HomeMy WebLinkAboutRegular Commission Meeting December 20, 2016
REGULAR MEETING COMMISSION CHAMBER
DECEMBER 20, 2016
Augusta Richmond County Commission convened at 2:00 p.m., December 20, 2016, the
Hon. Hardie Davis, Jr., Mayor, presiding.
PRESENT: Hons. Lockett, Guilfoyle, Sias, Frantom, M. Williams, Smith, D. Williams,
Fennoy, Hasan and Davis, members of Augusta Richmond County Commission.
The invocation was given by Rev. Dr. James A. Hogan, Sr., Pastor New Zion Hill
Missionary Baptist Church.
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the Unites States of America was recited.
Mr. Mayor: Dr. Hogan, if you would come back, sir. Many of you may have seen and
heard Dr. Hogan, Pastor of New Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church who serves as our Chaplain
of the Day and we want to thank him and celebrate him for his spiritual guidance and civic
leadership that continue to serve as an example for all of the citizens of Augusta. He has been in
this community for many, many years. Would you join me in thanking him for his leadership and
his service in our community today. (APPLAUSE)
The Clerk: Are we ready?
Mr. Mayor: Yes.
The Clerk:
PRESENTATION(S)
A. Presentation honoring out-going member of the Augusta Commission Honorable Bill
Lockett.
The Clerk: At this time I draw your attention to the presentation portion of our agenda and
we would like to ask the Honorable Bill Lockett to please join the Mayor here in front of the
podium for recognition. Mr. Lockett, on behalf of the Augusta Commission and the many
constituents you serve as well as other members of the Commission we would like to offer this
Recognition. The Augusta Georgia Commission salutes and sincerely thanks William ‘Bill’
Lockett, Commissioner for his outstanding dedication and service on the Augusta Commission
January 1 2010 through December 31, 2016 presented by the Augusta Commission this day
December 20, 2016. (APPLAUSE)
Mr. Fennoy: Are you going to say something, Commissioner?
Mr. Speaker: Always.
Mr. Lockett: Good afternoon. I really appreciate all of ya’ll being out this afternoon for
my last scheduled Commission meeting. You know I want to go back to 2009 when I was enjoying
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three retirements and all of a sudden the incumbent Commissioner, Commissioner Calvin Holland
approached me and said that I had been selected to run as his replacement in District 5 and my
question was what is District 5? But you know I’m the kind of person that I’ve always worked in
government and whenever I’m called on for a task, I just don’t know how to say no. And I must
say that when I campaigned in 2009 I was doing the neighborhood, knocking on the doors and I
went to this gentleman’s house and told him that I was running for the Commission. And he asked
me he said, “Can I pray for you?” and this guy nobody has every prayed like that, I’ll never forget
it. And I told him I come from a family of ministers and I was supposed to be a preacher but I
joined the Marines and that messed that up. He said that your pulpit does not have to be in a church
and that’s when I found myself, that I could help people outside the church and that’s what I tried
to do for the past seven years. The only promise I made when I campaigned was if you see fit to
elect me I will go out every day and work as hard as I can for you and if I can do that through the
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31 I will have accomplished that task. You know it’s been a seven-year run here. There have
been ups and downs but I’m going to benefit from all of that. There are something things I’d like
to have seen us do, we didn’t do but there were many things that I thought we should’ve done we
did do. Augusta is in a great place; now we are getting better. And one thing I have never done
since I’ve been on the Commission was abstain. Often times you have the difficult votes; you
don’t know how your constituents are going to react. I have always every issue that comes up I
have voted either yea or nay and my constituents those that were concerned I explained to them
why I did this and you know we had a good relationship. Very seldom did I vote on something
and a significant amount of my constituents seem to have been why did you do it. But so I must
say the people of District 5 are outstanding; the people of Augusta Richmond County are great
people. People would call me and say, “Commissioner, I might be in your district.” I said “what
can I do for you? I don’t care if you’re in my district or not.” That’s the approach that I took. And
I was asked by the media a few minutes ago what were my biggest disappointment of something I
wanted to get done on the Commission and what was my greatest reward. What propelled me into
this job as the Commissioner was working to do something with Regency Mall. That hasn’t been
done yet but we are closer to doing that than ever before. My greatest satisfaction is too
Commissioner Holland in his last act on the Commission was he asked the Chairperson to make
sure that a subcommittee is set up to save The Patch, the Municipal Golf Course. And he said I
want my replacement Commissioner Lockett to be on that and I did and I worked several years.
But the Patch was saved and it’s in good condition. My greatest joy, Commissioner Fennoy and I
was out in Chicago at a conference for the American Planning Association. We were not supposed
to be there but the people that were supposed to go they didn’t want to go because it was Masters
Week. And I happened to go into a session where they talked about Age Friendly I said, “What is
Age Friendly?” And I came back and we worked and we worked and early 2014 Augusta became
an Age Friendly city. We became the second in the State of Georgia, we became number 20 in
the entire United States of Age Friendly. (APPLAUSE) Other cities and communities have
recognized or realized how important this can be. We talk about economics; you know older folks
got more disposable income than young people have and our population is getting older we have
people moving in this direction. Why do to Florida when you can stop in Georgia where we have
three Age Friendly cities now. You know so we’re on a roll and what I would like to do at this
moment is recognize all the people that are Age Friendly workers, participants or whatever would
you please stand one more time. (APPLAUSE) And many of these people are Augusta Richmond
County employees; they don’t get paid any extra for doing that. Many of them belong to other
organizations they’re their own agent and so forth they’re all because they’re all concerned about
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doing those things that will enhance the quality of life for our citizens in Augusta Richmond
County. I know they say that I’m long winded. I’m going to wrap up now; there’s so much more
I can say and I will say because I’m stepping down from up here but that’s not going to take my
voice away. I just want to thank all of ya’ll, all the employees of Augusta Richmond County are
the most precious resource. Good employees is like gold. They appreciate in value and I want to
thank you all and I have always done everything I could to enhance the quality of your work life
here in Augusta Richmond County. Thank you all very much and I appreciate your being out here.
(APPLAUSE) One correction, one correction please Ms. Lockett of almost 49 years would you
please stand up. (APPLAUSE)
Mr. Mayor: I was going to, in fact Ms. Jewel would you please come on up, if you’ll come
on up if you’ll come and join him here. I’m going to ask the Commission if they’ll do this since
we are at this mode. If we’ll suspend the rules for the reading of a Resolution without objection.
I want to take a moment and just say a few words on behalf of our Commission. We’ve had the
great fortune, I of working with Commissioner Lockett for 24 months now. In the Legislature
whenever we had occasion to work with folks we really valued and appreciated we would say ‘this
is a good man’. I can tell you, Ms. Lockett, that you are married to a good man. He has been a
friend he has not only been a friend but he has been a staunch and a committed advocate for the
citizens of Augusta Richmond County and not just District 5. That’s so important because it’s
vitally important for those of us who represent the city to understand that we cannot be so district
minded that we’re not city focused. He has embodied that. And so to you who you’ve stood with
him, to my friend a good man, our friend Commissioner William Lockett thank you for your
service to this city, thank you for your service to her people, you’re to be commended. Ms. Bonner.
The Clerk: Resolution. Office of the Mayor, Hardie Davis, Jr., City of Augusta. In
recognition of the World Health Organization and the AARP. Whereas the global population of
people aged 60 and over is expected to grow from 600 million in 2000 to almost 2 billion by 2050.
And in the United States the population of people aged 65 and over is expected to grow from 35
million in 2000 to 88 and a half million by 2050 taking the total share of the 65 plus population
from 12% to 20% of the total population. And whereas research shows that older Americans
overwhelmingly want to remain in their homes and communities as they age and access to quality
healthcare and long term services and support is essential for individuals to live in their homes and
community. And of the 80% of adults 65 and older living in metropolitan areas 64% live outside
the principal cities of these areas in suburban locations that tends to be auto-dependent creating
challenges for residents who do not drive. And whereas of the 80% of adults 65 and older living
in metropolitan areas 64% live outside the principal cities of these areas in suburban locations that
tend to be auto-independent creating challenges for residents who do not drive and 21% of adults
age 65 and older do not drive in more than half of those non-drivers do not leave home on a given
day in part because they lack transportation. And whereas as the World Health Organization and
AARP developed a global network of Age Friendly Cities and Communities that proudly includes
the City of Augusta, Georgia to encourage and promote public policy to increase the number of
cities and communities that support improving the health, well-being and quality of life for older
Americans. And whereas the World Health Organization and AARP developed outdoor spaces in
building, transportation, housing, social participation and diverse inclusion, civic participation and
employment communication and information, community support and health services that
influence the health and quality of life for older people. And now therefore it be resolved that
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Mayor Hardie Davis, Jr., Mayor of the City of Augusta, Georgia and the Augusta Commission
hereby support and express appreciation to the World Health Organization and the AARP and
commends Commission William Lockett for his leadership in advancing Augusta, Georgia
forward as and Age Friendly City. Be it further resolved that this order supersedes and previous
orders, proclamations, or directives in conflict. Given unto my hand this day December 2016,
Mayor Hardie Davis, Jr. (APPLAUSE)
Mr. Lockett: All I want to say now is I want to reemphasize the fact that couldn’t any of
this been done without my colleagues; this is not an ‘I’ situation it takes us. Commissioner Fennoy
said earlier on it takes a team and we are a team. We don’t always see eye to eye but I think we
pretty much have the same objectives so thank all of you very much. (APPLAUSE)
Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk, before we proceed there are some free seats available on the
front row to those that are lining the walls. I would certainly encourage all of the ladies. We have
plenty of seats available for you up front if you’d like to come and take a rest so you’re more than
welcome to come and take a seat. All right, Madam Clerk.
The Clerk:
RECOGNITION(S)
Award
B. Presentation of Special Achievement Award in GIS (SAG) to the Information Technology
Department.
The Clerk: Ms. Allen along with your group your team.
Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes Director Allen and her team. All right it’s always a
great day in Augusta when being recognized for good stuff, good stuff. SAG is that in Screen
Actors Guild?
Mr. Hathcock: Just as prestigious. Commission, constituents, Augusta I’m Rob Hathcock
the Account Manager with ESRI. We are a global software company that has over 300,000 user
organizations and over a million users worldwide. And I wanted to take a few minutes today to
recognize the Special Achievement in GIS and explain how important and significant this is. And
with that I’m going to start off with a message from our CEO and founder Mr. Jack Dangerman.
He writes, this year’s winners have all demonstrated exemplary use of GIS technology to visualize
data and deliver intelligence about the interconnecting relationship of their geography. Through
their hard work we here at ESRI are able to shine light on the best practices for implementing
technology to change the world. His words are very powerful and they’re so true. With this award
goes to the IT Department headed up by Director Allen thank you so much, Deputy Director
Blanchard, Michele and staff. The importance of this award is because as I said we have over
300,000 organizations worldwide that are all competing for the same award. Every year ESRI
determines what that number is and it changes. This year it was a very competitive season and we
were able to give out 180 awards to the organizations that showed the most innovation and the best
use of our technology. The City of Augusta they competed with titans of the industry, we’re
talking Coca Cola, Chick-Filet, City of Atlanta just absolute titans who have amazing resources
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and for whatever reason the City of Augusta was able to come out on top. We awarded this to
only two other or two organizations in the State of Georgia and again the City of Augusta was one
of them and we’re so pleased for that. What they did to receive this award again was all about
innovation. They had a creative license to do something bold and something exciting and we
appreciate the leadership with the GIS and the IT Department. They created the master road and
address data base EMRAD which was something that was a lot of other governments had kind of
looked at but wasn’t able to perfect it and it was perfected here in Augusta. They became a City
Works software consolidation plan award winner. They set a precedent with City Works and also
and more important to me is the citizen engagement through mobile and web mapping solutions
so it’s that inter-connectiveness. They brought IT and geography together to benefit the citizens
and that’s a huge accomplishment. So with that Will is going to present the Special Achievement
in GIS Award to Michele, thank you. And lastly I want to say to the City of Augusta you’ve been
put on notice. Other local governments are seeing this and they’re watching what the City of
Augusta is doing. They’re wondering how you’re doing it and I’m just letting you know that the
innovation that’s happening in this city is getting some press and it’s absolutely, it’s just amazing,
it is amazing. Having lived here a while at Fort Gordon I was so glad to be able to come back and
present this award so I just want to say thank you and keep doing what you’re doing, well done.
(APPLAUSE)
Mr. Mayor: This is outstanding, Michele, Tameka somebody say something but this is
outstanding. I’m expecting them to show up in ESRI magazine that I do receive as well. Fantastic.
Ms. Allen: If I could just speak I think it’s very hard to follow behind Commissioner
Lockett in everything that he has done right, I mean it’s very hard to follow him in his lead. But I
must say one thing Commissioner Lockett just stated was it takes a team to make it happen. One
person doesn’t do this. This is an awesome, amazing award and I want to thank ESRI for sending
them the two representatives down here to present this award to us because it was a lot of hard
work put in to this project and the various projects. GIS is like our secret our best kept secret in
Information Technology. People don’t realize the importance that our Information Technology
GIS Division plays. It’s not just about maps or just about data but it’s about giving the information
that’s necessary for a number of our departments to do their job. They work so hand in hand with
our 911 System when you’re talking about when that call comes through gives them the location
or our Public Safety when they’re going out to an accident or our Tax Commission’s Office and
Tax Assessors Office or our Planning and Development Office when you need maps to get things
done or you need to look at various locations. Not only our internal departments but they play a
major role in what they do for our constituents. When you want to go out there and look and the
property data and everything that’s online that’s accessible for you. Or when you even look at our
Economic Development Authority that they work very hard with in trying to bring businesses here
to the Augusta area. And you know sometimes we have to keep things a secret and provide them
the data that those companies are looking for. We do that. The GIS team does that and they have
been very, very committed and have not been recognized enough for the important role that they
play in the Information Technology Department not only in the Information Technology
Department but the importance that role that they play in our city as a whole. So today I actually
give them and accommodate them for all of the commitment that each of them have done. It
started with Mr. Blanchard who was one time a long time ago, very long time ago, our GIS person.
And before then we had one of our members to unfortunately is no longer here and we really want
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to commit this award to him and his name is Billy Yates. And many of you city employees
probably had known Mr. Yates but Mr. Yates passed not so long ago and we want to recognize
him because he showed the first commitment to the GIS project. And I must say Mike continued
it on and then Michele who’s our current GIS Manager has taken the lead on it and she has an
awesome team that is standing here with me today who have done committed themselves and
passionate about geography. I’m not as passionate about geography as they are but I’m so glad
that I have them as a part of the team in the Information Technology Department because their
commitment and passion does not go unnoticed. So thank you and I’m going to turn it over and
let Michele say a few words but she is frightful as all get out but you work this hard you need to
be able to say something.
Ms. Pearman: Now that you mentioned Billy you made me cry. (APPLAUSE) I just want
to say I love my team. They meet every challenge head on. They always have high expectations.
They always meet everything that we give them and they strive very hard to give the best
technology solutions that they can. And I’m very, very proud of each and every single one of
them. Thank you. (APPLAUSE)
Mr. Mayor: Again congratulations. Anyone from the Commission want to say anything?
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All right fantastic. All right the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 5.
Mr. Lockett: I’ve done this many times before so I guess this will be the last time I have
an opportunity to do it. I’ve always been excited about the IT Department; you all have always
done an outstanding job, you all have always been willing to help others in need of help so I just
give you all great accolades for what you are doing and hope that you will continue to do it in the
future. Thank you all very much. (APPLAUSE)
Mr. Mayor: Again we’ve got plenty of seats up front plenty of seats up front. I just want
to encourage you to come on forward, this is the people’s chamber people’s chamber.
The Clerk: I call your attention to our consent agenda which consists of items 1-34, items
1-34. For the benefit of any objectors to our Planning petitions once those petitions are read would
you please signify your objections by raising your hand. I call your attention to:
Item 2: Is a Special Exception for Personal Care Home on property located at 3603
Richdale Drive.
Item 3: Is a Special Exception for Personal Care Home located at 3613 Larkspur Drive.
Item 4: Is a request for a change of zoning from a Zone R-2 (Two-Family Residential) to
a Zone P-1 (Professional) affecting property at 1625 and 1627 Newberry Street.
Item 5: Is a request for a change of zoning from an R-1C (One-Family Residential) to a
Zone B-1 (Neighborhood Business) affecting property known as 1692, 1690, 1688, 1686 and 1684
Jenkins Street.
The Clerk: Are there any objectors to any of those Planning petitions?
The Clerk: Mr. Covington (unintelligible) yes, sir. Okay.
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Mr. Mayor: All right, Mr. Covington, here’s our posture we’re going to call you in just a
moment we’re going to call you in just a moment.
