Commission Meeting

COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA Commission Chamber Tuesday, August 19, 2025 2:00 PM INVOCATION Pastor Rodger Otero, Pastor of Revitalization, Burns Memorial Methodist Church PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA RECOGNITION(S) A. Congratulations! 2025 July Years of Service (YOS) 25–50-year recipients B. Introduction of the new Richmond County School System's Superintendent, Dr. Malinda Cobb. (Requested by Commissioner Don Clark) DELEGATION(S) C. Ms. Debra Estep regarding digital accessibility and transparency closed captioning to the government's YouTube and subject markers, etc. D. Mr. Mike Samadi regarding code enforcement issues. E. Ms. Lashawndra Robinson regarding overgrown stormwater drain area at 1650 Olive Road. F. Mr. Wilhy Harpo-Brown - regarding Marshal's Department. G. Mr. Donny Cooper regarding the Augusta Marina and proposed Zipline. H. Mr. Chandran Bala regarding Deputy County Administrator's position. I. Ms. Tiffany Robinson and Victoria Oates regarding "HustleFest" Event. J. Mr. Moses Todd- discuss rules of decorum. First Amendment Rights. Unilateral Authority? K. Mr. Brian Green regarding city's policies relative to safety and progress. CONSENT AGENDA (Items 1-49) PLANNING 1. Z-25-23 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to APPROVE a petition by GCC Development, LLC on behalf of Walter Sheridan Wilson Trust, requesting a rezoning from zone A (Agriculture) to zone B-2 (General Business) to develop an extended stay hotel, affecting property containing approximately 2.17 acres out of a 20.09-acre tract located at 3611Wheeler Road. Tax Map # 022-0-039-02-0. 2. Z-25-26 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to DENY without prejudice a petition by Jaymin Patel on behalf of Elmeric Investment Properties, LLC, requesting a rezoning from zone A (Agriculture) to zone B-1 (Neighborhood Business) to develop a convenience store with a drive-thru restaurant, affecting properties containing approximately 1.9 acres located at 2385 Tobacco Road and 4202 White Pine Court. Tax Map #’s 154-0-281-02-0 & 154-0-281-01-0. 3. Z-25-27 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to APPROVE a petition by Plexus Research and Design Inc. on behalf of the Estate of Norma J. Brunty requesting a rezoning from zone R-1A (One-Family Residential) to zone P-1 (Professional/Office) to develop a professional legal office, affecting property containing approximately 0.26 acres located at 3329 Westcliffe Court. Tax Map # 010-4-063-00-0. 4. Z-25-28 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to APPROVE a petition by George Fuller on behalf of Georgia Baptist Children’s Homes and The Salvation Army requesting a rezoning from zones A (Agriculture) and R-1 (One-Family Residential) to zone R-1C (One-Family Residential) to develop a single-family residential subdivision, affecting property containing approximately 36.54 acres located at 3630 Windsor Spring Road. Tax Map # 142-0-003-01-0. 5. Z-25-29 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to APPROVE a petition by Purpose Holdings, LLC on behalf of Good News Church Inc., requesting a rezoning from zones R-1 (One-Family Residential) and R-1A (One-Family Residential) to zone R-1E (One-Family Residential) to develop a single-family residential subdivision, affecting approximately 4.08 acres out of a 7.47-acre tract located at 400 Warren Road. Tax Map # 017-0- 026-00-0. 6. Z-25-30 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to APPROVE a petition by Darren Meadows on behalf of Cyber Development, LLC, requesting a rezoning from zone R-3C (Multiple-Family Residential) to zone B-2 (General Business) to develop a data center, affecting property containing approximately 16.1 acres located at 350 Digital Drive. Tax Map # 079-0-268-00-0. 7. Z-25-31 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to APPROVE a petition by GLM Family Enterprises, LLLP, requesting a rezoning from zones R-1 (One-Family Residential) and R-1A (One-Family Residential) to zone R-3B (Multiple-Family Residential) to develop an assisted living facility for seniors aged 65 and above, affecting property containing approximately 8.6 acres located at 415 Boy Scout Road. Tax Map # 025-1-148-00-0. 