Commission Meeting

COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Commission Chamber Tuesday, May 07, 2024 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 Father Vincent Vodjogbe, Parochial Vicar, The Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA RECOGNITION(S) A. Curtis Baptist School Varsity Boys Basketball Team (Requested by the Mayor's Office) Recognition of the Curtis Baptist Varsity Boys Basketball Team. DELEGATION(S) B. Mr. Melvin L. Kelly regarding youth programs. Presentation is made by Mr. Kelly. C. Mr. William "Bill" Fennoy relative to process of sending resolution to delegation. Presentation is made by Mr. Fennoy. D. Ms. Jessica DuBois, Best Friends Animal Society, relative to Augusta Animal Services Assessment and Offer of Support. Presentation is made by Ms. DuBois and Ms. Burroughs; Mr. Garrett requested that this item be placed on the agenda for the next Public Safety Committee meeting; the Interim Administrator asked that it be postponed to the second committee meeting in May due to scheduling conflicts. E. Ms. SheaAaron Burns regarding MEI-A Tuition-Free 3K-8th grade Immersive Arts School in Richmond County. Presentation is made by Ms. Burns. CONSENT AGENDA (Items 1-33) PLANNING 1. ZA-R-261 – A request concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to amend the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance by amending Section 26-1 to establish criteria for the granting of a special exception pertaining to low-THC oil dispensaries, pursuant to O.C.G.A. 16-12- 215(a). (Approved by the Augusta Commission April 16, 2024 - second reading) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. PUBLIC SERVICES 2. Motion to approve an ordinance requiring food truck operators possessing an Augusta-Richmond County business license to have an annual decal. The decal will cost $5.00. (Approved by the Commission in meeting held April 16, 2024- second reading) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 3. Motion to approve A.N. 24-19 - New Location: Deep Patel requesting Retail Package Beer and Wine for Gas World #7 located at 3293 Deans Bridge Road. District 5, Super District 9. (Approved by Public Services Committee April 30, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 4. Motion to approve A.N. 24-20 – Existing Location: Betty Brown requesting Liquor, Beer and Wine consumption on premises for Pasches Island Soul Restaurant located at 307 James Brown Boulevard, District 1, Super District 9.(Approved by Public Services Committee April 30, 2024) Motion to approve.  Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 5. Motion to approve A.N. 24-21 - New Ownership (Existing Location): Swetha Jaini requesting Retail Package Beer, and Wine for Texaco Food Mart located at 4150 Windsor Springs Road. District 6, Super District 10 (Approved by Public Services Committee April 30, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 6. Motion to approve A.N. 24-22 - New Location: Karl Hunsinger, Jr. requesting Retail Package Beer and Wine located at 3661 Mike Padgett Highway. District 6, Super District 10 (Approved by Public Services Committee April 30, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 7. Motion to approve additional funding for Senior Nutrition Sites for the provision of cost-free recreational services to program participants. (Approved by Public Services Committee April 30, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis Mr. Guilfoyle out. Motion carries 9-0. 8. Motion to adopt the Title VI FTA Compliance and Implementation for the Metropolitan Planning Organization and Augusta Transit.(Approved by Public Services Committee April 30, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 9. Motion to approve Change Order No. 2 to contract with RW Allen Construction, LLC in the amount of ($1,730.80). Approved by the Augusta Aviation Commission on March 28, 2024 (23BFA132).(Approved by Public Services Committee April 30, 2024)  Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 10. Motion to approve Change Order No. 1 to contract with Independence Excavating in the amount of $291,001.25. Approved by the Augusta Aviation Commission on March 28, 2024 (23BFA254).(Approved by Public Services Committee April 30, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES 11. Motion to approve Housing and Community Development Department’s (HCD's) MOU with Georgia Rehabilitation Institute, INC. for the development of (2) ADA Accessible Units and (5) Rehabs.(Approved by Administrative Services Committee April 30, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 12. Motion to approve Housing and Community Development Department’s (HCD's) request to enter into an addendum agreement with R. Taylor HMIS Consulting, LLC to continue U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) management assistance to Housing and Community Development Department.(Approved by Administrative Committee April 30, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 13. Motion to approve HCD’s request to loan HOME – American Rescue Plan, in the amount of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00), for construction of Watson Pointe partnership with Woda Cooper Development and Parallel Housing, Inc. for the sole purpose of a GA Department of Community Affairs (DCAs) Low Income Housing Tax Credit Project only.