The Clerk: I call your attention to our Public Services portion of our agenda. If there are
any objectors to any of these alcohol petitions would you please signify your objections by raising
your hand once the petition is read. I call your attention to:
Item 8: Is for a retail package Beer & Wine License to be used in connection with the
Spring Food Store located at 3771 Peach Orchard Road.
Item 9: Is for a on premise consumption Liquor, Beer & Wine License to be used in
connection with the Fishbowl Lounge located at 2244 Lumpkin Road.
Item 10: Is for a retail package Beer & Wine License to be used in connection with the
North Leg Food Mart located at 2061 Gordon Highway.
Item 11: Is for a retail package Beer & Wine License to be used in connection with Get It
To Go II located at 3232 Deans Bridge Road.
Item 12: Is for an on premise consumption Liquor, Beer & Wine License to be used in
connection with The Rub located at 2704 Gordon Highway.
The Clerk: Are there any objectors to any of those alcohol petitions? Mr. Mayor, members
of the Commission, our consent agenda consists of items 1-34 with noted objector on item number
2, no objectors to our alcohol petitions. Mr. Mayor and Commission, item number 42, I’m sorry
that’s on our regular agenda as both of those so our consent agenda will consist of items 1-34 with
an objector noted on item number 2.
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Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 6.
Mr. Hasan: Mr. Mayor, I’d like to pull item number 2.
Mr. Mayor: All right thank you, sir. All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner
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from the 9.
Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I’d like to pull item 19.
The Clerk: Nineteen.
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Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 4.
Mr. Sias: Thank you, sir, I want to pull item number 14.
Mr. Mayor: All right, we’re going to add, Madam Clerk ---
The Clerk: Item number 42 at the request of the petitioner for the appeal Weinberger
protest they’ve asked that the appeal be withdrawn. And item number 44 Ms. Miller is asking that
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this matter be rescheduled until our next meeting January 3 2017.
Mr. Mayor: What number is that, Ms. Bonner?
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The Clerk: That’s number 44 the Savannah River Keeper is asking that it be rescheduled
to our next meeting.
Mr. Mayor: All right, everybody just suspend for a moment. All right, the Chair recognizes
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the Commissioner from the 9.
Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor, item number 44 I think and I may need the
Parliamentarian to help me out. I think that item belongs to the body now. With pulling an item
and putting it back on the agenda it’s on this item here to discuss it I don’t see moving that. I have
no problem but it’s on the agenda now and my posture is that it belongs to ---
The Clerk: It does, sir. She just asked the request a courtesy request that it be rescheduled,
she’s out sick today and she couldn’t make it to the meeting, It’s a courtesy request.
Mr. M. Williams: --- okay I mean I was hearing it was being pulled to send back without
a request but I hearing request now.
The Clerk: Yes, sir, she requested that. I apologize for that.
Mr. Mayor: That was in fact the request that she made but again to your point you know
it’s before the body and if we’re ready to move forward with it certainly be prepared to entertain
that as well.
Mr. M. Williams: If she’s not here, Mr. Mayor, is there anybody here to address it? I mean
I don’t know, we’ve been having some issues with the Port Authority and another was entities
anyway. When you get some clarity to it I’m sure of that ---
Mr. Mayor: The request, Commissioner, is I hate to say a simple one I mean realistically
it is. It’s just a request for a waiver of fees and you know ya’ll debated it last week. You know I
think it’s something we can move forward with but if we’re going to come back and re-debate it
today I think Ms. Miller’s posture was just hold on to it until we can come in and talk about it
ourselves. But if you’re prepared to go ahead and take action then I’d say let’s move forward with
it.
Mr. M. Williams: I’ve got no problem you know ---
Mr. Mayor: All right.
Mr. M. Williams: --- waiting until next time, Mr. Mayor, I just didn’t want, the process is
not to take its course and do it like ---
Mr. Mayor: Sure.
Mr. M. Williams: --- so many times we assume.
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Mr. Mayor: Well right and there were no assumptions. There was a request that came
through the Clerk’s office. We’ve heard it and we simply were being respectful of that process
but if you are prepared to put that on the consent agenda and let’s move it forward then I certainly
will remember them saying that. Is that your posture?
Mr. M. Williams: No, my posture is to honor the request to send it back. You said you
were going to send it back to committee. In fact we didn’t ask for that earlier but if you’re going
to send it back to our next Commission meeting or the next ---
The Clerk: Next Commission meeting, sir ---
Mr. M. Williams: --- okay ---
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The Clerk: --- the January 3 meeting.
Mr. M. Williams: --- I’ve got no problem doing that. I mean because I think there is some
conversation that needs to be had about that and you know.
Mr. Mayor: All right, not a problem at all, not a problem. Okay all right, just hold. I’d
like to add number 43 to the consent agenda as well.
The Clerk: Forty-three?
Mr. Mayor: Yes, okay all right with objection. All right we’ll refrain. All right ---
The Clerk: Do you want me to read them out?
Mr. Mayor: --- yes would you please.
The Clerk: Our consent agenda consists of items 1-34 with the deletion of item number
32, the appeal from Weinberger Business Interior, rescheduling or item number 44 to the January
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3 2017 meeting and to add item number 43.
Mr. Sias: I objected to 43.
Mr. Mayor: Yeah, that’s right I pulled that, Ms. Bonner, he objected.
The Clerk: Which one?
Mr. Mayor: Forty-three.
The Clerk: You have an objection to adding that to the ---
Mr. Mayor: Right, he does.
The Clerk: Okay.
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Mr. Mayor: All right so ---
The Clerk: Yes, we have the pulled items here 2, 14 and 19.
Mr. Mayor: --- okay. All right, Madam Clerk, if you’ll restate that.
The Clerk: Okay. Our consent agenda will be items 1-34 with the deletion of item number
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42, the rescheduling of item number 44 to our January 3 2017 meeting.
Mr. Sias: So moved.
Mr. Frantom: Second.
CONSENT AGENDA
PLANNING
1. FINAL PLAT – SIMS LANDING, PHASE 1 – S-868 – A request by the Augusta Planning
Commission to approve a petition by Jachen Land Surveying, on behalf of D R Horton
Crown LLC, requesting final plat approval for Sims Landing Phase I. This single family
residential subdivision is located on Gordon Highway between Willhaven and Haynes
Station Subdivisions and contains 122 lots. DISTRICT 3.
3. Z-16-42 – A request by the Augusta Planning Commission to approve, with the conditions
stated below, a petition by Stanley Mack, on behalf of Stanley and Shelly Mack, requesting
a Special Excepton to establish a Family Personal Care Home per Section 26-1(h) of the
Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for Augusta, Georgia affecting property containing .24
acres and known as 3613 Larkspur Drive. Tax Map 119-0-202-00-0 DISTRICT 6. 1. The
home shall be staffed in three (3) 8-hour shifts on a 7-day, 24-hour basis with no staff sleeping
in the home. A private room shall be provided for staff to conduct business. No more than
five (5) clients are permitted to reside in the home based on the number and size of the
existing bedrooms. In order to continue to maintain a local business license, the applicant
must continue to maintain a license with the State of Georgia, proof of compliance with the
minimum requirements of Chapter 111.8-62.01 of the O.C.G.A must be provided, and the
applicant must provide updated fire department compliance for five (5) clients. All
requirements must be met within six (6) months of approval of the Special Exception is void.
If wheelchair bound persons reside in the residence all 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible
Design requirements must be met, including but not limited to: • All doorways must be at
least 3 feet wide. • At least one bathroom that permits a wheelchair dependent person to use
all bathroom facilities unimpeded. All conditions must be met prior to issuance of a local
business license. If approved, staff will review the most recent area crime report to determine
whether the use should continue to operate following one (1) year of the effective date of
approval.
4. Z-16-43 – A request by the Augusta Planning Commission to approve, with the conditions
stated below, a petition by Brad Senter, on behalf of Zytex Cryo International, requesting a
change of zoning from Zone R-2 (Two-family Residential) to Zone P-1 (Professional)
affecting property containing .80 acres made up of 5 parcels known as 1625 and 1627
Newberry Street, 1610, 1612 and 1620 Parnell Street. Tax Map 045-2-249-00-0, 045-2-250-
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00-0, 045-2-23300-0, 045-2-232-00-0 and 045-2-228-00-0 DISTRICT 1 1. Any future
development of these properties must comply with any ordinances and regulations in effect
at the time a site plan is submitted. 2. Any future parking lot or security lighting must be
directed away from residential properties remaining on Parnell Street.
5. Z-16-44 – A request by the Augusta Planning Commission to approve, with the conditions
stated below, a petition Southern Restaurant Hospitality Group LLC, on behalf of James F.
Sheehan, requesting a change of zoning from Zone r-1C (One-family Residential) to Zone B-
1 (Neighborhood Business) affecting property containing .80 acres made up of 5 parcels
known as 1692, 1690, 1688, 1686 and 1684 Jenkins Street. Tax Map 035-4-500-00-0, 035-4-
511-00-0, 035-4-510-00-0, 035-4-59=09-00-0, and 035-4-508-00-0. DISTRICT 1 1.
Development of the property must conform to the concept plan submitted with this petition;
and the lots must be combined if the zoning petition is approved. 2. Development of the
property will require compliance with the Augusta Tree Ordinance. 3. The site plan must
demonstrate compliance with any other ordinances and regulations. 4. The abandonment of
Franklin Lane must be completed before any land disturbing permit or building permit is
issued. 5. Any new curb-cuts and additional right-of-way and easements for the site are
subject to approval by the Augusta Engineering Department. 6. Parking lot and security
lighting must be directed away from any nearby residential properties. There shall be no
access to Jenkins Street from the subject properties.
6. ZA-R-245 – A request by the Augusta Planning Commission to approve petition to amend
the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance as follow: • Section 2 – Definitions: Accessory
Building, Accessory Use, Breezeway, Building, Building Height, Building, Main/Main
Building, Lodging/Boarding House Section 3-B-1,2,3,4&5 - • Open Space/Recreation Area.
PUBLIC SERVICES
7. Motion to approve Contribution Agreement between The Georgia Association of
Conservation Districts and the Augusta-Richmond County Board of Commissioners.
(Approved by Public Services Committee December 13, 2016)
8. Motion to approve New Ownership Application: A.N. 16-38: request by Anderson B.
Jones for a retail package Beer & Wine License to be used in connection with Sprint Food
Stores, Inc. #732 located at 3771 Peach Orchard Road. District 6. Super District 10.
(Approved by Public Services Committee December 1, 2016)
9. Motion to approve New Ownership Application A.N. 16-39: request by Terri Lynn Casteel
for an on premise consumption Liquor & Beer License to be used in connection with
Fishbowl Lounge located at 2244 Lumpkin Road. There will be Dance. District 6. Super
District 10. (Approved by Public Services Committee December 13, 2016)
10. Motion to approve New Ownership Application: A.N. 16-40: A request by Anil K. Allati
for a retail package Beer & Wine License to be used in connection with North Leg Food Mart
located at 2061 Gordon Highway. District 5. Super District 9. (Approved by Public Services
Committee December 13, 2016)
11. Motion to approve New Ownership Application: A.N. 16-41: request by Yong Sub Lim
for a retail package Beer & Wine License to be used in connection with Get It To Go II
located at 3232 Deans Bridge Road. District 5. Super District 9. (Approved by Public Services
Committee December 13, 2016)
12. Motion to approve New Ownership Application A.N. 16-42: A request by Stuart Mohr
for an on premise consumption Liquor, Beer & Wine License to be used in connection with
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The Rub, LLC located at 2704 Gordon Highway. There will be Dance. District 4. Super
District 9. (Approved by Public Services Committee December 13, 2016)
13. Motion to support Walton Foundation for Independence developing and providing a
Community Awareness Campaign for Augusta Transit. (Approved by Public Services
Committee December 13, 2016)
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
15. Motion to approve the replacement of one mower for the Recreation Department-
Maintenance Division. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee December 13,
2016)
16. Motion to deny the Protest of Federal Engineering, Inc., regarding RFP Item 16-200
Land Mobile Radio Consulting Services for Augusta, Georgia-Information Technology
Department and to lift the stay of procurement in accordance with Augusta, GA Code and
award bid to Engineering Associates LLC. (Approved by Administrative Services
Committee December 13, 2016)
17. Motion to approve an ordinance to amend Augusta, GA Code section 1-2-3 Section 1-2-
13 (Rules of Procedures) and Section 1-2-30 relating to adding items to the commission and
committee agendas: To consolidate related provisions of these sections; to repeal all code
sections and ordinances and parts of code sections and ordinances in conflict herewith; to
provide an effective date and for other purposes. (Approved by Commission December 13,
2016 – second reading)
PUBLIC SAFETY
18. Motion to approve an amendment to the Animal Services Ordinance Section 4-1-7,
related to the bylaws of the Animal Services Advisory Board and Section 4-1-39, related to
Registration Requirement. (Approved by Commission December 3, 2016 – second reading.
20. Motion to approve the continuation of Augusta’s radio services contracts. (Approved by
Public Safety Committee December 13 2016)
21. Motion to approve the renewal of the land lease with the Universalist Unitarian Church
for the parking lot at Station 9 and authorize the Mayor to execute the appropriate
documents. (Approved by Public Safety Committee December 13, 2016)
ENGINEERING SERVICES
22. Motion to approve and receive as information from AED, the emergency construction
services provided by Blair Construction and J.S. Rowe, Inc. on the Patterson Bridge Road
in the amount of $643,918 funded through the Stormwater Utility Program. (Approved by
Engineering Services Committee December 13, 2016)
23. Motion to approve the acceptance of a Georgia DOT Transportation Alternatives
Program (TAP) grant for the James Brown Boulevard phase 2 streetscape project, and
authorize the Mayor to sign the necessary documents from the Georgia DOT. (Approved by
Engineering Services Committee December 13, 2016)
24. Motion to authorize condemnation to acquire title of a portion of property for right-of-
way (Parcel 033-2-113-00-0); 2644 Wheeler Road. (Approved by Engineering Services
Committee December 13, 2016)
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25. Motion to authorize condemnation to acquire title of a portion of property for right-of-
way (Parcel 087-2-158-00-0); 2027 Willow Street. (Approved by Engineering Services
Committee December 13, 2106)
26. Motion to authorize condemnation to acquire title of a portion of property for right-of-
way (Parcel 087-2-159-00-00); 2029 Willow Street. (Approved by Engineering Services
Committee December 13, 2016)
27. Motion to authorize condemnation to acquire title of a portion of property for right-of-
way (Parcel 087-2-160-00-0); 2031 Willow Street. (Approved by Engineering Services
Committee December 13, 2016)
28. Motion to authorize condemnation to acquire title of a portion of property for right-of-
way (Parcel 087-4-066-00-0); 2049 Golden Rod Street. (Approved by Engineering Services
Committee December 13, 2016)
29. Motion to authorize condemnation to acquire title of a portion of property for right-of-
way (Parcel 087-4-113-00-0); 2060 Golden Rod Street. (Approved by Engineering Services
Committee December 13, 2016)
30. Motion to determine that the Allery between 512 Reynold Street and 514 Reynolds Street,
as shown on the attached plat has ceased to be used by the public to the extent that no
substantial public purpose is served by it or that its removal from the county road system is
otherwise in the best public interest, and to receive as information the results of the public
hearing held regarding the issue of abandonment pursuant to O.C.G.A. §32-7-2, with the
abandoned property to be quit-claimed to the appropriate party(ies), as provided by law and
an easement to be retained over the entire abandoned portion for existing or future utilities
as directed by Augusta Engineering Department and Augusta Utilities Department and
adopt the attached Resolution. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee December 13,
2016)
31. Motion to approve award to provide on-call and concrete repairs. Bid 16-224 (Approved
by Engineering Services Committee December 13, 2016)
32. Motion to approve Procurement of the Replacement Parts for Hypochlorite Generation
Equipment. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee December 13, 2016)
33. Motion to approve Traffic Engineering’s purchase of thermoplastic striping material.
(Approved by Engineering Services Committee December 13, 2016)
PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
34. Motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the Commission held December
6, 2016 and Special Called Meeting December 13, 2016.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
42. Motion to deny the Protest of Weinberger’s Business Interiors, regarding Bid Item 16-
238 Furniture for the Public Defender’s Office for Augusta, Georgia-Central Services
Department – Facilities Division and to lift the stay of procurement in accordance with
Augusta, GA Code. (No recommendation from Administrative Services Committee
December 13, 2016)
FINANCE
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44. Consider a request from Ms. Marci Miller of the Savannah River Keeper regarding a
waiver of the fees charged by the Augusta Port Authority. (No recommendation from
Finance Committee December 3, 2016)
PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
47. Motion to adopt Resolution in Recognition of The World Health Organization (WHO) &
The AARP. (Requested by Commissioner Bill Lockett)
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Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 1, state your inquiry.
Mr. Fennoy: Mr. Mayor, do you think it’s possible to get consent to add item number 45
to the consent agenda?
