Commission Meeting

COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Commission Chamber Tuesday, August 20, 2024 2:00 PM PRESENT Mayor Garnett Johnson Commissioner Brandon Garrett Commissioner Sean Frantom Commissioner Francine Scott Commissioner Catherine Smith-McKnight Commissioner Stacy Pulliam Commissioner Tony Lewis Commissioner Wayne Guilfoyle ABSENT Commissioner Jordan Johnson Commissioner Bobby Williams Commissioner Alvin Mason INVOCATION Pastor Wesley Weatherford, Lead Pastor, Oasis Church PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA RECOGNITION(S) A. Congratulations! 2024 July Years of Service (YOS) 25–50-year recipients. Presentations are made to the July 2024 Years of Service Recipients. DELEGATION(S) B. Mr. Rahmaan Bowick regarding salaries and funding for Assistant Public Defenders and Client Services Advocates. Presentation is made by Mr. Bowick. C. Ms. Naomi A. Goolsby regarding neighborhood new buildings. Ms. Goolsby requested that she be deleted from the Commission meeting agenda D. Mr. Al M. Gray relative to "Patrick Henry's Augusta Warning". Presentation is made by Mr. Gray. E. Mr. Brad E. Owens Arts in the Heart Festival fees and local participation.  Presentation is made by Mr. Owens. F. Ms. Tarika Holland on behalf of Rene Gordon -Manuscript, Music, & Mainstage, LLC request for funding. Presentation is made by Ms. Holland. CONSENT AGENDA (Items 1-19) PLANNING 1. Z-24-27 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to APPROVE a petition by Whyte David Holdings, LLC, on behalf of Clear Sky Richmond LLC, requesting a rezoning from zone A (Agricultural) to zone LI (Light Industrial) affecting properties containing approximately 7.42 acres located at 3928 Buck Road. Tax Map #029-0-014-00-0. Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 8-0. 2. Z-24-28 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to APPROVE a petition by Allen Grinalds on behalf of ACP Services LLC, requesting a rezoning from zone B-1 (Neighborhood Business) and B-2 (General Business) to zone B-2 (General Business) affecting property containing approximately 1.96 acres located at 1369 Fifteenth Street. Tax Map #045-4-162-00-0. Motion to refer this item back to the Planning Commission. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 8-0. ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES 3. Motion to approve proceeding with the conceptual design costs for the electrical work for the 5th Street Marina with Johnson Laschober & Associates, P.C. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee August 13, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 8-0. 4. Motion to approve submission of the Healthy Production Grant and authority for the Mayor, as Augusta, Georgia’s Certifying Official, to execute the documents.(Approved by Administrative Services Committee August 13, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle  Motion carries 8-0. 5. Motion to approve Marquis de La Fayette Historical Marker on Municipal Grounds.(Approved by Administrative Services Committee August 13, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 8-0. 6. Motion to approve authorizing the Human Resources Department and the Administrator to meet and bring back a succession plan. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee August 13, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 8-0. ENGINEERING SERVICES 7. Motion to approve Change Order #1 for additional funding for additional construction services to the rehabilitation of Filter #4 at the Hicks Water Treatment Plant (PO No. 24AUA024). (Approved by Augusta Commission February 6, 2024) (Approved by Engineering Services Committee August 13, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 8-0. 8. Motion to approve Change order #1 request to approve funding for additional services to the Grant Writing Services targeted at water and wastewater (PO No. 23AUA153). (Approved by Augusta Commission May 2, 2023) Approved by Engineering Services Committee August 13, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 8-0. 9. Motion to approve Engineering Services Contract with Cranston LLC to provide services related to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) license for the Augusta Canal in the amount of $384,610.(Approved by Engineering Services Committee August 13, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle  Motion carries 8-0. 10. Motion to approve the installation of six (6) speed humps along Tate Road between Bellemeade Drive and Gibson Drive per adopted Augusta speed hump policy. Approve construction funds in the amount of $27,000. AE (Approved by Engineering Services Committee August 13, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 8-0. 