but those kinds
of preferences were not made last time, I thought it was an automatic process. Now for me, so to
get past that part of it I don’t ever want to put anybody in a position where they don’t have a voice.
I just need to know what the voice looks like. And for me I can tell you for what I’m hearing today
I am personally not prepared to vote on this. So I will say for the record I’ll be abstaining on this
one until I can get some clarity around what does it take. And additionally Ms. Smitherman did
make it very clear if we choose to embrace them in fitting ourselves into that law we can do just
that but I just wanted to get some clarity around that particular issue there for the record. I won’t
need no more commentary around it but it’s quite different this week compared to last week. Last
week was pretty much automatic. And it still is some automatic to it but there’s no way we had to
take all the initiative on so you know it’s quite different quite interesting. Thank you, Mr. Mayor,
and I appreciate your patience.
th
Mr. Mayor: All right the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 7.
Mr. Frantom: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Let me first say that nobody is talking about union.
I mean as far as I mean it’s written on the agenda item but we’ve all said association since we’ve
pretty much been up here. And I believe that you know chain of command needs to be really
implemented in all departments across our government. And I believe that the union and Chief
James there really needs to be established of this chain of command and has Chief James and the
union met to really establish that and really get on the same page to where we’re not discussing
this week after week after week. As far as an association goes you know we represent the people.
We need to make sure that people if they have safety concerns they have that voice as
Commissioner Hasan just mentioned. And this group though I don’t agree with everything that
was put out in the public you know they’re asking for answers and some of us didn’t even get back
to them with those answers. And it’s important that we definitely leave that line of communication
35
open for that body. So I’m hoping that we’ll move forward in recognize them as an association
not as a union moving forward. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
th
Mr. Mayor: Thank you, sir. The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 8.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I may go ahead and amend my motion, Madam
Clerk. Can I talk directly to her?
Mr. Mayor: Well, you I mean you talk to the Chair. You say you’re going to amend a
motion; your motion was ruled non-germane so you need a new motion.
Mr. Guilfoyle: No it was actually part of it was germane, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: The motion was ruled non-germane so you give me a new motion.
Mr. Guilfoyle: That we show the same, we recognize the Fire Fighters Association no
different than any other association that comes before this body whether they’re neighborhood
associations, PBA et cetera. That’s all I’m asking for and I’ll give Madam Clerk a different for
the next committee cycle about discussion about the fire trucks if that would please my colleagues.
Mr. Frantom: Second.
Mr. Mayor: Did the motion I that I have just heard, Madam Clerk, is to recognize the
International Fire Fighters Local 3357.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Augusta Fire Fighters Association, sir.
Mr. Mayor: Okay.
The Clerk: The motion was to recognize the International Fire Fighters Local Association
no different than other associations that come before the Commission for example neighborhood
associations and DDA?
Mr. Guilfoyle: PBA.
The Clerk: PPA, okay.
Mr. Guilfoyle: ‘B’
Mr. Mayor: PBA, Police Benevolent Association.
The Clerk: Okay.
th
Mr. Mayor: I’ve got a motion from the Commissioner from the 8 and a second. All those
in favor will vote yea ---
36
Mr. Lockett: Mr. Chairman, please.
th
Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 5 for an inquiry, state your
inquiry.
Mr. Lockett: It was said that we need this association for safety. Well, if that’s the case
then the Engineering Department, the Utilities Department they all need to have their associations
for safety. This is why we have a chain of command within our departments. We have our first
line supervisors all the way up through our directors and deputy administrator. They all have a
responsibility for safety and my colleague’s recommendation that Chief get with the Law
Department the last thing an association wants is for management to be involved in drafting or
crafting the policies and so forth. So to me ---
Mr. Mayor: All right, I know there’s a lot of passion in the room today.
Mr. Lockett: No, Mr. Mayor, I’d like to finish though without being cut off.
Mr. Mayor: All right, so the Chair has the floor now. All right, there’s a lot of passion in
the room. We have a motion, we’ve got a second. The Chair’s recognized the Commissioner from
th
the 5 for an inquiry and I don’t have an inquiry, I’ve got a commentary. If you have an inquiry
or a question, please state that otherwise Commissioner I’m prepared to move forward and vote
because there’s a lot of business we have before us.
Mr. Lockett: Mr. Mayor, I’m very level headed. I very seldom get excited but according
to the commission rules a Commissioner has two, two-minute sessions to speak on any issue and
has an additional minute for rebuttal if necessary.
Mr. Mayor: Well ---
Mr. Lockett: Now if you’re going to deny that I’m not going to say anything.
Mr. Mayor: --- you know I might not know much but I do know what the rules say. I’ve
read them and when necessary I know how to refer to the Parliamentarian to assist us. And I’m
ready to vote on this matter and I think you all are too. All right, are you ready, Commissioner, to
vote on this?
Mr. Lockett: Well, you’re the Chairman you know so I’m ready to vote.
Mr. Mayor: All right we’ve got a motion and a second. Voting. The Chair recognizes the
nd
Commissioner from the 2 state your inquiry.
Mr. D. Williams: Mr. Mayor, do we have any proof ---
Mr. Mayor: Would you speak into the microphone please?
37
Mr. D. Williams: --- do we have any proof that 50% of the firemen want this organization
to represent them with the city?
Mr. Mayor: Well, that’s a very valid question, Commissioner, is one that you’re not
prepared to answer nor am I prepared to answer. But what I do know is there’s a motion and its
main. It’s not only germane but it’s certainly appropriate for you to vote on it yea if you support
it and nay if you’re opposed to it.
Ms. Davis, Mr. Frantom and Mr. Guilfoyle vote Yes.
Mr. Fennoy, Mr. D. Williams and Mr. Lockett vote No.
Mr. Hasan and Mr. G. Smith abstain.
Mr. M. Williams not voting.
Motion Fails 3-3-2.
The Clerk: We’re headed to item number twelve, sir?
Mr. Mayor: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk:
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
12. Discuss the process for directing the General Counsel to craft proposed ordinances.
(Requested by Commissioner Marion Williams) (Deferred from the March 15, 2016
Meeting)
th
Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 9 who is here.
Mr. M. Williams: Thank you again, Mr. Mayor, this is something that has been on the
floor for quite some time. We have gave direction to the General Counsel about a Commissioner
or a person giving orders to draw up ordinances or proposals for this body without going through
the process. So I’d like to hear from the Attorney as to how we get to that point, no, how did he
get to that point of doing ordinances that somebody’s given direction to when the rules that we’ve
been talking about says that it doesn’t happen that way. So can, I mean this had been put off last
meeting he was not here I don’t think to address it and that’s why it got to this body here. There’s
case proven where we had addressed this with this body to say that that shouldn’t happen but it’s
still happening. But those are the rules that everybody’s supposed to know they don’t go by.
Mr. Mayor: Okay so Commissioner I want to make sure I fully understand it and then I’ll
recognize the Attorney. Can you help me understand? So there is a process based on what you
just indicated whereby which individuals or not can have draft ordinances prepared. Is that ---
Mr. M. Williams: There’s a process that goes through the Commission as a whole. It takes
six votes to direct the Attorney to draw up any ordinance or any to amend anything. But we have
been getting stuff that has been drawn up by the Attorney that somebody gave instructions to do
and then we end up seeing it here. It takes six votes whether they like it, whether they understand
38
it or not those are just the rules. I didn’t make them; those are what the rules say what they’re
supposed to be done by. Now if I ain’t learned much I did learn the rules.
Mr. Mayor: All right, Attorney MacKenzie, I certainly want to recognize you but what I
would ask you to do I’ll preface your response with one, I’d like to see a copy of that rule and two,
I’d like to see a copy of that policy or process because I have not seen it.
Mr. MacKenzie: Sure, I’ll be happy to address that. I’m not aware of this actually being
in our rules as well. Attached to your support material is some documentation from approximately
eleven years ago from 2005 relating to a motion that was approved by the Commission at that time
to approve a policy for ordinances to be presented to a respective committee for approval prior to
notifying attorneys to start the process for ordinances. And the background material for that was
related to outside counsel expenses and things of that nature in helping to bring some of that back
in house to minimize expenses. To my knowledge I have not seen a policy or rule that was
generated as a result of this motion and obviously that was way before the time I started here. I
think Commissioner Williams and I are actually probably on the same page. I would be happy if
the Commission had some guidance on that and maybe it’s time that we create some clear guidance
on this issue. There’s also attached to your materials some minutes from 2013 that related to a
resolution rather than an ordinance that an issue that came up at that time. I would be happy to put
together a rule to the effect of requiring either the committee or a majority vote of the Commission
before attorneys begin to draft resolutions and/or ordinances if that’s the will of this body. But
I’ve not seen anywhere where this has actually been done even though there is a motion from 2005
for a policy to be put together to that effect. I haven’t seen the policy and if there is one out there
I’d be happy to take a look at it.
