Administrative Services Committee Meeting

Administrative Services Committee Meeting Committee Room- 7/28/2009- 12:45 PM ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES 1. Report from Administrator/staff regarding the proposed Early Retirement Attachments Incentive Program (ERIP). (Referred from July 13 Administrative Services) 2. Motion to approve a consultant contract for services related to the ARRA Attachments Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program. 3. Update on the Disparity Study from the DBE Coordinator. (Requested by Attachments Commissioner Johnson) 4. Consider approval of an Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 6508 which Attachments amends the Augusta-Richmond County Code, Section 2-4-20 to expand the existing Laney-Walker Enterprise Zone to include Bethlehem Neighborhood. 5. Motion to ratify Augusta's application/request submission for a grant award Attachments from HUD's Neighborhood Stabilization Program 2 in association with the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. (Referred from July 21 Commission meeting) 6. Motion to approve an Ordinance to amend the Augusta-Richmond County Attachments Code Title Six, Section 6-7-11, relating to liability insurance so as to update the liability insurance policy requirements that each taxicab business or person hauling passengers for hire must maintain; to repeal all Code sections and Ordinances and parts of Code sections and Ordinances in conflict herewith; to provide an effective date and for other puposes. www.augustaga.gov  Administrative Services Committee Meeting 7/28/2009 12:45 PM Approve the proposed Early Retirement Incentive Program (ERIP) Department: Human Resources Caption: Report from Administrator/staff regarding the proposed Early Retirement Incentive Program (ERIP). (Referred from July 13 Administrative Services) Background: The Human Resources Department was asked to obtain a cost study of an Early Retirement Incentive Program. There are several long term Augusta employees who are either close to or at retirement age. Offering an ERIP will make several of the employees who are otherwise not eligible to retire due to age or service eligible to retire. It will also give retirees a boost to their retirement income and make retirement more inviting. The program will incentivize higher paid employees to retire and offer long term savings in job elimination, delayed rehirings, and entry level pay for any new hires. Analysis: In researching and developing criteria for our proposed Early Retirement Incentive Program (ERIP) I have narrowed the criteria to the following: • Benefits are for Defined Benefit (DB) retirement plans only • One time window to apply from August 15 - September 31, 2009 • Applicants must be 60 years old and have 20 years of service as of December 31, 2009 • Effective date of retirement is October 1, 2009 – December 31, 2009 • 5 years credited service • Change multiplier to 1.65% on October 1 instead of 2010 for GMEBS participants • Accrued Sick leave converted to credited service up to six months • No reduction/penalty due to age if otherwise qualified for ERIP The Administrator has the discretion to delay an applicant’s retirement through December 31, 2010, if the applicant is in a critical position and there is a need to delay the retirement for business purposes. Departments must show savings incurred by the early retirement in one of the following methods: • Eliminate or vacate position for at least one year • Eliminate a lower level position • Contact the Human Resources Department for assistance with a reorganization plan • Freeze the hiring of vacated position for a period of time specified by the Administrator • Limit the hiring level of the to the entry level of the salary range of the vacation position If the position is critical or the department is sound the Administrator may choose to allow the position to be filled with no savings. Financial Impact: The financial impact will vary depending on how many employees take the ERIP offer and how the filling of the vacated positions is managed. Alternatives: Do not approve the proposed Early Retirement Incentive Program (ERIP). Cover Memo Recommendation: Approve the proposed Early Retirement Incentive Program (ERIP). Funds are Available in the Following Accounts: REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY: Clerk of Commission Cover Memo  Administrative Services Committee Meeting 7/28/2009 12:45 PM ARRA Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program Department: Planning Commission Caption: Motion to approve a consultant contract for services related to the ARRA Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program. Background: The City qualifies for and submitted