Commission Meeting

COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Commission Chamber Wednesday, July 17, 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 Senior Pastor Ron Jones, The Hill Baptist Church PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA RECOGNITION(S) A. Congratulations!!! 2024 June Years of Service (YOS) 25–50-year recipients. Presentations are made to the 2024 June Years of Service recipients. DELEGATION(S) B. Mr. Lawrence Anthony Brannen regarding adopting a policy requiring SPLOST applicants to exercise felon-friendly hiring practice. Presentation is made by Mr. Brannen. C. Christina & Alvin Watson regarding Bike Bike Baby bringing a Mardi Gras event to Augusta. Motion to delete this item from the agenda. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Johnson. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. D. Ms. Patricia A. Geter request $15 million dollars of SPLOST 9 funds for a full services community within walking distance or close proximity of the communities on Jimmy Dyess Parkway. Presentation is made by Ms. Geter. E. Morgan Hicks regarding a children's entrepreneurship program. Presentation is made by Ms. Hicks. F. Mr. Brian Green regarding Downtown Augusta security and traffic control. Presentation is made by Mr. Green. G. Ms. Angela Bakos regarding Best Friends Animal Society Proposal. Presentation is made by Ms. Bakos. CONSENT AGENDA (Items 1-22) PLANNING 1. Final Plat – S-963-R1 – Skinner Mill Townhomes – A petition by Veeret Kinger on behalf of Towns at Skinner Mill LLC requesting final plat approval for Skinner Mill Townhomes containing 23 lots, located at 3140 Skinner Mill Road. Tax Map #017-3-091-00-0. Reviewing agency approval 6/14/2024 Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Johnson. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 2. Z-24-25 - A petition by Locke McKnight on behalf of Stables Management & Development, requesting to amend condition #2 on zoning case Z-24-11 that states the apartment building shall be limited to 2 stories affecting property 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. Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Johnson. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 3. SE-24-11 – A petition by Living Well Pharmacy on behalf of Shadowland Properties LLC, requesting a special exception per Section 26-1(w) of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance to allow for the dispensing of medical low THC-oil within 1,000 feet of a covered entity affecting property containing approximately 2.27 acres located at 3736 Mike Padgett Highway. Tax Map #157-4-005-00-0. Zoned B-1 (Neighborhood Business). Motion to approve.  Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Johnson. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 4. SE-24-12 – A petition by Stryten Energy, LLC on behalf of 3464 Mike Padgett Highway, LLC, requesting a special exception per Section 24-2(a)(1) of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance to allow for the receiving, storage, and processing of sulfuric acid affecting property containing approximately 212.65 acres located at 3464 Mike Padgett Highway. Tax Map #134-0-005-00-0. Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Johnson. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. PUBLIC SERVICES 5. Motion to approve request from Ms. Estrella Febus of the Hispanic American Cultural Association of the CSRA regarding the waiver of the rental fee for the use of the Augusta Common in the amount of $1,500, the mobile stage in the amount of $2,500 and the costs for the clean-up crew for the 29th Hispanic Festival to be held on September 13 and 14, 2024. ((Approved by Public Services Committee July 9, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Johnson. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 6. Motion to approve A.N. 24-30 – New Location: Retail Package Beer and Wine, Jackson Michell Applicant for Fresh Take Grocery, located at 2907 Washington Road. District 7, Super District 10. (Approved by Public Services Committee July 9, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Johnson. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 7. Motion to approve A.N. 24-31 - New Location: Consumption on Premises Beer and Wine with Sunday Sales, Jackson Mitchell Applicant for Fresh Take Grocery Corp. located at 2907 Washington Road. District 7, Super District 10 (Approved by Public Services Committee July 9, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Johnson. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle  Motion carries 10-0. 8. Motion to approve A.N. 24-32 New Location: Retail Package Beer and Wine, Riteshkumat (Ricky) Patel Applicant for Mahantji Management, LLC, located at 3317 Peach Orchard Road. District 5, Super District 10. (Approved by Public Services Committee July 9, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Johnson. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 9. Motion to approve A.N. 24-34 – Existing Location, New Ownership: Retail Package for Beer and Wine, Alpeshkumar M. Patel Applicant located at 1714 Fifteenth Street. District 2, Super District 9 (Approved by Public Services Committee July 9, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Johnson. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 10. Motion to approve A.N. 24-35 - New Location: Karl Hunsinger, Jr. requesting Retail Package Beer and Wine located at 4102 Windsor Springs Road. District 6, Super District 10 (Approved by Public Services Committee July 9, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Johnson. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 11. Motion to approve a request by Courtney Gray for Massage Operator’s License to be used in connection with Serenity Day Spa located at 3406 Middleton Drive. District 7, Super District 10.(Approved by Public Services Committee July 9, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Johnson. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 12. Motion to approve the lease agreement with Textron Specialized Vehicles for hangar storage of their Cessna Citation CJ4 (N880RR). Approved by the Augusta Aviation Commission on May 23, 2024. (Approved by Public Services Committee June 9, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Johnson. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle  Motion carries 10-0. ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES 13. Motion to approve change order for purchase order 23CSA002 in the amount of $257,598.59 for Phase II of Fleet Maintenance Facility design services to Dickinson Architects PC. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee July 9, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Lewis. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Johnson, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis Voting Nay: Guilfoyle Mr. Williams and Mr. Frantom out. Motion carries 7-1. ENGINEERING SERVICES 14. Motion to approve Bid #24-138A for the Highland Ave. Water Treatment Plant Roof Repairs to Justice & Sons, LLC. For a total of $675,785.00.(Approved by Engineering Services Committee July 9, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Johnson. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 15. Motion to approve amending Engineering & Environmental Services FY2024 budgets initial reductions by limiting the one percent (1%) reductions to be applied to Operational Budgets with Exceptions of Environmental Services Operation Budgets; Restore Environmental Service Budgets to pre-reduction amount. Presently one percent (1%) reductions are applied to total budget that includes employees’ wages & benefits.(Approved by Engineering Services Committee July 9, 2024). Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Johnson. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 16. Motion to authorize condemnation to acquire this property in fee simple. (Parcel 087-4-105-00- 0) - 2044 Golden Rod Street. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee July 9, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Johnson. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 17. Motion to authorize condemnation to acquire this property in fee simple. (Parcel 087-2-172-00- 0) - 2010 Walnut Street. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee July 9, 2024)  Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Johnson. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 18. Motion to authorize condemnation to acquire this property in fee simple. (Parcel 087-4-020-00- 0) - 2047 Willow Street.(Approved by Engineering Services Committee July 9, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Johnson. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 19. Motion to authorize condemnation to acquire this property in fee simple. (Parcel 087-4-091-00- 0) - 2048 Willow Street.(Approved by Engineering Services Committee July 9, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Johnson. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 20. Motion to authorize condemnation to acquire this property in fee simple (Parcel 087-2-071-00-0) - 206 Truman Drive. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee July 9, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Johnson. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 21. Motion to approve the deed of dedications, maintenance agreements, and road resolutions submitted by the Engineering Department and the Augusta Utilities Department for Granite Hill, Section Four, Phase Five. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee July 9, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Johnson. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS 22. Motion to approve the minutes of the Commission Meeting held on June 27, 2024 and Special Called Meeting held July 9, 2024.. Motion to approve.  Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Johnson. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. ****END CONSENT AGENDA**** AUGUSTA COMMISSION AUGUSTA COMMISSION REGULAR AGENDA (Items 23-30) ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES 23. Motion to amend Ordinance Code of Augusta, Georgia, Article One, Chapter 10B by repealing all Sections with the second reading waived; and to adopt a new Local Small Business Program Code to become effective upon approval. Also add Chapter 10C the Minority and Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE) Ordinance to include a protest provision. (No recommendation from Administrative Services Committee July 9, 2024) Motion to approve with the personal net worth amount to be changed to $750,000. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Scott. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Johnson, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Mr. Williams out. Motion carries 9-0. 