HomeMy WebLinkAboutRegular Commission Meeting September 20, 2016
REGULAR MEETING COMMISSION CHAMBER
SEPTEMBER 20, 2016
Augusta Richmond County Commission convened at 2:00 p.m., September 20, 2016, the
Hon. Hardie Davis, Jr., Mayor, presiding.
PRESENT: Hons. Lockett, Guilfoyle, Sias, Frantom, Smith, Fennoy, D. Williams, Hasan
and Davis, members of Augusta Richmond County Commission.
Absent: Hon. M. Williams, member of Augusta Richmond County Commission.
Mr. Mayor: All right, good evening, everybody. We are here to do the people’s business.
I hope everybody’s had a great weekend, Arts in the Heart, what an amazing time we had and now
we find ourselves back in the business of government. The Chair recognizes Madam Clerk.
The Clerk: Yes, sir.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you, ma’am. I call this meeting to order.
The Clerk: At this time we ask the illustrious Pastor, the Reverend Gary Kerr from the
First Baptist Church of Keysville to please come forward to deliver our invocation after which
we’ll have our Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, please stand. Thank you.
The invocation was given by Reverend Gary Kerr, Pastor, First Baptist Church of
Keysville.
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was recited.
Mr. Mayor: Pastor, if you’ll approach we have something for you. We want to recognize
you for your spiritual guidance and your civic leadership that continues to serve as an example to
all of us as Augustans and those of us all across the CSRA so thank you for what you do in this
community just as at your church. Thank you so much, Pastor. Please join me in thanking Pastor
Kerr. (APPLAUSE) All right, Madam Clerk.
The Clerk: Mr. Mayor, members of the Commission, some of you may know
Commissioner Marion Williams will be absent from today’s meeting. I call your attention to the
delegation portion of our agenda.
DELEGATIONS
A. Mr. James Germany regarding safety concerns and traffic issues pertaining to the limited
egress and ingress of Elderberry Subdivision.
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Germany, if you’ll approach and if you would as you approach share with
us your name and your address for the record. You have five minutes, sir.
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Mr. Germany: Good afternoon, Mr. Mayor, Commissioners, my name is James Germany.
I reside at 4316 Reagans Lane here in Augusta, Georgia 30909 within the Elderberry Subdivision.
I stand here today, sir, first let me say this I’m not here today looking for any instant resolution or
any instant resolve today. But I stand here today on behalf of the residents of Elderberry
Subdivision in which to talk about the 400 households that are contained within Elderberry
Subdivision. Of those 400 households, there are three average licensed drivers that drive
individual vehicles which total about 1,200 vehicles. So, within the subdivision itself there are
about 1,200 vehicles give or take a few here or there. On behalf of the subdivision I’m here to
discuss the safety concerns and traffic issues pertaining to the limited egress and ingress of
Elderberry subdivision. Simply put Elderberry only has one entrance, one way in and one way out
which literally in turn turns it into just a 2 ½ mile cul-de-sac. I’ve been asked several times by
several residents what would happen in case of an emergency within the subdivision that required
a mass exodus, what would we do? On other occasions, I’ve been asked by those same residents
what would happen if there was an emergency within the subdivision that required safety
responders to attend to it and they could not enter into the main entrance for whatever reason it
could be. I didn’t have the answers so I went in search of those answers. I spoke with Fire Chief
Chris James. I spoke with the city engineer Director Mr. Abie Ladson and I’ve talked with our
Planning and Development Director Ms. Melanie Wilson. After having conversations with those
three individuals they had the same concerns that we in Elderberry had about the safety and traffic
concerns. Also with the world of terror we’re living in today we need to make sure that there’s
some type of contingency plans emergency plans put in place for evacuations in case of any type
of emergency that would occur. Again I’m not here today looking for any instant resolution just
to plant a seed for conversation so that, we know that there are many other subdivisions throughout
this county in the same shape that we’re in the only one way in and one way out with excess of
400 homes. These are safety issues but by no means they are definitely safety issues if we could
get some resolutions today I would greatly appreciate it but I know we cannot. Again, my main
intent today is just to plant a seed of conversation. Thank you for your time and your attention to
this matter. Are there any questions?
Mr. Mayor: Well, the Chair recognizes Engineering Services Chairman.
Mr. Fennoy: Yes, Mr. Mayor, if you don’t mind I’d like to ask Mr. Ladson is he familiar
with that subdivision?