Mr. Mayor: Okay well all right, so before we vote I know we’ve read it, we’ve read it
already but we need to add number 47 to the consent agenda as well, we’ve already read it.
Mr. Sias: No objection.
The Clerk: Did we get objectors on 47?
Mr. Mayor: No, no objections to 47.
The Clerk: We have objectors to 45? Okay. We have a motion and a second, sir.
Mr. Mayor: All right, voting.
Motion Passes 10-0. \[Items 1, 3-13, 15-18, 20-34, 42, 44, 47\]
The Clerk: Pulled items, Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: Before we go any further, Ms. Bonner, let’s deal with the revisions to the
Commission agenda ---
The Clerk: Yes, sir.
Mr. Mayor: --- we probably should’ve taken that up earlier. I want to draw everybody’s
attention to the revisions to the Commission agenda before we get into the business. Madam Clerk.
The Clerk: Yes, sir. Our addendum agenda revisions item number one regarding Section
8 related to Severance Pay regarding the PPPM. Item number two is item number 14 it’s the
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completed revised ordinance as to the actions of the December 13 Public Services Committee,
Commissioner Sias has pulled that item. And item number three is to add to approve award of the
RCCI’s Inmates’ Commissary operations to Stewart Distribution subject to the receipts of signed
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documents as approved by the Public Safety Committee on December 13 inadvertently omitted
from the agenda by the Clerk’s office.
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Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 1.
ADDENDUM
48. Motion to approve award of RCCI’s Inmates’ Commissary operation to Stewart
Distribution subject to receipt of the signed contract.
Mr. Fennoy: Yes, I’d like to add item number 3 addition to the agenda the RCCI contract
---
The Clerk: Okay.
Mr. Fennoy: --- to the consent agenda.
The Clerk: Well, we voted on that. Could you have a motion to add and approve?
Mr. Fennoy: Yeah.
The Clerk: Okay.
Mr. Hasan: Second.
Mr. Mayor: All right, we’ve got a motion and a second to add. All right, the Chair
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recognizes the Commissioner from the 8 the Finance Chairman.
ADDENDUM
41. Motion to approve the twenty-four (24) policies submitted by the PPPM subcommittee
as developed by the consultant and for the Administrator to develop a personnel procedures
manual and bring back an appropriate ordinance to abolish the current PPPM.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Thank you, Mr. Mayor, as far as item number 41 can we send this back to
committee in regards to the ---
The Clerk: We’ll have to reconsider that.
Mr. Mayor: Okay ---
Mr. Hasan: Any particular reason, Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: --- yeah, yeah we’re going to, all right so let’s do a couple of things here. All
right we’ve got on the agenda the full agenda today ---
Mr. Guilfoyle: --- I’ll wait until it comes up, sir.
Mr. Mayor: --- item number 41 and the Finance Chair is, okay you’ll suspend ---
Mr. Guilfoyle: Yes, sir.
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Mr. Mayor: --- he waives, he waives we’ll deal with that item number 41. Okay, we’ve
got a motion and a second to add item 3, all right without objections. Voting.
Motion Passes 10-0.
The Clerk: Item number two?
The Clerk:
PLANNING
2. Z-16-41 – A request by the Augusta Planning Commission to approve, with the conditions
stated below, a petition by Stanley Mack, on behalf of Stanley and Shelley Mack, requesting
a Special Exception to establish a Family Personal Care Home per Section 26-1 (h) of the
Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for Augusta, Georgia affecting property containing .31
acres and known as 3603 Richdale Drive. Tax Map 143-0-277-00-0 DISTRICT 6
1. The Home shall be staffed in three (3) 8-hour shifts on a 7-day, 24-hour basis with no staff
sleeping in the home. 2. A private room shall be provided for staff to conduct business. 3. No
more than six (6) clients are permitted to reside in the home based on the number and size
of the existing bedrooms. 4. In order to continue to maintain a local business license, the
applicant must continue to maintain a license with the State of Georgia, proof of compliance
with the minimum requirements of Chapter 111.8-62.01 of the O.C.G.A. must be provided,
and the applicant must provide updated fire department compliance for six (6) clients. All
requirements must be met within six (6) months of approval of this Special Exception
request, or the Special Exception is void. 5. If wheelchair bound persons reside in the
residence all 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design requirements must be met,
including by not limited to: • All doorways must be at least 3 feet wide. • At least one
bathroom that permits a wheelchair dependent person to use all bathroom facilities
unimpeded. 6. All conditions must be met prior to issuance of a local business license.
The Clerk: And also in companion Item C under our Delegation portion of the agenda.
DELEGATIONS
C. Mr. John W. Covington, President Pepperidge Neighborhood Association. RE:
Opposition to the rezoning application for Special Exception property located at 3603
Richdale Drive.
Mr. Mayor: All right, Mr. Covington, if you’ll approach. Mr. Covington, you have five
minutes to state your case. If you would please state for the record your name, full name and
address.
Mr. Covington: My name is John W. Covington. I am a resident of Pepperidge
Neighborhood. My address is 3562 Monte Carlo Drive. I am the President of the Pepperidge
Neighborhood Association and there are several points that we have a disagreement with this
proposal and I wish to submit our opposition in writing to include a petition by some of the
members of Pepperidge Neighborhood Association.
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Mr. Mayor: Okay is there, are there any specifics you’d like to share with us?
Mr. Covington: Yes, sir, I’m willing to do that.
Mr. Mayor: Okay.
Mr. Covington: My, our opposition is that we the members of the Pepperidge
Neighborhood Association and residents oppose the application for a Special Exemption to this
zoning ordinance of Augusta, Georgia. We request the disapproval of the application based upon
the following: During the period of 2004 through October 2016 Shelley Mack and Stanley Mack
were operating a Personal Care Home in Pepperidge Subdivision for approximately 12 years
without licensed by the local government. Stanley, neither Stanley Mack or Shelley Mack
contacted their neighbors or the Pepperidge Neighborhood Association to see if their neighbors or
the neighborhood had any opposition to establishing a Personal Care Home at this location.
Stanley Mack is the sole requester for this Special Exemption. He is listed as the sole owner and
the sole operator of Mack’s Personal Care Home. Even though he is not licensed the license he’s
considering to operate under is Shelley Mack. However, there is no continuity, there’s no
agreement between Shelley Mack and Mr. Stanley Mack in operating this Personal Care Home.
All the documents that was presented was presented by Mr. Stanley Mack so therefore is standing
on his own and he does not have a permit. The next thing is the staff of the department decided to
approve the permit even though the home did not meet the required footage. They are required to
100 square feet per person per room and the staff even though they knew it was not correct they
decided to agree with it anyway because he’s been operating for 12 years until now. The 2008
Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance 26(h)4 requires a balancing test to merit the specific proposal
and it should be determined by the evaluation of the nature of the clientele, the proposal of the
number of occupants, the nature of the operators of the facility, the owners, professional staff and
the untrained supervisory staff. It was most of all and foremost was to evaluate whether there was
any depreciating effect or damages to the neighboring properties. We do not believe that the nature
of the operation was adequately evaluated by the Planning and Zoning Department. It seems as
though Mr. Mack did not apply for a Special Exemption until his business license application was
delayed. It is with great concern that it appears that Shelley Mack is affiliated to a corporation
Inside Out Community Ministries. This corporation’s home is in Clearwater, Florida. Ms. Mack,
she shares an address with the same address as Inside Out Ministries, Inc. at 1748 Flagler Road
which is located in Belair Hills Estates. The Pepperidge neighborhood and the Pepperidge
Neighborhood Association fervently oppose to the approval of a Family Personal Care Home and
also opposed to the rezoning of the properties in Pepperidge neighborhood.
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Covington ---
Mr. Covington: Note that Ms. Wilson she sent a letter to ---
Mr. Mayor: --- your time has expired.
Mr. Covington: --- Mr. Stanley Mack telling him it was urgent for him to appear however
---
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Mr. Mayor: Your time has expired, Mr. Covington.
Mr. Covington: Okay.
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Covington, if you’ll remain there may be some questions, I don’t know.
Okay all right, I’m going to go.
Mr. Hasan: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I’d like to hear what Ms. Wilson has to say first.
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Mr. Mayor: Okay all right the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 5 for a
question.
Mr. Lockett: Basically I want to do the same thing Commissioner Hasan did. I wanted to
ask Mr. Covington what the concerns you have there where they raised before the Planning
Committee?
Mr. Covington: Yes ---
Mr. Lockett: And ---
Mr. Covington: --- no, no not these, we opposed it at the Planning Commission meeting
but even what we thought we gave them was enough it required us to go back and do some more
digging so that our point would be very obvious.
Mr. Lockett: --- okay so basically what you’re saying what you presented today is separate
and apart from what you did with the Planning Commission.
Mr. Covington: Yes, it’s more information, before it was very kind of general. The
Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Plan for Augusta is to continue and to improve the residential area
in South Augusta but in approving a small business in a residential community ---
Mr. Lockett: You’ve answered, excuse me for cutting you off, you’ve answered my
question.
Mr. Covington: Okay.
Mr. Lockett: All right thank you.
Mr. Mayor: All right, Ms. Wilson.
Ms. Wilson: Hi I’m Melanie Wilson, Director of Planning and Development. A couple of
things one, with regards to this particular application this person has been an operator in the
community for since 2004 therefore the size and other requirements that were mentioned were not
applicable in this case because the owner operated at that time in compliance with the state law.
We just recently if you’ll recall probably not even about two years ago put in additional
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requirements for spacing for the rooms. During the time with regards to this hearing with the
Planning Commission we had staff go out, do an inspection of the property. We discovered that a
lot of people that lived in the neighborhood did not even know that that was a Personal Care Home,
it was very well maintained. Again it’s been in operation since 2004. The only reason that the
owner came in to get a business license and to move forward with this process was because we
changed the regulations to the rules approximately two years ago which would be basically
triggered when they came in to get updates with the state. So this is a good example of us working
with the state to make sure that we get a handle on the number of Personal Care Homes that the
state’s licensing in Augusta and that we are getting a handle on the numbers that we have within
the city. The owner received a clean inspection report from not only our department, the Unified
Code Enforcement Staff, but the Fire Department as well. They have been in good standing with
regards to their licensing with the Georgia Department of Community Health. The Planning
Commission at that time based on the evidence permit presented by the staff as well as evidence
presented by the community unanimously recommended approval of the request with the
following: The house shall be staffed in three 8-hour shifts, 7-days, 24-hours with no staff sleeping
in the home. 2. A private room shall be provided for staff to conduct business. 3. No more than
six clients are permitted to reside in the home based on the number and size of the existing
bedrooms. 4. In order to continue to maintain the local business license, the applicant must
maintain the license with the Department of Georgia. They must provide proof of compliance
with the minimum requirements of the Department of Georgia and they must make sure that they
are getting their updates for compliance with the Fire Department life safety regulations which
they do on an annual basis. All of the requirements with regards to this particular request must be
met within 6 months of the approval of this request. I would say that during the analysis that staff
did one of the things we look at is the context in which this fits within the neighborhood. We look
at the number that are within a 1,200-foot range within a neighborhood. There weren’t any. Again,
the people in the community didn’t even know that this was a family care home until we posted a
sign. We have to legally do that in order to make sure that we notice people that this is going to
occur. This is probably one of the better maintained probably one of the best maintained Family
Personal Care Homes that I’ve seen in a very, very long time in the City of Augusta. So that is
what happened that is the recommendation of the Planning Commission and the staff
recommendation as well and I’ll be glad to answer any questions.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you, thank you, Director Wilson. The Chair recognizes the
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Commissioner from the 9.
Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Ms. Wilson, I’ve got a couple of questions. I
guess my first question is that even though you just stated how well it’s maintained, are you saying
that this business was operating and the city did not know for 12 years until recently when they
came in to reapply?
Ms. Wilson: What I’m saying is that when I got here we did not have certain regulations
in place. One of the things that I did was to look at ways so that we could insure that we were
having better quality Personal Family Care Homes.
Mr. M. Williams: Okay but ---
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Ms. Wilson: So they operated within the state law so they did have all of the appropriate
licenses that were required based on our ordinance and based on the State of Georgia’s ordinances.
Mr. M. Williams: --- so we didn’t have anything in place what you’re saying to ---
Ms. Wilson: That’s correct.
Mr. M. Williams: --- to require them to come to the city ---
Ms. Wilson: That’s correct.
Mr. M. Williams: --- but they were operating under the state ---
Ms. Wilson: That’s correct.
Mr. M. Williams: --- and they met all the requirement in the state.
Ms. Wilson: That’s correct.
Mr. M. Williams: And in meeting all the requirements from the state that means the local
fire department which comes under the state as well had to have known they were there in order
to meet the guidelines for the state. Now I mean I’m just trying to get a clear picture.
Ms. Wilson: They met the requirements with regards, they’ve met all of the requirements.
The thing that triggered them coming in was that they went in to get their license renewed and we
have been working with the state for them to make sure that they come to us so that we can do an
inspection. I don’t know if you recall but we put in place inspections for Family and Personal
Care Homes and we work with the State of Georgia to make sure that we at least get to go in and
make sure they meet the minimum and other housing codes there. But the fire department did
know so yes we did they had knowledge of it but there was no business license that was required
for them to operate that (unintelligible).
Mr. M. Williams: May I follow up, Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: You may.
Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, sir. Ms. Wilson, I really appreciate and I understand
appreciate and understand how those entities and how they play a role in our community. But I’ve
always been under the assumption and it’s bad to do but I’ve been under the assumption that when
you go into a neighborhood to start a business that you had to get some guidelines or you had to
follow some things not just from the state but from the local even though we may not have anything
there. But to get into that we would have to have some kind of ordinance or something because,
and if I have to date myself I remember in the old county you just put up a sign, Ms. Bonner, and
say you’re in business and you was in business that’s how the old county worked at one point. But
I’m talking about in a neighborhood that’s got an association and nobody even knew they was
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there I’m just trying to figure out how that occurred for so long trying to wrap my head around
that so.
Ms. Wilson: They have been in operation and again I wasn’t here in 2004 but that is when
they started the business and they have been operating basically following the standards and the
requirements for the state during that period of time so they’ve been in good standing for well over
that period of time. We’ve got a copy of their Personal Care Home permit from the state as well
as their inspections reports.
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Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 6.
Mr. Hasan: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor, this is a, this Personal Care Home was
brought to my attention by Mr. Covington and one of the things I immediately shared with him
was pretty much what Ms. Wilson shared with him and also attended a meeting. I didn’t get a
chance to see Mr. Covington’s presentation I think I came in on the tail end of that. And when he
said they were operating without a license I mean like I said once again the state had licensed them
and I guess that’s just the way that Augusta was doing business not doing follow up and things of
that nature. The good thing that came out of in talking with Ms. Wilson is that moving forward
with the state she has a better relationship in the last two years since she put some teeth in an
ordinance or policy that the state notifies them when something is coming into Richmond County
where previously they did not. I’m also reminded of just recently when we had the issue with the
Sheriff’s Department about the transfer of the handgun. You know they wanted to try to delay that
process for 10 days and by our local ordinance but the state did not have that in place that ended
up costing us about $22,000 dollars in attorney fees, most assuredly I’d support my neighborhood
association in their actions. I think the greatest we can hope out of this as we move forward that
Ms. Wilson’s office that she gets notification from the state that prior to Pepperidge approving a
Personal Care Home if they desire to do that. And as you can see today I think we have no desire
to do that that you would inform us a request is being made and we need to get down here quick
fast and in a hurry. But at the same time I don’t want to put us in harm’s way to be sued by
something the state gave somebody in 2004. I’m very cautious about that one and I’ve shared that
with Mr. Covington around that issue that that was what concerned me how much leeway do we
have to shut them down for something the state them the right ever since 2004. That does concern
me. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: Okay so, Commissioner, this is in your neighborhood and so I’m going to
come back to you in just a minute ---
Mr. Hasan: No problem.
Mr. Mayor: --- about your posture, okay. All right the Chair recognizes the Commissioner
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from the 8.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I would like to hear since Commissioner Hasan
represents and lives in the neighborhood how he feels as well. Melanie, as far as neighborhoods
most of the people in this room lives in a neighborhood, what kind of protection or if there is any
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to prevent businesses, Personal Care Homes from coming in? Could it be underneath their
covenants under the HOA’s do you know?
