Commission Meeting

COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Commission Chamber Tuesday, June 04, 2024 2:00 PM PRESENT Mayor Garnett Johnson Commissioner Brandon Garrett Commissioner Jordan Johnson Commissioner Alvin Mason Commissioner Sean Frantom Commissioner Francine Scott Commissioner Catherine Smith-McKnight Commissioner Stacy Pulliam Commissioner Tony Lewis Commissioner Wayne Guilfoyle ABSENT Commissioner Bobby Williams INVOCATION Reverend Richard A. Smith, Pastor, First Metropolitan Baptist Church PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA DELEGATION(S) A. Mr. Eric Montgomery requesting a historical marker be placed on the Greene Street side of the Municipal Building in honor of the Revolutionary War hero General Lafayette's visit to Augusta during his farewell tour of the United States on March 23, 1825. It was the consensus of the Commission to receive this item as information without objection and to task the Administrator and/or staff to do any background research as needed to make a presentation to the Commission in 30 to 45 days for their official action on the placement of the historical marker. CONSENT AGENDA (Items 1-27 PUBLIC SERVICES 2. Motion to approve A. N. 24-26: Miguel Chavez Applicant adding Dance to an Existing Consumption on Premises Liquor, Beer and Wine License for Loko Taco 2 located at 235 Boy Scout Road. District 7, Super District 10. (Approved by Public Services Committee May 28, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 3. Motion to approve the installation of a public art sculpture on the berm of the intersection of Doug Barnard Parkway and Lock and Dam Road.(Approved by Public Services Committee May 28, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 4. Motion to approve the award of contract for RFP 24-127 – Gateway Sculpture at Sand Bar Ferry Road to Wesley Steward and Colleen Beyer Stewart (Metal Specialists of Augusta). and to authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement and all related documents. (Approved by Public Services Committee May 28, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES 5. Motion to approve utilizing state contract (#SWC 99999-SPD-ES40199373-002) for the purchase of 12 Ford F150s, at a total cost of $563,314 from Allan Vigil Ford for various departments. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee May 28, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 6. Motion to approve the purchase of a Dodge Durango, at a total cost of $54,546 from Thomson Motor Center. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee May 28, 2024) Motion to approve.  Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 7. Motion to approve the purchase of one 2024 Chevrolet Blazer Electric Vehicle at a total cost of $54,408 from Milton Ruben Chevrolet for the Tax Commissioner’s Office.(Approved by Administrative Services Committee May 28, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. ENGINEERING SERVICES 8. Approve Survey Phase Task Order supplemental funding for Streambank Stabilization Design, Permitting and Construction Engineering Services Contract to Johnson, Laschober & Associates, PC. (JLA) in the amount of $163,047 for Rocky Creek Improvements. AE/ 19-152 (Approved by Engineering Services Committee May 28, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 9. Motion to approve the continued funding of the current On-Call Field and Laboratory Testing for Soil and Construction Material, and Geotechnical Inspection and Investigation (CMT_Geotech) Services contract in the amount of $271,200.00 for Barton Chapel @SR10/US78 (Gordon Hwy) Intersection Improvements Project. MC2 assigned to Barton Chapel Improvements construction. AE/RFP 19-179 (Approved by Engineering Services Committee May 28, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 10. Motion to approve Supplemental funding (SA#4) for continuity of Engineering Phase of Design Engineering Consultant Agreement to Hussey Gay Bell and DeYoung (HGB) in the amount of $19,350.00 for Augusta Engineering Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Operational Efficiency of Various Intersections Project.AE/RFQ 17-127 (Approved by Engineering Services Committee May 28, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle  Motion carries 9-0. 