Mr. Mayor: All right, so let’s do this. You’re probably going to, I see Director Melanie
Wilson in the back. Director Wilson, would you approach as well I’m going to have both of you
at the same time just in case you’ve got questions. All right, Mr. Ladson, if you’ll come on. Thank
you.
Mr. Ladson: Mr. Mayor, members of the Commission, yes I am familiar with that
subdivision. What we’ve actually started we’ve started having some dialogue on issues such as
Mr. Germany has been speaking about. One issue that we know all too well and that’s the Patterson
Bridge Road project when that bridge washed out and it was one way in and one way out. Since
then we started looking at areas throughout the county where we have similar issues and they are
very numerous throughout the county. And so one of the first things that we’re doing is trying to
inventory and trying to see where these areas are at. So but it is a concern and there are multiple
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issues out there in Richmond County as it relates to one way in and one way out and that’s
throughout the county.
Mr. Mayor: Go ahead, continue Commissioner.
Mr. Fennoy: And I’d like to ask the same question to Ms. Wilson.
Ms. Wilson: I agree with Mr. Ladson we do have a number of subdivisions that were
approved previously. Elderberry is one of those subdivisions that was approved probably over ten
years ago where access was not quite an issue. Since then other subdivisions and more
development activity has tied on to that road so he’s correct you do end up with like a 2 ½ mile
cul-de-sac. It’s been an issue and a concern of mine since I’ve been here. We are looking at our
subdivision regulations right now to see where we can have standards that would trigger you
having to have a second connection to a public street whether it is, other jurisdictions have used
linear feet so every 900 feet you can have a cul-de-sac over 900 feet for example or you can have
a cul-de-sac over a 1,000 feet which is still quite long but at least you know that there’s going to
be some point where you can get out to another access point. So we are in the process of looking
at that and I have been talking with the engineering staff about coming up with some standards
that we can come back to this body to have approved for subdivisions.
Mr. Fennoy: And the last question, Mr. Mayor ---
Mr. Mayor: Certainly continue, sir.
Mr. Fennoy: --- Mr. Ladson, is there a remedy for the subdivision at Elderberry?
Mr. Ladson: That’s something that we’re still looking at. I mean we haven’t looked at it
in detail so I can’t answer that question right now.
Mr. Fennoy: All right, thank you.
Mr. Mayor: So, Ms. Wilson, you look like you want to chime in on that.
Ms. Wilson: I just would say that because it’s an older subdivision with new development
activity that has cut a link on to their streets there are other impediments. Sometimes the best
connection is where somebody’s already purchased a lot so therefore it’s not feasible anymore but
it is something we can look at further to see is there the ability to provide another connection to
Jimmie Dyess at some point.
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Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 3 Commissioner Davis.
Ms. Davis: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Ladson, I know right there when you turn in and
out or come in and out where the light is on Jimmie Dyess into the Elderberry Subdivision we
talked about in the past some need for enhancements for that left turn especially coming into the
subdivision. Have we done any of those enhancements that you’re aware of because I know that
those are the complaints that I’ve gotten mostly as far as accidents coming in and out because of
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the heavy traffic of course from Fort Gordon. So is there something we can do with looking
especially on that light even just to help those residents coming safely in and out. I know right
now we can’t provide another entrance or exit per se but that might fit a kind of an immediate need
by looking just at the traffic at the traffic light or the turn lanes even.
Mr. Ladson: Yeah, I think you’re referring to putting in like a dedicated left turn lane off
of Jimmie Dyess. I’m not, I think there’s one there I mean I’m almost sure they couldn’t have put
that signal in at that time and not, so I think that is there a dedicated left turn lane.
Ms. Davis: Right, but if there’s anything, I just if we can look at that and adjust that lighting
system, the light system or whatever the traffic signals and timing and all of that just to make sure
that it’s giving adequate time for people to get out ---
Mr. Ladson: Sure.
Ms. Davis: --- and in on that subdivision and get it fixed.
Mr. Ladson: Okay.
Ms. Davis: Okay, thank you.
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Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 4.