Ms. Wilson: I will say that one of the things you have to be very careful with regards to
Personal Care Homes and Family Care Homes is not falling into the trap of having to deal with
the Fair Housing Act. We are very mindful of that and one of things that we have done in our
ordinances is that we have a spacing requirement. You can’t a home within 1200 feet of another
home. We checked the criminal activity in these communities to ensure that that’s not going to be
an issue. We look at the safety as a component of that as well as some other things but you know
it’s one of those uses where it’s, unless there is apparent a very apparent evidence that you have to
be very careful with regards how we address dealing with them. Nobody technically necessarily
if you said I want to have a Personal Care Home or Family Care Home in your neighborhood a lot
of people would say I don’t want that in my neighborhood but when you’ve got a situation and
there are several where you don’t even know that they exist then that’s different. But the other
things that could happen too is that if there is a set of restrictive covenants which we do not approve
that is over the neighborhood that explicitly states that you cannot run any type of business out of
your home then the Homeowners Association could deal with that but that’s not something we
would get into.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Okay, so there is protection for any neighborhood that has HOA.
Ms. Wilson: There could be depending on how their restrictive covenants are written.
Mr. Guilfoyle: All right can I, Mr. Mayor, can I ask Mr. Covington ---
Mr. Mayor: Continue.
Mr. Guilfoyle: --- Mr. Covington as far as your HOA you’re the President of the
Neighborhood Association there do you have any HOA’s in place or any covenants that prevents
businesses from coming into your subdivision, sir?
Mr. Covington: I’m glad you asked. We’re, Augusta’s Comprehensive Zoning has R-1
through R1A through R-1D that it is a residential area and the only exception that can be made is
for an apartment or a condo and it has to meet the exceptions for those apartments or a condo the
community must be overflowing so that they would make this. It has no other, the zoning says
that’s what it’s supposed to be ---
Mr. Guilfoyle: Right I ---
Mr. Covington: --- and as far as my neighborhood ---
Mr. Guilfoyle: --- my question was directed to your neighborhood as far as your HOA
what it is in your bylaws?
Mr. Covington: --- there’s nothing in it except it’s supposed to be a one-family residential
area.
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Mr. Guilfoyle: Does it state anywhere there’s no business allowed in this neighborhood?
Mr. Covington: No, we were told I’m told that, we had a meeting I wasn’t there but
someone came from Planning and Zoning and said that no business can come in there because we
are residential area and the only exception there can be is for the condo or an apartment if
necessary.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Mr. Covington, my best advice is to contact your attorney who set up your
HOA and see what kind or provisions they could be put in your bylaws to protect your interests
from this moment on.
Mr. Covington: All right, thank you.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Thank you, sir.
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Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 4.
Mr. Sias: Thank you, sir. Ms. Wilson, I appreciate everything that you’ve done since
you’ve been here. And you and I have had this discussion on probably about twenty occasions
about the neighborhoods and these kinds of things. So I just want to say this because it’s been
there an nobody knew it was there, number one, did that make it right? The second thing I want
to say is this is a request for a Special Exception and as a person who dealt with neighborhoods,
neighborhood associations and various issues in neighborhoods for the last 30 years I want to say
this is an application for a Special Exception. What that means is it doesn’t normally fit and there’s
a requirement that if you want to put it there you’re supposed to get an exception and then that
exception is not automatically granted or guaranteed. You put in a request for it and that’s what
this body one of our decisions that we have to make, it is not guaranteed. The third thing I want
to say on that is, is when people buy a home they don’t necessarily expect a business to come in
there and if you’re operating a business no matter where you got your, and I’ll take my good
colleague down there he’s got a PHD, he gets a state license but he also still needs a local license
to operate a business. So, the point being if you’re in violation of the law it doesn’t matter where
you got your as we say in that industry your state card you still need a local, you still need a local
license to operate. Now if I’m wrong on that somebody needs to get me straight. So I understand
the agony of where these things about the neighborhoods don’t want these businesses and it’s not
at Personal Care Homes we have folks opening up mechanic shops every kind of thing else you
want to name in a neighborhood but that’s why we have zoning we have for those areas so, I just
want to say just because he got away with it don’t necessarily mean it was right. And I understand
the people have been living there and doing that so I just want to put that on the table. Thank you,
Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: All right, thank you as well. The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from
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the 6 for a motion.
Mr. Hasan: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor (unintelligible) here I have two questions
for the Attorney.
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Mr. Mayor: Attorney Brown.
Mr. Brown: Good afternoon.
Mr. Hasan: Good afternoon, two things. The state licensed them just around 2004. Even
if we denied them the Special Exception does that in essence shut them down because the state
granted them right. What we’re doing as I understand it from the Special Exception as we come
in as a local government and intend to provide some assistance to the citizens of Augusta
Richmond County. So if the state licensed them so that’s for our own personal benefit that’s in
my understanding that’s necessarily for state purposes. So if we deny this Special Exception, do
they still exist or not?
Mr. Brown: They can exist but they cannot exist in the location where they have applied
for the Special Exception. What the Special Exception would do would allow, give them exception
to the zoning that’s in place. The zoning that they need is not in place and they are coming to ask
even though the zoning is not in place make a special exception for us. Our zoning laws has a
provision in the past that a person can come into that neighborhood for that particular activity. The
proper course for this body to take, the Commission must enforce the zoning laws that it has passed
and when a Special Exception is applied for you can’t just say we don’t want them, you can’t say
they’ve been here without a license before, you have to do the balancing test that was mentioned
earlier. The people you normally employ to look into the details of that is the Planning
Commission. The Planning Commission did balance out those interests and concerns and they
recommended to you that you approve the Special Exception. You have the authority to accept
the recommendation or not to accept the recommendation but it should be based upon the balancing
test of the factors that you have already preset would be the standard by which you would evaluate
this request when they come before you so you cannot just arbitrarily reject their request. Lastly
I want to say is that Personal Care Homes is a big deal to the federal government, it’s a big deal to
the state government and they should not be denied lightly. It is our choice but we cannot
arbitrarily do it. There’s Fair Housing concerns that we have and if we do it we must do it carefully
and consistent with our own laws.
Mr. Hasan: But I mentioned the same thing pretty much, Mr. Mayor, asking the same
questions it may sound a little different it may not I hope it’s a little different. I’ve been operating
since 2004 the state has given me even though like you said by our own code if we did not enforce
it we may not even have had anything at that particular time as a government that was being
enforced we may not have anything on the record. So my point about since 2004 so if I come up
now 2014 and create an ordinance which we have the right to do that impacts entities like this, am
I technically making them try to live by something retroactively in putting this law in place that
they have to go back to 2014? So if I put in 2014 they’ve got to abide by that do I have do we
have the authority to do that?
Mr. Brown: I think the question you’re asking is does this our recent adoptation in changes
of our zoning code does it apply to them? Is that what you’re asking?
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Mr. Hasan: Yes, because it’s something that we had not previously, yes to keep it simple
yes.
Mr. Brown: I believe that the, our zoning code does apply to them it would take away their
state license but we must apply the standard that we have. I do not believe and if need be if this
needs to be postponed I do not believe that that area was unregulated that entire time. There have
been zoning standards in place prior to two years ago. I believe that what Ms. Wilson is saying is
that the regulations that have been added strengthens some of the standards for the personal care
home but it did not for the first time require personal care homes to be licensed. We have licensing
personal care homes long before two years ago.
Mr. Hasan: But this was not us, this was more the state that I was referring to giving them
the license at that time.
Mr. Brown: The state always has, the state has always been licensing personal care homes
it doesn’t stop us from having zoning in place. But we cannot zone them out of existence we have
to have personal care homes somewhere we’re required by law to allow personal care homes
somewhere in this city.
Mr. Hasan: Mr. Mayor, based on the conversation I got from I appreciate the information
then I’d like to make a motion to postpone it to look further into that which he just said to
understand that because I think there has to be a balancing act somewhere. What I’m concerned
about for the most part once again I want to support my neighborhood in particular I’ve been there
since 1986 and support their position but I want to further understand it and not put the city for the
few people that are here that’s in Pepperidge we want our quality of life. But I think there are
more people who does not live in Pepperidge. I don’t want them to pay a bill that we may not have
to pay if we’d be sued as a result of an action we take today. So, I make a motion to postpone
and come back to the committee the first part of next year.
Ms. Davis: Second.
Mr. Mayor: All right, we’ve got a motion and a second. I think that’s, I see the wisdom in
that that’s appropriate I appreciate your commentary Attorney Brown, very good. The Chair
recognizes the Commissioner from the first.
Mr. Fennoy: Ms. Wilson I know you wasn’t here in 2004 but from 2004 up until now have
there been any reported incidents that have taken place at this residence?
Ms. Wilson: No, sir, and I would at least like to note that one of the things that has put this
into this arena is that they would like to have up to six people. If they had three people or less I
would not be standing before you they would be allowed if by right.
Mr. Fennoy: Okay so the question is three as opposed to, I mean six as opposed to three?.
Ms. Wilson: Three to four but it’s less but they don’t have to be related.
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Mr. Fennoy: Okay and just as information I noticed you have put the staff shall be staffed
by three 8-hour shifts, 7 days a week 24 hours with no staff sleeping in the home. If they have
three or four people, would they be governed by the same conditions that you stated here?
Ms. Wilson: No.
Mr. Fennoy: Okay.
Mr. Mayor: All right, so we’ve got a motion and a proper second to postpone until the date
certain.
Mr. Hasan: To the next committee cycle, next commission cycle.
Mr. Mayor: Okay all right is that the next commission meeting?
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The Clerk: January 3?
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Mr. Hasan: What’s on the 3 committee or commission?
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The Clerk: The commission is January 3Committees will be on the 10.
Mr. Hasan: Put it on committee cycles, committee cycle ---
Mr. Mayor: Yeah, no they’ve already ---
Mr. Hasan: --- they already made their decision.
Mr. Mayor: --- made their decisions. All right, here’s our posture we’re postponing until
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the January 10 committee meeting, okay that’s what we’re voting on January 10.
The Clerk: Which committee Public Services?
Mr. Mayor: Public Services. All right voting.
Motion Passes 10-0.
Mr. Mayor: All right it’s getting late in the evening ---
Mr. Lockett: It sure is.
Mr. Mayor: --- the sun’s going down. We’ve got a party to go to and we want to celebrate
today with Commissioner Lockett and Ms. Jewel so all right, we’re going to pick up the pace a
little bit here. All right, Madam Clerk, we’ve got Item number 14.
The Clerk:
26
PUBLIC SERVICES
14. Motion to approve with the revision in Section 302 that the construction of the emergency
access road must meet all City right-of-way standards and does not address who is
responsible for maintaining the road. SA-51 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta
Georgia Planning Commission to approve a petition to amend the Land Subdivision
Regulations for Augusta, Georgia by amending the following sections: Section 302 –
Development Plan – require multiple access points and interconnectivity to unsubdivided
lands. Section 400 – General Standards for Streets – require multiple access points and
interconnectivity to unsubdivided lands and lengths of cul-de-sacs. The question was raised
concerning Home Owner Associations (HOAs) being obligated to maintain secondary access
roads into subdivision. This is a burden that an HOA will have responsibility for based on
the decision of the developer when the developer is in control of the HOA. The HOA folks
get left holding the bag for maintaining a road without having being part of the decision
making process. (Approved by Public Services Committee December 13, 2016)
Mr. Sias: That’s me, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: I know, I know.
Mr. Sias: Pick up the pace now ---
Mr. Mayor: All right ---
Mr. Sias: --- (inaudible) to me.
The Clerk: The revised ordinance is attached to our addendum agenda.
Mr. Mayor: --- okay I want to draw everybody’s attention to the Tab 14, Tab 14. All right,
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the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 4.
Mr. Sias: Thank you, sir. I want thank Ms. Wilson and the Administrator for working
with me as we wanted to work through this to get, so that the Home Owners Association or anyone
there of as such would not be held to a financial responsibility to maintain a road that they had no
idea that would be their or would be their financial responsibility. And we’ve gotten that address
and again I want to thank Ms. Wilson so my motion is to just be an ordinance change will be
the first reading so with the attached addendum ordinance I recommend that I move that we
approve it as a first reading.
Mr. Lockett: Second.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, all right, Director Wilson, the motion before us is to approve the
revisions in Section 302. Now I don’t necessarily have that in here ---
Mr. Sias: It was in the handout.
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Mr. Mayor: --- it’s in the handout okay, all right I draw everybody’s attention to our
handout item number 2 Additional Information. All right the changes do we need to articulate
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what those are at this time? To the Commissioner from the 8’s point at the committee cycle you
made changes since that that time?
Ms. Wilson: Basically I made changes based on the changes that were made very simply
are the following: The emergency vehicle access must have a minimum of 60-feet of right-of-way
so there’s no additional language with regards to anything else that sentence it’s very straight
forward and to the point.
Mr. Mayor: All right very good. All right and this was in fact an item from last week’s
committee process is that correct?
Ms. Wilson: That’s correct.
Mr. Mayor: All right, so this would, Madam Clerk, Attorney be the first reading, is that
not true?
Mr. Brown: Yes, it would be.
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Mr. Mayor: Okay, all right the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 8.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Mr. Mayor, would the maker of the motion would ask him if he could
amend it to do the first and second reading waive the second?
Mr. Mayor: All right, suspend on that. Mr. Parliamentarian, is that proper?
Mr. Brown: That would not be a problem if it’s unanimous.
Mr. Mayor: All right.
Mr. Sias: I have no objection to changing the motion to read the same with waiving of the
second reading.
Mr. Fennoy: I have no problem with the second revised motion, I don’t.
Mr. Mayor: So without objection, without objection. All right very good. Voting.
Motion Passes 10-0.
The Clerk: Item number 19, sir?
Mr. Mayor: Yes, ma’am.
The Clerk:
28
PUBLIC SAFETY
19. Motion to approve the purchase of a 2007 Airport Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) Fire
Truck from Georgia Department of Administrative Services – Surplus Property Division for
the cost of $25,000.00 to be funded from the Augusta Fire Fund Balance. (Approved by
Public Safety Committee December 13, 2016)
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Mr. Mayor: Okay the Commissioner from the 9 pulled this from the consent agenda. All
right, Chief Taylor, if you’ll approach. All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the
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9.
Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I don’t have a problem with this piece of
equipment but I have a problem with it’s a process, Chief Taylor, in which we acquire this piece
of property. It came to us as if there was going to be a purchase but in talking to Chief James I
found out that the process already had taken place. So I want to make sure that we don’t get out
of the loop, Mr. Mayor, of taking the liberty and going ahead and doing something that hadn’t
been officially approved by this body or any other body that needs to be approve by. So, from
talking to Chief James and I understand the importance I understand what we’re trying to do I even
understand the savings with purchasing this piece of equipment but I want you and I guess Chief
James in his absence to know the process still has got to take place; it still has to go through the
proper channel. If I can share just a little bit here he informed me that he was going on about
getting the piece of equipment and I think that was the most critical part but getting there and
getting it back here before we approved it I think was not in the realm of the structure of what this
government works on so we’ve got to be very careful about that. I’ve got no problem approving
this. I’m going to make a motion to approve but I want to make note that the process was
not followed and it needs to be followed now, I’m a stickler for the rules.
Mr. D. Williams: Second.
Mr. Mayor: All right, so I’ve got a motion and a second. Madam Clerk, the second came
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from the Commissioner from the 2.
The Clerk: Yes, sir.
Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair directs a question to the Public Safety Committee
Chairman. Mr. Chairman, in your meeting on last week what was the recommendation that came
from your committee for this?
Mr. Lockett: The recommendation was to approve.
Mr. Mayor: All right very well, thank you so much. All right, the Chair recognizes the
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Commissioner from the 7.
Mr. Frantom: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I agree with my colleague Commissioner Williams
about the piece of equipment but again when resources were sent from Augusta on Monday before
committee with Environmental Services and the Fire Department to Mississippi before committee
meetings that’s disappointing, in my mind that’s a policy violation. How can you do that? And
29
then we had a committee meeting and was not discussed by Chief James that they were going to
get the piece of equipment at all. It was you know the process is we’ve got to get this piece of
equipment by the end of the year, this is a great piece of equipment for the city, never had it before
but I’m disappointed that the full story wasn’t explained. I think as an elected body we have to
hold all our elected I mean all of our department heads to the same standard. And if one department
head can do it then what’s going to say the next person’s not going to do it. And so while I agree
with the piece of equipment we got to do better than this and frankly I think that somehow, I want
to hear from the Administrator what her thoughts are on the process of how Chief James handled
this not only with one department but it was two departments that sent taxpayer dollar resources
to Mississippi to get this piece of equipment and then it comes back and it’s still not paid for today.
I understand that process through GOV Deals of whatnot but what kind of message does that send
our other departments if we do that?
Mr. Hasan: Mr. Mayor, can I get some clarity around this because ---
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Mr. Mayor: All right, you’ve the Commissioner from the 7 you’ve, okay Madam
Administrator?
Ms. Jackson: Yes, this is a piece of federal surplus equipment. As I understand it there
was a certain deadline by which our staff had to get the piece of equipment and were not required
to pay for it until the Commission has made a decision to do so. In the event that you all decide
not to purchase this piece of equipment, our staff would just be responsible for driving it back to
Meridian, Mississippi where it originated. In terms of the information, Mr. Frantom, that you
brought to my attention earlier this afternoon I do want to do a little bit more do a lot more checking
into that to make sure that we have all the facts correct. With that as you know the fire chief is on
vacation now I believe he’s out of the country but when he returns we’ll have a conversation about
that just to understand exactly what happened and why.