Mr. M. Williams: Mr. Mayor, can I respond?
Mr. Mayor: You certainly may.
Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, sir. In your backup back here is some additional information
that when department heads and just not department heads but other elected officials were giving
instructions to the Attorney to do certain things. And it came back to this body maybe not this
same commission but to this body that we approve unanimously that we would have to go, have
to come through this body versus someone giving direction because if I give a direction and
everybody else gives directions that’s ten different directions. It came through this body as six
votes to be able to give him instructions or the Law Department instructions to do anything. Now
it’s in your backup here and if you look at Section 10 I think it kind of explains when we met back
then ---
Mr. Mayor: Section 12, Commissioner, Section 12, is that what you’re referring to?
Mr. M. Williams: --- Section 10 in your backup, Mr. Mayor, it’s been in our booklet all
this time. But we have had several different ordinances done that nobody know how they got there
the Attorney just made them up. And it wasn’t voted on by this body but somebody had to give
him instructions to do it. So if there is no rules, we keep hollering about what’s germane and what
39
the rule says and what supposed to be done you can’t have it like Burger King, you can’t fix it like
you want it. You’ve got to do it the same way.
Mr. Mayor: All right so all right, thank you so much, Commissioner. So in your tabs, Tab
12 I think the first reference that the Attorney pointed out was on Page 13 of several, Item 8 a
motion to establish a policy. Is that not true, Attorney MacKenzie?
Mr. MacKenzie: That’s correct.
Mr. Mayor: All right and your second reference is from the 2013 minutes the page number
and the section. I want to make sure everybody’s at the same place.
th
Mr. MacKenzie: Page 23 that’s from the March 5 2013 Regular Commission Meeting
Page 23 about midway down the page references a resolution that was done.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, I want to make sure everybody’s at that place. Okay all right,
Commissioner ---
Mr. M. Williams: I hadn’t heard from the Attorney how that got overlooked or how that
got to this point. If he’s saying that doesn’t exist and we’re looking at it in our booklet here I just
need to be clear because if that’s the case, then somebody needs to give some more direction and
then we’re in with another situation. We had all kinds of stuff legally that’s supposed to be done
legally by the attorneys ought to be done and their thing the way that the rules say it’s supposed to
be done, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: Okay all right, Attorney MacKenzie.
Mr. MacKenzie: My suggestion would be we have a rules committee. If you’d like me to
put together a rule to this effect to be added to our rules, I think that would be the best way to
address this issue that’s consistent with the motion that was passed in 2005 addressing this issue
and then we’ll have a rule that we can refer to that would address this matter.
Mr. M. Williams: But Mr. Mayor ---
Mr. Mayor: Continue.
Mr. M. Williams: --- if there’s a motion that was passed we’ve got to make a rule for the
rule? If it was passed by six votes, then that’s what we acknowledged. But now he’s saying he
needs to come up with something else.
Mr. Mayor: All right, so that’s a very good question. All right so I’m going to ask the
Attorney a serious question. Mr. MacKenzie, is it not true that you were not working at the time
or were a part of this process?
Mr. MacKenzie: That is correct.
40
Mr. Mayor: Okay now I’m going to direct a question to you, Commissioner Williams.
Commissioner Williams, is it not true that you were a Commissioner at this time?
Mr. M. Williams: Yes, sir, it was true and just because I was elected at that point and Mr.
Andrew was not, the rules still apply. When he came on that doesn’t change it because he wasn’t
here. There’s a lot of stuff that was voted on before he got here that we still go by.
Mr. Mayor: Right, I’m not debating that.
Mr. M. Williams: Okay well that doesn’t make good sense to me that’s why when I heard
that ---
Mr. Mayor: I’m trying to get you there, I’m trying to get you there. So the Attorney has
acknowledged that one he was not there but these minutes were available having gone and done
the research as you requested him to do. You were a Commissioner at this time and whoever the
attorney of record was and this governing body at that time failed to act and follow through on
what was here based on there’s not a policy.
Mr. M. Williams: This document that we’re looking at that was voted by at least six it
wouldn’t have passed it says unanimously but it wouldn’t have passed so that don’t mean nothing
then. We wasted our time; we just did something that day we just came in we could’ve went to
lunch at Mary’s house somewhere we could’ve ---
Mr. Mayor: I can’t speak to that but what I can do is that again I don’t know much I just
showed up. The Attorney wasn’t here, I wasn’t here, a number of us were not here. Madam Clerk,
to your knowledge is there a policy that you know of that addresses this issue that’s already in
place from our records? And I’m not trying to put you on the spot.
The Clerk: Oh no, sir, I don’t have a problem in answering that because at the time the
Commission addressed this issue first in the Administrative Services Committee which clearly
outlined the process by which ordinances were to be introduced to the Commission. That
subsequently went to the following Commission meeting which they adopted the wording to
establish a policy. Now from where we were at that time the policy was implemented. While we
may not have a written policy and the Attorney of record at that time did not actually put it in
writing, it was an official action of the Commission which we implemented for a certain period of
time. Eventually we somewhat got away from that but it’s not as if it never existed or that we
never followed this policy. Now do we have a written policy? No, it was not actually put in a
th
document that said policy. We were acting on the action of the Commission on March 15 2005.
Mr. M. Williams: I’ve got a question, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: I do too, I’ve got several. All right I’m going to go down the line. Thank you,
th
Madam Clerk. All right the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 6.
Mr. Hasan: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. My concern about it, Mr. Mayor, if you’ll allow me
to digress just moment the same thing with the what we just heard about the Fire Fighters
41
Association it’s just a lot of times I think the first order of business for us is to acknowledge what
the rules are of engagement are. If we chose to do something different than we do something
different. I say that to say this and I’ll come back here. When we look at the first meeting of
th
March the 7 2005 clearly that conversation started out as a result of a meeting that Commissioner
Williams probably was the Mayor Pro Tem at that time with the Mayor, with the Attorney. And
some of it in the conversation what happened then is really pretty much it must have being
discussed about the cost of outside counsel and things of that nature. Subsequently they came to
the committee and Commissioner Williams put it on the floor. As a result of this conversation
Commissioner Grantham said why don’t we forward it in the form of a motion that any request for
any he moved it away from where it originally started about outside counsel in terms of what they
were doing for ordinances and department heads and outside agencies asking. And he said any
ordinances come to be identified committee for approval prior to notifying the attorney to start the
process. And I’m just going to show it, Mr. Mayor, for the sake of time ---
Mr. Mayor: We have that information in our books.
th
Mr. Hasan: --- we do have that information in our books you have March the 7 2005
th
that’s when that conversation starts. And then we go to March the 15 where it said a motion to
establish a policy where any requests for ordinances be presented to the respective committee for
approval prior to notifying attorneys to start the process. Now there’s more information as you
know, Mr. Mayor, but here’s the difference here for me when we’re talking about whether this is
policy or not. We just heard Mr. Parker made a presentation around the issue that we asked him
about a week ago said will you bring us back a policy that we can find out how we can probably
deal with our facilities because we were giving away so many facilities and getting nothing in
return in terms of monetary, revenue. At the end of the day he done research, he did research him
and his team and he brought back us something from Durham or Durham or what have you and as
a result of that we adopted that pretty much. But here what the motion here it tells you clearly
what the process is. Andrew, you have to you know excuse me the Attorney even if we said write
it out for us that’s all he has to do it clearly states the process here. It is the policy that’s not been
written down but it clearly tells you what it starts at the committee level from the committee level
it goes on to the body so there’s nothing to address other than if you identify a draft as putting it
on paper but the process is there, it’s a policy. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: All right I’m not quite sure what we’re doing with that if you all say so all
right. I mean I understand a motion to establish the policy. We are debating the merits of the
meeting minutes and they are accurate. It says this is what we want to do but in my mind there
was no corresponding follow up. And you articulated it well, Commissioner, that just a moment
you all just voted on a real policy, a policy that this body asked for and you subsequently received
it and you voted on it and it’s now in effect as of July 1, 2016. It provides certainty, it provides
consistency and what brought this measure before us today is the fact that there ‘clearly’ is an
inconsistency or an uncertainty about how this should happen. And the Commissioner from the
th
9 raised the issue and said you know ‘it takes six votes’ in order to have the Attorneys draft an
ordinance that ultimately you will still have to have six votes to vote on. Now this body functions
or should function as if it were the legislative body of the government and as such I don’t know of
any situation or scenario whereby which Commissioner Smith or Commissioner Lockett should
have to garner six votes before being able to approach the Attorney if he had an idea about how to
42
make this government better and before he could even have something drafted that would still need
six votes to be finally passed and adopted in the local law of this government. I can’t for the life
of me understand why we need six votes to do that before I even had a conversation. I can’t for
the life of me. I don’t know of any legislative body that works like that where you’ve got to get
approval to have a conversation before you start working on something or even if you came with
a draft ordinance yourself based on something you’ve seen from another municipality,
consolidated government or entity and then you said put it in Augusta form. I just don’t understand
why we would even want to consider doing that.