Mr. Sias: Thank you, sir. Mr. Germany, I want to make sure you understand one thing
before I make my additional comment. The smile I had had nothing to do with about the issue you
were presenting that was a little something else. One of the issues that the issue that Mr. Germany
described applies to a lot of subdivisions in Augusta however some of those subdivisions for
example may not want a change in that. So Mr. Ladson and Ms. Wilson, I would strongly urge
you all as you all review this matter look for some emergency areas where a road can be, a
temporary road can be cut. Some of these subdivisions may not, they only want one way in and
one way out. And we know that comes with some hazards but those are some of the things that
they are willing to live with as a crime deterrent. So just make, one of the things you can always
look is whether an emergency road or emergency access can be quickly established where we may
settle for an easement that can be what they, what do we call those things with a motor grater we
can have a temporary road cut or an emergency road cut in a little bit versus somewhere in a
permanent one. I’m not saying anyone that wants a permanent one that’s fine but just make sure
that we have a solution that kind of fits each one because right beside Elderberry is Breckenridge
and Breckenridge is in the same position that Elderberry’s in. Pinnacle Place is in the same state
as Sand Ridge. All these subdivisions have one way in and one way out and there are many more.
So, we just make sure we find a solution that fits a simple solution that can fit the area in need or
in question. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Mr. Mayor: Yes, sir. All right we’re going to come back to you Mr. Germany just hold
on a moment. I guess I’ll chime in. So I think what we’ve heard from our Engineering Director
and our Planning Director is that from a comprehensive planning perspective you’ll look at what
we’re currently doing from subdivisions where the requirements are. Augusta is on the eve of
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having a windfall of people moving into the community and one of the things we want to make
sure we do is not overregulate ourselves which is what’s happening in some other communities.
And we’re going to get the tremendous benefit of contractors and developers wanting to come to
our city to begin building those smart neighborhoods where you have ease of access into and out
of those. I would also offer with regards to that as you’re working on that and doing the good
work that you’ve already been doing that as I understand it the key concern that has been raised is
the issue as it relates to safety primarily off of Jimmie Dyess Parkway. But as I also understand it
with regards to Elderberry and Breckenridge on the back side of those two neighborhoods you can
in fact access them off of Wrightsboro Road. And so, if we had to move people very swiftly and
get them to a place of safety we could in fact do that off of Wrightsboro Road and not just Jimmie
Dyess in the event we had a disaster. So, I do want to make sure we note that for the record that
we can get people in and out, we wouldn’t have to resort to necessarily putting in a temporary road
if you’ve already got access all the back over to Wrightsboro Road. The Chair recognizes the
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Commissioner from the 6.
Mr. Hasan: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor, my question, I’d like to ask Mr. Germany
a question if you don’t mind.
Mr. Mayor: (unintelligible).
Mr. Hasan: Thank you, sir. Mr. Germany, in light of what you brought to our attention
you also made mention that you was not looking for an immediate relief. But knowing you from
a historical perspective you also looked at some things you think will potentially could be done.
So what are some of those things that you think could be done in light of what’s been said here
today? The Mayor just pointed out and assure you you have another access point of an emergency.
I don’t know whether it widened whether it be made permanently or be permanent I don’t know
but what comes to mind for you basically you and the 400 families that you represent.
Mr. Germany: Thank you, Mr. Hasan. What really, if the main entrance of Elderberry was
not able to be accessed there would be no way in or out of there. Breckenridge does have multiple
ways into it. It’s not in the same shape that we’re in, they can enter it off of Jimmie Dyess, Harper
Franklin or off of Wrightsboro Road. Our subdivision there is an area that we could probably look
at putting in a temporary road that would lead from the subdivision down to Harper Franklin. But
we are in a position where there are no other ways in or out of that subdivision, no way unless you
knock somebody’s house down or drive beside somebody’s house, that’s one of the ways you can
get in and out of there off of Wrightsboro Road, Jimmie Dyess or anywhere else.
Mr. Hasan: Mr. Mayor, can I do a follow up please?
Mr. Mayor: You certainly can.
Mr. Hasan: With what you said and I’m not familiar with Breckenridge but it sounds like
Harper Franklin would that take you through the Breckenridge community from your community
going through Breckenridge community?
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Mr. Germany: No. Harper Franklin is like the main thoroughfare off of Jimmie Dyess. It
leads up through Harper, it goes through Breckenridge. Our subdivision sits off to the right. It’s
just one way in and one way out but there is, I know there’s a project that’s coming in of some
townhouses. I don’t know exactly how far they’re going to be coming back but there is there’s a
possibility that a road, a temporary road could be cut. Of course that would be under the
supervision of Mr. Ladson over there looking at that to see. There is an area that could possibly
have a temporary road put into it but there’s no way for us to come in off of Wrightsboro unless
you knock somebody’s house down off of Wrightsboro Road.
