Commission Meeting

COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Commission Chamber Tuesday, February 20, 2024 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 Pastor Luke Niday, Assistant Pastor, Local Outreach and Mercy, First Presbyterian Church Augusta PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA RECOGNITION(S) A. Congratulations! 2024 January Years of Service (25-50 year) recipients. Presentations are made to the 2024 January Years of Service recipients. CONSENT AGENDA (Items 1-20) PLANNING 1. Z-24-05 –A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to APPROVE with conditions this petition by Olde Town Augusta, LLC, requesting a rezoning from zone R-3C (Multiple-family Residential) to zone B-1 (Neighborhood Business) affecting property containing approximately 0.17 acres located at 602 Third Street. Tax Map #047-4-350-01-0. DISTRICT 1 Motion to approve.  Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 2. Z-24-06 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to DENY this petition by Charlotte Garnes requesting a rezoning from zone R-1A (One-family Residential) to zone R-3A (Multiple-family Residential) affecting property containing approximately 0.26 acres located at 3202 Rushing Road. Tax Map #121-2-091-00-0. DISTRICT 5 Motion to approve the petition. Motion made by Williams, Seconded by Scott. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 3. SE-24-01 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to DENY this petition by Charlotte Garnes requesting a special exception per Section 16-2(g) of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance to establish a lodging or boarding house affecting property containing approximately 0.26 acres located at 3202 Rushing Road. Zoned R-1A (One-family Residential). Tax Map #121-2-091-00-0. DISTRICT 5 Motion to approve the petition. Motion made by Williams, Seconded by Scott. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 4. Z-24-07 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to DENY this petition by Yurui Huang requesting a rezoning from zone R-1A (One-family Residential) to zone B-1 (Neighborhood Business) affecting property containing approximately 0.25 acres located at 3333 Wrightsboro Road. Tax Map #041-4-038-00-0. DISTRICT 5 Motion to refer this item back to the Planning Commission for further review. Motion made by Williams, Seconded by Johnson. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 5. Z-24-08 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to APPROVE with conditions this petition by J.B. Wall Investments requesting a rezoning from zone R-1B (One- family Residential) to zone R-1C (One-family Residential) affecting property containing approximately 0.41 acres located at 1513 C and S Drive. Tax Map #041-4-089-00-0. DISTRICT 2 Motion to approve.  Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 6. Z-24-09 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to APPROVE with conditions this petition by Hull Barrett on behalf of Augusta National Inc, RC Eagle I, II, III, IV & V, LLC, and et. al., requesting a rezoning from zone R-1 (One-family Residential), R-1A (One-family Residential), R-3A (Multiple-family Residential), R-3B (Multiple-family Residential), PUD (Planned Used Development), P-1 (Professional/Office), B-1 (Neighborhood Business) and B-2 (General Business) to zone B-2 (General Business) affecting properties containing approximately 506.19 acres located at 2708, 2712, 2713, 2722, 2724, 2726 Cherry Lane, 100, 229, 313, 327, 329, 335 344, 347, 349, 353, 355, 357, 360 and 420 Berckmans Road, 319, 321, 325, 330, 331, 346, 347, 350, 351, 354, 355 and 374 Heath Drive, 2704 and 2709 Hillside Lane, 2604, 2700, 2702, 2728 Washington Road, 2604 Washington Road (Tracts 1-6), 2716-2720 Washington Road (even #s), 2732-2742 Washington Road (even#s), and 1117 Stanley Drive (54 tax parcels). A complete list of tax parcels is available in the Planning and Development office upon request. DISTRICT 1 & 7 Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 7. Z-24-10 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to APPROVE with conditions this petition by Bowen A. Klosinski on behalf of Parker South, LLC, requesting a rezoning from zone R-1C (One-family Residential) to zone R-2 (Two-family Residential) affecting property containing approximately 0.16 acres located at 1720 Watkins Street. Tax Map #035-4-191-00-0. DISTRICT 1 Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 8. Z-24-11 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to APPROVE with conditions this petition by Locke McKnight on behalf of Stables Management Development requesting a rezoning from zone R-1C (One-family Residential) and R-3B (Multiple-family Residential) to zone R-3C (Multiple-family Residential) affecting properties containing approximately 3.21 acres located at 728 Heard Avenue and 2083 Heckle Street. Tax Map #035- 3-215-00-0 and 035-3-238-00-0. DISTRICT 3 Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle  Motion carries 9-0. PUBLIC SERVICES 9. Motion to approve one-year suspension of the Alcohol License for Allen Voncelillies, Club Climax a/k/a Club Rain, 1855 Gordon Highway, for failure to comply with Augusta-Richmond County Alcohol Ordinance.(Approved by Public Services Committee February 13, 2024) Motion to approve placing this business on six months' probation. Motion made by Williams, Seconded by Garrett. No action is taken on this motion due to the passage of the substitute motion. Substitute motion to refer this item back to the next Commission meeting on March 5, 2024. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Scott. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Guilfoyle Voting Nay: Lewis Motion carries 8-1. 10. Motion to approve FAA Reimbursable Agreement Masters 2024. Approved by the Augusta Aviation Commission on January 25, 2024. (Approved by Public Services Committee February 13, 2024). Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 11. Motion to approve the recommendation of the Administrator to allow Planning & Development, the Administrator, and the Law Department to work together to formulate a letter to send to the owners of the Super 8 Hotel/Washington Road outlining some expectations relating to a disciplinary process whereby the individual is first warned and then some additional discipline that could occur if their behavior continues. (Approved by Public Services Committee February 13, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES 12. Motion to approve utilizing the state contract (#SWC 9999-001-SPD0000183-002) for the purchase of two Chevrolet Tahoes at a total cost of $118,857.40 from Hardy Chevrolet for the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee February 13, 2024) Motion to approve.  Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 13. Motion to approve the amendment of Purchase Order P434867 for Diamond Lakes Scoring Towers to add an additional $154,687.75 for additional work completed. Additional funds will be taken from SPLOST 8 Facility Maintenance/ Existing Facilities (including Craig Houghton).(Approved by Administrative Services Committee February 13, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 14. Motion to approve streaming the Planning & Zoning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals meetings online. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee February 13, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 15. Motion to approve the recommendation of the Administrator to allow the Augusta Rowing Club to remain in their current location on the lower level of the Augusta Boathouse and to utilize the remaining funds in SPLOST allocated for the Boathouse for stabilization efforts to include the demolition of the deck, the removal of the HVAC system, mold remediation in the facility, the removal of the insulation and the girders on the first floor and the construction of access steps to gain entry into the interior of the building from the front with an estimated funding cost of $400,000 for the project. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee February 13, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. ENGINEERING SERVICES 16. Motion to approve funds for extending the contract with Blair Construction, Inc. to perform asphalt patch repair, concrete curb and sidewalk replacement for the Utilities Department. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee February 13, 2024) Motion to approve.  Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 17. Motion to approve Amendment No. 11 to the Contract with ESG Operations, Inc. for the Operation of Water Pollution Control Facilities.(Approved by Engineering Services Committee February 13, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. PUBLIC SAFETY 18. Motion to approve the Statewide Mutual Aid and Assistance Agreement between Augusta, GA, GEMA, and Homeland Security and to authorize the mayor to execute all appropriate documents. (Approved by Public Safety Committee February 13, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 19. Motion to approve the purchase of a GPS system (vendor: UniteGPS) for the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office vehicles. (RFP 21-121) (Approved by Public Safety Committee February 13, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS 20. Motion to approve the minutes of the Augusta Commission held January 16, 2024 and February 6, 2024 regular meetings and the Special Called Meetings held January 30, 2024 and the February 13, 2024. Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. 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 21-30) ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES 21. Receive a recommendation from the Central Services Department regarding a different design/concept for the Edward M. McIntyre sign(s) for Riverwalk. (No recommendation from Administrative Services Committee February 13, 2024) Motion to approve accepting the original design without the logos and using green lettering. Motion made by Johnson, Seconded by Williams. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. FINANCE 22. Motion to approve moving the SPLOST 9 planning work session from Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at 2pm to Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at 10am. Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 23. Request to approve Augusta Commercial Property Insurance coverage for 2024 offered through Affiliated FM, current carrier, for a premium of $938,639 for full blanket coverage and limited flood coverage in flood prone areas. Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Garrett. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 24. Motion to approve continued service with CorVel, Third Party Workers Compensation Provider, renewal for Year 5. Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 25. Approve Excess Workers’ Compensation Insurance with Safety National Casualty with statutory limits and a $1,000,000 Self Insured Retention (SIR – otherwise known as the deductible) to cover all positions for a premium of $546,894. Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 26. The New Arena Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) describes the terms and responsibilities between Augusta and the Augusta Richmond County Coliseum Authority for the issuance of bond and construction of the New James Brown Arena (JBA). Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 27. Update from the Interim Administrator regarding the URA revenue bond. Motion to approve allowing the Administrator to meet with the Sheriff regarding him conducting a jail population review and come back with an update within the next 30 days. Motion made by Johnson, Seconded by Scott. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. PUBLIC SAFETY 28. Discuss security, licensing and even possible closing of Smart Grocery on Wrightsboro Road and Olive Road Convenience Store (Glendale Community) after several shootings which a few have been fatal. (No recommendation from Public Safety Committee Meeting February 13, 2024) Motion to approve having the Planning & Development Department move forward with the creation of an agenda item to place the Smart Grocery on six months' probation or some other type of disciplinary action and to provide the owners with the proper notice of their intention to take such action. Motion made by Johnson, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis Voting Nay: Guilfoyle Motion carries 8-1. 29. Motion to approve the attached salary compression and retention plan, to include new salary structure and proposed funding source, for the Augusta Fire Department. Motion to approve.  Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. 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 30. Motion to authorize execution by the Mayor of the affidavit of compliance with Georgia's Open Meeting Act. ADDENDUM ITEM 1. Motion to approve entering into a Memorandum of Understanding between Augusta and the Greater Augusta Arts Council for the commissioning and installation of a commemorative art sculpture honoring the historical African American caddies of Augusta and to authorize the Mayor to execute the MOU and all related documents. (Approved by Public Services Committee on February 13, 2024 – inadvertently omitted from the agenda) It was the consensus of the Commission that this item be added to the agenda without objection and included as part of the consent agenda. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle. Motion carries 9-0.