Administrative Services Committee Meeting

Administrative Services Committee Commission Chamber- 5/9/2017- 1:20 PM Meeting ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES 1. Approve a request from the District Attorney for the purchase of Attachments one Ford Explorer using Forfeiture Funds from the District Attorney’s Office. Bid 16-185 2. Approve a request from the Augusta Utilities Department-Fort Attachments Gordon Division for 2 new pickup trucks and one SUV to accommodate recently added personnel to their Fort Gordon contract. 3. Motion to approve the proposal received from A&D Painting, Attachments Inc. to paint the Riverwalk railing. 4. Commission Notification: Discuss and approve a threshold of Attachments personal injury, property loss, or extreme circumstance that will require prompt notification to the Commission regarding an incident or situation. Discussion will include process of notification such as i.e. at the next: Executive Session, email blast, etc. (Requested by Commissioner Sammie Sias) 5. Discuss the Commission's travel and training budget. Attachments (Requested by Commissioner Bill Fennoy) 6. Motion to approve the minutes of the Administrative Services Attachments Committee held on April 25, 2017. 7. Discuss creating a policy/process requiring all contracts be Attachments presented to the commission for approval before being executed. (Requested by Commissioner Ben Hasan) 8. Discuss the proposed Augusta Dragway/Drag Strip. (Requested Attachments by Commissioner Ben Hasan) www.augustaga.gov  Administrative Services Committee Meeting 5/9/2017 1:20 PM 2017 - District Attorney SUV Department: Central Services Department - Fleet Management Department Presenter: Ron Crowden Caption: Approve a request from the District Attorney for the purchase of one Ford Explorer using Forfeiture Funds from the District Attorney’s Office. Bid 16-185 Background: O.C.G.A 16-13-49 (u) (4) (D) (i) authorizes the District Attorney to use forfeiture funds for any purpose other than for salaries or rewards to law enforcement personnel. On April 21, 2017 District Attorney Paine contacted Fleet Management requesting a Ford Explorer for the purpose of transporting evidence and, in some cased, witness’ to and from Court. The District Attorney’s ability to move large amounts of evidence is limited by the types of vehicles that are in her Office. Analysis: The Procurement Department published a competitive bid using the Demand Star application for the Midsize SUV. Specifications were sent to 11 venders and only two responded, The results are as follows: One Ford Explorer at $26,961.00 from the District Attorney’s Forfeiture fund. Financial Impact: Bid 16-185 – Ford Explorer Base 4X2: Allan Vigil Ford = $26,961.00 each; Ben Mynatt Chevrolet bid was not accepted as he did not bid the required items requested (see attached tab sheet). Alternatives: Approve the request Recommendation: : Approve the purchase of one Ford Explorer for the District Attorney’s Office. Funds are Available in the Following District Attorney Forfeiture Funds Cover Memo Accounts: Item # 1 REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY: Finance. Procurement. Law. Administrator. Clerk of Commission Cover Memo Item # 1 Attachment number 1 \nPage 1 Item # 1  Attachment number 2 \nPage 1 Invitation To Bid Sealed bids will be received at this office until Friday, July 1, 2016 @ 11:00 a.m. for furnishing: Bid Item #16-184 Full Size Vans for Augusta Fleet Department Bid Item #16-185 Midsize Sports Utility Vehicles for Augusta Fleet Department Bids will be received by Augusta, GA Commission hereinafter referred to as the OWNER at the offices of: Geri A. Sams, Director Augusta Procurement Department 535 Telfair Street - Room 605 Augusta, Georgia 30901 Bid documents may be viewed on the Augusta, Georgia web site under the Procurement Department ARCbid. Bid documents may be obtained at the office of the Augusta, GA Procurement Department, 535 Telfair Street – Room 605, Augusta, GA 30901. Documents may be examined during regular business hours at the offices of Augusta, GA Procurement Department. All questions must be submitted in writing by fax to 706 821-2811 or by email to procbidandcontract@augustaga.gov to the office of the Procurement Department by Friday, June 17, 2016 @ 5:00 P.M. No bid will be accepted by fax, all must be received by mail or hand delivered. No bids may be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days after bids have been opened, pending the execution of contract with the successful bidder. Invitation for bids and specifications. An invitation for bids shall be issued by the Procurement Office and shall include specifications prepared in accordance with Article 4 (Product Specifications), and all contractual terms and conditions, applicable to the procurement. All specific requirements contained in the invitation to bid including, but not limited to, the number of copies needed, the timing of the submission, the required financial data, and any other requirements designated by the Procurement Department are considered material conditions of the bid which are not waiveable or modifiable by the Procurement Director. All requests to waive or modify any such material condition shall be submitted through the Procurement Director to the appropriate committee of the Augusta, Georgia Commission for approval by the Augusta, Georgia Commission. Please mark BID number on the outside of the envelope. Bidders are cautioned that acquisition of BID documents through any source other than the office of the Procurement Department is not advisable. Acquisition of BID documents from unauthorized sources placed the bidder at the risk of receiving incomplete or inaccurate information upon which to base his qualifications. Correspondence must be submitted via mail, fax or email as follows: Augusta Procurement Department Attn: Geri A. Sams, Director of Procurement 535 Telfair Street, Room 605 Augusta, GA 30901 Fax: 706-821-2811 or Email: procbidandcontract@augustaga.gov No bid will be accepted by fax, all must be received by mail or hand delivered. GERI A. SAMS, Procurement Director Publish: Augusta Chronicle May 26, June 2, 9, 16, 2016 Metro Courier June 1, 2016 Item # 1  Attachment number 3 \nPage 1 OFFICIAL Bid #16-185 Midsize Sports Utility Vehicles for Augusta, Georgia - Fleet Management Bid Opening Date: Friday, July 1, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. Total Number Specifications Mailed Out: 18 Total Number Specifications Download (Demandstar): Total Electronic Notifications (Demandstar): Mandatory Pre-Bid/Telephone Conference: NOT APPLICABLE Total packages submitted: 2 Total Noncompliant: 0 Allan Vigil Ford Ben Mynatt Chevolet Vendors 6790 Mt. Zion Blvd 281 Concord Pkwy S Morrow, GA 30260 Concord, NC 28027 Attachment B YES YES E-Verify Number 94460 691912 SAVE Form YES YES 5.00 Vehicle Requirements 5.01 Sport Utility, 2 wheel drive, 4-dr $24,969.00 $25,380.00 5.02 Sport Utility, 4 wheel drive, 4-dr $26,869.00 $27,798.00 5.03 Sport Utility, 2 wheel drive, 4-dr $27,797.00 $27,682.00 5.04 Sport Utility, 4 wheel drive, 4-dr $29,771.00 $30,028.00 5.05 2.0L @ minimum 270 HP $473.00 NA 5.06 3.5L @ minimum 350 HP $16,500.00 NA 5.07 4x4 drive train included NA 5.8 Daytime running lights $42.00 included 5.9 All weather floor mats $114.00 $75.00 per row 5.10 rear bumper protector $71.00 NA 5.11 Cargo Shade $123.00 $85.00 5.12 Roof rack crossbars $132.00 $275.00 5.13 Splash guards $195.00 $200.00 5.14 trailer tow package $542.00 $550.00 5.15 Sirius radio $185.00 included 5.16 Rear cargo well protector $95.00 $85.00 5.17 Navigation system $3,200.00 NA 5.18 Power