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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRegular Commission Meeting September 19, 2017 REGULAR MEETING COMMISSION CHAMBER SEPTEMBER 19, 2017 Augusta Richmond County Commission convened at 2:00 p.m., September 19, 2017, the Hon. Hardie Davis, Jr., Mayor, presiding. PRESENT: Hons. Jefferson, Guilfoyle, Sias, Frantom, M. Williams, Davis, Fennoy, D. Williams, Hasan and Smith, members of Augusta Richmond County Commission. Mr. Mayor: All right, good afternoon everybody. The Chair recognizes Madam Clerk. The Clerk: Yes, sir, at this time we will have our invocation delivered by Senior Pastor Janice Oglesbee, Woodlawn United Methodist Church, after which we’d have our Pledge of Allegiance. Please stand. The invocation was given by Senior Pastor Janice Oglesbee, Woodlawn United Methodist Church. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was recited. Mr. Mayor: Thank you to Reverend Janice Oglesbee for your service on today. We welcome you to the community. Thank you for what you’re going to do for the parishioners there at Woodlawn but more importantly in the broader community and we look forward to working alongside you. Would you please join me in thanking her today serving as our Chaplain of the Day. (APPLAUSE) RECOGNITIONS(S) Employee of the Month B. Congratulations! Mr. James Stokes, Meter Reader, Augusta Utilities Department as September 2017 Employee of the Month. The Clerk: Mr. Mayor, and, Madan Administrator, would you please join the Mayor here at the podium. At this time we will recognition of our Employee of the Month. Mr. Tom Wiedmeier, is there anyone else within your department would like to share in this? Okay, please come forward. At this time we would like to offer our congratulations to Mr. James Stokes, would you please come forward. (APPLAUSE) The Employee Recognition Committee has selected James Stokes as Augusta’s Employee of the Month for September 2017. James Stokes has been a meter reader in the Utilities Department for Augusta, Georgia since July 2011. In that time he has exemplified the qualities of a true, outstanding employee. On weekends and without complaints he has helped out when meter readers are shorthanded. When it may have been necessary his willingness and assistance has also kept other employees from having to work on weekends. James exemplifies and excellent attitude and what it means to be a team player. When other divisions are shorthanded he volunteers to help them as well. James is a very reliable trainer, he works with new downtown employees giving them a solid base from which to learn and improve. He is very dependable employee he is rarely absent always prompt and has never required coaching or discipline. He has very few rereads but when he does he insures the problem 1 is addressed before the next re-date assuring another reread will not be necessary. Lastly, James is a good leader by example and is willing to address concerns when they arise. He possesses and exemplary positive attitude and is a valuable role model for other employees. Based on this nomination and James Stokes outstanding contribution to the Augusta Utilities Department and his service to Augusta, Georgia the Employee Recognition Committee would appreciate you in joining us in recognizing James Stokes as the September 2017 Employee of the Month. (APPLAUSE) Mr. Wiedmeier: James, I’d like to thank you for your work and the way you reflect on the department and on the entire City of Augusta so thanks very much. Mr. Mayor: James? The Clerk: Do you want to have something sir, would you like to? Mr. Mayor: Supervisor? Mr. Speaker: I just want to say James is an, he is my most outstanding employee. I’ve been a supervisor for about a year and a half now and he’s actually coached me on some situations out there, you know, so he is very deserving, past due deserving of Employee of the Month and I just want to say congratulations man. (APPLAUSE) Mr. Mayor: On behalf of the City of Augusta, the Commission and all of the rest of our employees you make us proud, this is why we do what we do but more importantly why you serve the citizens of Augusta. And I’m confident that the 202,000 residents are very proud of the work that you’re doing. Thank you. (APPLAUSE) RECOGNITIONS(S) 2017 USTA National NJTL Essay Contest Winner A. Congratulations! Jaylon Bokknight, MACH Academy for being selected as one of ten winners of the National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) National Essay Contest. (Requested by Commissioner Dennis Williams) The Clerk: Commissioner Dennis Williams, would you please join the Mayor here. At this time we would like to recognize Mr. Jaylon Bokknight from MACH Academy along with family members. Jaylon is the son of Jimmy and Brooke Bokknight. He’s also the grandson of Maddie Bokknight and Everett and Benny Simms would you please come forward. Ms. Jones, would you like to join in this presentation from MACH Academy? Any other family members that would like to --- Mr. Mayor: Please come forward I think I see --- The Clerk: --- join Jaylon? Mr. Mayor: --- Michael Hardin back there as well, come on up. 2 The Clerk: Ms. Betty Jones. Office of the Mayor Certificate of Recognition given to Jaylon Bokknight, MACH Academy the 2017 United States Tennis Association’s National Junior Tennis and Learning National Essay Contest winner. Whereas Jaylon Bokknight attends the A.R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet School and MACH Academy which uses the game of tennis to encourage academic success and is a certified learning center that provides academic support sessions to include tutoring, mentoring, social skill development, career exploration, college planning technology, STEM, Georgia Milestone and High School Graduation Prep. And whereas Jaylon created his essay entry on this year’s question which asks, in addition to tennis, education and life skills are extremely important to the development of our youth. Which one of the three components is most important to you and how will it help you throughout your th, life? And whereas on August 10 2017 the United States Tennis Association Foundation the National Charitable Organization of the United States Tennis Association announced that Jaylon th Bokknight was one of ten winners of its 19 Annual National Junior Tennis and Learning National Essay Contest ranging in ages from ten to eighteen out of more than 2,600 entries submitted. And whereas Jaylon received the New York City Travel Packet as part of the 2017 Arthur Ashe Kids Day powered by Net Generation the Annual Youth Celebration that precedes the US Open. In addition, he received VIP status in the Presidents box at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center home of the US Open and received an honorary plaque presented by the former New York City Mayor David N. Dinkins during a luncheon at the Yale Club. Therefore, the City of Augusta recognizes your commitment to athletic and academic excellence and for inspiring others to perform at their best with your message of empowerment and self-motivation. We congratulate you for participating and winning your age category in the 2017 United States Tennis Association th Essay Contest. Given this 19 Day of September 2017 Mayor Hardie Davis, Jr. Congratulations. (APPLAUSE) Ms. Jones: I just want to have a moment to say thank you to Jaylon but also to thank the City of Augusta, the Commissioners, Augusta Richmond County Recreation and Parks Department. This is one of the products of MACH Academy; this is one of many. And this is what all your contributions, all of your encouraging words, all of your support goes to help us to create and mold and shape future citizens contributing positive contributing members in this community. Jaylon emphasizes that with his hard work on the tennis court as well as his hard work in the classroom and with being a great role model for younger children coming up through MACH Academy. It is exemplified today because he has his family here with him and he also brought his spiritual leader, his minister, so we are grateful to be a part of him and help him accept this award from the city. (APPLAUSE) Mr. Mayor: I think Commissioner Dennis Williams has a few words as well. Mr. D. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Academy for the wonderful job that they’re doing with some of our young people here in the City of Augusta. Often times you only hear about the bad but we have plenty good kids here in Augusta doing a lot of good things. (APPLAUSE) And even though you may hear it a lot but we have to express it to our young people more and more everyday how important they are to our society and to us as individuals and we have to encourage them and let them know even if you fall by the wayside, with a lot of good luck and good prayers you can get on up and keep on going and 3 you’ll be an outstanding citizen to come and stay in the City of Augusta. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. (APPLAUSE) Mr. Mayor: Thank you. Mr. Speaker: I would just like to reiterate what Betty has said in terms of the outstanding achievements scholastically and athletically that Jaylon has accomplished here so we’re very proud of you, Jaylon. (APPLAUSE) Mr. Mayor: That was his coach. Would you like to say something, Jaylon? Mr. Bokknight: First, I would like to give honor to God who without him I wouldn’t be here. And secondly, I would thank my Mom because she motivates me even when the people like to doubt me she always is there. I want to thank my Nana then my grandmother and my grandfather then all of Augusta and the Commissioners and especially Coach Mike and Ms. Betty and Mr. Mayor. I’ve met him on several occasions by the way. My essay was about education and how education is the foundation and that’s really has been implemented in my life by the people who are with me here today. They’ve stressed that when I was ‘yay’ high and that’s what’s gotten me here today and of course tennis. (APPLAUSE) Mr. Mayor: Fantastic, again congratulations. The Clerk: DELEGATIONS C. Ms. Laurene Reese regarding improvement of cleanliness in the Olive Road area, uncontrollable dogs and commercial areas. The Clerk: Ms. Reese, okay come forward please. Ms. Reese: Good afternoon Augusta Commission, I would like to say thank you first of all --- Mr. Mayor: Ms. Reese, she’s going to get the microphone ready. Ms. Reese: --- okay. Mr. Mayor: You have five minutes --- Ms. Reese: Okay. Mr. Mayor: --- and if you’ll again state your name and your address for the record. Ms. Reese: Laurene Deidre Reese, 1921 Olive Road, 30-year retiree of the Department of Corrections State of Georgia. I would like to confer with you all concerning the dogs in the area that are not appropriately contained by their owners. There a lot of pit bulls in the area that are 4 vicious. Also in the area there are, there’s commercial activity being done in zones where’s it’s marked for residential and I was also concerned about the cleanliness of the area. I followed standard operating procedures as far as contacting 311. There have been some improvements but it can be better. Thank you. Any questions? Thank you --- Mr. Mayor: No, you have a couple of questions. Ms. Reese: --- okay. st Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 1. Mr. Fennoy: I understand you were attacked by one of the dogs in the neighborhood. Ms. Reese: I sure was and I had to have an operation and it was a neighbor from 1925 Olive Road that was doing commercial business in an area marked for residential. My fence was impacted by nuisance material after Code Enforcement became involved and removed the material. The fence was not appropriate and I want to say about 30 days later I saw some pits back there that we able to come in my yard. I did confer with my neighbor via phone and by documentation of a letter. However, I had no response as far as fixing the fence so I fixed it myself because the pit bulls were infiltrating my yard and I got attacked so I will deal with that. I’m just glad to be here. But I have a concern because you have Mount Vernon that’s about 100 yards away. You also have Wilkerson Gardens and these dogs can hurt somebody, sir. Mr. Mayor: All right, thank you. Ms. Reese: Thank you. Mr. Mayor: Thank you, Ms. Reese. Ms. Reese: Thank you. Mr. Mayor: All right, Madam Clerk? The Clerk: DELEGATIONS D. Mr. Brian Green regarding the issue concerning the James Brown Arena. Mr. Mayor: All right, Mr. Green, if you’ll approach and again you have five minutes. You don’t have to use it all. Mr. Green: I’m going to use a minute over, I hope that didn’t sound the way, I didn’t mean it like that. I didn’t. I’m sorry, I apologize. Mr. Mayor: Okay, Mr. Green? 