an application for a formula based block grant for $1.96 million from the Department of Energy. The grant application provided for the use of a consultant to develop an energy plan, monitor the performance of the improvements funded by the grant, and to find other funding options. These activities are all requirements of the grant and they are beyond the expertise of staff. Through the Procurement Department we circulated a Request for Proposals as approved by the Commission on June 16, 2009, and subsequently short listed two consultants for interviews which will be conducted on Friday, July 24, 2009. The selection committee consisting of Transit, Procurement, Landfill, Planning and Facilities, will make a recommendation after the interviews and make it known to the Committee before the close of business on Friday, July 24, 2009. This schedule is driven by the requirements of the Recovery Act. Analysis: This work must be done by a consultant in order to receive the grant which will save energy and operating cost for the City. The committee will recommend the best consultant for the task after interviews on Friday, July 24, 2009. Of particular concern is how the performance monitoring will be conducted and all proposals were unclear on this issue. Financial Impact: All funding will come from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant from DOE Alternatives: Hire the consultant recommended by the committee, hire another consultant, or forfeit the grant. Recommendation: Hire the consultant who will be recommended on Friday, July 24, 2009 Funds are Available in the Following Accounts: REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY: Clerk of Commission Cover Memo  Administrative Services Committee Meeting 7/28/2009 12:45 PM Disparity Study Update Department: Clerk of Commission Caption: Update on the Disparity Study from the DBE Coordinator. (Requested by Commissioner Johnson) Background: Analysis: Financial Impact: Alternatives: Recommendation: Funds are Available in the Following Accounts: REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY: Clerk of Commission Cover Memo  Administrative Services Committee Meeting 7/28/2009 12:45 PM Enterprise Zone Expansion - LW/Bethlehem Department: Housing and Community Development Department Caption: Consider approval of an Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 6508 which amends the Augusta-Richmond County Code, Section 2-4-20 to expand the existing Laney-Walker Enterprise Zone to include Bethlehem Neighborhood. Background: In 1997, the Georgia General Assembly created the “Georgia Enterprise Zone Employment Act of 1997”. The purpose of this act was to allow local governments the opportunity to designate one or more geographic areas as enterprise zones in order to revitalize economic development of the designated area. In such enterprise zone, local ad valorem taxes, occupation taxes, license fees and other local fees and taxes, except local sales and use taxes may be exempted or reduced to qualified business and service enterprises. On May 21, 2002, the Commission designated the Laney- Walker neighborhood as an Enterprise Zone, which Augusta provides tax incentives and other incentives to encourage new growth in businesses and housing. The primary incentive is to provide 10 years of tax breaks for qualifying businesses. To qualify for the incentives, businesses must increase employment by five or more full time jobs and maintain the jobs for the duration of the tax exemption. To qualify for tax exemption for the housing enterprise zone, the value of the improvements must exceed the value of the land by a ratio of five to one. This includes new residential construction, residential rehabilitation or other rehabilitation to an existing structure. On March 27, 2009, HUD approved the City’s Neighborhood Revitalization Strategic Plan for Laney-Walker and Bethlehem neighborhoods. We are requesting that the Laney-Walker Enterprise Zone be expanded to include Bethlehem neighborhood. Based on research performed by Asset Property Disposition, Inc. the expanded boundaries meet the criteria for designation as an Enterprise Zone (see Attachment). It meets the poverty rate, unemployment, general distress and underdevelopment criteria. Analysis: Because the City’s current targeted areas are Laney-Walker and Bethlehem, including Bethlehem in the Laney-Walker Enterprise Zone will make available incentives for businesses and housing to locate in these areas. Revitalization comes in all forms and this would be an inducement to populate the two (2) neighborhoods economically. Financial Impact: Cover Memo Alternatives: None recommended. Recommendation: Approve revised Ordinance No. 6508 Amending the Augusta-Richmond County Code, Section 