HomeMy WebLinkAboutRegular Commission Meeting June 20, 2017
REGULAR MEETING COMMISSION CHAMBER
JUNE 20, 2017
Augusta Richmond County Commission convened at 2:00 p.m., June 20, 2017, the Hon.
Hardie Davis, Jr., Mayor, presiding.
PRESENT: Hons. Jefferson, Guilfoyle, Sias, Frantom, M. Williams, Fennoy, D. Williams,
Hasan and Smith, members of Augusta Richmond County Commission.
Absent: Hon. Davis, member of Augusta Richmond County Commission.
Mr. Mayor: All right, Attorney MacKenzie. All right, we’ll call our official meeting to
order. The Chair recognizes Madam Clerk.
The Clerk: Yes, sir. We will have our invocation delivered by Rev. Roger A. Schwartz,
Pastor, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church after which we’ll have our Pledge of Allegiance to the
Flag. Would you please stand. We’ll ask George Eskola to lead us in the Pledge.
The invocation was given by Rev. Roger A. Schwartz, Pastor, Our Redeemer Lutheran
Church.
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was recited.
Mr. Mayor: Rev. Schwartz, if you’ll approach. Again thank you as Pastor of the Our
Redeemer Lutheran Church thank you for serving as our Chaplain today for your civic leadership
and your spiritual guidance and not just your parishioners but our community, thank you. Would
you join me in giving him a round of applause? (APPLAUSE)
ADDENDUM
29. Congratulations! Mr. John Stearley, Augusta Regional Airport, June 2017 Employee of
the Month.
The Clerk: Mr. Mayor, members of the Commission, at this time we would like to
recognize our June Employee of the Month. And we ask Mr. John Stearley of the Augusta Regional
Airport to please come forward along with the Airport Director and any other employees who
would like to join in this auspicious occasion. And as John makes his way forward, Dear Mr.
Mayor the Employee Recognition Commission has selected John Stearley as Augusta’s Employee
of the Month for the Month of June. John has been a dedicated employee of Augusta Richmond
County for 29 years and the Augusta Regional Airport Maintenance Supervisor since August 2013.
Through his outstanding efforts, dedication and achievements he is improving a system involving
the assembly and oversight of the sale of unused surplus equipment. This equipment has exceeded
its life expectancy and usefulness John has through a government website pursued the sale of these
items. Over the past eight years his focus and outstanding efforts has garnered a value of over
$200,000 dollars. The result of his efforts not only produced revenue but also improved the site
condition of the airport, eliminated disposal costs and recycled viable items for others to use.
Based on this nomination and John’s outstanding contribution to the Augusta Regional Airport
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and his service to Augusta Georgia the Employee Recognition Committee would appreciate you
in joining us in recognizing John as the June 2017 Employee of the Month. Congratulations.
(APPLAUSE)
Mr. Judon: So John is a man of few words but I’ll just speak for him. I’ve been there a
year and John has been a great leader at the airport. He has helped me be successful. He helps
every employee at the airport. He’s committed to the organization’s success so this is a very
deserving award and a very good man. Thank you. (APPLAUSE)
The Clerk: Mr. Welcher, you and your staff, would you please come forward. Is the
representative from 5/3 Bank with you?
Mr. Rossi: Nick Rossi, 5/3 Bank. It is my honor and my privilege to present this check
for $5,000 dollars to the Augusta Housing and Community Development in Augusta Georgia.
Some of our core values at 5/3 Bank are to invest in our communities and invest in our cities and
so I’m flattered we’re honored to be able to do this today and hope that we can continue to do it in
the future. So thank you for everything you guys do; it’s our pleasure to serve and honor you with
this. Thank you. (APPLAUSE)
Mr. Welcher: It’s been often said that homeownership is the number one wealth building
tool in America and Housing and Community Development Department for years has been
exemplary in being able to provide down payments and closing costs assistance but with strong
partnerships with 5/3 as well as the strength and partnership with our nonprofits and CHODO’s,
we’ve been able to venture out into financial literacy to be sure that homeowners understand the
importance of investing, the importance of how to read a credit report and understand how to
maintain a home for 25 to 30 years. So, we just want to say thank you and we look forward to a
stronger partnership for years to come. (APPLAUSE)
Mr. Mayor: Nick, on behalf of the City of Augusta and our entire Commission thank you.
It’s partnerships like this that make Augusta the greatest city to live in and we are very proud to
see you be a partner and the work that’s being done in our Housing and Community Development
Department. Thank you. (APPLAUSE) Ms. Bonner?
The Clerk: In recognition and further recognition of Homeownership Month whereas
homeownership is an American dream and is a special power in a neighborhood where most
families own their own home. And whereas a new homeowner receives a key that does more than
unlock a door. It represents a place where children can grow, learn and feel safe. An opportunity
to save money and to build equity for the future and a sense of stability and belonging to the greater
community. And whereas homeownership builds strong families and is the building block of
strong communities. And whereas the United States Department of Housing and Urban
Development is working in partnership with state and local governments, community groups and
the private sector to make the most effective use of federal funds through a combination of housing
counseling, down payment assistance, tax incentives. We are helping thousands of Americans buy
homes and live the lives they had only once imagined. And whereas homeownership is good for
the homebuyer, Augusta and our country. It is the American dream and during National
Homeownership Month we rededicate ourselves to that dream and to every American who seeks
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to achieve it. And whereas the Augusta Department of Housing and Community Development
will continue to assist citizens with increasing homeownership and home buyer opportunities.