liftgate $2,004.00 NA 5.19 Park assist NA included 5.20 Trailer sway control No Charge included Item # 1 Page 1 of 2  Attachment number 3 \nPage 2 OFFICIAL Bid #16-185 Midsize Sports Utility Vehicles for Augusta, Georgia - Fleet Management Bid Opening Date: Friday, July 1, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. Total Number Specifications Mailed Out: 18 Total Number Specifications Download (Demandstar): Total Electronic Notifications (Demandstar): Mandatory Pre-Bid/Telephone Conference: NOT APPLICABLE Total packages submitted: 2 Total Noncompliant: 0 Allan Vigil Ford Ben Mynatt Chevolet Vendors 6790 Mt. Zion Blvd 281 Concord Pkwy S Morrow, GA 30260 Concord, NC 28027 5.21 CNG conversion Package NA NA 5.22 Leather/heated seats $4,446.00 NA 5.23 Vinyl/rubber floor covering NA NA 6.00 Outfitter's Speciality Items 6.01 Fire Extinguisher $65.00 6.02 Outlet receptacle $65.00 6.03 Spotlight $110.00 no bid 6.04 Trailer hitch $600.00 6.05 Trailer wiring included 6.06 Window tint $125.00 7.00 Alert Warning Systems 7.01 Corner lighting $490.00 7.02 1 Wheelen model Alpha12R $445.00 7.03 1 Wheelen SLPMMAA rearview $325.00 7.04 1 Wheelen SLPMMAA center rea $325.00 no bid 7.05 2 Talon rocker switches $15.00 7.06 Backup alarm $90.00 7.07 Magnetic top light $300.00 7.08 LED flashing light $439.00 2017 MIDSIZE SPORT UTILITY VEHICLE: Year 2017 2017 Make Ford Chevrolet Model Explorer Traverse Approximate Delivery Time 60 - 100 Days 90 Days ARO The following vendors did not respond: Gerald Jones Ford / 3480 Wrightsboro Rd / Augusta, GA 30909 Fairway of Augusta / 4333 Washingotn Rd / Evans, GA 30809 Item # 1 Page 2 of 2 Attachment number 4 \nPage 1 Item # 1  Attachment number 5 \nPage 1 MACOLM CUNNINGHAM CHEVROLET FIVE STAR C/DODGE/JEEP JACKY JONES FORD, INC ATTN: FLEET MANAGER ATTN: CLARK LAMBERT ATTN: CLINT LAPRADE 2031 GORDON HIGHWAY 3068 RIVERSIDE DRIVE P O BOX 1080 HWY 129S AUGUSTA, GA 30909 MACON, GA 31210 CLEVELAND, GA 30528 LEGACY FORD MERCURY, INC. HENNA CHEVROLET THOMSON CHRYSLER ATTN: BENNIE WALDROP ATTN: JIMMY SCOTT ATTN: MAC MCALLISTER 413 INDUSTRIAL BLVD 3625 RICHLAND AVENUE W. 2158 WASHINGTON ROAD P.O. BOX 248 AIKEN, SC 29801 THOMSON, GA 30824 MCDONOUGH, GA 30253 ALLAN VIGIL FORD FAIRWAY FORD OF AUGUSTA ATTN: BOB BURTNER BUTLER CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP ATTN: BRIAN STEWART 6790 MT. ZION BLVD. 1555 SALEM ROAD 4333 WASHINGTON ROAD P.O. BOX 100001 BEAUFORT, SC 29902 EVANS, GA 30809 MORROW, GA 30260 WADE FORD GOVERNMENT SALES AKINS FORD CORP LANGDALE CHEVROLET ATTN: ROGER MOORE ATTN: FLEET SALES 1006 W FRANKLIN ST 3860 SOUTH COBB DRIVE 220 WEST MAY STREET SYLVESTER GA 31791 SMYRNA, GA 30080 WINDER, GA 30680 LOVE CHEVROLET GERALD JONES FORD CARL BLACK BUICK-GMC ATTN: DON WEAVER ATTN: FLEET SALES ATTN: ROBERT M. KLEPAK P.O. BOX 8387 3480 WRIGHTSBORO ROAD 1110 ROBERTS BLVD COLUMBIA, SC 29033 AUGUSTA, GA 30919 KENNESAW, GA 30144 MASTERS OF AUGUSTA – GMC BRANNEN MOTOR CO. MILTON MARTIN HONDA ATTN: BUICK– FRANK WARD ATTN: BOBBY REED 2420 BROWNS BRIDGE RD ATTN: GMC – BERNARD HUGHES P. O. BOX 746 GAINESVILLE, GA 30504 3710 WASHINGTON ROAD UNEDILLA, GA 31091 MARTINEZ, GA 30907 BID ITEM 16-185 BID ITEM 16-185 MIDSIZE SPORTS UTILITY VEHICLES MIDSIZE SPORTS UTILITY VEHICLES FOR FLEET MANAGEMENT FOR FLEET MANAGEMENT BID DUE: FRI., JULY 1, 2016 @ 11:00 A.M. MAILED 26 MAY 2016 RON CROWDEN YVONNE GENTRY RUSSELL SANDERS FLEET MANAGEMENT LSBOP FLEET MANANGEMENT Item # 1  Administrative Services Committee Meeting 5/9/2017 1:20 PM 2017 - Utilities Fort Gordon - Vehicles Department: Central Services Department - Fleet Management Division Presenter: Ron Crowden Caption: Approve a request from the Augusta Utilities Department-Fort Gordon Division for 2 new pickup trucks and one SUV to accommodate recently added personnel to their Fort Gordon contract. Background: The Augusta Utilities Department - Fort Gordon Division has recently needed to add additional personnel to assist in their ongoing contract with Fort Gordon military post and the expansion of Cyber Command. The additional vehicles are requested in order to accommodate the new positions. Analysis: The Procurement Department published a competitive bid using the Demand Star application for the 6,000 GVW pickup trucks with the following results: Bid 16-235 - F150 V8, Ext Cab, 4x4 model: Allan Vigil Ford = $29,166.00; Fairway Ford = $28,693.00; Langsdale Chevrolet = $30,431.00; Master Buick GMC = $36,648.00 Bid 16-235 - F150 V8, Crew Cab, 4x4 model: Allan Vigil Ford = $31,379.00; Fairway Ford = $30,959.00; Langsdale Chevrolet = $32,991.00; Master Buick GMC = $40,272.00 Bid 16-185 – Ford Explorer, 4x4 model: Allan Vigil Ford = $28,640.00; Ben Mynatt Chevrolet = Did Not Include Required Equipment in Bid Financial Impact: 1-F150 V8, Ext Cab 4x4 pickup truck @ $28,693.00; 1-F150 V8, Crew Cab, 4x4 pickup truck @ 30,959.00; 1-Ford Explorer @ $28,640.00 for a total cost of $88,292.00. The trucks will be purchased through the GMA Lease program. (ACT #: 631-10- 1110-54-99631) Alternatives: (1) Approve the request; (2) Do not approve the request Recommendation: Cover Memo Approve the purchase of 2 pickup trucks and one SUV for the Item # 2  Department. Funds are Available in the Following ACT #: 631-10-1110-54-99631 Accounts: REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY: Finance. Law. Administrator. Clerk of Commission Cover Memo Item # 2 Attachment number 1 \nPage 1 Item # 2 Attachment number 2 \nPage 1 Item # 2 Attachment number 2 \nPage 2 Item # 2 Attachment number 3 \nPage 1 Item # 2  Administrative Services Committee Meeting 5/9/2017 1:20 PM Augusta Riverwalk Rail Painting Project Department: Central Services - Facilities Maintenance Division Presenter: Takiyah A. Douse Caption: Motion to approve the proposal received from A&D Painting, Inc. to paint the Riverwalk railing. Background: On January 17, 2017, the Commission tasked the Administrator and the Central Services Director with obtaining bids to repair and paint the railing along the Augusta Riverwalk. Bids were received, and the lowest compliant bidder, A&D Painting Inc., proposed $136,650 to complete the scope of work described in RFP #17-160. Analysis: The Augusta Riverwalk was constructed in 1985 and the railing system was last painted over ten years ago (2013). To enhance the parks appearance and provide a safe environment for visitors, this project will consist of painting the railings and bollards while making repairs to existing rails. Financial Impact: To repair the damaged rail system where needed and paint the Augusta Riverwalk railing using the lowest compliant bidder will cost $136,650.00. Alternatives: 1. Motion to approve the proposal received from A&D Painting, Inc. to paint the Riverwalk railing. 