Mr. Hasan: Could I follow up, Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: I’m directing this to you.
Mr. Hasan: Oh okay well, Mr. Mayor, the most important part of what I forgot to say to
the listening audience for sure that motion passed unanimously. The Commission adopted it. So
you may not find it in writing but it is policy; it’s an action by the Commission. And just because
it’s not written down I mean there’s nothing to add to it. It’s telling you what the process is. It’s
not leaving it in limbo, it’s not leaving any uncertainty. There’s no uncertainty here I mean I heard
you use the word but there’s nothing uncertain about that. You may not like it and I agree with
you it should’ve been written down but there’s nothing uncertain about it. It says to you, it says
to me, Commissioner Hasan, if you want a policy drafted, if you want an ordinance drafted, your
first order of business, your first order of business now that don’t take any from me starting a
conversation with my colleague at a sidebar. But my first order of business it says get it before
the appropriate committee. Once it gets passed it from the committee cycle it goes to the
Commission and if the Commission adopts it, it’s the policy. It tells you there’s nothing to add to
that; it passed unanimously. It’s just not on paper but it passed. So there’s nothing to fix there’s
nothing to add to it, it is clear, cut and it’s decisive.
Mr. Mayor: Well and I’m certainly not going to spend a whole lot of time on debating it
but I can’t read it but one way. It says and again to the degree that it was adopted in unanimity
which I don’t have a vote call a roll call vote or whatever here it says a motion to establish a policy
wherein any request. And while the Commission acted and said this is what we want to do no one
has proven and said here’s what we did other than simply said we want to establish a policy that
includes these things. That’s how I read that. I can’t imagine how we would read it otherwise. It
simply says a motion to establish a policy and to this date no one has presented it in front of you,
me or any of us otherwise. I can’t read that but one way. All right the Chair recognizes the
th
Commissioner from the 9.
Mr. M. Williams: Mr. Mayor, I kid a lot about passing the bar and I pass one every time I
go down the street but that’s as close as I got. But I kid a lot about that and if our Attorney can’t
interpret what the law has been as far as this Commission voting on an issue, he can’t interpret that
for you. I think we’re in some serious trouble sure enough. Now I may not understand it, you
may not understand it but if anybody understands it he ought to be able to understand it. He ought
to be able to make it plain as the nose on your face. There’s a lot of things that we have not done
consistently in this government but when it comes up and it’s been proven it looks like we ought
to wrap our arms around it and say okay you’re right or you’re wrong. But in this case I think a
43
high school student not just a lawyer who done attended law school can interpret this, Mr. Mayor,
to tell us we done adopted this because everything we go it takes six votes that’s what it takes.
You ain’t got to count to seven, you ain’t got to count to ten, it’d be good we had ten on this one
because it said unanimously. But if you just count to six, you can get that number. You can get it
passed. You might not like it, you might not understand it, but those are the rules that we keep
talking about. I had a question a while ago I’m going to ask Ms. Bonner just one question is there
any other situations like this one that we done passed that we ain’t got nothing written down in the
book that we still we’re held by law?
The Clerk: I’m sure there are.
Mr. M. Williams: I’m sure there are too. There are probably hundreds of them that we
done voted on and passed but this one here that’s like you know people say you know the law says
you can’t (unintelligible) your child there’s no law to say to that. There’s a law that says don’t
drink and drive; you’re still going to do that. The law says don’t text and drive but there’s one law
you’re going to keep we’re going to keep this law let the rest of them go. The rest of them ain’t
no good but we’re going to keep this one. It’s been passed, Mr. Mayor, and any time if you want
to start a conversation about an organization you’ve got all the right to talk about it but you can’t
give him direction he writes something and brings it back to this body to vote on. It takes six
votes; he don’t have that authority. He’s got a lot of authority but he ain’t got that.
Mr. Mayor: I don’t think the Attorney is asking for whether he has the authority to draft
an ordinance. And the issue that’s before us is you’re not questioning the Attorney’s authority,
you’re questioning the process whereby which your colleagues can go before and bring a ---
Mr. M. Williams: (inaudible) that’s what germane (inaudible).
Mr. Mayor: --- you’re questioning whether or not your colleagues have the ability to ask
the Attorney to draft an ordinance, notice I said draft. That doesn’t mean approve, draft that then
has to go through the committee process whereby which it either gets you know proper passage or
it fails and often times without a recommendation move to the full Commission. But I’m going to
recognize the Attorney but I want to ask a question, I’ll direct the question to you. And again by
definition what is a policy?
Mr. MacKenzie: A policy can be written and it can be oral but usually if it’s oral it really
is a practice.
Mr. Mayor: Okay.
Mr. MacKenzie: Let me suggest this with respect to this issue that we have in front of us.
I think we can all agree a best practice for a government to adopt a policy would be to put the
policy in writing and have it in a place where everyone would have notice of what the policy is.
In this instance effectively all you have is a motion to establish a policy which ultimately for a
time became a practice. What I’m suggesting is that’s not the best way to establish a policy
because this was, the only way to figure out what that was if you go back and read through minutes
of Commission meetings from who knows how long it could be policies passed in this
44
methodology from 100 years ago that could still be applicable under this kind of application of
just going back and looking at minutes. So my suggestion would be we should decide now what
do you want the policy to be and we should put that in our rule book so that everyone would have
notice of what these are. I didn’t know this was in place because I hadn’t gone back and read every
one of the minutes from the last 100 years to figure out what the policies might be. We go with
what’s been noticed and what’s been made publicly available to everyone and it’s my suggestion
that ya’ll decide as a body what do you want this rule to be and we can implement that in the rules
book and just move forward that way.
Mr. Mayor: Well, I couldn’t agree with you more with one caveat. I wouldn’t put it in the
rules book. I’d let it just stand alone policy and as such you adopt it and you know stand by it.
th
And to the Commissioner from the 9‘s point if he says this is a policy maybe what we should do
is in a corresponding motion because right now the measure that’s before us is just a discussion
th
but maybe the Commissioner from the 9 wants to make a motion that the Attorney put this in
writing for all future commissions to know, read and understand and abide by.
Mr. Hasan: Mr. Mayor, will you repeat that last part I’m sorry I apologize; I’m not going
to charge you to do it.
Mr. Mayor: I’m sorry.
Mr. Hasan: I’m not going to charge you to repeat it.
Mr. Mayor: I’m going to charge you though. All right maybe the Commissioner from the
thth
6 or 9 would want to make a motion that the Attorney draft a policy pursuant to these meeting
minutes so that it’s written down for the express purpose of future and current commissions to
follow, understand and abide by.
Mr. Hasan: My Mayor, mine would be he can take this policy here and put in on paper and
put it on paper and make it official. I viewed it being official but it’s putting it on paper. It’s clear
right there the way it is.
Mr. M. Williams: If I can, Mr. Mayor ---
th
Mr. Mayor: All right the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 9.
Mr. M. Williams: --- thank you. We have some stuff on our books that’s not an ordinance.
