HomeMy WebLinkAboutRegular Commission Meeting October 15, 2019
REGULAR MEETING COMMISSION CHAMBER
OCTOBER 15, 2019
Augusta Richmond County Commission convened at 2:00 p.m., October 15, 2019, the
Hon. Hardie Davis Jr., Mayor, presiding.
PRESENT: Hons. B. Williams, Garrett, Sias, Fennoy, Frantom, M. Williams, Davis, D.
Williams, Hasan and Clarke, members of Augusta Richmond County Commission.
Mr. Mayor: All right, good afternoon. We’re excited to have everybody here on today.
Madam Clerk, I think they’re ready to do the people’s business. We’ll call this meeting to order.
The Clerk: Yes, sir, thank you. The Reverend Dr. J.R. Hatney is unable to be with us
today however his Associate Pastor Reverend Johnny Hampton from the Good Hope Missionary
Baptist Church will deliver our invocation and would like to ask of Interim no he’s not, he is
interim Deputy Administrator Mr. Maurice McDowell to please lead us in the Pledge. Would you
please stand.
The invocation was given by Reverend Johnny Hampton, Associate Pastor, Good Hope
Missionary Baptist Church.
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was recited.
The Clerk: Office of Mayor Hardie Davis Jr., by these presence be it known that Reverend
Johnny Hampton, Senior Pastor of the Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church is Chaplain of the
Day his spiritual guidance and civic leadership serves as an example for all citizens of Augusta.
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Given under my hand this 15 Day of October 2019, Hardie Davis Jr., Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: Would you join me in thanking Reverend Hampton for his service today
(APPLAUSE) thank you.
The Clerk: I call your attention, are we ready, Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: Yes, ma’am.
RECOGNITION(S)
E911 Director’s Award
A. Congratulations! Director Daniel Dunlap on receiving the 2019 PSAP’s (Public Safety
Answering Point) Finest Director of the Year Award. (Requested by Commissioner Dennis
Williams)
The Clerk: Okay, I call your attention to the Recognition portion of our agenda. We ask
that Mr. Daniel Dunlap if he will please come forward. Do you have some folks you want to bring
with you? You do, he’s got a team. Commissioner Dennis Williams, the Mayor, the Administrator.
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The Clerk: The Mayor and members of the Augusta Commission would like to offer their
congratulations to Director Daniel Dunlap on receiving the 2019 Public Safety Answering Point
Finest Director the Year Award. Congratulations, Daniel. (APPLAUSE)
Mr. D. Williams: Good afternoon. I’d just like to take this moment to thank Mr. Dunlap
for the wonderful job that he has provided for our city here in Augusta. And the 911 Center has
improved drastically under his leadership and it appears with the increase in new technology it’s
going to get much better under his leadership. So once again thank you and your staff for a fine
job. (APPLAUSE)
Mr. Mayor: We’re extremely excited as city to have phenomenal leadership like you’re
providing, Mr. Dunlap. Most recently the 911 Center was also recognized nationally by Peace
APP as well. I think it speaks to the incredible work that your team is doing. You’ve got a
phenomenal team. Thank you so much for saving lives in Augusta, Georgia. You’re not just
answering calls but you’re saving lives and you’re doing it in an efficient way with an incredible
team. Thank you so much for what you do for the City of Augusta. (APPLAUSE)
Mr. Dunlap: I just want to say one thing again. It is an individual award but it cannot be
done without the great staff I have. I can go on and on, another national award, it’s impressive but
we’re not done and we’re just going to keep going and keep getting better. Thank you.
(APPLAUSE)
Mr. Mayor: If I can get the Commissioner to please stand and fall in the middle here for a
photo. Madam Clerk ---
The Clerk: Yes, sir.
Mr. Mayor: --- I want to mention a few things of importance on today that I think are
worthy of sharing with those in the audience. There’s so much amazing work being done in and
around the City of Augusta and it takes a team to be able to do that. Would all of our service
members please stand? All of our former service members if you served in the military in any of
the branches would you please stand? (APPLAUSE) Wonderful. Today while it largely does not
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affect those of you who stood today is White Cane Day. Tuesday October the 15 or in particular
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October the 15 all across this nation is a day that’s reserved as a result of a joint resolution of
Congress HR 753 that was signed into law authorizing the President of the United States to
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proclaim October 15 each year as White Cane Safety Day. I had the privilege this morning of
visiting the VA the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center Uptown Division where today we
recognized those individuals particularly our service members who are part of the Blind Veterans
Association and their efforts around the white cane as a tool that’s used by individuals who are
blind enabling them to travel safety and independently across this community. I recognize that
today because of the efforts of Carol Burrowbridge in our Compliance Office who has done
phenomenal work working around the issues of ADA in the city. She was noted there while I was
at the Uptown VA and we are very, very, very pleased and appreciative of having team members
like that in Ms. Edwards’ team in the Compliance Department so thank you for the work that’s
being done there. Again Blind Veterans Association today we celebrate all across Augusta White
Cane Safety Day. I also mention, Madam Clerk, that Georgia Lottery Corporation here in
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Richmond County this morning or should I say this afternoon met with some lottery officials and
I want to just mention it’s impact in the community because sometimes we hear it, we see the signs
and the peaches all across the television and you pop your head in the convenience stores but let
me tell you its impact in the community. Here in just Richmond County alone from 1994 until
2019 from the beginning of the lottery until today retail of commissions has resulted in 178 million
being returned back to retailers who are involved in the whole lottery effort here in the city or
county of Augusta. Retailers whether you’re large or small they receive 6% of sales of tickets and
again it’s resulted in 178 million. Hold your breath on this next one. Here in Richmond County
alone $1.5 billion has been returned in prize money to folks in Richmond County and that’s pretty
phenomenal. It gets better. The number of students who have received either the Hope Scholarship
or the Hope Grant which is what allows students to attend the Technical College system of
Georgia. We have 45,000 students in Richmond County who have been the beneficiary of those
proceeds from the Georgia Lottery process. In terms of Hope Dollars again that includes the Hope
Grant, you have the University System of Georgia which is our four-year schools, TCSG which is
our Technical College System of Georgia. That equates to $227 million dollars that students who
are Richmond Countians have received the benefit of here in Augusta. In terms of Pre-K which
Georgia has one of the most significant Pre-K Programs in the country, we have 43,000 almost
44,000 students who have been beneficiaries of Pre-K Programs here in Richmond County to the
tune of $159 million dollars. That’s pretty phenomenal. So in terms of total dollars that have
resulted in Richmond County are ended up here, $2.1 billion dollars have shown up in our city as
a result of the Georgia Lottery process. I think that’s noteworthy information in that we don’t mind
sharing. I think it’s important for us to share those things no matter what opinion you have as it
relates to the lottery this is the impact that it’s making in our county and effecting and allowing
students who otherwise would not have gone to school to be able to go to school and I think that’s
just incredible. My final point that I want to raise is the issue of the New Savannah Bluff Lock
and Dam. There are a host of conversations going on about this issue. What I’m pleased about is
the fact that the four counties that came together Richmond, Burke, Columbia and our friends over
in North Augusta have remained steadfast in our staunch support of what we believe to be the best
option because the Corp of Engineers clearly has no idea of what it is they believe is the best option
and so this body entered into a resolution and we have continued to stand firm with regards to that.
There are continuing to be conversations about this issue on next week. We will be a part of the
Chamber, we meaning members of the Augusta Commission, will be a part of the Chamber Fly-
in to DC where we will engage our members of Congress around this issue. We will be vigilant
in our position and North Augusta will be a part of that trip along with our friends from Columbia
County as well. I want this citizens of Augusta to know that we are prepared to take the fight to
the Corp. This is not an issue where we are just simply ‘being silent’ but there’s not time for a
whole bunch of talking. There needs to be some action and unfortunately the Corp is not in a
position to be doing any active right now because they’re not certain based on the failure of the
drawdown from earlier this year. So I want all of our citizens in Augusta to know your government
is engaged in this discussion and we will engage at all levels and in the appropriate arenas. We
won’t spend a whole lot of time just out there talking but we’ll engage so that ultimately something
gets done that allows us to maintain the pool and make sure that our economic growth and
development opportunities continue to be available to us not just here in Augusta but in South
Carolina as well with all of the work that’s being done across the community. That’s all I have,
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Madam Clerk. All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 1 state your inquiry.
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Mr. Fennoy: Mr. Mayor, may I have two points of Personal Privilege?
Mr. Mayor: You may.
Mr. Fennoy: First of all I think I saw him around here a few minutes ago but to say
congratulations to Don Clarke for the recipient of the Giving your Best Award. He has done an
outstanding job in this area in working with the military population especially those that have
disabilities. And he along with former Mayor Bob Young has taken the lead on trying to get a
veterans cemetery here in Richmond County. Next I’d like to take this opportunity to say
congratulations to Terry Elam, the President of Augusta Technical College, a Paine College
graduate and also a friend of mine and tomorrow at 3:00 o’clock at Augusta Tech they’re going to
be acknowledging Terry by naming one of the buildings in his honor. And also Augusta Tech
Drive will be changed honorary changed to Terry Elam Drive so if you get a chance go by and tell
Terry congratulations and if you see Mr. Clarke tell him congratulations on his award also.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you very much, sir. All right, Madam Clerk.
The Clerk: Yes, sir.
DELEGATIONS
B. Ms. Brenda Durant, Executive Director Greater Augusta Arts Council regarding
presentation of city grant recipients.
The Clerk: I call your attention to the Delegation portion of our agenda our first delegation
will be Ms. Brenda Durant, Executive Director Greater Augusta Arts Council regarding
presentation of city grant recipients.
Ms. Durant: Thank you, Mayor, Commissioners. I’d like to introduce Ms. Pax Bobrow
who will be reading the allocations for this year and Mary Schroer who will be standing with the
Mayor to hand out the checks, Mary is the Vice President of the Greater Augusta Arts Council.
Ms. Bobrow: Thank you, Brenda. Each year the City of Augusta allocates funding to the
Greater Augusta Arts Council to distribute to the nonprofit arts community of Richmond County.
City leaders recognize the importance of public financial support to sustain a wide variety of
artistic disciplines and expressions. For fiscal year 2020 funds were reallocated in increments to
support general operating expenses up to $7,000 dollars or special projects up to $5,000 dollars.
This year’s recipients are The Augusta Chorale Society.
Mr. Mayor: Yeah, I’m coming.
Ms. Bobrow: Oh, oh I can just, you know extemporize for a bit. This year’s recipient The
Augusta Chorale Society receiving $7,000 dollars for an Art Works General Operating Funds
Grant. The representative this year is Melissa Wolfe who is the President of the Board of Directors
for The Augusta Chorale Society. The mission of The Augusta Chorale Society is to be the
sympathetic, symphonic chorus of the CSRA. Our organization provides the opportunity for
talented singers in the area to sing great chorale works and for the residents of this community to
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get to enjoy performances of great chorale literature. Next we have the Augusta Chorale receiving
$7,000 dollars for an Art Works General Operation Funds Grant represented by Dr. Phyllis
Anderson who is the Artistic Director of the Augusta Chorale. Since its beginning in 1983 the
mission of the Augusta Chorale has been to celebrate the beauty of song by presenting diverse and
challenging chorale music which inspires our members and audiences. Next we have Augusta
Concert Band receiving $2,000 dollars for an Art Challenge Project Based Funds Grant
represented by Larry Fedders their treasure. The Augusta Concert Band is a community
organization made up entirely of volunteers who give generously of their own time and talents to
provide musical entertainment throughout Augusta Richmond County at no charge. Next we have
the Augusta Players receiving a $7,000 dollars Art Works General Operating Funds Grant
represented by Scott Seidel their Executive Director. Their mission is to contribute to the social
capital of the community by developing the skills, community spirit and artistic sensibilities of
those who participate. The Augusta Players produce musical theater productions of the highest
quality providing extraordinary opportunities for aspiring artists to perform and gain proficient
training. Next we have the Augusta Symphony receiving a $5,000 dollar Arts Works General
Operating Funds Grant represented today by Gillian Stewart their Executive Development
Assistant. The mission of the Augusta Symphony is to share the joy of great musical performance
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with our community. Together we are music. Now in its 65 season Augusta Symphony is the
primary professional orchestra for Augusta’s River Region and pursues its mission through annual
symphonic pops and family concerts that reach approximately 20,000 people each year. Next we
Colton Ballet Company receiving $4,970.00 for an Art Works General Operating Funds Grant.
They are represented today by Kathy DeLoach, their Board President. The mission of the Colton
Ballet Company is to provide professional quality dance performances for the community
encouraging and enhancing a greater public awareness and appreciation for dance as an art form.