2. Motion to deny the proposal received from A&D Painting, Inc. to paint the Riverwalk railing. Recommendation: 1. Motion to approve the proposal received from A&D Painting, Inc. to paint the Riverwalk railing. Funds are Available in the Following Capital Outlay 272-062211-5223110 Accounts: Cover Memo Item # 3 REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY: Finance. Law. Administrator. Clerk of Commission Cover Memo Item # 3  Administrative Services Committee Meeting 5/9/2017 1:20 PM Commission Notification Department: Clerk of Commisson Presenter: Caption: Commission Notification: Discuss and approve a threshold of personal injury, property loss, or extreme circumstance that will require prompt notification to the Commission regarding an incident or situation. Discussion will include process of notification such as i.e. at the next: Executive Session, email blast, etc. (Requested by Commissioner Sammie Sias) Background: Analysis: Financial Impact: Alternatives: Recommendation: Funds are Available in the Following Accounts: REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY: Cover Memo Item # 4  Attachment number 1 \nPage 1 From: Commissioner Sammie Sias Sent: Wednesday, May 03, 2017 L2:47 PM To: Lena Bonner Cc: Nancy Morawski; Janice Allen Jackson; Andrew G. Mackenzie Subject: Committee Agenda Item Ms Bonner, Please the following item to the Administrative Services Committee Agenda for 9 May ZOL7. Commission Notification; Discuss and approve a threshold of personal injury, property loss, or extreme circumstance that will require prompt notification to the Commission regarding an incident or situation' Discussion will include process of notification such as ie., at the next: Executive Session, email blast, etc,. Thanking you in advance. Sammie L. Sias Commissioner, Augusta Richmond County "Foilure is not an Option" Please consider the environment before printing this email. This e-mail contains conficjenlial intormalton and rs intended only lor the individual named. lf you are nol the named addressee, you should not disscminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. Please notify the sender immediately by e'mail if you have rece]ved this e-mail by mislake and delete this e-mail frcm your system. Thc Oity of Augusia accepis no liabilily for the conteni o{ lhis e-mail or 1or the consequences of any actions taien on the basis of the information provided, unless thal inlormation is subsequently confirmed in writing. Any views or opinions presented in this e-mail are solely those ol the author and do noi necessarily represent those of the City of Augusta. F-rnail iransmissions cannol be guaranleed to be secure or error-free as informition could be intercepted, corrupted, lost, destroyed, arrive late or incomplete, or contain viruses. I he sender therefore does not accept liabiliiy for any errors or omissions in the content of this message which arise as a result of lhe e-mail lransmission. lf verification is required, please request a hard copy version. AEt):104 1 Item # 4  Administrative Services Committee Meeting 5/9/2017 1:20 PM Commission Travel and Training Budget Department: Presenter: Caption: Discuss the Commission's travel and training budget. (Requested by Commissioner Bill Fennoy) Background: Analysis: Financial Impact: Alternatives: Recommendation: Funds are Available in the Following Accounts: REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY: Cover Memo Item # 5  Administrative Services Committee Meeting 5/9/2017 1:20 PM Minutes Department: Clerk of Commission Presenter: Caption: Motion to approve the minutes of the Administrative Services Committee held on April 25, 2017. Background: Analysis: Financial Impact: Alternatives: Recommendation: Funds are Available in the Following Accounts: REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY: Cover Memo Item # 6  Attachment number 1 \nPage 1 Administrative Services Committee Meeting Commission Chamber - 412512017 ATTENDANCE: Present: Hons. Hardie Davis, Jr., Mayor; M.Williams, Chairman; Jefferson, Vice Chairrnan; D. Williams, member. Absent: Hon. Davis, member. ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES 1. Approve a request from the Augusta Regional Airport for the purchase oftwo Item new pickup trucks: one to assist in the Maintenance Division activities and the Action: second to assist in the operations Division.Bid 16-235 Approved Motions Motion Motion Type Motion Text Made By Seconded By Result Motion to Approve approve. Commissioner Commissioner Passes Motion Passes 3- Andrew Jefferson Dennis Williams 0. 2. Approve the replacement of one 1998 aerial bucket truck for the Augusta Item Engineering Department-Traffi c Divis ion. Action: Approved Motions Motion Motion Motion Text Made By Seconded By Type Result Motion to Approve approve. Commissioner Commissioner Passes Motion Passes 3- Andrew Jefferson Dennis Williams 0. 3. Motion to deny the Protest of Peed Bros. Inc. regarding bid # 17-147 Deans Item Bridge Road MSW Landfill Phase 3, Stage 1, Cell 3 Earthwork Package for Action: Environmental Services Department. Approved Item # 6  Attachment number 1 \nPage 2 Motions Motion |'#:'" Motion rext Made By Seconded By Result Motion to concur in Commissioner the denial of the bid ^Ir ADDTOVC Andrew Commissioner Passes protest. Dennis williams Jefferson Motion Passes 3-0. 4. Presentation by Mr. James Williamson regarding the issue of sagging pants. Item Action: None Motions Made Seconded Motion +#:" Motion rext By By Result Mr. Williamson did not appear before the committee. 5. Discuss Magellan's contract for Pharmacy Benefit Management Services as Item approved by the Commission on November 1, 2016. (Requested by Action: Commissioners Ben Hasan and Marion Williams) Approved Motions Motion Motion Text I ype Made By Seconded By f;Xil Motion to approve the recommendation of the Administrator to continue to allow City employees the option of having Commissioner Commissioner Approve maintainence drug Andrew Marion Passes prescriptions filled either Jefferson Williams through the mail order program or through a local pharmacy. Motion Passes 3-0. 6. Motion to approve the minutes of the Administrative Services Committee held Item on April ll,2017 . Action: Approved Motions Item # 6  Attachment number 1 \nPage 3 Motion Text Motion X:j:"' I YPe By '''--- -r Made seconded By Result Motion to Approve il3,,X],'i,"sses 3- i:f,ffi'."#;1", S"#H'il?,ffi, passes 0. 7. Report from the Clerk's Office regarding the issue of "sagging Pants" as Item addressed by other cities in Georgia. Action: Disapproved Motions Motion Motion rype Text Made By seconded By fJriii Motion to approve tasking the attorney with crafting an ordinance to bring Commissioner Commissioner Approve before the Commission Andrew Marion Fails addressing the issue of Jefferson Williams sagging pants. Mr. D. Williams abstains. Motion Fails 2-0 -1. www.augustaga.gov Item # 6  Administrative Services Committee Meeting 5/9/2017 1:20 PM Policy for Contracts Execution Department: Presenter: Commissioner Ben Hasan Caption: Discuss creating a policy/process requiring all contracts be presented to the commission for approval before being executed. (Requested by Commissioner Ben Hasan) Background: Analysis: Financial Impact: Alternatives: Recommendation: Funds are Available in the Following Accounts: REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY: Cover Memo Item # 7  Administrative Services Committee Meeting 5/9/2017 1:20 PM Race Track Department: Presenter: Commissioner Ben Hasan Caption: Discuss the proposed Augusta Dragway/Drag Strip. (Requested by Commissioner Ben Hasan) Background: Analysis: Financial Impact: Alternatives: Recommendation: Funds are Available in the Following Accounts: REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY: Cover Memo Item # 8  Attachment number 1 \nPage 1 REGULAR MEETING COMMISSION CHAMBERS March 7,2006 The Augusta Richmond County Commission convened at 2.ll p.m., Tuesday, March 7,2}O6,the Hon. Deke Copenhaver, Mayor, presiding. Present: Hons. Holland, Smith, colclough, Grantham, Hatney, williams, Beard, Cheek, Bowles and Brigham, members of Augusta Richmond County Commission. Also present: Steve Shepard, Attorney; Fred Russell, Administrator; Lena Bonner, Clerk of Commission. The Invocation was given by Dr. David Fleming, Pastor of Warren Baptist Church. The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the united States was recited. PRESENTATION A. Mr. Earl Thompkins, Chairman. Presentation/approval of Mission Statement and discuss accomplishments in 2005/Strategic Plan