Mr. Frantom: Thank you.
Mr. Lockett: Mr. Chair?
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Mr. Mayor: Hold on, hold on. The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 6.
Mr. Hasan: Oh, Mr. Mayor, I was trying to, I was trying to get some clarity around it
because like all of them do like I normally do they start talking in the middle of a sentence. I only
understand it when I do it. I want to understand what’s going on right now to a greater degree but
I think I’m picking up on what’s happening here but it’s interesting.
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Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 1.
Mr. Fennoy: Yes, Chief, how much is this piece of equipment not what it costs but what
were the ---
Chief Taylor: The estimated value is $440,000 dollars.
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Mr. Fennoy: And we are paying how much?
Chief Taylor: $25,000.
Mr. Fennoy: $25,000.
Chief: Taylor: It’s a 2007 model.
Mr. Fennoy: Yeah and I agree with what my colleagues just said but I think at some point
in time we need to look at what’s going to be in the best interests of the citizens of Richmond
County and when it comes to safety and when it comes to for the lack of a better terms bargains.
May I ask Ms. Jackson if, were you aware that they were going to Mississippi to pick up this piece
of equipment?
Ms. Jackson: I was not aware that they went prior to the committee meeting.
Mr. Fennoy: Okay.
Mr. Mayor: I’ve got to mention you know in the church we talk about living by faith and
they’re $400,000, $25,000 but I guess it’s not a faith conversation today. All right, the Chair
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recognizes the Commissioner from the 5.
Mr. Lockett: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Public Safety Chairman.
Mr. Lockett: When it went before the Public Safety Commission ---
Mr. Mayor: Yes, sir.
Mr. Lockett: --- the members of that committee had no problem with the presentation that
was made we thought it was a good deal. We asked about the appraised value we asked about who
would perform maintenance on it and so forth. It appears to me if any infraction was made that
we had a couple of our people left state without authorization because from what has been said
they haven’t paid a penny and they are not obligated to pay a penny if this should be disapproved.
But this would be ridiculous if we disapprove it. I mean getting something with the value that it is
for $25,000 that we’re going to waste time and bicker about it. I think we should go on and follow
the lead of the Public Safety Committee approve it and move on the next agenda item. Thank you,
Mr. Chair.
Mr. Mayor: All right, I couldn’t agree with you more. All right, I’ve got a motion to
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approve from the Commissioner from the 1 ---
Mr. Lockett: Second if you need one.
Mr. Mayor: I do all right I’ve got a motion and a second to approve.
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Mr. M. Williams: I made that motion I thought, Mr. Mayor, y’all want two of them.
Mr. Mayor: That’s absolutely correct.
Mr. M. Williams: I don’t know what I’m doing I’m just up here ---
Mr. Mayor: No, I’ll tell you I wish you had said something earlier.
Mr. M. Williams: I made the motion earlier.
Mr. Mayor: You did, all right voting.
Motion Passes 10-0.
The Clerk: Are we moving along, Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: Okay all right Ms. Bonner. All right, all right, Madam Clerk?
PUBLIC SERVICES
35. New Ownership Application: A.N. 16-43: A request by Miguel Chavez for an on premise
consumption Liquor, Beer & Wine License to be used in connection with Habanero’s
Mexican Grill located at 235 Boy Scot Road. There will be Sunday Sales. District 7. Super
District 10. (No recommendation from Public Services Committee December 13, 2016)
The Clerk: Yes, sir, I call your attention to our regular agenda Public Services portion.
Mr. Sherman or Ms. Walton? Mr. Chavez wasn’t able to be with us on last Tuesday the item was
forwarded to the Commission without a recommendation.
Ms. Walton: We have a new ownership application. It’s a request by Miguel Chavez for
a on premise Liquor, Beer & Wine License to be used in connection with Habanero’s Mexican
Grill located at 235 Boy Scout Road. There will be Sunday sales on this.
Mr. Mayor: All right if he will state for the record his name.
Mr. Chavez: Yes, Miguel Chavez. My home address is 663 Terra Lane, Evans, Georgia
30809.
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Mr. Mayor: Okay, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 1 for a question.
Mr. Fennoy: Yes, what is the recommendation from the Sheriff’s Department?
Ms. Walton: The Sheriff’s Department recommends approval.
Mr. Fennoy: Motion to approve.
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Mr. Guilfoyle: Second.
The Clerk: Are there any objectors to this alcohol petition? Okay there are no objectors.
That Mr. Fennoy and ---
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Mr. Mayor: The Commissioner from the 8.
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The Clerk: The 8?
Mr. Mayor: Yes.
The Clerk: Okay.
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Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 5.
Mr. Lockett: Thank you, Mr. Chair, you said the Sheriff’s Department. How about your
department?
Ms. Walton: Planning and Development recommends.
Mr. Lockett: Okay thank you, thank you, Mr. Chair.
Mr. Mayor: All right, voting.
Motion Passes 10-0.
Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk number forty.
The Clerk:
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
40. Five (5) minute update/presentation from Director Hawthorne Welcher, Augusta
Housing & Community Development Department regarding the Laney-Walker/Bethlehem
Revitalization Initiative. (Requested by Commissioner Bill Fennoy)
Mr. Welcher: Mr. Mayor and members of the Commission, I’m excited to stand before
you and let you know that your Laney-Walker/Bethlehem Urban Revitalization Project is
progressing and it’s in a good place. Currently to date what we have is we currently have
development activity going on in several different nodes. And within these different nodes you
have different types of development to include single-family developments as well as multi-family
development. Most notably Heritage Pines which consists, this is your signature street. Currently
to date you have three properties remaining on this street. 1246 which is a home which will be sold
by week’s end. And from there then you have two remaining single-family homes. The first home
on Pine Street sold for $115,000 and to date we have homes selling for over $200,000. If you
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move over to 11 Street within the current month’s, last two three months we’ve sold two single-
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family homes on 11 Street with two additional single-family homes of an affordable nature
33
beginning under construction as well. If you move over the Wrightsboro Road we currently have
an acquisition rehabilitation home which is selling for $95,000 currently under sale with 1435
Wrightsboro Road under construction as well. Move over to Holly Street Commons. Holly Street
Commons is a development in which we are partners with one of our area non-profits and
community housing and development organizations so their product that they put on the ground is
a little different. Their product that they put on the ground is at an affordable rate and they like to
sell properties from a presold standpoint. So currently to date within the last couple of months
we’ve sold 1253 with 1255 currently under contract and closing by month’s end. Once 1255 Holly
Street sells we anticipate working with Antioch Ministries to move forward to Kingston Court to
begin development of three single-family homes in their court site. Twiggs Circle. Twiggs Circle
is something that I’m very, very, very ecstatic about. This is definitely a partnership wherein we
are partnering with several with Code Enforcement we’re partnering with the Engineering
Department as well as we have several developers here on this corridor. I think it’s very important
to notate Twiggs Circle and there’s several things that you ought to notate here. The first is if you
look at the pictorial put before you we are currently in the process of working with the Engineering
Department where we have over $5 million dollars’ worth of infrastructure work currently going
on to include two roundabouts, the updating of water and sewer, street widening, sidewalks, street
lighting. And I think also with this it’s very important to notate that your Twiggs Street corridor
is a mix income corridor as well to include affordable housing as well as market rate. If you drive
over Twiggs Street today you’ll notate that there is a significant amount of land that has demolished
and cleared. We’re currently using a leveraging not only bond funding as well as using HOME as
well as CDBG funding to input a cul-de-sac. This cul-de-sac is about 85% complete. Once
complete we will move to begin the development of 12 affordable homes there on the Twiggs
Street corridor as well. Johnson House. Johnson House is also something that needs to be notated.
Mr. Johnson, Dr. Johnson was a prominent African-American doctor in the Laney-Walker area
and if you drive over to Twiggs Street you’ll see a brick home and it’s an historic home that we’re
going to restore. We’re not going to demolish. We cannot keep all homes of a historic nature but
this is one that we will restore and we won’t sell it but we will restore it and turn it into a duplex.
And if you see at the bottom you’ll see about eight to nine different developmental properties that
are either under construction or in the preconstruction phases as well. To move forward Foundry
Place, Foundry Place is a project in my opinion that will create a “developmental impact” on this
side of the tracks. This is one of the reasons why we did the Laney-Walker/Bethlehem
Revitalization Project. The whole idea was to transform the existing neighborhood into a thriving
community. Housing is important but it’s also important to be sure that at the end of the day we
provide adequate resources through commercial or retail development to be sure that there are
support services in the neighborhood for our persons of the neighborhood as well so we’re excited
about this development coming online. To move forward Dyess Park as well. Dyess Park is
another one of those gateways that we anticipate providing a developmental impact or that wild
factor if you will. Here currently what we’re working with we’re working with two developers on
James Brown Boulevard. Currently under construction you have two single-family homes that
will begin construction within the next two weeks. And we’re also working with the developer
that will develop and bring a development to the James Brown corridor similar to your Sweet
Water Commons over in North Augusta. The boulevard is also important I talked about the
housing and bringing it back to livability and revivability which is very important but you can’t
stop at the housing as I stated before so we’re mindful of anybody that comes into Laney-Walker,
we’re very mindful of the Armstrong Galleria and those surrounding assets that we have as well.
34
So, keep in mind that commercial retail development is effervescent it’s definitely strong and it’ll
be the forefront of our thinking; we definitely have a strategy in place to get this done. In
January/February we are moving to work through our Procurement Department to put out
additional RFP’s through RFQ’s and bids for additional developers who have like minds and
innovative minds to bring in additional funding sources as well. So from alternative funding
sources where our department I’m charging our staff with not just relying on those federal
allocations that come in from the federal government but we are in the process of identifying
additional alternative funding sources as well. And I’ll end here. I went through it very quickly
but a lot of the projects and a lot of the nodes that I touched on are the arteries that make up the
Laney-Walker/Bethlehem project but if you notate the name Laney Walker Boulevard. Laney
Walker Boulevard as we see is our heartbeat, Laney Walker Boulevard as we see is the main street
so what we’re doing is we are introducing ourselves to bringing back this impact on to Laney
Walker. We have recently acquired Immaculate Conception site and we’re working with a
developer who has acquired the Penny Bank Building as well so if you see, notate there these are
projects that I’m hoping or wishing or envisioning to happen but these are projects that we are
actually bringing into fruition or either are already under construction. So with that, I’ll stop.
Mr. Mayor: All right, thank you Mr. Welcher, thank you so much. All right the Chair
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recognizes the Commissioner from the 1, this was your item.
Mr. Fennoy: Yes, I thought that it would be a great idea to end 2016 with the residents of
Richmond County specifically the residents of District 1 knowing what’s going on in their district.
For so long this area has been plagued with abandoned and dilapidated houses, overgrown lots but
thanks to the work that’s done by Mr. Welcher and his staff we can see a lot of growth a lot of
potential and I think for me that would be a good way to end 2016 and to kick start 2017.
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Mr. Mayor: Thank you. The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 5.
Mr. Lockett: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Mr. Welcher ---
Mr. Welcher: Yes, sir.
Mr. Lockett: --- your presentation is great I mean downtown is on the move but I’m
concerned about two things. I’m concerned about what and when are we going to do something
about the city center of South Augusta. And give us a progress report on the apartments that’s
being built on Barton Chapel Road.
Mr. Welcher: To answer your first question we, our department, what we‘re doing here at
Laney-Walker is a model. It is a model based on a four-pivot point system to create housing,
commercial development and retail development as well as job creation but it’s a model that can
be used anywhere. And our department is just sitting and waiting back to complement whatever
the South Augusta Development Authority engine that is put in place, we’re just ready to
complement and move forward and to implement our strategy as a part of that engine. As an
update on the Arbor at Barton Chapel off of Barton Chapel Road currently you have eight, two
and three bedroom rental units at affordable rates. The first four are already pre-rented, they are
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95% complete with your second quad at 80% complete as well so we anticipate moving our first
tenants in, in January.
Mr. Lockett: Mr. Mayor, if I may follow up.
Mr. Mayor: You may.
Mr. Lockett: I know some years ago the Augusta Housing Authority wanted to put some
housing out on Deans Bridge Road across from Wal-Mart. Well, there was an outcry at that time
because we were accustomed to Section 8 housing looked like it did back in the 40’s and 50’s but
now the developments that you all are coming up with in most communities in Augusta-Richmond
County you all will enhance those communities. So there’s a big piece of property I think it’s still
owned by the Augusta Housing Authority on Deans Bridge. We could do lots because putting this
housing in it’s going to create more traffic, more dollars are going to be spent in that community.
So I would think hopefully before I leave Augusta that you all can call me and say former
Commissioner we’re getting ready to do something out there that’s going to help us out, okay?
Mr. Welcher: Yes, sir.
Mr. Lockett: And thank you very much for the hard and the good work that you’ve done.
Mr. Welcher: Thank you.
Mr. Lockett: Thank you, Mr. Chair.
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Mr. Chair: All right thank you the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 6.
Mr. Hasan: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Hawthorne, a very great presentation there. Can
you go back to where you had the Penny Savings Bank Building there? Now what did you say
you were going to do with this building?
Mr. Hawthorne: We are soliciting for RFQ’s. We’re going to put out a bid an RFQ’s and
the highest and best bid is what we’ll be looking for via our request.
Mr. Hasan: Okay Mr. Mayor and my colleagues, I have a business in this building here for
17-years and I had my business started before they even done the renovation that you’re seeing
now. The reason I’m mentioning that is because, and I was born in that area as well. But anyway
the reason I’m mentioning it is because even before the renovations tourists used to come through
and stand across the street around (unintelligible) Charlie Reeves and they would take a picture of
this building prior to this renovation here. And what they were taking a picture of was the Penny
Savings Bank which is on the national registry of historic buildings. It was a black bank that closed
in the time of the Depression. When they done the renovations as you see now they took and filled
that in you can no longer see the Penny Savings Bank Building. So as you embark upon doing
whatever you going to do is there any way that you can it where people can see once again that
there was a Penny Savings Bank? It was a black bank and it closed in the time of the Depression.
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Mr. Hawthorne: We’ll definitely take a look at it.
Mr. Hasan: Okay, thank you.
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Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 9.
Mr. M. Williams: Mr. Welcher, thank you again and you’ve got a lot of accolades already
but I’m going to have to go the other direction. You said that when the Development Authority or
whatever agencies come out you’d be willing to enhance and I understand that but you’ve been
there first. You had these opportunities; you’ve been there to create something. They ought to be
able to join to and enhance. So my question is along with Commissioner Lockett and the south
side of the city Barton Chapel Road area we had many conversations that don’t look anything like
the stuff you just showed us here on this photograph. And I understand you eat the elephant one
bit at a time; you can’t do it all at once. But as long as we’ve been doing this and this is before
you got to that position another guy was driving that train and two other guys before him but the
train still hadn’t made no left turn off of Gordon Highway yet. So I’m trying to figure out when
are we going to be able to do something that’s significant in that area to make other people want
to come and join you and join in with building that? I know you’ve got your hands full. I mean I
know you’re trying to do some things but it just amazes me when I look at you talking about
Twiggs Circle. And I’ve been there I was there at the ground breaking and I was there when the
ribbon cutting and what we build across the street versus what we build in Twiggs Circle with the
Housing Authority is totally different. I’ve been talking about affordable properties where you
won’t have a building with people going in and out where you have people live in. I’m not talking
about an apartment building. I’m talking about homes affordable homes where people will once
again raise their children and bring up their families in an environment where the home will be
significant. I know you’ve got the new millennia we talked about that but I’m with the baby
boomers I’m still with them I can’t leave them. I mean I can’t. I’ve got to understand that we’ve
got to do something to get back to the core of the families. And it ain’t all about monies all about
raising families in an environment where they can be productive and they can grow and they can
be a part I don’t see that happening with all the stuff we’re doing. And I think this stuff looks
good, all that stuff you’re talking about Pine Street. Pine Street is just like another city if you go
down Pine Street itself but if you go two blocks over you’re going to really think you went to
another city. So I’m on your team now I’m just saying that I’ve been telling you this. We’ve got
to do some affordable stuff where people want to come in and build and say I don’t mind living
here. You build something people can’t afford they say well I can’t go and if you don’t do nothing
they say well I ain’t going there if I could go so it’s got to be a balance, there’s got to be a balance
it can’t just be all one (unintelligible). I called the Clerk about this building Commissioner Hasan
talked about and wanted to know who owned it. Can you tell me who owns that building now?
Mr. Hawthorne: Which building?