2-4-20 Expanding the Existing Laney-Walker Enterprise Zone to include Bethlehem Neighborhood and such to be known as The Laney-Walker/Bethlehem Zone. Funds are Available in the Following Accounts: REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY: Finance. Law. Administrator. Clerk of Commission Cover Memo  Attachment number 1 Page 1 of 8 LANEY WALKER/BETHLEHEM ENTERPRISE ZONE DESIGNATION AREA ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA In order for the Laney Walker/Bethlehem Enterprise Zone area to be eligible for designation, it has to meet three of the four criteria listed in the Enterprise Zone Employment ACT – OCGA. Each criteria and a description of its requirements is provided below. • Poverty Rate: Each census block group within the enterprise zone must have a poverty rate of at least 20%. Block groups with no population count meet the requirement. • Unemployment: 1) The nominated area must have for the preceding calendar year an unemployment rate 10% higher than the state average unemployment or 2) There must be evidence of adverse economic conditions brought about by significant job dislocation within the nominated area. • General Distress: There must be evidence of adverse conditions other than poverty and unemployment, which may include, but limited to, a high incidence of crime, abandoned or dilapidated structures, deteriorated infrastructure, and substantial population decline. • Underdevelopment: There must be evidence of development activity, or lack thereof, through land disturbance permits, business license fees, building permits, development fees, or other similar data indicating the level of development in the nominated area is at least 20% lower than the development activity within the local government’s jurisdiction. The Laney Walker/Bethlehem Enterprise Zone Area is eligible for designation based on poverty rate, unemployment, and general distress. Below is a description of each criterion that establishes its eligibility for designation. CRITERIA A – POVERTY RATE Census Tracts in the nominated area represent some of Augusta’s poorest census tracts in terms of family household incomes. All the census tract and block groups selected for the nomination falls within the top quarter of households with median incomes below 80% of the median family income. Approximately 11% of the households in the greater Augusta-Richmond area have incomes less than $10,000. The target census tracts and block groups Asset Property Disposition, Inc. Page 1  Attachment number 1 Page 2 of 8 have over 80% low- to moderate-income households. Approximately 47% of the families are living below poverty level as compared to approximately 16% in the greater Augusta-Richmond area. Laney Walker Neighborhood During the years 1990 through 2008, the majority of the households in the Laney Walker neighborhood had incomes ranging from $0 to $15,000. This was followed by household with incomes ranging from $15,000 to $24,999. In 1990, 73.6% of the households in the Laney Walker neighborhood had incomes $15,000 and below. By the year 2007, this number decreased to 47%. The households with incomes from $15,000 to $24,999 represented 14.5% and increased to 20% by the year 2008. Bethlehem Neighborhood During the years 1990 through 2008, the majority of the households in the Bethlehem neighborhood also had incomes ranging from $0 to $15,000. This was also followed by the household with incomes ranging from $15,000 to $24,999. In 1990, 68.7% of the households in the Bethlehem neighborhood had incomes $15,000 and below. By the year 2008, this number decreased to 49.3%. The households with incomes from $15,000 to $24,999 represented 19.5% and increased slightly to 20.2% by the year 2008. Asset Property Disposition, Inc. Page 2  Attachment number 1 Page 3 of 8 Table 1. Laney Walker/Bethlehem Neighborhoods Enterprise Zone Designation (Low-to-Moderate Block Groups/Below 80% of Median Family Income) Census Tracts Block Groups Population % of Low Mod H/H 7 1 299 68.5% 7 2 523 64.9% 7 3 442 86.6% 9 1 605 85.1% 9 2 509 94.9% 9 3 459 72.5% 14 1 324 85.6% 14 2 1,551 91.3% 14 3 667 70.9% 15 1 373 60.4% 15 2 744 85.5% 15 3 519 76.1% Total 7,015 CRITERIA B – UNEMPLOYMENT Census Data indicates, by the year 2008, the unemployment rate in the Laney Walker neighborhood was 4.1% higher than the State’s 6.9%, while the Asset Property Disposition, Inc. Page 3  Attachment number 1 Page 4 of 8 unemployment rate in the Bethlehem neighborhood was 18.4% higher than the State. During the years 1990 to 2008, unemployment in the Laney Walker neighborhood decreased from 18.4% to 11%. This represents a 40.3% decrease. However, unemployment in the Bethlehem neighborhood significantly increased from 11.6% to 25.3%. This represents