Now I therefore Hardie Davis, Jr., Mayor of the City of Augusta, do hereby proclaim June 2017
as Homeownership Month in Augusta, Georgia and urge all citizens to recognize homeownership
and the importance of providing every citizen with the opportunity to achieve their own American
dream. In witness, thereof I have unto set my hand and cause the Seal of Augusta Georgia to be
affixed this Day of June 2017. (APPLAUSE)
The Clerk:
DELEGATIONS
A. Mr. Al Gray –“No Account, but Headed to Judgement Anyway.”
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Gray, you have five minutes. Of course you’ve been here before you
know that and if you would state for the record your address.
Mr. Gray: I’m Al Gray, 2573 Salem Church Road in Lincolnton, Georgia. Mayor Davis
and Commissioners, thank you for the opportunity to speak. I never intended to return to this
chamber yet here I am. One should never say never and that’s borne out by the power of events
that’ve shaken you, me and the citizens of Augusta. No Account, but Headed to Judgement
Anyway sounds like a sermon harkening to passing into eternity that we all face but as Mayor
Copenhaver once told me you ain’t dead yet. Older folks used to have a description that was
applied to crooked, lazy people. It was that they were “No Account”. Your equipment-gate
scandal has assaulted the rule of law. Not that this body Mayor, the Administrator, District
Attorney or Sheriff intended that consequence. That result grew out of the cronyism that destroyed
our protective institutions from Washington, DC on down. Accountants safeguarding our money
throughout math. The lawyers forgot that nobody needs them if there’s no law. The press lost
objectivity and credibility and pastors escorted the money-changers into our temples not out. Our
protectors decided to become No Account. At Commissioner Sias’ last meeting DA Payne was
posed a question. Is the rule of law dead? After all the most powerful revered men in Georgia
politics had $2 million-dollars invested in banks and other financial institutions involved with drug
money laundering among other things. The legislature two sessions back turned banking crimes
into legal actions and our mortgage fraud champions styed number one in mortgage fraud for a
while, five-years running I believe. Then there’s equipment-gate. What happens in Atlanta and
Washington is not yours but what happened in Lincoln County is fully on your account but you
want to be No Account for that. Some of it comes from a misguided instinct to protect the
defenseless who are anything but that. Elements of this body and friends of the Mayor Pro Tem
rallied to defend her last week after my parody video but the fun poked at her soon will rain down
over all of you. The rest of this body are protecting a nice lady Administrator with the same instinct
at about $187,000 dollars per year and much power. She isn’t defenseless either. She’s responsible
in my opinion for about two-thirds of this scandal. Now 16 years ago a sweet, attractive Planning
Director out in Columbia County supported by the full Columbia County Commission who loved
her to death suddenly had to leave her position. Failures proved her plans flawed, deceptive and
outrageous to the no longer defenseless people. Two weeks ago we were walking with our dog
Lilly again. How this thing started, we came upon a flock of molting geese whose wings were of
no account. They couldn’t fly. Now geese are mean, big and can pick a wing with a beagle. One
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ran out of the woods but Lilly caught it that goose’s wing whipped that dog and got her and then
got into the water. Then crazy things happened. Lilly jumped in and out swam the goose. And
then it got crazier than that because the goose did something it’s not supposed to be able to do and
that was to dive and swim away underwater. While that one was escaping another goose ran out
doing something even stranger. It ran low to the ground headed off it looked like a snake, it didn’t
want to be seen with it’s No Account wings. You are faced with the same thing. This body is
confronted by the truth of this Equipment Gate. You must do the impossible, it seems to be for
this body for six-months, and together rise to account before Augusta justice must be served and
accountability restored. Former Director Johnson must be dealt with and in my opinion this
Administrator must be phased out, her contract not extended and forensic audit of the landfill done.
The consequences of the remaining third of this scandal resting with the Sheriff’s Department are
simply chilling. The Sheriff must remove those involved and remove this conflict of interest by
calling in the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Lady Justice has been dead in Augusta for so long
and in the Bible, it said that Lazarus stinkith. Well, Lady Justice seems to be stinking pretty bad
too. It’s time for a resurrection. Thank you.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you. Generally, we’d just move on ---
Mr. Sias: Let’s do that then.
Mr. Mayor: --- well, I would but I’m not. Mark Johnson is no longer employed here and
while there has been an investigation to determine whether there was anything criminal in nature
that took place and the findings are that there are not. It’s one thing to engage in political satire
but there’s another thing to engage in scandalous and defaming not-so-art. The Commissioner
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from the 3 is a good woman. She is my friend and she is a member of this body. We don’t
always do everything right and I’m certain that some of us could question the speed at which we
did or did not know what the Administrator knew and when we heard it, but we will not do is stand
by idly and allow a cast of characters to continue to defame and impune not only employees but
more importantly this government. I think the test, George, of corruption begins first and foremost
with whether or not we are the holders of any government money unaccounted for and I certainly
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am not. I would like to suggest to you that the Commissioner from the 3 is not either. And so I
want to caution those that would take occasion to do such and encourage you to refrain from doing
so. There are consequences; there are consequences. It’s one thing for us to engage in again
inquiry and investigation and we too often cross the line in Augusta and we think it’s okay. It is
not okay. People have families, people have children, it is not okay. And we can engage in
political discourse and debate but I encourage us for it to be civil, spirited and not personal and I’ll
leave it at that. Madam Clerk.
The Clerk: I call you attention to Item Number B Ms. Denise Traina ---
Mr. M. Williams: Madam Clerk, I raised my hand for the Mayor to recognize me before
he called on you because I did have a comment.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, all right, I missed your hand.
Mr. M. Williams: Okay well ---
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Mr. Mayor: The Chair and again defer to the Chair. All right, the Chair recognizes the
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distinguished gentleman from the 9.
Mr. M. Williams: --- thank you, Mr. Mayor, for allowing me ---
Mr. Mayor: Yes, sir.