Next we have Creative Impressions receiving a $2,565 dollar Art Challenge Project Based Fund
Grant represented by their President Shaneta Newton. Organized in 1996 Creative Impressions
has developed into a chorale music ensemble of excellence which is making an impact on the lives
of those it touches. Next we have the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art receiving a $3,176 dollar
Art Works General Operating Funds Grant represented by Heather Williams, their Executive
Director. Since 1937 the guiding mission of the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art has been to
provide opportunities for visual arts education and to develop visual arts awareness and
appreciation throughout the greater Augusta community. Next up is the Imperial Theater receiving
a $5,000 dollar Art Challenge Project Based Funds Grant represented by Charles Scavullo, the
Executive Director. The mission of the Imperial Community Theater, Inc. is to preserve the
historic Imperial Theater in downtown Augusta and provide a classic venue for performing arts
groups, artists and audiences from Augusta and the surrounding area. Next we have the Jessye
Norman School of the Arts receiving a $7,000 dollar Art Works General Operating Funds Grant
represented today by Gary Dennis, their Executive Director. The Jessye Norman School of the
Arts mission is to develop students to become creative, caring, visionary, responsible citizens
through the transformative power of the arts. Next we have the Morris Museum on Art receiving
a $7,000 dollars Art Works General Operating Funds Grant represented by Kevin Grogan, their
Executive Director. The Morris Museum of Art exists for the purpose of collecting and exhibiting
the art of the American South and interpreting it in regional, national and global contexts. We
have next the Sacred Heart Cultural Center receiving a $4,829 Art Challenge Project Based Funds
Grant represented by Kim Overstreet, their Program Director. Built in 1898 Sacred Heart Cultural
Center served as a Catholic church until its last mass was held on July 1971. The facility was
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rescued from 16-years of vacancy, vandalism and near destruction and after extensive renovations
the building was reopened in 1987 as the Sacred Heart Cultural Center with a mission to preserve
and maintain the Sacred Heart building as a national register historic site and to function as a center
for cultural activities. Next we have Storyland Theater receiving a $3,850 grant for an Art Works
General Operating Funds Grant. They are to be represented today by Tiffany Bridges, their
Business Manager but I think perhaps that Ms. Bridges was unable to get here today. We’ll get
her her award and check later. Storyland Theater presents life quality theatrical productions
performed by adults for children and families especially those who otherwise might not have the
opportunity to experience the magic of theater. And last but not least we have Westabou receiving
a $5,320 Art Works General Operating Funds Grant. They are represented today, oh there you are
by Katie Kameen, the festival assistant for the organization. Westabou is a multi-arts festival
hosted annually that is dedicated to enriching the cultural fabric, economic sustainability and social
vitality of the region. Thank you all. Now we’re going to have a great picture.
DELEGATIONS
C. Rev. Victor R. Thomas, Pastor Greater Mr. Canaan Baptist Church regarding residential
development in the Sandhill Community.
The Clerk: Our next delegation Item C, Rev. Victor R. Thomas, Pastor Greater Mr. Canaan
Baptist Church regarding residential development in the Sandhill Community.
Mr. Mayor: Father Thomas, if you would also just tell us who the other Pastors are that
are representing Sandhill as well and then if you’ll just let us know your church, the name of your
church. You have five minutes, sir.
Rev. Thomas: Okay ---
Mr. Mayor: Thank you.
Rev. Thomas: --- we’ll let each Pastor (inaudible).
Mr. Mayor: Okay.
Mr. Henderson: Rev. Charles Henderson, Pastor Rock of Ages ME Church.
Mr. Copeland: Pastor Rufus Copeland of the Garden Grove Baptist Church.
Mr. Miller: George Miller, Elam Baptist Church.
Mr. Thomas: And I’m Victor Thomas, Greater Mt. Canaan Baptist Church. The purpose
that we’re here today is to relay the decision of the Sandhill Community and along with the Pastors
about the John Road Project. We were granted in August a 60-day window to go back and discuss
what the future of the Sandhill Project is and the decision of the residents and the Pastors of the
community that we’re asking for a vote that we support on the John Road Project, a single-family
dwelling. It has been stated that developers are asking for condominiums. The code in Sandhill
is for the single-family dwelling and we’re asking that this Commission board will vote on that
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today so that we can put this project to rest. And we’re not asking for a handout but we’re asking
for a hand-up. We’re not asking for you all to give us anything but to reinvest in the Sandhill
Community. We want to, once we get the support, we have scheduled, we have scheduled
meetings where we can talk about revitalizing and rebuilding affordable homes in the community.
Sandhill itself is probably one of the most exquisite undeveloped areas in Augusta. On one side
you’ve got the Country Club, on the other side you’ve got the Augusta National and on the other
side you’ve got Summerville and Augusta College on the other side you’ve got Surrey Shopping
Center, West Oak Cemetery. And work is being done all around those areas and nothing is being
done in Sandhill so we are asking Commissioners to let the code stand for single-family dwellings
and we are not in favor and I’m speaking with the support of the ministers and we have some
community members here that we are not in favor of condominiums but single-family dwelling.
Mr. Mayor: Okay all right, if you are here representing the Sandhill Community, would
you please stand.
Ms. Davis: Ms. Bonner, do you want to count (inaudible) ---
The Clerk: Maurice, do you want to count ---
Ms. Davis: --- I can help.
The Clerk: --- help you get this side McDowell get this side please.
Ms. Davis: I’ve got 29 on my side.
Mr. Mayor: Okay Dr. Thomas, one of the things I do want to point out to those of you that
are, you may be seated. We have a count. To those of you that are in the audience this is an
important matter. That is why the Pastors have brought the delegation down. That item is not on
today’s agenda and in preparation for any additional conversation going forward I think you’ve
certainly taken the first step towards that. It is not on the agenda today but it certainly informs this
body what your grave concerns are as we have that issue revisited. I just want everyone to be fully
aware of that it’s not on the agenda today in terms of the specific matter, the planning matter that
was on the agenda but rather you coming as a delegation to express your grave concern and the
posture you’d like for this body to be in, all right, thank you. All right, are there any other
comments from the Pastors?
Rev. Thomas: We’re just thankful to have the opportunity ---
Mr. Mayor: Okay.
Rev. Thomas: --- to present what we feel (unintelligible).
Mr. Mayor: All right, so don’t go anywhere. All right, the Chair recognizes the
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Commissioner from the 1.
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Mr. Fennoy: Reverend Thomas, how is the development of Sandhill moving at this
particular time?
Rev. Thomas: Well, we have had several meetings with Hawthorne and Hawthorne’s
present today Welcher and we’ll let him speak on that part of the redevelopment of Sandhill.
Mr. Fennoy: Are you okay with that, Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Mayor: Sure.
Mr. Welcher: Mr. Mayor and members of the Commission, you know as of direction how
the Community Development Department has had several conversations with the delegation,
Pastor delegation of Sandhill. Of course they are very adamant about their neighborhood from a
revitalization standpoint. HCD has shared with them what it is, what the neighborhood
transformation is, what it can be. We visually have provided that to them. We’ve also provided
would be next steps so I think you know there’s definitely support from a neighborhood
perspective and we have done everything within our willpower to sort of inform them to the best
of our ability.
Mr. Mayor: Continue.
Mr. Fennoy: Mr. Welcher, one of the things that was shared with me by members of the
Sandhill Community since I’ve been in office is that the only thing that they have had so far have
been conversation. They want to see some action done a lot like what took place on Pine Street, a
lot like what’s taken place around Twiggs Street. So what is it that you need from this Commission
in order to make that happen?
Mr. Welcher: If you follow the rules of the development you follow progressive steps.
Today of course we’re not here to talk about you know what type of bond structures and those
types things. But I think our next step if it’s the will of the body would be to go back and massage
and revitalize to revise a development plan that was created back in ’03 and ’05. That would be
your next step. Typically a development plan typically runs anywhere between $10 and $15,000
dollars so that would sort of be the next step if it’s the will of the body to answer your question.
Mr. Fennoy: Mr. Mayor ---
Mr. Mayor: You done ---
Mr. Fennoy: --- I’m done.
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Mr. Mayor: --- all right, thank you. The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 9.
Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. We realize this is not on the agenda to be voted
on today but I’ve got several calls from the Sandhill Community about people have been and I use
the word harass about selling their properties. People have been worried because people have been
knocking on their doors and writing letters and even calling trying to get them to sell their property
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in order to build I guess this project that’s been discussed today. And I’m glad that the preachers
have come down and stood in numbers along with the neighborhood to let us know that we’ve got
a community there that’s been left out for a long time and not just Sandhill now but that’s one of
them. Mr. Welcher, we talked this morning about this same similar situation how growth happens
on one side of town but doesn’t happen on the other side and that’s, my granddaddy used to say
on the other side of the railroad tracks is where I live and nothing happens over there. But people
are really sick and tired of being sick and tired. We’re trying to find a way hopefully through
Housing and Urban Development preachers that we can move forward. Now if someone owns
some land that’s a whole different process now when somebody owns their land. I heard Dr.
Thomas talked about what the code says and single-family dwellings but the least of us that have
been left out we need to be brought up to the table. We don’t need to be brought up after everything
is over with. So I’m talking to Housing and Neighborhood Development. Now if this body needs
to do something it needs to be brought to us for us to make those decisions and make those cuts if
necessary to move stuff in those directions. Dr. Thomas, you wasn’t at this meeting this morning
when we talked about East Augusta, same thing. Certain parts of the city are striving and other
parts are not doing very well. And people are watching, people are looking, people are smarter
now. These smart phones are pretty smart; they’re smarter than I am but people have gotten really
educated about what’s going on. They’re looking and they’re looking at this body as to what we’re
doing what is supposed to be done for the people in this community. I’m going to stay on it as
much as I can, Dr. Thomas. You and the other preachers ought to know that we’re going to try
and push it as much as we can. Now there’s a limit that we can if we don’t own any property. I
heard someone mention about Pine Street and how to redevelop Pine Street. I’ve got some issues
with that because we moved some folks out and brought some more folks in and they don’t look
like the folks that left there either. So we need to understand what we’re building and how we’re
building. We need to be inclusive. you might not like that but that’s the truth now and we need to
be real. We need to be real about it because people are smart now. So I say that, Mr. Mayor, that
we going to do what we can as an elected body to make sure that everybody’s fed from the same
trough. Ya’ll know what I’m talking about.
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Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 9 ---
Mr. Hasan: Sixth.
Mr. Mayor: --- the sixth.
Mr. Hasan: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor, I’d like to speak to Mr. Welcher. Mr.
Welcher, for the most part I think we as a governing body we understand some of the things that
you bring to the table to some degree to make the things happen that the pastors want to happen
in the Sandhills area. Can you, you don’t have to mention those things now but can you send us
if it amounts to five things that you need from them to be partners in this relationship, you know
it’s a relationship so can you just send that to all of us so we’ll have that. You don’t have to try
and elaborate about that today but you can also let them see it so they’ll know what you’ve sent us
that you expect from them as partners in trying to develop the Sandhill Community. Thank you,
Mr. Mayor.
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Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Is there any further discussions? All right, we appreciate you coming
out, yes, sir.
Dr. Thomas: I have one question. When will we know anything in terms of how the
Commission will be voting towards putting the, putting this to rest because ---
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Next commission meeting, Rob? Next commission meeting, sir, so
three weeks the first meeting in November.
The Clerk: Yeah the first meeting, the first Tuesday in November.
Dr. Thomas: --- great, one other question then I’ll put it to rest.
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Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: November 5.
Dr. Thomas: Why were we given the 60 days to come back?
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Rob, do you want to speak on this? Come forward.
Dr. Thomas: We were asked, you all gave us a 60-day window ---
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Right.
Dr. Thomas: --- and we did what you all asked us to do and I’m just concerned why we
have to come back if we held up our end of the deal.
Mr. Sherman: Okay, I suppose to come back in 60 days with the plan that has been
discussed in the neighborhood. The applicant is here, the zoning application like the Mayor said
is not on the agenda today. We will put it back on the agenda for the first full, first Commission
meeting in November. I believe everyone understands the, where the neighborhood is coming
from and then a decision will be made at that time.
Dr. Thomas: I’m not going to be confrontational but it’s still unfair. We brought the
community here to show our position---
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Yes, sir.
Dr. Thomas: --- you all told us to come back in 60 days. We did that and now we’ve got
to get everybody back together and do the same thing over and that’s unfair to the community.
Mr. Mayor: Dr. Thomas, so one we want to be just in all of our dealings, we fully
understand that. So this testimony that you provided it will be preserved as you well know it is
being recorded. As such we will use that information as we’re making our decision at the meeting
in November.
Dr. Thomas: Thank you.
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Mr. Mayor: The next full Commission meeting is not until October 29 ---
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The Clerk: No, November 5.
thth.
Mr. Mayor: --- November 5 I’m sorry November 5 The committee meeting will be on
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the 29 and then the full Commission meeting will be on 5 November, okay if ya’ll just pause for
a moment ---
Dr. Thomas: Can it get back on the agenda?
Mr. Mayor: --- we need to pause for a moment. All right, so let me frame this for
everybody. This is a delegation. The delegation portions of our meeting this is where you
effectively are able to come and provide public comment. This is the request of who asked to be
on the delegation. We’ve provided them their 5 minutes and quite frankly 16 minutes. We’re not
here to debate this matter. It is not on the agenda but what we will do is at that meeting provide
opportunity when that petition is placed on the agenda you can bring your delegation back or you
can chose not to but you will be heard. You will be heard if you chose to come back on 5
November, sir, and this delegation you will be heard and given the same amount of opportunity to
speak to that matter at that time. But to your point you don’t want to have to marshal everybody
and bring 39 people back next time 39 plus four. You don’t want in a nutshell to have to do that
but you’re more than it is within your right to be able to do that as a community, okay? We have
heard you and this body will take those things under consideration as we come to that meeting on
5 November okay?
Mr. Sias: Mr. Mayor, may I make one comment?
Mr. Mayor: All right, I’m going to give you a chance the Chair recognizes the
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Commissioner from the 4.
Mr. Sias: Thank you sir and to the pastors I just want to remind you all you all are objecting
to that agenda item. You’re not the applicant so therefore the process kind of works around the
applicant. You are not being i.e. jerked around. It’s just the applicant’s item is not on the agenda
at this time but you are able to present your side so it works around what the applicant is requesting,
thank you.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you. He’s not the, he is the applicant. That application is not on the
agenda, it is not on my agenda. This was a delegation’s opportunity to come and have their voices
heard and certainly he could’ve as well but I’m not going to debate this matter. This is not the day
for that. I recognized you’re here today but we’re not going to debate this matter, okay, at that
point. All right if you’ll approach, all right if you’ll state for the record just your name, who you
are, sir.