a 118.1% increase. Unemployment in the State increase by only 22.5%. During the same time period, employment in the Laney Walker neighborhood increase from 81.8% to 86.7%. This represents a 6.1% increase. However, employment in the Bethlehem neighborhood decreased from 88.3% to 72.9%. This represents a 17.4% decreased. Employment on the State also decreased from 92.2% to 91.8%, representing a .4% decrease. Asset Property Disposition, Inc. Page 4  Attachment number 1 Page 5 of 8 CRITERIA D – GENERAL DISTRESS Declining Population and Households During the years 1990 to 2008, the total population in the Laney Walker decreased by 25.8%, decreasing from 4,850 to 3,599. While, the number of households decreased for 1,899 to 1,321, representing a 30.4% decrease. The population in the Bethlehem neighborhood also decreased from 4,465 to 3,566. This represents a 20.1% decrease. While, the number of households also decreased from 1,784 to 1,443, representing a 19.1% decrease. However, the State’s population increased from 6,478,221 to 9,727,131, representing a 50.2% increase. While, the number of households increased from 2,366,607 to 3,495,280, representing a 47.7% increase. Poor to Dilapidated Building Conditions According to a windshield survey of 2100 parcels, 53% of the parcels in the Laney Walker neighborhood are in poor to dilapidated conditions, including vacant land (26%). Only 32% is in good condition and 11% is in fair condition. Of the 1504 parcels in the Bethlehem neighborhood, 78% is in poor to dilapidated Asset Property Disposition, Inc. Page 5  Attachment number 1 Page 6 of 8 conditions, including vacant land (34%). Only 5% is in good condition and 13% is in fair condition. Of the total parcels in the combined Laney Walker and Bethlehem neighborhoods, 64% is in poor to dilapidated conditions, 30% is vacant land. Land and Building Vacancy Rate Of 2100 parcels surveyed in the Laney Walker neighborhood, 41% of the parcels are either unoccupied structures or vacant land. Of the 1504 parcels in the Bethlehem neighborhood, 53% of the parcels are either unoccupied structures or vacant land. Of the total parcels in the combined Laney Walker and Bethlehem neighborhoods, 46% are either unoccupied structures or vacant land. Asset Property Disposition, Inc. Page 6  Attachment number 1 Page 7 of 8 High Incidents of Crime A crime analysis was conducted that included crimes such as theft (auto and property), arson, assault (simple, aggravated with gun, and other), drugs (narcotic substance), criminal trespassing, and larceny. There were a total of 482 crimes recorded in the Sheriff’s crime database for the Laney Walker and Bethlehem neighborhoods combined. This crime data indicates that out of the 482 crimes, 121 were for criminal trespassing and 113 for larceny. This was followed by 103 drug crimes. The crime that was least represented in the neighborhoods was Arson with four calls. Asset Property Disposition, Inc. Page 7  Attachment number 1 Page 8 of 8 Asset Property Disposition, Inc. Page 8  ORDINANCE NO. 6508 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AUGUSTA-RICHMOND COUNTY CODE SO AS TO AMEND SECTION 2-4-20 BY EXTENDING THE BOUNDARIES OF THE LANEY WALKER ENTERPRISE ZONE TO INCLUDE THE BETHLEHEM NEIGHBORHOOD; TO PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE DATE; TO REPEAL CONFLICTING ORDINANCES; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE AUGUSTA-RICHMOND COUNTY COMMISSION, and it is hereby ordained by authority of same as follows: SECTION 1. The Augusta-Richmond County Code, Section 2-4-20, is hereby amended by number 2 Attachment Page 1 of 1 deleting in its entirety Section 2-4-20, and replacing with Section 2-4-20 which reads as follows: §2-4-20 DESIGNATION OF “LANEY-WALKER ENTERPRISE ZONE The Augusta-Richmond County Commission hereby designates the area hereinafter described as an Enterprise Zone to be known as the “Laney-Walker/Bethlehem Enterprise Zone”, to wit: BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION Beginning at a point, which is the intersection of the centerlines of 12th Street and Telfair Street; thence in a southeasterly direction along the centerline of Telfair Street a distance of 4,540 feet, more or less, to a point of intersection with the centerline of 5th Street; thence in a southwesterly direction along the center line of 5th Street a distance of 3,660 feet, more or less, to a point of intersection with the centerline of Laney-Walker Boulevard; thence in a northwesterly direction along the centerline of Laney-Walker Boulevard a distance of 1,080 feet, more or less, to a point of intersection with the centerline of the right of way of the Norfolk Southern Railroad; thence in a southwesterly direction along the centerline of