Mr. M. Williams: --- a few minutes to address the issue that Mr. Gray just brought that
you commented on. And I agree that the attack on anybody is not right so I’m not here to attack
anybody but you stated that Mr. Johnson is no longer working here for this government which I
agree with that but I want to make it very plain that Mr. Johnson was not the sole person involved
in that situation and with him not working here anymore because of that situation leaves me to
understand that I believe there is with no doubt someone else involved. And I would hope this
body would want to know just like Mr. Johnson who’s not here anymore because of his
involvement if there is anybody else involved which I believe there is should be recognized as
such as well. So, I agree with you about the attack and I don’t want to attack anybody. I don’t
want to accuse anybody but I do think that there’s much needed for a further investigation through
an agency that can get to the bottom of this because this is bigger than what it seems like on the
surface. So, my last comment then, Mr. Mayor, is that since he’s no longer working here I’m of
the mindset that this is not over, this is not just done with. There are some things that need to be
brought to the table so not just this body but this whole community will understand and know that
this body is not going to tolerate from whomever it came from. So those are my comments, Mr.
Mayor, but I wanted to make that plain and clear it’s not an attack on anybody but like you stated
he’s no longer present but he wasn’t the sole person involved in that incident by himself so it leaves
me to know that there has got to be others involved as well.
Mr. Mayor: Duly noted. Madam Clerk.
The Clerk:
DELEGATIONS
B. Ms. Denis Traina, Chairman Augusta Transit Citizens Advisory Board regarding report
from ATCAB.
The Clerk: Ms. Traina is the Chairman of the Augusta Transit Citizens Advisory Board.
She would like to make a report of their activities.
Ms. Traina: Thank you for this opportunity. Good afternoon. This month we celebrate
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the 4 anniversary of the formation of the Transit Citizens Advisory Committee. In 2013 Mayor
Deke Copenhaver’s signature allowed a previously ADHOC Task Force of citizens to have a seat
at the table within the city structure. In the past four years our committee has been able to engage
in meaningful dialogue with city officials on all aspects of Public Transit. Your support has
enabled this community to see many improvements within this transit system. We’ve experienced
improvements in many areas including driver conduct, passenger behavior, increasing
accessibility, use of technology on the buses that provides passenger conveniences and a more
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positive image. Soon we will see other plan changes such as the refurbishment of shelters, the
realignment of routes, reduction of transit wait times and the use of bike lanes in our city. The
transit team is nearing completion of a Travel Training Program that will reach into the community
to educate our citizens on how to ride the bus. This is especially important for our senior
population and those with disabilities. This will enhance their ability to have a more independent
lifestyle through increased mobility options. By no means have we achieved all that we believe
Augusta Public Transit is capable of but we see progress and for that we are grateful. The greatest
challenge that Transit is facing is finding, and you probably guessed it by now a dedicated funding
source to meet the current and future transit needs of this community. Every day millions of
Americans utilize transit to go to work, school, medical appointments and other leisure activities.
Businesses count on Transit to get workers to and from their place of employment. We are no
different. During times of emergency when evacuations may become necessary Transit will be
there as a critical partner; just like other communities Transit will keep us moving. We commend
the Transit Department team and I think Mr. Pat’s back there for their collaboration and willingness
to partner with us in this endeavor as well as the manner in which the city employees in Public
Transit have raised the bar in terms of their interfacing with the public. As our city continues to
grow we remain optimistic that Augusta will continue to respond to the increased demand by
consumers for safe, affordable, clean and efficient modes of transport that both visitors and
residents seek on a daily basis. As we commemorate this event, we want to express our extreme
gratitude to Mayor Davis, Administrator Janice Jackson and this Commission for their support and
for the positive response to the needs of our citizens. Consumers tell us that they love the new
buses, the drivers are friendly and they appreciate the repairs of sidewalks in addition to curb cuts
that make it easier and safer for them. On behalf of consumers, we thank you. We look forward
to reviewing the results of the Comprehensive Operational Analysis which are due soon. We are
hopeful the Commission will adopt the final recommendations included in the plan to move us
forward to a more modernized Public Transit System that will truly meet the needs of all the public.
Lastly, I want to take this opportunity to ask each of you to once again consider appointing one of
your constituents to work with our committee. We currently have like eight vacancies open on the
committee. We continue to meet monthly to discuss Transit issues and we appreciate what you’re
doing. Thank you.
Mr. Mayor: Ms. Traina, okay yeah, you can clap, that’s a good place to clap. All right,
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the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 8.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Denise, thank you for the update as well as giving
praises where praises are due. Madam Clerk, you should have a Talent Bank form from one of the
young ladies from District 8 that she had called the office. If you would put her on the next
Commission agenda so we could appoint that. And I apologize. It’s just so hard finding so many
people to fill these appointments and not everybody is subject to want to do it. But this young lady
did call and ask to be appointed to it.
Ms. Traina: Thank you.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Thank you, Denise. Thank you for coming before us.
Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk?
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The Clerk: I call your attention to our consent agenda which consists of Items 1-23, Items
1-23. 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 1: Is a request for a Special Exception affecting property at 336 and 240 Stablebridge
Drive and 802 Sims Drive.
Item 2: Is a request for a change of zoning from a R-3C (Multiple-family Residential) with
conditions to a Zone R-3B (Multiple-family Residential) affecting property known as 2506 Pine
View Drive.
The Clerk: Are there any objectors to either of those Planning petitions? I call your
attention to the Public Services portion of our agenda.
Item 5: Is for an on-premise consumption Liquor, Beer & Wine License to be used in
connection with The Finish Line Café located at 3960 Wrightsboro Road.
The Clerk: Are there any objectors to this alcohol petition? Mr. Mayor, members of the
Commission, our consent agenda consists of Items 1-23 with no objectors to our Planning or
alcohol petitions.
