Commission Meeting

COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Commission Chamber Tuesday, June 20, 2023 2:00 PM PRESENT Mayor Garnett Johnson Commissioner Brandon Garrett Commissioner Jordan Johnson Commissioner Bobby Williams Commissioner Alvin Mason Commissioner Sean Frantom Commissioner Francine Scott Commissioner Catherine Smith-McKnight Commissioner Stacy Pulliam Commissioner Tony Lewis Commissioner Wayne Guilfoyle INVOCATION Pastor Thom Davies, Asbury United Methodist Church PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA RECOGNITION(S) A. Congratulations! 2023 May Years of Service (YOS) 25-50 year recipients. Presentations are made to the 2023 May Years of Service recipients. DELEGATION(S) B. Ms. Denice Traina and Mr. Benyeol Morgan Chair/Vice Augusta Transit Citizens Advisory Committee. Ms. Traina and Mr. Morgan did not appear before the Commission. C. Mr. Scott Hudson, Augusta Press regarding Sunshine Law and access to information. (Requested by Mayor Garnett Johnson) Presentation is made by Mr. Scott Hudson. D. Mr. William (Bill) Fennoy regarding naming of the Utilities Building after Director Tom Wiedmeier. Presentation is made by Mr. Fennoy.  Motion to approve starting the process to name the Utilities Building after Director Tom Wiedmeier and to name one of the ball fields at Diamond Lakes Park in honor of the late Commissioner Andy Cheek. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Voting Nay: Mason Motion carries 9-1. E. Mr. Marion F. Williams regarding naming an Augusta Recreation Department's athletic ball field in honor of former Commissioner Andy Cheek. (Requested by Commissioner Wayne Guilfoyle) Presentation is made by Mr. Williams. CONSENT AGENDA (Items 1-10) PUBLIC SERVICES 1. Motion to amend zoning petition Z-23-09 (Ordinance No. 7878) which was approved by the Augusta Commission on March 21, 2023 by removing condition number 1 as follows: The owner shall first apply and obtain approval for a variance for the north side yard setback requirement for the lot containing the existing home prior to this rezoning application being placed on the agenda of the Augusta Commission for their approval Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Mason. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 2. SE-23-02 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to approve a petition by TowerCom V-B, LLC on behalf of William Joseph Wilson, Sr. requesting a special exception to develop a telecommunications facility per Section 26-1(c) of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance affecting property containing approximately 6.28 acres located at 4767 Mike Padgett Highway. Tax Map #302-0-009-00-0. DISTRICT 8 Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Mason. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 3. Motion to approve a request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to approve a petition by HD Historic Properties on behalf of Clay Boardman & Marion Partners, LLC requesting a rezoning from zone B-2 (General Business) to zone PUD (Planned Unit  Development) affecting property containing approximately 0.21-acres located at 739 Broad Street. Tax Map #037-3-123-00-0. DISTRICT 1 Motion to approve with the waiving of the 28-space parking requirement Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by McKnight. No action is taken on this motion due to the passage of the substitute motion. Substitute motion to approve the item as presented. Motion made by Johnson, Seconded by Williams. Voting Yea: Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Pulliam, Lewis Voting Nay: Garrett, Smith-McKnight, Guilfoyle Motion carries 7-3. 4. Z-23-25 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to approve a petition by Rodney Cook requesting a rezoning from zone A (Agricultural) to zone B-2 (General Business) affecting property containing approximately 2.79 acres located at 3337 Gordon Highway. Tax Map #104-0-003-00-0. Ft. Gordon notified 4/10/2023 DISTRICT 3 Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Mason. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. PUBLIC SERVICES 5. Motion to approve recommended Code Enforcement Ordinance (updates) Amendments; and updates/amendments to the Harrisburg Enterprise Zoning Ordinance and the proposed updated list of parcels for the Harrisburg Opportunity Zone (Approved by Public Services Committee May 9, 2023 and Commission May 16, 2023. Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Mason. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES 6. Motion to approve additional Nationwide Enhancement programs to our current Government Deferred Compensation Nationwide 457Plan. Programs were presented to the Pension Committee on May 16, 2023, Committee requested programs be introduced to the Administrative Service Committee for Commission Approval. In addition, Nationwide will work with Human Resources to provide educational sessions to employees for the loan program and retirement enhancements. 1. Non-ERISA Plan Loan Program (Program allow employees to borrow against their savings beyond the 4 hardships approved by the IRS) 2. Income America and 5/5 programs, guaranteed lifetime income for retirement enhancement. additional program that benefits the retiree. Nationwide Representative Mr. Roland Wilson  Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Mason. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. ENGINEERING SERVICES 7. Motion to approve implementing notifying the GPS services of the low railroad bridge on Olive Road to be a permanent notification on all GPS devices. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee June 13, 2023. Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Mason. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS 8. Motion to approve minutes of the regular scheduled Commission Meeting held June 6 and Special Called Meeting held June 13, 2023. Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Mason. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. APPOINTMENT(S) 9. Motion to approve the appointment of Mr. Roderick F. Pearson to Augusta's Housing and Community Development Citizens Advisory Board representing District 3. Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Mason. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. PUBLIC SAFETY 10. Motion to approve Augusta-Richmond County FY24 Capacity Agreement for State Inmates to be housed at the Richmond County Correctional Institution. (Approved by Public Safety Committee June 13, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Mason. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle  Motion carries 10-0. ****END CONSENT AGENDA**** AUGUSTA COMMISSION AUGUSTA COMMISSION REGULAR AGENDA (Items 11-27) PUBLIC SERVICES 11. Motion to approve Runway 35 Special Authorization Category II (Low Visibility) Approach, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reimbursable Agreement in the amount of $$1,306,593.64. Approved by the Augusta Aviation Commission on April 27, 2023. Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Mason. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 12. New Location: A.N. 23-15: A request by Ma Felme Coburn for an on-premise consumption Liquor, Beer & Wine License for Augusta Hawaiian, LLC located at 2801 Washington Rd Ste 105. There will be Sunday Sales. District 7. Super District 10. Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Scott. Voting Yea: Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Mr. Garrett out. Motion carries 9-0. 13. Existing Location: 23-16: A request by Florence Henley for an on premise consumption Liquor, Beer & Wine License to be used in connection with Tiffany’s Eatery located at 828 Broad Street. District 1. Super District 9. Applicant failed to purchase the Alcohol License during renewal in the time allowed. Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Scott. Voting Yea: Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Mr. Garrett out. Motion carries 9-0. 14. Existing Location: 23-17: A request by Hemang D. Bhavsar for a retail package Beer & Wine License to be used in connection with Gas Express located at 1121 Fifteenth Street. District 1. Super District 9. Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Scott. Voting Yea: Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Mr. Garrett out. Motion carries 9-0. 15. Existing Location: 23-19: A request by Hemang D. Bhavsar for a retail package Beer & Wine License to be used in connection with Gas Express located at 912 Walton Way. District 1. Super District 9. Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Scott. Voting Yea: Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Mr. Garrett out. Motion carries 9-0. 16. Existing Location: 23-18: A request by Hemang D. Bhavsar for a retail package Beer & Wine License to be used in connection with Gas Express located at 2058 Central Ave. District 1. Super District 9. Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Scott. Voting Yea: Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Mr. Garrett out. Motion carries 9-0. 17. Existing Location: 23-21: A request by Eunice Yi for a retail package Beer & Wine License to be used in connection with Get It To Go located at 3379 Milledgeville Rd. District 2. Super District 9. Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Scott. Voting Yea: Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Mr. Garrett out. Motion carries 9-0. 18. New Location Re-Approval: 22-36-2: A request by Syderist Manuel for an on-premise consumption Liquor, Beer & Wine License to be used in connection with Bar & Patio located at 305 12th Street. District 1. Super District 9.  Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Scott. Voting Yea: Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Mr. Garrett out. Motion carries 9-0. 19. Motion to approve Augusta Regional Airport Contract with Independence Excavating, Inc. for Construction of Taxiway (Apron) G in the amount of $11,877,051.10. Approved by the Augusta Aviation Commission on May 25, 2023. ITB 23-131 Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Mason. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 20. Existing Location: 23-20: A request by James Reese for a consumption on premise Liquor, Beer & Wine License to be used in connection with D’Boot’s located at 917 Broad Street. District 1. Super District 9. Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Scott. Voting Yea: Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Mr. Garrett out. Motion carries 9-0. ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES 21. Motion to approve starting the process for the naming of the Augusta Utilities/Engineering Building 425 Walker Street in honor of late Director Tom Wiedmeier and one of the Augusta Recreation Department's athletic ball fields in honor of former Commissioner Andy Cheek. (Requested by Commissioner Wayne Guilfoyle) Motion to approve starting the process of naming the Utilities Building after Director Tom Wiedmeier and to name one of the ball fields at Diamond Lakes Park in honor of the late Commissioner Andy Cheek. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Voting Nay: Mason Motion carries 9-1. ENGINEERING SERVICES 22. Approve Task Order two (TO2) funding for Turpin Hills/Laney Walker Drainage Basin Drainage Improvements Engineering Services Agreement to Goodwyn Mill Cawood (GMC) in the amount of $25,466.00 as requested by the Engineering. RFQ 19-148 Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Mason. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. FINANCE 23. Motion to approve General Obligation Bonds (SPLOST) Series 2023 bond resolution and authorize the Mayor and Clerk to sign all necessary documents. Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Mason. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 24. Receive written recommendation from the Administrator regarding a funding request for the JA Discovery Center of the CSRA from Ms. Ashley Whitaker representative Junior Achievement of Georgia. (Approved by the Augusta Commission June 6, 2023) It was the consensus of the Commission that this item be received as information without objection. APPOINTMENT(S) 25. Motion to approve the reappointment of Wayne Gossage, Jr. to the Augusta Economic Development Authority. (Requested by Commissioner Brandon Garrett) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Mason. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 26. Motion to approve the reappointment of Mr. Steven Kendrick to the Augusta Economic Development Authority. (Requested by Commissioner Bobby Williams) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Mason. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. LEGAL MEETING A. Pending and Potential Litigation B. Real Estate  C. Personnel 27. Motion to authorize execution by the Mayor of the affidavit of compliance with Georgia's Open Meeting Act. ADDENDUM ITEMS 1. Discuss Administrator’s Job Description. (Referred from the Special Called Work Session held on Thursday June 15, 2023) Commissioner Jordan Johnson objected to this item being added to the agenda. 2. Motion to approve the reappointment of Butch Gallop to the Augusta Economic Development Authority. (Requested by Commissioner Alvin Mason) Unanimous consent is given to add this item to the agenda. Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Mason. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle. It was the consensus of the Commission that this item be approved without objection. 3. Motion to approve the appointment of Donnie Thompson to the Augusta Canal Authority representing District 4. (Requested by Commissioner Alvin Mason) Unanimous consent is given to add this item to the agenda. Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Mason. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle. It was the consensus of the Commission that this item be approved without objection. 4. Update from the Homeless Task Force. Motion to approve receiving this item as information. Motion made by Johnson, Seconded by Scott. It was the consensus of the Commission that this item be received as information without objection.