Mr. Steed: Bob Steed, Steed Realty Group. I represent the owner at 613 Johns Road and
the only thing I want to do is clarify I’ll save everything else for the meeting. But to clarify because
we’ve stated this several times that we are more than happy to build six freestanding single-family
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homes. The exception we’re asking for moves it from four to six. It’s in the books. It was
approved by the Planning Commission and we are more than happy to build six freestanding
homes, no condominiums. So I didn’t want that to be a misunderstanding that carried forward.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you very much. Madam Clerk.
The Clerk:
DELEGATIONS
D. Mr. Danny Scott regarding a proposal in association with National Apprenticeship Week
to eliminate Tire Blight and reduce illegal dumps through Green Demand Career Initiative
Partnership.
Mr. Mayor: Mr. Scott, if you would again state your address. You have five minutes, sir.
Mr. Scott: Thank you, Mayor Hardie Davis and Augusta Commission for allowing me to
speak regarding eliminating Tire Blight and reducing illegal dumps. Again my name is Danny
Scott I’m the Executive Director of Studio Farmer Incorporated a 51C3 veteran led urban
agribusiness startup that’s operated by limited resources of farmers. Studio Farmer is an Augusta
Civic Group Tire Collection Program participant, an Augusta Land Bank Authority Pilot Project
Partner and an energy assistance advocate for beneficiaries of donor support agriculture and we
are delegates for the proclamation of Georgia Permitted Tire Carriers during National
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Apprenticeship week. On April the 16 2019 the Augusta Commission approved an MOA for us
to receive a 2019 Seeds for Life Grant that requires Studio Farmers to retain or hire at least one
underserved person in the environment. Having said that we would like to announce that our
participation with the Keep Augusta Beautiful Adopt a Spot and as a civic group tire collection
program affiliate it has allowed us to identify an industry occupation that is most feasible solution
to help eliminate tire blight, reduce illegal dumps, decrease the city budget and expand our donor
knowledge of benefits for properly disposed tires. Basically what I would like to ask is that on
behalf on National Apprenticeship Week and as a permitted tire carrier we’re asking that the
Augusta Commission to recognize the value of apprenticeships by submitting a proclamation to
appear on National Apprenticeship Week and to interact with that and allow us to change or adopt
a spot name to promote industry awareness and the expense and the demand of clean career
initiatives. This is my first agenda meeting so I’m not familiar with the protocol to even try to
make that happen. I just knew I could submit for the agenda to come ask you guys in regards to
Apprenticeship Week.
Mr. Mayor: You’re doing mighty fine.
Mr. Scott: (Unintelligible).
Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair will entertain any kind of questions or comments of our
presenter.
Mr. M. Williams: I’d like to know just a little bit more about if he can enlighten me just a
little bit more about what your group is doing and how successful it’s been.
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Mr. Scott: Right now what we’re doing we’re helping the landfill, Solid Waste
Department, reduce, address the tire blight situation especially with illegal dumps. When we first
started with the program I think we just had started Seeds for Life Grant around the time. We
identified an occupation that could be supported by Apprenticeship Week that will help create
jobs. See one of the things it’s for, in the memorandum the MOA it states that well we’re required
to create at least one occupation. The Civic Group Tire Collection Program that the landfill has
has been basically kind of helped allow us to do that. I am meeting with the director, the new
director of the landfill tomorrow in regards to how we can move forward with this program to
make it more beneficial for the community.
Mr. M. Williams: Mr. Mayor, if I can I mean I get that point. My point is there’s a lot of
illegal dumping of tires around the CSRA for sure. I can name you four or five places where tires
are still sitting now. But my point is I need to know how your organization is doing that I guess
moving those to a better place, am I making sense to you what I’m trying?
Mr. Scott: Yeah, we basically actually people may be actually doing the illegal dumping
are recognizing that what we’re how we’re helping the community they may say hey look, yeah
people there’s one stipulation that does even allow us to deal with tire shops because they’re most
likely the ones some of the ones doing illegal dumping. But from our efforts, what we have been
doing we have gotten a lot of feedback from those particular entities of how they can participate
with the project of even getting tires to an end use cycle, another beneficial use. So just by having
those discussions I think we are able to help just reduce the problem all together and also address
the MOA the Memorandum of Agreement for my Seeds of Life Grant of actually establishing an
occupation of (unintelligible) farming. We have had several individuals in off Olive Road in the
community that’s approved work with us you know so one of the biggest problems about who does
it is that people don’t even have opportunities or any way of just engaging in the community to
create social economic activities or anything like that. So I see this as one way of getting people
to basically understand that how keeping their community clean ain’t just about, basically just
volunteering. People want to see, they want to be more you know involved in it and the tire dealers
now they’re looking at it and say hey look if this guy’s creating an Occupational Apprenticeship
that’s going to basically help us or keep us from having to illegally dump tires, with us being a
nonprofit we have a program now where people can donate the tires and that way we can also give
them like a receipt on the fair market value of tires. So we have different incentives in place that
could definitely address this issue but what we’re asking for from the Commission is to help us
recognize National Apprenticeship Week in November. There’s a week in November that there
will be celebrating National Apprenticeship Week and the occupational recycling and reclamation
work is something that we’re going to be kind of celebrating during that week. The adopt a spot
name right now when I first got when we first got it done kind of doesn’t reflect what we’re doing
right now and I’d like to adopt a spot to kind of reflect that, that too.
Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you. Okay, Mr. Scott, thank you for coming and sharing with us.
Madam Clerk, I think what I’ve heard him ask for today is a proclamation from the Commission -
--
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The Clerk: Yes, sir.
Mr. Mayor: Okay all right, very well all right, thank you.
Mr. Scott: Thank you again, Commission.
The Clerk: I call your attention to our Consent Agenda which consists of Items 1 through
21, Items 1 through 21. For the benefit of any objectors to our Zoning petitions would you please
signify your objection by raising your hand once the petition is read. I call your attention to:
Item 2: Is a request for concurrence of approval requesting a change of zoning from a Zone
A (Agriculture) to a Zone R-1C (One-family Residential) affecting property known as 2395
Gordon Highway.
Item 3: Is a request for a Special Exception to establish as Family Personal Care Home on
property known as 2503 W. Kensington Drive.
Item 4: Is a request for concurrence to approve a petition for a Special Exception to
establish an Inert Fill Area and Construction and Demolition Landfill at property known as 1710
Dixon Airline Road.
Item 5: Is a request for approval with conditions a request for a change of zoning from a
Zone R-1C (One-family Residential) to a Zone B-1 (Neighborhood Business) affecting property
known as 622 Crawford Avenue.
Mr. Mayor: Hold on. We’re going to let Ms. Bonner finish the roll and then we’ll come
back and I will get the petitioners who are for or against a particular item, okay? Madam Clerk.
The Clerk:
Item 6: Is a request for a change of zoning from a Zone A (Agriculture) to a zone R-3B
(Multiple-Family Residential) affecting property known as 1304 Flowing Wells Road.
Item 7: Is a request for a change of zoning from a Zone B-1 (Neighborhood Business) and
R-3C (Multiple-family Residential) to a Zone B-1 (Neighborhood Business) affecting property
known as 1710 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
The Clerk: So do we have objectors to Item number 2? Are there objectors to Item number
3? Are there any objectors to Item number 4? Number 5, okay we need a count.
Ms. Davis: I’ll count them, 24.
The Clerk: 24, thank you.
Mr. Sias: That’s the one that the petitioner requested to be deleted, correct?
Mr. Mayor: That’s removed. The addendum item does not apply.
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The Clerk: Are there any objectors to Item number 6? Number 7? Number 8? Okay, Mr.
Mayor, members of the Commission, our Consent Agenda consists of Items 1 through 21 with
objectors to our Zoning Petition Item number 5.
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The Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 5.
Mr. B. Williams: I’d like to pull Number 5.
Mr. Mayor: All right, pulling Number 5 the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the
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4.
Mr. Sias: I’d like to pull Item 3 and 11.
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Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 9.
Mr. M. Williams: Mr. Mayor, I’d like to pull Item Number 4 please.
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Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 3.
Ms. Davis: Mr. Mayor, I just have a couple of quick clarifications on 6 please.
Mr. Mayor: All right, so we’re pulling Item Number 6. All right, thought I saw another
hand.
Ms. Davis: I think we’re good.
Mr. Mayor: Okay all right, Madam Clerk ---
The Clerk: Sir ---
Mr. Mayor: --- I think I’d like to pull Items 1 through 21.
The Clerk: --- you’re pulling Items 1 through 21?
Mr. Mayor: Yes, I’m just kidding, just kidding.
Ms. Davis: I want to make a motion.
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Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 3 for a motion.
Ms. Davis: I make a motion to approve.
Mr. Hasan: Second.
CONSENT AGENDA
PLANNING
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1. FINAL PLAT – MAYO PLACE TOWNHOMES – S-899 – A request for concurrence
with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to approve a petition by Southern Partners,
on behalf of Porter Fleming, to approve the final plat for Mayo Place Townhomes. This
residential development is located on Elizabeth Court and contains 4 lots. Tax Map 006-0-
010-00-0. (Project under performance bond) DISTRICT 7
2. Z-19-39 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to
approve a petition by Crowell & Co., Inc. on behalf of 0890967 B. C. Ltd., requesting a
change of zoning from Zone A (Agriculture) to Zone R-1C (One-family Residential) affecting
property containing approximately 13.10 acres and known as 2395 Gordon Highway. Tax
Map 067-0-001-00-0. DISTRICT 3
7. Z-19-47 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to
approve with the conditions below a petition by Trotter General LLC, on behalf of Melvin
Barton Properties, requesting a change of zoning from Zone B-1 (Neighborhood Business)
and R-3C (Multiple-family Residential) to Zone B-1 (Neighborhood Business) affecting
property containing 2.26 acres and known as 1710 M.L. King Jr. Boulevard. Tax Map 059-
3-329-00-0 DISTRICT 1 1. This approval is to construct approximately 7,500 sq. ft. building
with accompanying 30 parking spaces and will substantially comply with the proposed plan.
2. This project shall comply with all development standards and regulations set forth by the
City of Augusta, GA.
8. ZA-R-257 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission
to approve a petition to amend the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for Augusta Georgia
by amending Section 2 – Definitions to remove the “no restaurant component” from the
definition of Micro Brewery, Nano Brewery, Nano Distillery, Pico Brewery and Pico
Distillery.
PUBLIC SERVICES
9. Motion to approve the Change Order #1 to the contract with Southeast Site Services for
Electrical Vault Building Original Bid #18-244A in the amount of $154,234.70. (Approved
by Public Services Committee October 8, 2019)
10. Motion to approve a Resolution in support of a State Veterans Cemetery. (Approved by
Public Services Committee October 8, 2019)
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
12. Motion to approve Housing and Community Development Department’s (HCD’s)
request to provide funding to assist one (1) low to moderate-income homebuyer with down-
payment assistance to purchase a home in the Laney Walker Bethlehem Revitalization areas.
(Approved by Administrative Services Committee October 8, 2019)
13. Motion to approve replacing Commission’s gas allowance with a $500.00 dollar a month
car allowance. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee October 8, 2019)
14. Motion to approve recommendations from the Administrative Policies and Procedures
Sub-Committee regarding the revised Severance Policy. (Approved by Administrative
Services Committee October 8, 2019)
FINANCE
15. Motion to approve asking for a waiver from the fee adjustment in 2019 and adjust the
fees in 2020 with the budget calendar. (Approved by Finance Committee October 8, 2019)
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16. Motion to authorize the preparation of the necessary resolution and documentation in
order to issue water and sewerage revenue bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to
exceed $21,000,000 (the “Proposed Bonds”) in connection with capital projects supporting
the expansion of the Fort Gordon water and sewerage system as described on Exhibit A; to
authorize Augusta’s financial advisor, Davenport & Company LLC, to prepare and
distribute a solicitation for proposals to all financial institutions the financial advisor deems
to have an interest; and to bring back to the Commission such resolution and documentation
along with a recommendation as to which proposal to accept for final approval. (Approved
by Finance Committee October 8, 2019)
ENGINEERING SERVICES
17. Motion to approve award of Bid Item #19-277 to Legacy Water Group, LLC. to construct
the Fort Gordon Cross Basin Lift Station and Force Main under the Task Order Program
RFQ #18-263 in the amount of $3,086,045.00. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee
October 8, 2019)
18. Motion to determine that Merrimac Avenue North of Old Ironsides Boulevard, as shown
on the attached map has ceased to be used by the public to the extent that no substantial
public purpose is served by it or that it removal from the county road system is otherwise in
the best public inters, and to receive as information the results of the public hearing held
regarding the issue of abandonment pursuant to O.C.G.A. §32-7-2, with the abandoned
property to be quit-claimed to the appropriate party(ies), as provided by law and an
easement to be retained over the entire abandoned portion for existing or future utilities as
directed by Augusta Engineering Department and Augusta Utilities Department and adopt
the attached Resolution. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee October 8, 2019)
19. Motion to approve the installation of 22 street lights in the Haynes Station Phase 10
development with an annual cost of $6,951.12. Also approve the creation of a new lighting
tax district for the 56 lots within Phase 10. Funding is available in Street Lighting budget
account #2760416105312310. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee October 8,
2019)
PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
20. Motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the Augusta Commission held
on October 1, 2019 and Special Called Meeting held October 8, 2019.
APPOINTMENT(S)
21. Motion to approve the appointment of Mr. Quincy Jordon to the Housing & Community
Development Citizens Advisory Board representing District 4.