And some of them may be ordinances that you have to pay a fine for horse droppings on the street
if you go back far enough in this government. There’s some things that have been on the books
for a long, long time but they’re still on the books. But this is an active one; this is one that we are
currently using. And maybe the Attorney missed it. Maybe he didn’t see it back them but it’s
been brought to the attention now. Instead of us saying yeah it’s there okay we know what to do
from now on, we want to create something to I guess keep talking about. But the rules have already
been established whether you put it on paper. It’s already on paper; that’s why the Clerk keeps
verbatim minutes so we can go back to see what the six votes said not who liked it who understood
45
it who voted for it but what the rules says. Now everybody wants to talk about the rules but we
don’t want to follow them.
Mr. Mayor: All right so Item 12 says discuss the process for directing the General Counsel
to craft proposed ordinances. The Chair is certainly inclined to entertain a motion to receive as
information.
Mr. Hasan: Mr. Mayor, I make a motion that the Attorney look at the action that
thth
was taken on March the 15 and put that officially in writing, March 15 2005, I’m sorry.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Second.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, I’ve got a motion and a second. Voting.
Mr. Fennoy and Mr. Sias out.
Motion Passes 8-0.
Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk, can we go to Item 16?
The Clerk:
PUBLIC SAFETY
16. Present the Information Technology 2015 Annual Report.
Ms. Allen: Mr. Mayor and members of the Commission, just wanted to talk about the
annual report that the Information Technology Department presents each year. At the last
Commission meeting we were very glad to hear how the Tax Commissioner’s Office has utilized
technology for the efficiency improved efficiency in the operations of his department. And I think
the Tax Commissioner’s Office is a very good example of how to utilize the technology efficiently.
So what we do each year and you have it in your actual agenda book is the annual report that the
Information Technology Department does and what we have done in the past for the year 2015.
First two pages you will find the highlights of what was done by the Information Technology
Department and following that you will find the actual breakdown by department of how
technology affected each of the respective departments. So we always provide this on an annual
basis. We also provide update this information on our website as well as the performance measures
that are done and performed by the Information Technology Department. So we have seen an
improvement. We have seen a large demand increased demand in uses of technology within our
governmental organization and of course we really happy and applaud that because hopefully that
technology is being utilized to improve the efficiencies of the operations of our government. I’ll
address any questions or concerns that any of you may have in regards to the annual report.
th
Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 9.
Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, Ms. Allen, I appreciate your report. My question is can
Tom Wiedmeier’s office use that same technology? I have had at least three people who would’ve
liked to have had that service that the Tax Commissioner has to be able to go as far as water
46
concerns and that kind of thing. Can that, can your technology that the Tax Commissioner uses
be moved or be used by the Water Department as well? Would that cost be astronomical?
Ms. Allen: Which measure of technology?
Mr. M. Williams: The technology service similar to what the Tax Commissioner is using
online doing stuff, now everybody don’t do stuff on computers but I had at least three people
asking about the Water Department. You had to physically go down and show your face and do
those things and they were asking about that and I thought it was good because I have seen the
Tax Commissioner do several things through I.T. So I was just asking is that a hard task, is that
something that your technology to work with Tom on? He’s got plenty of money over there so
(unintelligible).
Ms. Allen: Yes, sir, we’ll have no problem working with the Utilities Department. And
they do a lot of online processing; payments are accepted online and a lot of information is
processed on line for the Utilities Department as well.
Mr. M. Williams: Well and I hadn’t talked to Tom about it I just saw him out there and I
thought about first turning the water on and that kind of thing. Some people like me I still rather
go to look somebody in the face and talk to them. But some people technology has got so now
people are trying to do everything they can, you know, to do online processing and stuff like that
so that’s why I just thought about that when I looked out there, Tom, and I had three people at least
asking me about that.
Ms. Allen: Yes, sir, we’ll work with Mr. Wiedmeier.
th
Mr. Mayor: Thank you, sir. The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 5
Commissioner Lockett.
Mr. Lockett: Thank you, Mr. Chair, it’s been a long day. I just wanted to say again for
another year the outstanding work that you all do in Information Technology. So you and all your
subordinate personnel should be applauded.
Ms. Allen: Thank you, Commissioner. I am very, very pleased to have a great team of
people that I work with.
Mr. Mayor: Ms. Allen, thank you so much for your hard work and I know it’s a labor of
love for you.
Ms. Allen: It is.
Mr. Mayor: Congratulations on another successful year.
Ms. Allen: Thank you.
th
Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 8.
47
Mr. Guilfoyle: Tameka, thank you so much as well as your staff that constantly works
countless hours to get your job done. And I appreciate the IPAD. I just got to figure out how to
use it.
Ms. Allen: You’re welcome, thank you.
Mr. Lockett: Move to accept as information.
Mr. Frantom: Second.
Mr. Mayor: A motion and a second to receive as information. Voting.
Mr. Sias and Mr. Fennoy out.
Motion Passes 8-0.
The Clerk: (inaudible).
Mr. Mayor: Fifteen.
The Clerk: Thirteen?
Mr. Mayor: Fifteen.
The Clerk: Fifteen.
Mr. Mayor: Well, she’s already here so you want to talk about thirteen.
The Clerk:
PUBLIC SAFETY
13. Motion to approve the replacement of obsolete technology equipment (laptops,
computers, servers, printers, scanner, switches, routers, VOIP phone, other
telecommunication devices, and MDT’s) as well as the purchase of any required computer
software upgrades.
Mr. Mayor: All right, that’s Madam Administrator.
Ms. Jackson: Ms. Allen is going to present this.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, all right.
Ms. Allen: Just to give you a little background as you are aware the City of Augusta
Information Technology Department and the city as a whole has been leasing radio services for a
number of years now. And in the past years of course it wasn’t proven to be cost effective or
feasible for us to actually own our own radio system. And each year we actually performed a cost
48
assessment each year every other year we did a cost assessment just to see whether or not those
numbers were improving with regards to us owning our own radio system. In recent years of
course the costs have decreased and made it more feasible for us to do that so we worked along
with our Finance Department in looking at the actual cost and it would seem to be more feasible
and a return investment seemed to be something that was more palatable for us to look at. The
Commission of course actually approved including a radio system in the actual SPLOST package
SPLOST VII package and our tax payers of course approved that SPLOST package. So of course
what we wanted to do and what we will be doing quarterly or on an annual basis is giving you
updates on what we’re doing in regards to the radio system. We wanted to kind of jump ahead
and give you, you know, some input or some updates on where we are and what we’ve done just
as the beginning of the process for the radio system. Of course keeping in mind that the
Commission has approved for this project to be bonded but of course those funds for the bonding
will take a few months to get in place because of course we have to get the Financial Advisor in
and things that have to be in place and that whole list of items will come back before the
Commission for the final approval. However, we did have a kickoff meeting with our stakeholders
the ones that are going to be affective by the actual radio system and they all were assured that we
wanted to make sure this process was right. We wanted to make sure it was a fair and open
competition. We wanted to make sure that we did our due diligence in the Information Technology
Department as well as bring information forward to you so you’ll understand that we want to make
sure that we get the best bang for the actual dollars that the taxpayers have entrusted us with. So
th
what we did we had a kickoff meeting with the actual stakeholders on March 16 and at that
kickoff meeting of course all of the stakeholders every department that actually utilizes the radio
system was included in that meeting. And what our point was to do was to let them know what
the actual process was going to involve and how we were going to proceed in getting the radio
system and what we were going to be doing the steps that we will be utilizing. So also let those
departments which include our Utilities, our Engineering and all our other respective departments
know that they are the stakeholders however we had a quarantine because the emphasis of this
radio project is more so built on the public safety side. So what we’ve done is actually initiated a
core project core team which is consistent of Public Safety customers. That core team will bring
back the information to the entire stakeholder body. We did not you couldn’t make decisions
based on a whole group of 30 or 40 people in one room so you get the core team and the core team
brings back that information to the whole entire body. So we wanted to make sure that everybody
was a part of the process and understood which way we were going in trying to get this system
together. We then explained the process and we went over a tentative timeline. Please keep in
mind that the timeline will of course like I said be tentative because some of these things are going
to be based upon responses from the actual vendors themselves and what they come back and
submit in their proposals. The Radio System Project Core Team consists of course members of
the Information Technology Department. We have two members from our Sheriff’s Department,
a member from the Fire Department, a representative from our Marshal’s Office, a representative
from 911 and a representative from our airport. And of course throughout this whole project we
have other members that are going to be very important to the success of the project which includes