Mr. Mayor: All right, thank you, Madam Clerk. All right, the Chair recognizes the, okay
all right, we’ll entertain motions to remove or add to the consent agenda. The Chair recognizes
the Administrator.
Ms. Jackson: Yes, on Item Number 8, Items 3 and 8 appear to be duplications. We would
actually like to approve Item 3 as is and remove Item 8. If the Commission would need further
explanation for that Ms. Wilson is available to do so.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, so we’ll remove Item 8. All right, Madam Clerk.
The Clerk: Yes and to pick up on the Administrator’s recommendation keep in mind
however Item number 8 came with the waiver of the second reading where Item number 3 does
not. So if the Commission wants to effectuate that action taken on Item 3 we need to add waiving
the second reading on Number 3.
Mr. Mayor: All right. Madam Administrator.
Ms. Jackson: Correct.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, all right.
Mr. M. Williams: Mr. Mayor, can you explain again Items 3 and 8 ---
Mr. Mayor: Okay.
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Mr. M. Williams: --- to do what, Ms. Bonner, I missed something.
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The Clerk: Item number 3 was on our May 16 agenda for a second reading. The
Administrator asked that that item be deleted because of the attachment was in error. Then the
following week, Commissioner Williams, you requested that that item be added to our Public
Services agenda which it was. You approved it waiving the second reading however it still had
the attachment was still in error; it was not corrected. Item number 3 corrects that.
Mr. M. Williams: Okay so in passing Item 3 would be the same thing as Item 8 but be the
corrected form, is that what you’re saying?
The Clerk: I’ll let the Planning Director ---
Mr. Mayor: Administrator Jackson.
The Clerk: --- or Ms. Jackson explain that.
Ms. Jackson: I’ll ask Ms. Wilson to assist me with this but I believe the attachments that
you intend for the board to approve are actually attached to Item number 3, is that correct?
Ms. Wilson: That’s correct. The attachments that you need to vote on today and to waive
the second reading on is Item number 3.
Mr. M. Williams: Now, I’m a little bit confused again.
Mr. Mayor: This is what we’re going to do. We’re going to remove from the consent
agenda and then we’ll debate it in just a moment. That’s what we’ll do, okay.
Mr. M. Williams: But, Mr. Mayor, the Commission had moved upon the, it was asked to
be and it belongs to the body so it needs to have ---
Mr. Mayor: It belongs to the Chair.
Mr. M. Williams: --- okay well it belongs to the body and the body is part of the Chair so
my question is this was moved once before. We called this stuff last week getting it to the point
where it needs to be. Those changes in the backup, are they different or what changes are they?
Mr. Mayor: Okay, all right we’re going to remove Items 3 and 8 off of the consent agenda
and we’ll put them on the regular agenda, okay and then we’ll debate them then. All right, the
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Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 8.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I’d like to add Item number 27 and if any of my
colleagues does not have a problem with that. It’s actually the flood zone ordinance.
Mr. Mayor: Okay.
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The Clerk: What do you want, to add Item 27 to the consent?
Mr. Mayor: Uh-hmm, okay 3 and 8 removed. The Chair recognizes the Commissioner
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from the 4.
Mr. Sias: I’d like to pull Item 6 please.
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Mr. Mayor: Okay. All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 1.
Mr. Fennoy: I’d like to add 26 to the consent agenda.
Mr. Frantom: No.
Mr. Mayor: All right, you have an objection, there is an objection. All right Item 28 add
to the consent agenda as well.
Mr. Frantom: Are we deleting 25?
Mr. Mayor: Yeah, all right, Item number 25 we’ll delete.
Mr. Sias: That was mine I (inaudible).
Mr. Mayor: The diaper dandy picked it up.
Mr. Guilfoyle: It’s the body’s.
Mr. Frantom: Motion to approve.
Mr. G. Smith: Second.
CONSENT AGENDA
PLANNING
1. Z-17-16 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to approve
with the following conditions a petition by D R Horton, Inc. requesting a Special Exception
to establish an Amenity Area for Sims Landing Subdivision per Section 26-1(i) of the
Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for Augusta Georgia affecting property containing
approximately .98 acres. This property consists of three parcels addressed as 336 and 340
Stablebridge Drive and 802 Sims Drive. Tax Map 080-0-161-00-0, 080-160-00-0 and 080-0-
159-00-0 DISTRICT 3 1) The site plan for the Amenity Center shall be amended to show a
road connection to Hay Meadows Drive. 2) In an effort to support the ARTS-Complete
Streets document the Developer is encouraged to provide sidewalks in the development. 3)
The cemetery shall be noted as a restricted area and shall remain undisturbed and
undeveloped. 4) Where the cemetery abuts lots 60 and 71 a natural buffer and/or fence shall
be installed. 5) The project site plan must comply with any other ordinances and regulations
in effect at the time of construction.
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2. Z-17-18 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to approve
with the following conditions a petition by Wesley Fludd requesting a change of zoning from
Zone R-3B (Multiple-family Residential) with conditions to Zone R-3B (Multiple-family
Residential) affecting property containing approximately l70 acres and is known as 2506
Pineview Drive. Tax Map 096-4-041-00-0 – DISTRICT 6 – (One reading required) 1.
Walkways are required for secondary ingress/egress doors on the cottages. 2. A 15 ft. side
setback shall be provided along the property line adjacent to 3110 Deans Bridge Road (TPN
096-2-181-00-0) 3. A grassed active outdoor space for tenant’s use shall be provided in the
center of the development. 4. A location for individual trash cans should be provided near
the front of the property along Pineview Dr. for pickup days. 5. The site/development plan
must be consistent with the concept plan dated 3-20-17 for six detached one-bedroom
residential units but shall include all conditions stated here. 6. The project site/development
plan must comply with any other ordinances and regulations in effect at the time of
construction; which includes but is not limited to Stormwater Management.