Mr. Hasan: At this point do you assume it’s our property or is it a property we’d have to
purchase to do that?
Mr. Germany: I think that’s private property at this point. I don’t think it belongs to the
city and then again I don’t know exactly the particulars of it. I guess you know Mr. Ladson could
probably talk about it more than I could.
Mr. Hasan: All right, thank you, thank you, Mr. Chair.
Mr. Mayor: All right, thank you. Mr. Germany, thank you so much for coming to share
this with us.
Mr. Germany: Yes, sir.
Mr. Mayor: And I think as our Engineering Director and our Planning Director has
indicated they’re working on looking at this all across the county.
Mr. Germany: My main intention was just to plant the seed, sir. Thank you.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you very much. Madam Clerk.
The Clerk: I call your attention to our consent agenda which consists of items 1-8, our
consent agenda consists of items 1-8. For the benefit of any objectors to our Planning petitions,
once those petitions are read I ask that you signify any objections by raising your hand once the
petition is read. I call your attention to:
Item 2: Is a request for approval with conditions a change of zoning from a R-1B (One-
family Residential) to a Zone B-2 (General Business) affecting property known as 3121 Mike
Padgett Highway.
Item 3: Is a request for a change of zoning from a Zone B-1 (Neighborhood Business) to
a Zone B-2 (General Business) affecting property at 3479 Wrightsboro Road with conditions.
Item 4: With conditions a petition requesting a change of zoning from a Zone A
(Agriculture) in a Zone HI (Heavy Industry) to a Zone HI (Heavy Industry) affecting property at
2722 Mike Padgett Highway and part of 1778 Lumpkin Road.
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The Clerk: Are there any objectors to any of those Planning petitions? Mr. Mayor,
members of the Commission, our consent agenda consists of items 1-8 with no objectors to our
Planning petitions.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you, Madam Clerk. The Chair will entertain any motions to add or
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remove from the consent agenda. The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 5.
Mr. Lockett: Thank you, Mr. Chair. I’d like to pull agenda items 6 and 7.
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Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 6.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
7. Motion to approve using the process that all official documents approved by the
Commission that was used by former City Attorneys Wall & Shepard regarding documents
being returned to the Clerk of Commission’s Office for the city’s official and permanent file.
(Approved by Administrative Services Committee September 3, 2016)
Mr. Hasan: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor, number 7 my colleague just said he’d like
to pull it but this issue was a concern that I brought to the committee cycle last week and I’d like
to remove it from the agenda period. It consists of removing it from the agenda and allow the
Administrator, the Clerk and the Attorney’s Office to come together and find a comprehensive
plan to get the documents back to the Clerk’s Office. All parties have agreed to that so I’d like to
just remove it from the agenda if I can get unanimous consent to do that.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, all right, so this is I’m going to hold that one in the parking lot for a
second. All right any other motions to remove or add to the consent agenda? Okay, all right, there
being none ---
Mr. Guilfoyle: Motion to approve.
Mr. G. Smith: Second.
Mr. Mayor: So with regards, I intend to, I certainly intend to. All right item number 7 the
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Commissioner from the 6 has asked to remove that. All right, do we have unanimous consent to
remove it from the agenda?
Mr. Lockett: One caveat, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Mayor: All right.
Mr. Lockett: I was unaware of the fact, my colleague indicated that we all knew about it,
I didn’t know anything about it but I have no problem with removing it.
Mr. Mayor: All right, okay, all right, without objections that was removed from the agenda.
Okay all right so we’re going to be voting on all items, Madam Clerk, except 6 and 7.
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The Clerk: Are we deleting 7 from ---
Mr. Mayor: Seven is deleted.
The Clerk: --- the consent agenda?
Mr. Mayor: Uh-hmm.
The Clerk: Okay.
Mr. Mayor: Seven is deleted.
The Clerk: Item 6 is pulled.
Mr. Mayor: Item 6 is pulled. All right voting.