5 Mr. Green: Good afternoon, Mr. Mayor --- The Clerk: You can go ahead. The Commissioners have their copy. Mr. Green: --- okay. Afternoon, Mr. Mayor, people in the audience and our honorable Commission. I’d like to send a shout out to the Commission --- Mr. Mayor: If you will state for the record your address as well. Mr. Green: Brian Green, 1002 Green Street. Before I begin, I’d like to send a shout out to the Commission recently something you gentlemen, lady voted on. I don’t go in detail but I’m glad to see this Commission came together and voted down something that don’t we really didn’t need in our community and I just wanted to say that to you all directly, from the community. I appreciate it myself. By the way, Mr. Mayor, we did get that softball in that I came before the Commission about. I believe that’s the baseball as well so it can happen in the sports venue. My theme of today Commission is why not, why not Augusta, why not Augusta. Right now there’s a discussion to bring the James Brown Arena to or relocate it or build a new one whatever the case may be. I’m not here as an expert on building arenas certainly but I think this could be something really good, that tied into my theme for today What About Augusta. I’ve come to the understanding there’s different tiers of operation for an arena that would attract bigger venues. It’s A, B, A Tier B Tier and based on the capacity. Ladies and gentlemen to the north we have 18,000 in Columbia that I my understanding to the west in Atlanta we have 21,000 capacity arena, to the south we have 9,600 capacity in Savannah and I think Macon is 9,000 when I called them today. I think it would behoove us, this is a great idea and I think it would behoove us to build something that we can compete and that was my next point is we need to be competitive, we need to think competively. Bottom line our neighbors to the west of us and across the water are doing some big things and I just think we need to undertake a different mindset of competiveness. One thing about it too we’ve got the Cyber Center and all that coming down and living downtown I can tell you all I’m not sure how this traffic is going to work. I know a lot of people are high on downtown, downtown, downtown but the rest of Augusta has to eat too. South Augusta near town and this bogus argument which goes nowhere in my opinion about crime, I live downtown so if that’s the case we need to close everything down here. But if we’re going to move forward with what seems like we’re doing, I’m seeing some good progressive thinking on this Commission here. We need to just we need to overlook naysayers here. All of Augusta needs to eat. Why not South Augusta for instance. I know that was one of the proposed sites the Regency Mall. I’m not totally against it. Something needs to go there about 20 years of looking at that thing as far as that goes. South Augusta is a wealth to me, a wealthy tax base and I’ve dealt with South Augusta in a different capacity. I’m must here as a positive to give some positive input from the community not as an expert, I’m not an expert on arenas. Whether we name this James Brown or John Brown, I agree something needs to be done and I think if we build this here in Augusta people will come to it. But one I learned when you’re doing construction work you have to figure on traffic. We’ve got to fix this traffic situation I think for one thing and especially when you say downtown. So I don’t know if it's the name situation gentlemen, ladies, I don’t know if it’s the name or whatever but as far as an arena venue why not, that’s my theme for today. And wouldn’t it be nice when you pick up a brochure, you can pick up a brochure and it says out of all the things you see restaurants there you see the Master’s course laid out you see a walking trail you see a little nightclub action and all 6 that see the James Brown statute, wouldn’t it be nice you can say hmm, they’ve got an 18,000-seat capacity arena. If you build it, they will come. If you build it, they will come. Let’s overlook the naysayers because some people are going to be against anything and everything if it can’t go downtown. But there’s just not anymore room and it wouldn’t make sense to build something that’s a little bit bigger than what you have now. Like I said we build it I think they’ll come. That’s my comment to this Commission and I appreciate it. How’d I do, Mr. Mayor? Oh, by the way that was a special situation, Mr. Mayor. Arthur Ashe’s brother was my Company Commander in the Marine Corp, one of my Company Commanders so that to me that his leadership is still being felt around the country like that, I just threw that out there. Mr. Mayor: I appreciate it, 5:08, 5:08. Mr. Stokes: That’s it. Any questions, anything? I appreciate it. Mr. Mayor: I wouldn’t make comments about checks and things, I wouldn’t do that. There’s a talking head out there already on a very slippery slope of trying to defame my character name. I’d be very careful about that. I know you’re just joking, Sean, but my comment is directed, I know I know my comment is directed to somebody and it ain’t you. The Chair recognizes the th Commissioner from the 8. Mr. Guilfoyle: Mr. Mayor, Mr. Green’s already left the room but I will tell you this. Over these past seven years being on this floor he has called my office at different times. And you know what, no different then he came before us earlier this year, the man loves this city. There’s no doubt about that he’s trying to come up with ideas and trying to be a visionary to where hopefully we’ll grasp on to one of his ideas. And you know I know Sean the whole time was thinking that I paid him to get up here and talk but I didn’t. But anyway I will say this that Mr. Green he does have from time to time he really does have some good ideas and if you ever talk to him, sit there and listen to him and there was nothing sarcastic what I said about him. Mr. Mayor: Don’t do it, don’t do it, don’t do it --- Mr. Speaker: (Inaudible). Mr. Mayor: --- that’s right I love you man. I feel the love in here today. If you’re not sitting here you don’t understand and we can go back and forth and talk about it. Madam Clerk, I do want to digress for a moment I want to take a few minutes before we go to the consent agenda. I think we’ve got some guests who are here with us it’s good to have a little bit of levity. And so I want to take an opportunity, Director Wiedmeier, if you’ll come forward. We have with us Greg Kohler from GEMA we also have Amy Ramacluse from Georgia EPD who’s here with us and we have Jerry Staph from the Georgia Rural Water Commission who’s here with us. While we were looking for Waldo there was a great amount of work that was going on in our city. From the meetings that we had on Thursday from a planning standpoint, Commissioner Sias, working with our Chief, our EMA Director and our entire team in Augusta and our entire team in Augusta, there was a great deal of planning and effort put into it. We had more time to plan and strategize how we were going to receive the evacuees from Savannah/Chatham. And the conversations we had with the Mayor and the Chairman of the County Commission there Al Scott. Chief James and I 7 we were very clear about how we wanted to handle this time versus 2016. I think it’s extremely important for us Commission and Committee is that we recognize the fantastic job during the evacuation process. I want to acknowledge the efforts of the Richmond County School Board, Superintendent Pringle, Kenneth Bradshaw who was in attendance along with her leadership staff. They did an outstanding job with not only providing schools but the leaders, their staff and their transportation for evacuees. The Salvation Army is to be commended for providing food and consolidating the donated items that were used to take care of the individuals here in the community. And without question one of our greatest partners Augusta University, their medical college students, their staff, professors and others who did a yeoman’s job in helping to make this a very significant opportunity for us to meet the needs of well over 2,000 individuals who were evacuated from their home who were housed here in Augusta Richmond County. The Red Cross, their volunteers, the Augusta Transit for their transportation of evacuees, 311, Kelli, your team in terms of handling calls, 911, The Augusta Fire, Augusta Parks and Recreation, our law enforcement officials, the Sheriff’s and Marshals. And then our community partners, Trinity on the Hill, they have stood up once again Commissioners in saying we are going to open our doors, we’re going to house them, we’re going to clothe them, we’re going to feed them, we’re going to be the hands that lays the feet and arms of ministry. And then to our neighbors in Columbia County for opening up their shelters as well and our partners in McDuffie County. They are to be applauded for letting everyone know why Augusta is Augusta and why people should choose Augusta to not only live but to learn to work and to raise their families. That is why you choose Augusta. That is why we are proud to be elected officials in this city and that is why I am proud to be the Mayor of Georgia’s second city and the best city in which to live, learn, work and raise a family. Would you join me Commissioners in giving our team a hand. (APPLAUSE) Director Wiedmeier. Mr. Wiedmeier: Good afternoon. After two days of scrambling to keep our facilities running, our facilities maintenance group headed by Steve Warden responded to a request for emergency generators in Green County, Georgia so that night, Tuesday night, they left to take the generators up there. Not only did they deliver them but they had to wire them into their plants. They ended up getting back to Augusta about 3:30 that morning. The following night we were in route to Macon to take generators to a nursing home there and we got recalled, they got the power back on but we have some folks from Georgia agencies that wanted to thank our people. And those staff that made those trips they’re here, I’d like for them to stand and be recognized. (APPLAUSE) Mr. Kohler: Mr. Mayor, Commissioners, thank you for the opportunity to come up here and take some of your time. I know you’ve got important business. But I thought it was very important that I express from the Governor on down our appreciation for your city going above and beyond. Specifically dealing with life safety issues as was previously mentioned, we had a nursing home, we had a number of nursing homes that were without power for an extended period of time, and if it wasn’t for your team there was a good possibility that these elderly members would’ve gone without and we could’ve had loss of life. We all saw or probably very familiar with what happened down in Florida and we definitely did not want to have that in the great State of Georgia. So again my appreciation to Augusta Utilities to the team members and if I could get them to come on up here, I’ve got a small token of appreciation from my Director Homer Bryson. 8 Mr. Mayor: Greg, thank you for your work and certainly your leadership. We appreciate you coming and being a partner with us and all the good work that you guys have done as well, fantastic. The Clerk: Mr. Mayor, do you want them to come up so they can take a picture? Mr. Mayor: Yeah, again as you receive your Challenge Coins would you come across the front so we can get a photo of you guys? That’s fantastic, outstanding, outstanding. Commissioners, would you all stand behind them instead of away from them come on in closer th you’re all a part of the team. (APPLAUSE) The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 7. Mr. Frantom: Thank you, Mr. Mayor --- Mr. Mayor: So if ya’ll will just hold for just a moment. Mr. Frantom: --- yeah well, where’s Tom. So, if you didn’t know a tree went through my house last week and that’s why I wasn’t here. And Tom is actually my neighbor, a few houses down and helped me to get the tree cut down and helped get on my roof and everything so I just have to say thank you, Tom, for all that you did for my house last week so thank you so much. (APPLAUSE) Mr. Mayor: This is what it’s all about, working together. We’ve got one more, Ms. Bonner. Okay they tell me, Mr. Brazzell, that when it rains it pours and on the heels of Hurricane Harvey Irma showed up, but there were efforts by this body, the Marshal’s office, the Tax Commissioners office, the Administrator’s office, Utilities, Parks and Recreation and a host of who thought it fitting to raise funds for the Hurricane Harvey effort. Commissioner Fennoy and his wisdom and willingness to engage in that conversation and help lead that effort wanted to take a moment to recognize the team but also to present a check today. And at this time the Chair st recognizes the Commissioner from the 1. Mr. Fennoy: Yes, may I ask Captain Cannon to come up front and have my colleagues to join me? Mr. Mayor: Absolutely. All right, we have a check presentation for Captain Cannon who is our partner with Salvation Army the Kroc Center. All right, he wants to take a photo yeah, yes Commissioner Fennoy would like for them to come down. Captain Cannon, he’s going to present a big check. Absolutely, get everybody in the right spirit. Mr. Fennoy: Is Chief James and Tom Wiedmeier still here? You know when I talked to my colleagues without hesitation everybody said, yes, I’ll do whatever I need to do. I talked with Tom Wiedmeier and he said that he had the best cooking crew in the country because he had gone to Savannah and won several awards and then when I talked with Chief James he said I’m going to cook him under the table. The, Chief James and the Fire Department they did I think about four cases of chicken and 32 Boston Butts. Tom Wiedmeier did 15/20 Boston Butts and a couple cases of chicken and then my team we did a couple of Boston Butts and a couple of chickens. When I got down to the Municipal Building Friday morning about 7:00 o’clock and I saw the setup that 9 Tom Wiedmeier and his crew had and saw the setup that Chief James and his crew had I put my grill in my glove compartment and went on back home. We had a good time; it was well worth the cause. But on behalf of the City of Augusta and (unintelligible) and the various businesses that helped make this possible I want to present this check to Captain Cannon and the Salvation Army. And I wish we could do more with the way the hurricane’s coming we might need to do this every week. But it was a pleasure working with the fellas. We had a good time and I just wanted to say I think ya’ll are going to put this to good use. Captain Cannon: Thank you (unintelligible). (APPLAUSE) Yeah just, first of all to the city commissioners as well as just to the community at large in Augusta thank you for your support to the Salvation Army year round. You guys are the Army in the Salvation Army. We can only grow as strong as the communities in which we serve and this a resilient community as you have shown and what an awesome experience it was to be on the front lines when we welcomed the people into are community who were displaced. And we see what can happen when a community comes together and is not worried about day to day life activities. We’re just worried about our fellow mankind and making sure we all have the opportunity to live well and to create an opportunity for people to get ahead in life and to remain on a firm foundation. So, thank you for your support and we look forward to working with you all in the future. (APPLAUSE) Who was the better cook? Mr. Fennoy: I was. That’s what Tom and the Chief said. Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk, I think that’s everything. The Clerk: Okay all right, it’s all good. I call your attention to our consent agenda which consists of items 1-14, items 1-14. If there are any objectors to any of our Planning petitions would you please signify your objection once the petition is read. Mr. Mayor, members of the Commission item number three petition Mr. Michael Thurman is asking that this petition be rd rescheduled until our next meeting our October 3 meeting he’s out of the state and he asked that this item be rescheduled. Item 4: Is a Special Exception affecting property known as 1730 Walker Street to establish a church. Item 5: Is a Special Exception to establish a convenience store affecting property at 3995 Old Waynesboro Road. Item 6: Is a request with conditions requesting a change of zoning from a Zone A (Agriculture) to a Zone HI (Heavy Industry) affecting property known as 2304 General Perry Smith Pkwy. The Clerk: Are there any objectors to any of those Planning petitions? I call you attention to the Public Service portion of our agenda if there are any objectors to any of our alcohol petitions would you please signify your objections once the petition is read: I call your attention to: Item 7: Is a request for a retail package Beer & Wine License to be used at a location at 1857 C Gordon Highway. 10 Item 8: Is a request for an on-premise consumption Liquor, Beer & Wine License to be used in connection with the location at 3609 Walton Way Extension. The Clerk: Are there any objectors to either of those alcohol petitions? Mr. Mayor and members of the Commission, our consent agenda consists of items 1-14 with no objections to our rd Planning petitions or Alcohol petitions with a request to reschedule Item 3 to October 3 meeting. Mr. M. Williams: Point of Personal Privilege, Mr. Mayor, or a Point of Order either one you want to do about Item 3. th Mr. Mayor: Okay. All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 9. State your inquiry. Mr. M. Williams: My inquiry about Item 3 this is an ongoing agenda item. It’s been on this Commission for quite some time, have not got addressed yet. I guess my question is why is it being pulled off and why is this being approved or requested to be approved. This is a concern about paving a parking lot. In fact 1223 and 1227 Augusta Avenue which the drainage part of that where the water’s going to go and what’s going to happen in that area. Now I know we know there a lot of parking from MCG in that area but if we allow someone to build or to pave that those lots that’s going to push that water right into some of the residents’ yards that lives in that immediate area so I’m wondering why this is even on the agenda. And this has been about four or five months this item has been floating around back and forth. Serving on the Planning and Zoning Board I asked the same question over there too so can anybody address that from Planning and Zoning or anywhere else? Mr. Mayor: Well, I’m going to ask you a series of questions first. Madam Clerk just indicated the petitioner requested that it be postponed which does a couple of things at least in my mind. One, they’ve been through the Planning and Development process as you have acknowledged in the fact that it’s on the agenda further indicates. As a representative of that body from the Commission my question to you is, is it not true that it was approved and sent forward to this body for final adoption? Mr. M. Williams: Yes, sir --- Mr. Mayor: Okay. Mr. M. Williams: --- I agree it had been sent to this body for approval or disapproval and it’s been pulled more than one time. Mr. Mayor: Okay. Mr. M. Williams: So and that’s my question why is it being pulled and delayed back and forth. Mr. Mayor: All right, well again, I’m going to go back to the comment. Madam Clerk just indicated that the petitioner said I’m not in town and I can’t answer any other questions that may 11 come up and if you’ll postpone it on my behalf this time then I might be able to address these types of questions. That’s why today there’s a request to postpone it. Mr. M. Williams: Okay and the last request was to postpone it is it the same reason because it’s been asked before, Mr. Mayor, that’s why I brought it to your attention --- Mr. Mayor: Yeah --- Mr. M. Williams: --- it’s not a new request so if there’s something different that happened, the earth done fell in or the sky set down on top of it to make me understand a little bit better because it’s been postponed before. Mr. Mayor: --- yeah well I maybe again, I may have not been here or missed it I don’t know but what’s before us today is a request to postpone it which I think is well within the right of the petitioner to ask for that, I mean I think that’s certainly prudent. Mr. M. Williams: I just wanted to ask my question. Mr. Mayor: I know, I know and we’ve given you the opportunity to do that. That’s the only thing that again we heard today that this is why we’d like to postpone it which I think is certainly within the right of the petitioner to do, okay? All right okay the Chair will entertain any th motions to pull or add to the agenda. The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 6. Mr. Hasan: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor, I’d like to pull item number 13 from Engineering Services. I’d like to pull this to have further discussion. I’ve gotten some information that there’s some concerns around this and if you’ve got the time I’d just like to just to pull it. nd Mr. Mayor: Thank you. The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 2 --- The Clerk: To delete it? Mr. Mayor: --- to pull it? Mr. Hasan: Ma’am? The Clerk: Pulling it or deleting it? Mr. Hasan: Delete it, delete it is fine, delete I’m sorry, Mr. Mayor, delete it. nd Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 2. Mr. D. Williams: I have no inquiry. st Mr. Mayor: Okay, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 1. 12 Mr. Fennoy: On item number 13 are we going to send this back to committee or are we just going to delete it all together? th Mr. Mayor: Well, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 6. Mr. Hasan: Yes, Mr. Mayor, I’m going to delete it based on the information that was given, shared with me as of yesterday. I’m going to delete it. th Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair would like for the Commissioner from the 6 and the st Commissioner from the 1 to caucus just for a few minutes just to help him with why you’re taking th that approach. The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 9. Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I’d like to pull Item 12. th Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 8. Mr. Guilfoyle: Mr. Mayor, I don’t know if it’s a problem to add to the consent agenda item number 17. The Clerk: I didn’t hear you, sir. Mr. Guilfoyle: Item number 17 to the consent. The Clerk: To the consent? Mr. Guilfoyle: No, apparently not. Mr. Mayor: Okay with objections. Mr. Guilfoyle: Motion to approve. Ms. Davis: Second. Mr. Hasan: Item 13 was pulled as well, right. The Clerk: It was deleted, yes, sir. Mr. Mayor: It was deleted. Mr. Hasan: Deleted, I’m sorry. The Clerk: Item 12 and deleting Item 13 --- Mr. Mayor: Okay hold on just a moment I don’t want to push any buttons yet, hold on. The Clerk: --- and rescheduling item number three. 13 Mr. Mayor: Right. Okay, all right. Voting. CONSENT AGENDA PLANNING 1. FINAL PLAT – HAYNES STATION SECTION 8-S-872 – A petition by Cranston Engineering Group on behalf of Coel Development Company, Inc., requesting final plat approval for Haynes Station Section 8. This residential subdivision is located on Copse Drive, adjacent to Haynes Station Subdivision and contains 45 lots. Reviewing agency approval 9- 1-2017. DISTRICT 3 2. FINAL PLAT – CONDITIONAL APPROVAL – RIVERWATCH PARKWAY COMMERCIAL RETAIL CENTER – S-861 – A request by Southern Partners, on behalf of Euchee Creek Development Co., Inc. requesting final plat approval with the following conditions set forth by the Augusta Engineering Department; for Riverwatch Parkway Commercial Retail Center. This commercial subdivision is located off Riverwatch Parkway and contains 11 lots. Reviewing agency conditional approval 9-5-2017. DISTRICT 7 3. Z-17-32 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to approve with the following conditions a petition by Michael Thurman requesting a change of zoning from Zone R-1C (One-family Residential) to Zone P-1 (Professional) for the purpose of establishing paid surface parking areas consisting of two tax parcels totally .27 acres and known as 1223 and 1227 Augusta Avenue, Tax Map 046-3-253-00-0 and 046-3-252-00-0 Divided into 2 petitions. Postponed to September meeting. DISTRICT 1 1. The lot be fenced to prevent the current use from continuing until such time as all improvements can be executed; 2. The applicant move to start development within the proscribed timeframe of six (6) months or the property reverts to its previous zoning designation of residential use which prevents the use of the property as it currently operates; 3. The applicant provide a detailed engineered site plan that meet all development regulations in place at the time of site review; 4. The site shall not be available for use until such time as all requirements have been met; 5. A business license for the operation of a paid parking lot shall be acquired. 4. Z-17-33 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to approve with the following conditions a petition by The Bible Chapel Inc. requesting a Special Exception to establish a church and church related activities per Section 26-1 (a) of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for Augusta-Richmond County affecting property containing .57 acres and is known as 1730 Walker Street. Tax Map 035-4-100-00-0 DISTRICT 1 1. ADA compliance for the site and building shall be met prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. 2. The parking area shall meet the requirements of the Engineering Department. 3. Any exterior lighting shall face downward and into the site. 4. A solid wood fence shall be erected along the side and rear property lines where the property abuts residential uses. 5. Applicant may have to apply for a variance of front yard setback. 6. All declarations made in the letter of intent for scope of work shall be met. 7. The structure must meet all applicable building and International Property Maintenance codes and a Certificate of Occupancy must be obtained. 5. Z-17-34 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to approve with the following conditions a petition by Glenn Hughes requesting a Special Exception to establish a convenience store (no gas station) per Section 22-2 (b) of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for Augusta-Richmond County affecting property containing 1.23 acres 14 and is known as 3995 Old Waynesboro Road. Tax Map 183-0010-02-0 DISTRICT 6 A site plan must be presented for review by all applicable reviewing agencies. The Traffic Engineer must review the site plan for traffic flow and safe ingress and egress. Signage must be posted within view of the parking area that states “this parking area may flood”. 4. The Site Plan/Development Plan must comply with any other ordinance and regulations applicable at the time of development. 6. Z-17-35 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to approve with the following conditions a petition by Diane Johnston, on behalf of Herbert Judon Jr. on behalf of Augusta Regional Airport, requesting a change of zoning from Zone A (Agriculture) to Zone HI (Heavy Industry) affecting property containing approximately 49 acres that is known as 2304 General Perry Smith Pkwy Tax Map 172-0-003-01-0 DISTRICT 1 1. Uniform design elements are adopted so each future building is identifiable as part of the airport campus. PUBLIC SERVICES 7. Motion to approve New Ownership Application: A.N. 17-26: request by Rahulkumar J. Patel for a retail package Beer & Wine License to be used in connection with Joytiusha LLC dba Lucky 7 located at 1857 C Gordon Highway. District 2. Super District 9. (Approved by Public Services Committee September 12, 2017) 8. Motion to approve New Ownership Application: A.N. 17-27: request by Colleen M. Hunter for an on premise consumption Liquor, Beer & Wine License to be used in connection with Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen located at 3609 Walton Way Ext. There will be Sunday Sales. District 7. Super District 10. (Approved by Public Services Committee September 12,2017) 9. Motion to approve changing the one Sunday during the year bars can remain open to New Year’s Eve per the Augusta Alcohol ordinance. (Approved by Public Services Committee September 12, 2017) 10. Motion to approve acceptance of Daniel Field Airport’s tentative allocation of Federal funding for Fiscal Year 2018. (Approved by Public Services Committee September 12, 2017) ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES 11. Motion to authorize Submission of the 2017 Exhibit I Continuum of Care Application to HUD and Grant the Mayor the Authority to Execute all Forms associated with the Application, which also include, New and Renewal Applications, Certifications, Agreements and Annual Progress Reports. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee September 12, 2017) ENGINEERING SERVICES 13. Motion to approve authorizing the staff to begin drafting a proposed amendment to the Code to allow for flow control regarding establishing a requirement that all solid waste generated within Augusta-Richmond County jurisdictions be disposed of at the city’s landfill. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee September 12, 2017) PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS 14. Motion to approve the minutes of the regular and Special Called meetings of the Augusta Commission held September 5 and September 12, 2017. 15 Motion Passes 10-0 \[Items 1-11, 13 and 14\] Mr. Mayor: Okay Madam Clerk, all right, we’re going to go to 15. The Clerk: PUBLIC SERVICES 15. Motion to approve New Ownership Application: A.N. 17-28: request by Marcus Bush for a retail package Liquor, Beer & Wine License to be used in connection with Bush’s Package Store located at 2012 Martin Luther King Blvd. District 2. Super District 9. (No recommendation from Public Services Committee September 12, 2017) Mr. Mayor: Okay, all right, here’s how we’re going to do it here, this is how we’re going to do it. All right, we’re going to hear from the petitioner with Rob Sherman and then we’re going to hear from as I understand it we have some objectors. I think they have a couple of representatives. I see Ms. Belle Clark back there and we’re going to hear from her on behalf of the objectors. And without question we’re going to hear from the Commissioners, okay? All right, Rob? Mr. Sherman: So this is an application that’s a New Ownership. It’s for a liquor store at 2102 Martin Luther King Blvd. This is an existing liquor store location. It’s been at this site roughly since prior to consolidation so roughly twenty/plus years. The, it’s a nonconforming use as far as the zoning. It’s zoned B-1. Today’s liquor stores can go in a B-1 Zone with a Special Exception otherwise they go into a B-2 Zone so the zoning is okay. It meets the distance requirements to churches, schools and playgrounds and it meets the distance requirements to other liquor stores. That’s the objective criteria that we look at when we bring it before you. Also included in your packet and it’s behind the zoning or the alcohol application is our staff report and what this is addressing is what I just told you but it’s also talking about the subjective criteria that you can consider when reviewing applications. And it talks, you can consider the applicant’s reputation, any previous violations of the liquor laws, the manner of conducting prior liquor businesses and we don’t have any issues with those. The location, you can consider the location the location which the license is sought, as to traffic congestion and general character of the neighborhood and the effects of such an establishment would have on the adjacent surrounding property values. And then the number of licenses in the trading area will there be dancing, no, any previous revocation of an alcohol license, payment of taxes, congregation of minors well we don’t feel that those would apply. The congregation of minors, they should not be congregating there is a liquor store there you have to be 21. But the location is something that you can consider and we do have objectors here and we had objectors at the committee meeting. The Sheriff’s office and the Planning offices are recommending that it be approved based on the objective criteria. Now if we back up to the application that we had up on Green Street it’s, you can considered the location and in the end we recommended that one not be approved because the effects or the impact that it would have on the neighborhood and the neighborhood we considered was that building, it was an apartment building. In this situation a recommendation is still that it be approved but we want you to consider the subjective criteria’s especially after you hear from the objectors. The Sheriff’s office is here. They have had three issues at that location in the past two years so that’s you know 16 that’s probably not that significant I think it was forgery, trespassing and I forget the other situation, it was sort of light. As far as the use of the building that can, and I can’t remember exactly when but early 2000 sometime there was an addition put on the back of the store or the back of the liquor store. That space is only to be used for storage. There is not enough parking there to be used for any other purpose. It can’t be used for a bar, it can’t be used for congregating back in there, playing cards or anything else. It’s for storage and that’s how it was approved and the applicant is aware that he cannot use it for any other purpose than that. So that’s what we have before you and again we do have several people who want to speak against it. Mr. Mayor: Okay all right, I’d like to hear from the petitioner first if they’d like to say something and then we’re going to come to the Commission. If you will state for the record your name and your address, sir. Mr. Bush: Marcus Bush, Longwood Bridge Way, Evans. Mr. Mayor: Okay all right (inaudible). Mr. Bush: Once again I’ve heard the reputation of that location with the loitering, people hanging around and things of that nature and misuse of the back building. That’s not our intent at all. We plan to run a clean business. The back building if it’s been used for storage that’s what it’ll continue to be used as. And we grew up, this is my wife Nicole. We both grew up in the community and we teach in the community. We volunteer in the community. We provide services such as lawncare in that same community so we’re not strangers to the community and we don’t have any ill intent. Mr. Mayor: Okay all right, I’m going to go in this order. This, all right let’s do this first. All right, Ms. Belle Clark, would you come forward? All right, Ms. Clark, if you’ll come to this side. If there are any objectors in the audience would you now please stand. All of the objectors to this petition would you please stand. Okay all right, just remain standing we want to make sure we get an accurate count. Okay thirteen. Ms. Clark: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. To all of our Commissioners and especially my Commissioner Dennis Williams and Reverend Marion Williams. I come again before you --- Mr. Mayor: Ms. Clark --- Ms. Clark: Can you hear me? Mr. Mayor: --- we can hear you if you would just give us your address for the record. Ms. Clark: I have some signatures too. Mr. Mayor: I understand I just, as you’re talking I just want for the record your name and your address. Ms. Clark: Oh my name? 17 Mr. Mayor: Yes, I know who you are. th Ms. Clark: Okay, I’m not stranger down here. My name is Belle Clark. I live on 7 Avenue. I’m a member of Turpin Hill Neighborhood Association number one. Mr. Mayor: That’s right. Ms. Clark: Need anymore? Mr. Mayor: No, ma’am. Ms. Clark: Thank you I come before you again no stranger at all. Turpin Hill number one to south Milledgeville and all the churches in the community of our area on the same wavelength with us saying no to owning a liquor store in our area. The yellow building, bright yellow building th on the corner of 10 and Martin Luther King needs to be stayed closed. It creates so much chaos in our neighborhood. The liquor store is a crime, brings on crime and all kind of chaos. The store brings on evil lights into our neighborhood. The store might be bright and yellow but when it comes open all kind of created ugly things come into our community. Men lot of them around sitting on stumps early in morning, late in the evening moving around. In the afternoon we have prostitutes. All this wasn’t around until the liquor store came open so we want it closed. Our children walking to school waiting for the bus this is not a good thing for them to see. Our senior citizens come in to our area and live in our area go to Carrie J. Mays Recreation Center just a block away and they do not need to go through seeing all this chaos from the liquor store. There is Mount Moriah Church, Mt. Sinai Church just blocks, two blocks away Miles Memorial CME Church three blocks away, a total of eight churches in Turpin Hill Area and other areas of Turpin Hill (unintelligible). Our very own Wayne Representative Wayne Howard lives two blocks from that liquor store and he’s very upset by the liquor store information that we gave him that they want to open it again. He says no, we say no. There’s also enough going on in our community. There is two convenience stores just blocks away from the liquor store that sells beer. That’s enough. We say enough is enough. We thank Commissioner Marion Williams for highlighting last week about a daycare center wants to open in our community next door to the liquor store and because the parents viewed and saw the area the way the condition was and the loitering and all the evil things they said no they didn’t want to bring their children there and I don’t blame them. So we say no. We trust that you will understand what is going on in our community. We trust that you will let your heart guide you on this vote. We say we’d like for you to remember us as a good neighborhood not as a neighborhood with a big yellow store with liquor being sold all around. So we say no, enough is enough and thank you so very much for listening to my petition. Mr. Mayor: Thank you, Ms. Clark. We appreciate you. Ms. Clark: And I want to thank all the people and some came had to leave earlier. Mr. Mayor: Okay I understand thank you, Ms. Clark, for your service. All right, we’re nd going to go in this order I’m going to recognize the Commissioner from the 2 first and then I’ll come to you. 18 Mr. D. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor --- Mr. Mayor: Would you speak into the microphone, sir? Mr. D. Williams: --- give me a second, I’m trying to get there. Ms. Clark: Take you a deep breath and come out here. Mr. D. Williams: This liquor store has been there on Martin Luther King Boulevard for a good number of years. And I looked at the positives of voting for the petition and the positives for voting against it. If we vote against it, we’ll lose his liquor license fees and his taxes but if we vote in favor of it there’s a possibility we can lose the confidence and the trust of the residents of that area. I tried to decide which was more important to me and my position is that I was elected by these individuals of that area to represent them for what’s best. And it’s been an a, since this item’s been on the agenda it’s been a good clear out call of individuals against the liquor store receiving their license. Yes, we understand this young man wants to establish this business and we need businesses in the community but it appears that we don’t need any alcohol selling in this community. So right now, I ask my colleagues to, I’m not going to tell anybody which way to vote but I ask my colleagues to be open minded and fair in their decision as to which way to vote for this particular item. We have good neighbors over there in Turpin Hill Number One and Number Two, Ms. Clark keeps me well abreast of everything that’s going on over there. And these are individuals that care for their neighborhood, they care about what’s going on in their neighborhood and they will pick up the phone and call the police in the middle of the night if they see you doing something wrong and we need these individuals in our neighborhood protecting those that need protecting. So once again vote your clear mind and conscience. Thank you. st Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 1. Mr. Fennoy: Mr. Mayor --- Mr. Mayor: Would you speak into the microphone, sir? th Mr. Fennoy: --- I’m in the process of completing my 5 year on this Commission and during the four/plus years that I’ve been here I’ve only opposed liquor license one time and that’s when it was going into an apartment building for a convenience store. As much as Sammie Sias, Commissioner Sias did supporting me when I, both times that I ran for Commission he brought a thousand people down here to oppose a liquor store going on Tobacco Road. And I understand the concerns of the residents that live in the neighborhood but unless, unless there is a good reason why the young man cannot open up a liquor store then I’m leaning towards supporting it. And if he gets his license I hope that the Sheriff’s Department will monitor it, that you all the neighborhood will monitor it and if you see a lot of unnecessary things going on in that area because of the store being open then report it. I pass up and down Martin Luther King at least four times a day and the liquor stores are presently closed but I see a lot of illegal stuff going on in that neighborhood right now. And regardless of whether he gets his license or not unless the Sheriff’s Department steps in and do something then it’s going to continue to go on. But right now I’m 19 leaning towards giving him his license. Hopefully he will make sure that no illegal activity takes place in and around his business. And because he’s open I mean he could easily tell people not to hand out on the corner in front of my place because this is my business now whereas because nothing takes place right now a little bit of everything goes on, on the corner but I feel your pain. th Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 6. Mr. Hasan: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor, I have a question for Mr. Sherman for some clarity if you don’t mind. In making the presentation you made mention about a Special Exception and I was looking through here, would that be in the book about the zoning aspect you mentioned Special Exception. Mr. Sherman: That’s under two, the current zoning requirements --- Mr. Hasan: Okay. Mr. Sherman: --- it says this will be grandfathered in. So, if a new application was coming in for a new location the property happens to be a neighborhood business B-1 with a Special Exception coming to the Commission and you approve going to the Planning Commission coming to the Commission for approval it could go in a B-1 Zone. Mr. Hasan: Well, how long has it been closed to your knowledge? Mr. Sherman: He has a 2017 license so I don’t know exactly when he