PUBLIC SERVICES
4. Motion to approve the lease agreement with Aeronautical Radio, Inc. (ARINC) as
approved the Augusta Aviation Commission at their May 25, 2017 meeting. (Approved by
Public Services Committee June 13, 2017)
5. Motion to approve New Ownership Application: A.N. 17-20: request by Christopher S.
Toy for an on-premise consumption Liquor, Beer & Wine License to be used in connection
with The Finish Line Café located at 3960 Wrightsboro Rd. There will be Sunday Sales.
District 3. Super District 10. (Approved by Public Services Committee June 13, 2017)
7. Motion to approve the waiver of the noise ordinance for Augusta Pride and authorize the
Law Department to review the current noise ordinance. (Approved by Public Services
Committee June 13, 2017)
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
9. Motion to approve revised Rocky Creek Enterprise Zone Ordinance. (Approved by
Administrative Services Committee June 13, 2017)
PUBLIC SAFETY
10. Motion to approve a request from Augusta Animal Services to receive a grant from
Maddie’s Fund, in the amount of $5,000.00, to build an Outdoor Enclosed Cat Space.
(Approved by Public Safety Committee June 13, 2017)
11. Motion to approve Contract with Tyler Technologies to implement iasWorld software.
(Approved by Public Safety Committee June 13, 2017)
12. Motion to accept State Grant Award for Superior Court’s Veterans Court Program.
(Approved by Public Safety Committee June 13, 2017)
13. Motion to accept State Grant for Superior Court’s Mental Health Court Program.
(Approved by Public Safety Committee June 13, 2017)
14. Motion to approve State Grant Award for Superior Court Adult Felony Drug Court
Program. (Approved by Public Safety Committee June 13, 2017)
15. Motion to purchase Workgroup Server and Collection Server for the Richmond County
Sheriff’s Office. (Approved by Public Safety Committee June 13, 2017)
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16. Motion to approve purchase of Tasers and equipment from Axon Enterprise formerly
known as Taser International. (Approved by Public Safety Committee June 13,2017)
17. Motion to approve acceptance of a State grant in the amount of $118,504 to support the
operations of the State Court’s DUI Veterans court programs for the period of July 1, 2017
through June 30, 2018. (Approved by Public Safety Committee June 13, 2017)
ENGINEERING SERVICES
18. Motion to approve an exchange of easements, with 2045 Sibley Road, L.P., for their
Gardens at Harvest Point project. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee June
13,2017)
19. Motion to approve the 3486 Peach Orchard Road Easement Exchange. (Approved by
Engineering Services Committee June 13, 2017)
20. Motion to approve award of Bid #17-170 to Larry Pittman & Associates, Inc. to construct
the Fort Gordon Augusta Utilities Administration Building Expansion for $554,000.00.
(Approved by Engineering Services Committee June 13, 2017)
21. Motion to approve Bid Award for Bid Item #17-165 Radial Arm Drill Press. (Approved
by Engineering Services Committee June 13, 2017)
22. Motion to approve awarding contract to Kazmier and Associates for Bid Item #17-140
Sewer Monitoring Equipment. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee June 13,
2017)
PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
23. Motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the Commission held June 6,
2017 and Legal Meeting held June 13, 2017.
25. Motion to approve changing the administrative leave with pay to administrative leave
without pay for Mr. Mark Johnson Environmental Services Director effective immediately.
(Requested by Commissioner Sammie Sias)
ENGINEERING SERVICES
27. Motion to approve an Ordinance to amend the Augusta, Georgia Code, Title 8, Chapter
One, Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, in its entirety.
ADMINISTRATOR
28. Motion to adopt a resolution approving the Augusta Cyber Initiative Urban
Redevelopment Plan and to authorize the Mayor and Clerk of Commission to execute such
resolution.
Mr. Mayor: Okay we’ve got a motion and a second. All right, Madam Clerk, we’re good
on those?
The Clerk: Yes, sir, they’re listed on, adding Item 27, 25 deleting I mean 28, deleting item
25, pulling from the consent 3, 6 and 8.
Mr. Mayor: Okay.
The Clerk: Mr. Frantom and Mr. Grady Smith.
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Mr. Mayor: All right, very good. Okay voting.
Mr. M. Williams abstains.
Motion Passes 8-0-1. \[Items 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9-23, 27, 28\]
Mr. Mayor: Okay all right, okay all right, Madam Clerk, here’s our posture. We’re going
to go 3, 8 and then we’re going to go to number 24. I don’t know if that’s why my Sheriff is here
but if it is we can give him a chance to speak on the matter. The Chair recognizes the
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Commissioner from the 9.
PLANNING
3. ZA-R-248 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission
to approve a request to amend the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for Augusta Georgia
by adding Noise (Ordinance) to Section 2-Definitions, Section 4 – Off-Street Parking and
Loading. Section 21-B-1 (Neighborhood Business), Section 22-B-2 (General Business).
FIRST READING (First and Second reading required)
8. Motion to approve ZA-R-248 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia
Planning Commission to approve a request to amend the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance
for Augusta Georgia by adding Noise (Ordinance) to Section 2-Definitions, Section 4-Off-
Street Parking and Loading, Section 21-B-1(Neighborhood Business), Section 22-B-2
(General Business). Waive second reading (Approved by the Commission May 16, 2017 and
by Public Services Committee June 13, 2017)
Mr. M. Williams: I didn’t pull this, Mr. Mayor. Whoever pulled this needs to address this
issue. This issue should’ve been on the consent agenda so I want to hear from whoever.
Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair will entertain a motion approve.
Mr. Fennoy: So moved.
Mr. Frantom: Second.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Mr. Mayor?
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Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 8.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Can we have a motion to approve and waive the second reading, sir ---
Mr. Mayor: Okay.
Mr. Guilfoyle: --- if the maker of that motion will.
Mr. Hasan: That’s why it came out of committee.
The Clerk: That was Mr. Fennoy and who did the second on that ---
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Mr. Mayor: Everybody.
The Clerk: --- Mr. Frantom, I just pick one, okay.
Mr. Mayor: All right, voting.
Mr. Mayor: So the action that we’ve taken for the record is that we adopted Item 3 waiving
the second reading ---
The Clerk: Right.
Mr. Mayor: --- and now the Chair will entertain a motion to delete Item 8.
Mr. Sias: So moved.
Mr. Fennoy: Second.
Mr. Mayor: All right, voting.
Mr. M. Williams abstains.
Motion Passes 8-0-1.
The Clerk:
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
24. Discuss submitting a request from the Augusta Commission to the Georgia Bureau of
Investigation (GBI) to investigate the use of city equipment and city employees working on
private property in Lincoln County owned by former and/or current city contractors.
(Requested by Commissioner Marion Williams)
Mr. Mayor: I’m going to limit debate on this to ten minutes. The Chair recognizes the
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Commissioner from the 9.
Mr. M. Williams: Mr. Mayor, I agree enough debate has already been done and I’m going
to make a motion that we submit the application or submit whatever necessary to get the Georgia
Bureau of Investigation to investigate this situation for this government.
Mr. Mayor: That motion fails without a proper second.
Mr. M. Williams: I understand.
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Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 6 State your inquiry.
Mr. Hasan: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor, I’d just like to say for the record at this
point I think we all agree that the District Attorney’s Office was doing an investigation. She has
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as of June the 1 and I’m thinking any day now or before the week’s out we would have whatever
her findings are as her understanding. I could be wrong it could be the first of next week but the
District Attorney I think we agreed upon that about a week or so ago. I do concur if we would’ve
probably done this coming out of the gate I thought it might have been a better institution GBI to
look at it once we finally decided to look at it as a governing body. But at this time the District
Attorney Ms. Natalie Paine has it in hand and probably of all accounts we’ll probably have an
opinion from her before the week’s out. Thank you.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you.
Mr. M. Williams: Point of Order, Mr. Mayor.
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Mr. M. Williams: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 9 State your inquiry.
Mr. M. Williams: My inquiry is that Commissioner Hasan may have a personal
relationship or a personal contact with someone with the DA’s Office but have you as the Mayor
of this city or any Commissioner had anything formerly from any one governing agency to that
fact? I mean that may be true I’m not doubting that but has someone notified this agency or this
body as a whole even the Sheriff he’s here he might be able to answer that for us to know that that
process is being taken. I mean I’ve been talking about this other agency and hadn’t heard from
them but the DA if they’ve done something they should have at least acknowledged that through
this government, through legal counsel, through the Mayor, through other Commissioners besides
Commissioner Hasan I think.
Mr. Mayor: I believe the gentleman knows of what he speaks. I am not aware of things
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that the Commissioner from the 6 has referenced and no one has made any direct contact with
me with regards to that but again I believe the gentleman knows of what he speaks. The Chair
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recognizes the Commissioner from the 1.
Mr. Fennoy: Mr. Mayor, based on what’s being asked and what’s been done, does any
Commissioner should ask the District Attorney’s Office to do an investigation if we feel there’s
been some wrong doing by a city employee?
Mr. Mayor: Well, you know again save a better response I believe the gentleman has a
proper question. Attorney MacKenzie, would you like to weigh in on this?
Mr. MacKenzie: Sure, I’d be happy to. It’s my understanding the DA’s Office would
probably listen to any of our members of our Commission body if they had anything they were
concerned about. And I’m sure you could in the process of it could make any request.
Mr. Fennoy: May I follow up, Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: You may.
Mr. Fennoy: If there had been a settlement between the city and employees is that, does
that mean that we cannot request an investigation?
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Mr. MacKenzie: No, it would not mean that. The settlement would be between the city
and the employee regarding severance and terms of employment. It would not have anything to
do with any discretion that a law enforcement official may have with regard to looking into any
criminal matters.
Mr. Fennoy: Thank you.
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Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 4.
Mr. Sias: Mr. Mayor, until further information and facts or whatever become available, I
request that we receive this as information at this time.
Mr. Mayor: I think that’s appropriate.
Mr. G. Smith: Second.
Mr. Mayor: All right, we’ll receive it as information.
(It was the consensus of the Commission that this item be received as information)
The Clerk:
FINANCE
26. Consider a request from Ms. Patricia Ann Bailey Clark regarding a waiver for her
homestead exemption on the property located at 704 Albany Avenue. (No recommendation
from Finance Committee June 13, 2017)
Mr. Mayor: All right, there was an objection to that. Who can speak to this matter?
The Clerk: Is Ms. Clark in the Chamber?
Mr. Mayor: Ms. Clark?
The Clerk: I think her supporting request is attached to the agenda item in which she’s
asking.
Mr. Mayor: All right, I’m going to ask the Tax Commissioner if he’ll approach,
Commissioner Kendrick.
Mr. Speaker: (Inaudible)
Mr. Mayor: Okay, all right, if you’ll approach. The Chair recognizes the Commissioner
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from the 1.
Mr. Fennoy: I’ll wait until I hear from.
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Mr. Mayor: Okay all right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 8.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Mr. Mayor, the reason why this is on here is because the person didn’t
comply with the deadline and we have rules and regulations in place for said waivers, well not
waivers, but for the homestead. If the people doesn’t follow the requirements said, my
recommendation is to deny.