The Clerk: Who was that seconding? Mr. Hasan, thank you. Ms. Davis and Mr. Hasan.
Mr. Mayor: All right, we’re ready, Madam Clerk, voting.
The Clerk: Okay, can we get a show of hands, sir? Our voting machine is, Mr. Clarke yes,
Mr. Hasan yes, Mr. Dennis Williams yes, Ms. Mary Davis, Commissioner Marion Williams,
Mayor Pro Tem Frantom, Mr. Fennoy, Mr. Sias and Mr. Bobby Williams and Mr. Garrett out,
thank you.
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Mr. Garrett out.
Motion Passes 9-0. \[Items 1, 2, 7-10, 12-21\]
Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk, I’m going to Number 5.
The Clerk:
PLANNING
5. Z-19-45 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to
approve with the conditions below a petition by John P. Hitchcock requesting a change of
zoning from a Zone R-1C (One-family Residential) to Zone B-1 (Neighborhood Business)
affecting property containing 0.18 acres and known as 622 Crawford Avenue. Tax Map 035-
4-081-00-0 DISTRICT 1. Should the market cease to operate the property shall revert to the
current R-1C zone and uses. 2. The structure must comply with all applicable building codes.
3. The site must comply with all applicable site plan regulations.
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Mr. Mayor: All right, Madam Clerk, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 5.
Mr. B. Williams: Yes, sir. 622 Crawford Avenue is a place where you have a constituent
trying to establish a commercial business in the neighborhood. And it is right across from Bethel
AME Church and they are here today because they object to the rezoning so I believe we have the
Pastor who will speak to it.
Mr. Mayor: All right, very fine, Pastor from Bethel.
Pastor: Thank you, Mayor and the council it’s my privilege to be here. I simply rise on
behalf of all the members of Bethel AME Church to request that we remain as a residential one-
family unit. We believe that changing the zoning in this particular area would adversely affect the
properties and also the institutions such as churches surrounding it. And for the betterment of the
community we will look forward to remaining as a residential area to do more work.
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Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 1.
Mr. Fennoy: Motion to deny.
Mr. B. Williams: Second.
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Mr. Mayor: We’ve got a motion from the Commissioner from the 1 to deny and a second,
voting.
Motion Passes 10-0.
The Clerk: Where are we headed, sir?
Mr. Mayor: Well, I just want to make sure we get the right caption on this one.
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The Clerk: Oh, it was Number 5.
Mr. Mayor: It was? What had happened was
Mr. Speaker: It stated Number 1 but we know it was for Number 5.
Mr. Mayor: --- okay. All right, the Commissioner from the 8th out. He was here okay I
think they call that a sneak attack he snuck in.
Mr. B. Williams: I think they’re waiting on the results, Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: No, we know what they are. It was unanimous.
The Clerk: The record will reflect that there was a unanimous vote to deny Item Number
5, sir.
Pastor: Mayor and Council if I will we want to thank the Mayor and the Council for their
cooperation and we look forward to working with all of you in the future to build a better Augusta.
Thank you.
Mr. Mayor: Thank you. All right, Madam Clerk, we’re going to go to Number 4.
The Clerk:
PLANNING
4. Z-19-43 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to
approve with the conditions below a petition by Kirk S. Laney, on behalf of Dixon Airline
Recycling & Disposal LLC, requesting a Special Exception to establish an Inert Fill Area
and a Construction and Demolition Landfill per Section 24-2-18 and of the Comprehensive
Zoning Ordinance for Augusta, Georgia and amend conditions from Z-18-31 affecting
property containing approximately 52 acres of the total 150.76 acres and known as part of
1710 Dixon Airline Road. Part of Tax Map 145-0-033-00-0 DISTRICT 6 1. Approval be
granted for a Construction and Demolition Landfill and an Inert Landfill on approximately
51.9 acres of land designated as “Proposed C&D-Inert Landfill with C&D-Inert Waste
Recycling” as delineated on the Conceptual Site Plan submitted with the Special Exception
application and which is located entirely east of the power transmission lines and easement
and which is also currently zoned HI (Heavy Industrial). Those areas previously zoned by
Special Exception (Z-18-31) in 2018-approximately 3.16 acre area for recycling of concrete
product, and approximately 2.99 acre area for the recycling of asphalt product and an
approximately 3.34 acre for the recycling of land clearing wood debris product for a total of
9.5 acres for recycling;, 2. An inspection by the City of Augusta and an inspection by the
Georgia EPD must be conducted on the overall site and any deficiencies found on the subject
property must be corrected or remedied prior to a business license being issued by the City
of Augusta for any and all operations on the site;, 3. The cemetery on the property needs to
be clearly delineated on any and all site plans, plats or depictions of the site, the required
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cemetery buffer needs to be verified, and the cemetery and the require buffer need to be
adequately fenced to prevent encroachment by any of the inert fill and construction and
demolition fill and/or inert landfill or construction and demolition landfill activities and
operations, should the cemetery be located in any of, or close by to any of, these areas; 4. A
200’ buffer similar to the one shown on the Conceptual Site Plan submitted with the Special
Exception application must be enforced between the proposed inert landfill and
Construction and Demolition landfill operations and the existing residential structures and
also be enforced against the existing exterior boundaries of the subject property. In no case,
shall an undisturbed buffer be reduced below 200 feet in width against the adjoining
residential lots. 5. An annual inspection, as part of the annual business license renewal, shall
be conducted by Augusta Code Enforcement inspectors to ensure compliance with all
provisions of this zoning action and the previous zoning action for recycling (Z-18-31). 7.
Should the inert landfill and Construction and Demolition Landfill activities and operations
on the site cease, change in scope of work, or change in size a new Special Exception will have
to be applied for prior to start of any future operation (other than the areas previously
approved by Special Exception, in the specified areas, as part of Z-18-31 within this area. 8.
The owner must maintain the proper permitting from EPD and DNR for any and all
activities and operations on the subject property, including the 9.5 acres approved under
Special Exception (Z-18-31) for the recycling areas. 9. The Site Plan for the Construction
and Demolition Landfill and Inert Landfill must comply with all local, State and Federal
laws, ordinances and regulations in effect at the time of development. 10. All Construction
and Demolition Landfill and Inert Landfill activities and operations must be performed
during the normal business hours of 6:00 am to 5:00 pm. 11. A Business License will be
required prior to the start of any Construction and Demolition Landfill and Inert Landfill
activities and operations. Permitting by the State for Construction and Demolition Landfill
and Inert Landfill activities and operations will be required prior to the issuance of a
Business License.
Mr. Mayor: All right, Rob, if you’ll approach. The Chair recognizes the, well no not Rob
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yeah maybe, maybe not yeah, all right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 9.
Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor ---
Mr. Mayor: Yes, sir.
Mr. M. Williams: --- Rob is standing there but I’ve got some information here. This is
something that’s been back and forth on this dais for quite some time been through Planning and
Zoning, been pulled off of Planning and Zoning and come back. There’s been violations back in
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June I think June the 24 2019 there was a letter from EPD and EPA about some of the violations
and some things that’ve happening there. So I asked the Clerk to pull those minutes and I want
her to read as she passes those out to read those violations. And, Rob, you tell me how from June
to today that those violations have been cleared. There was a letter that was sent out by our own
staff stating some facts that the Commission did not approve, that we had no knowledge of and
I’m just amazed at how this thing keeps coming back over and over and over again. So, Mr.
Mayor, if the Clerk will just read those violations for me I would appreciate it.
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Mr. Mayor: Okay let’s let everybody get what you’ve got right here, all right, Madam
Clerk.
The Clerk: These letters from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources,
Environmental Protection Division to Mr. Wright McLeod regarding Dixon Airline Road
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Recycling and Disposal LLC. On June 13 2019 an Environmental Protection Division
representative met with the Dixon Airline Recycling and Disposal representative at the subject
property to determine of the consent order were met. After the site visit the division representative
conducted a final review and determined that the company remains out of compliance. This letter
will summarize the continued flagrant and willful violations below: 1. Overall documentation law
confirms the amount of concrete materials removed is 4,864 tons originally boring depth of a slurry
by the CSRA testing and engineering in a pit estimated that approximately 9,375 tons were on the
property.
Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk, all right, you don’t have to read it all ---
The Clerk: Okay.
Mr. Mayor: --- I think now that we have copies in front of us, all right, Commissioner.
Mr. M. Williams: I guess my question, Mr. Mayor, from this violation it proves where
some material was carried out on 1750 Hephzibah/McBean Road and buried there. I’m appalled
at how this keeps coming back. It came back through Planning. I spoke on it at that issue, have no
vote in Planning I just sit on that board. But I just think that we will be making a grave mistake
being that close to the airport we got our own landfill facility where we’ve been told how much
more garbage we need. We say we only have one truck out there. We don’t have the funds to buy
the equipment. How can we give any business away to somebody else if we’re not producing what
we need to produce? So it’s a lot of confusion here I’m sure but I think we need to look at this
very carefully. I think the Administrator and somebody else needs to go back and research this and
make sure that we’re dotting all our ‘I’s’ and crossing all our ‘T’s’. I cannot understand from June
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the 24 until now to this day that we’re supposed to believe that all this has been resolved. Now
I didn’t know until I got into the research there was state and local EPD and EPA. The state is the
one I’m really concerned about the infraction. So I think we need to look at this very, very carefully
before we make the wrong decision in my mind. Trying to place it this stuff has been adamant.
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Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 6.
Mr. Hasan: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor, my concern here is the letter that we see
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in the back that’s dated June the 18 2019 where it was written to Mr. McLeod and it says some
very troubling things for me. It says, I’m going to read a couple of these bullet points making my
bullet points. Historically Augusta believes that a competing C&D Landfill would have a
significant function impact on Augusta’s Solid Waste Program however the news/updated data
does not support such assertion. The new waste carriers that shows the Deans Bridge Road
Landfill only receives 5% C&D material. This amounts the C&D does not create a significant
financial risk to Augusta because. Then it goes on Augusta has seen a significant increase, yes,
sir.
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Mr. Mayor: (Inaudible) one second, can you tell us where you’re at right now?
Mr. Hasan: If you look in your book behind the Item 4 when you look in the book behind
the plans and stuff, the plan.
Mr. Sias: (Unintelligible) paper where you passed out.
Mr. Hasan: Sir?
Mr. Sias: (Unintelligible).
Mr. Hasan: Okay, do you see it, Mr. Mayor? Okay, it also says most of the C&D material
received by Augusta controlled by Augusta and directed by Deans Bridge Landfill via contractor
or other means. Then it says recently the Deans Bridge Road Landfill has seen an increase in
tonnage due to the changes in the recycling market with the devaluation of the recycling market
less material being recycled increasing the amount of waste received by Augusta thus lowering
overall percentage of function impact of C&D materials. Let me just stop there, Mr. Mayor. My
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first thing is this particular letter here was sent out by Ms. Becky on the 18 and prior to that
(unintelligible) letter of consistency because of the one sent out by Ms. Videtto before she left.
And the challenge for me, Mr. Mayor, number one, I don’t know where we have a new free market
system. I’m not aware that we have approved this process to move forward and for a director to
write a letter of support of this magnitude but it never come before the Commission especially
when they have previously opposed this and they approve it going out the door. When you talk
about there’s going to be no financial impact to Augusta, let me read that part then I’ll come back
to that. It is furthermore that Augusta moving into a free market system Augusta general forum
will see an overall benefit economic benefit through taxation, license fees, ad valorem tax sales,
tax property, property taxes and consider other revenue generating methods. Mr. Mayor, I don’t
see anything that supports that assertion and this is why I concur with my colleague Commissioner
Williams. And I will say for the record, Commissioner Williams, in terms of the consent order we
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do have a consent order here that’s August the 29 it gives some credence that Mr. McLeod to
clean those things up those matters up I do need to say that for the record. But all these other
things here, Mr. Mayor, I think our Administrator, our Law Department and our Planning &
Zoning need to look at this because this is asserting that they will have no financial impact on our
landfill and I don’t think anybody should make those kinds of decisions going out the door when
they’re previously on the record of June/July of last year was against it themselves but going out
the door they make this assertion and Ms. Becky who was the interim prior to the gentleman
coming on board she follows up with the letter of consistency that concerns me and the
Commission never authorized any of these things.
Mr. Mayor: All right, Commissioner ---
Mr. Hasan: So my motion will be to send this back to the Administrator to look at it
with the Law Department and Planning and Zoning and try to find out the overall financial
impact if any on our Landfill.
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Mr. Mayor: --- all right, that’s your motion.
Mr. M. Williams: Second.
Mr. Mayor: All right, I’ve got a second. All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner
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from the 4All right, he waives. The Chair recognizes the Mayor Pro Tem.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: Can we get some of these answers because I’m ready to make a
substitute motion.
Mr. Hasan: You can’t make an answer today because these are (unintelligible) you can’t
get that answer today, Commissioner. First let them look into it.
Mr. Mayor: All right, so I’ve got a motion and a second. There’s unreadiness. All right -
--
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: I make a substitute to approve.
Mr. Garrett: Second.
Mr. M. Williams: Point of Order, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: --- all right, state your inquiry.
Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, sir. If these violations were, had happened when there was
no license involved how can we control, how do we know that these violations will not reoccur?
Tell me what’s been changed to make this event done the way it should be done versus just doing
what was, been taken place. Here it is now 1750 Hephzibah/McBean Road. There was some
illegal dumping materials moved then so it’s too much of a coincidence to be a coincidence now.
I’m not opposed to any business. We’ve been told by directors, I called the new director who had
not much input because he you know he just got here. But from the letter that was, came out of
our Landfill opposing and as they go out the door the wording changed but we didn’t approve that.