for 2006 for ARC Citizens' Small Business Advisory Board. Mr. Smith: Motion to approve. Mr. Cheek: Second. Motion carries 10-0. PRESENTATION B. Augusta Canal Authority Re: "Save our History" Mr. Mayor: --to preserve local history. Please display this with pride and keep up with the good work. The Clerk: Mr. Mayor? Mr. cheek: Mr. Mayor, if I may, just a quick question on this subject. And I think everybody involved is aware of how important the canal is. The question I have for staff is did we ever get the maintenance agreemenJ in place between the Canal Authority, Utilities and Public Works? Mr. Sherrouse: I'll respond. No, we did not. The last meeting that was here, either toward the end of last year or the first oft his year, which involved the ability of the Item # 8  Attachment number 1 \nPage 2 asked for the study in January. I thought that should have been done. We asked for the study. Mr. Mayor: Is there a readiness by the body to vote? Mr. Williams: Yes, sir, let's vote. Mr. Mayor: We will first vote on the substitute motion. Madame Clerk, could you read back the substitute motion? The Clerk: The substitute motion was to delay the study until a legal opinion is received relative to the issues identified with the Georgia Departmenl of Natural Resources. Mr. Mayor: Commissioners will now vote by the substitute sign. Ms. Beard, Mr. Bowles, Mr. cheek, Mr. williams and Mr. Holland vote No. Mr. Hatney and Mr. Colclough abstain. Motion fails 3-5-2. Mr. Mayor: Mr. Williams? Mr. Williams: I wanted to put another substitute motion on the floor, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor: Okay, Mr. Williams. Mr. Williams: To allow the Administrator to do what the first motion have already stated and go ahead and proceed with building this facitity if it's so deemed with the report coming back being favorable. Mr. Cheek: Second. Mr. Mayor: We have the substitute motion, a second substitute motion and a second. Madame Clerk, could you read- The Clerk: The substitute motion was to approve the study and authorizing the Administrator to spend up to $25,000 and if--to build the facility if the report comes back favorable. Mr. Mayor: That would be to build the facility on the site recommended by the study? Mr. Hatney: That's not what was said. Mr. Mayor: We discussed giving clear direction on these things. Item # 8 54  Attachment number 1 \nPage 3 Mr. Hatney: I was under the impression that he asked that he have the opportunity, along with the mandate from here, to select the proper site, being guided by those persons that he's about to talk to. That's what I understood. If I'm *ron[, help ml out. Mr. Mayor: Was that the point of your motion, Mr. Williams? Mr. Williams. Yeah. I can identify with that. It really doesn't matter about the site. I think we got a facility that can house this, this, this entity. We got 1700 acres of land there and if we got another 1700 or another 250 acres somewhere that's feasible, I got no problem. That's all we need for the facility is 250 acres. Now, if we got 1700 and we still have [unintelligible] acreage left from that, if that site is good, whatever site, we need to go ahead and do it. Now, we don't need to get into a debate about the site. I think that's the best location. The study ought to come back and show that. Whatever it is. And now is there another part of that that need to be included, Mr. Mayor? We need to find that out, too. Is there a [unintelligible] that would need to be addressed? How does that work? Mr. Mayor: Mr. Administrator, are you, are your directions clear as to how to proceed, should this substitute motion pass? Mr. Russell: I think- Mr. Mayor. Obviously not. Mr. Russell: I think it would be premature to direct me to build a, to build something without further action by this group. I think I'm comfortable with everything up to that point, sir. And I would not mind-you know,I'm making a recommendation, be that a new site, that site, the feasibility, whatever I think is well within reason and could be done fairly quickly. To authorize the building of the site or to building at this point I'd be a little bit uncomfortable with that at this point and I apologize for that but I think that's- Mr. Williams: Make an amendment, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Russell: I think it's a little farther ahead than we need to be, sir. Mr. Mayor: Mr. Williams? Mr. Williams: I make an amendment with the building part. Where we add to that is that- Mr. Russell: The financing- Item # 8 55  Attachment number 1 \nPage 4 Mr. Williams: Do the study and proceed with how the financing or the bonds or whatever needs to be done with all those [unintelligible] out of the way and be able to bring it back to this body. Mr. Russell: For vote. Mr. Williams: That's right. Mr. Russell: That I'm comfortable with, sir. Mr. Mayor: You are clear? Mr. Russell: Yes, sir. Mr. Mayor: Okay. Mr. Brigham: Mr. Mayor? Mr. Mayor: Mr. Brigham? Mr. Brigham: I believe this is a motion that's already a motion of the body. I believe it's already been seconded. I think it would take a vote to change the conditions that were made in the motion. Am I right or am I wrong? Mr. Russell: It's my understanding it's a substitute motion. Mr. Brigham: A substitute motion that had already been seconded, was it not? Mr. Mayor: I do not-Ms. Clerk, had it been seconded? The Clerk: Yes, sir. Mr. Brigham: So I think the motion belongs to the body, is what it was ruled earlier today. Mr. Mayor: Okay. Mr. Brigham: I believe the same rule would apply. Mr. Mayor: Okay. So then let me get this clear. I'm trying to get all the players straight in my head. We've got a substitute motion. We've got a substitute motion to vote on submitted by Commissioner Williams. Then we still have a primary motion out there to vote on. Okay, could you please read back the substitute motion by Commissioner Williams, Ms. Clerk, and we will vote on that one if there's readiness. We'll vote on the primary motion then- Item # 8 56  Attachment number 1 \nPage 5 The Clerk: Mr. Williams' substitute motion was to authorize the study and the Administrator to spend up to $25,000 to conduct the study and to follow procedures with proceeding with financing of the facility and be brought back to the Commission for approval. Mr. Mayor: Commissioners will now vote by the usual sign. Mr. Brigham and Mr. Smith vote No. Motion carries 8-.2 Mr. Mayor: Okay, y'all please don't make my agenda item so hard. Mr. Cheek: [unintelligible] ADDENDUM 46. Discuss the sale of city owned properties. (Requested by Mayor Copenhaver) Mr. Mayor: This addendum agenda item I added last Friday. Basically having come from a real estate background it has become painfully apparent to me that the City owns a surplus of open land that I would categorize as non-performing assets. These have been removed from the tax base, that are not producing tax revenue. Some of these- many, many of these parcels I would consider to be marketable. I would like for this body to consider making a motion to direct appropriate staff to inventory our ten more marketable properties prior to our April l8u meeting and come back to the body with ten recommendations; the body would then have the ability to proceed with voting to market- not market these properties but to auction these properties. Basically what that would do is it would take these non-performing assets off of our books and return them to the tax base where they belong so they can produce tax revenue. Mr. Hatney: Mr. Mayor? Mr. Mayor: Rev. Hatney? Mr. Hatney: I'd like to offer a motion that we postpone this and take it up in legal, because we're talking about property, and to discuss that. Mr. Mayor: Mr. Shepard? Mr. Shepard: You need a motion then to postpone this until after legal if that is the will of the body. Mr. Mayor: Okay. Mr. Shepard: Would be real estate, could be talked about in legal. Mr. Williams: So move. Item # 8 57  Attachment number 2 \nPage 1 REGULAR MEETING COMMISSION CHAMBER ocToBER 3, 2006 Augusta Richmond County Commission convened at 2:00 p.m., October 10, 2006,the Hon. Deke Copenhaver, Mayor, presiding. PRESENT: Hons. Holland, Smith, Grantham, Hatney, Williams, Beard, Cheek, Bowles and Brigham, members of the Augusta Richmond County Commission. Also present: Steve Shepard, Attorney; Fred Russell, Administrator, Lena Bonner, Clerk of Commission. The invocation was given by the Reverend Norman V. Carter, Ministry Coordinator, Macedonia Baptist Church. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was recited. The Clerk: Reverend Carter, on behalf of the Mayor and members of the Commission, we'd like to give you this token of our appreciation for coming in and sharing and imparting that word of God on our behalf. (APPLAUSE) Mr. Mayor: Alrighty, we will move along to the presentations. The Clerk: PRESENTATIONS A. Presentation from the Canal Redevelopment Task Force regarding the Third Level Canal. (Requested by Commissioner Betty Beard) Mr. Mayor: Betty, do we have a representative of the task force here? Ms. Beard: I have not seen one I simply assumed they would be here but maybe they will be a little late. Mr. Mayor: Okay. Go ahead and move along to the recognitions. The Clerk: RECOGNITION(S) B. J.P. Jones. Represented First Tee of Augusta at the Champions Tour Event in Pebble Beach, CA., September 2006. The Clerk: We ask that J.P. Jones along with his family to please join the Mayor at the podium. Mr. Jones. Item # 8  Attachment number 2 \nPage 2 Mr. Mayor: OK. If everybody will agree to behave, I'll address #23 next. Let's goto 23. The Clerk: OTHER BUSINESS 23. Presentation of the race track study. (Requested by the Administrator) Mr. Mayor: This includes you, Mr. Cheek. Mr. Cheek: Mr. Mayor, just because I have a superior knowledge of the rules of Parliamentary ----- Mr. Mayor: (LAUGHING) ltem #23 . Mr. Williams: Mr. Russell, is he here? Mr. Mayor: He just left the room. Mr. Russell, that's a big box you're carrying. Mr. Grantham: Probably got a knocked-down racecar in there. Mr. Mayor: I thought you were bringing some lug nuts and--- Mr. Mayor: Mr. Russell. Mr. Russell: You need to hold one and I need to hold an extra. For those of you who are interested, we do have some copies available. We are gonna put this on the web for those of you who might have access to a computer. You'll be able to grab this offthe web tomorrow for those of you who aren't able to get a hard copy today. Once again I apologize for not being in the room. I wanted to get some information for us here. Um, at the beginning of the year you tasked me to put together an RFP, to bring in a professional consultant with experience in racetrack management, development, site location and economic impact, together to meet with us and meet with people in our jurisdiction, in reference to the establishment of a potential professional level drag strip here in Augusta. [Ih, we did that. We've already flown him here out of Chicago, who has a great deal of experience in these areas. Uh, they spent several weeks with us, uh several months looking at the opportunity here. Uh, just today I received the final draft of their report. I've had conversation with them over the last several weeks as we've looked at this, and the bottom line is, that it seems to be an economically feasible function for Augusta. Uh, what we would look at is a potential for a public, private partner ship, as we talked about in the past. And I would think that um, if you look at the numbers, and I know you're looking at them for the first time, the fiscal impact is in the millions and millions of dollars, jobs are at approximately 300 or so total, over all, full time equivalence after the building of the track itself. IJm, so it looks like a positive venture if we found the right partner. As in most cases it's not all roses. There are issued there that need to be addressed, location being the most important of those locations as Item # 8 24  Attachment number 2 \nPage 3 we've talked about on numerous occasions. Uh, the site that we looked at was the industrial development site. There are potentially other sites in the city that we do not have control over and they were not really considered since we did not have enough funding for uh, and acquisition at this particular point in time. Um, noise is an issue for those people living in that. It's been my warning over the last couple of months, this job's taught me a whole lot more about lots of things than I ever thought it would. I know more about sewers, landfills and now racetracks than I ever thought I'd even want to know about. But it is my understanding now that given some of the new developments in sound abatement, some of the new walls and some of the other things that are being created, the noise is probably not the issue. It might have been several months or several years ago in these kinds of facilities. So that's a hurdle but a hurdle that can be breached as can location. The bottom line at this particular point of time, ladies and gentlemen, is that you got information in front of you that shows that this may well be an economically feasible venture for us to join into as a joint partnership with one or more private investors to continue to move forward. U[ the impact is obviously important to us, now only in the jobs created, the tax money created, the opportunity for the gate receipts that will be created and the use of the land itself that has now sat idled for a long time basically. The questions that you have to face are, those once again location, noise and neighborhood. That's a tough decision that you end up having to make on regular occasions with everything that we do. IJh, and that's pretty much where you go there. Uh, the report is lengthy. The executive summary at the end talks about money, talks about jobs which is probably the most important thing. It does talk a lot about the industry itself. Uh, just to read the report is an education in stock and drag strip cars that I've learned about here. Um and um, pretty much that's what we've got. With your further acknowledgement we will be more than happy to bring the consultants to talk at some length and some detail if that's the direction you'd like to go in. IJm, I'm waiting for the next steps being whatever they may be. Mr. Williams: Mr. Mayor? Mr. Mayor. Commissioner Williams. Mr. Williams: Yes, Mr. Russell. What's the economic impact you're talking about, you said millions of dollars. Can you give us uh, in ftgures, Mr. Russell? Mr. Russell: Yes, sir, if you look at the back um, several pages there. With vendor spending, summary of visitor spending, visitor room nights and so. Bottom line is approximately about $30M ayear, is what they're looking at. Mr. Holland: Mr. Mayor. Mr. Williams: I'd like to continue to continue. Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Williams. Item # 8 25  Attachment number 2 \nPage 4 Mr. Williams: {Jm, we had an opportunity years ago, in the early 60's, when a couple of fella's, I'm looking out there was drag racing out on Windsor Spring Road, the old race track. We had a round track facility out there as well. And, uh, had we stuck to that we possibly could be even bigger, even greater than Charloue has ever been when it comes to cars, um, Mr. Mayor. We know that there was some concerns about the noise. We went out, we did a sound test uh, uh, that was proven not to be a factor. The trucks on the highway registered more than the cars that was supposed to have been rewed at that time. Uh, we, we don't impact any neighbors, we don't wanna put any negative situation on any person, in, in this community. Uh, on this 1700 acres of land I'm sure we're going to go in to the land at least a quarter of a mile if not a mile deep into it to build the facility because you wouldn't want it right on the road where traflic's got to get offthe road into the gate. So the gates gotta be off the road. Uh, that's gonna put us even further away. Uh, this is an opportunity. We asked for two dollars out of every ticket sold to come back to the city government. That does not come to $30M economic dollars that gonna come to the area, this is another amount that will come to this government because in that stipulation, we put that in, Mr. Mayor, to make sure we try to alleviate the, the burden that's been on the tor payers. This is another opportunity for us to do something. Uh, I'm just, I'm just hoping this body see that uh, in order for folks to come to your city and stay and live you gotta give them choices. We shouldn't plan on someone else uh, but, for what we wanna have, Mr. Mayor, but I think this is a win, win situation. I thank Mr. Russell for the work he's done along with the group who did the study. We spent $25,000.00 to do this study, our tax- payer's money. And, I'm hoping that money is not been just spent and going out the window. I hoping that we're going utilize this study, take, take advantage of it and build a facility that next years at this time, we ought to be able to see the revenue from it. Mr. Mayor, my last comment we gotta a bunch of people here today who took time out of their busy schedule to come down to support this who know what kind of money can be brought in to, to this development. For those who don't understand, uh, uh, Commissioner Holland and I went to the races on this past Thursday. There are homes less than a block away where you can stand in the driveway and see the gate at the racetrack and, and, and there's no noise back---I really want to stress that. There's several homes, not just one. There's gotta be at least ten, if, if, if not more right in that same vicinity. In fact, right across the street, there's a home. I wanna recognize the people here Mr. Mayor. I don't want them to come and then not be--- Mr. Mayor: Can anybody here that's in support of this, please, raise your hand. You got a good munt. Can I also get hand shown by those who are there to oppose this? Okay, I recognize some more Commissioners but one thing I would say is that we're in a similar situation with the TEA Center where we've had a study done and we're reviewing it. And yeah, I think this is something we need to thoroughly review. This is a very thick document that I've just, in which, today is the first time I've seen it. So I would just make that comment. Commissioner Holland. Mr. Holland: Thank you Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor, I had an opportunity like Commissioner Williams said, he almost ---a speech ---But, I had an opportunity to go over to the race track last Thursday night and observe the races over there. And I just Item # 8 26  Attachment number 2 \nPage 5 thought about the different things we have in Augusta. We have the Futurity here. We have the Masters here. We have the boat races here. So that's, in a, you know a colloquial language, that's different strokes for different folks. Everybody, you know have different things that they wanna do. But, what I was so impressed about over at that racetrack was the fact that, that how everybody over there, how they got along. How they worked together. How everybody was helping each other. The only color they were worried about over there was green. And I think that's the only color we need to worry about over here, simply because we need it, bad. Now I've had an opportunity to go to Eatonton to see the racetrack there, the same thing happened. Right outside of Jacksonville, my hometown, the same thing happened. Darlington, the same thing happened. It is high time for Augusta to come outside of this box and start doing some things that's gonna be progressive for this city. We're talking about the tax base, but then we need to bring in the kind of revenues like that, that's gonna enhance our tax base. We need to stop thinking about what it's going to do to alienate people. It's not going to alienate anybody. As we were driving up, we were at the racetrack before I knew it. Didn't hear one car. Didn't hear one motor. And the noise they make at that racetrack, you should be able to hear it from there all the way to the end of the road, to Jackson road. I did not hear anything like that. So, my concern is about these people who have invested in these cars, who want this racetrack over here in Augusta, who wanna bring funds here to Augusta to help Augusta grow, to utilize our airport to utilize our buses, in to utilize all the venues that we have here order to bring funds into this city. So we've got to start thinking outside of the box and do things in this city so this city will start growing. And I definitely believe that this study, that this racetrack, if it is placed here in Augusta, in a nice place, that it is going to grow and we'll have people coming from all over the world to this place, spending money and helping us out in this city and we won't be in a deficit like we're now. Mr. Mayor: And you had an opportunity to thoroughly review the document. Have you read--- Mr. Holland: No I haven't. I just got it just like you did. Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Cheek: Mr. Cheek: Thank you Mr. Mayor. IJm, we've waited since I think the due date on this is January 30'h, um, for something we've seen in other cities be greatly successful. Orangeburg just dropped about $3M bucks or more in that and were heralded in the Charlotte Observer for their entrepreneurial spirit in the um, potential revenue generator they had created and they did it right. If we do this, we need to do it right. But I'm gonna get, I guess get down to cases here. From a nuts and bolts perspective, how long do we want to wait and delay to review this. What administrative steps are necessary to secure permitting for the property from the development authority, um, any potential revenue anticipation bonding, uh, and the construction time, are we gonna send out for an RFP? We need a set of steps that we need to go through and establish a timetable like we talked about construction projects and everything else. But the bottom line is, is, this is successful in other places. We can study this but the executive summary says it all, this Item # 8 27  Attachment number 2 \nPage 6 is a money maker. It is an additional leg to support our local economy. We can kick it around, delay, deny and defer another month or however long but we need to go ahead and vote on the concept and, and identify the milestones we need to cross, a timetable to do them and move forward with making this a reality, but between now and the next season, racing season coming up. Mr. Smith: Mr. Mayor? Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Smith. Mr. Smith: Thank you, sir. Uh, first I have several things I'd like to mention. The supporters that are here, I would be concerned about their I.D., where they live, what county they live in, how close they live to the proposed racetrack. That would be would be, that would very interesting to me. IJm, the residences back there, some 1500 homes, which are just around this area, are very concerned about this. Uh, people have been raised out there, they've lived there seventy-five years and they don't want this in their community. Highway 56 out there is actually a cemetery, there's cross's all up and down the sides of the road, where fatalities have been. With the plant Vogtle expansion at hand, I think it would be ludicrous to even think about that kind of trafiic out there and who would move into the rest of this 1700 acres with a drag strip in the middle of it? Mr. Mayor: One question that I have for Mr. Shepard. lvlr. Shepard, am I correct in that the Development Authority owns the property, holds the simple title or is that not correct, who is the owner of the property? Mr. Shepard: The Development Authority, that's correct, Richmond County. The Development Authority is the owner of the property. Mr. Williams: No, sir, I beg to differ with my Attorney. The Development Authority does not own it. They may be overseeing it. It's owned by the city. That's the old Kimberley Clarke property we're talking about. They don't own anything out there. The property belongs to the City. And I think, you might need to check your records. I'm been wrong a couple times this week, but this is one I'm sure Mr. Attorney. We, we talked about this Mr. Mayor, several times, so I'rn, I'm almost positive that The Development does oversee that property, it's under The Development Authority. But that is old Kimberley Clarke property that was deeded to the city, that we was gonna make a, twenty years ago it was gonna be an industrial park, which we hadn't done anything with yet. It's been just been sitting there doing nothing all this time. So, it's not owned by The Development Authority, Mr. Russell can address that issue if he needs to cause he's already talked to Mr. Sprouse about it to even make a swap of the land, that they could use to bring the development in. They want to put up some box, type buildings that they can store stuffin for, for the development. Mr. Mayor: Mr. Russell Item # 8 28  Attachment number 2 \nPage 7 Mr. Russell: Obviously we had some conversations with the Development Authority. They have some interest in other properties that the City owns and would be more than, at the time we talked we were interested in the potential of swapping some potential land there. I think that, while they may have title to the land, and I can't speak specifically to that, and I apologize for that, uh, obviously we do control, um the opportunity there. I'm sure that as we control their budget strings, they'd be more than willing to talk to us as we deal with that particular area. Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Williams, I believe I've recognized you twice. Mr. Williams: Yes, sir, Mr. Mayor I'm waiting on a motion so (unintelligible) Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Hatney. Mr. Hatney. Mr. Administrator, if I'm remembering correctly, I believe you were asked to select more than one site. Mr. Shepard: We were unable to find any other site that we had a potential control over, that uh, was suitable. It was amazing to me how hard it was to put a one mile strip on a piece of land there, without running over into other areas. Uh, this is the only suitable site that we have the potential to control, that um, we looked. There might be some private sector land available. Uh, but without any funding source, without any direction, without any ability to control that property, this was the best shot that we had, sir. Mr. Grantham: Mr. Mayor? Mr. Mayor: Commissioner Grantham. Mr. Grantham: Uh, to follow up on that question, Mr. Mayor, from Rev. Hatney. Even though there may be some land that's not controlled by the government, I would to at least see the options that we might have. I think, several people have discussed, you know, the potential and what you have here in this report and we all see that potential. But, there would be a, a, clearer picture to me if I had an option to look at possibly it should be located or could be located based on additional land. And, even if we had to, to do some bonding of some sort with a private public partnership in order to get a location to have a different location than what we're talking about right now. So, I think that there's some, there's still some due diligence in this and the concept, the idea and I think even the study, you know can prove the profitability behind it. But, to me the location seems to be the most serious matter that we have right now and that we've had in quite some time. So, I'm of the opinion to let's make one giant step forward and find a couple locations that could house this facility, even if we have to buy that property, even if we have to a private public partnership going and bond the facility such as we have done on other facilities that we've been involved in. So I think that would be certainly something we need to look at. At least that option is there for us. Thank you. Item # 8 29  Attachment number 2 \nPage 8 Mr. Mayor. Okay. Commissioner Hatney. Mr. Hatney. The individual's that's concerned with the noise, I think even with the boat races going on and those persons that live near the river from Gordon Acres all the way to the river going to South Carolina, when they fire them boat you ain't heard no noise. But you need to make the adjustment, the minimal adjustment cause it happens every year. I mean, the noise thing, my concern is to make sure we utilizing those 1700 acres---on these properties and I don't think there's anything wrong with that. That's why I asked---cause I thought we asked you to bring a least two, at least two or three sites, that's why I'm raising these questions. I'm not against the racetrack at all---My question was that I thought we asked you to find, whether we controlled that land or not, was not the question, was not if, was if it would fit somewhere else. Mr. Shepard: There's at least one other potential site that we do not have control over, that we've had some conversation about, that would require a fiscal outlay of our dollars basically, Uh, that's always a potential and with direction I would love to able to continue the dialog or begin and continue the dialog with the potential owners of that site. I would hesitant to put that in the public venue at this particular point in time because of, as soon as I do the price is gonna go back up again. Uh, and that's the way that goes, but um, we have, we did have conversations with several other people but I couldn't get close to, to making that happen in those particular locations. Mr. Mayor: Okay, I'm, I was just looking. I'll get to you in a second Commissioner Cheek. Commission Williams I think I've gotten to you twice on this. I would look for some sort of a motion for a ---authority to charge the Administrator with continuing to bring, to bring back a couple more seats, uh sites, but I don't think anybody's ready to vote on final approval at this point. Commissioner Cheek: Mr. Cheek: I'll make a motion and than, I do have a comment Mr. Mayor. The motion would be to authorize the Administrator to move fonvard, um with one, identifying alternative sites, two, to develop a road map with milestones for um, for financing, construction and so forth um, and that occur in under a month. We've waited on this for six months and I think that having GIS an excess ability to block some land that we can look up on the computer in a matter of a couple of minutes, I think we can do. Mr. Mayor: Would you basically say a final package to be voted on by the end of calendar year 2006? Mr. Bowles: Rome wasn't built in a day. Mr. Williams: This ain't Rome, this ain't Rome. Mr. Cheek: Rome was built in fact and was a prosperous city, it had a tax base and jobs so, Mr. Mayor I would say by end of, end of, what is this the 3'd day of October, the end of October. Item # 8 30  Attachment number 2 \nPage 9 Mr. Williams: I second that. Mr. Cheek: We have a motion and a second,---this discussion Mr. Mayor, but I'm gonna make this observation for all the members of this Commission. Cause we have half the group sitting here today that can't figure out or questions why we can't move forward with building the, the uh, convention center down here because it, it, the other half doesn't agree. We get the other half of the Commission that says why in the world can't we build a drag strip on this site that we don't have to level, that is flat which will save millions of dollars, that we already have control of. It's big enough to grow the thing. These are two issues that make good common sense and if we could just come together we could solve the solve the convention center and the drag strip issue and create economic prosperity for both areas of this City. Highway 56 is never gonna have less traffic. Thank God they're gonna build another nuclear energy source down there too. This generation of growth, which if we do it like the, like the Augusta National has been done, do it right. Poor Joe has to listen to the screams and claps over there. I know that just destroys you about once a year doesn't it? I mean things are changing. Augusta's growing, we've gotta grow our local economy Mr. Mayor. We have a way of to develop a full-fledged convention center in one location and complete something we started. We have a way to add another leg to our economic um, table basically, to prop this City up and grow it in an area that has been economically depressed except for home growth. Thank God, if you go back and look at what they did out in Colorado. When Denver built their airport they had the need for a new airport, they went out and took a lowly populated land and built a major airport and now it's an economic hub for that area. But they had to go displace a few people, and build a new airport, and improve their city. We're trying to do the same thing. Ladies and gentlemen, we kick around too many things and if we could just both look at the situation we face with this convention center and with this drag strip and see that they are both in the best interest to the city, and forward with them, this city would be better off and them we could deal with the budget and other items. Mr. Mayor. Okay, we have a motion and a second. Commissioner Hatney: Mr. Hatney: One question. Has the concept been adopted by the board. Mr. Williams: Yes, yes sir it has. Mr. Mayor: Mr. Administrator has the concept in fact been adopted? I Mr. Shepard: don't think there's ever been any discussion or any other conclusion that this is something we should look at. I don't know if there's been, and I'd have to ask Lena to help me on that, when you adopted the opportunity to do the study, uh the concept with doing that is, is, where I was--- Mr. Williams: Concept? What is that? Item # 8 31  Attachment number 2 \nPage 10 Mr. Shepard: ---that's where I was riding on, that basically is when you did the study you developed the concept that, that this is something we ought to look at. Mr. Mayor. Okay, we have a motion and a second. Mr. William: Yes sir, just in time. Mr. Mayor: And, on the motion, and you need to be recognized by the chair, Mr. Williams. Mr. Williams: I appreciate it. Mr. Mayor. I recognize you. Mr. Williams: Okay, well, you say I need to be recognized. I'm waiting to be recognized. But, uh, let's go back to the basic, the concept, when we brought this in, to go ahead and do this study. That's why we did the study. Speaking of the study, we done spent $25,000.00, which I thought was ludicrous Mr. Smith, to spend that. You ought to be able to go across the bridge and see that it was worth building. But since we spent $25,000.00, Dr. Hatney said that you make an adjustment. It's not gonna be ah, ah, a noise problem with the community like they think. I understand they ought to think that cause when you hear about drag strip, you've always got the negative side of it, you always thought it was kids in the street. These are grown, intelligent businessmen. These are professionals. These are people that do it every week and sometime everyday if they get the opportunity. But we need to understand, just because we don't it, that don't mean it's bad, that it's wrong. Mr. Mayor, as the Mayor of this city who wants to help with the tax base, who's gonna have to do one of two things this, this, November is to cut services or raise taxes. If you don't wanna raise taxes we ought to be letting the general public know we're trying to do something different to bring tax money in. Now if we don't do this, that's telling the citizens of Augusta-Richmond County that we gonna raise your taxes cause you can't cut out all of those things that the Administrator don't put on the table. It's just not feasible. You won't have no peace in this community if you cut all of those things out. But if you don't have no money, you're gonna have to do that, or you're either gonna raise taxes. Now if we're not gonna continue to raise taxes, we could but I don't see how, she called me wanting to know about the roll back. We rolled back the taxes last year. I, I, disagree with that. We had the tax base up but we still rolled them back. Now you're either gonna have money to work with in this community to get things done or you're not gonna get anything done. It's just as simple as that. So, my point Mr. Mayor, and I'm closing right now, we got an opportunity now to make a difference in Augusta, to bring some revenue into Augusta, not to inflict anything on the community, they need to understand. They, they, the people fought the transition center, they went to Savannah, Georgia to look at one and find out it wasn't what they thought it was. This is a different day. This is 2006. They got different cars, these ain't just mufflers on old Chevrolets. These are professional racecars that we got out there. So I just think--- Item # 8 32  Attachment number 2 \nPage 11 Mr. Mayor: Okay. We have a motion and a second. Commissioners will now vote by the usual sign. Mr. Grantham: Can you read the motion again Mr. Mayor? Mr. Mayor: Madam Clerk: The Clerk: The motion was to authorize the Administrator to move forward with one alternative site and to develop a road map and milestone for financing the project and a timeline the end of October. Mr. Mayor: Commissioners will now vote by the usual sign. Mr. Brigham, Mr. Grantham, and Mr. Smith vote No. Motion carries 6-3. Mr. Williams: Thank ya'll for coming--- Mr. Mayor: We voted on this, you had said there'd be other opportunities to speak. Mr. Speaker: ---this weekend, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Jackson Dragway, there's twelve tracks meeting at Jackson Dragway with forty-two races in each team, racing against each other. There will be over 500 racers this week, starting Thursday, Friday, Saturday--- Mr. Mayor: Okay. Mr. Speaker: ---it's just huge. You need to come on over there and take a look. Mr. Mayor: Okay. Thank you. Mr. Cheek we voted on this, you--- Mr. Cheek. --- Mr. Mayor: Mr. Mayor: Mr. Cheek. Mr. Cheek: It was one of those energy drinks. Mr. Mayor: Well, then, stop drinkin' 'em! Mr. Cheek: Mr. Mayor, motion to reconsider ltem 22. We have a representative who will state here that he lives in District 2that would like to address the body on this issue. IJh, Item 22, motion to reconsider. I mean a second badly. Mr. Williams: Second. Item # 8 33