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Mr. Mayor: Okay all right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 2.
Mr. D. Williams: What has been the norm in the past for situations like this?
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Mr. Ryan Barbin: We’ve always denied it, they have until April 1 to apply. They actually
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have from April 2 to April 1 of the following year to apply for the Homestead Exemptions.
Mr. D. Williams: I will second that motion.
Mr. Mayor: Okay all right, I’ve got a motion and a second to deny all those in favor will
vote yea and all those opposed will vote no. Voting.
Mr. D. Williams, Mr. Sias, Mr. Frantom, Mr. Guilfoyle and Mr. M. Williams vote Yes.
Mr. Fennoy, Mr. Jefferson, Mr. Hasan and Mr. G. Smith vote No.
Motion Fails 5-4.
Mr. Mayor: This was a motion to deny.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Can we reconsider that?
Mr. Mayor: That’s what you need to do; you need to reconsider your action. Okay, the
Chair will entertain a motion to reconsider your action.
Mr. Jefferson: So moved.
Mr. Sias: Second.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, a motion to reconsider. Voting.
Mr. Fennoy: Is there any discussion on that, Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Frantom: Reconsider.
Mr. Fennoy: Can we have a discussion on that?
Mr. Mayor: Yeah, when you push that button.
Mr. Fennoy and Mr. Hasan vote No.
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Mr. Williams out.
Motion Passes 7-2.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Motion to deny ---
Mr. Frantom: Second.
Mr. Guilfoyle: --- this request.
Mr. Mayor: All right, we’ve got a motion to deny. All right, the Chair recognizes the
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Commissioner from the 1.
Mr. Fennoy: Yes, I’d like to ask the young man (unintelligible).
Mr. Mayor: Okay. Sir, if you would tell us who you are.
Mr. Speaker: My name is Ryan Barbin. I’m the Property Tax Director with the Tax
Commissioner’s Office.
Mr. Mayor: All right, very good. Commissioner?
Mr. Fennoy: Have this, every request like this that you all get you all deny?
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Mr. Barbin: We tell them up front that it’s the law that they have to apply by April 1.
Mr. Fennoy: Okay, but have there ever been any exceptions to your knowledge?
Mr. Barbin: Not that I’m aware of, no.
Mr. Fennoy: Okay and how long have you been an employee with the ---
Mr. Barbin: Ten years.
Mr. Fennoy: --- ten years.
Mr. Guilfoyle: That’s longer than any one of us up here.
Mr. Frantom: I know.
Mr. Fennoy: Would your supervisor know of any situation where this had been ---
Mr. Kendrick: I knew I should have left. Actually there have been situations where we
have but that was due to an error. The only way we change a Homestead Exemption application
or accept one after the date that there’s been an administrative error either on our part or on the
part of the Assessor’s Office. In this case neither was the case.
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Mr. Fennoy: All right I get you, I get your point.
Mr. Sias: Call for the question.
Mr. Mayor: All right, there’s a motion to deny with a proper second. Voting.
Mr. Fennoy and Mr. Hasan vote No.
Mr. Williams out.
Motion Passes 7-2.
The Clerk:
PUBLIC SERVICES
6. Motion to approve recognizing Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) as the official film
liaison for the City of Augusta. (Approved by Public Services Committee June 13, 2017)
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Mr. Mayor: Okay the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 4.
Mr. Sias: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. During committee discussion of this agenda item I
requested Mr. Barry White of the CVB to bring, to demonstrate for this body that the I believe it’s
the Augusta Film Office, I can’t remember exactly Brad Owens and his folks that they were in
agreement about the CVB’s request for the designation. I’d like to hear from them, Mr. Mayor, if
you don’t mind.
Mr. Mayor: No, I don’t mind.
Mr. Sias: Can we get Mr. Brad Owens up?
Mr. Mayor: Barry, why don’t you come on up as well.
Mr. Owens: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Commissioner, I rise today to ask you to support
agenda item number 6. This will be known as a, we have been since our last appearance I want it
known that immediately after our last appearance last year that Barry White and I met and quickly
after that began collaborating on how we would work together as two organizations with the same
goal of bringing movies to Augusta. I’m happy to say that that partnership has worked out pretty
well, we’ve flushed out some partnership guidelines we think will work between us. We’ve
proposed a memorandum of understanding as part of this package. It’s a pretty good day today.
I’d like to say that this kind of interesting that this item came up on the agenda today because just
today Barry White, myself, Jennifer Bowen who’s the film liaison inside of the CVB office and
other members of the film office we’re escorting producers from California, from Burbank around
showing them some locations together and showcasing some of our talent we have here so we
hope that very soon we’ll have a good announcement to come out of that. But it’s been a good
collaboration the AFO Board supports this item agenda item 100%. We found a good working
relationship. Just wanted to update you that Georgia is now number one in the film industry in the
whole United States. We’ve knocked New York out, we’ve knocked California out and we look
forward to a good partnership with the CVB in bringing more movies here. We’ve had four so far.
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We’ve got five and six on the burner possibly seven. I would like to add one thing to it. This is a
big thing for us, this is an important day because this shows that you as the policy makers for the
county are taking a step forward in recognizing this is a strategy for bringing jobs to the
community, the film industry. So this designation by the city is affirmation that the city sees this
as a viable economic growth area. And I would suggest even though Barry’s not going to ask for
funding, I would like to propose that you know if you do designate them as the official film office
I hope you’ll get the six votes necessary to pass agenda item six and that also as you start your
budget negotiations amongst yourselves that you might see fit to put some additional funding over
to the CVB to help fund this department. This is an economic investment in our community.