That didn’t come from this body.
Mr. Mayor: All right, so let’s do this. You had a Point of Order and what you’ve done for
us is kind of expressed further concern further establishing unreadiness. Why don’t we do this.
Now our main motion is to simply refer this back to committee to have them find out those answers
as it relates to impact. We have a substitute that says let’s just approve it without getting that
information without ascertaining what the impact is.
Mr. Mayor Pro Tem: I think Mr. Troutman will come to speak (unintelligible).
Mr. Mayor: Okay, so then I’m okay with him coming to speak if we want to have
somebody else speak on this but again I just want to state our posture right now, okay? All right,
no, you stay right here, Dan. Okay, now I think what you can ascertain or at least speak to is the
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issue of the business model. What I heard specifically from the Commissioner from the 6 was
23
wanting our staff to answer for us the overall impact as it relates to our Landfill and what that
looks like. Are you prepared to answer that today? Okay, speak into the microphone, sir.
Mr. Troutman: I’m not prepared to answer that today.
Mr. Mayor: All right very well, okay.
Mr. Troutman: Thank you, Mr. Mayor and Commissioners. Let me first say that the
consent order that you are referring to in the first inspection revolved around the Department of
Transportation doing a site inspection. And first off, I’m with Alternative Construction
Environmental Solutions. We’ve been a consultant to Mr. Laney since he, before he acquired the
property. And they took grindings from the interstate project with a DOT approval letter and
placed them on the site out there. EPD changed regulations at some point in ’18 that no longer
allowed that process. We happen to be the first site for them to come back out and look at. They
have since required DOT to change their procedure. The reference you make to that inspection
that the material was buried on another site is inaccurate. It was hauled to a site that showed a
different address. The consent order had three addresses that material could go to. It was the same
property just it’s in rural Richmond County and the addresses didn’t line up. It was the same
property. Their subsequent inspection approved that. Their subsequent inspection approved that
all the materials were spread properly. The subject inspection approved that it was all removed
from the depositing area and that all testing and all work that was required by the consent order
was completed by Mr. Laney and his staff. So the yes, they came out and did an interim inspection
at my request. We were supposed to be done earlier and if ya’ll remember we had the rainiest
spring we’ve had in a long time and it had to dry out to be moved and we had to extend the date
and we asked them to come out and take a look and the lady that came out, Ms. Adrienne Tabor,
issued that report saying no I don’t think you’re done. We had a meeting within two days of that
event of receiving that letter and put about two-thirds of that to bed that being the address being
the biggest thing because they did think we had hauled it to a place we weren’t permitted to. And
we didn’t move any of it. It stayed there. It was fine. It was just an address error. The property
was still the same property that it was supposed to be spread on for agricultural purposes. This is
effectively lime. It doesn’t have the same value as agricultural lime because it’s a larger particle
size but it is used for lime and it was spread on fields to be used for fertilizer.
Mr. M. Williams: Mr. Mayor?
Mr. Speaker: And if I could also speak ---
Mr. Mayor: I’m sorry, if you could state ---
Mr. Troutman: --- oh, I’m sorry, my name is Dan Troutman. I live at 1339 Wingfield Street
and am an employee of Alternative Construction and Environmental Solutions in Augusta Georgia,
I’m sorry. The Landfill question, there was a reference to us receiving a letter rejecting this from
the landfill. We have never received that. As part of the State DOT state Environmental Protection
Division requirements to permit a C&D or inert landfill you are required to go to the local landfill
and make sure that it is in line with their waste plan. That was requested of them. At no time has
this been thought to be a financial burden. Less than 2% of all of your waste is C&D as the letter
24
points out. You’ve even reduced your price on that. The majority of your C&D material is material
you spec that has to go in there from the demolition of the blight houses in Augusta. Nobody takes
C&D to a Subtitled D Landfill because it’s more expensive. There are C&D landfills and inert
landfills that are less expensive and they haul it to the closest one and that’s where the business
model is.
Mr. Hasan: Mr. Mayor, let me respond to that.
Mr. Mayor: Hold on, hold on. Okay, I’ve got a motion and a second but I’ve got a
substitute motion that’s been provided to us the substitute and a proper second to the substitute.
Let’s try to dispose of these two things, one for the substitute or if it doesn’t get sufficient support,
okay? All right, the matter we’re voting on right now is the substitute which was to approve the
request for Item 4, all right, and then we’ll come back. All right, voting.
Ms. Davis, Mr. Frantom, Mr. Garrett and Mr. Clarke vote Yes.
Mr. Fennoy, Mr. D. Williams, Mr. Sias, Mr. B. Williams, Mr. Hasan and Mr. M. Williams vote
No.
Motion Fails 4-6.
Mr. M. Williams: Mr. Mayor, I’ve got one more point. This letter states that they’re just
summarizing what have continually flagrant and willful violations with this stuff. That tells me
something. I don’t know what it would tell somebody else now but if they wrote that on the EPD
letter here.
Mr. Mayor: All right, so let’s do this. Let’s go ahead and vote on the main motion. The
main motion was to refer this back to committee and get the information ---
The Clerk: To the Administrator.
Mr. M. Williams: To the Administrator.
The Clerk: To the Administrator, the Attorney working with Environmental Services
Department to determine financial ---
Mr. Mayor: Impact.
The Clerk: --- impact on the Augusta Environmental Services Department.
Mr. Hasan: Planning, Ms. Bonner.
Mr. Mayor: Voting.
The Clerk: Planning? Okay, Planning Department.
Mr. Mayor: Voting.
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Mr. Clarke votes No.
Motion Passes 9-1.
Mr. Mayor: All right, thanks, Dan.
Mr. Troutman: Am I allowed to ask a question?
Mr. Mayor: Well, they’re going to follow back up with you and your team.
Mr. Troutman: Okay that’s it so we’ll hear back from?
Mr. Mayor: From the Administrator’s Office or Planning. Okay, thank you. All right,
Number 3.
The Clerk: No, he just referred it back to ya’ll (inaudible).
Mr. Mayor: The Administrator working in partnership the Attorney. The question before
us is around financial impact as you come out of the Administrator’s Office.
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Mr. Troutman: That would be at the November 5 meeting.
Mr. Mayor: That’s correct. We’re on number 3 and then we’ll just go top to bottom
Madam Clerk.
The Clerk:
PLANNING
3. Z-19-42 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to
approve with the conditions below a petition by Nadine R. Pulling requesting a Special
Exception to establish a Family Personal Care Home up to 6 residents per Section 26-1(H)
of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for Augusta, Georgia affecting property containing
0.26 on property known as 2503 W. Kensington Drive. Tax Map 107-0-265-00-0 DISTRICT
5 1. The home shall be staffed on a 7-day, 24-hour basis. 2. The home shall be limited to 4
residents total with staff coming in shifts. Any live-in staff will be counted towards the
maximum occupancy of 4 residents. 3. Any changes in the definition of the use, nature of the
clientele or increase in numbers of occupants shall require another Special Exception. 4. The
applicant must receive and maintain a City of Augusta business license and a license with
the State of Georgia. Proof of compliance with the minimum requirements of Chapter 111.8-
62.01 of the O.C.G.A. must be provided, and the applicant must provide annual fire
department inspection reports. 5. All requirements must be met within six (6) months of
approval of the Special Exception, or the Special Exception is void. 6. If wheelchair bound
persons reside in the residence all 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design requirements
must be met, including but not limited to: • All doorways must be at least 3 feet wide. • At
least one bathroom that permits a wheelchair dependent person to use all bathroom facilities
unimpeded.
26
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Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 4.
Mr. Sias: Thank you, sir. I have a couple of questions I want to ask Mr. Sherman reference
this item. You know I’m not particularly a fan of these businesses that move into the
neighborhoods but the one thing, Mr. Sherman, on this particular agenda item (unintelligible) there
is at least six major objectors that have to be met by this applicant. My concern is number one the
timeframe that’s given for them. They’ll be from my personal opinion they’ll be operating long
before they fix all those things. So here’s what I’d like to ask you. What is the process that
Planning has to verify all these things are done and insure that they’re not having residents or
anything until all that is done? That’s my question.
Mr. Sherman: Okay, if I can start off with saying that it’s currently being used as a Personal
Care Home 3 which is not required to come before you for approval. It’s allowed by just getting
an SUP. So the owner has three clients there now. She’s asked for the Family Personal Care
Home which allows up to six. She only wants four so she will have to be in compliance. The
property has been inspected, it meets the square footage requirements, the bedroom requirements
for having four people there and then everything else (unintelligible).
Mr. Sias: You have six things in here that says need to be approved, need to meet comply
with prior to approval.
Mr. Sherman: Well the and these are the things that she’s already in compliance with and
these are generally what we put on all the personal care homes requirements that it be staffed 7-
days a week 24-hours a day, the home should be limited to four residents. That’s what she’s asking
for. Any changes in the definition of use means she has to come back. The applicant must receive
and maintain City of Augusta business license. She has one currently and comply with the state
requirements. She’ll have to have it inspected by the state and everything has to be met within 6
months but in this case everything’s (inaudible).
Mr. M. Williams: And if my colleague’s got any other questions can I get ---
Mr. Sias: I wasn’t finished.
Mr. M. Williams: --- okay, I thought you was finished. You were looking around like you
were surprised at who’s in a leadership position.
Mr. Sias: No, somebody was trying to tell me something.
Mr. M. Williams: Okay.
Mr. Sias: Okay, Mr. Sherman, so what you’re saying is all these things that you put on
here these conditions have already been met?
Mr. Sherman: Yes.
27
Mr. Sias: But then answer me a question. Why is the statement all requirements must be
met in six months of approval of the Special Exemption?
Mr. Sherman: Yeah, so that’s a statement we provide in the zoning ordinance when
someone applies for a Special Exception all of the activities have to begin within six months. If it
ceases to be used that way for one year then it loses its, that Special Exception status. This is just
a stamp we put on it saying just remember these are the requirements.
Mr. Sias: All right, I move to approve.
Ms. Davis: Second.
Mr. M. Williams: Commissioner Bobby Williams (inaudible).
Mr. B. Williams: That’s good, I was going to do that.
Mr. Hasan: I have a question.
Mr. M. Williams: Commissioner Hasan.
Mr. Hasan: Mr. Sherman, you said she’s up to six clients that can receive.
Mr. Sherman: For a Family Personal Care Home by the ordinance you’re allowed up to
six provided you have the space, etc. She’s only going to four.
Mr. Hasan: But does she have space for six or you have, but (unintelligible) at this point.
Mr. Sherman: She only has space for four. She’s got three ---
Mr. Hasan: Okay ---
Mr. Sherman: --- she’s only going for one more.
Mr. Hasan: --- okay, thank you.
Mr. M. Williams: We’ve got a motion and a second. All those in favor let it be known by
the normal sign of voting.
Mr. B. Williams: Do you want us to press the button?
Mr. M. Williams: Wave your hand, it don’t make no difference.
Mr. Clarke and Mr. Frantom out.
Motion Passes 8-0.
Mr. M. Williams: Next item, Madam Clerk.
28
The Clerk:
PLANNING
6. Z-19-46 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to
approve with the conditions below a petition by Cranston Engineering Group, on behalf of
MEM Real Estate LLC, requesting a change of zoning from Zone A (Agriculture) to Zone
R-3B (Multiple-family Residential) affecting property containing approximately 27.4 acres
and known as 1304 Flowing Wells Road. Tax Map 029-0-045-00-0 DISTRICT 3 1. If this
project does not materialize within one year from approval, the tract of land will revert back
to Agriculture zoning. 2. This approval is for no more than 462 (17 units/acre) Acres, no less
than 762 parking spaces, three (3) stories and shall substantially comply with the submitted
plan. 3. This project shall comply with all development standards and regulations set forth
by the City of Augusts, GA.
Mr. M. Williams: Commissioner Davis.
Ms. Davis: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Sherman, I just wanted to get some reassurance
about the traffic issues in that area especially Wrightsboro Road and Wheeler Road and it is just a
two-lane road Flowing Wells, just wanted to make sure that was taken into consideration. I didn’t
know if there was any provisions put in there for any traffic flow improvements if needed.
Mr. Sherman: Okay the main entrance is Interstate Parkway and not Flowing Wells Road.
Ms. Davis: Gotcha, okay I didn’t see that when I pulled it up. So ya’ll are comfortable as
far as that traffic flow with the addition?
Mr. Sherman: Yes, they’ll be conducting a traffic study as well.
Ms. Davis: Okay, does that come back to you, Mr. Sherman, to ya’ll’s department?
Mr. Sherman: It’s part of the site plan review (inaudible) review committee (inaudible).
Ms. Davis: Okay and just to the applicant I just had some concerned citizens because of
that Flowing Wells so I’m good. I’ll make a motion to approve.
Mr. Hasan: Second.
Mr. M. Williams: Mr. Mayor, I’ve got a motion and a second, it’s on you.
Mr. Mayor: Voting.
Mr. Fennoy and Mr. Frantom out.
Motion Passes 8-0.
The Clerk:
29
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
11. Motion to approve an amendment to the AUGUSTA, GA CODE Section 1-2-13 (Rules of
Procedure), Section 2.01.02 to clarify that any voting member of the Commission is
permitted to make a motion at any point, without needing recognition by the Chair, during
any public meeting of the Commission, to become effective upon approval. (Approved by the
Commission on October 1, 2019 – second reading)
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Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 4.
Mr. Sias: Thank you, sir. I just still number one that this is a bad agenda item for the
decorum and rule application of our process and procedures so I’ll make a motion to deny.
Mr. M. Mayor: Mr. Mayor, I’d like to make a substitute motion.