the Administrator’s Office, the Law Department of course for the various contractual obligations
and things that we’ll be working through, our Procurement Department which will play a very
valuable role in making sure that we do our due diligence in the procurement of the radio system
and our Finance Department making sure that the numbers are right and that we have the numbers
in the funding available. So each one of these respective departments we have already had initial
49
meetings with those respective departments to let them know what role and what we’ll be looking
for from those departments which is our core support team. And then of course like I said we have
our Project Core Team. When looking at the tentative timeline of course the goal was to bring an
update to the Commission which we’re doing here today to just kind of give you an update on the
actual process. In April we’re looking at issuing an RFP for a consultant and the consultant will
come in and help us make sure that we have everything possible we’re doing our due diligence to
make sure that we’re including everything that we want to have in the radio system. The Core
Team will look at those specifications on what we’re looking at for the actual consultant and have
some input in that as well. So this not anything one project that just a certain group of people have
input on. It will be the Core Team, the Public Safety Sector will have some input as to what is
needed and what they’re going to be looking for in the system. June you know we’re going to
look at selecting the consultant and then defining a respective radio cost for 2017 budget; that’s
our normal process. Each of the respective departments pay their own respective costs. And in
2017, in 2016 June of this year the normal budget cycle process and so we will be working with
them to get their budget numbers in order which is nothing that we don’t normally do. July and
August we’re going to be looking at developing the RFP for the radio system. At that time the
consultant will be on board. The consultant will assist in making sure that we have everything that
we possibly need to include in the radio system, to make sure that we have enough sites identified,
to give us some input into what are we going to get as far as making sure that we have the best
bang for the buck for the $15 million dollars that has been assessed for this project and of course
making sure we do our respective due diligence. The Stakeholders Agreement which all of the
stakeholders will be again at the table but then we’ll make sure that everybody agrees to what
we’re looking at and what we’re looking for and of course that will be something that the Core
Team will take back to the stakeholders. In September we will issue the RFP for the radio system
and then we’ll also will be bringing forth to you to the Commission P25 Radio purchases. These
are radios that have to be upgraded in order to be operational on the P25 system. I know some of
you have questioned whether or not those radios will continue to work with the new system and
the answer to that is yes there should not be a problem in that working with the new system
whatever system we go with because the P25 is an open system. So there should not be an issue
in what we’re looking at doing in regards to that so that’s not going to an investment that the
Commission will be questioning later in regards to why did we make that investment then we go
with someone else. If I could just digress a little bit prior to a couple of years ago maybe a year or
so ago we actually had a company who came down and made a presentation to the Commission
and you gave some costs and things of that nature. I’m not saying that that company would not
do an awesome job in providing the services that we’re looking at however shortly after that our
Procurement Department had a visit from another vendor that said they could very well do the
same thing. There’s a number of cases where agencies have decided to make sure that they are
doing their actual due diligence in making sure it is a competitive and fair process. So we want to
make sure we do the same so we want to make sure it’s competitive and we want to make sure it’s
fair so we want to make sure there is no questions. There are a number of things out there now
various agencies are going through because you have one vendor saying they should’ve done it
and they could’ve been the only provider to provide that services well of course the other company
says no they could not have did I could’ve done the same thing and that’s just the way it actually
goes. We want to make sure that we do the best thing that we can do to make sure all our T’s are
crossed our I’s are dotted our O’s are closed because the taxpayers like I said entrusted us with
this and we want to make sure that we do the best job for the taxpayers. And then in November
50
hopefully select the actual radio system vendor, the site development. Engineering actually will
be included because we know there’s going to have to be some site engineering done. Of course
we’re talking about towers; there only so many water towers and everything we’ll be able to utilize.
We want to make sure we that actually saturate the area as best we can to make sure there are no
concerns as it relates to whether or not they’re getting good reception in various areas of the county
especially in the south side where we do know there are some questions. We have worked with
Palmetto 800 to make some improvements lately just because we know this process is still going
to be a timely process. Radio system actually will be complete based upon the vendor’s timeline.
Whatever the vendor brings back when we actually select the vendor to do the services that’s going
to be depending more so on them. I don’t want to sit here and tell you it’ll be in three months and
in six months or a year. We’ve had preliminary talks before and it could be anywhere between
18-24 months however the vendor could come on site and very well say that it can implement the
system in 6-8 months. So I don’t want to leave you with any numbers that you know should be
more dependent on the vendor and their response to the RFP request as opposed to me giving you
some timeline. With that basically I just wanted to give you an update on where we are to let you
know we have kick started a process, to let you know the Core Public Safety Team has been
selected and are looking forward to working on this project and looking forward to making sure
that we do what we can to meet the taxpayers’ needs. And I’ll take any questions or comments
that any of you may have.
th
Mr. Mayor: Thank you. The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 6 for a
question.
Mr. Hasan: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I’d like to address my question to Ms. Allen please.
Ms. Allen ---
Mr. Allen: Yes, sir.
Mr. Hasan: --- what does what would the consultant look like in terms of skill set what are
you looking for because like you say you have multiple firms or companies looking at this so what
would the consultant, how neutral would he be able to be?
Ms. Allen: Normally what you have is a consultant that is not normally a person that works
for one vendor or another, not normally associated with a vendor. We have a non-partisan pretty
much consultant that comes in but they know about radios, they know about communication, they
know the things that need to be included to make sure that we actually have the best operational
system that we can actually have. They help put the specifications together, they actually help to
select the actual vendor of the radio system and tell us which would be our best option.
Mr. Hasan: And a follow up? Also is it true whatever system we choose will it give us the
ability to take on other entities on our satellite not satellite but what did you call it?
Ms. Allen: On our tower?
Mr. Hasan: Tower, tower, I’m sorry, tower.
51
Ms. Allen: Yes, sir, we could if you’re talking about other agencies so that ---
Mr. Hasan: Yes, so like the School Board or what have you.
Ms. Allen: --- yes, sir.
Mr. Hasan: So who would be responsible for marketing that to those other entities?
Ms. Allen: That would and that’s something that could be done by the City of Augusta
which because we will be the one that owns it but we’ll have to have some form of, you know,
policies and things in place in you’re going to respectively charge those departments. Those have
to be some guidelines established for that.
Mr. Hasan: Okay, because I think I mean that’s one I think part of the process that’s what
made this so attractive as well to be able to recoup money on an annual basis. So we probably
need to make sure somebody you know have the skill set to be able to market that for us. Thank
you, ma’am.
Ms. Allen: You’re welcome.
th
Mr. Mayor: All right the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 7.
Mr. Frantom: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I have a question for Ms. Allen.
Mr. Mayor: Okay.
Mr. Frantom: Who decides, is your team of the Public Safety Team of eight/ten
individuals, is that who decides who the consultant is or who’s in on the process?
Ms. Allen: There is only a limitation in regards to a number of people who can actually sit
on the actual committee to do the selection process and that’s normal procurement process that
normally wouldn’t be the whole entire core group. However, you would have a couple of
representatives from that team and what we would do is ask that team to nominate the ones that
they would feel to come you know to the table and make those votes.
Mr. Frantom: Okay.
Ms. Allen: Our Sheriff’s Office probably because they’re the largest unit in what they do
with having a representative to the table.
Mr. Frantom: Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
th
Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 9 for a question.
Mr. M. Williams: Ms. Allen, can you help me understand how our system will comingle
with the other systems out there when we put up our own towers? Is there a problem when we put
52
up a tower against or with somebody else who already had a tower we’ve been using? I mean is
that side by side is that I mean I’m just asking a question because you said you wanted to try to
get as much coverage naturally as you can.
Ms. Allen: Yes, sir.
Mr. M. Williams: So if we’re going to own the system, put our own towers up, we’ve been
using somebody else’s towers will we go where they are or will we have to go through a totally
different area than they are?
Ms. Allen: No, sir, we would actually, what we have is our own frequencies right now and
what we’ll be doing as part of this process with our Law Department is switching out the actual,
we still own our frequencies but the actual Palmetto 800 that we’re dealing with right now would
actually have to make sure they have their own set of frequencies to do what they need to do. So
it’s kind of you know contractually you have to separate the two.