(Approved by Public Services Committee April 30, 2024) Motion to approve.  Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 14. Motion to approve utilizing the state contract (#SWC 99999-SPD-ES40199373-009S) for the purchase of four Ford T350s, at a total cost of $245,448 from Wade Ford. (Approved by Public Services Committee April 30, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 15. Motion to accept the donation in the amount of $60,596.45 for the purchase of the UGA Extension Services 12 – passenger van from Gerald Jones Ford.(Approved by Administrative Services Committee April 30, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 16. Motion to approve an addition of $42,525.00 to purchase order 23CSA007 for design fee amendment for supplemental services to cover the costs of a topographical / existing conditions and underground utilities survey for the new Richmond County Correctional Institute facility by IPG, Incorporated – Architects & Planners in c/o with EMC Engineering Services.(Approved by Administrative Committee April 30, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 17. Motion to approve the renewal of the Intergovernmental Service Agreement between Augusta and the Augusta Richmond County Coliseum Authority in the amount of $120,000. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee April 30, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 18. Motion to approve asking the Interim Administrator to present to commissioners in their agenda books next week a written process regarding executive recruitment and to host a workshop  concerning the selection of a director within the next 60 day relative to the Parks and Recreation Department Director recruitment. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee April 30, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. ENGINEERING SERVICES 19. Motion to approve and authorize Augusta Engineering to submit, accept and receive Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) Financial Assistance through GDOT FY2024 Local Road Assistance Administration (LRA) Funds for Proposed Augusta Canal Pedestrian Bridge. Also authorize Augusta Mayor to sign associated documents. /AE (Approved by Engineering Services Committee April 30, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 20. Motion approve and authorize Mayor to renew & execute intergovernmental agreement (IGA), at the discretion of the Augusta Law Department, between Augusta, Georgia and the Burke County, Georgia (County) to allow the County residential solid waste disposal at the Augusta Deans Bridge Road MSW Landfill at a waste disposal special unit rate. /AE(Approved by Engineering Services Committee April 30, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 21. Motion to approve and authorize Augusta Engineering (AEESD) to submit, accept and receive Georgia Department of Transpiration (GDOT) Financial Assistance from GDOT Local Road Assistance Administration (LRA) Funds through Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG) FY2024 Supplemental for Road Improvements & maintenance projects (Listed under Financial Impact Section). Also authorize Augusta Mayor to sign GDOT E-Verify affidavit and LMIG Submittal Cover Letter as need arises. /AE(Approved by Engineering Services Committee April 30, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 22. Motion to approve Revision to Funds Allocation of Construction Contract to Kiewit Infrastructure South Co. (Kiewit) in the amount of $3,585,500.70 for Transportation Investment Act (TIA) Projects, Highland Ave. Bridge over CSX & Walton Way Bridge over Hawks Gully Maintenance Repairs Projects. Also authorize and approve reallocating TIA-Discretionary Recaptured $768,191.70 from Highland Ave, Bridge over CSX to 13th Street Improvements Project. AE/RFP 22-281A.(Approved by Engineering Services Committee April 30, 2024) Motion to appove. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 23. Motion to approve RFQ #23-263: Task Order Program (2023) for Utilities Department in the amount of $4,000,000.00 for execution by Beam’s Construction, Inc.; Blair Construction, Inc.; Garnto Southern Construction, Inc.; Gearig Civilworks, LLC; BD Garner Sitework; CBH Excavation; Quality Plus Services and Shockley Plumbing as qualified and selected contractors. The term of the contract is for one (1) year with the option to extend for 4 additional one year terms.(Approved by Engineering Services Committee April 30, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, 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 extension of the existing MOU with Augusta University to develop an internship program centered around Smart City sensors and programs. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee April 30, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 25. Motion to approve Bid #24-173 for the Augusta Corporate Park Utility Extension to Gearig Civilworks, LLC and approve AUD Director or designee to execute all documents required to ensure EDA compliance.