Mr. Mayor: Hold on, hold on.
Mr. B. Williams: I have a question, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: I’m sorry.
Mr. B. Williams: I have a question.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, all right, that fails, there’s no proper second. All right, the Chair
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recognizes the Commissioner from the 5.
Mr. B. Williams: Is this if you make a motion that still doesn’t allow you talk, it just allows
you to make a motion. Is that what we’re doing?
Mr. Mayor: Well ---
Mr. B. Williams: It just allows you to say ---
Mr. Mayor: --- it says that debate begins at the point in time you make a motion.
Mr. B. Williams: --- but you can’t but you don’t start speaking.
Mr. Mayor: Well, I think what we’re saying is ---
Mr. Hasan: Come on, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: --- if you take number eleven, if you take number eleven, the practice I mean
I didn’t realize that there had been on October 1 that this was approved because that wasn’t the
posture I thought we were in but at the end of the day I mean we don’t need to keep playing around
with this. What we’re saying is anybody can just blurt out at any time and say motion to approve
so if you start talking, I can say motion to approve ---
30
Mr. B. Williams: --- right.
Mr. Mayor: --- while you talk.
Mr. M. Williams: That don’t stop you from talking either ---
Mr. Mayor: That’s right.
Mr. M. Williams: --- you just made a motion to approve. Now you’re going to complicate
this now. We done did this enough. Anybody can make a motion. Our legal counsel has told us
that practice becomes our rules. So we approved that anybody can make a motion. That doesn’t
stop you from talking, you can’t stop people from talking. These are elected grown people up
here. You cannot do that, because you’re the problem, man, you’re creating stuff. You tried to
confuse my colleagues a few minutes ago when anybody can say something and that was an
outright lie. That was not true.
Mr. B. Williams: Let’s call for the vote.
Mr. M. Williams: No, I’m not going to sit here and act as if I don’t see what you’re doing.
Maybe no one else does.
Mr. Mayor: You’re the only person who’s confused.
Mr. M. Williams: I make a motion to approve.
Ms. Davis: Second.
Mr. Mayor: We have a motion and a second, voting. You’ve been here 16 years and you’re
still confused.
Mr. M. Williams: That’s right. I’ll still be confused when I leave here being around folks
like you. Ain’t no way I’ll get straightened out.
Ms. Davis, Mr. B. Williams, Mr. Hasan, Mr. Garrett, Mr. M. Williams and Mr. Clarke vote
Yes.
Mr. D. Williams, Mr. Fennoy and Mr. Sias vote No.
Mr. Frantom out.
Motion Passes 6-3.
Mr. Mayor: All right, Madam Clerk, I think we’re on the regular agenda at this point.
The Clerk:
PUBLIC SERVICES
31
22. Accept funding awards from GDOT for: 1) Metropolitan Transportation Planning
Services Contract (PI#0016551-PLN) in the amount of $373,763.20. Local match
requirement is $93,440.80 2) 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (PI# 0016812-PLN) in
the amount of $216,000.00. Local match requirement is $54,000.00
Ms. Speaker: Good afternoon.
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Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 4.
Mr. Sias: Thank you, sir. Move to approve.
Mr. D. Williams: Second.
Mr. Mayor: Voting.
Mr. Frantom out.
Motion passes 9-0.
The Clerk:
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
23. Discuss Depot Project. (Requested by Commissioner Ben Hasan.
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Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 6.
Mr. Hasan: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor, in talking with a couple of my colleagues
the last couple of days there’s a little unreadiness right now and at the same time we do know that
there’s arrangements being made for all the principals to come and meet over the next couple of
weeks so at this time I’ll respect that and make a motion to delete this from the agenda.
Mr. Sias: Second.
Mr. Mayor: We’ve got a motion and a second to delete, voting.
Mr. Frantom out.
Motion Passes 9-0.
The Clerk:
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
24. Discuss/receive information from Human Resources Department regarding the city’s
process and procedures relative to Work Place Violence incidents involving city’s workforce.
(Requested by Commissioner Marion Williams)
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Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 9.
32
Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I asked the Clerk to have this put on the agenda
because I have requested this information for at least 30 to 40 days and when I made the Clerk
aware of my intent to put it on the agenda I finally got some information. But I need to know from
the Administrator or from whomever the process and procedure when there’s workplace violence
what happens, what’s the procedure. First I need to know why I couldn’t receive this information
I guess that’s my first point is after I requested it through the Clerk’s Office and still didn’t get it
until I threatened to put it on the agenda and after I got the information after that I told the Clerk
to leave it on the agenda. So ---
Mr. Mayor: All right, Administrator Sims.
Mr. Sims: Commissioner Williams, your question, your first question regarding workplace
violence we have someone from Risk that would be able to really go into the details about the
process and procedure regarding that. As far as your second question as far as the notification of
the issue once the Administrator’s Office was aware of the matter we reached out and followed up
on that matter.
Mr. M. Williams: --- okay, if someone’s coming to give me the procedures is that what
we’ll do now? Mr. Crozier is going to tell me how the procedure’s supposed to work because it
didn’t work like that. And my next question and you can get ready for it if it did work, why didn’t
work like that? I want to hear his answers. If there’s a procedure ---
Mr. Sims: Yes, sir.
Mr. M. Williams: --- and it was done by the procedure then it should’ve been done by the
procedure all the way so, Mr. Crozier, if you can help me understand.
Mr. Crozier: Yes, sir, good afternoon. We do have procedures for workplace violence in
the PPPM on Pages 119 and 120 and it basically calls for us to try to make sure everybody is safe,
we separate people when necessary and work with the departments and take action on an individual
if it’s necessary.
Mr. M. Williams: Okay, so was the procedure followed that you know of?
Mr. Crozier: On what particular incident? I think I need to be careful answering on
individual circumstances.
Mr. M. Williams: I’m being told by my legal attorney today I don’t keep him all the time
but today he’s telling me don’t disclose nothing but Human Resources knows about this incident
and if Human Resources knows about the incident I guess they may be the one to answer because
if you don’t know then that means the procedure wasn’t followed because did it go to your office?
Ya’ll handle that?
Mr. Crozier: Yes, sir, very often we are brought into the situation and work with the
departments. We work with several departments to try to make sure everybody is safe and
separated when necessary to work things out.
33
Mr. M. Williams: Well I guess, Mr. Mayor, I’m not getting my answers and I know I’ve
got to talk light around naming what the incident was and who it happens to but ain’t nobody
explained to me what process did happen. I guess that’s the best way to answer the question. Tell
me how it was handled through H.R. whether it be the Administrator, the Attorney, or someone
from H.R. I see Ms. Williams over there but somebody needs to explain to me what did happen.
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Mr. Mayor: Let me ask this question, Mr. Commissioner from the 9 let me entertain a
motion to move this to Executive Session ---
Mr. B. Williams: So moved.
Mr. Hasan: Second.
Mr. Mayor: --- so that, because if the answer you want that’s the place for you to get that
full answer.
Mr. M. Williams: Well ---
Mr. Mayor: Everybody’s dancing trying to figure out who and/or what is the issue, okay?
So let’s talk about it in there if you don’t mind.
Mr. M. Williams: --- okay, I mean are we going into Legal now are you saying or are you
talking about putting this on Legal for next week which is going to be at least three months I’ve
been requesting this information now.
Mr. Mayor: All right, I’ll entertain a motion to go into Executive Session now.
Mr. M. Williams: So moved.
Mr. Fennoy: Second.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, all right, voting. I’ll give Madam Clerk time to get ready. All right,
motion to enter into Executive Session.
Mr. M. Williams: Just taking this one item, is that right?
Mr. Mayor: Single item.
Mr. M. Williams: Okay, single item.
Mr. Brown: Personnel.
Ms. Davis, Mr. B. Williams, Mr. Hasan, Mr. M. Williams and Mr. Clarke vote Yes.
Mr. Fennoy and Mr. D. Williams vote No.
Mr. Sias, Mr. Frantom and Mr. Garrett out.
34
Motion Fails 5-2.
Mr. M. Williams: So, Mr. Mayor, since we can’t go into Legal could we continue to talk
about this issue because this issue’s going to get resolved. I mean I’m tired of people in position
doing things the way they want to do it and not by the rules. That’s why we’ve got them. Now
we’ve got enough problems up here with the rules but you get paid. We don’t get paid. Those
that get paid are going to follow the rules now, those that get paid. Now I don’t know about these
fellas up here they ain’t making much, they’re making the same I’m making.
Mr. B. Williams: Mr. Mayor ---
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Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 5.
Mr. B. Williams: --- I make a motion that we send it to Legal for next week.
Mr. Hasan: Second.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, all right, we’re going to refer this to the next Executive Session meeting
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that’s scheduled for the 29. All right, that’s our motion, voting.
Mr. M. Williams: It’s still going to be three months before I get an answer.
Mr. Mayor: No ---
Mr. M. Williams: Yeah, it is.
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Mr. Hasan: On the 29.
Mr. M. Williams: Yeah, but you don’t know when this thing started ---
Mr. Mayor: --- I don’t.
Mr. M. Williams: but you don’t know. It’s going to still be three months like I said.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, okay, common set of facts.
Mr. M. Williams: Common set of facts.
Mr. Mayor: I don’t know what’s going on.
Mr. M. Williams: I mean I requested the information and then just lately just no response
and I got onto the Clerk and I said well put it on the agenda and that’s how I finally got something.
Mr. Mayor: All right, voting.
Mr. Frantom and Mr. Garrett out.
35
Motion Passes 8-0.
The Clerk:
PUBLIC SAFETY
25. Motion to ask the Fire Chief to pursue all possible avenues to get all three fire stations
constructed as scheduled and bring back a report at the Commission meeting. (Regarding
the Fire Station Construction funded by SPLOST 7 and motion to approve the award of Bid
Item #19-185 to R. W. Allen for the construction of Fire Station #20 for a total contract price
of $3,260,075 and to authorize the Mayor to execute the appropriate documents). (Approved
by Public Safety Committee October 8, 2019)
Mr. Mayor: All right, we’re going to ask the Fire Chief to approach. All right, this was
approved by the Public Safety Committee. All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from
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the 4.
Mr. Sias: Thank you, sir. Chief James, this was about there had been in the works and the
plans to build three new fire stations in the City of Augusta, one on Telfair Street, one out on off
of Deans Bridge and the other one off Gordon Highway and I know the one at Telfair is already
under construction and moving along rapidly. Then there were the other two one on Deans Bridge
and the other one but I think as you noted in your previous audience with the Commission
construction costs had went up 32% and those other two fire stations you were having you were
short of funds to build both of them and you were considering delaying one and that was very
concerning to myself and others. And so the question was how much money you were short and
I think you indicated probably about $2 million under the new construction costs and what we
asked you to do was go back and see if there were monies from your fund balance or other sources
that you could do to get these two fire stations built particularly the one on Gordon Highway with
all the growth that we have out there and that is for me is a definite public safety priority. So were
you able to locate and find availability to the total money additional money you would need in
your fund balance?
Chief James: Yes, sir, we do have the available funds in our fund balance to cover the
construction costs so that we can build all three stations.
Mr. Sias: I would like to make a motion to approve the Chief getting his money from his
fund balance.
Mr. Hasan: Second, I have a question, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: I’m going to come to you. All right, I’ve got a motion and a second to approve
the Clerk has that recorded. All right, I’m coming to you. The Chair recognizes the Commissioner
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from the 6.
Mr. Hasan: Thank you, Mr. Mayor ---
Mr. Mayor: Yes, sir.
36
Mr. Hasan: --- Chief James ---
Chief James: Yes, sir.
Mr. Hasan: --- let me say, are you at the point needing two more stations or you need a
total of three stations because you’ve got one on Telfair Street. I think my colleague mentioned
that. Is that one of the three?
Chief James: Yes, sir.
Mr. Hasan: That’s one of the three so was there any addition in costs there? Not change
orders, I’m not talking about a change order. I’m talking about additional costs in construction
from the SPLOST 7.
Chief James: Yes, the initial fire station came in at $3 million dollars ---
Mr. Hasan: --- okay.
Chief James: --- which was about a half million dollars more than was budgeted in 2014/15
---
Mr. Hasan: Okay ---
Chief James: --- from SPLOST.
Mr. Hasan: --- okay, my colleague also mentioned so for other words for the two that you
need so you need money for two additional stations and not three.
Chief James: Yes, sir.
Mr. Hasan: Okay and so then how much money do you need for those two additional
stations above what your current price factor was?
Chief James: It’ll be as I said last week a little over $2 million dollars to make sure that
we cover the cost for all of them.
Mr. Hasan: And so that goes back to the 32% increase in construction since SPLOST 7
was passed?
Chief James: Yes, sir.
Mr. Hasan: Okay, thank you very much.
The Clerk: Mr. Mayor?
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Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk.
The Clerk: Before you finish Mr. Sias to get clarification on your motion that was to
approve Station #3 construction from fund balance and approve Fire Station # 20 as listed in the
agenda item, is that correct?
Mr. Sias: Yes and no, let me just kind of clarify was that for the Chief to get the additional
funds from his fund balance ---
The Clerk: Right.
Mr. Sias: --- to complete the whole set of stations.
The Clerk: Well, they have it for #20 so the fund balance will be used for the two additional
stations, Chief?
Chief James: There are current funds in SPLOST 7 to complete Station #20. When we go
to complete Station #3 the new Station #3 at Gordon Highway and Powell Road then we will use
the remaining SPLOST 7 funds and any overage of that will be we will be requesting that we use
fund balance. When that station goes out for bid, the total price, we will still have to come back
to Commission and get approval.
Mr. Sias: But you’ll only be coming back to get approval for the purchase. You won’t
have to be coming back to get approval for additional money if we take care of that today.