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Mr. M. Williams: Who’s the owner of the building on 9 and James Brown I mean James
Brown and Laney Walker right now, the Penny Saving Building that Commissioner Hasan talked
about. Who owns that structure?
Mr. Hawthorne: We own it, sir.
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Mr. M. Williams: Okay that, Ms. Bonner where’s she at? I just talked to her yesterday
about who owned that building, we need to do something. That building’s been sitting there like
that with nobody in it for a long time and there ought to be no reason that nobody’s in that building.
There ought to be some kind of activity something going on and she said she was going to research
and find out but since we already know Housing and Neighborhood Development owns that
building. Somebody else needs to be on it, somebody needs to be in there can we look for
something to happen pretty soon with that.
Mr. Hawthorne: Yes, sir, for the record our department doesn’t own it but it’s owned, we
purchased it and now it resides in the Land Bank until we have, until we dispose of it. As I stated
before we know that it’s time so we are putting out a request for qualification request for proposals
for the assets to include the Penny Savings Bank that we do own. So we are soliciting for proposals
from qualified and seasoned developers who come into areas such as this and renovate or restore
historic structures. So that’s what we’re looking for and that request those bids will out in January
through the Procurement Department.
Mr. M. Williams: Mr. Brazzell, before you got here that corner was the only corner to be
on at one time. That was the place to go when we had the Lennox Theater there and Shoestrings
and a couple of other places that people go into. And people would live in people were thriving,
money was being transported. The Penny Bank and all that stuff was there at one time but now
it’s sitting idle and I’ve got some issues with stuff sitting idle right there in the heart of our city.
Hopefully Mr. Welcher will get a boost from you, Mr. Brazzell, and you know I understand if it’s
in the Land Bank it ought to be moving in or moving out not be sitting there like that. Thank you,
Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you all right we are, our time on this item is about to expire. I’ll
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recognize the Commissioner from the 8.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Hawthorne, I’m going to try to pick you up a little bit okay?
Mr. Welcher: Thank you.
Mr. Guilfoyle: First, I’d like to say what your initiative is doing in these areas within
Augusta-Richmond County you’re actually spurring growth and I applaud you for that. You’re
actually over there off Barton Chapel Road I’ve been seeing it because that’s the way I go to and
from work and I’ve seen the progress along. But I do want to, I know that we’ve got to cut this
short I do want to thank you for your time, your facts and your vision that you’ve seen in Augusta
and you’re accomplishing a lot so I’d like to thank you personally.
Mr. Welcher: Thank you.
Mr. Lockett: Mr. Chair, call for the question.
Mr. Mayor: All right thank you, you don’t actually have to do that I think we’re prepared.
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All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 1.
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Mr. Fennoy: Motion to receive as information.
Mr. D. Williams: Second.
Mr. Mayor: All right, we’ll receive this as information. All right, thank you. Madam
Clerk, our next item.
Mr. Lockett: Are we going to vote?
The Clerk: The vote?
Mr. Mayor: It’s not necessary we’re just receiving it as information.
The Clerk: It’s unanimous.
Motion Passes 10-0.
The Clerk:
PUBLIC SERVICES
36. Presentation of the Jamestown Community Center’s operations, Augusta’s support, and
its SPLOST projects. (Requested by Commissioner Sammie Sias)
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Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 4.
Mr. Lockett: Give your name and address.
Mr. Hasan: And serial number.
Mr. Sias: Thank you, Mayor and colleagues. We’re going to take this opportunity to make
a presentation referencing the Jamestown Community Center. This is, the Jamestown Community
Center and improvements and things that were done at this particular area represents real
collaboration between citizens and the City of Augusta where you have a group of people who are
determined that they’re going to positively affect their neighborhood. We have neighborhood
associations and very many people working together and lot of them are in this chamber today.
But we’re going to move right along for the sake of time. We gave this briefing to the City
Administrator back in 2014 and we’ve just updated a couple of slides and we’ll be moving along
rapidly but it’s going to demonstrate to you what can happen when citizens work together. The
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Partnership Contract was signed in 1999, May the 18 and I want to commend the folks who
worked on that back then particularly the neighborhood Association President Nathaniel Charles,
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J.B. Powell who the area was in the 6 Commission District at that time and all our city officials
and that was a partnership that has gone from that day forward until now. The first thing we did
was start making improvements to this building. It was a dilapidated and I think Commissioner
Fennoy can speak about dilapidated but it was in pretty bad shape and we started immediately
working on it as a collaborative group of all folks from the areas. Some of the programs and
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activities that were offered there and this is simply a carryover this was a briefing that was done
in ’14. Part of the celebration ZOOM we had a big barbeque pit, we’ve been doing an annual
community day, after school tutoring, (unintelligible) church activities, Easter Egg a variety
particularly our summer camp program. We were also were doing computer classes, high speed
internet access. If someone had internet problems or computer problems at home they could come
to the Jamestown Community Center and get online. Neighborhood association meetings we were
doing community service for probationers but we’ve got a new service to do that now so we don’t
have to worry about doing that. We also had a substation out there. Special Government
Department Meetings. When we had ideas about SPLOST when that was advertisement to work
in approval SPLOST Jamestown was one of the premiere places that we could have these meetings.
So it was a real place for you to come to get information about your city and why was it available?
It was available because the good citizens of our county put their heads put their shoulders to the
yolk and worked and got that ready. And what did it cost as far as employees overtime and
compensation? Nothing. It was the citizens volunteering to do this. Summer Camp Program
began in 2000. It was to provide affordable, safe, secure stable environment where you bring your
child during the summer and I know that they were learning and they were getting prepared to
move forward in the next school term. We had a robust summer camp staff, we still do and we
still take care of those kids to come out there during summer camp. And some of these kids that
you see in this picture here today they were back in summer camp in the early days. The little fella
down on the left with the blue sweater is already in college and several of other ones so he was
also considered for a couple prestigious colleges and several of the kids were (unintelligible) just
the fact this is what happened to the kids when you put the time and effort into them. When we
take them out we also make sure that were safe and when say safe each ‘s’ represents a staff
member those are the ones that you can see in the water that doesn’t account for the ones that are
standing on the side in addition to the lifeguards. We take very seriously the duties and work in
our community. This is one of the special things we call a wet day. Let me just make sure we all
understand something. This is the work of our entire community working together. There’s no
one person here you might see me hear me but it’s a group. Security and Safety. The park was
secure by putting front entrance and rear entrance gates. That place is pretty isolated. When the
neighborhood started working there and improving it we used to have drug deals and everything
else going on out there drinking parties because if you didn’t know it was there you would never
know it was there. So, it has been a great improvement for our community and we are really
serious about it. We had a dedication service award. These are some of the awards that have been
given to the folks that are out there helping to run it. Sandridge is not the only one. I’ll tell you
you’ll see a couple more as we go through this. We also received the first (unintelligible)
Volunteer Award in 2002. We received recognition from the Mayor’s office back in 2007. Also,
we made the trip to Atlanta along with MACH Academy and we competed for the Georgia
Trendsetters Award. MACH Academy and Jamestown went to Atlanta; they brought the bacon
back. The program was innovative and they got the attention and the award was won. Georgia
Recreation of course another recognition in 2014 and now here’s a unique part that there’s been a
lot of questions and concerns about and some information out there that we’re going to get
corrected today. In 2007 the city requested that the Sandridge Neighborhood Association build a
commercial public assembly building using SPLOST V funds. Now let me say that again because
I can feel all the engineers and folks in construction and our PHD colleagues say what? We
requested a neighborhood association to build a government building. You need a moment to let
that sink in. Here was the contract. The association was to leverage the funds, no procurement
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requirements, obtain all required permits, provide invoices to verify expenditures. Well if you go
back to that concept of a neighborhood association we couldn’t call too, we didn’t have the
necessary documentation so how were we supposed to get all that? Well if you desire to make
your community better you’ll find a way. We got all the required permits and everything that was
required of us to proceed with that project but now here’s the unique part. The Association was
contracted to build this 2800-square foot addition to the community center. The funding provided
was $130,000 dollars. That included blueprints, permits all the work. Let me just give you a piece
of advice in 2008 the going price of a commercial square foot was about $150 to $200 dollars.
The $130,000 dollars for 2800-square foot comes out to $46.00 dollars per square foot. We were
in the hole before we even finished signing the contract. Now somebody knew that. We were a
little too naïve and dumb just wanted to make some improvements but we were already in the hole.
Well here we go we’ve got started, the first thing we did was fix the barbeque pit that’s out by the
gazebo and here’s one of the unique steps we took. When we ordered that the folks said the
shipping would be $147.00 dollars. We said what, why because we ship it freight. Well we said
that’s not good enough for us you need to ship that some other way because they’re light weight.
Well, (unintelligible) we got the shipping weight down to $35.00 dollars and we took that same
attitude and approach all the way through. As you know in construction you start with the clearing
at this point clearing is being done it started in May of 2008. This is what the community center
looked like before all these neighborhood folks jumped in on it. We’re doing our what we call
that my PHD friends we’re doing site work. We’re moving right along, now we’re doing we’re
continuing with the site work. The piece of equipment you see the gold piece of equipment we
resurrected that from the Rec Department put a new battery in it filled it up and got it rolling, put
some gas in it and it worked just fine. Now we’re doing, we have a plumbing company here that
put in our plumbing in the foundation. This is pretty unique. We’re moving real fast on this project
and you see those other volunteers there we’re donating all our header blocks. Header blocks are
blocks that’s used to pour the foundation. We’re donating those to the Habitat for Humanity so
they’ll have something to construct their houses with as we move forward.
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner, you have less than one minute.
Mr. Sias: We’re moving on here we’re doing moving our construction here. Now we’re
getting into where we have unit put up we’re moving right along. Now we’re doing summer camp,
boating and construction all at the same time. This is one of the unique things, if you’ve ever seen
these big trucks these are called pumper trucks. A lot of folks always see that at a site and wonder
what’s going on. Now we’re pouring our walls, we’ve got volunteers and things, we’re moving
right along. We did the things when we didn’t have enough we had prisoner support for a while
and we’re just moving our scaffolding around because we didn’t have enough money to pour but
one or two sets but we got it done. Now we’re getting a roof on our building, we’re working our
way on through. And here’s what the end product looked like. Now we had a dedication in 2010
and look at what we did here. We started out with the initial fund of $130,000 dollars, we received
an additional 1,500 to do our blueprint because we worked out a deal with Studio 3. The Sandridge
Community Association put in $10,000 dollars to go forward with this project for a final cost of
$191,500 puts an approximate savings of $258,000 dollars for the work that was done which not
only included the construction of the building but it also included renovations to the existing main
building.
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Mr. Mayor: Thank you. Your time has expired, Commissioner.
Mr. Sias: All right now I’m going to flip through a couple more slides, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: Commissioner, your time has expired. All right I’ll take some questions.
Mr. Sias: Thank you.
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Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 9.
Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I’m glad Commissioner Sias’ show is over but
I wanted to disburse the first untruth that was told and that was when they sent out the robocalls
saying that it was in danger of this community center being closed, that’s never been discussed in
this meeting at all. But I thank the community for coming out but I just wanted to disburse of that
first of all it had never been a conversation in this building or any other building that I know about
about closing that center. But I do have some issues with taxpayers’ money and an elected official
handling those. Now the rules state that anything over $5,000 dollars is supposed to be bidded out
but like Mr. Sias said himself that they had an agreement which was wrong through our Legal
Department or through whatever department had done it you can’t do taxpayer money like that.
There’s a lot of people that appreciate the stuff that’s happening out there and a lot of people think
that it’s not being done right. I’ve got a young lady who in tears told me that she couldn’t she
wasn’t allowed to even sit on the step to talk on the phone that she couldn’t come in the building
with an umbrella because she dropped water on the floor. I’ve got a young man that I called I
thought I heard a report about his son being locked in the room with Commissioner Sias about
something he had done at home and Commissioner Sias was I guess chastising him for it I guess
again. But it’s unfair for an elected official to have the only key the only resources to a building
that nobody else has. Now if you’re going to do what’s right and I understand saving the city
money but government works differently. Now if it ain’t the government if it’s a neighborhood
association they’re doing one thing but you’re using taxpayers’ money it ain’t just that
neighborhood community money it’s everybody’s money. And you, I don’t care how much you
save or how much you like it you can’t do it that way. And I’ve been advocating I’ve been saying
this ain’t about Commissioner Sias but you can’t have that authority and that power as an elected
official and walk in there and call the shots. I’ve got people who were on the Animal Board talking
about the rules and regulations for the Animal Board was disappointed they had to move the
meeting to Jamestown because Commissioner Sias insisted on it. Something’s wrong with that
picture. People are not going to buck him and I’m not bucking him but he ain’t got no more
authority than I got because I sure ain’t got no more than he’s got. But I don’t think this ought to
be just swept under the rug and act like because he’s an elected official now. In my opinion the
community needs to select someone else to do the things that he was doing before he got elected.
You can’t have that power and the money too now. There’s something wrong with that so I’m
glad he had this put on the agenda. I’ve been asking about this, I talked to the Administrator I
talked to the Rec Director. I asked them what are we going to do about it, they’re supposed to be
looking into those contracts. The old contract was done wrong before he got elected but now he’s
elected and I don’t want this thing to come to an ethic situation where people get to looking at this
thing the way it really ought to be looked at I guess. So there’s never been a conversation about
closing that center, there’s never been anybody that said they didn’t support it. I think what the
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people are upset about what they’re disappointed about is the way the people are being treated that
come in. Now Commissioner Hasan might not want to admit to this but he and I was there when
a four-year old little boy walked in the room and Commissioner Sias didn’t know the mother was
behind him, the first thing he said what you want and the momma said he needs to use the rest
room but then he changed his tune. He runs the operation like it’s Fort Gordon and I’ve never
been in the military so I don’t nothing about that but they got a sign on the door it says in on one
side and the sign on the door say out on the other side, you got the orange cone around the door
when you get there you got to stop. I hadn’t been to a meeting out there and you know why I
hadn’t been because he ain’t got no more authority than I got here and tell me where to park, he
ain’t going to tell me where to sit. He runs everybody else out there but he don’t run this, so I’ve
got some issues I’ve got some issues with that when the community’s upset about the way they’re
being treated out there. There ought to be a neighborhood center and the city of Augusta ought to
be sponsoring it and manning it like they do the rest of them. You ought not to have your own
little territory right here. Well that sounds good and all that stuff was before he was elected but
now he’s elected the whole thing changed, Mr. Mayor, and I’m not going to stop with this I’m not
against him me and him have had several conversations but it ain’t right for me or you or any other
elected official to show, flex their muscles. And you ain’t got to say you’re flexing them but what
you do and the way you do it says a lot and he does that an awful lot. And if you don’t believe me
you can talk to some of those people on the board that serve with him but I’m telling you there’s
never been a conversation about changing or shutting down or closing that facility so don’t be
tricked by those things. But it ain’t fair for any elected official to have that authority and that
power to hold meetings and demand meetings at certain places. So, Mr. Mayor, that’s my two-
cents worth I’ve got some documents here to show that there’s been no bid requirements, there’s
no process where the money’s being spent. If you take city money and a lot of the nonprofits Mr.
Sias voted against those but Mr. Sias is getting nonprofit money himself, he’s getting money
himself sales tax money himself but the nonprofits weren’t able to get none. Now that don’t make
good sense to me, it looks like you ought to be glad to share it. So I’ve these documents and if
anybody’s willing to see them you’re more than welcome.
Mr. Mayor: All right, Commissioner, thank you. The Chair recognizes the Commissioner
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from the 4.
Mr. Sias: Thank you. I just want to say for the record folks who have out there in our area
south of 520 understand and know what’s true and what’s false. So I don’t even have to debate
some of the things that I’ve heard because if you want to know what’s going on out there just ask
or just come by. One of the things we’re talking about is they ask what are you all spending the
money well within less than 30 minutes there was a report out to go to a reporter who questioned
that information so obviously, we do it right. When the city requested this association to build that
building, we didn’t come ask for that but we answered the call when the city asked. That is service
to your community. Now maybe if you had been in the military you’re kind of used to that stepping
forward and moving on. A lot of folks are whether they were in the military or not. But I’ll tell
you what begrudging the success of an area is not productive for this city and we’re going to
continue to work hard for the success of this community and for the success of this city and if there
was any ever a dollar misspent prove it, we’ve turned in the documentation. Thank you, sir.
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Mr. Mayor: All right, thank you. All right, the Chair’s going to entertain a motion to
receive as information.
Mr. Fennoy: So moved.
Mr. Lockett: Second.
Motion Passes 10-0.
Mr. Mayor: All right thank you. All right without objection to receive as information. All
right, Madam Clerk, item 37. All right all right, Commissioner Lockett. Madam Clerk, I almost
want to take a quick recess ---
The Clerk: You can ---
Mr. Mayor: --- I almost want to take a quick recess.
The Clerk: --- we can.