11. Motion to approve Augusta Engineering entering into Revised Cooperative Services and Funding Agreement (Agreement) with United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS) Wild Life Services (WS) for assisting Augusta Engineering Managing Beavers within Augusta, Georgia Service Area. Also approve the Agreement annual mutual continuation. /AE (Approved by Engineering Services Committee May 28, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 12. Motion to approve the continued funding of the current On-Call Field and Laboratory Testing for Soil and Construction Material, and Geotechnical Inspection and Investigation (CMT_Geotech) Services contract in the amount of $386,836.00 for Robert C Daniel @CR601/Wheeler Road Intersection Improvements Project (PI0012866). ATLAS assigned to Robert C Daniel Improvements construction. AE/RFP 19-179 (Approved by Engineering Services Committee May 28, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 13. Motion to approve the continued funding of the current On-Call Field and Laboratory Testing for Soil and Construction Material, and Geotechnical Inspection and Investigation (CMT_Geotech) Services contract in the amount of $317,280.00 for Dennis Road Widening and Improvements Project. MEG was assigned to Dennis Road construction. AE/ RFP 19-179 (Approved by Engineering Services Committee May 28, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 14. Motion to approve the continued funding of the current On-Call Field and Laboratory Testing for Soil and Construction Material, and Geotechnical Inspection and Investigation (CMT_Geotech) Services contract in the amount of $259,540.00 for Wrightsboro Road Reconstruction and Pedestrian Improvements Project. MEG was assigned to Wrightsboro Road construction. AE/ RFP 19-179 (Approved by Engineering Services Committee May 28, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle  Motion carries 9-0. 15. Motion to approve supplemental (SA9) funding for various Tasks under Final Design Phase of Engineering Consultant Agreement to WK Dickson & Co., Inc. in the amount of $53,500.00 for Wilkinson Garden Area Roadway Drainage Improvements. AE/RFQ 07-114 (Approved by Engineering Services Committee May 28, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 16. Motion to approve the sole source purchase and installation of new street lighting along Grand Blvd between 15th Street and Turpin Street. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee May 28, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 17. Motion to approve and authorize 1) Deny award of RFP 23-112 Augusta's Zone 1 residential Waste Recyclable Collection Service and rebid this zone, 2) Effective 12/31/2024 terminate RFP 12-112 Augusta's Zones 2 & 3 Residential Waste & Recyclable Collection Services contract with Coastal Waste & Recycling under the contract clause Section 16.1d,3) Extends Augusta's Zone 1 Residential Waste & Recycling under the contract clause Section 16.1 d, 3) Extends Augusta's Zone 1 Residential Waste & Recyclable Collection Service current transition period agreement with Georgia Waste System/Waste Management until December 31, 2024 with no change in current terms & conditions, and 4) Engineering & Environmental Services Department bid Augusta's Zones 1, 2, & 3 Residential Waste & Recyclable Collection Services RFP by June 2024 and bring associated contract award recommendation to Augusta Commission by end of October 2024 for discussion & approval for a January 1, 2025 start date. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee May 28, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 18. Motion to approve Supplementing Thomson Building Wrecking Company, Inc. of Augusta Contract under Bid 21-160 in amount of $71,775.00 for Augusta’s Infrastructure Projects Generated Waste Concrete Material Aggregate Recovery & Hauling for its Beneficial Use at the Augusta Deans Bridge Road Landfill. AE (Approved by Engineering Services Committee May 28, 2024) Motion to approve.  Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 19. Motion to approve adding funds in amount of $200,000 to Yancey Brothers Landfill Equipment Block Time contract for Rebuilding Landfill Compactors. Bid 23-114/AE (Approved by Engineering Services Committee May 28, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 20. Motion to approve the sole source purchase of new solar street lighting equipment to be placed along Windsor Springs between Meadowbrook Dr. and Crosscreek Rd. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee May 28, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 21. Motion to approve the sole source purchase of the installation of the poles for streetlights to be placed along Windsor Spring between Meadowbrook Dr. and Crosscreek Rd. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee May 28, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 22. Motion to approve the sole source purchase of new solar street lighting equipment to be placed along Wrightsboro Rd between North Leg Rd. and Highland Ave. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee May 28, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 23. Motion to approve the sole source purchase and installation of new street lighting along Jimmie Dyess Parkway between Wrightsboro Road and 2,500 feet south of the Richmond County line. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee May 28, 2024) Motion to approve.  Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 24. Motion to approve hosting a workshop with the Administrator, the Engineering Department, the Procurement Department, the Marshal’s Office, the Finance Department, Commissioners Johnson, Mason and Scott, the Mayor Pro Tem and the Warden of RCCI to discuss the situation regarding grass cutting and lot and right-of-way maintenance ahead of the budget cycle in order to secure funding for these operations during the budget discussions. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee May 28, 2024) Motion to approve with the replacement of Mr. Mason's name with that of Ms. Stacy Pulliam. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. FINANCE 25. Motion to approve 2025 Budget Planning Calendar with the budget retreat to be held on June 17, 2024. (Approved by Finance Committee May 28, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. PUBLIC SAFETY 26. Motion to approve the replacement of obsolete computer equipment (laptops, computers, servers, printers, scanners, switches, routers, VOIP phones, virtual environment, backup solutions, analog gateways, other telecommunication devices, security appliances, uninterrupted power supplies, radios, and MDTs) as well as the purchase of any related required computer software upgrades, cloud storage, and server resources. (Approved by Public Safety Committee May 28, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 27. Motion to accept the FY2024 Emergency Operations Center Program in the amount of $1,500,000 and authorize the mayor to execute all appropriate documentation. (Approved by Public Safety Committee May 28, 2024) Motion to approve.  Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS 28. Motion to approve the minutes of the Commission meeting held May 22, 2024 and Special Called Meeting held May 28, 2024. Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. ****END CONSENT AGENDA**** AUGUSTA COMMISSION AUGUSTA COMMISSION REGULAR AGENDA (Items 28-31) FINANCE 29. Motion to approve engaging UHY Advisors Mid Atlantic to conduct audit of Parks and Recreation. (No recommendation from Finance Committee May 28, 2024) Motion to approve the bid of Markham to conduct the audit. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by McKnight. Voting Yea: McKnight, Frantom, Scott, Guilfoyle Voting Nay: Johnson, Pulliam, Garrett Abstaining: Mason, Lewis Motion fails 4-3-2. Substitute motion to deny and to rebid. Voting Yea: McKnight, Mason, Frantom, Garrett, Guilfoyle Voting Nay: Johnson, Pulliam, Scott Abstaining: Lewis Motion fails 5-3-1. Motion to refer this item back to the Finance Committee. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Smith-McKnight.  Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. PUBLIC SAFETY 30. Motion to approve the acceptance of the third Amendment for Aramark Inmate Food Services. (No recommendation from Public Safety Committee May 28, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Scott, Seconded by Johnson. Voting Yea: Johnson, Mason, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Voting Nay: Garrett, Frantom Motion carries 7-2. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS 31. Motion to approve tasking the Clerk of Commission to engage The Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia to begin the process of leading and providing guidance to Augusta-Richmond County down the path towards the creation of a charter review committee (Requested by Mayor Garnett Johnson) Motion to refer this item to the Administrative Services Committee. Motion made by Scott, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. LEGAL MEETING A. Pending and Potential Litigation B. Real Estate C. Personnel 32. Motion to authorize execution by the Mayor of the affidavit of compliance with Georgia's Open Meeting Act. ADDENDUM ITEMS 1. Motion to correct the April 30, 2024 Special Called agenda item number 2 approval to reflect the real property address of 2843 Regency Blvd. (Requested by the Administrator) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Scott. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle  Motion carries 9-0. 2. Discuss the 911 call center staffing and situations occurring. (Requested by Commissioner Sean Frantom) Motion to approve increasing the salary by $3.00 per hour across the board for 911 personnel effective July 1, 2024 for a total increased amount of $225,000 for the remainder of 2024 and a total amount of $450,000 for future years, cut six positions in the department and utilize funding to come from the 1% cut. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Garrett, Johnson, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 3. Discuss emergency demolition at 2104 Broad Street (state code 41-2-5, international maintenance code section 109). (Requested by Commissioner Sean Frantom) It was the consensus of the Commission that this item be received as information without objection. 4. Commission Resolution recognizing Jim Dent for his contributions to the game of golf. (Requested by Commissioner Jordan Johnson) Motion to approve. Motion made by Johnson, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Garnett, Johnson, Mason, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0.