CONSENT AGENDA
PLANNING
1. FINAL PLAT – MANCHESTER, SECTION 7 – S-853 – A request for concurrence with
the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to approve a petition by Southern Partners Inc.,
on behalf of COEL Development Co., requesting final plat approval for Manchester
Subdivision, Section 7. This single-family residential subdivision is located on Ken Miles and
Weldon Adams Drive and contains 27 lots. DISTRICT 4
2. Z-16-28 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to
approve with the conditions stated below a petition by James S. Murray (Attorney), on behalf
of Richard Smith, to change the zoning from R-1B (One-family Residential) to B-2 (General
Business) for .24 acres known as 3121 Mike Padgett Highway. Tax Map 123-1-012-00-0.
DISTRICT 6 1. The use of the site is limited to support parking, equipment storage, and a
training facility in support of the business located at 3119 Mike Padgett Highway or those
uses permitted in the P-1 (Professional) Zone. 2. A site plan showing required parking,
ingress/egress, side and rear fencing with landscape buffering must be submitted and
approved before any commercial use of the property may begin. 3. A landscape feature of
four feet in circumference shall be planted around any free-standing sign erected in the front
yard in addition to the two (2) required street-yard trees.
3. Z-16-33 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to
approve with the conditions stated below a petition by William C. Carn, on behalf of Circle
K Stores, Inc. requesting a change of zoning from Zone B-1 (Neighborhood Business) to Zone
B-2 (General Business) affecting property containing .81 acres and is known as 3479
Wrightsboro Road (aka 3477 Wrightsboro Road) Tax Map 041-0-029-00-0 DISTRICT 3 1.
There can be no parking of vehicles in the public right-of-way. 2. The petitioner will work
with the Planning and Development Department to submit a landscape improvement plan
for approval. 3. If improvements disturb more than 50% of the acreage, the site plan must
comply with all other ordinances and regulations in effect at the time of plan submission and
construction.
4. Z-16-34 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to
approve with the conditions stated below a petition by Steve Moody requesting a change of
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zoning from Zone A (Agriculture) and Zone HI (Heavy Industry) to Zone HI affecting
property containing approximately 2.9 acres and known as 2722 Mike Padgett Highway and
part of 1778 Lumpkin Road. Tax Map 111-0-002-00-0 and part of 111-0-002-07-0 DISTRICT
1 The use of the site is limited to the existing businesses on 2722 Mike Padgett Highway and
1778 Lumpkin Road and all uses permitted in the LI zone, subject to no outdoor production
or manufacturing, due to the close proximity to floodplain and wetlands. The approved plat
combining 2722 Mike Padgett Highway and the two-acre portion of 1778 Lumpkin Road
must be recorded with the Clerk of Superior Court prior to site plan submittal. 3. The project
site plan must comply with all development related ordinances and regulations in effect at
the time of site plan review. 4. Any modification to the existing curb cuts and any traffic-
related improvements must be approved by the Traffic Engineering Department and
Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). 5. Water and sewer must be extended to
the proposed building from the existing water and sewer lines within Mike Padgett Highway
at the petitioner’s expense.
PUBLIC SERVICES
5. Motion to approve the adoption of the Recreation and Parks Master Plan. (Approved by
Public Services Committee September 13, 2016.
PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
8. Motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the Commission held September
6, 2016 and Special Called Meeting September 13, 2016.
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Mr. Mayor: All right the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 1.
The Clerk: Mr. Hasan ---
Mr. Hasan: Ma’am?
The Clerk: --- are you voting on the consent agenda?
Mr. Hasan: Oh, yes, I apologize.
Mr. M. Williams out.
Motion Passes 9-0. \[Items 1-5, 8\]
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Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 1, state your inquiry.
Mr. Fennoy: Yes, Mr. Mayor, I’d like for item number 9 to be referred to the next full
Commission ---
Mr. Mayor: Okay, can you hold on for a moment ---
Mr. Fennoy: Okay.
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Mr. Mayor: --- hold on, yeah hold on we hadn’t got there yet. All right, I thought you had
an inquiry, thank you, sir. Okay, Madam Clerk, I’m going back to you now they’re a little anxious
they’re trying to break a record today, trying to get out of here before 2:45.
Mr. Sias: Where you got to go?
Mr. Mayor: Home, home James home. Oh my goodness, all right that’s right, we’re doing
the business of the people. Okay, Madam Clerk, we’ll move on we’ll go ---
The Clerk: Headed back to six?
Mr. Mayor: We’re going back to six yeah we’ll go top to bottom.
The Clerk:
PUBLIC SERVICES
6. Motion to approve the elimination of the Mayor’s signature block from the document
“Policy for the Drafting of Ordinances and Code Amendments” and leave the Clerk’s
attestment in place. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee September 13, 2016)
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Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 6.