You’ll get returns for the dollars you put in and this is not a waste of money. I think we’ve shown
that this is a viable industry that’s growing and we’re just happy to be a part of it. And
Commissioner Sias and everyone I appreciate you all’s concern but the AFO’s on board 100%
with this partnership and ask that you all support item number six please.
Mr. Sias: Mr. Mayor, may I continue?
Mr. Mayor: You may.
Mr. Sias: I want to say thanks to Mr. White and Mr. Owen for coming up and answering
that challenge but now before I can hit yes on this I have one more challenge that I’m going to ask
ya’ll to do and expect ya’ll to do that. We also have some other organizations in the city one of
them being the Augusta Mini Theater and just about every movie I see I see some young folks in
it and I know the Augusta Mini Theater has some talented young folks that they’re training and
working with. And so can I get an affirmation that you all will also include them in ya’ll’s talent
search and your operations?
Mr. Owens: I can speak for AFO when I say absolutely affirmative. Tyrone and his crew
are welcome and we need them.
Mr. Sias: Okay.
Mr. White: I was going to guess that you were asking for a part in the next movie, sir, so.
Mr. Sias: No, just the Augusta Mini Theater.
Mr. White: We actually talked today about the need for some high school age students in
this production that’s being considered right now so these are the people we look to for the talent
base and so we’ll be working with them on that.
Mr. Sias: Thank you so much. Mr. Mayor, I move to approve.
Mr. Frantom: Second.
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Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 6.
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Mr. Hasan: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. White, I’d like to say for the record Commissioner
Sias based on a previous conversation that we had several years ago he makes his own movies.
But any way now a lot has changed and it’s good to see ya’ll are talking about a relationship there.
But just last week I asked that question about a budgetary issue and I was told, Mr. Owens, you
were not here and I asked about the budget and you told me that you would not need any money
to do that do so what has changed in a week’s time?
Mr. Owens: Do you want me to address that? I’ll address that, sir. Nothing. They’re
going to reallocate some funds inside I believe it’s $18,000 internally for promoting the city. I
would just suggest that you know that’s great but I would suggest that you as the city fathers and
mother but she’s absent that the governing body that you all consider finding some money to
augment their effort. It’s been our, you know looking into it Savannah’s office spends about
$200,000 dollars a year. I think if you look at what AFO had over the past two years we put in a
little bit more than that. But the return on the money has been really good so no, he’s not requesting
more money and I told him he’s not going to ask for more money but we at AFO would ask that
ya’ll consider augmenting his office so that we can speed up the process instead of a little bit of a
slow burn like the, but he’s not requesting additional funds. Nothing has changed.
Mr. Hasan: Okay, my second part of the question back when this conversation and I
apologize to both for yourself to bear for this but when this conversation was about a year ago it
might be a little longer when the Administrator was tasked to try to talk to the both of your groups,
Brad and Barry and the Mayor’s office, did you all just weed the Mayor out of this, this office out
of this part of the conversation decide to move on? What happened here?
Mr. Owens: Well, I think we just decided that we would it would be best to have the two
organizations talk directly to each other and figure out the best relationship and bring it back to
you all and in that way there was no (unintelligible). I don’t think we cut anybody out. We simply
just decided to figure out how to work together first and that’s what we’ve done so we would just
ask that you all give us an opportunity.
Mr. Hasan: Okay.
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Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 1.
Mr. Fennoy: And I guess my question is just to follow up on Commissioner Hasan is
whether the Mayor would like to be before we make it a designation whether the Mayor would
like to be a part of the conversation. I guess I’ll give the Mayor that, he can answer.
Mr. Mayor: I think without question this is one, an important conversation. I think I’ve
said this since day one that how we approach this is extremely important. I think Brad references
the initial investment that Savannah made several years ago and how they stood this up in
Savannah just certainly different than what’s being proposed here that the initial $200,000-dollar
investment has translated into tens of millions of dollars of investment in the city. And again,
what’s being proposed is a little different and I think that’s probably appropriate for me to just say
that at this point. It’s certainly something that I think is important. Augusta without question
should have a very strong movie basis here and how we do that is going to be extremely important.
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Mr. Fennoy: I would like to make a substitute motion that we refer this back to the
committee to allow the Mayor to have some discussion with Mr. White and Mr. Owens.
Mr. Hasan: Second.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, we’ve got a substitute motion with a proper second. All right, the Chair
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recognizes the Commissioner from the 8.
Mr. Guilfoyle: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I never thought I would see both of them sitting up
there side by side smiling. I think the Administrator could agree with me on that one. But I do you
know we couldn’t force ya’ll to come together. Ya’ll came together on your own accord and I’m
glad that ya’ll found the vision and the understanding and the workability to get where ya’ll are at
today. You all are a team now and I applaud ya’ll. So I’d like to hear all the good news in the
upcoming future about these new movies, new directors coming and taking place here in Augusta
and hopefully you can work with Tyrone and all his wonderful students and let’s move forward.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: All right, we’ve got a substitute motion and a proper second. Voting.
Mr. Fennoy, Mr. D. Williams and Mr. Hasan vote Yes.
Mr. Sias, Mr. Jefferson, Mr. Frantom, Mr. Guilfoyle and Mr. G. Smith vote No.
Mr. M. Williams out.
Motion Fails 3-5.
Mr. Mayor: All right, we’re back to the main motion and we’ve got a motion and a proper
second for that. Voting.
Mr. Hasan votes No.
Mr. M. Williams out.
Motion Passes 7-1.
Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk, is there any other business before us?
The Clerk: No, sir, that’s it.
\[MEETING ADJOURNED\]
Lena Bonner
Clerk of Commission
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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
June 20, 2017.
______________________________
Clerk of Commission
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