Mr. M. Williams: Okay and ---
Ms. Allen: But as far as tower locations you can utilize the same tower locations. Is that
what you’re asking?
Mr. M. Williams: --- yeah, I’m thinking that we’re going to come in with something
different I stay on the ground I don’t know about towers I just want to, just trying to get a clarity
as to how that’s going to work. When I hear that I’m thinking you’re putting up a new system
everything’s brand new and we’re getting away from somebody else’s we were using. But if
you’re going to use the same system but you know the same tower I guess and just have a different
frequency and all that stuff, is that right?
Ms. Allen: Yes, sir, and that consultant will assist us in that process to make sure all that
is actually respectively included in what we’re looking for.
Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you, all right fantastic. Madam Administrator, would you like to speak
to this at all?
Ms. Jackson: No, I think the I.T. Department’s done an excellent job of giving an overview
of this item and we look forward to coming back with the best vendor at the best price for you all
to consider.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you, Ms. Jackson, thank you so much. The Chair will entertain a
motion to receive as information.
Mr. Lockett: So moved.
Ms. Davis: Second.
53
Mr. Mayor: All right voting. All right, Madam Clerk, the hour is getting late ---
Mr. Lockett: Yeah, you’re right.
The Clerk: Yes, sir.
Mr. Mayor: --- and getting real late.
Mr. Fennoy, Mr. Guilfoyle and Mr. Sias out.
Motion Passes 7-0.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, all right okay, Madam Clerk, all right we’ll just keep going.
The Clerk: Go back to Item 15, I don’t think we’ve addressed that one. Item 15 and I
believe we also have Item 18.
The Clerk:
PUBLIC SAFETY
15. Motion to approve the addition of ESF- 8-Annex A Mass Casualty Incident Response
Plan to the current Augusta-Richmond County Emergency Operations Plan.
Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chief will be brief.
Chief James: Very brief. This is as know last year we passed our Emergency Operations
Plan for the city and this is just an annex to that plan and outlines who is responsible for what when
we’re dealing with a mass casualty incident. And this will be added as an annex to the current
plan that we already have approved.
Mr. Lockett: Move to approve.
Ms. Davis: Second.
Mr. Mayor: We’ve got a motion and a second, voting.
Mr. Sias, Mr. Fennoy and Mr. Guilfoyle out.
Motion Passes 7-0.
The Clerk: Chief Item 18.
PUBLIC SAFETY
18. Motion to authorize award of RFP #16-126, Online Training & Records Management
System, of Augusta, Georgia Fire Department to Target Solutions subject to final contract
negotiations; also authorize the Mayor to execute the final negotiated contract.
54
Chief James: Mr. Mayor, Commissioners, Item 18 is requesting that that we award Target
Solutions the online training and training management for the Augusta Fire Department. This is a
st
new thing this is moving our training from up to the 21 Century as to how we did training before.
This outlines training for each individual throughout the whole department and the training can be
based on their level of their rank of where they are and what certifications are needed for that
specific rank. This is some of the training that some your progressive departments have been doing
such as Charleston, Atlanta and other folks as they have moved forward and assist them in
increasing their ISO rating to a ISO class of one because they’re meeting all of those training
qualifications for each particular person. Also with this the company outlines and they set up the
training based on your own state qualifications so they can take our Emergency Medical
Technician qualifications and put them in the system and the firefighters can go on line and just as
you would do for a college program that you do online and they could get their Emergency Medical
Technician Certification. Now they can get the recertification hours for that. Now often you have
firefighters that have to go different places to try to find it. They go to Doctors Hospital they’ll go
to anywhere to find these classes. This way it’s an efficient way for us to plot this training for
each one of our firefighters.
Mr. Hasan: Motion to approve.
Mr. Lockett: Second.
Mr. Mayor: Motion and a second to approve, voting.
Mr. Sias, Mr. Fennoy and Mr. Guilfoyle out.
Motion Passes 7-0.
The Clerk: Item 19 sir?
Mr. Mayor: Uh, yeah yes, ma’am.
The Clerk:
PUBLIC SAFETY
19. Approve a transfer of $333,500.00 from the 2106 Contingency Fund to State Court for
the purpose of establishing an in-house probation office. (Deferred from the Commission
March 1, 2016 meeting)
Mr. Mayor: I think pursuant to a communication that all of you received from
Administrator Jackson there’s more discussion that needs to happen with regards to this. What I’d
th
like to see us do is refer this to the April 12 meeting. That’s what I’d like to see us do.
th
Mr. Lockett: Mr. Chair, I move that this agenda item be referred to the April 12
meeting.
Mr. Hasan: Second.
55
Mr. Mayor: All right, we’ve got a motion and a second, voting.
Mr. Sias, Mr. Fennoy and Mr. Guilfoyle out.
Motion Passes 7-0.
The Clerk:
FINANCE
21. Ascertain whether the Augusta Government has ever provided taxpayer money to
support non-governmental entities. If so, identify those agencies, date, and the amount of
money provided. Render a decision as to whether a precedent was established when the
governing body recently chose to award $20,000 to four non-governmental agencies.
(Requested by Commissioner Bill Lockett)
th
Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 5.
Mr. Lockett: Mr. Chair, if I may I would, I would just it’s only going to take me maybe
two minutes for this I would just like to have this put on the monitor and I’d like to ask the Clerk
to make this a part of the record if you would please.
The Clerk: Yes, sir.
Mr. Lockett: And, Mr. Mayor, the reason I did this is because there was so much inaccurate
information that was put out about non-profits. The list that I provided there this is for the last five
years. These groups have received taxpayer money. Many of them have not even gone through
this process; they were approved in the budget. Just a few weeks ago the Greater Arts was $25,000
dollars they received on the consent; wasn’t anything at all said. And to question whether or not
these gifts and to indicate that the reason this was passed is because of an election year that is not
true because this Commissioner brought this up in the budgetary process but could not get support
for it. We’ll willing to provide $20,000 dollars for the education of people dealing with animals
but we won’t do the same with the education for us on this governing body. We have a reluctancy
the $20,000 dollars that I requested for Meals on Wheels is because we have over 300 citizens that
are on a waiting list in Augusta-Richmond County for a meal and often times this is the only good
meal that they get each day and I think it’s extremely important. So I just wanted to let you
naysayers take a look at this and the listing you see here is over a five-year period and there has
been no dissention at all about making that. So, Mr. Mayor, thank you I just wanted to provide
that information. Madam Clerk, if you will make that part of the record I’d appreciate it.
Mr. Hasan: Motion to receive as information.
Mr. D. Williams: Second.
The Clerk: Voting?
Mr. Mayor: I’m sorry, Madam Clerk.
56
The Clerk: Are we voting?
Mr. Mayor: Yes, we’re voting. All right, okay the Chair recognizes the Commissioner
th
from the 7.
Mr. Frantom: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. So each year we give out $2.9 million in NGO’s in
our budget and some of these are the same ones, two of them are the same ones that we’re going
to be giving $20,000 to. And you know I put it on the agenda for a department and we still want
to talk about the department versus NGO’s and apples and oranges. My question is to the
Administrator if you don’t mind ---
Mr. Mayor: I don’t mind.
Mr. Frantom: --- is have we given money to non-profits outside of the budget in this
manner before?
Mr. Mayor: All right, Madam Administrator, here’s the question that’s being posed to you
now. The question is has this government provided, has the government given money to entities
outside of the budget process, is that correct? All right in fact let me, let me withdraw my
th
statement. The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 7 please restate your question.
Mr. Frantom: My question to the Administrator is have we given money to non-profits in
this manner outside the budget before.
Ms. Jackson: Not during the time that I have been here, sir. I honestly cannot speak for
what happened prior to my arrival here in Augusta. Perhaps Ms. Williams if she’s available can
respond to that question.
Mr. Frantom: Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes the Finance Director Williams.
Ms. Williams: I’m going to have to research it because right off the top of my head I can’t
come up with one. What I can tell you is that we treat all the outside agencies the same; they are
required to have a contract with Augusta-Richmond County. They’re required to provide us their
audited financial information and their budget to support their program and all that documentation
is received before we make a disbursement to those agencies. And letters have been sent to the
four agencies that were approved in the March action to request that from them as well.
