Commission Meeting

COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Commission Chamber Tuesday, August 06, 2024 2:00 PM PRESENT Mayor Garnett Johnson 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 Brandon Garrett Commissioner Alvin Mason INVOCATION Reverend Reginald Cofer, Pastor, Tremount Temple Baptist Church PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA DELEGATION(S) A. Mr. Bennish Brown, Destination Augusta regarding organizational update. Presentation is made by Mr. Brown. B. Ms. Atasia Steward regarding developing a community partnership. Ms. Steward did not appear before the Commission. C. Ms. Naomi Goolsby regarding Laney-Walker Development Plaza, condition of Riverwalk; community gas corner stores and tattoo/smoke shops on Broad Street. Presentation is made by Ms. Goolsby. D. Mr. Melvin L. Kelly regarding Museums in Augusta. Presentation is made by Mr. Kelly. E. Rev. Christopher G. Johnson, Greater Augusta's Interfaith Coalition regarding Community Labor Day Parade and activities on September 2, 2024.  Presentation is made by Rev. Johnson. F. Mr. James Hawkins regarding the value of bringing a full time city arborist position to Augusta. Presentation is made by Mr. Hawkins. CONSENT AGENDA (Items 1-18) PUBLIC SERVICES 1. Motion to approve the 2025 Cooperative Agreement with CSRA Regional Commission for Senior Nutrition Services for Augusta, Georgia.(Approved by Public Services Committee July 30 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 2. Motion to approve A.N. 24-33 – Existing Location, New Ownership: Retail Package for Beer and Wine, Pankaj Gupta Applicant for Aepex Augusta, LLC located at 2940 Inwood Drive. District 5, Super District 9(Approved by Public Services Committee July 30 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 3. Motion to approve A.N. 24-36 - New Location: Consumption on Premises Liquor, Beer and Wine with Sunday Sales, James Klugo Applicant located at 551 Broad Street. District 1, Super District 9(Approved by Public Services Committee July 30 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 4. Motion to approve installation of the Richmond County 911 Dispatch Notification System PURVIS at the Airport Fire Station as a sole source procurement. Approved by the Augusta Aviation Commission on June 27, 2024.(Approved by Public Services Committee July 30 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 5. Motion to approve Award of On-Call Construction and Maintenance Services Contract to (1) ACC Restoration, (2) Contract Management, Inc., (3) GoldMech, Inc., (4) Horizon Construction and Associates, (5) Larry L McCord Design-Build, LLC, (6) LEP Contracting, LLC, (7) M & C Lawn Care and Maintenance Services, LLC, (8) Pamela’s Plumbing, LLC, (9) Sector One, Inc., (10) TFJ Construction, Inc., and (11) Vertex Roofing, subject to receipt of signed contract and proper insurance documents. The Contract is for three years with an option to extend for two (2) additional one (1) year terms. Also approve $500,000.00 from Central Services SPLOST 8 Account #330-05-1120-53.19120 to initiate funding as requested by Augusta Parks and Recreation and Central Services Department. RFP 23-186 (Approved by Public Services Committee July 30 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 6. Motion to approve bid award contract for RFQ 24-185 – Augusta Regional Transportation Study 2055 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) to WSP USA, Inc.(Approved by Public Services Committee July 30 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES 7. Motion to approve request to approve submission of the FY2024 Annual Action Plans and authority for the Mayor, as Augusta, Georgia’s Certifying Official, to execute the documents, including but not limited to, the SF-424s and Certifications and Assurances required to be included with this submission, as well as Certifications of Consistency with the Consolidated Plan for HUD CoC Grant Applications for 2024. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee July 30 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 8. Motion to approve Housing and Community Development Department’s (HCD's) request to provide funding for HCD administered Sand Hills Redevelopment Plan Charrettes.(Approved by Administrative Services Committee July 30 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle  Motion carries 9-0. 9. Motion to approve the submitted amended grant agreement with Community Foundation of the CSRA (CFCSRA) and Housing and Community Development (HCD).(Approved by Administrative Services Committee July 30 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 10. Motion to approve bid #24-174 for the purchase of one 2024/2025 Vacuum truck, at a total cost of $493,960 from Vacutek of Austell, GA for the Utilities Department – Fort Gordon Division.(Approved by Administrative Services Committee July 30 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 11. Motion to approve submission of the Lead and Healthy Homes Technical Studies Grant and authority for the Mayor, as Augusta, Georgia’s Certifying Official, to execute the necessary HUD documents.(Approved by Administrative Services Committee July 30 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 12. Motion to approve Risk Management to proceed with the repair/replacement of the Emily S. Tubman Monument, not to exceed $150,000.00, and to accept the Porter Fleming Foundation Grant Award in the amount of $25,000 for the same, authorizing the Mayor to sign related documentation and approve.(Approved by Administrative Services Committee July 30 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Johnson, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 13. Motion to approve continuing with the crafting of the departments' standard operating procedures and task the Administrator and the Human Resources Director with developing metrics for the evaluation of department directors to be presented to the Commission in 90 days. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee July 30, 2024) Motion to approve.  Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 14. Motion to approve tasking the Administrator and the HCD Director with selecting a date with net 90 days to hold a work session to discuss the programs in the HCD Department regarding home renovations. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee July 30, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. ENGINEERING SERVICES 15. Motion to authorize condemnation to acquire this property in fee simple (Parcel 087-4-089-00-0) - 2050 Willow Street. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee July 30 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 16. Motion to approve Dedication of Water and Sanitary Sewer Systems for Spirits Crossing Community.(Approved by Engineering Services Committee July 30 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. FINANCE 17. Motion to approve 1% Reduction Reinstatement Request.(Approved by Finance Committee July 30 2024) Motion to approve the request. Motion made by Williams, Seconded by Scott. Voting Yea: J. Johnson, Lewis, Pulliam, Scott, Williams Voting Nay: Frantom, Guilfoyle, Smith-McKnight, G. Johnson Motion fails 5-4. Motion to approve reconsidering the vote. Motion made by Williams, Seconded by J. Johnson. Voting Yea: Frantom, J. Johnson, Lewis, Pulliam, Scott, Williams  Voting Nay: Guilfoyle, Smith-McKnight, G. Johnson Motion carries 6-3. Motion to approve the request. Motion made by Williams, Seconded by J. Johnson. Voting Yea: J. Johnson, Lewis, Pulliam, Scott, Williams Voting Nay: Frantom, Guilfoyle, G. Johnson, Smith-McKnight Motion fails 5-4. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS 18. Motion to approve the meeting minutes of the Augusta Commission held on July 17, 2024 and Special Called Meeting held July 30, 2024. Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. ****END CONSENT AGENDA**** AUGUSTA COMMISSION AUGUSTA COMMISSION REGULAR AGENDA (Items 19-28) ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES 19. Discuss making all city employees ex-officio members and not voting members effective January 1, 2025 for all boards and authorities. (No recommendation from Administrative Services Committee July 30, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Revised motion to refer this item to the August 27 committee cycle. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Frantom, G. Johnson, Guilfoyle, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Scott Voting Nay: J. Johnson, Williams, Lewis Motion carries 6-3. PUBLIC SAFETY 20. Motion to approve SAMHSA Grant Treatment Contract for women’s residential treatment facility for Richmond County State Court Accountability Court Programs.(No quorum Public Safety Committee July 30, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 21. Motion to approve a change order in the amount of $436,384 that will increase the net amount of P454496 to $1,311,384 for Bid Item #22-291A Early Site Package Soil Remediation – New Fire Station #3, awarded to Kuhlke Construction & Associates.(No quorum Public Safety Committee July 30, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 22. Motion to accept the FY2023 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) in the amount of $243,873.63 and authorize the mayor to execute all appropriate documentation.(No quorum Public Safety Committee July 30, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 23. Receive as information the emergency replacement of the RCCI Kitchen HVAC system in the amount of $26,800 and approve the transfer of funds from the Inmate store reserve fund to capital outlay.(No quorum Public Safety Committee July 30, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 24. Discuss hiring a consultant to review the operations of Animal Services. (Requested by Commissioner Sean Frantom) (No quorum Public Safety Committee July 30, 2024) It was the consensus of the Commission that this item be received as information without objection. ENGINEERING SERVICES 25. Discuss the Service Level Delivery Strategy for engineering as it pertains to repaving streets and filling potholes. (Requested by Commissioner Stacy Pulliam-ESC lost quorum 7-30-24)  Motion to refer this item back to the Engineering Services Committee. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. 26. Provide an update on the schedule for lot maintenance on city owned lots, ditches, right of ways and creeks.(Requested by Commissioner Stacy Pulliam-ESC lost quorum 7-30-24) Motion to refer this item back to the Engineering Services Committee. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0. APPOINTMENT(S) 27. Consider/approve the reappointment of Augusta Fire Chief Antonio Burden to the Region VI East Central Georgia EMS Council for a three-year term effective July 1, 2024 ending June 30, 2027. Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, 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 Motion to approve going into executive session for the discussion of personnel. Motion made by Smith-McKnight, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: Johnson, Johnson, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 8-0. 28. Motion to authorize execution by the Mayor of the affidavit of compliance with Georgia's Open Meeting Act. Motion to approve. Motion made by Smith-McKnight, Seconded by Frantom. Voting Yea: J. Johnson, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, G. Johnson Mr. Guilfoyle and Mr. Williams out. Motion carries 7-0. ADDENDUM ITEM 1. Final Plat – S-999-R1 – Premier Estates Phase 1 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to approve a petition by Larry McCord on behalf of Bernadette Hughes requesting final plat approval for Premier Estates Phase 1 containing 24 lots, located at 1843 Brown Road. Tax Map #213-3-004-00-0. Reviewing agency approval 7/23/2024. (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 this item. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Johnson, Williams, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle. Motion carries 9-0.