Commission Meeting

COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Commission Chamber Tuesday, April 18, 2023 2:00 PM PRESENT Mayor Garnett Johnson Commissioner Brandon Garrett Commissioner Jordan Johnson Commissioner Bobby Williams Commissioner Sean Frantom Commissioner Francine Scott Commissioner Catherine Smith-McKnight Commissioner Stacy Pulliam Commissioner Tony Lewis Commissioner Wayne Guilfoyle ABSENT Commissioner Alvin Mason INVOCATION Lead Pastor Wesley Weatherford, Oasis Church at Hephzibah PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA RECOGNITION(S) A. Congratulations!!! 2023 March Years of Service (YOS) 25-50 year recipents. Presentations were made to the March 2023 Years of Service Recipients. DELEGATION(S) B. Mr. Kevin Delaigle in support of a forensic audit of Augusta-Richmond County Departments. Presentation was made by Mr. Delaigle. C. Ms. Patricia Geter requesting a community center within walking distance of the Elderberry Subdivision. Presentation was made by Ms. Geter. D. Mr. Chris Vega requesting funding for a "For Profit Miniature Golf Course". Presentation was made by Mr. Chris Vega. E. Ms. Leila Mitchell regarding unsafe conditions on Teakwood Court in Farrington Subdivision Presentation was made by Ms. Mitchell. F. Ms. Josephine Clanton requesting fencing around the outskirts of the new school construction on Luke Road. Presentation was made by Ms. Clanton. G. Presentation from the American Heart Association for leadership support for a city health plan. Presentation was made by Ms. Jennifer Toole. CONSENT AGENDA (Items 1-28) PLANNING 1. FINAL PLAT – BROOKSTONE NORTH PHASE II - S-972 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to APPROVE a petition by Echols Surveying and Construction Services, on behalf of Terranova Group, requesting final plat approval for Brookstone North Ph. II located at 701 Rill Drive and containing 20 lots. DISTRICT 3 Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Garrett. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 2. Z-23-11 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to DENY a petition by Hull Barnett, PC on behalf of Highway 56 Investors LLC., – requesting a rezoning from zone A (Agriculture) and R-1C (One-family Residential) to zone LI (Light Industrial) affecting property containing approximately 7.11-acres located at 2522 Mike Padgett Highway. Tax Map #099-1-145-00-0. DISTRICT 2 Motion to delete this item at the request of the petitioner. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Garrett. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 3. Z-23-13 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to APPROVE a petition by Ahmed Sultan on behalf of SRE LLC – requesting a rezoning from zone B1 (Neighborhood Business) to zone B2 (General Business) affecting property containing approximately 0.26-acres located at 3225 Wrightsboro Road. Tax Map #042-1-029-00-0. DISTRICT 3 Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Garrett. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle  Motion carries 9-0. 4. Z-23-15 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to approve a petition by Jason Jones on behalf of Wellington Park, LLC – requesting a rezoning from zone B1 (Neighborhood Business) to zone B2 (General Business) affecting property containing approximately 0.23-acres located at 1918 Central Avenue. Tax Map #045-3-090-00-0. DISTRICT 1 Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Garrett. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 5. Z-23-16 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to approve a petition by Charles Dunstan on 3206 Wheeler Road, LLC – requesting a rezoning from zone B1 (Neighborhood Business) to zone B2 (General Business) affecting property containing approximately 0.69-acres located at 3632 Wheeler Road. Tax Map #030-0-086-01-0.013-00-0. DISTRICT 3 Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Garrett. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. PUBLIC SERVICES 6. Motion to approve tasking the Administrator to work with the department directors to develop and implement new processes to streamline the (plan reviewers) permit process for contractors and developers and to utilize a survey to receive suggestions for improving the process. (Approved by Public Services Committee April 11, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Garrett. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 7. Motion to approve tasking the Administrator to work with the department directors to develop and implement new processes to streamline the permit process for contractors and developers and to utilize a survey to receive suggestions for improving the process. (Approved by Public Services Committee April 11, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Garrett. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 8. Motion to approve award of airfield electrical upgrade at Daniel Field Airport (Bid Item #23- 150) to TCA Electrical Contractors, Inc. of Tifton, Georgia in the amount of $1,004,490.00. (Approved by Public Services Committee April 11, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Garrett. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 9. Motion to approve the Airline Operating Agreement and Terminal Building Lease with American Airlines. Approved by the Augusta Aviation Commission on March 30, 2023. (Approved by Public Services Committee April 11, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Garrett. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 10. Motion to approve a vendor for RFP 22-296 - Parks & Recreation Strategic Plan. (Approved by Public Services Committee April 11, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Williams. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 11. Motion to approve the Airline Operating Agreement and Terminal Building Lease with Delta Airlines. Approved by the Augusta Aviation Commission on March 30, 2023. (Approved by Public Services Committee April 11, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Garrett. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES 12. Motion to approve submission of the FY2023 Annual Action Plans, representing $4,095,358 in investment in the housing and service needs of low and moderate income residents of Augusta, and grant the authority for the Mayor to execute the necessary documents required to be included with this submission.(Approved by Administrative Services Committee April 11, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Garrett. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle  Motion carries 9-0. 13. Motion to approve HCD’s request to resume the farmers’ markets in partnership with the American Heart Association and Augusta Locally Grown, in the LW/B area. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee April 11, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Garrett. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 14. Motion to approve Housing and Community Development Department’s (HCD's) request to provide one (1) HOME funding agreement to Sand Hills Urban Development to develop a single family unit for a low to moderate income homebuyer. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee April 11, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Garrett. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 15. Motion to approve Housing and Community Development Department’s (HCD's) request to provide one (1) HOME funding agreement to Antioch Ministries, Inc. to develop a single family unit for a low to moderate income homebuyer. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee April 11, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Garrett. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 16. Motion to approve quantity (1) Lead Hazard Reduction Projects. RFQ 22-188. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee April 11, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Garrett. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 17. Motion to approve a change order of purchase order (440254) for the additional coating of shower door frames at Charles B. Webster Detention Center - A, B, C and E Pods in the amount of $21,600.00 to Tri Solutions, Inc.(Approved by Administrative Services Committee April 11, 2023) Motion to approve.  Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Garrett. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 18. Motion to approve the motion for Augusta, Georgia to accept property as recorded in book 17 page 159, of Valencia Way, to become deeded to Augusta, Georgia and used as public right of way and for the road described as Valencia Way to become a public road to be maintained by Augusta, Georgia.(Approved by Administrative Services Committee April 11, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Garrett. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 19. Motion to approve Housing and Community Development Department’s (HCD's) request to provide HOME Partnership Investment Program (HOME) Funding to contract with Laney Walker Development to develop new construction of five (5) single family unit.(Approved by Administrative Services Committee April 11, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Garrett. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 20. Motion to approve HCD’s request to continue a partnership with Growing Augusta (GA) to continue a farmers’ market within the South Augusta community. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee April 11, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Garrett. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 21. Motion to approve a change order of purchase order (23CSA032) for the change in scope of bollards height and duplex GFI receptacle in the amount of $17,500.00 to JHC Corporation. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee April 11, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Garrett. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 22. Motion to approve a change order of purchase order (440253) for monetary deduction of eighteen (18) units of the Willo Wedge Locking System at Charles B. Webster Detention Center  in the amount of ($35,995.00) by Willo Products Company, Inc.(Approved by Administrative Services Committee April 11, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Garrett. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. ENGINEERING SERVICES 23. Motion to approve Award of Bid #23-137 for the parts for the Highland Ave. Water Treatment Plant Filter Modifications Phase 2 to Southern Valve & Metals, LLC. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee April 11, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Garrett. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 24. Motion to approve Award of “Vacant Lots Cleaning and Cutting Services” Contract to Pond Maintenance of Augusta, subject to receipt of signed contract and proper insurance documents. The Contract is effective 1/1/2023 for three years with an option to renew for two additional one- year terms. Also, approve not to exceed $350,000/year to fund these contracted services. Requested by Engineering. RFP 23-113. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee April 11, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Garrett. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 25. Motion to approve Purchase Order For AUD For MasterMeter Meter Registers From Consolidated Pipe & Supply. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee April 11, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Garrett. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. PUBLIC SAFETY 26. Motion to approve the Mutual Aid Agreement between Augusta, Georgia and USAG Fort Gordon, GA and to authorize the Mayor to execute the appropriate documents.(Approved by Public Safety Committee April 11, 2023) Motion to approve.  Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Garrett. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. APPOINTMENTS 27. Motion to appoint Ms. Porsha Beasley to the ARC Transit Citizens Advisory Board representing District 2. (Requested by Commissioner Stacy Pulliam) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Garrett. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS 28. Motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the Commission held March 29 and Special Called Meeting held April 11, 2023. Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Garrett. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. ****END CONSENT AGENDA**** AUGUSTA COMMISSION AUGUSTA COMMISSION REGULAR AGENDA (Items 29-35) ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES 29. Motion to approve the Contract for 9-1-1 Ambulance Response and Emergency Medical Services with Central EMS. Motion to approve the contract as presented. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Scott. Substitute motion to reduce the contract subsidy by $300,000 with no escalating increase in the contract, reduce the contract from five to three years, and if the contract is terminated, that Central will relinquish the zone. Motion made by Guilfoyle, motion dies for lack of a second. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis Voting Nay: Guilfoyle  Motion carries 8-1. 30. Motion to approve emergency funding for the replacement of several items at Charles B. Webster Detention Center in the amount of $1,405,895.14. A fifteen (15%) contingency of $210,884.27 was included. The final amount with contingency is $1,616,779.41. Motion to approve with funding of $1 million dollars from ARP funds and $616,779.41 from SPLOST IV funds. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Garrett. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. FINANCE 31. Discuss conducting a forensic audit within our local government departments. (Requested by Commissioner Catherine McKnight- no recommendation from Finance Committee April 11, 2023) Motion to hire a 3rd party accounting firm, separate and independent from the external auditors who perform financial statements audits on an annual basis, to perform regularly scheduled internal financial and operational audits on all city departments ensuring every department is audited at a minimum of once every 4 years. Said firm will present findings quarterly to the full commission. Motion made by Smith-McKnight, Seconded by Frantom. No action is taken on this motion due to the passage of the substitute motion. Substitute motion to refer this item back to the Finance Committee. Motion made by Smith-McKnight, Seconded by Scott. Voting Yea: Garrett, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis Voting Nay: Johnson Motion carries 8-1. PUBLIC SAFETY 32. Consider presentation from Best Friends Animal Society regarding an introduction of a new way to manage outdoor cats that is more effective and fiscally responsible than the current method. (No recommendation from Public Safety Committee April 11, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Garrett. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. APPOINTMENT(S) 33. Motion to approve the reappointment of Mr. William Mills to the Augusta-Richmond County Board of Tax Assessors representing Super District 9. (Requested by Commissioner Bobby Williams) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Garrett. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 34. Motion to consider the appointment of Dr. Onnie Poe to the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Council (DBHDD). (Requested by Commissioner Jordan Johnson) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Garrett. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. LEGAL MEETING A. Pending and Potential Litigation B. Real Estate C. Personnel 35. Motion to authorize execution by the Mayor of the affidavit of compliance with Georgia's Open Meeting Act. ADDENDUM ITEM 1. Motion to approve the appointment of Ms. Saundra Kelly to the Augusta Richmond County Library Board representing District 2. (Requested by Commissioner Stacy Pulliam) Unanimous consent is given by the Commission to add this item to the agenda. Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Garrett. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle. Motion carries 9-0.