Mr. Frantom: Yeah and I think for me it’s just the accountability piece of you know we’re
opening up Pandora’s Box of no accountability. I even heard one of the non-profits is going to
use it for salaries on the media and that’s just, that’s disappointing. This is nothing against those
non-profits. I work in a non-profit; I support many non-profits. It’s just the way that this was done;
it just doesn’t feel like it was right. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. M. Williams: I’ve got a question.
57
Mr. Mayor: I’m going to recognize you. All right the Chair recognizes the Commissioner
th
from the 9.
Mr. M. Williams: Ms. Williams, before you sit down you just stated that you request a lot
of information from all of those agencies that’s getting money from this government. And my
question to you is and you may not know on the top of your head has all of those agencies replied
back with that information?
Ms. Williams: The four that ---
Mr. M. Williams: No, no, all of those agencies that we required to have the information.
Not just the four that we’re talking about now but you know if you go back in history and you’ve
been here longer than I have but I’ve been here a long time so I’m trying to think about all of those
agencies that we’ve been doing things for non-profits and 5013C’s and all that stuff. That
information that you stated you request from them have all of those filled that information out and
returned it back to you?
Ms. Williams: No. That process has been in existence since at least 2014 and I’d have to
check to see how far back. And to answer your question no, it has not been here since the beginning
of time but since we instituted those requirements for the contract, the audited financial statements,
an e-verify number, those specific information all agencies have complied with that.
Mr. M. Williams: Okay, okay I just I’ll be calling you.
Mr. Mayor: All right the Chair recognizes Mayor Pro Tem Smith then we’ll go to the
Commissioner from I’m sorry Mayor Pro Tem Smith and then we’ll go to the Commissioner from
th
the 5.
Mr. G. Smith: Thank you, Mr. Mayor, yeah back down the line I was president of the Civic
Club in town and there was a lot of charity work and everything. And you know all of a sudden
we fell into that bracket of same thing same time next year. And you know we were getting, we
have certain criteria and we were getting information but then you know finally we said you know
maybe we’d better check our rules and personally go around and see and we started noticing all of
a sudden a lot of areas were getting a PO Box and these people weren’t showing up but they were
mailing checks to the PO Box. And you know I’m just as giving as the rest of the guys up here
and I think giving to the right people for the right reasons and everything I’m for it. We’ve got a
lot of good folks from this town and sometimes they fall on hard times and need our help. But the
thing about it is I think we need to look at what and how we do it and handle taxpayers’ money
every year and keep up the standards of who gets what. But the main thing is you know you’ve
got some people see a pot of gold sitting there and they’re going to try to reach in and get their fair
share whether they need it or not. You know and so I just think that I would like to see us get with
some folks involved in this and then check on some of these organizations, see where the money
goes. Is it going on salaries sort of like you hate to say it but the Wounded Warriors Program we’ve
got under question here a while back. And the people started raising their eyebrows and saw how
much money they were spending on trips, booths, going to conventions in certain areas and what
58
they were spending to get there. The same thing with the United Way if you remember the CBS
did that job on United Way when they checked and found out that the people on the governing
body of the United Way they were flying private jets, private limousines, eating the best steaks in
the house and all that and then calls for up here and the people were getting peanuts and guess
what it really put a hurting on them that year. But I just would like to see that done here I think
the taxpayers will feel good about it. I don’t think many of them will get upset as long as they
knew it was going for a good purpose to the right place and the right people were getting what’s
needed. So I’d like to see us at least tighten up on how we audit this money and you know and
some people you have to say no to and if they don’t meet the standards and chin up on the bar,
sorry, come back later. But I would cut some of those who are not following the proper rules but
we need to update whatever we’re doing and to make sure everybody’s treated fairly.
th
Mr. Mayor: All right the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 5.
Mr. Lockett: Mr. Chairman, this is for the Finance Director please.
Mr. Mayor: Finance Director Williams.
Mr. Lockett: Ms. Williams, the Commission approved granting $20,000 dollars for these
groups. You are in the business of writing the checks. Did you write a check for those people
based on the vote that we made authorizing them that $20,000 dollars?
Ms. Williams: No, sir, I did not.
Mr. Lockett: Okay, will you please tell this body what you did and what you will do.
Ms. Williams: These four agencies have received a letter which tells them that funding
was approved for them in a March Commission action. And if I can read from the letter you are
required to fill in the purpose of this funding on the agreement that attached, sign in front of a
witness, return the signed agreement. Please pay attention to the budget information that must also
be included. Once we receive the above documentation it will be reviewed by our Law Department
and signed by the Mayor. A copy will be mailed to you. Prior to the receipt of the funds the
following information and documents must be provided to Augusta-Richmond County if you have
not already submitted them. 1. Your most recent audited financial statements. 2. A W-9. 3. The
e-verify number. And 4. a DUN number if applicable.
Mr. Lockett: Thank you so very much. I appreciate that and there should be no other
questions relative to that. Thank you very much.
Mr. Hasan: Call for the question, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: All right very good. The question has been called I’ve got a motion and a
second.
Mr. Lockett: I move that we accept this as information, Mr. Chair.
59
Mr. Mayor: We’ve got a motion and a second, voting.
The Clerk: That motion carries 6-1 with Mr. Dennis Williams voting no ---
Mr. D. Williams: (inaudible) I don’t think I pushed the button.
The Clerk: Okay, all right. How were you intending to vote, sir?
Mr. D. Williams: I vote yea.
The Clerk: Okay.
Mr. Sias, Mr. Fennoy and Mr. Guilfoyle out.
Motion Passes 7-0.
The Clerk: Item number 23, sir?
Mr. Mayor: Absolutely.
The Clerk:
ENGINEERING SERVICES
23. Motion to approve changes to James Brown Plaza Landscaping Plan.
Mr. Ladson: Mr. Mayor, members of the Commission, this is a request to actually change
these two things we’re wanting to change in the plan that was approved late last year. That is
where the existing trees that are there right now we’re requesting that those be removed. And
we’ve spoken to the Tree Commission and they stated that they would, the way the trees are
looking right now it is in bad shape and they do agree that it should be removed. But what they
would like to do is come back later on in the fall and replace the trees. Their plan is to replace
them and put them in different locations, make it more symmetrical and also where the statue itself
can be seen. The other request is also to replace that area with sod and that would actually make
it more visible also instead of using the shrubs. And plus for us it’ll be a whole lot more easier to
maintain if you actually have the grass and we take the trees down and put the trees where the Tree
Commission wants them. So like I said we’ve actually worked with the Tree Commission and
they’re okay with taking those trees that we currently have there right now and coming back late
this fall and replacing them.
Mr. M. Williams: So moved.
Mr. Hasan: Second. Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: I’m going to go to the, I’m going to ask the first question. I rode by yesterday
and took pictures and the world is looking upon Augusta. Today is Wednesday and that area has
not been graded. There are roots that are still out there. And we’re going to have the sod in place
by Saturday.
60
Mr. Ladson: Here’s the plan. I went out there this morning. They have graded it, they’ve
taken up most of the roots and the temporary plan is to go in there and put in some mulch, the
colored mulch. And the reason for doing that is if you go in there with sod there’s not an irrigation
system that’s actually active there right now and if you don’t water it within two days it’s going to
die. So the plan is to come in there and put some mulch in and dress it up and have it look real
good next week.
th
Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 7.
Mr. Frantom: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I have a question for Abie. You’re talking about
trees being cut down, sod, new trees. One, who’s paying for that and how much is this going to
cost? And does if fall under the forty-five or where is that coming from?
Mr. Ladson: It’s coming from the first phase which is forty-five thousand. Hopefully that
should be enough to do that. We’re only talking about the trees to be cut down. There’s four crepe
myrtles and I think two willows so those will be trees that’ll come down. The cost on that I think
is about to take those trees down about $2,000 dollars.
Mr. Frantom: So no additional cost for the mistake that happened.
Mr. Ladson: I’m not sure if it was a mistake or miscommunication or what but this is the
path forward and I think the cost to do it is about $2,000.
Mr. Frantom: One more question, Mr. Mayor. In your mind what can we do or what’s in
place to prevent something like this to happen again in the future?
Mr. Ladson: I mean the only thing I can say is probably maybe better planning or but I
mean that’s, it was there, the mistake was there and the focus was to get it corrected and to move
forward and get it done.
Mr. Frantom: Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
th
Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 6.
Mr. Hasan: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor, this is just for myself and my colleagues.