24. Motion to approve additional funding for purchase order 18REC416 to provide expanded scope of services related to Fleming Park in the total amount of $460,400.50 with an included 15% contingency ($53,530.50) to Johnson Laschober & Associates, PC. (No recommendation from Administrative Services Committee July 9, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Johnson, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Mr. Williams out. Motion carries 9-0. FINANCE 25. Receive as information a presentation by Mauldin & Jenkins of the results of the 2023 Financial Audit. Motion to approve receiving 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. 26. Motion to approve rebidding the RFP solicitation for audit services in association with Augusta Parks & Recreation Department. (Requested by Mayor Pro Tem Brandon Garrett in the June 18, 2024 Commission Meeting) Motion to approve as stated. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by McKnight. Voting Yea: G. Johnson, Garrett, Frantom, Smith-McKnight, Lewis, Guilfoyle Voting Nay: J. Johnson, Pulliam, Scott Mr. Williams out. Motion carries 6-3. Motion to approve reconsidering the previous vote. Motion made by J. Johnson, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Smith-McKnight, Frantom, Guilfoyle, G. Johnson Voting Nay: Johnson, Pulliam, Lewis, Garrett, Scott Mr. Williams out. Motion fails 4-5. Motion to approve reconsidering the second vote. Motion made by J. Johnson, Seconded by Pulliam. Voting Yea: J. Johnson, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis Voting Nay: Garrett, Guilfoyle, G. Johnson Mr. Williams out. Motion carries 6-3. Motion to approve rebidding the RFP solicitation for the audit services in association with Augusta Parks & Recreation Department. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Garrett, Frantom, Smith-McKnight, Guilfoyle, G. Johnson Voting Nay: J. Johnson, Pulliam, Lewis, Scott Mr. Williams out. Motion fails 5-4. PUBLIC SAFETY 27. Motion to approve the acceptance of a $450,000 Juvenile Justice Incentive Grant. (No quorum July 9, 2024 Committee meeting) Motion to approve.  Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Johnson. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 28. Motion to approve Contract with Logicalis to migrate Cisco UCCX to Webex Contact Center. (No quorum July 9, 2024 Public Safety meeting) Motion to approve. Motion made by Garrett, Seconded by Johnson. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 29. Update from the Administrator/staff regarding the proposal from Best Friends Animal Society. (No recommendation from Public Safety Committee June 11, 2024 deferred from the June 18, 2024 Commission Meeting). It was the consensus of the Commission that this item be received as information without objection. LEGAL MEETING A. Pending and Potential Litigation B. Real Estate C. Personnel Motion to go into executive session for the discussion of personnel. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Johnson, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Mr. Williams out. Motion carries 9-0. 30. Motion to authorize execution by the Mayor of the affidavit of compliance with Georgia's Open Meeting Act. Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Garrett. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Johnson, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Guilfoyle Mr. Williams and Mr. Lewis out. Motion carries 8-0. ADDENDUM ITEMS ADDITIONS: 1. Savannah River Keeper regarding Historic Tree Preservation in the Downtown Corridor. (Requested by Mayor Garnett Johnson)  Mr. Johnson objected to adding this item to the agenda and requested that it be forwarded to the Engineering Services Committee. He noted there would be a town hall meeting for the Old Towne and Downtown neighborhoods on Monday, July 22, 2024 at 6:00 pm at Heritage Academy where this item will be discussed. 2. Discuss trees being cut down. (Requested by Commissioner Catherine McKnight) Mr. Johnson objected to adding this item to the agenda and requested that it be forwarded to the Engineering Services Committee. He noted there would be a town hall meeting for the Old Towne and Downtown neighborhoods on Monday, July 22, 2024 at 6:00 pm at Heritage Academy where this item will be discussed. 3. Chritina & Alvin Watson regarding Bike Bike Baby bringing a Mardi Gras event to Augusta. (Deletion from the agenda with no objection) 4. Final Plat – S-992 – Bellemeade Landing – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to approve a petition by Bo Slaughter requesting final plat approval for Bellemeade Landing containing 67 lots, located at 2345 Golden Camp Road. Reviewing agency approval 5/17/2024 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 Johnson. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Johnson, Frantom, Scott, McKnight, Pulliam, Williams, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0. 5. Motion to discuss hiring process for the General Counsel’s position. It was the consensus of the Commission to add this item to the agenda. Motion to approve having the candidates in an open setting within the next three weeks. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: J. Johnson, Frantom, Garrett, G. Johnson, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Guilfoyle. Mr. Williams and Mr. Lewis out. Motion carries 8-0.