(Approved by Engineering Services Committee April 30, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 26. Motion to approve Supplement funding (SA1) to Cranston Engineering (Cranston) in the amount of $24,835.00 for the 5th Street Improvements Construction Phase Services (CEI). AE/RFP 18- 283(Approved by Engineering Services Committee April 30, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. FINANCE 27. Motion to approve UGA Cooperative Extension Service proposal to create a supplemental pay position in order to promote a UGA employee to an Augusta-Richmond County Extension Agent. (Approved by Finance Committee April 30, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. PUBLIC SAFETY 28. Motion to approve entering into Contract with EMS Management & Consultants, Inc. to provide professional services for ambulance coding, billing, and collections for the Augusta Fire Department and authorize the mayor to execute all necessary documents for an initial two (2) year contract with option to extend for three (3) additional one (1) year terms. (RFP 23- 149) (Approved by Public Safety Committee April 30, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 29. Motion to approve award of RFP 24-901Real Estate Brokerage Services for the Sale of Old Fire Station No. 7 for Augusta, GA Fire Department to Jordan Trotter Commercial Real Estate and to authorize the mayor to execute appropriate documents.(Approved by Public Safety Committee April 30, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 30. Motion to approve award of RFP 24-128 Air Light Vehicle for Augusta, GA Fire Department to Ten-8 Fire & Safety, LLC and to authorize the mayor to execute appropriate documents.(Approved by Public Safety Committee April 30, 2024)  Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, 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 BTR for revenue of $19,542.92 received from The Department of Community Health to the Fire Department’s medical supply account.(Approved by Public Safety Committee April 30, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 32. Motion to approve the acceptance of a $48,195 BOOST Grant summer program fund from the Georgia Department of Education.(Approved by Public Safety Committee April 30, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS 33. Motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the Commission held April 16, 2024 and Special Meeting held April 30, 2024. Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, 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 34-51) PUBLIC SERVICES 34. Motion to approve A.N. 24-18 - New Location: Madhusudhan Kothakapu requesting Retail Package Beer and Wine located at 3082 Deans Bridge Road. District 5, Super District 9. (No recommendation from Public Services Committee April 30, 2024 Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Mason. Voting Yea: Garrett, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis Mr. Johnson and Mr. Guilfoyle out. Motion carries 8-0. 35. Update from the Planning and Development Department regarding a revision of the ordinance relating to the Modular Trailers on the corner of Morning and Hwy. 25. (No recommendation from Public Services Committee April 30, 2024) Motion to approve receiving this item as information. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. It was the consensus of the Commission that this item be received as information without objection. 36. A request by Tiffany McGuire for Massage Operator’s License to be used in connection with Mindful Relief located at 1502 Monte Sano Avenue. District 2, Super District 9.(No recommendation from Public Services Committee April 30, 2024 Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis Mr. Guilfoyle out. Motion carries 9-0. ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES 37. Receive as information the emergency request for the removal and replacement of Charles B. Webster Detention Center main corridor roof in the amount of $120,793.00 by Hixon’s Commercial Roofing. (No recommendation from Administrative Services Committee April 30, 2024) It was the consensus of the Commission that this item be received as information without objection. 38. Approve an addition of $7,000.00 for construction services and oversight to the Commission approved emergency request for the evaluation of the Augusta Commons electrical distribution system in the total amount of $35,000.00 by Johnson Laschober & Associates, P.C. (No recommendation from Administrative Services Committee April 30, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle  Motion carries 10-0. 39. Receive as information the emergency request for the replacement of all decks, ADA ramps, staircases, and railings at the Diamond Lakes Tennis Courts in the amount of $191,850.00 by Horizon Construction & Associates.