stopped selling. As long as he, he hasn’t been over 9 months it’s still considered an existing location. Mr. Hasan: So he bought an existing business, I’m trying for clarity I’m kind of confused. Mr. Sherman: No, are you talking about the --- Mr. Hasan: I’m talking about the Martin Luther King site. Mr. Sherman: --- are you talking about the current owner? Mr. Hasan: Well, is it still open, is it open? Mr. Sherman: Well --- Ms. Clark: No, it’s closed. Mr. Hasan: How long has it been closed? Mr. Sherman: --- well and that’s what I was saying I don’t know but he has a 2017 business license. He was open sometime this year I’m assuming. Mr. Hasan: Okay. 20 Mr. Sherman: And so as long as a period of 9 months doesn’t go by it’s okay so that’s one of the things in the ordinance is that if a business ceases operation for 9 months then it’s considered closed, a new applicant comes back in and is treated as a new location. The only thing that that would mean here is that well he would have to have a Special Exception in a B-1 Zoning, he would have to re-advertise for 30 days in the paper and a placard in the window. But it’s an existing location there is a current 2017 license. I may have given you more information than --- Mr. Hasan: No, no that’s what I was looking for about the zoning aspect of it. I think as I understood you to be saying that where the establishment has not been closed for nine months by the previous owner so that means the current the previous zoning stands --- Mr. Sherman: Correct. Mr. Hasan: --- previous zoning stands. So for the alcohol, so even that pertains to the alcohol license as well that you don’t have to, alcohol license normally it’s a kind of a unique criteria there so that even applies to alcohol licenses as well. Mr. Sherman: That is for the alcohol license. Mr. Hasan: Okay, okay all right, thank you. Mr. Sherman: And one thing I can add to this because, I think I failed to mention that earlier is that being that is zoned B-1 there are other options, just for your information there are other options for the use of the property such as a convenience store that is down the street. So, that was the extra --- Mr. Hasan: Okay. Mr. Sherman: --- bit of information (inaudible). Mr. Mayor: All right, I’m going to do two things. One the board is lit up lots of questions, lots of questions, Tasha, but I want to draw everyone’s attention to Tab 15 in your books. What the Planning Department has now done is they put these together with a summary analysis which I think can be very helpful as you are deliberating this. Kudos to our Planning Department for now taking that bold step to kind of put these things together in a very synoptic way that allows you to quickly see why they’re making recommendations and why they’re coming to this conclusion. All right, I’m going to go to my right once more then I’m going to come all the way th down to the end and recognize the Commissioner from the 5. All right, the Chair recognizes the th Commissioner from the 10, Commissioner Smith. Mr. Smith: Thank you, Mr. Mayor, just a few questions. Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Hasan, would you pull that microphone down for him, thank you. 21 Mr. Smith: Will the license be in your name, sir? Mr. Bush: Yes, sir. Mr. Smith: Okay I was just and what will be allowed for your hours of operation? Mr. Bush: I was told by the previous owner 7:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. but I’m not considering 7:00 a.m. but that’s what I was told. Mr. Smith: That’s the old --- Mr. Bush: 8:00 a.m. Mr. Smith: --- 8:00 a.m. okay is that the old Pate’s Liquor Store it used to be Milledgeville? Mr. Bush: Yes, sir. Mr. Smith: I was a frequent customer back in the 60’s. But any way no I knew Mr. Pate and he ran a real clean operation. Mr. Bush: Yes, sir. Mr. Smith: And I remember when that building was built and it had some damages during the early 70’s with the riots. But any way are you planning to run it yourself or are you going to have some people in there? Mr. Bush: I’m going to run it myself but I’m also going to have other people there working when I’m not there. I’m not going to be there every day all day but I’ll be running it also. Mr. Smith: Okay so I know one of the main things is you know you have people come over there and buy some of your products and then hang around outside and everything and that’s what’s bad because it’s not a bad location for business but when you’ve got people hanging around like barflies that’s not going to work. But I think it seems like you could come to some deal with these people and say let’s work together. I’m going to run a clean legitimate business but I expect ya’ll to help me. And if they’ll turn around and let you know or you let the Sheriff know I’m sure he’s got enough deputies on the payroll that can clear the street. Mr. Bush: Okay and one of the things I was also considering or planning as far as running the liquor store in that area like I said I’m a youth sports coach. I teach. I ran a daycare the whole nine so I plan on being a part of the community not just running a liquor store, a part of the association, coaching and all the other things I do with the children. So I’m not just running a liquor store and I will if I’m approved talk to the neighborhood and if I’m not I understand that too. Mr. Smith: Well, I admire anybody that’s willing to go into private enterprise and stick his neck on the chopping block with his own money and have a business, it’s not easy. But I think 22 these people have some concerns because you know they’re just tired of it and I think you ought to work with them and you seem like you know what you’re doing and what direction, you have to clean it up I don’t think you’ll have any problem. Mr. Bush: Yes, sir, that’s correct. And my wife would like to add she would like to speak if she’s able to, allowed to. Mr. Mayor: Okay, all right, hold on, hold on one minute. All right, I’m going to give you, he didn’t use but three so all right I’m going to give you two minutes. Ms. Bush: Okay, my name is Nicole Bush, again I’m his wife. I just want to add the portion how we’re affiliated with the neighborhood. My great aunt which is Francis Hunt that thth lives in the neighborhood, my Uncle Douglas Eberhardt and others that live on 10 and 11 Avenue so we are affiliated and a part of it. I grew up in the community just like Marcus. I went to Levi White, Tubman Middle School, Josey High School, Paine College so we are very much so in, affiliated with the neighborhood. And also I would like to add that when they say it’s people congregating and things like that there was an address that was adjacent to the liquor store when I was growing up. That’s where the majority of the people were congregating. And so I know they’re no longer there anymore and I think that’s, and I just want to apologize to the Turpin Hill family because I didn’t realize it would be so much confusion and things like that. If I would’ve know it would have been such an uproar we would’ve been glad to come to your homes, talk to you, get feedback and things like that. So I just wanted to apologize on our behalf and that’s it, thank you so much. Mr. Mayor: Ms. Bush, I think in the words of one Ms. Lena Bonner there’s still time to have those conversations and now is as good a time as any, there’s still time. All right, the Chair th recognizes the Commissioner from the 5, I’m going to go in this order the Commissioner from ththth the 5, the 4 and then the 8. Mr. Jefferson: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I’m very familiar with that area, I have relatives that live there. Like Commissioner Grady Smith said that was the old Pate’s Package Store. But I remember prior to that the concrete pad that is next to it was Pate’s Grocery Store and the far- right hand corner was the package shop and then they built this and all of this happened the late 60’s, early 70’s. And I would like to question Mr. Sherman you said it was non-conforming with the business license. You said it was 9 months but if I remember correctly or forgive me if I’m wrong I was thinking it was more of a six months in order to grandfather an existing zone to reopening in a business because once you vacate the zoning your zoning is null and void, am I correct? Mr. Sherman: Well, yes, no, you’re not correct I’m sorry to say. But anyway --- Mr. Jefferson: No, I want to be corrected. Mr. Sherman: --- are you correct well, you caught me off guard. Well, what the zoning ordinance is is that a non-conforming use if it ceases to operate for two-years it loses its non- conforming status for zoning. 23 Mr. Jefferson: Okay, but you know the fact that it was closed okay --- Mr. Sherman: It’s closed now? Mr. Jefferson: --- yes and it’s changing ownership. Mr. Sherman: Right, non-conforming uses can change ownership. It’s closed now and like I was saying I don’t know when he stopped selling but he has a 2017 license so I’m assuming he’s been selling this year so he hasn’t passed that nine-months yet, he’s at the end of it. So, but that’s, that is with regard to the alcohol license not the zoning. The zoning if he stops selling and a two-year period passes, it loses its non-conforming status with regard to zoning. It has a year and three months extended past its deadline for the alcohol ordinance. It becomes a new location after not having sold alcohol for nine months. Mr. Jefferson: Thank you. th Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 8. Mr. Guilfoyle: Mr. Mayor, I was wondering if I could speak with Mr. Bush. Mr. Mayor: Yes. Mr. Guilfoyle: Mr. Bush, as far this application for a liquor license as far as a convenience store, what is your stance on just a convenience store? Mr. Bush: I never thought about or just considered just a convenience store. Like I say I looked at it as a liquor store because that’s what it was and that was my goal. Now possibly in the future I may consider something in that nature but right now I don’t want to start going back and forth so as of right now I’m thinking liquor store. Mr. Guilfoyle: I understand. Your wife had just spoke a few minutes ago and Ms. Bush was talking about she was raised in the neighborhood so were you and that if it was going to cause this much disruption she would’ve actually reached out to Ms. Clark and the other residents in the area. Mr. Mayor, I don’t know if this is even feasible. Why don’t we delay this for two weeks so that the applicants can reach out and come with some kind of solutions. I see one head nodding th yes, one head nodding no but that’s ya’ll’s area, it’s not mine. I have a liquor store within a 1/16 of mile of my store I mean from my house, I apologize about that, from my house it doesn’t affect me. It really don’t. But you have different issues, you have prostitutes, you have people loitering, and you have people ganging up. With this store not being there the people are still going to reside there is that correct, Ms. Clark --- Ms. Clark: No, it’s not --- Mr. Guilfoyle: Are they just going to go away? 24 Ms. Clark: --- we have been having some problems the past three weeks with some prostitution but the Sheriff’s Department’s been notified about it but they’re real smart. They got those cellphones and they notify each other you know. But one of my neighbors back there lives right by the liquor store and she had a problem with the Sheriff’s Department getting those people off her property. They were sitting on her property and about the time they get there they’re gone. Mr. Guilfoyle: Right but --- Ms. Clark: But they were going in there and getting their bottles of liquor and then come back over there and sit down there and have a (unintelligible). Mr. Guilfoyle: --- yes, ma’am but Ms. Clark what you have here is some of the, your own neighbors’ children that grew up in that neighborhood. Mr. Clark: And that’s why we just say no. I think I don’t want to get into that. I’ll talk to them personally. Mr. Guilfoyle: Okay, Mr. Mayor, I’m going to make a motion that we suspend this for two weeks and let the applicant reach out to the neighborhood. I don’t know if that’s feasible or if I get a second or what. th Mr. Mayor: The Commissioner from the 8 has made a motion and I think everybody knows the protocol. Mr. Smith: Second. Mr. Mayor: All right, we’ve got a motion and a second to suspend action on this for two weeks. All right, all right, I’m going to keep going down the list unless somebody calls for the question. All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner --- Mr. M. Williams: If anybody’s going to call for the question I can too. Mr. Mayor: --- all right, I’m with you. The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the th 4. Ms. Clark: Mr. Mayor --- Mr. Mayor: Ms. Clark, can you hold --- Ms. Clark: --- I know you’re carrying the motion. Mr. Mayor: --- say that again? Ms. Clark: I know you’re trying to carry your motion. Mr. Mayor: No, I’m not. 25 Mr. M. Williams: Hold up (inaudible). Mr. Mayor: --- no, no, no I’m not, I just --- Mr. M. Williams: Just hold tight, just hold tight. Ms. Clark: I just hope that --- Mr. M. Williams: Just hold tight, Ms. Clark. Ms. Clark: --- we settle this today because this is our second time down here. Mr. M. Williams: Ms. Clark, just hold tight please, ma’am, just hold tight. Ms. Clark: Okay south Nelleville with us too they represent (inaudible). Mr. M. Williams: Just hold tight, Ms. Clark, just hold tight. Ms. Clark: This whole community --- Mr. M. Williams: Just hold tight, Ms. Clark, just hold tight. th Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 4. Mr. Sias: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I have a question for Mr. Sherman and also I want to speak to Mr. Bush. I know him and his wife I know them personally but I told you what I feel about this and I’m going to do something to that effect in just a second. But, Mr. Sherman, when does a zone, an exception to zoning expires? Mr. Sherman: When does an exception to zoning expire? So tell me what we’re talking about, I’m not sure I understand. Mr. Sias: A liquor store is not allowed in a B-1 zone but one is in, this one was in a B-1 zone so therefore they had to have an exception because it’s supposed to be in a B-2, am I correct? Mr. Sherman: Well, let me explain that. This I don’t know exactly when this first opened it was back in the 60’s it could’ve been --- Mr. Sias: I’m going to apologize but, Ms. Wilson, do you have an answer to that question? Ms. Wilson: I do. Mr. Sherman: --- it doesn’t apply. Mr. Sias: Okay. 26 Ms. Wilson: Hi, Melanie Wilson, Director of Planning and Development. Basically, a B- 2 is a zone that allows an alcohol or convenience store without a Special Exception. With a B-1 you have a Special Exception in order to have that use. In this case this property was grandfathered in, grandfathered from the standpoint of having had a Special Exception, it is zoned B-1. So within that B-1 district the applicant can have a convenience store. If they want to sell beer and wine, they still would have to come to this body get a Special Exception to do that. This property at this point in time is still in non-compliance so therefore has not been vacant for more than 24 months. Mr. Sias: So does that Special Exception carry over or does it have to be a new one? Ms. Wilson: No, the Special Exception as long as, the Special Exception runs with the property. It becomes a part of the non-conforming so think about it from the standpoint of if it were a, if it were vacant for let’s say for five years and they had a Special Exception for a use then that Special Exception goes away just like --- Mr. Sias: Okay, what’s the timeframe on it? Ms. Wilson: --- two years. Mr. Sias: Okay, thank you --- Ms. Wilson: You’re welcome. Mr. Sias: --- I appreciate that. Mr. Mayor, I make a substitute motion that we deny this. Mr. Hasan: Second. Mr. Mayor: All right, I’ve got a substitute motion with a proper second to deny, all right th in a church we close. All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 9. Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I’ve been waiting patiently to say my piece about this because I’m really about passionate to Marcus and his wife. This is nothing personal to you now we talked about that; any business man or woman would probably want to do the same thing. But to Ms. Wilson, I’d like to see this Special Exception that this building’s got. This building was grandfathered probably 75 years ago when you didn’t even have to have a license you just put up a sign. So you ain’t going to find no paperwork that says it was a Special Exception on this building because it’s been a liquor store I know for 60 something years because when I was a small child I mean so you’re not going to find those exceptions written nowhere because nobody came and got one. The other thing is look at these seniors that live in this area who have to deal with this every day, not the business owner but the people who are patronizing the stores. It’s not just alcohol that I’m worried about. It’s the drugs and the other stuff that these people have to have to go along with the alcohol that they get and walk down the street and go to cursing and raising sand in front of their door. Now we just heard that the Sheriff’s Department had a problem getting the prostitutes off of the lady’s yard so whoever comes in that area whether it’s Marcus and his wife or anybody else I would be of the same mindset. I support the alcohol because I think 27 people got a right to make that decision but when you’ve got helpless people like these seniors who can’t force people off their yard, now I might be able to get you out of my yard but these ladies over here they’re going to have a problem. And when a drunk gets drunk he don’t think or she don’t think about where they are; they just go to speaking out of their head. So, I’ve got a serious issue when we sit here and act like this don’t happen. Now Mr. Guilfoyle says he don’t have no problem with the liquor store by his house and I’m sure he don’t because he ain’t got no winos and no drunks standing around on crack cocaine and everything else cursing each other out no prostitution walking down his street. Ms. Clark: That’s right. Mr. M. Williams: But these ladies late at night have to deal with that kind of stuff. So I don’t blame you for being a business man. You and I are talking and I encourage that they keep trying but this is an area that you came through. Now if you go back in your mind now you’ll remember seeing the same type people that were drunk, staggering and cursing and fighting and everything else. They got a little bit better but it ain’t much. These ladies ought to be enjoying their lives now ya’ll, not have to worry about who’s outside at two o’clock in the morning or beating on their door looking for somebody who had a fifty-cent drink. Ms. Clark: That’s right. Mr. M. Williams: So the time is off for that. We need to understand it’s important for us to make sure that we stop adding to the neighborhoods who have been blighted for so long. I appreciate business and I appreciate business but I’m really upset. I’m really sick because we approved a daycare just next door and then they turn around this Commission, I was on here that day, Marcus, they re-voted again to open up the liquor store next door, had just approved the daycare for children. The buildings still standing there, ain’t been no kids in there yet. Ms. Clark: That’s right. Mr. M. Williams: I really got upset with the Commission for doing something like that but they don’t care about certain people. Now I’m sick and tired of this now. Mr. Sias: Call for the question. Mr. Mayor: All right, we’ve got a substitute motion with a proper second from the th Commissioner from the 6 to deny this petition. All those in favor will vote and we’ll move forward okay. Again the substitute motion is to deny. Voting. Mr. Fennoy votes No. Motion Passes 9-1. Mr. Mayor: Okay all right, the petition has been denied. Thank you, Ms. Clark. Ms. Clark: Thank you, Mayor Davis. 28 Mr. Mayor: All right, okay, we have had a lot going on if we can, all right, okay, Madam Clerk, we’ll go to twelve. The Clerk: FINANCE 12. Motion to approve a cap of all General Fund payments to non-profit organizations at $25K with the exception of the three agencies listed below. A cap of $25K for all General Fund requests and consider an accounting review process that is not detrimental to the smaller non-profits. The following non-profits would be considered exempt up to the amount designated: The ARC Museum of History $125K The Lucy Craft Laney Museum $125K The Arts Council Operations $143,420K (Approved by Finance Committee September 12, 2017) Mr. Sias: Move to approve. Mr. Hasan: Second. Mr. Mayor: Okay, I’ve got, we’ve got a motion and a second. Mr. M. Williams: You’ve got a motion and a second but I pulled the item so I guess I don’t get recognized, I got to fight to be recognized? Mr. Mayor: No, no --- Mr. M. Williams: Okay if I pull an item then at least, I mean he can make a motion all he wants to but it was my pull and that’s why I pulled it. I mean --- Mr. Mayor: Hold on, hold on, hold on, I hadn’t recognized anybody, Commissioner, I hadn’t recognized anybody. Mr. M. Williams: But you’re faking them passes that you want to throw and if you want to throw it throw it. Don’t be faking, don’t be doing that. If you’re going to throw the ball don’t, don’t, I’ve been here too long for all this old crazy foolishness that we’re doing up here. Mr. Mayor: Yeah, that’s right, that’s all we do is run the football. We don’t pass it at Georgia Tech, we just run it. And again you’re coming for me and I’m trying to help you. All th right, so the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 9, state your inquiry and give your discourse. Mr. M. Williams: Mr. Mayor, I had this item pulled --- Mr. Mayor: You did. 29 Mr. M. Williams: --- because I totally disagree with what we’re trying to do here, we can’t pick and choose. If we’re going to be fair amongst these entities and give them money we can’t set aside who we’re going to give and who we’re not going to give and tell everybody else you know you’re just going to go for it. So, until we come up with something better than this my motion is to deny this application or this agenda item and move forward with finding something that’s going to be suitable for everybody that’s my motion, to deny --- Mr. Frantom: Second. Mr. Speaker: Substitute motion. Mr. M. Williams: --- substitute motion. Mr. Mayor: Okay. All right, we’ve got a substitute motion with a proper second. All right why don’t we do it this way --- Mr. Hasan: Mr. Mayor, I have --- Mr. Mayor: --- let’s just tee it up. All right, we’ve got a substitute motion and a proper second. All those if favor will vote for it because it is a superior motion on the floor and those opposed to it will vote no. Mr. Sias: Voting? Mr. M. Williams: Can we have a roll call vote, Mr. Mayor? Mr. Mayor: Voting, we’re voting. Mr. M. Williams: No, we ain’t voting --- Mr. Mayor: We are --- Mr. M. Williams: --- I asked for a roll call vote --- Mr. Mayor: Well --- Mr. M. Williams: --- I asked for it. Mr. Mayor: --- I already called for the vote first. Mr. M. Williams: You didn’t call this. Sammie said voting and unless you’ve got a ventriloquist and you can work his mouth. Ms. Davis: This is to deny, right? 30 Mr. Mayor: The substitute motion is to deny, the substitute motion is to deny. All right, push the button. Mr. Guilfoyle: Mr. Mayor? th. Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 8 State your inquiry. Mr. Guilfoyle: Mr. Mayor, we had some of the, the people that’s affected by this agenda item here in this room that, some has left and we still got the gentleman from Project Access. Can we have the decency enough since he had the decency enough to listen to this for the last two hours to let him speak? Mr. Mayor: Well, right now I just want you to vote. You’ve got a motion on the floor to deny this petition and again I think you know where you’re at. And if you support the motion to deny then I think you’re well within your rights today to do that. I’m waiting on the Commissioner thth. from the 8 the 9 You’ve got a substitute motion with a second to deny this. I think everybody knows where they’re at right now. I think this is a very important discussion --- Mr. M. Williams: I wish we’d learn the rules up here if nothing else. We don’t even know the doggone rules. Mr. Mayor: I know the rules, yeah, I do. All right, Ms. Bonner, I am going to vote. I understand there was a legal ruling some years ago about this notion of abstaining. And again, the substitute motion is to deny, is that correct? All right, it’s a 5-5 vote and I think I’ve got an opportunity to vote. The Clerk: Yes, sir, before you do can I just --- Mr. Mayor: I’m waiting on you. The Clerk: --- publish this vote. Mr. Fennoy, Ms. Davis, Mr. Frantom, Mr. M. Williams and Mr. G. Smith vote Yes. Mr. D. Williams, Mr. Sias, Mr. Jefferson, Mr. Guilfoyle and Mr. Hasan vote No. Mr. Mayor: Mr. John Clark, this is when they want me to vote. The Clerk: The Mayor votes Yes. Mr. Mayor: They don’t give me that opportunity often but whenever it happens it’s because they want me to. They taught me that at Georgia Tech. The Mayor votes Yes. Motion carries 6-5. 31 Mr. Mayor: It’s called counting. Let me tell you what’s probably going to happen. This th is a very important issue. I think the Commissioner from the 4 has rightfully started a discussion, a discussion that I agree with. How we address that issue is the question and I think it needs a great deal more deliberation. And as such I think this is something that you can look forward to hearing again particularly as we look at a way to maybe phase in an approach of how we begin th addressing this. I think that’s probably one of the components that the Commissioner from the 4 will be giving strong consideration to as he moves forward but it is a worthy conversation, one that th I support fully. The Chair recognizes the Commissioner form the 4. Mr. Sias: Thank you, sir. One of the things about local government and non-profit, local government is not designed to carry non-profits through the life of their existence. Those are supposed to be a process where these are beneficial to the community where we can see ways to assist that non-profit. But we have non-profits here that have been created and living solely on 95% off of the local government out of our General Fund. That’s not feasible and we cannot continue to sustain that. We had a great conversation in SPLOST VII and we passed SPLOST VII and we excluded non-profits from that because it was also clear we can’t continue to sustain them through every SPLOST. Then a non-profit in this organization itself should plan to stand on its own. And when we’ve been supporting the complete life of a project where they say well if you stop if you reduce our funding you terminate the project then that project should’ve been terminated already. Non-profits are not designed to live totally of the local government. And, Ms. Bonner, how we put this, how we discuss this, Mr. Mayor, Ms. Bonner, I want this back on the next Finance Committee agenda. We’re going to have this discussion and we’re going to have this discussion until we come to some kind of a good conclusion. We have the Sheriff, Sheriff’s Office here looking for things. If we continue to feed all these agencies, nobody’s going to stand on their own. We have issues of finance in this government, we have strong issues and we cannot simply afford to just keep passing out the taxpayers’ money. Thank you. st Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 1. Mr. Fennoy: Mr. Mayor, I agree with Mr. Sias, however, there are some non-profits that provides invaluable services to the people in this community. With the Affordable Care Act nobody knows where that’s going. Some of these non-profits the only way people have access to health