Chief James: Correct.
Mr. Sias: So do I need to modify my motion and say for additional funds to complete
Station #3 only?
Chief James: Yes, sir, that’ll be fine.
Mr. Sias: It was a little bit broader you need some slack but that’s fine my colleague down
there (unintelligible).
Chief James: Also to go ahead and award Station #20 as requested in the item. In the item
we’re requesting that we approve Station #20 because those funds are already available in the
SPLOST 7.
Mr. Sias: And what you asked for approval today as well?
Chief James: Yes, sir.
Mr. Sias: Okay, let me try that again, Ms. Bonner. Thank you, Mayor, for that we complete
approve Station #20 and also approve any additional funds from fund balance to execute and
complete Station #3.
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Mr. Hasan: Second.
The Clerk: Sounds good.
Mr. Hasan: Is that what you needed?
Chief James: Yes, sir.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, I’ve got a clearly stated motion and a second. The Chair recognizes the
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Commissioner from the 9.
Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I’m in support of what’s been said but these
stations will still have to be bidded out. Procurement and the Compliance Director will still have
the same input. I don’t want to approve anything. I mean I’m trying to figure out why we I mean
unless the fire station’s going in the ground why are we trying to rush this and say that you know
we got to go approve this like we were told we weren’t going to approve no more. If everything’s
going through a normal process why is this even necessary in my, I’m just asking the question.
Mr. Mayor: So the reason we’re having this conversation is that there’s a funding shortfall.
When they came and scoped the project for the building of new fire stations pursuant to SPLOST
7, that was passed by 62% in 2015. You concluded that there was a shortfall. And now they’ve
identified a funding source for any shortfall that may happen as it relates to Station #20 and
whatever that third one is (inaudible).
Mr. M. Williams: Okay I get that, Mr. Mayor. Like you say I’m going to be messed up I
leave here but I’m smart enough to understand that there’s been a process ---
Mr. Mayor: Yeah (inaudible) normal procurement process.
Mr. M. Williams: --- through normal procurement process so, Chief, what’s in your fund
balance? I mean if you’ve got enough monies there to do that how much do you have in your fund
balance?
Chief James: In the fund balance the unreserved fund balance we have $8.8 million.
Mr. M. Williams: $8.8 million. Okay that helps me understand that there shouldn’t be no
shortfall, there shouldn’t be no problem. We act as if we’re going to take the money and put it in
the Clerk’s Office and we ain’t talked about that so I don’t get it but as long as we go through the
same procurement necessary, the same bid process. I see R.W. Allen has built four or five. I don’t
know who’s going to build the next four or five but if it goes through the same process I ain’t got
no problem with it but we act as if something was happening and we wasn’t giving them any
money. If he had came and told this body he was short and he had money in the fund balance we
would approve that. That’d be crazy not to.
Mr. Mayor: That’s why you’re having the conversation (unintelligible).
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Mr. M. Williams: Well, it makes it seem like ---
Mr. Mayor: He done exactly what you said.
Mr. M. Williams: --- okay, all right.
Mr. Mayor: All right, voting.
Mr. Frantom and Mr. Garrett out.
Motion Passes 8-0.
The Clerk:
FINANCE
26. Motion to approve the Contribution Agreement between The Georgia Association of
Conservation Districts and the Augusta-Richmond County Board of Commissioners. (No
recommendation from Finance Committee October 8, 2019)
Mr. D. Williams: Move for approval.
Mr. Hasan: Second.
Mr. Mayor: Voting.
Mr. Frantom and Mr. Garrett out.
Motion Passes 8-0.
Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk, let’s go to Item Number 28.
The Clerk:
APPOINTMENTS
28. Motion to approve the appointment of Ms. Shell Knox Berry to the Economic
Development Authority to fill the vacant position previously held by Pat Schaffer effective
immediately. (Requested by Commissioner Mary Davis)
Mr. B. Williams: So moved.
Mr. Fennoy: Second.
Mr. Mayor: I’ve got a motion and a second. The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from
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the 4.
Mr. Sias: That rule ain’t changed yet so but I’ll withdraw for the sake of decorum.
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Mr. Mayor: Voting.
Mr. Frantom and Mr. Garrett out.
Motion Passes 8-0.
Mr. Mayor: I think I’m giving out of gas today. That’s probably what it is. I’m going to
eat a cookie and recharge in a minute.
The Clerk: Get your sugar level up.
Mr. Mayor: Yeah, I’m going to recharge.
The Clerk:
FINANCE
27. Discuss the inadequate advertising for events held at the Augusta Common. (Requested
by Commissioner Bill Fennoy)
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Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 1.
Mr. Fennoy: Mr. Mayor, I had an opportunity to go to the James Brown Birthday Bash in
The Commons. It was a free event but only a handful of people were there. And then later on I
had an opportunity to visit the, attend the Angie Stone Concert. Again there was only a handful
of people there. And most recently it was the Drifters and the Tams and all three events were
excellent events. I mean they put on a good show but the attendance was very poor. And I saw
Marion over there by James Brown. Evidently he knew he had some tickets but he said he didn’t
know anything about it. And a lot of people that I talked to said that the reason that they didn’t go
because they didn’t know. I think Ron and I had a discussion at one of the events about the
attendance and I just want to happen, what needs to happen so that if there’s an event in The
Commons area we get the support that we need from the city and the people in the city in order to
make these events successful.
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Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 9.
Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Commissioner Fennoy is right. I was downtown
and it was an excellent, excellent, excellent event but this is not the first time that I have said that
we don’t promote or advertise anything positive in Augusta. All the negative stuff flies everywhere
but we don’t do any support. Now with all the money we spend on a lot of different things, Sylvia,
but we, I don’t understand how we could have an event such as the one that was last week at The
Commons. It wasn’t on the radio, it wasn’t on TV, it wasn’t on social media. In fact a better
question to ask Ron, where was it advertised at because it was not publicized enough for anybody
to want to come and spend time. Augusta is the center point of this area now. You may think it’s
Evans Town Center but that’s not true. But you here that on the radio, TV we hear it all over the
place. And it's a poor frog my granddaddy said don’t praise his own pond. You heard that before
hadn’t you, Sylvia? Well, I don’t understand why we can’t see that we have to advertise. I tried
to do a business a long time ago, Mr. Mayor, and the man told me said a sign or no business a sign
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without business is a sign of no business. That means if we don’t think it’s good how do we expect
for other folks to think it’s good? If we don’t promote it, if we don’t put it out there, how do we
expect other people to do it? So all I’m asking this body is to not to get onto Ron but put some
money in play so we can spend money with the Chronicle. We can spend money with all the TV
stations. We can spend money wherever it’s necessary to promote our events. That’s why we are
lacking. That’s why people thinking that I mean if you don’t care about yourself who do you expect
to come in and praise it? So Commissioner Fennoy came out of the facility and other people came
out talking about what a great event it was but it was very little participation and I chalk that up as
to who we advertise with what we talked about. We don’t do nothing unless it’s negative and
that’s going to spread. You don’t have to promote that; it’s going to spread by itself. But we ought
to push those events with some dollars behind them. Now the more money you spend it looks like
the more money you ought to make and I’m not just talking about local people I’m talking about
around the CSRA around Augusta, South Carolina, Waynesboro, Thomson, everywhere.
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Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 6.
Mr. Hasan: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I hope my colleagues don’t take offense to what I’m
about to say. I agree with Commissioner Fennoy and Commissioner Williams and so what I’m
about to say is the previous director as well as Mr. Houck at this point the thing that concerns me
every time we ask about these issues I do know that they’re the directors of that department but
the person most notably who handles those things is Ms. Yolanda, I don’t know her last name. But
you know she ought to be here too to try to tell us what’s going wrong because she’s directly the
feet on the ground around (unintelligible) I think I might’ve mentioned it to you the last time. I
don’t think it’s no offense to yourself, Mr. Ron, I don’t know whether you feel that way or not and
I know you may have the details but here’s a person you have on the ground everyday that’s live
and breathing on that site and we need to probably hear directly from her but maybe we’re just
whistling Dixie we’re not going to make nothing happen and maybe she can give us some insight
what is not happening and what we can invest in. And so for me I would just appreciate that don’t
mean nothing will change but we need to hear I would think the person who’s directly engaged in
that whether it’s radio stations or what have you to try to give us some insight on what we can do
better and I just think that just makes good sense to me.
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Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 5.
Mr. B. Williams: Yes, sir, Mr. Mayor. I want to make a motion that we ask the
Recreation Department to come up with strategic plans for advertisement and to report back
to us in 30 days.
Mr. Fennoy: I’ll second that.
Mr. M. Williams: I’ll second that too. I had a comment, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: All right, I’ve got a motion and a second. All right, we know what that is.
Madam Clerk, she’s tracking it. I’m going to go all the way down to the end, the Commissioner
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from the 10.
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Mr. Clarke: I just have one probably inquiry here is that I want to know what the
Convention and Visitor’s Bureau’s part they have in playing in this. It seems like they would be
promoting the events in Augusta, Georgia as well and I’d just like to get an answer from them.
Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk, I’m trying to get my fighting spirit back. The cookie didn’t do
it for me. I see I’ve got, I’ve got my son the reporter here so I’m going to get on my preaching
soapbox now. We have on more than one occasion had this conversation. We have talked about
Go Augusta. We have approved these new promotional icons with the green GO on them and yet
we still keep having these conversations. We have approved the $150,000 dollars to say we’re
going to use these resources for this purpose and absent me getting a text message I didn’t know
the Tams, the Drifters, Angie Stone, and I’m the Mayor of the doggone city, had no idea. We are
as disconnected when it comes to the things that we should be doing in your words creating this
wow factor, creating this synergistic approach to how we talk about what’s going on in our city
whether we’re working collaboratively with the CVB, whether we’re working with the Arts
Council and I’m sick and tired of it. I’m just going to be frank with you I’m just sick and tired of
it. Week after week, month after month we go through this disconnected fashion of trying to do
things in our city that ultimately end up with very little to show for of where we create that
momentum, that passion, that energy. I started this conversation a year, four years nine months
and 15 days ago, Madam Clerk ---
Mr. Hasan: Who’s counting?
Mr. Mayor: --- I am, about a Communications Department to focus solely around talking
about Augusta and what we’re going to do, what we’re doing and it falls on deaf ears because it’s
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the Mayor’s idea. Well, in the words of the Commissioner from the 9 they pay me big bucks to
have ideas and what I need then is a group willing to support some of these ideas and all I’m
interested in is how do we create an Augusta that works for everybody. So we can call Yolanda
down here, we can call Benish Brown down here but until we decide if we’re going to put in place
a framework for an organization that works we’re just casting pearls before swine and ultimately
ending up with the same results in wanting something different. And in a few minutes we’re going
to have a budget conversation and this budget doesn’t talk about a Communications Department,
it doesn’t talk about marketing, it doesn’t talk about any of those things and I’m sick and tired of
it. They tell me when you get sick and tired you do something different so I want to know whether
we’re going to do something different. We’ve got GO green icons GO Augusta, Grow Augusta
I’ve got the governor riding from one side of the state to the other talking about Georgia Grown.
He was down in Moultrie, Georgia just yesterday with jalapeno sausage burgers and everything
else. I’m right here in Augusta Georgia. I want to doggone see something different; that’s what I
want to see. So you already got $150,000 dollars to help you with marketing and promotions and
if it ain’t happening, it’s because of this body right here not deciding to lay aside the political
weapons of warfare of who’s idea it was and say we’re going to get something done. That’s what
I want to know. And I’m going to come back to you and I’m going to go all the way down to the
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end. The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 9.
Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Now we spent all that money on Go Augusta
like you just mentioned, Mr. Mayor, and I questioned all that about we spent all that money from
two letters and they got the same two letters in Aiken, Go Aiken and we spend I don’t know how
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many thousands of dollars, Ms. Bonner, to I say, we had folks come up from Florida to tell us
about Go Augusta. I mean I couldn’t believe that but we spent that money. But water runs
downhill. Now we can call Yolanda in, we can Ron in. We need to tell them what they’re going
to do. We need to give them the resources to do it. We don’t need to ask them what they need.
We need to tell them this is what they’re going to do to promote our city in a lot of different areas.
Now here it is again, Mr. Mayor, we sit up here and we talk about, the buck stops with us. The
tail shouldn’t keep wagging the dog all the time. It ought to be sometimes when we can say we’re
going in this direction. So we don’t need to get Ron, Yolanda. We need to tell them what we’re
going to do with advertising, we need to tell the Administrator what we need to have in our budget,
every event we need to promote in Augusta ought to be on everything everybody else is on all the
radio stations not just country and western that I like. All radio stations ought to be advertising
with us. All TV stations ought to be advertising with us but we don’t do that like you say and we
sit here and say what are we going to do. When an event comes to this city we ain’t talking about
the people just in Augusta. When I talk about advertising, Mr. Mayor, I think about far reaching
people, Saluda, everywhere our TV stations, our radio stations goes we’re advertising. Now we’re
not advertising Augusta but we hadn’t made anybody do their job. We had not given them the
resources to do their job. If we give them the resources tell them what we want it’s up to them to
do it our find another body to go in their place to do it. That’s easy, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Mayor: Well, I thought so for four years, 10 months, 15 days ago too but clearly it’s
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not that easy. I believe that there’s a motion down here from the Commissioner from the 5 I
think it’s part of the solution but we need to expand that and I think you’ve got a second from the
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Commissioner from the 1. But this is a matter we need to clearly sit down and decide what we’re
going to be as a city with these types of things and unless we’re having that complete conversation
we’re just wasting our time.
