Commission Meeting

COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Commission Chamber Tuesday, July 18, 2023 3:30 PM INVOCATION The Reverend Katelyn Gordon Cooke, Co-Pastor, Covenant Presbyterian Church PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA RECOGNITION(S) A. Congratulations! Commissioner Jordan Johnson on his election as President and Commissioner Catherine McKnight as 3rd Vice-President of the Georgia Municipal Association's 7th District and installed during the 2023 Georgia Municipal Association Conference. Recognition of Commissioners Jordan Johnson and Catherine McKnight. B. Congratulations! 2023 June Years of Service (YOS) 25-50 year recipients. Recognition of the 2023 June Years of Service recipients. DELEGATION(S) C. Mr. DeVarion Blount in reference to providing services with partnering agencies to persons with challenging issues that either has them homeless or facing homelessness. Presentation is made by Mr. Blount. D. Mr. Daniel New regarding transient occupant confusion. Motion to bring this item back to the next Public Services Committee meeting on August 8 for further discussion regarding transient occupation of hotels and to have representatives of the Sheriff's Office and the Marshal's Department present for the discussion. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Johnson. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. E. Ms. Estrella Febus ACHA the Hispanic American Cultural Association of the CSRA regarding request to waive rental and staffing fees as an in-kind donation for the 28th Hispanic Festival to be held at the Augusta Common on September 29-30. Motion to approve bringing this item back to the Commission in two weeks regarding their request for a waiver of the fees for the rental of the Commons and the use of the mobile stage and the costs for security when that amount is determined.  Motion made by Williams, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. F. Mr. Moses Todd from I love Augusta regarding Senate Bill 62 Homeless camps and support of Richmond County Sheriff's (Roundtree) Office team. Presentation is made by Mr. Todd. CONSENT AGENDA (Items 1-15) PUBLIC SERVICES 1. Final Plat - S-982 – The Cottages at Ansley – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to APPROVE a petition by Jachens Land Surveying requesting final plat approval for The Cottages at Ansley located at 1235 Augusta West Parkway and containing 79 lots. Tax Map 030-0-062-00-0. District 3. Reviewing agency approval 7/5/2023 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-23-17 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to APPROVE with the conditions below a petition by Vernon J. Neely requesting a rezoning from zone A (Agriculture) to zone B-2 (General Business) affecting property containing approximately 3.3- acres located at 4040 Belair Road. Tax Map #038-0-023-00-0. (Deferred by Planning Commission until July meeting.) 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. 3. SE-23-03 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to APPROVE with the conditions below a petition by Wynn Hotels Augusta, LLC requesting a special exception to develop an extended stay hotel per Section 22-2(d) of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance affecting property containing approximately 1.83 acres located at 113 Charlestowne Way. Tax Map #011-0-222-03-0. DISTRICT 7 Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. No action is taken on this motion due to the passage of the substitute motion. Substitute motion to refer this item back to the Commission meeting on August 1.  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-23-27 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to APPROVE with the conditions below a petition by Elvis A Carpio requesting a rezoning from zone R-1A (One- family Residential) to zone R-MH (Manufactured Home Residential) affecting property containing approximately 4 acres located at 3051 Old McDuffie Road. Tax Map #083-0-014-00- 0. DISTRICT 5 Motion to approve as recommended. Motion made by Williams, Seconded by Johnson. Voting Yea: Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Ms. McKnight and Mr. Garrett out. Motion carries 7-0. 5. Z-23-29 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to APPROVE with the conditions below a petition by Eric Holden on behalf of A Brighter Beginning Childcare requesting a rezoning from zone R-1A (One-family Residential) to zone B-2 (General Business) affecting property containing approximately 1.11 acres located at 3107 Old McDuffie Road. Tax Map #083-0-021-00-0. DISTRICT 5 Motion to approve. Motion made by Williams, Seconded by Johnson. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Lewis, Guilfoyle Ms. Pulliam and Ms. McKnight out. Motion carries 7-0. 6. Z-23-31 – A petition by Kevin Coleman on behalf of Joseph Elam requesting a rezoning from zone B-1 (Neighborhood Business) to zone B-2 (General Business) affecting property containing approximately 2.02 acres located at 1613 Barton Chapel Road. Tax Map #053-0-058-01-0. 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. 7. Z-23-32 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to APPROVE with the conditions below a petition by Kimley-Horn on behalf of Circle K requesting a rezoning from zone A (Agricultural) and B-2 (General Business) to zone B-2 (General Business) affecting  properties containing approximately 3.48 acres located at 3670 and 3698 Mike Padgett Highway. Tax Map #157-0-019-01-0 and 157-0-019-02-0. DISTRICT 6 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. Z-23-33 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to APPROVE with the conditions below a petition by Jeff Camp on behalf of Johnny Anderson & Glenda Degenhardt requesting a rezoning from zone A (Agricultural) and R-1A (One-family Residential) to zone R-1C (One-family Residential) affecting property containing approximately 10.81 acres located at 2804 Meadowbrook Drive. Tax Map #119-0-006-00-0. DISTRICT 5 Unanimous consent is given to include this item as item number two on the addendum agenda with a request to delete it from the agenda. Motion to delete this item from the agenda as requested by 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. ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES 9. Motion to approve HCD's contract procedural process relative to authorization of Agreements/Contracts/HUD Forms related to HCD’s federally funded programs for the remainder of calendar year 2023 (June – December 2023). (Approved by the Administrative Services Committee July 12, 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 the lease between Augusta, Georgia and Georgia State Properties Commission for property located at 3423 Mike Padgett Highway. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee July 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. 11. Motion to approve concept plan for Big Oak Park and continue with the preliminary and final design process. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee July 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. 12. Motion to approve Housing and Community Development HCD’s request to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Augusta/CSRA Habitat for Humanity, Inc. to provide affordable housing to families in Augusta, Georgia. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee July 11, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Scott, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 13. Motion to approve Housing and Community Development Department’s (HCD's) request to provide Laney Walker/Bethlehem Revitalization Funding to contract with Antioch Ministries Inc. to provide Architectural services for Workforce Housing. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee July 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. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS 14. Motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Commission held June 29, 2023 and Special Called Meeting held July 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) 15. Motion to approve the appointment of Mr. Charles Bates to the General Aviation Commission representing District 8 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 16-46) PUBLIC SERVICES 16. Discussion: Consider probation of the Business License, Alcohol License, and Dance License for Samantha Moses d/b/a Suz Lounge 2.0, LLC, located at 3243 B Deans Bridge Rd, for violating the Occupation Tax Ordinance, Augusta Alcohol Ordinance, and the Dance Ordinance. (See attached Sheriff’s Office Letter) Motion to approve placing this business on probation for six months. Motion made by Williams, Seconded by Guilfoyle. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 17. Presentation by Mr. Mike Samadi regarding a Personal Care Home issue at 2118 Sanders Road. 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. 18. A motion to approve capital purchases through an awarded grant between the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and Augusta, Georgia Planning and Development Department for the 5303 Grant. 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 Change Order No. 1 to the contract for construction with RW Allen Construction, LLC in the amount of $19,963.10 and an increase in the contract time of 60 additional calendar days. Approved by the Augusta Aviation Commission on June 29, 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 Change Order No. 2 to the contract with Independence Excavating for a total increase of $60,040.30. Approved by the Augusta Aviation Commission on June 29, 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. Discuss installing park equipment at Eastview Park. (Requested by Commissioner Jordan Johnson) Motion to approve installing new park equipment at this location not to exceed $150,000 with a funding source to be identified at the next committee meeting. Motion made by Johnson, Seconded by Scott. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Pulliam, Guilfoyle Voting Nay: Smith-McKnight Motion carries 7-2. 22. Update from Augusta Public Transit on the below areas: #1 The MPO Policy Committee process and status for moving forward on approval of the Pathway document which includes a proposed route to serve South Augusta #2 The status update on the construction and shelter placement and the collaboration between Planning, Engineering, ADA Coordinator and Transit #3 Grant update and need to be certain of acquiring matching funds from City #4 Adequate handheld communication for all drivers #5 Any positions on TCAC need to be filled by Commissioners #6 Denice Traina Transit Citizens Advisory Committee Motion to approve receiving this item as information. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Scott. Voting Yea: Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Mr. Garrett out. Motion carries 8-0. 23. Motion to approve the recommendation of award and construction contract for the Gates 3 & 4 Terminal Rehabilitation project for R.W. Allen Construction, LLC in the amount of $4,817,809. Approved by the Augusta Aviation Commission on June 29, 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 24. Motion to receive as information update on relocating Augusta Rowing Club from Boathouse. (No recommendations from Administrative Services Committee July 11, 2023) Motion to approve referring this item to the August 1 Commission meeting. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Scott. Voting Yea: Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Mr. Garrett out. Motion carries 8-0. 25. Motion to receive as information update regarding Christmas Decorations for South Augusta specifically Tobacco Road. (No recommendation from Administrative Services Committee, July 11, 2023) It was the consensus of the Commission that this item be deleted from the agenda without objection. 26. Receive as information a 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. (No recommendation from Administrative Services Committee July 11. 