Mr. Lockett: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I wasn’t here last week when this discussion went
on but my concern is not so much about the signature block. My major concern is with the amount
of time that was expended talking about a signature block time that we could’ve used trying to
decide how we are going to take advantage of the Cyber Command and expansion of the medical
complex to make Augusta a greater place. We could’ve expended that time to figure out how
we’re going to beautify Gordon Highway and Deans Bridge. What are we going to do about
Regency Mall but and still we spend all of this time talking about the Mayor’s signature on a
document and the item number seven that was pulled basically the same thing. Let’s do what we
were elected to do take care of the people’s business and let’s eliminate the power plays because
if you have power and you don’t know how to use it it’s not going to do you any good. So please
let’s try and work together, leave the little stuff out, let’s look at the big picture and let’s move
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Augusta to the 21 century. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Mayor: Are you about to make a motion to vote on it?
Mr. Lockett: I move that we receive this as information.
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Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 4.
Mr. Sias: Thank you, sir. I don’t think that last motion got a second. Move to approve.
Mr. Hasan: Second.
Mr. Mayor: All right we’ve got a motion and a second. Voting.
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Mr. Fennoy, Mr. Lockett and Mr. Guilfoyle vote No.
Mr. M. Williams out.
Motion Passes 6-3.
The Clerk: Item number 9, sir?
Mr. Mayor: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk:
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
9. Motion to approve referring to the full Commission with no recommendation the matter
of the reinstatement of compensation to the ex-officio Commission member who serves on
the Planning Commission and receive information regarding which boards have provided
such compensation in the past. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee September
13, 2016)
Mr. Hasan: Motion to approve.
Mr. Mayor: All right, hold on just a moment, hold on just a moment.
Mr. Hasan: Oh, I sorry I appreciate (unintelligible) getting a second.
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Mr. Mayor: I know we’re just blurting. All right the Commissioner from the 1 had his
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hand raised in lieu of a button. The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 1.
Mr. Fennoy: Yes, I’d like to refer this to the next full Commission meeting so
Commissioner Williams will be here to address that.
Mr. Lockett: Second.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, all right, just hold on I’ve got you. All right, we’ve got a motion and
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we have a second. The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 6.
Mr. Hasan: Thank you, Mr. Mayor and I appreciate my colleagues for once paying me no
mind and ignoring my motion. To my colleagues Commissioner Williams did ask me to address
the issue in his absence but if my colleagues don’t have the will today to support it, I respect their
motion here today. I think it’s something we ought to get done but if there’s not enough support
for it I respect that position at the end of the day.
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Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 5.
Mr. Lockett: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’m surprised that this made the agenda at all
because this is all about my colleague that’s not here today. It appears to me that when this was
voted on and my colleague voted on it last week that this should have been a conflict of interest,
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he was voting on something to increase his pay. And another thing if we are public servants you
don’t only become a public servant because of compensation. You do it because you want to give
back to the commission, give back to the community. And I think that if this is going to open
Pandora’s Box if this is approved. I serve on the Board of Assessors Ex-Officio, the Library Board,
Augusta Partnership for Children and you name it and I don’t get a penny. I do it because I’m a
public servant, I’m working to make the community better. Now if you give it to one you ought
to give it to all but when they revamped the Planning Department and dropped that they did that
for a reason and so today, tomorrow, next week until the end of the year I’m going to vote no on
that. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Mayor: All right, thank you. All right ---
Mr. Sias: Call for the question.
Mr. Mayor: --- the question’s been called for. We’ve got a motion and a second to refer
this to committee ---
Mr. Hasan: No, the next full Commission.
The Clerk: Next full Commission.
Mr. Mayor: --- the next full Commission meeting, okay, refer it to the next full
Commission meeting. Voting.
Mr. M. Williams out.
Motion Passes 9-0.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, Madam Clerk, is there any more business before us?
The Clerk: That’s it, sir. We’re going to make it.
Mr. Mayor: The meeting is adjourned.
\[MEETING ADJOURNED\]
Lena Bonner
Clerk of Commission
CERTIFICATION:
I, Lena J. Bonner, Clerk of Commission, hereby certify that the above is a true and correct copy
of the minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Augusta Richmond County Commission held on
September 20, 2016.
______________________________
Clerk of Commission
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