Commission Meeting

COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Commission Chamber Tuesday, December 05, 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 Reverend Frederick L. Patterson, Pastor, True Vine Missionary Baptist Church PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA RECOGNITION(S) A. Congratulations! 2023 Westminster Schools of Augusta Wildcats Varsity Football Team (Requested by Commissioner Sean Frantom) Presentations are made to the 2023 Westminster Schools of Augusta Wildcats Varsity Football Team. DELEGATION(S) B. Ms. Sharon Bush Ellison regarding Business Permit Revocation Ms. Ellison did not appear before the Commission. C. Mr. Monte Mike regarding "Blankets & Blessings" give back to the homeless population at the corner of 13th & Greene Streets. Presentation is made by Mr. Mike. D. Ms. Natasha Jenkins regarding support for iCandy University Dance Team. Ms. Jenkins did not appear before the Commission. E. Mr. Caelan Shelton regarding construction of new jail pods at Phinizy Road.  Presentation is made by Mr. Shelton. F. Mr. Victor R. Thomas relative to the support of the Weed School purchase. Presentation is made by Mr. Thomas. G. Mr. Dan Scott regarding notice of milestones achieved by Augusta Agribusiness Apprenticeship Committee (SNAP CORPS) to advance the efforts of the Biden-Harris Administration Workforce Hub Initiatives in Augusta. Presentation is made by Mr. Scott. H. Adrian Estrada regarding the closing of bars on New Year's Eve. Presentation is made by Mr. Estrada. CONSENT AGENDA (Items 1-36) PUBLIC SERVICES 1. Motion to approve New Ownership-(Existing Location): A.N.-23-56: A request by Sanjoy Dey for a retail package Beer & Wine License to be used in connection with EZ Stop & Shop located at 2160 Martin Luther King Blvd. District 2. Super District 9. (Approved by Public Services Committee November 28, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 2. Motion to approve New Location: A.N. 23-57: A request by Fredrick Neely for an on- premises consumption Liquor, Beer, & Wine License to be used in connection with Studio Neighborhood Bar located at 473 Broad Street. There will be Dance. District 1. Super District 9. (Approved by Public Services Committee November 28, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 3. Motion to approve New Location: A.N. 23-58: A request by Kelsey Lucius for a consumption on premise Beer & Wine License to be used in connection with Salty Tomatoes Café located at 1480 Wrightsboro Rd. There will be Sunday Sales. District 1. Super District 9.(Approved by Public Services Committee November 28, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle  Motion carries 10-0. 4. Motion to approve New Ownership (Existing Location): A.N. 23-59: A request by Bala Duggimpudi for a retail package Beer & Wine License to be used in connection with Master’s Food Mart located at 2443 Peach Orchard Rd. District 2. Super District 9.(Approved by Public Services Committee November 28, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 5. Motion to accept the award of the Improving Neighborhood Outcomes in Disproportionally Impacted Communities grant for May Park and to approve the execution of the grant terms and conditions. (Approved by Public Services Committee November 28, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 6. Motion to approve the execution of the grant terms and conditions for the Improving Neighborhood Outcomes in Disproportionally Impacted Communities grant at Boykin Road Park. (Approved by Public Services Committee November 28, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 7. Motion to approve the Concept Plan for Dyess Park, to continue with the preliminary and final design process, and to prepare for the demolition of the existing defunct community center. (Approved by Public Services Committee November 28, 2023) Motion to approve with the addition of the following language, "Motion to approve the Concept Plan for Dyess Park that does not include a covered court to continue with the preliminary and final design process, and to prepare for the demolition, removal, or preservation of the existing defunct community center." Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 8. Motion to approve a lease agreement with the Augusta Rugby Club. (Approved by Public Service Services Committee November 28, 2023) Motion to approve.  Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 9. Motion to approve increasing the Augusta Regional Airport 2023 budget in the amount of $8,600,000 for the Taxiway (Apron) G Construction. Approved by the Augusta Aviation Commission on June 29, 2023. (Approved by Public Services Committee November 28, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 10. Motion to approve the annual application to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for Section 5303 funds in FY 2025. (Approved by Public Services Committee November 28, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 11. Motion to approve the Sec. 5339 Augusta Transit grant application between the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Augusta, Georgia. (Approved by Public Services Committee November 28, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 12. Motion to approve the Sec. 5339 Augusta Transit grant application between the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Augusta, Georgia. (Approved by Public Services Committee November 28, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 13. Motion to approve the Sec. 5307 Augusta Transit grant application between the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Augusta, Georgia. (Approved by Public Services Committee November 28, 2023) Motion to approve.  Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES 14. Motion to approve recommendation of award for RFP 23-278 Ancillary Benefits. After a thorough evaluation process, the evaluation committee recommends the following awards:(Approved by Administrative Services Committee November 28, 2023) 1) Dental Award: Delta Dental 2) Life, Accidental Death Dismemberment, and Long-Term Disability Award: The Standard 3) Flexible Spending Account Award: Anthem Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 15. Motion to approve HCD's request of recommendation of award for the RFQ Item #23-188 in compliance and direction of the Augusta Procurement Department. (Approved by Public Services Committee November 28, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 16. Motion to approve of the following annual bid items, as the estimated annual purchases for these items are expected to exceed $25,000.00. This request is in accordance with Sec. 1-10-58 of the Annual Contracts provision. 23-004 Plant Instrumentation, 24-025 Inmate Clothing, 24-029: Uniforms and Accessories, 24-134: Molle Pouches and 24-136: Ballistic Vest (Approved by Administrative Services Committee November 28, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 17. Motion to approve HCD's contract procedural process relative to authorization of Agreements/Contracts/HUD Forms related to HCD’s federally funded programs for calendar year 2024.(Approved by Administrative Services Committee November 28, 2023) Motion to approve.  Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 18. Motion to approve HCD's Laney Walker/Bethlehem Revitalization Project contract procedural process relative to authorization of Agreements/Contracts/Task Orders, for calendar year 2024. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee November 28, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 19. Motion to approve Housing and Community Development Department’s (HCD's) request to provide funding to McKie Hayes Enterprise, LLC in becoming a developer for the Turpin Hills Area and support the construction of one (1) single family unit to be sold to low income homebuyer.(Approved by Administrative Services Committee November 28, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 20. Motion to approve the purchase of two Mini Excavators from Vermeer Southern Sales for the Utilities Department - Construction & Maintenance Division at a total cost of $140,578. (Bid 23- 194) (Approved by Administrative Services Committee November 28, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 21. Motion to approve Housing and Community Development Department’s (HCD's) request to enter into a MOU with TDJM, TDJREV, and TDJF, for potential development of a healthy food establishment in Laney Walker/Bethlehem. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee November 28, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 22. Motion to approve amendment to lease agreement between Augusta, GA and Augusta National regarding the property located at 1420 Eisenhower Drive, Augusta, GA. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee November 28, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 23. Motion to approve proposed priorities for FY24 State Legislative Session. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee November 28, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 24. Motion to approve the award of Misdemeanor Probation Supervision Services to CSRA Probations Services for three (3) years with the option to extend for 2 additional one year terms. (RFP 24-180). (Approved by Administrative Services Committee November 28, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. ENGINEERING SERVICES 25. Motion to approve of purchase order to Consolidated Pipe & Supply for 13th Street water line project in amount of $47,179.35. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee November 28, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 26. Motion to approve the sole-source purchase order to Consolidated Pipe & Supply for water meter registers for $39,600.00. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee November 28, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 27. Motion to deny Renovation Solution. LLC (RLS) “Consistency Letter” request for Construction & Operation of Renewable Energy (Biofuel) Facility at 1680 Dixon Airline Road, Augusta, Georgia.(Approved by Engineering Services Committee November 28, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 28. Motion to determine that the road beginning at the intersection of Doug Barnard Parkway and Newsprint Road, and terminating at Graphic Packaging International, as shown on the attached map, has ceased to be used by the public to the extent that no substantial public purpose is served by it or that its removal from the country road system is otherwise in the best public interest, pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 32-7-2, with the abandoned property to be quit-claimed to the appropriate party(ies), as provided by law and an easement to be retained over the entire abandoned portion for existing or future utilities as directed by Augusta Engineering Department and Augusta Utilities Department . (Approved by Engineering Services Committee November 28, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. FINANCE 29. Motion to approve Augusta Mini Theatre request to reduce the seating of the proposed new theater from 250 seats to 100 seats, a 60% reduction in the scope of the project. (Approved by Finance Committee November 28, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 30. Motion to approve resolution authorizing bond parameters and validation process for the issuance of Water and Sewer Bonds. (Approved by Finance Committee November 28, 2023) Motion to approve with the addition of the following language, "Motion to approve resolution authorizing bond parameters and validation process for the issuance of Water and Sewer Bonds with the definition of Series 2024 projects being modified to add the project as described in the Series 2024 project list may be amended to modify, delete or add additional water and sewer projects according to the priorities and needs of the system as determined by the Augusta Utilities Department at the end of the definition." Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle  Motion carries 10-0. 31. Motion to approve a resolution declaring the results of the November 7, 2023 C-SPLOST (Coliseum Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) election results. (Approved by Finance Committee November 28, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 32. Motion to approve a resolution authorizing the commencement of the validation process for the bonds approved by the voters in the November 7, 2023 election. (Approved by Finance Committee November 28, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 33. Motion to approve Resolution of the Augusta-Richmond County Commission approving (1) Public Finance Authority multifamily housing revenue bonds (the Mary Fund Augusta, LLC project), series 2023 and (2) the financing by the Public Finance Authority of a capital improvement project to be located within Augusta, Georgia (Approved by Finance Committee November 28, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. PUBLIC SAFETY 34. Motion to approve and accept a grant award for the continuation of the Victim Of Crime Act (VOCA) Grant with funding of $74,902.00 from the Criminal Justice Coordination Council of Georgia (CJCC) to provide services to crime victims for the period of October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024 and authorize the Mayor to execute the necessary documents. (Approved by Public Safety Committee November 28, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 35. Motion to accept an award from Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) in the amount of $58,500.00 to enhance the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Canine Unit. (Approved by Public Safety Committee November 28, 2023) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS 36. Motion to approve the minutes of the Special Called Meetings of the Commission held on Tuesday, November 20 & 28, and Thursday, November 30, 2023. Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Frantom. 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 37-43) PLANNING 37. Motion to approve Z-23-50 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to approve with conditions a petition by High Brass Development LLC, on behalf of Glenda Degenhardt and Johnny Anderson, Sr. requesting a rezoning from zone A (Agricultural) and R- 1A (One-family Residential) to zone R-1D (One-family Residential) affecting property containing approximately 10.81 acres located at 2804 Meadowbrook Drive. Tax Map #119-0- 006-00-0. DISTRICT 5 (Deferred from the November 21, 2023 Commission Meeting) Motion to approve. Motion made by Williams, Seconded by Mason. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES 38. Discussion of the process, procedures and oversight of Augusta Land Bank. (Requested by Commissioner Wayne Guilfoyle)  Motion to approve asking the Land Bank Director to come back with a report in 30 to 45 days after doing research on how Land Bank Authority Boards are made up in other cities in Georgia. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting yea: Frantom, Garrett, Guilfoyle, Smith-McKnight Voting nay: Johnson, Pulliam, Williams, Lewis, Scott Mr. Mason out. Motion fails 4-5. Substitute motion to approve receiving this item as information. Motion made by Johnson, Seconded by Williams. Voting yea: Johnson, Pulliam, Williams, Lewis, Scott Voting nay: Smith-McKnight, Frantom, Garrett, Guilfoyle Mr. Mason out. Motion fails 5-4. 39. Update on the Disparity Study. (Requested by Commissioner Francine Scott) It was the consensus of the Commission that this item be received as information without objection. FINANCE 40. Motion to approve contract with UHY for Internal Audit Services – RFP 23-142. (No recommendation from Pension & Audit Committee November 21, 2023) Motion to approve not moving forward with this contract and to solicit for another RFP within the next 45 days for a new process. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Scott. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis Voting Nay: Guilfoyle Mr. Mason out. Motion carries 8-1. PUBLIC SAFETY 41. Update from Central Emergency Management Services. (Requested by Commissioner Bobby Williams) Motion to reschedule this item for the first full Commission meeting in January, 2024. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Scott. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. APPOINTMENT(S) 42. Consider a request from the Community Service Board to reappoint Dr. Franklin E. McPhail, Jr. to the CSB as a representative for Richmond County for the 2023-2026 term. Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Frantom. 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 43. Motion to authorize execution by the Mayor of the affidavit of compliance with Georgia's Open Meeting Act.