11. Motion to approve the installation of four (4) speed humps along London Blvd between Dublin Drive and Barton Chapel Road per adopted Augusta speed hump policy. Approve construction funds in the amount of $18,000. AE (Approved by Engineering Services Committee August 13, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 8-0. 12. Motion to approve and award “Augusta Streetlight/Outdoor Lighting Assessment and Upgrade Need” contract to Georgia Power. Also approved funding not to exceed a total of $550,000 for completing Phase 1 Services (Augusta Owned Steetlighting Audit). Phase 1 services fee is $90 per streetlight assembly. AE/RFQ #23-241 (Approved by Engineering Services Committee August 13, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 8-0. 13. Motion to approve SA #2 Environmental Initial Phase Task Order (TO3) funding for Design, Permitting and Construction Engineering Services Contract to Johnson, Laschober & Associates, PC. (JLA) in the amount of $118,130 for Rocky Creek Improvements. 23LFL222 / 19- 152 (Approved by Engineering Services Committee August 13, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 8-0. 14. Motion to approve and award Preliminary Engineering Concept Phase (design phase1) of the Design Consultant Services Agreement to Cranston LLC (Cranston) in the amount of $39,874.41 for the Jones Street Roadway & Alley Improvements Project. Award is contingent upon receipt of signed agreement. AE/ RFQ 24-162 (Approved by Engineering Services Committee August 13, 2024) Motion to approve.  Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 8-0. 15. Motion to approve the sole source purchase from Peek Paving for thermoplastic restriping of Tobacco Rd between Deans Bridge Rd and Doug Bernard Pkwy and Plantation Rd between Peach Orchard Rd and Windsor Springs Rd. Also, Approve funds in the amount of $180,850.00. AE (Approved by Engineering Services Committee August 13, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 8-0. FINANCE 16. Motion to approve resolution authorizing proceeding with the issuance by Augusta Georgia of its water and sewerage revenue bonds in order refund outstanding debt (Water and Sewer bonds, Series 2012 and 2014) of Augusta, Georgia relating to the water and sewerage system. (Approved by Finance Committee August 13, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 8-0. 17. Motion to approve scheduling a worksession with The Augusta Commission and the Local Legislative Delegation to discuss the Hotel Motel Tax.(Approved by Finance Committee August 13, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 8-0. 18. Motion to approve referring this matter (of reimbursing the Mayor for his expenditures and to require the Mayor to use a city-issued credit card with a $15,000 credit limit (Requested by Commissioner Wayne Guilfoyle) to the next Finance Committee meeting and tasking the Administrator, the Finance Director, the Procurement Director, a representative from the Law Department if necessary and a representative from the Mayor's Office to meet and come back with a resolution of the matter. (Approved by Finance Committee August 13, 2024) See action taken under Item #25. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS 19. Motion to approve the minutes of the August 6, 2024 regular meeting and Special Called Meeting held August 13, 2024 of the Augusta Commission. Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle  Motion carries 8-0. ****END CONSENT AGENDA**** AUGUSTA COMMISSION AUGUSTA COMMISSION REGULAR AGENDA (Items 20-36) PUBLIC SERVICES 20. A.N. 24-37 - New Location: Consumption on Premises Liquor, Beer and Wine with Sunday Sales, Renatta Early Applicant located at 1370 Gordon Highway. District 1, Super District 9. (Lack committee meeting quorum August 13, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Garrett. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 8-0. 21. A.N. 24-38 – Existing Location, New Ownership: Retail Package Beer and Wine, Deep Patel applicant, located at 1502 Central Avenue. District 1, Super District 9.(Lack committee quorum August 13, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Pulliam. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 8-0. 22. Motion to approve Change Order #2 to the construction contract with R.W. Allen Construction, LLC in the amount of a $48,000.00. Approved by the Augusta Aviation Commission on July 25, 2024. (Lack committee quorum August 13, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 8-0. 23. Motion to approve directing the Planning and Development Department to provide data regarding alcohol licenses for off-premise consumption, specifically for package shops and liquor stores and to research the separation/distance requirements for off-premise alcohol consumption businesses. (Requested by Commissioner Stacy Pulliam) (Lack committee quorum August 13, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle  Motion carries 8-0. 