I think you’ve got a motion right a motion and a second? Okay, yes, but this is just for future
around the issue of finances. I had the opportunity to see former Mayor Deke Copenhaver on the
Means Report this week. I looked at it again this morning before I actually came to the
Commission meeting to try to make sure I understood his comments. He had the pleasure of just
you know being out in California just recently being invited by one of the gentleman that was
associated with UNISYS. And that gentleman, you know, seems to be a world traveler plans to
move back into Augusta-Richmond County. And attempted also Brad asked the former Mayor do
he anticipate an offshoot of other business into this coming in this area as a result of that and he
says yes he does I’m almost certain of that. But also to the point, Mr. Mayor, that we’re discussing
right now Brad Means was asking about when he was out in California and the Mayor the former
61
Mayor was sharing with him about some of the people that he met there that became a
multimillionaire people who own tech companies and things of that nature. And he said the
overriding concern or question they had for him was asking about James Brown, was asking about
James Brown. They were very interested in James Brown. He went on and gave some details
about how this tech company personnel is very familiar with James Brown and everything and so
Brad asked him do you think we are probably the potential here and being able to benefit from
James Brown being in this location are we minimizing that and pretty much his response was yes.
He said a lot of things but for sure he was talking about us positioning ourselves to take advantage
because maybe we’re too close to the light and it happens. You know nobody honors their own
sometimes so we’re not unique about that so let’s not miss this opportunity. And he was saying
he was in California for one thing but he could not outrun that conversation them inquiring about
James Brown so surely I think Commissioner Williams is on to something and let’s not minimize,
let’s full advantage of it even though it may cost us a few dollars moving forward. Thank you,
Mr. Mayor.
th
Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 5.
Mr. Lockett: Thank you, Mr. Mayor, I just want to follow up on what my colleague just
indicated the importance of travel. Just think if we provided the Mayor a hundred and some dollars
he could’ve brought that information back two months ago.
Mr. Mayor: I couldn’t agree with you more. All right, we’ve got a motion and a second,
voting.
Mr. Sias, Mr. Fennoy and Mr. Guilfoyle out.
Motion Passes 7-0.
The Clerk:
ENGINEERING SERVICES
24. Discuss the inadequate and untimely responses to recent water concerns. Explain why
residents of those areas that were initially impacted were not given credible information that
would have allowed them to make informed decision on water usage. Provide information
relative to the negative impact rusty water has on hot water heaters; sprinkler systems;
commodes/sinks; clothes washing and most importantly health. Expound on the economic
impact in that at least 2 hotels were negatively impacted. Consider the immediate
implementation of a plan whereby the Utilities Director is not the final decision maker when
there is a problem or perceived problem with the quality of water in ARC. (Requested by
Commissioner Bill Lockett)
Mr. Lockett: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
th
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner from the 5.
Mr. Lockett:
If you’ll give me a little liberty on this. First of all this agenda item was
never designed to talk negatively about the Utilities Director. This was a follow up to an agenda
62
item I had a couple of weeks prior about our water system. Now I’ve seen all kinds of people from
the media saying some precarious things and so forth. This Commissioner is concerned about
what he perceives as being best for this community and I think we all are aware of terroristic threats
and so forth that’s going on. I put this on the agenda because I want the Utilities Director and
those people that he reports to to go back and take a look at this, do a vulnerability assessment,
what is the emergency response plan? This is things that I just want us maybe it’s in place but the
community needs to be made aware of it. The Utilities Director said the iron in the water is not
bad for you but how can you convince a person that sees black and brown coming out of their
faucet that that’s not bad. You know you can overdose on too much iron but we need to come up
with a better system and there again the Utilities Director, I like Tom Wiedmeier, I do but I also
have an obligation to this community. And so, Mr. Mayor, for the sake of time what I would like
to do is I would like to pull this agenda item and sit down with Mr. Wiedmeier, the Administrator,
whomever and see maybe these things are already in place maybe it’s just that we’re not
communicating it. But I think if it’s in place we need to let the public know if it’s not in place I
So if it’s the will of the body
think this is something we should possibly consider putting in place.
I’d like to just go on and pull this from the agenda today and revisit it at a later date after
communication with other parties.
Mr. Mayor: I think that’s an excellent idea excellent idea and I think I heard a motion and
I need a second.
Mr. Hasan: Second.
Mr. Mayor: All right, very good. All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from
the, Mayor Pro Tem Smith.
Mr. G. Smith: I’d just like to say one thing somebody’s that related to water because I’ve
been in the plumbing business and really got into it in 1960 before my Daddy knew what child
labor laws were. But anyway I’d like to say one thing about the water department in this county.
We’re lucky to have the past people that were in charge both in the city and the county and then
Mr. Wiedmeier so his staff learned from the past have gone to a lot of these courses and schools
about water systems. We have I’ve heard other people comment how good our water system is
and we’re lucky with the Savannah River and the way these gentlemen perform their duties. And
yeah we can always improve and sure I think we ought to be aware of terrorists and people letting
the water get contaminated but I think we have some people that work up there that are very
dedicated to this department and this county. And so I’m glad we’re in good hands but I do agree
it’s always good to keep up and be aware of certain situations. Thank you, sir.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you, sir. All right we’ve got a motion and a second to delete this from
the agenda. All right, voting.
Mr. Sias, Mr. Fennoy and Mr. Guilfoyle out.
Motion Passes 7-0.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you.
63
The Clerk:
ADMINISTRATOR
25. Approve calendar of strategic workshops for 2016.
Mr. Mayor: All right the Chair recognizes Administrator Jackson.
Ms. Jackson: Thank you, sir. This is just a call to your attention an initiative that we would
like to begin regarding scheduling regular workshops to address matters of key concern. These
workshops will be approximately two hours. We’re tentatively looking at Wednesday mornings
from 10:00 until noon. We’ve listed in the agenda packet several topics that we want to cover for
th
the remainder of the year. Those topics would start on Wednesday April 13 with Planning, land
thth
use and zoning principals. May 4 would be Recreation, Master Plan Recommendations. June 8
would be an update on our Transparency and Accountability effort and then after taking a break
for the summer we come back in in September to talk about excuse me I’ve got my dates mixed
up. We come back in September, October, November and December those topics would be Transit
operations following up on the strategic analysis that Mr. Stephens talked about earlier today,
affordable housing, compensation and classification study recommendations and the State
Disparity Study recommendations. So we just wanted to bring this to your attention and ask for
your permission to go ahead and set up those strategic workshops for this year.
Ms. Davis: Mr. Mayor, move to approve.
Mr. Hasan: Second.
Mr. Mayor: All right we’ve got a motion and a second to approve. All right voting.
Mr. Sias, Mr. Fennoy and Mr. Guilfoyle out.
Motion Passes 7-0.
Mr. Mayor: All right, let me there is one more matter that I think from an information
standpoint we do want to make sure we address today before you get out of here. The Chair
recognizes the Attorney to speak to an information packet that will be handed to each of you.
Mr. MacKenzie: Sure, I’ll be happy to do that. Very briefly we have some information
that’s by the way of an update with respect to the solar project that you all are already aware of.
We anticipated speaking to you about it in Legal but given the timing we’re going to give the
packet out to you. The important information is that we are under a time crunch with respect to
executing the Intra-connect Agreement which was actually two of those but they’re similar
thth
language. Those are due on April 13 and so you will have an opportunity in the April 12 meeting
to approve that but that will be the last chance before you have the opportunity to approve those
based on the current deadline schedule. And there’s some dollar amounts listed in here. Those
were provided for in the agreements. We put those in two proposed motions if you want to go
forward there’s a draft for that. If you don’t forward, there’s a draft for that and we’ll explain that
th
to you further at the April 12 Legal Meeting.
64
Mr. Mayor: All right thank you, Attorney MacKenzie. Everyone I want to encourage you
to take a look in detail at the packet that’ll be handed out. I look forward to everybody having a
safe and prosperous weekend leading up the Mayor’s Masters Reception that you all are invited
to. You’ll be getting more information about that, we’ll send that out to you through our normal
channels and then Masters Week looking forward to taking some time off and resting and relaxing.
There be no further business before us, Madam Clerk ---
The Clerk: Yes, sir.
Mr. Mayor: --- this meeting is adjourned.
The Clerk: Thank you.
[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 30, 2016.
______________________________
Clerk of Commission
65
66