services is by going through these non-profits. I think that to cut them off would be a disservice to this community. I think to cut them off will cause the cost of services to go up in other areas. But they provide and invaluable service to the people that live and work in this community and a lot of them if they don’t get their healthcare from there they have no other source of getting their healthcare. th Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 4. Mr. Sias: Thank you, sir. Not to create a debate but I just want to clarify something that st my colleague from the 1 stated. I just want to remind him that we do have health departments. We put a million dollars normally we put a million dollars plus more in the Health Department. They got cut last budget; I didn’t hear anybody crying about that one. So and that was one we ended up coming back and putting some more money into but we still didn’t restore them. That is when our primary methods for folks that receive healthcare and that’s assisted from the State of 32 Georgia and Augusta-Richmond County so there are avenues available to people other than a non- profit being their only process for them to receive medical care. So I just wanted to clarify that and we’ll be having this discussion. Thank you. Mr. Mayor: Dr. Cook, my dear friend many, many years, I think it’s probably going to prudent for you and I to take a couple of these Commissioners on a ride and let them know what happens in this community. Dr. Cook: I agree with that. Mr. Mayor: I think we need to do that, yeah. All right Mr. Sias: (Inaudible) some respect (inaudible). Ms. Davis: Mr. Mayor, can I have twenty seconds? Mr. Mayor: No, I’m going to give you more than that --- Ms. Davis: (Unintelligible). Mr. Mayor: --- all right, the Chair recognizes the Mayor Pro Tem. Ms. Davis: Thank you, Mr. Mayor, and I was also going to recognize, thank you all for sitting here I know you weren’t able to speak today but it looks like this conversations will continue. And we do need to remember even if this Commission didn’t create a couple of the organizations that are here with the museum and Project Access another Commission did and so we need to decide as a body. Since we did create this, another Commission, is this something we want to discontinue or is it something we want to continue but we did create a couple of these organizations. So let’s be fair, you know, to them to have these discussion and to see what our objectives are, where we want the benefits, you know, if we want them to continue in Augusta- Richmond County but so I know we will continue these discussions. I’m also sorry and I want to apologize to a couple of you found out about this agenda item from the news so that’s not the respect that I hope that we give you in the future. So thank you again for being here and just we will keep you in tune of what our discussions are, where they’re going. Thank you. Mr. Mayor: All right --- Mr. M. Williams: Mr. Mayor? th Mr. Mayor: --- okay all right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 9. Mr. M. Williams: I want to ditto to what the Mayor Pro Tem just said. A lot of people still don’t understand how certain people live and how certain problems still exist with certain households. You mentioned about going for a ride with the doctor. Now I would love to go for a ride but I’d like to take him some places myself just to show you how people are still struggling, people are still trying to live and for whatever reason whether it be their own choice are some other 33 choice, children are coming up in situations that when you go home and go to bed they’re crying all night long. And you may think that’s in a third-world country but that’s happening right here in Augusta-Richmond County. And if you just want to take a walk up the street and look up under the bridge at night and like to see how many people that’s under that bridge that’s sleeping and staying up under there they still have to have medical attention when it’s needed. So, I think that’s a conversation I don’t mind having. I think we ought to talk about it but everybody don’t have the same luxuries at home. Everyone don’t go back to a gated community or a paved street even or even a street to go on to, and we need to think about that. Mr. Mayor: Yeah --- Mr. M. Williams: I never forget where I came from. I hope ya’ll don’t. Mr. Mayor: --- all right, we’ve got an action we’ll hear about and then we’ll have much discussion moving forward. Madam Clerk, let’s move on to our next item. The Clerk: PUBLIC SERVICES 16. Discuss the operations of the Daniel Field Airport. (Requested by Commissioner Marion Williams) thth Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 6 from the 9, th Item 16 from the 9. Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I’d like to at least get an overview of the operations from Daniel Field Airport as to how the operation is being handled. From being here a long time I remember how it used to be handled but I’d like to know how, what’s the process is now. Mr. Mayor: Gentlemen. All right, I think we’ve got some representatives from the Aviation Commission from Daniel Field, if you’ll come forward. Ms. Shealy: Commissioners, my name is Becky Shealy and I am the Interim Airport Manager for the Daniel Field Airport. Ms. Tyler: My name is Betty Tyler and I’m a Commissioner at the airfield, Daniel Field. Mr. Mayor: Thank you. All right, Commissioner Williams, are you going to ask them a question or do you just want them to just give it over to them? Mr. M. Williams: Well, I wanted an overview as to the operation of Daniel Field and how the process worked. I had a situation I wanted to discuss but I want to first find out from Becky what’s the operation, how does that work does the Airport Committee or the Airport Commission authorize, how does the operation work now? 34 Ms. Shealy: The current governing body, each one of you here on this Commission you appoint and Aviation Commissioner so you appoint someone a citizen to the General Aviation Commission and then we have two legislative appointments that are at the Georgia State level. So rd we have a governing body at the airport of twelve members. We meet, typically we meet the 3, I’m sorry, I’m not a part of the Commission, I’m just the Airport Manager. This Commission rd meets the 3 Monday of every month, that’s our regular meeting. You also have an Ex-Officio on that Commission which is Commissioner Wayne Guilfoyle. At this point anything that requires anything that acquires approval to anything at the airport whether it’s to approve an event or it’s to approve the budget all of that has to be voted on by the Aviation Commission so it’s the Aviation Commission that is the governing body. Mr. M. Williams: Okay and I guess I’m remembering from years ago back a long time serving we used to get reports as to what happens or what event is taking place. Do that still exist or is that no longer in place anymore? Ms. Shealy: Are you referring to the minutes of the meeting? I’m not, I don’t understand your question. Mr. M. Williams: The minutes of the meeting I guess would be included but I’m thinking about the events that’s taking place at the airport. Normally there was a, Ms. Bonner, is that an ordinance or is that a how’s that framed? Do you remember? The Clerk: In past years reports, monthly reports were submitted to the City Council of Augusta at that time and after we consolidated during City Council monthly reports were submitted and then there was an annual report that was submitted when we published what we call the Yearbook. After we consolidated, we discontinued publishing the Yearbook but as I maybe recall we did get reports. Mr. M. Williams: Let me try to step in. I hate to cut you off but the reason I’m even asking th this question is because of the event that’s coming up on October 28. I spoke with Commissioner Sean Frantom and he asked me what my agenda item was and I told him how disappointed I was as to what had happened. Almost a year ago maybe nine, ten months ago I met with the Mayor, I met with the Administrator even talked to Commissioner Guilfoyle about coming up to the airport and asking about doing a car show or swap meet and what I call a burnout. Becky, if you remember I came up and we rode and looked at the airport to see how we can facilitate that. And what I was told at that point was that the merchants, well at first it sounded it was a good idea on my understanding but then I was told the merchants didn’t want it to take place up there. And then I was told that the FAA had said that a burnout which nobody knows what a burnout is. It sounds like something terrible but a burnout what we were talking about would not with racecars but just th street cars. Well on October 28 a couple of weeks ago on a Saturday I was at Jackson, SC at the races when I got this flyer. The flyer says that Daniel Field 1775 Highland Avenue Augusta, Georgia Car Show and Swap Meet Parts Event. And this is the same event that I brought to the body with the CSRA Road Angels Car Club to perform out there. I set up a meeting set up a meeting with the Mayor, the Administrator, myself and invited Commissioner Guilfoyle but Tim Martin I think, Tim Martin last name called and asked me should he come to the meeting. I said Tim the meeting is still set up. What I’m getting at, Becky, it bothered me for us to not have first 35 of all Augusta’s name on anything and Augusta doing something but the same idea nobody took the opportunity to either ask the Commissioner do you, are you still interested or is this something you plan to do. If I hadn’t have found this seen this flyer at Jackson I guess I probably would’ve read about it in the paper or just ran across it. But it was very disturbing to me for us to come to the airport, ride around, look at it, talk about an event, talk about Augusta. Tim shared that it was an enterprise that we didn’t have much money I said Tim we might need to work on that try to help the airport as much as we can. I even called Ms. Tyler to ask her did it come before the Commission. It never came before the Commission. Ms. Shealy: Commissioner Williams, may I have permission to speak? Ms. Davis: Yes, Ms. Shealy. Ms. Shealy: First of all the very first I provided a timeline for all of, Ms. Bonner sent a timeline for everybody from the very first discussion that we had at about the car show. And I recall that Jan Holley was the point of contact with the CSRA Road Angels. You did facilitate a meeting, yes, sir, you did, but I was told that all of the correspondence needed to go through Mr. Holley. We were very receptive to the car show and we were excited about it. We were even excited about the Dyno Machine and at the time that you came to the airport and we did go out on the field we were embracing the burnout. This was a very first, we’ve had car shows at the airport during the air shows. That’s nothing new but as far as the Dyno Machine and the burnout this was something that we were in uncharted waters. The property has been maintained by Federal funds so we reached out to GDOT just to make sure that we weren’t going to be violating any grant assurances or any of the like. And the Project Manager Donny McGahee wrote an email stating that he was in favor of the car show, he was in favor of the Dyno Machine but the burnout they could not support because of the degradation of the pavement on the tower side ramp and all of th that’s in the email. We still wanted the car show. The car show that is slated for the October 28 timeframe of this year, there is no burnout and we told Mr. Holley that hey, we still want this car show as long as you can do it without the burnout and they came back and said they weren’t interested. Ms. Mayor Pro Tem: Commissioner Williams, are you concerned about the event or are you just concerned that you weren’t informed that ya’ll had had discussions and they’ve moved forward and you didn’t know about it? Mr. M. Williams: That’s basically my concern but let me go back because I was present in all that conversation. Jan Holley was not the one set the meeting up. I set the meeting up as an elected official. Ms. Shealy: I agree. Mr. M. Williams: I came down and sat here that day and Tim called me because it was, what I guess I’m upset about or what I’m disappointed about not really upset but I’m disappointed about no one even sat down to even talk through the burnout situation to see what it’s about. They assumed that a burnout was like you’re going to burn something out I mean and most times you know but I called myself meeting with the proper agencies or people to get them together so we 36 can talk about what we was going to do. We weren’t talking about racecars; we’re talking about just streetcars. They did the same where I got this flyer from they did what they call not a burnout but they done drove down the strip. I wouldn’t ask nobody to drive down the strip but nobody even cared enough or was considerate enough to say well let’s talk about it and see can we talk through this. I was told where the FAA or the GDOT whoever it is oh no, that won’t work. Well, how do you know it’s not going to work if you don’t know what it is? Becky just said that she was --- Ms. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, let’s let Ms. Sheely answer --- Ms. Shealy: I will say that --- Ms. Mayor Pro Tem: --- and then we have a couple of other questions from the Commissioners. Ms. Shealy: --- Donny McGahee is an avid car collector and he says that he was very familiar with what the burnout is. He has been our resident inspector for several projects at the airport. He’s very familiar with the condition of the pavement on the tower side ramp which is where we would have it. So, I deferred to his judgement, I didn’t, actually the Commission did or the Chair did. And no the original car show never got to the Special Events Committee, Chairman Williams, because of the fact that GDOT said this wasn’t, they would not support it so there was no reason to go before the Special Events Committee if you were still pushing to have the car show with the burnout. Mr. M. Williams: Well, Becky, I called my representative and asked them did they discuss it and it never was discussed even at the Commission at the Aviation Board or with this body who had had a meeting with the Mayor, the Administrator and Mr. Guilfoyle and myself just to talk through it. Now people made a decision on an idea they didn’t even have. I’ve got a problem with that. But now I’m finding out that it worked out where they’re not doing a burnout out but they’re doing the other thing the car show and the swap meet. Nobody even said well you know what you know you brought this to us and it wasn’t for my car club it was just the CSRA Road Angels which is one of the largest clubs around here. I just thought it would be good for the City of Augusta to have a name associated with something that they do in a lot of other cities. The Mayor gave me a list of probably maybe 75 to 100 different places that put on car shows. Ms. Mayor Pro Tem: You just wanted to be informed --- Mr. M. Williams: Well, I wanted to --- Ms. Mayor Pro Tem: --- and be a part of the discussions. Mr. M. Williams: --- do it here and have the City of Augusta’s name attached to it but we keep talking about revenue, we keep talking about paying non-profits and everything and we don’t have any money so what are we doing to get any money? Ms. Shealy: Well, they are paying a fee to use the field. 37 Ms. Mayor Pro Tem: I think bottom line is the airport followed the normal operations that you, your course of operations that you normally do especially when you have events. So, I just think you wanted to be informed because you all had had previous conversations, it sounds like that’s the bottom line. Mr. M. Williams: I’m thinking I wasn’t informed as to an elected official enough respect for that position to say hey, this is something you brought before and this is what we’re considering now and you know and this is what we’re going to do. But to not even show up for the meeting to be turned down --- Ms. Shealy: Commissioner, can I just speak to that? Ms. Mayor Pro Tem: And then we’re going to move on to Commissioner Guilfoyle. Ms. Shealy: There was an email that was sent to the Mayor’s office at the time. Ms. Lynthia Owens was the, she was your Deputy Administrator --- Mr. Guilfoyle: Deputy Chief of Staff. Ms. Shealy: --- Chief of Staff, I’m sorry. We sent her an email stating that we, I had communicated with Mr. Holley. He said since there wasn’t a need, since there was no burnout there was no need for a meeting. And according to Tim Martin he said he spoke with you and he asked you did you need, did we need to be at the meeting and you said well I guess not. And that’s stated in the timeline and we took it at that that the meeting was cancelled. Ms. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay. Mr. M. Williams: I’m going to let that go. Don’t even worry about it but I couldn’t address it without saying nothing about this. I didn’t tell Tim not to show up. He called me and I said the meeting was still being held. Ms. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay let’s move on we’ve got two more questions up here. Commissioner Guilfoyle and then Commissioner Hasan. Mr. Guilfoyle: Thank you, Mayor Pro Tem. You know my whole thing with this from last year from the time that Marion Williams had brought in the CSRA Road Angels. You know it was a great idea and to have a car show, swap meet, DynoTune and the burnout. And to be truthful the CSRA Road Angels does not have a car show that does have a burnout. I go to them; I bring my car. But twelve days later after that initial meeting I think my colleague is fighting for a man that doesn’t care which is the CSRA Road Angels because twelve days later he said no, we’re not interested at that point which you or your staff had reached out to Commissioner Williams which also reached out to the Mayor. You know the GDOT which we get federal funding from which I understand that’s our lifeline as well as the neighbors for the Daniel Field Shopping Center. I think what we have here is that Mr. Williams is offended because the car show, the new car show 38 where they actually have insurance, bonds and to actually funding it where the CSRA Car Show didn’t want to do everything. They want everything to be carte blanc. And --- Mr. M. Williams: That’s not true, Wayne. Mr. Guilfoyle: But you all, we’re supposed to be talking about the operations of Daniel Field so let’s try to stick to that. Mr. Guilfoyle: --- okay, we’re going to focus on it. But you know we want to see Augusta progress, this is progress. Even though I wasn’t aware of it, Mr. Williams made me aware of it but I’m just glad to see we’re having something done out there at the airport, something positive, something for the area. You know we’re always talking about what can we do to generate attractions attracting people to come into our area we have it. We don’t need to destroy what we do have which is --- Ms. Shealy: We just had an eclipse party for the entire Augusta and it was free to the public and we provided 700 pairs of eclipse glasses. I mean the event was phenomenal so we are trying to create good will. And, Commissioner Williams, with all due respect nobody had any intentions of disrespecting you. I will tell you that I asked Rob Cottington who is the point of contact for the th car show on the 28I asked him if the CSRA Road Angels were involved in this and he said that they were willing to help him promote it. And with that I mean when you came in with Mr. Holley and Tony, his vice-president of the club, shame on me I thought that you were a part of that group. So when he said that the Road Angels were going to help promote this I mean, you know, thought maybe you were a part of it. And again if I was out of line then I apologize. Ms. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay, Ms. Shealy. Commissioner Hasan. Mr. Hasan: Thank you, Madam Mayor Pro Tem. Ms. Shealy, I think you gave the Commissioner an excellent explanation of timelines and things. I think what would help him can you give provide for him you know those emails that way you sent to the Mayor’s office that day and time of whenever to inform him as well as the timeline at that point in time and that way here he would feel he was not slighted. He was just not informed by the Mayor’s office of whatever. No disrespect to the Mayor’s office but those things in that timeline and not so much, it actually dated at that particular time that would probably give him some clarity on that particular incident. Another thing that I think that is also I can’t speak for himself or Mr. Martin is because Commissioner Williams is not remembering right now because he mentioned several times who was there but I also was at that meeting. And we were sitting there in the meeting waiting for someone to come from the Daniel Village Airport to discuss the issue and nobody ever showed up. I do understand what you’re saying so obviously maybe there’s a miscommunication between him and Mr. Martin but we were sitting there waiting for someone to come and were not informed. So, to your point if you have those timelines and those particular emails dated last year so and so, so and so if you provide that to him I think that would be the best evidence to show that there was no ill intent to be disrespectful to him or anything at all. Now the other thing is interesting I can kind of sympathize with him when he talks about as you all begin to take a look at what you’re currently going to be doing in October that you, somebody registered with somebody the board members or what have you oh this is something that Commissioner Williams was thinking about 39 we ought to at least inform him now that we found a way to make this happen even though the burnout is not there. That probably would’ve gave him where he wouldn’t have so much heartburn around this particular issue. So I think those are the kinds of things if you provide that to him I think he’ll feel much better that somebody just didn’t inform him with those emails that’s dated from that point in time of that particular day. But like I say I was there too as well --- Ms. Mayor Pro Tem: Okay --- Mr. Hasan: --- we’re sitting in there waiting for someone to show up and nobody showed up so I can’t speak for the conversation between him and Mr. Martin I don’t know what that’s about (unintelligible). Ms. Mayor Pro Tem: --- again we’ve gotten away from I think that this is a motion and we need to close this out because we’re talking about a personal incident and it’s time to move on to the next. I appreciate your comments, Commissioner Hasan --- Mr. Hasan: I think excuse me --- Ms. Mayor Pro Tem: --- can I get a motion? Mr. Hasan: --- Madam Chair, excuse me for a minute I think that’s what the whole conversation is about though about that particular issue he started out asking about what is the process. And I think also along with that and I’ll leave it alone after this and you can do what you want with it, Madam Chair, and that is he felt that if they were going to do those you know the issue, there’s some evidence in his mind that the issue was able to discuss among the Commissioners themselves the ones who were governing it. Maybe it was but like I said I don’t know but I was at the meeting but nobody showed up. Thank you, Madam Chair. Ms. Mayor Pro Tem: All right, can I get a motion? Mr. Frantom: Motion to receive as information. Mr. Sias: Second. Ms. Mayor Pro Tem: Thank you, please vote. Mr. M. Williams abstains. Mr. Hasan votes No. Motion Passes 8-1-1. Ms. Mayor Pro Tem: Ms. Shealy, please know that we appreciate all that you all do at Daniel Field and we know that you all are doing the best that you can for this community and for your customers so thank you so much. Ms. Shealy: This is the lady you need to thank --- 40 Ms. Mayor Pro Tem: Thank you. Ms. Shealy: --- because she is one of the commissioners. Ms. Mayor Pro Tem: Thank you for all your efforts. Ms. Taylor: Thank you. Mr. Mayor: Okay all right, there’s an item, Item 17 that is on our agenda and there’s been some discussion with the Attorney and with regards to this and also with the Administrator and the Mayor Pro Tem and I and we think we need to talk about this. The Chair recognizes Attorney MacKenzie. Mr. MacKenzie: Sure (unintelligible) Item 17 as you all know it relates to the real estate at the Reynolds Street Depot Project and that is obviously a topic that deals with the disposition of property that can be discussed in Legal. Mr. Mayor: All right, so we want to do that. I think it’s prudent for us to do it and then we’ll come right back out. But it’s got a sensitive real estate issue and we want to be able to do that. ADDENDUM 20. Motion to approve going into an executive session to discuss real estate. Ms. Davis: So moved. Mr. Frantom: Second. Mr. Mayor: Okay, we’ve got a motion and a second. Mr. MacKenzie: And that’s a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss real estate. rdththth Mr. Mayor: Yes. All right, voting. All right, the Commissioners from the 3, 5, 6, 8 th and 9 ya’ll voting? All right. Mr. M. Williams: Where was the airport director (unintelligible). Mr. Mayor: She just said she was the interim. I didn’t understand it so I don’t know. Madam Administrator, know anything about it? Ms. Jackson: Unfortunately I do not know. I have been told that that is her official title I’m not quite sure why, she’s been such a long term interim. Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Guilfoyle, can you speak to Becky being the interim manager? Mr. Guilfoyle: I cannot. 41 Mr. Mayor: Okay. Mr. Frantom: He’s dealing with health issues. Mr. Mayor: Okay all right, very good. Mr. M. Williams not voting. Mr. Sias votes No. Motion Passes 8-1. \[EXECUTIVE SESSION\] Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes Attorney MacKenzie for a motion. Mr. MacKenzie: Well, you have the motion that’s on the agenda, you could entertain that one or make another motion. Mr. Mayor: That’s the motion we want to entertain. The Clerk: FINANCE 17. Motion to authorize Raymond James Associates to conduct underwriting services for the Reynolds Street Depot Project on a non-binding basis with the option to terminate such services at any time. Mr. Fennoy: So moved. Mr. Frantom: Second. Mr. Hasan: Roll call vote, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor: All right. The Clerk: Ms. Davis. Ms. Davis: Yes Ma’am. The Clerk: Mr. Fennoy. Mr. Fennoy: Yes. The Clerk: Mr. Frantom. Mr. Frantom: Yes. 42 The Clerk: Mr. Guilfoyle. Mr. Guilfoyle: Yes. The Clerk: Mr. Hasan. Mr. Hasan: No. The Clerk: Mr. Jefferson. Mr. Jefferson: Yes. The Clerk: Mr. Sias. Mr. Sias: Present. The Clerk: Mr. Smith. Mr. Smith: Yes, ma’am. The Clerk: Mr. Dennis Williams. Mr. D. Williams: Yes, ma’am. Mr. Hasan votes No. Mr. Sias votes Present. Mr. M. Williams out. Motion Passes 7-1. The Clerk: We have two other items 18 and 19. I guess we want to clear those. ENGINEERING SERVICES th 18. Report from the Augusta Delegation relative to the September 14 meeting with officials from the Georgia Department of Transportation. (Requested by Commissioner Bill Fennoy) 19. Discuss renaming the John C. Calhoun Expressway to Veterans Expressway. (No recommendation from Engineering Services Committee September 12, 2017) st Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 1. Mr. Fennoy: Madam Clerk, with my colleagues’ permission I’d like to move these items to our next full commission meeting. Mr. G. Smith: So moved. Mr. Jefferson: Second. 43 \[MEETING ADJOURNED\] Lena Bonner Clerk of Commission CERTIFICATION: I, Lena J. Bonner, Clerk of Commission, hereby certify that the above is a true and correct copy of the minutes of the Regular Meeting of The Augusta Richmond County Commission held on September 19, 2017. ______________________________ Clerk of Commission 44