24. Consider a request by Ms. Bridget R. Lynch for a waiver of the fee for the use of the Augusta Commons for a fundraising event for The Fatty Marsha Foundation (501C3).(Lack committee quorum August 13, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 8-0. FINANCE 25. Motion to reimburse the Mayor for expenditures that was incurred on behalf of Augusta Richmond County. (Requested by Commissioner Wayne Guilfoyle) Motion to approve. Motion made by Guilfoyle, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Aye: Frantom, Garrett, G. Johnson, Guilfoyle, Smith-McKnight Voting Nay: Pulliam, Lewis, Scott Motion fails 5-3. Substitute motion to approve following the course of action in Item #18. Motion made by Lewis, Seconded by Scott. Voting Aye: Pulliam, Lewis, Scott Voting Nay: Smith-McKnight, Frantom, Garrett, Guilfoyle, G. Johnson Motion fails 3-5. PUBLIC SAFETY 26. Motion to award RFP 24-191 Janitorial Service for Augusta Fire Department Administration Building to Immaculate Facilities Group, LLC and authorize the mayor to sign all appropriate documentation. The contract is for a two (2) year award with an option to extend for three (3) additional one (1) year terms.(Lacked committee quorum August 13, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 8-0. 27. Motion to approve a $18,790 increase to the $40,000 Delinquency Prevention Grant previously awarded to the Juvenile Court for FY24. (Lacked committee quorum August 13, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 8-0. 28. Motion to approve award of a Professional Services Agreement for Next Generation 9-1-1 Geographic Information System support under RFP #24-167 to Mission Critical Partners, LLC, in the amount of $104,480.00 and approve transfer from E911 fund balance to the 2024 E911 operating budget in the amount of $24,480.00 for the project.(Lacked committee quorum August 13, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 8-0. 29. Motion to approve the Mutual Aid Agreement between Augusta, Georgia and Harlem, Georgia and to authorize the mayor to execute the appropriate documents.(Lacked committee quorum August 13, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 8-0. 30. Motion to approve purchase of new screening equipment under the previously approved OPB Grant Program by Rohde Schwarz in the amount of $525,715.(Lacked committee quorum August 13, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 8-0. 31. Motion to approve security upgrades under the previously approved OPB grant by A3 Communications in the amount of $61,383.75(Lacked committee quorum August 13, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 8-0. 32. Task the Administrator/staff with preparing a report going back for a five-year period to the present with information regarding how many animal adoptions have occurred, how many spay/neuter procedures have been performed and how many animals have been euthanized. (Requested by Commissioner Wayne Guilfoyle) (Lacked committee quorum August 13, 2024) It was the consensus of the Commission that this item be received as information without objection. 33. Motion to approve a $5,000 Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Mini Grant to the Juvenile Court.(Lacked committee quorum August 13, 2024) Motion to approve.  Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 8-0. 34. Approve contract renewal with AT&T to provide upgraded flexibility, increased speed and reduce operating costs.(Lacked committee quorum August 13, 2024) Motion to approve. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 8-0. ADMINISTRATOR 35. Motion to approve the proposed 2024 millage rate. Motion to approve the full roll back rate. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Guilfoyle Voting Nay: Pulliam, Lewis Motion carries 6-2. LEGAL MEETING A. Pending and Potential Litigation B. Real Estate C. Personnel 36. Motion to authorize execution by the Mayor of the affidavit of compliance with Georgia's Open Meeting Act. ADDENDUM ITEM 1. Motion to adopt the restated Adoption Agreement, General Addendum and Service Credit Purchase Addendum. GMEBS has recently received a favorable determination letter from the IRS for the Defined Benefit Retirement Plan. (Donna Williams, Finance Director, Zenna McClain- Haymon, Senior Staff Attorney) It was the consensus of the Commission that this item be added to the agenda without objection. Motion to approve and to waive the second reading. Motion made by Frantom, Seconded by Smith-McKnight. Voting Yea: Johnson, Garrett, Frantom, Scott, Smith-McKnight, Pulliam, Lewis, Guilfoyle Motion carries 8-0.