the Norfolk Southern Railroad a distance of 8,150 feet, more or less, to a point of intersection of the centerline of Molly Pond Road; thence continuing southwest along the centerline of the Norfolk Southern Railroad a distance of 325 feet to a point; thence going north 32 degrees 47 minutes west a distance of 2,480 feet, more or less, to a point on the centerline of Old Savannah Road; thence in a northeasterly direction along the centerline of Old Savannah Road a distance of 1,090 feet, more or less, to a point of intersection with the centerline of the right of way of the CSX Beltline Railroad; thence in a northwesterly direction along the centerline of the CSX Beltline Railroad a distance of 2,140 feet more or less to a point of intersection with the centerline of Clay Street; thence in a northeasterly direction along the centerline of Clay Street a distance of 1,575 feet, more or less, to a point of intersection with the centerline of Anderson Avenue; thence in a westerly direction and then a northerly direction along the centerline of Anderson Avenue a distance of 550 feet, more or less, to a point of intersection with the centerline of Poplar Street; thence in a northwesterly direction along the centerline of Poplar Street a distance of 1,490 feet, more or less, to a point of intersection with the centerline of McCauley Street; thence in a northeasterly direction along the centerline of McCauley Street a distance of 655 feet, more or less, to a point of intersection with the centerline of Wrightsboro Road; then in a westerly direction along the centerline of Wrightsboro Road a distance of 175 feet, more or less, to a point of intersection with the centerline of R.A. Dent Boulevard; thence in a northeasterly direction along the centerline of R.A. Dent Boulevard a distance of 4,325 feet, more or less, to a point of intersection with the centerline of D’Antignac Street; thence in a southeasterly direction along the centerline of D’Antignac Street a distance of 950 feet, more or less, to a point of intersection with the centerline of 12th Street; thence in a northeasterly direction along the centerline of 12th Street a distance of 2,165 feet, more or less, to the point of beginning. SECTION 2. This ordinance shall become effective immediately upon adoption. SECTION 3. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with this ordinance are hereby repealed. Duly adopted this ____ day of __________, 2009. ____________________________________ David S. Copenhaver, Mayor ATTEST: _______________________________ Lena J. Bonner, Clerk of Commission  Administrative Services Committee Meeting 7/28/2009 12:45 PM HUD Neighborhood Stabilization Program 2 Department: Caption: Motion to ratify Augusta's application/request submission for a grant award from HUD's Neighborhood Stabilization Program 2 in association with the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. (Referred from July 21 Commission meeting) Background: Analysis: Financial Impact: Alternatives: Recommendation: Funds are Available in the Following Accounts: REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY: Clerk of Commission Cover Memo Attachment number 1 Page 1 of 4 Attachment number 1 Page 2 of 4 Attachment number 1 Page 3 of 4 Attachment number 1 Page 4 of 4  Administrative Services Committee Meeting 7/28/2009 12:45 PM Ordinance to amend the Augusta, GA Code Ttle Six, Section 6-7-11, relating to Liability Insurance for Taxicabs Department: License and Inspection Department Caption: Motion to approve an Ordinance to amend the Augusta-Richmond County Code Title Six, Section 6-7-11, relating to liability insurance so as to update the liability insurance policy requirements that each taxicab business or person hauling passengers for hire must maintain; to repeal all Code sections and Ordinances and parts of Code sections and Ordinances in conflict herewith; to provide an effective date and for other puposes. Background: On August 5, 2008, the Augusta-Richmond County Commission adopted Ordinance #7079 which provided for the operation and regulation of pedicabs in Augusta-Richmond County and requires pedicabs to maintain comprehensive liability insurance in the amount of one million dollars ($1,000,000.00). Insurance requirements for taxicabs were not updated at that time. Analysis: Augusta-Richmond County desires to protect the safety and well-being of its citizens, the community and visitors to Augusta. Financial Impact: No finiancial impact to Augusta-Richmond County is anticipated. Alternatives: Decline amending the Code at this time. Recommendation: Adopt this ordinance. Funds are Available in the Following N/A. Accounts: REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY: Finance. Law. Administrator. Clerk of