Mr. Mayor: Yeah, all right that’s what we’re going to do we’re going to stand in recess for
three minutes, three minutes. Okay we’ve got a very important reception downstairs waiting on
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us and we don’t want to diminish that for the Commissioner from the 5 we want to make sure we
have ample enough time to get down there and celebrate with him. All right, Madam Clerk, we’re
going to go back to the agenda and treat item 37 and 41 as companions.
The Clerk: 37 and 41.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
37. Motion to approve adopting a Ban-the-Box Policy for Augusta, GA in accordance with
the State of Georgia, Cities of Atlanta, Columbus, Macon-Bibb policies and the National
Employment Law Project. (Requested by Commissioner Ben Hasan)
41. Motion to approve the twenty-four (24) policies submitted by the PPPM subcommittee
as developed by the consultant and for the Administrator to develop a personnel procedures
manual and bring back an appropriate ordinance to abolish the current PPPM.
The Clerk: I also call your attention to the addendum agenda with the revisions as it relates
to items number 41 of the PPPM.
Mr. Mayor: With regards to the severance policy.
The Clerk: Yes, sir.
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Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 5.
Mr. Lockett: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We’ve had multiple subcommittee meetings on
this; all of my colleagues have had a copy with the proposed policy changes and so forth. So, at
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this juncture I would like to make a motion to approve the 24 policies submitted by the policy
subcommittee as developed by the consultant and remove policy #6 Fair Chance and to task the
Administrator to develop a personnel policy and procedures manual and bring back an appropriate
ordinance to abolish the current personnel policy and procedures manual and incorporate modified
policies and the Commission adopt a ban the box policy for Augusta, Georgia.
Mr. Hasan: Second.
Mr. Mayor: All right we’ve got a motion and a second. The Chair recognizes the
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Commissioner from the 8.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Mr. Mayor, early on in this meeting I wanted to send this item 41 back to
committee but apparently there’s a collaboration of some that wants to combine these two together.
I would ask if we could divide the question because they are two separate agenda items. And my
questions on this item number 41 and I’ve yet to read the revised information but as far as, would
you like me to go through it if we’ve got time I’ll be happy to go through the areas where I have a
problem with and maybe somebody could give my some clarification, that’s the reason why I asked
for it to go back to committee, sir.
Mr. Mayor: Okay all right I’m going to give you appropriate time to ask your questions.
Mr. Guilfoyle: All right.
Mr. Mayor: State your inquiry.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Who is going to be responding to these, Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: Well, I think it’s probably appropriate to have the Administrator and the
attorney’s to speak to it who worked on it. State your first question, Commissioner.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Madam Administrator, under number 16 and I’ve got to find my place too.
I’m the whistle blower you have under whistle blowers that former employees could actually raise
and to cause and investigation. Is this correct that you would have a former employee one that’s
been fired if they want to come back and attack any department. Wouldn’t it be better to delete
the word former? I can understand an employee that’s of Augusta-Richmond County being
employed at this time but a former one that either gets fired or quits for some reason they could
actually come back and retaliate against that department. Would that be a fair? Apparently, you’re
pointing towards Jody because ---
Ms. Jackson: Yes, the Law Department did a good deal of research in putting together this
policy. I’d ask her to explain the rationale for inclusion of former employees.
Ms. Smitherman: The inclusion of former employees was so that if somebody felt like
they were fired for engaging in whistle blowing activities that they can come back and bring that
allegation that they were fired for engaging in whistleblowing activities. By not allowing former
employees to bring a claim under the whistleblowing action you would only be allowed current
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employees who engaged in whistleblowing activities that were retaliated against but not fired
which would ---
Mr. Guilfoyle: It doesn’t say fired, Jody.
Ms. Smitherman: --- well it’s a former employee. If you were, if they’re being retaliated
against and they feel like they were fired it does limit it to former employees who feel that they
were retaliated against for engaging in whistleblowing activities ---
Mr. Guilfoyle: Okay ---
Ms. Smitherman: --- are allowed to come back.
Mr. Guilfoyle: --- that is your intent but it doesn’t say fired or quit, does it? The only
reason I’m asking questions because we assume one thing in the future it’s going to bite us.
Ms. Smitherman: Right and in that first sentence it says it’s available to employees or
former employees and then it limits it. It gives it that caveat that if the employee believes that he
or she has been retaliated against in violation of this policy. So, it allows a former employee who
believes that they have been retaliated against for engaging in whistleblowing activity to raise that
question to the Commission.
Mr. Guilfoyle: It’s kind of like last year which I could not support it is we got an
anonymous letter about our H.R. Director and we investigated it. This is basically going to be the
same scenario that we would have.
Ms. Smitherman: Well this doesn’t allow, I don’t see anything in there that allows for the
anonymousness. It has to be a current or former employee so they would have to identify
themselves so that we could identify them as a current or former employee.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Okay under the second paragraph employees are free to report suspected
improper governmental activity. Who defines that?
Ms. Smitherman: Excuse me, what was that again?
Mr. Guilfoyle: Employees are free to report suspected improper governmental activity.
Who defines that? The Administrator? The H.R. Director?
Ms. Smitherman: There will be, this isn’t the point of these policies are to have very, very
broad based policies and then we’ll be coming back with procedures that put these definitions in
place and put guidelines in place to make the policies effective. So in your procedures you define
what things would be considered inappropriate activity such that we would ask the employee
and/or former employee to come forward to bring it to our attention.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Who does the investigation?
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Ms. Smitherman: That will be all part of the procedures that are, they’re left out.
Mr. Guilfoyle: It’s not in here?
Ms. Smitherman: No, these are just very broad based policies.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Okay underneath the bottom paragraph Human Resources is responsible
for this policy and has the authority to implement the policy. The Human Resources Director may
apply appropriate interpretations to administer and clarify the policy provided that the
interpretations does not result in substantive change to the underlying policy. So changes could
be done without approval of this Commission?
Ms. Smitherman: It’s seeking interpretation. If a situation comes forward and what is
meant by the policy is brought into question the authority is given to the Human Resources Director
to make that interpretation. And then in the event that the Commission disagrees with that
interpretation amendments to the policy could be made in order to clarify the policy.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Okay, let’s go to under retaliation and whistleblowing under 6.0 definitions,
last paragraph improper governmental activity last sentence which is actually number two in
parentheses. Is economically wasteful or involves gross misconduct, gross incompetent or gross
inefficiency, how do you define that because if we was to send our people to Mississippi and the
body didn’t approve this truck would that be considered?
Ms. Smitherman: At this time again procedures would need to be implemented for these
specific policies.
Mr. Guilfoyle: We pass them and then we’ll figure it out?
Ms. Smitherman: Well, we have to have policies under which we can get guidance to
create procedure. Without policy you can’t have procedure to implement.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Mr. Mayor, I’ve got two more sections can I proceed or do you just want
this passed?
Mr. Mayor: I want to do the business of the people and I want to do it the right way with
integrity and that’s what I’m all about. So if you are suggesting things that promote that then I’m
(inaudible).
Mr. Guilfoyle: Well, I could suggest things all day long no different than I did in the
budget. It didn’t make a hill of beans because nothing was amended or changed, sir.
Mr. Lockett: Mr. Chair, a Point of Personal Privilege please?
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Mr. Mayor: All right the Commissioner from the 8 still has the floor unless he yields.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Well, I still have one more question.
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Mr. Mayor: All right continue.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Under Severance Pay 3.0 under Item C ---
Mr. Sias: (unintelligible) on that one.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Sir?
Mr. Sias: I don’t have a sheet on that one.
Mr. Guilfoyle: That’s the reason why I’d rather go back to committee for us to get a better
understanding of it. You on board? Page 1 and 2 under Section 8, Jody.
Mr. Sias: That’s the new one that we got.
Mr. Speaker: Yes, that’s the, we have it thank you.
Ms. Smitherman: Are you going off the new one or the one that was originally put in ---
Mr. Guilfoyle: Well, I just looked at the new one and the only thing it shows is those
grandfathered. So this is talking in regards to our SES employees which is all of our directors and
at will employees who reports directly to the Commission. My question is they won’t get
severance if they’re discharged for cause, retired so and sick pay, there’s no sick pay for directors
when they go to leave or a percentage of their sick pay but if a person a director I’ll just use you
as an example you’re not a director but I realize that but I’m going to use you as my little stick
woman. You work here for 35 years. You don’t use your sick pay; you show up for work all the
time. There’s no reward for our directors or SES or direct employees to benefit anything at
retirement but if they retire they don’t get their severance, they don’t get their sick pay. So if they
decide to quit two months before the retirement and then use up the sick pay they’d be entitled to
their severance, is that right?
Ms. Smitherman: No, under the current policy you have to give 30 days notice of your
intent to leave and you have to work that work that 30 days so somebody ---
Mr. Guilfoyle: Okay ---
Ms. Smitherman: --- could not be on sick for 60 days.
Mr. Guilfoyle: --- all right director we’re going to step back 30 days from your retirement
and you decide to quit. That entitles you to severance at that point?
Ms. Smitherman: As a director if I give you, under this policy if I give you 30 days’ notice
of my intent to quit and I work those 30 days in good faith I would be entitled to severance, yes,
sir ---
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Mr. Guilfoyle: Okay ---
Ms. Smitherman: --- those currently employed.
Mr. Guilfoyle: --- so people could misuse this to their benefit because if you retired if you
even do that and wait one month and retire you don’t get no severance, what I’m doing is trying
to figure out how we can look out to make sure or directors are taken care of.
Ms. Smitherman: The way that this is drafted the only effect that it would have on the
current employees is under our current retirement plan anybody who retires, who goes from active
employment directly to retirement can actually roll their sick leave into their GMEBS Plan and get
accredited service under the plan. It’s up to 6-months accredited service in the plan for use of your
sick leave. So what this does by not allowing somebody to get severance if they retire you are
making your directors choose between going directly from active employment to retirement and
getting to roll their sick leave into their retirement or deciding to give 30 days notice, quit, get their
severance under this policy and then retire. This simply makes it so they can’t both get severance
and roll their sick leave into retirement which would otherwise be able to do. It’s making them
choose between those two options.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Okay, can we go to Substance Abuse 7.0 under paragraph 2, 2.0 Policy
Statement.
Ms. Smitherman: I don’t know what, the new one that I have right here still says
Retirement No. 3.
Mr. Loeser: Oh no, no see if I may this is saying you’re not, if you are a new SES employee
after the first of the year you’re not entitled to this grandfathered B1 and 2 which means that you
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can get a severance pay for giving notice. So after January 1 anyone the only way to get a
severance pay would be only if you are if the Commission asks you to leave without cause. Prior
to that anybody who’s grandfathered prior to that also has an opportunity to give notice 30 days’
notice and still get severance. Does that make sense?
Mr. Sias: If that’s what it says.
Ms. Jackson: Mr. Mayor, in summary this policy only makes one change for people who
are in SES status prior to January 1, ’17 and that’s the number of calendar days’ notice. It reduces
the notice period to 30 days for those who are grandfathered in, that is anybody who is an SES
employee before January 1, ’17. Those who become SES employees after January 1, ’17 only are
eligible for severance in the event that they are terminated without cause as you see in 2.08 No. 2.
So it essentially improves the benefit to some degree for those existing SES employees because
there’s a shorter notice period.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Continue, Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: Yes, sir, you may.
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Mr. Guilfoyle: Substance Abuse, Jody, 2.0 Policy Statement halfway down the paragraph,
unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, use of alcohol, controlled substance
by Augusta, Georgia employees in the workplace during working hours while on Augusta, Georgia
business at Augusta, Georgia official functions or on Augusta, Georgia premises is prohibited. In
addition, an employee may not use a legal substance or abuse legal substance in a manner that
impairs their work performance or impairs their public trust and employee’s ability to carry out
his job and responsibilities. This is just a question. If a person let’s say smoked a joint a month
ago, I figured you would laugh on that one. The residue stays in their system and underneath the
watch, the whistleblowing part the person is totally fine, working but within a couple of weeks and
then ya’ll give them a drug test and it shows something in his system. What happens at this point?
Ms. Smitherman: Again, the discussion at the subcommittee level was to just to put the
policy in place and to have the procedures follow. My understanding from the subcommittee
discussions is Augusta, Georgia wants to have a zero-tolerance policy in that there will be some
sort of repercussions from testing positive but it will not necessarily result in termination which is
the current policy. So it’s my understanding for a first time violation which may be explainable
will result in disciplinary action and something like a last chance agreement making sure the
employee understands that that type of behavior will not be acceptable but will not result in
immediate termination which is what the current policy calls for.
Mr. Guilfoyle: All right, so you’re going to be part of the process working hand in hand
with HR to work on this PPPM because I show that it’s the Administrator but ---
Ms. Smitherman: It will be, the Administrator is ultimately responsible for coming up with
the procedures and I’m sure that she will have on her team Human Resources, Legal, Compliance
Department and anybody else, Risk Management, anybody else necessary to make sure that those
procedures are effective.
Mr. Guilfoyle: As that’s my question so far I wasn’t prepared to go into detailed with this.
Thank you.
Mr. Mayor: All right, that was an excellent amount of questions, Commissioner. I
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appreciate that. All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 5.
Mr. Lockett: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I agree that my colleague’s questions were
appropriate, however, there will be changes next year and the year after to policies and I’m quite
sure that once they get fully engaged in the procedures part there will be additional changes made
to it. So basically what we are trying to do or what we were trying to do today is to lay something
out there to give them a place to start as far as the procedures are concerned and come back
hopefully early next year or something and ya’ll can revisit any areas that doesn’t live up to your
expectations. Like I said this subcommittee which I chair we met many times and we could meet
or ya’ll could meet all next year and still there are going to be some changes or some things that
you want to be tweaked. But what we’re trying to do is just lay out something so that the
procedures people can get to work and when they identify anything that’s not going to be
compatible in the policies well then they can bring it back to the governing body for their approval
or consent. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
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Mr. Mayor: Thank you. All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 9.
Mr. M. Williams: Mr. Mayor, I looked at a lot of this. I hadn’t looked at all of it but what
bothers me is when I read and see where it does not require any approval of the Commission.
There’s some things we’re going to have to massage I understand that. We have an administrative
style of government; that’s in our Charter not a management. If we approve this it’s going to be
approving a whole different style. My opinion is it needs to go back and talk about it. We need
to look at it again. It’s the end of the year Santa Claus ain’t going to bring everybody too much
no way but it ain’t no sense in rushing this. I think we ought to take our time and go back and look
through this. Now the Administrator is the one who’s supposed to be and I know Legal plays a
role along with HR but ultimate approval comes through this body here. I mean you may not like
it but if this body approves it that’s what it is. I don’t want to approve nothing else and come back
and say oh, we didn’t think about that. Even if we think about it from now until we meet again,
we’re going to miss something but I certainly can’t support approving it today.
Mr. Mayor: Okay all right here’s our posture. I’ve heard and the Chair recognizes the
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Commissioner from the 8.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Mr. Mayor, I’d like to divide this question where both of these agenda
items are combined, 37 stand alone and 41. I would like to send agenda item number 41 back
to the committee for further discussion.
Mr. Fennoy: Second.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Thank you, sir.
Mr. Mayor: All right okay ---
Mr. Sias: Does your motion include 37’s approval?
Mr. Guilfoyle: I don’t have a problem approving 37 but I divided the questions so it’s a
stand alone separate.
Mr. Mayor: All right, so we’re going to deal with 41 first. Commissioner, to your point,
Commissioner Sias, and then we’ll ---
Mr. Sias: Yes.
Mr. Mayor: --- all right Madam Clerk we are voting on 41, we’ve got a motion and a
second.
The Clerk: Substitute motion, yes, sir.
Mr. Mayor: Say that again, ma’am?
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The Clerk: Substitute motion.
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Mr. Mayor: Uh-hmm that was the Commissioner from the 8 substitute.
The Clerk: Forward back to committee.
Mr. Mayor: That’s correct, that’s what we’re voting on. All right, voting.
Mr. Sias and Mr. Lockett vote No.
Mr. D. Williams out.
Motion Passes 7-2.
The Clerk: Item number 37 is a, okay it needs a substitute motion because it was the
companion item to 41 and it had the same original motion so if there was going to be ---
Mr. Sias: Substitute motion move to approve item number 37.
Mr. Fennoy: Second.
Mr. Mayor: All right, I’ve got a motion and a second to approve. The Chair recognizes
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the Commissioner from the 7.
Mr. Frantom: Why would we approve 37 when the PPPM has a Fair Chance Hiring Policy?
I mean it’s almost like it’s, it’s different than Ban-the-Box why would we go on and approve that
today? It seems like they both should be discussed together back in committee.