(No recommendation from Administrative Services Committee April 30, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 40. Receive as information the emergency request for the structural assessment of the marble panels at the Municipal Building in the amount of $188,480.00 plus $28,272.00 (15% contingency) for a total of $216,752.00 by Kuhlke Construction & Associates, Inc. (No recommendation from Administrative Services Committee April 30, 2024) Motion to delete this item from the agenda. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 41. Approve a change order of purchase order P460291 for the continuation of the assessment/investigation of the Municipal Building marble panel structure in the amount of $25,000.00 to Johnson, Laschober & Associates, PC. (No recommendation from Administrative Services Committee April 30, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis Mr. Guilfoyle out. Motion carries 9-0. 42. Receive as information the emergency request for the removal and replacement of Central Services Construction Shop roof in the amount of $43,000.00 by Crosby Roofing & Seamless Gutters. (No recommendation from Administrative Services Committee April 30, 2024) Motion to delete this item from the agenda. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 43. Receive as information the emergency request for fire alarm software update and device replacement plan at Charles B. Webster Detention Center in the amount of $36,500.00 to  Southeastern System Technologies. (No recommendation from Administrative Services Committee April 30, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 44. Receive as information the emergency request for the removal and replacement of Bernie Ward Community Center roof in the amount of $53,500.00 by Crosby Roofing & Seamless Gutters. (No recommendation from Administrative Services Committee April 30, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 45. Receive as information the emergency request for the removal and replacement of Carrie J Mays Center and Gym roof in the amount of $94,325.80 by Crosby Roofing & Seamless Gutters.(No recommendation from Public Services Committee April 30, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 46. Update from the Downtown Development Authority. (Requested by Commissioner Jordan Johnson- deferred from the April 16, 2024 meeting) Motion to receive this item as information. Motion made by Johnson, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. It was the consensus of the Commission that this item be received as information without objection. ENGINEERING SERVICES 47. Motion to determine that the road, currently named Southern Glassine Road, beginning at its intersection with Mike Padgett Highway, and terminating at Graphic Packaging International, as highlighted 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 county 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 the Augusta Engineering Department and Augusta Utilities Department. (Requested by Commissioner Tony Lewis) Motion to approve.  Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. FINANCE 48. Approve resolution authorizing the issuance of $250 million in bonds for the construction of a new coliseum complex. (Requested by the Administrator) Motion to approve. Motion made by Johnson, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Voting Nay: Mason Motion carries 9-1. 49. Presentation of the December 31, 2023 preliminary financial reports. (Requested by the Administrator) It was the consensus of the Commission that this item be received as information without objection. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS 50. Consider Augusta’s official ballot for the election of GMA’s District 7 Officers for the 2024-2025 year. Motion to approve the selection of the name of Commissioner Catherine McKnight. Motion made by Garrett, 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 51. Motion to authorize execution by the Mayor of the affidavit of compliance with Georgia's Open Meeting Act. ADDENDUM ITEMS 1. Consider resolution of the Board of Commissioners of Burke County, Georgia, the Board of Commissioners of Columbia County, Georgia and the Augusta-Richmond County Commission creating and activating the “Greater Augusta Joint Development Authority”; providing for the membership of the Authority; appointing initial members of the Authority; providing for the members’ terms of office, providing a restriction on the operation of the Authority and related  matters. (Requested by Mayor Garnett Johnson on behalf of the Augusta Economic Development Authority) It was the consensus of the Commission that this item be added to the agenda without objection. Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 2. Consider the adoption of a Resolution of Condolence in respect of former Commissioner James W. “Jimmy” Smith, Jr. (Requested by Commissioner Wayne Guilfoyle) It was the consensus of the Commission that this item be added to the agenda without objection. Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 3. Consider Memorandum of Understanding between Augusta-Richmond County Commission and Augusta-Richmond County State Court DUI & Treatment Court Programs. (Requested by Commissioner Jordan Johnson) It was the consensus of the Commission that this item be added to the agenda without objection. Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0.