Commission Cover Memo  Attachment number 1 Page 1 of 3 ORDINANCE NO. ___________ AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE AUGUSTA-RICHMOND COUNTY CODE ARTICLE ONE SECTION 6-7-11 RELATING TO LIABILITY INSURANCE SO AS TO UPDATE LIABILITY INSURANCE POLICY REQUIREMENTS MAINTAINED BY EACH TAXICAB BUSINESS OR PEDICAB BUSINESS OR PERSON HAULING PASSENGERS FOR HIRE; TO REPEAL ALL CODE SECTIONS AND ORDINANCES AND PARTS OF CODE SECTIONS AND ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; TO PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE DATE AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. WHEREAS, the Augusta-Richmond County Commission desires to protect the safety and well- being of its citizens, visitors, and licensees; WHEREAS, the Augusta-Richmond County Commission recommends that the liability insurance policy requirements that each taxicab business or pedicab business or person hauling passengers for hire be increased to cover liability for damages on account of bodily injury or death resulting from bodily injury to any person or for damage to property of any person, or for both arising by reason of ownership, maintenance, operation, or use of any motor vehicle by the taxicab business or pedicab business or person hauling passengers for hire. WHEREAS, to provide for uniformity in the liability insurance provisions for vehicles hauling or carrying Augusta-Richmond County citizens, visitors, or licensees. THE AUGUSTA-RICHMOND COUNTY COMMISSION ordains as follows: SECTION 6-7-11. Augusta-Richmond-County Code § 6-7-11 as set forth in the Augusta- Richmond County Code, re adopted July 10, 2007, is hereby amended by striking this section in its entirety and inserting in lieu thereof a new Code § 6-7-11 restated as set forth in “Exhibit A” hereto. SECTION 2. This ordinance shall become effective upon its adoption in accordance with applicable laws. SECTION 3. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. Adopted this ___ day of ___________, 2009. ___________________________ David S. Copenhaver As its Mayor Attest: ______________________________ Lena J. Bonner, Clerk of Commission Seal:  Attachment number 1 Page 2 of 3 CERTIFICATION The undersigned Clerk of Commission, Lena J. Bonner, hereby certifies that the foregoing Ordinance was duly adopted by the Augusta-Richmond County Commission on _________________, 2009 and that such Ordinance have not been modified or rescinded as of the date hereof and the undersigned further certifies that attached hereto is a true copy of the Ordinance which was approved and adopted in the foregoing meeting(s). ______________________________ Lena J. Bonner, Clerk of Commission Published in the Augusta Chronicle. Date: ______________________  Attachment number 1 Page 3 of 3 Exhibit A Section 6-7-11 (a) Each business tax certificate holder under this article shall maintain a liability insurance policy issued by an insurance company authorized to do business in the state in the amount of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) for bodily injury to one (1) person; fifty thousand dollars ($50,000.00) for bodily injury to more than one (1) person; and twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) for property damage. The business tax certificate holder under this article shall furnish to the director of license and inspection a copy of the insurance certificate showing the amounts provided for herein and the expiration date of insurance policy required. Each policy shall require notice to be sent within ten (10) days to the Commission as a certificate holder of any cancellation of any policy provided for in this section. (b) Any person operating an automobile within Augusta-Richmond County, hauling passengers for hire, is hereby required to comply with this section even though exempt, for any cause, from the payment of a taxicab business tax certificate fee. Section 6-7-11 (a) Every taxicab business or pedicab business or person hauling passengers for hire shall maintain a liability insurance policy issued by an insurance company authorized to do business in the state in the amount of one-million dollars ($1,000,000.00) for bodily injury to one (1) person; two-million dollars ($2,000,000.00) for bodily injury to more than one (1) person; and five-hundred thousand dollars ($500,000.00) for property damage. The business tax certificate holder under this article shall furnish to the director of license and inspection a copy of the insurance certificate showing the amounts provided for herein and the expiration date of insurance policy required. Each policy shall require notice to be sent within ten (10) days to the Commission as a certificate holder of any cancellation of any policy provided for in this section.