Mr. Mayor: All right, so I’ll speak to that. All right, so we’ve gone and had all right, all
right so we’ve had robust debate about that, quite frankly significant debate about that in terms of
what that should look like. And this is a departure from what’s in the P3M to your point,
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Commissioner from the 7. And this is simply Augusta adopting the Ban-the-Box policy in
accordance with the State of Georgia just as the motion reads. If there’s support for it, we’ll
forward with it and if not we’ll come back and revisit it. All right, voting.
Ms. Davis, Mr. Frantom and Mr. G. Smith vote No.
Mr. D. Williams out.
Motion Passes 6-3.
Mr. Mayor: All right, Madam Clerk, 45.
The Clerk:
PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
45. Motion to declare null and void the public censure against Commissioner Calvin Holland
approved by the Commission on May 1, 2007 and to recognize that such censure was not
warranted. (Requested by Commissioner Bill Lockett)
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Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 5.
Mr. Lockett: Move to approve, Mr. Chair.
Mr. Fennoy: Second.
Mr. Mayor: All right, I’ve got a motion and a second to approve. No further discussion,
voting.
Ms. Davis, Mr. Frantom, Mr. G. Smith vote No.
Mr. D. Williams Out.
Motion Passes 6-3.
Mr. Mayor: Item number 43.
The Clerk:
FINANCE
43. Motion to approve $25,000 for the CSRA Alliance for Fort Gordon for their 2017 budget
out of the $180K contingency as discussed by Administrator Jackson during the budget
process. This process must be followed to allocate the money per Administrator Jackson.
(Request by Commissioner Sean Frantom)
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Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 7.
Mr. Frantom: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. This agenda item actually they’re in the budget.
They received $14,400 dollars so this additional money would be $10,600 to make them whole at
$25,000 dollars.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Is that a motion?
Mr. Frantom: Motion to approve it, the $25,000.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Second.
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Mr. Mayor: All right the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 4.
Mr. Sias: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I have a substitute motion on this. When we brought
this up a couple of meetings back we discussed a couple of other areas and we also discussed the
Board of Health, we discussed MACH Academy and we discussed CSRA Alliance. My substitute
motion is as follows: that we do the $12,600 dollars for the CSRA Alliance, $25,000 additional to
MACH Academy for the programs they run and $75,000 back to the Board of Health of Augusta-
Richmond County. That’s my motion.
Mr. Hasan: Second.
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Mr. Mayor: Okay, all right we’ve got a substitute motion with a proper second. Madam
Clerk, you have those numbers?
The Clerk: Yes, sir, that’s the $10,600 to make the CSRA Alliance whole, $25,000 to
MACH Academy and $75,000 to the Board of Health.
Mr. Mayor: All right, very well.
Mr. M. Williams: Point of Order, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: All right, state your inquiry.
Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, sir. I mean I’m hearing all this but why hadn’t, why wasn’t
it brought up in the proper Finance Committee where it should’ve been discussed? Now we’re
adding to it and it looks like we’re piling on. Now if that’s what we’re doing you know let’s just
say that but those things if they were that important should’ve been brought forth before.
Mr. Mayor: All right, I’m going to speak to that and then we’re going to vote.
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Commissioner from the 9 you have a very valid question. These items were in fact enumerated
during the budget process; they were laid out and they were very specific. What you’re hearing is
nothing more than us coming back and what you previously voted on through the budget process
because there was a list and these items were included on that list so I guess we’re formalizing
what you already formalized. But it’s not a matter of necessarily piling on. This was adopted
during the course of the budget.
Mr. M. Williams: Well, you know in our budget season there’s some other issues that we
didn’t address. And we talked about coming back and we’ll have to go back at the end of the year.
This is our last meeting for this year and there’s some issues we had not addressed as yet. We’re
going to have to address those so are we going to do the same thing? Now I ain’t got no problem;
I can support this but are we going to the same thing we need to get the other items budgetary
items that should have been either equally as important if not more important than what we’re
voting on here now? So I mean you know I’m tired of playing, I’ll tell you (unintelligible) years
a whole different game altogether ---
Mr. Mayor: Yeah, all right ---
Mr. M. Williams: --- in fact we can take the game out of it.
Mr. Mayor: --- we’ve got a substitute motion with a proper second, voting.
Mr. Fennoy, Mr. Sias, Mr. Lockett, Mr. Hasan and Mr. M. Williams vote Yes.
Ms. Davis, Mr. Frantom, Mr. Guilfoyle and Mr. G. Smith vote No.
Mr. D. Williams Out.
Motion Fails 5-4.
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Mr. Mayor: Okay all right so, Madam Clerk, before we move forward I’m going to direct
this question to the Parliamentarian. In the event of a tie vote what would happen with this
measure?
Mr. Brown: Mr. Mayor, you have to make a decision if you’re going to vote.
Mr. Mayor: Well, I understand that. I’m asking you in the event of a tie vote what would
happen with this measure?
Mr. Brown: No, it would be considered to have failed.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, that’s what I understood. All right, thank you.
Mr. Brown: I would like to remind you that was I believe a substitute motion.
Mr. Mayor: It was yeah, it was.
The Clerk: You make or break a tie.
Mr. Mayor: Make or break a tie, that’s correct.
The Clerk: Either you make or break a tie; the vote was 5-4.
Mr. Mayor: Right.
Mr. Lockett: Plus we don’t have, we’re missing a Commissioner.
The Clerk: Yes, sir.
Mr. Mayor: That’s correct.
Mr. M. Williams: (unintelligible) tie came into play 5-4 I mean that ain’t close to a tie.
Mr. Hasan: Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: That was my point.
Mr. Lockett: Mr. Mayor, it’s getting close to my bedtime now.
Mr. Mayor: You and I are on the same pavement.
Mr. Guilfoyle: May we proceed?
Mr. Mayor: All right, this measure, the substitute motion has failed. All right, so we’re
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back to the main motion okay? All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 6,
state your inquiry.
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Mr. Hasan: Mr. Mayor I’d just like to make a comment around this issue and hoping we
get a motion to, I’m thinking it’s appropriate motion to reconsider and that is because these issues
were the same thing that we did with part of the budgetary process. We talked about MACH
Academy, I talked extensively about MACH Academy. We even considered proposed to the body
that we do some less training around our drug policy per se. We also talked about this issue here,
the Board of Health being cut as well so in many ways, the reason why Commissioner Williams
question that he asked we were assuming that some of these issues here would be dealt with in
January so it kind of got caught off guard that’s how it got on that’s this got on by Commissioner
Frantom. And so (unintelligible) equally important and I’d like to see us take a vote to reconsider
because all these are tied together. We don’t want to do Fort Gordon any harm but you put us in
harm’s way in that you think that we can do one without doing the other and all of them are equally
important especially when we’re talking about MACH Academy. We realize the strain that our
school system is having now so much so that we had 19 schools I think 19 or 21 that were failing
in Augusta-Richmond County. MACH Academy is doing an excellent job in dealing with what
they did with education and so I think we ought to take that into consideration and I’m hoping that
we can, I think it’s appropriate to a motion to reconsider.
Mr. Mayor: It wouldn’t be appropriate at this time.
Mr. Hasan: It’s not an appropriate action?
Mr. Mayor: No, sir.
Mr. Hasan: Would it be after the vote or what it failed?
Mr. Mayor: No, you’ve got, it failed and you’ve got the main motion that’s still before us
and as such you’ve got to address the main motion. Okay ---
Mr. Hasan: Mr. Mayor, can I do a follow up please then?
Mr. Mayor: --- hold on, hold oh, hold on, let me get everybody’s attention. We’ve got a
very important matter that’s before us. We are now at the main motion okay, we’re at the main
motion. All right, let me tell you what’s not going to happen. Now we’ve got Mr. Tom Clark
sitting here and again I know we’ve got a lot of folks out there who support the CSRA Alliance
now the Fort Gordon Cyber District. This is not going to go bad. We’re going to get it right before
we leave, okay? Now we can do a couple of things we can vote on the main motion or there can
be another substitute.
Mr. Guilfoyle: No, there can not.
Mr. Mayor: Is that not true, Mr. Parliamentarian?
Mr. Brown: I believe not.
Mr. Mayor: Okay all right, okay all right ---
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Mr. Hasan: That was a suggestion, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: --- well, let’s just vote on the main motion. All right, I’ve got a parliamentarian
and he said that that’s not proper.
Mr. Hasan: Point of Personal Privilege, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: All right, just hold, just hold. I didn’t bring my rules book with me today I
didn’t. Robert’s Rules of Order say if the substitute fails and there’s a separate substitute, we’re
going to let the Parliamentarian rule before us and we’ll just go from there. I’m going to keep my
black hair and not another strand will turn gray today.
Mr. Hasan: That’s wishful thinking, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: All right, I’ll tell you what, Madam Clerk, here’s what we’re going to do we’re
going to vote on the main motion.
Mr. Hasan: Mr. Mayor, Point of Personal Privilege please.
Mr. Mayor: I am holding it together today, Sylvia, I’m holding it together ---
Mr. Lockett: You’re about to lose one.
Mr. Mayor: --- because we shouldn’t be at this place. All right, the Chair recognizes the
Parliamentarian.
Mr. Brown: Mr. Mayor, I have revised my ruling. You can have a substitute prior, you
can’t have another substitute prior to voting on the main motion. Eventually if no substitute passes,
the main motion must be voted on.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you. All right now I’m going to come back to this and I believe the
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Commissioner from the 9 said that well, we’re here to do this business of the people without the
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games, we are. And everything whether we vote on it back on November the 15 or whether we’re
voting on it today everything has been enumerated was in fact discussed during the budget
conversation and it is before us again today. Now what I would rather have happen is we had a
resolution with all of these items on it that were part of the $180,000 and we didn’t do that. We’re
piecemealing it. And so if we’re at the place of piecemealing it to get to that place then let’s do
that or what we will not do if have Mr. Clark come down here and walk away. We will not. All
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right, the Chair’s going to call on the Commissioner from the 4 for a substitute motion.
Mr. Sias: Substitute motion that we allocate out of that $180,000 $75,000 dollars to the
Board of Health, $25,000 dollars to MACH Academy and $10,600 dollars to the CSRA Alliance.
So moved.
Mr. Lockett: Point of Personal Privilege, Mr. Mayor.
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Mr. Mayor: That’s not a different substitute motion.
Mr. Sias: Okay, I got you. I withdraw that.
Mr. Hasan: Mr. Mayor, I make a substitute then.
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Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 6.
Mr. Hasan: Mr. Mayor, I make a substitute motion that we, Fort Gordon at $10,000 dollars
to the CSRA Alliance, I’m sorry, and $25,000 dollars for MACH Academy.
Mr. Fennoy: Second.
Mr. Lockett: Point of Personal Privilege, Mr. Chair.
Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from, all right let’s suspend.
I know we’re going to lose you but not before, all right, okay, all right, Madam Clerk, we’ve got
enough, we’ve got enough we do. All right, we’re going to call this back to order. All right, the
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Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 6 Can you restate your substitute motion?
Mr. Hasan: The substitute motion, Mr. Mayor, was $10,000 dollars for the CSRA Alliance
and $25,000 for MACH Academy.
Mr. Sias: You didn’t say Board of Health.
Mr. Hasan: No, sir, I didn’t say it because they said it was the same motion ---
Mr. Mayor: It was the same.
Mr. Hasan: --- that’s what I got on this end.
Mr. Sias: You just changed the amount; you changed the amount of one of them.
Mr. Hasan: Sir, I said ten and twenty-five. Did I change that?
Mr. Sias: It was 10, 25 and 75.
Mr. Hasan: No, sir.
Mr. Sias: Okay.
Mr. Guilfoyle: If this motion fails, we get to do another substitute motion apparently, is
that right? Lena, would you order pizza? I’ll give you the credit card. We’re going to be here for
a while.
Mr. Sias: As long as it’s not your gas credit card.
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Mr. Guilfoyle: I don’t use a gas credit card.
Mr. G. Smith: Give $75,000 to Fort Gordon and I’ll re-up.
Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk, the original substitute can you can go back to those amounts?
I want to make sure.
The Clerk: The original substitute was $10,600 to the CSRA Alliance to make them whole,
$25,000 to MACH Academy, $75,000 to the Board of Health.
Mr. Hasan: What about mine though?
The Clerk: That was Mr. Sias and you seconded that one, Mr. Hasan, and the next
substitute was to in essence we deleted $75,000 for the Board of Health. It’s $25,000 MACH
Academy and $10,600 to CSRA Alliance. That’s the standing substitute.
Mr. Hasan: If I can revise my substitute motion. It’s $10,000 dollars for MACH Academy,
I mean for CSRA Alliance, $12,000 dollars for CSRA Alliance, $25,000 dollars for MACH
Academy and $75,000 dollars for the Board of Health, 12, 25 and 75.
The Clerk: Okay, you’re amending that ---
Mr. Hasan: Yes, ma’am, I’m amending that.
The Clerk: --- and $12,600 for CSRA.
Mr. Sias: Second.
The Clerk: We have, okay we have one. That’s the amendment, sir? Okay.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, all right voting.
The Clerk: Mr. Lockett and Mr. Sias?
Mr. Lockett: I’m pulling a Marion Williams. I’m thinking about it.
Ms. Davis, Mr. Frantom and Mr. G. Smith vote No.
Mr. D. Williams and Mr. M. Williams out.
Motion Fails 5-3.
Mr. Mayor: All right, I’ll entertain a motion to move all remaining items to 2017.
Mr. Frantom: We’re not going to go back to the main motion?
Mr. Hasan: Make the motion and I’ll second it.
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Mr. Mayor: That’s me thinking out loud.
Mr. Lockett: Second.
Mr. Hasan: Third.
Mr. Guilfoyle: (inaudible) this gentleman that’s been waiting here for five hours, Georgia
I mean the Alliance.
Mr. Mayor: Let me again as I said I’m just talking out loud. I’m just thinking out loud.
We’re back at the main motion. The substitute failed.
Mr. Sias: Vote on the main motion.
Mr. Mayor: All right, motion to approve as documented. Voting.
Mr. Fennoy, Mr. Sias and Mr. Hasan vote No.
Ms. Davis, Mr. Lockett, Mr. Frantom, Mr. Guilfoyle, Mr. M. Williams and Mr. G. Smith
vote Yes.
Mr. D. Williams out.
Motion Passes 6-3.
Mr. Lockett: Point of Personal Privilege, Mr. Chairman.
th
Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 5 state your inquiry.
Mr. Lockett: Thank you very much. I pretty much always supported the CSRA Alliance
because it plays an important role but I just want to remind those that voted for this a few moments
ago the next time somebody comes with an agenda item for $20-25,000 dollars to feed seniors for
Meal on Wheels and so forth remember that because those things to me are more important than
the Alliance because you’re talking about livelihood. I realize the CSRA Alliance is very
important significant in this community, but let’s not be one way about it. Thank you.
st
Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 1.
Mr. Fennoy: Yes, Mr. Mayor, I’d like to ask Ms. Bonner to put Commissioner Lockett on
for our first meeting in January to talk about the Meals on Wheels Program to make sure that he
only has five minutes to speak on that subject.
Mr. Guilfoyle: You can call him at his house.
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Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 4.
Mr. Sias: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Hey, I want to say to my colleague from Fort Gordon
to never vote against the Alliance is a vote for compromise to work out some issues. And we can’t
seem to do that sometimes but we keep trudging and you all have my support ultimately and
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always. Same thing to the Board of Health you always have my support because the mission and
job that you do is do critical. Thank you.
Mr. Mayor: Okay well, Mayor Pro Tem, are you ready to go home?
Mr. G. Smith: I thought we’d stay here at least another two hours. I got a pizza coming.
Mr. Lockett: I move that the meeting be adjourned.
Mr. Fennoy: Second.
Mr. G. Smith: The one time I’m agreeing with you.
Mr. Hasan: You’ve got a motion, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Lockett: That was a motion. I said I move that the meeting ---
Mr. Sias: Second.
Mr. Lockett: --- be adjourned. That was a motion.
Mr. Mayor: We have multiple seconds all those in favor will vote yea and those opposed
will vote no, voting.
The Clerk: That motion fails 5-4.
Mr. G. Smith: Ya’ll still want to stay here?
Ms. Davis, Mr. Frantom, Mr. Guilfoyle and Mr. M. Williams vote No.
Mr. D. Williams out.
Motion Fails 5-4.
Mr. Hasan: What did we just vote on?
Mr. Mayor: To go home.
Mr. G. Smith: Some of them have bad marriages I believe.
Mr. Lockett: I guess I have. My wife left me about a half hour ago. I guess so.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Seems like it was played out well today. New day, new year. Ya’ll enjoy
your Christmas and may it be safe. Mr. Mayor, would you adjourn this Commission?
Mr. Mayor: I think for lack of a quorum you already have.
Mr. Guilfoyle: It’s better if it comes out of your mouth so we can close it out for the year.
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\[MEETING ADJOURNED\]
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
December 20, 2016.
______________________________
Clerk of Commission
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