2023) Motion to approve the Administrator's recommendation to identify funding for this request from the Contingency Fund for FY 2023 and from the operational budget for the remaining four years. Motion made by Johnson, Seconded by Lewis. Voting Yea: Johnson, Williams, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Mr. Frantom and Mr. Garrett out. Motion carries 7-0. 27. Presentation of the Rightsizing Plan recommendations by Interim Administrator Douse. (No recommendation from Administrative Services Committee July 11, 2023). Motion to refer this item back to the Administrative Services Committee meeting on August 8. 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 28. Presentation by Mr. Richard Jones regarding the train bridge over Olive Road. It was the consensus of the Commission that this item be received as information without objection. 29. Presentation by Mr. Mike Samadi regarding Solid Waste pickup issues. It was the consensus of the Commission that this item be deleted at the request of Mr. Samadi. 30. Approve Award of “Wheeled Cart” Contract to Otto Environmental System (OTTO), subject to receipt of signed contract and associated documents. The Contract is effective 7/1/2023 for thirty (30) months with an option to renew for two additional one-year terms. Also, approve up to $200,000 to fund this year’s purchase of Wheeled Carts. Requested by Engineering. Bid 23-165  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. 31. Discuss and consider approving Renovatio Solution. LLC (RLS) “Consistency Letter” request for Construction & Operation of Renewable Energy (Biofuel) Facility at 1680 Dixon Airline Road, Augusta, Georgia. Also, authorize Augusta Engineering & Environmental Services Director providing requested “Consistency Letter” (draft Letter attached) to RLS. Requested by Engineering. Motion to refer this item back to the Engineering Services Committee meeting on August 8. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Garrett. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 32. Approve entering into an agreement with Georgia Power (GP), stating that the City of Augusta will pay for the GP Facility Relocation Cost on Barton Chapel Road @ Gordon Hwy Intersection Improvements Project in accordance with the GP estimate totaling $7,800.00. Also, approve the Utility Relocation Agreement to be executed by the Augusta, Georgia Legal Counsel and the Mayor, and approve payment as requested by Augusta Engineering. 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. 33. Approve Change Order No. 1 to Beam’s Contracting, Inc.’s contract to construct the Fort Gordon Cyber CoE Campus Utilities Project E. 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. Approve adding funds in amount of $885,563.05 to Yancy Brothers Landfill Equipment Block Time contract for Rebuilding Compactor-836K. Bid 23-114 / Requested by Engineering 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. 35. Discussion of Grounds Maintenance schedule of city lots, right- a-ways, and properties owned by the public; Task various department directors with coming up with a plan to resolve the ongoing ground maintenance issue. (Requested by Commissioner Stacy Pulliam) Motion to refer this item to the next Engineering Services Committee on August 8. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Garrett. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. FINANCE 36. Request Richmond County's Chief Tax Appraiser Scott Roundtree speak about property taxes as to why such an increase this year; also want to discuss a rollback as we supported last year. (Requested by Commissioner Catherine McKnight) Motion to reschedule this item to the next Commission meeting on August 1. 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) 37. Motion to approve the appointment of Mr. Scylance B. Scott to the Augusta Economic Development Authority seat currently held by Bill Hollingsworth. (Requested by Commissioner Bobby Williams) Motion to delete this item from the agenda. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Garrett. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 38. Motion to approve the reappointment of Mr. Bill Hollingsworth to the Augusta Economic Development Authority. (Requested by Commissioners Catherine S. McKnight and Wayne Guilfoyle) Motion to delete this item from the agenda. 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 39. Motion to approve acceptance of ARPA State Fiscal Recovery Fund Public Safety and Community Violence Reduction Grant Program 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. 40. Accept an award in the amount of $6,000.00 from the Department of Homeland Security for the Richmond County Sheriff's Office Bomb K-9 Unit. The monies will assist RCSO in sustaining the Bomb-K-9 unit. 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. 41. Approve assigning the honorary name designation of Deacon Charlie Griffin Sr Way to Maple Street. 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. 42. Renaming of Hall Street "Honorary Frank Yerby Street". (Requested by Commissioner Jordan Johnson) Motion to refer this item to the Information Technology Department. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Garrett. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 43. Motion to approve the purchase of Downtown Video Security Enhancements 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. 44. Accept an award from Georgia Grants –Public Safety and Community Violence Reduction Grant Program 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. 45. Motion to approve the FY2024 Criminal Justice Coordinating Council grant award for the Juvenile Justice Incentive Grant in the amount of $450,000 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 46. 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. Paulette Curry to the Augusta Personnel Board representing District 1. (Requested by Commissioner Jordan Johnson) Unanimous consent is given 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.