Mr. M. Williams: Mr. Mayor, that event Fennoy talked about was as professional as you
ever could find anywhere and not just to singing, not just the sound but the special effects with the
lighting was as good as you’re going to find anywhere. I was amazed and you can count the people.
And the police officer sitting out there now don’t get me started on them they’re out their
lollygagging like it’s this old man don’t, that’s a whole other issue so let’s go on and take a vote,
what’re we going to do because.
Mr. Mayor: Okay all right, we’re ready to vote.
Mr. Sias: I’m ready to vote too. I had my hand up.
Mr. Mayor: Okay, I didn’t see that. Okay, I didn’t see you. The Chair recognizes the
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Commissioner from the 4.
Mr. Sias: Thank you, sir. It’s been my reminder this body on more than one occasion that
we have a very professional organization that can help promote and advertise this city and an event
and that’s the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. And we already have now, you can shake your
head if you want to Commissioner but I’m going to say what I’ve got to say now.
Mr. Hasan: I’m agreeing with you, you don’t want me to agree with you?
44
Mr. Sias: Not the way you look. But anyway we have a very professional organization
that can get this done but we will not allow them to do it. We keep hodgepodging. I’m going to
agree with what you said a little over here and a little over there and Rec folks that are stressed out
trying to get their day to day duties done and we have an organization that’s right here ready and
willing to do and do what we ask them to do as far as those things and they know how to do it but
we won’t utilize them. Is there a motion to utilize them?
Mr. B. Williams: No, is that the CVB you’re talking about?
Mr. Sias: Yes, thank you, sir. I guess you can recognize him now.
Mr. Mayor: I’m ready to vote.
Mr. B. Williams: All right, can we can I change my motion to CVB instead of Recreation
Department? Come on Mayor, all right ---
The Clerk: (Unintelligible) I assumed you were directing it to Administration to put
together with appropriate staff ---
Mr. Sias: (Unintelligible) CVB.
Mr. B. Williams: --- so you have Administration.
The Clerk: --- to include, yes, sir.
Mr. B. Williams: Okay and that’s fine. The Mayor has a headache, come on now.
Mr. Sias: So what’s your motion?
Mr. B. Williams: Motion is Administration to put together a plan ---
The Clerk: Strategic plan ---
Mr. B. Williams: --- strategic plan ---
The Clerk: --- (unintelligible) to include the CVB.
Mr. B. Williams: --- yes, ma’am, that sounds good.
Mr. Sias: Didn’t we do that a while back when we requested that the CVB be the lead
agency ---
Mr. B. Williams: That was for ---
Mr. Sias: --- what was that for?
45
Mr. B. Williams: --- downtown.
Mr. M. Williams: Putting up a James Brown something and they ain’t did nothing in the
16 years I’ve been here. Tell me (unintelligible).
Mr. B. Williams: Mr. Mayor, she’s got the motion let’s vote please. She’s got the motion,
she’s got the motion. Let’s vote please.
Mr. Mayor: Voting.
Mr. B. Williams: Thank you.
st,
Mr. Mayor: The Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 1 state your inquiry.
Mr. Frantom and Mr. Garrett out.
Motion Passes 8-0.
Mr. Fennoy: Mr. Mayor, a couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to go to Perry
Georgia and on the radio station in Perry Georgia I heard them advertising the KISS Family
Reunion. I think we’ve got the resources here we just need to communicate and pull everybody
together to make stuff happen.
Mr. Mayor: All right, Madam Clerk, we’re going to stand at ease for five minutes.
Mr. Mayor: All right, okay, we’re going to go ahead and get started and, all right the Chair
recognizes Administrator Sims. You have seven minutes, I’m just kidding.
The Clerk: Five more than he needed.
Mr. Mayor: That’s right, just kidding just kidding.
Mr. Sims: Good afternoon, Mayor and members of the Commission. I am pleased to
present for your consideration the Administrator’s recommended budget for Fiscal Year 2020.
This budget reflects Augusta, Georgia’s commitment to provide a safe and healthy community
with a high quality of life for our citizens. This budget made every reasonable attempt to align
with Funding Proposal Priorities determined by the survey. I’m happy to present the 2020
Proposed Budget that reflects natural growth in our revenue sources and without the need for
increased taxes or fees. This budget is our first step on our journey as we enter into 2020. For our
2020 revenue budget we are projecting $168,098,660 dollars. Also would like to make a note of
the Departmental Operation Budget request, the New Program Request, the New Personnel
Requests as well as NGO Funding request. What the departmental request you will see it was
$172 million dollars. What the New Programs Request was $5.7 million, new personnel $3.8
million and for the NGO’s additional funding $900,000 dollars. So again what the Revenue
Budget of $168 million and with all of the additional requests from the departments as well as the
new programs for 2020 new personnel for 2020 we were working with a funding shortage of $15
46
million. All of those requests were a total of $183 million dollars. For our 2020 revenues in
comparison to our 2019 revenues we are looking at a $5.7 million additional revenues however
again as I mentioned last week we have our existing commitments such as Gold Cross, Probation,
Election expenses, Disparity Study, full funding for the programs approved in 2019, full program
personnel approved for 2019 which shows a total commitment of $2.5 million dollars. For our
2020 revenues $887,730,000 dollars, for our expenditures $887,973,850 dollars. I’d like to report
for General Funds and Law Enforcement funds both are balanced. The exception is with our Fire
Fund, the Fire Insurance Premium Tax constitutes a 45% of available revenue stream and within
10 days we will have additional information regarding this and this will be adjusted in our proposed
budget the adjustment will be incorporated in our actual amount in our proposed budget. Funds
receiving General Fund support DUI, Crime, Victims Assistance, 911, HCD, the airport, transit
and grants as approved by Commission. Streetlights fund is currently showing its balance however
we are expecting to have a meeting the first quarter of 2020. As stated on the screen (unintelligible)
structure as it exists generates an adequate revenue and we will be discussing it again first quarter
2020. So our budget assumptions were a 2% growth in our digest, a 2.5% growth and lost a 3%
growth in our Ad Valorem and a $200,000 dollars increase in electric franchise fees from the 2019
amount received. GDP in comparison to 2019, 2019 we were reflecting a 2.6, 2020 we’re
reflecting only a 1.9%. In terms of the Georgia GDP we’re looking at 3.5, it was 3.6 in 2019 and
in 2020 it’s 2.5. One would ask what shows a great city. Research shows investing in your
infrastructure, livability, fiscally sound, economic development and investing also in your most
greatest asset, your employees. The budget theme reflects those key factors. Maintenance of our
infrastructure, reduction of blight, fiscal health of our city, economic development and also
investment in our employees. Our budget reflects there are going to be some new positions in the
General Fund as well as our Special Revenue Enterprise Funds. I know it shows very light on the
screen but I’m just going to highlight one or two. In our Board of Elections we are proposing a
Deputy Register Position. We think it's critical for the upcoming election as well as it’s for stability
in that department. We’re also projecting for new programs, new programs such as I’m
highlighting roads and walkways. We’re addressing our infrastructure, we’re proposing a half a
million dollars towards roads and walkways as far as trees and pothole repairment and again some
of the programs are listed here. This budget reflects 146 miles west of us the City of Atlanta is
saying we’re full. I want us to have the mindset that we reflect we’re open. We want to be open
for economic development, we want to be open for growth, we want to make sure our employees
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are happy. Also I’ve listed on the calendar some dates for follow up work sessions: October 30,
ththth.
November the 6, November the 8, November the 13 Again the budget adopted date
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November the 19I’d like to make reference to this. This is the preliminary discussion knowing
that things could change. I’d like to recognize Office of the Administrator’s Office, my deputies
Tony, Maurice, Jessica, Wanda. I’d also like to recognize the Finance Department for doing a great
job Donna, Tim and the rest of her team they did an outstanding job as well as all of the departments
and agencies, questions?
Mr. Mayor: So with regards to the calendar I think this our first stab at what the proposed
work session dates will be. There was an email with this, you have an email with the same
information in it that was sent out on yesterday I believe. So at this point we will entertain
additional questions with what’s been presented thus far with an understanding that over the next
two weeks we will spend time doing a deep dive into the budget. There will be additional
information that is requested from the Commission but thank you and your team for presenting
47
this. We look forward to lively conversation about making sure that we accomplish those things
that you talked about, Administrator Sims.
Mr. Sims: Thank you.
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Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 9.
Mr. M. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Sims, is there anything in here about
maintenance as far as whatever we’re doing all over the city as far as upkeep, keeping things
going? We build, we do a lot of stuff but if we don’t maintain it then it's like useless so is there
anything and I was out (unintelligible) email so I might’ve missed it so if you had something in
there.
Mr. Sims: Yes, sir, we are dedicating a half a million dollars towards infrastructure
particularly with potholes and tree maintenance.
Mr. M. Williams: Okay, that’s potholes and tree maintenance. I’m talking about
maintenance period. I’m talking about when you talk about potholes and tree maintenance you’re
going over to Engineering. There’s an enterprise situation where they’ve got monies to do some
things in that so where, how does that separate I guess.
Mr. Sims: In one of our workshops we’re going to have specific questions addressing
operations and infrastructure and we’ll be happy to talk about that in detail then if that’s the will
if we’re able to do so by the will of the Commission.
Mr. M. Williams: Okay, this thing needs to be thought about before we look at what we’ve
got if we can’t maintain it we can’t keep it up to par. If we build structures and have events and
then can’t you know we hear about all of the Riverwalk and the stuff that we’re not maintaining
even down there. Here we are again we’re talking about our city and we’ve got to do a better job
as to holding people accountable and doing the maintenance work that needs to be done to go along
with it.
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Mr. Mayor: All right, the Chair recognizes the Commissioner from the 6.
Mr. Hasan: Mr. Mayor, I know we’re not getting really over into the budget so I’m going
to ask a question of you and give you the liberty if you don’t mind so the Commission we can
discuss that question later and I’m comfortable with that. But what I want to look at is on your
introductory page the second page, Mr. Administrator, the bottom paragraph and I’ll read it says
in the same vein the Administrator’s Office recommended budget includes funding for three new
positions in the Marshal’s Office for specific purposes of addressing blight.
Mr. Mayor: All right, so hold on a minute, Commissioner. All right, what page are you
on?
Mr. Hasan: On the second page in the book.
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Mr. Mayor: All right, so you’re under Tab 1?
Mr. Hasan: Yes and this is his address to the Commission ---
Mr. Mayor: Oh, okay.
Mr. Hasan: --- the introductory page from his office, the second paragraph.
Mr. Mayor: All right so ---
Mr. Hasan: The bottom paragraph, I’m sorry.
The Clerk: The Administrator’s presentation.
Mr. Mayor: Right.
Mr. Hasan: Are you ready for my answer?
Mr. Mayor: Yes, go ahead.
Mr. Hasan: So my question is when we passed, when we passed this something from the
Marshal to do ---
Mr. Mayor: Five positions.
Mr. Hasan: --- for five positions and that came with that how did you get to three positions
on that because it was passed with five positions and as a result of that five positions was going to
be allowed. It was supposed to pay for itself.
Mr. Mayor: So, so we adopted the new fees, that was number one ---
Mr. Hasan: Right.
Mr. Mayor: --- which provided us the opportunity for five positions. Now in your narrative
th
I believe the question that the Commissioner from the 6 is asking is are these three on Page 2 of
your narrative are these three positions that are ‘focused around blight’ included in the five, that’s
your question.
Mr. Hasan: Well, pretty much it is just three additional or just three persons from that
increase. A total of eight positions or is either reduced by two positions from the five. It’s not the
same thing, no, it’s not the same thing.
Mr. Sims: It’s not the same thing.
Mr. Sias: The Marshal said he’d able to take three of those positions. It was only five
requested.
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Mr. Hasan: So do you, okay so let me ask you then to answer my question. From what we
increased those fees is there a separate item somewhere in this book to address that with the five
with the five that came from the adjustment of the fees?
Mr. Sims: There was a proposal for five but as far as in the budget book it reflects three as
well as the projected revenue that will reflect for those positions.
Mr. Hasan: So also in other words so you’re, his projection ya’ll are going to agree on
projections so for you it’s more like it’s going to represent three positions as opposed to five.
Mr. Sims: From my understanding I think there was a proposal for five. We as far as what
this proposal, proposed budget it reflects three positions. The mindset is we want to see as far as
how it was going to be working the first year and then implement the additional two positions.
Mr. Hasan: Okay, I’ll leave it alone, thank you, I’ll leave it alone, okay.
th
Mr. Mayor: All right, the Commissioner from the 5.
Mr. B. Williams: Mr. Mayor, I do believe that we have a lot of questions and we could be
hear all night. And we’ll be discussing these same questions I believe in workshops.
Mr. Mayor: We will.
Mr. B. Williams: So I want to make a motion that we adjourn take our books home ---
Mr. Hasan: Second.
Mr. B. Williams: --- yeah, well he seconded it.
Mr. Mayor: Okay ---
Mr. Fennoy: (Inaudible).
Mr. Mayor: --- say that again?
Mr. Fennoy: I don’t know if you’ve got six votes to adjourn.
Mr. Mayor: All right, we’ll find out, all right, voting.
Mr. M. Williams: What are we voting on?
Mr. Mayor: To adjourn, all right, let’s go home. I call this meeting adjourned ---
Mr. B. Williams: Well, without objection.
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Mr. Mayor: --- without objection.
The Clerk: Let’s go home without objection.
Mr. Frantom, Mr. Garrett and Mr. Sias out.
Mr. Fennoy, Mr. D. Williams vote No.
Motion Fails 5-2.
\[MEETING ADJOURNED\]
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
October 15, 2019.
______________________________
Clerk of Commission
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