8. SE-25-09 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to DENY without prejudice a petition by Jaymin Patel on behalf of Elmeric Investment Properties, LLC, requesting a special exception per Section 21-2(b) of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance to establish a convenience store with a drive-thru restaurant affecting properties containing approximately 1.9 acres located at 2385 Tobacco Road and 4202 White Pine Court. Tax Map #’s 154-0-281-02-0 & 154-0-281-01-0. Zoned A (Agriculture). 9. SE-25-10– A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to APPROVE a petition by GCC Development, LLC on behalf of Walter Sheridan Wilson Trust, requesting a special exception per Section 22-2(d) of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance to establish an extended stay hotel, affecting property containing approximately 2.17 acres out of a 20.09-acre tract located at 3611Wheeler Road. Tax Map # 022-0-039-02-0. PUBLIC SERVICES 10. Augusta Regional Airport (AGS) - Motion to approve Work Authorization #18 for Mead and Hunt to provide Construction Administration and Construction Observation (CA/CO) services for the construction of the Southeast Development Apron – Phase I in the amount of $387,259.82. Approved by the Augusta Aviation Commission on July 31, 2025.(Approved by Public Services Committee August 12, 2025) 11. Augusta Regional Airport (AGS) Motion to approve a Construction Contract to Trinity Electrical Services LLC in the amount of $771,265.00 to perform all tasks related to the Project. The recommendation of award was approved by Commission on 7/17/2025, item #24.(Approved by Public Services Committee August 12, 2025) 12. Augusta Regional Airport (AGS) - Motion to approve Work Authorization #17 for Mead and Hunt to provide Construction Administration and Construction Observation (CA/CO) services for the Special Authorization Category II Approach (SA CAT II) Improvements for Runway 17-35 in the amount of $169,441.22. Approved during July 31, 2025, Augusta Aviation Commission Meeting.(Approved by Public Services Committee August 12, 2025) 13. Motion to approve a Construction Contract to Reeves Construction Company in the amount of $5,285,229.60 to perform all tasks related to the Project. Recommendation of award approved by Commission on June 17, 2025 as item #5 (ITB 25-150).(Approved by Public Services Committee August 12, 2025) 14. Motion to approve the revised Work Authorization #16 for Mead and Hunt to provide Construction Administration and Construction Observation (CA/CO) services for the Enclosure of the existing East-West Drainage Ditch in the amount of $280,606.71. (RFP 23- 156) (Approved by Public Services Committee August 12, 2025) 15. Motion to approve Work Authorization #15 to Mead and Hunt to provide Engineering Design Services which includes plans, specifications, and services through bidding, for the Construction of new Taxiway Connector(s) and Taxiway E “Hot-spot” Mitigation at Augusta Regional Airport in the amount of $1,384,579.45. (RFP 23-156) The current Estimated Cost of Construction of this proposed project is approximately $22,750,000. (Approved by Public Services Committee August 12, 2025) 16. Augusta Regional Airport (AGS) - Motion to approve the amendment to the 2025 Commercial Ground Transportation Permit. Approved during July 31, 2025, Augusta Aviation Commission Meeting.(Approved by Public Services Committee August 12, 2025) 17. Augusta Regional Airport (AGS) - Motion for approval of Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Airport Insurance Renewal in the amount of $394,634. Approved during July 31, 2025, Augusta Aviation Commission Meeting.(Approved by Public Services Committee August 12, 2025) 18. Augusta Regional Airport (AGS) - Motion to approve 1st Amendment to Simkins Land License Agreement. Approved during July 31, 2025, Augusta Aviation Commission Meeting.(Approved by Public Services Committee August 12, 2025) 19. Motion to approve Two Year MOU between AGS and LogistiWerx, Inc.(Approved by Public Services Committee August 12, 2025) ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES 20. Motion to approve the purchase of two vehicles at a total cost of $102,803 from Akins Dodge Ford for the Recreation department. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee August 12, 2025) 21. Motion to approve Housing and Community Development Department’s (HCD's) to provide HOME funding to assist low to moderate income homebuyer with gap financing, down payment and closing cost to purchase homes though the Homebuyer Subsidy Program in the amount of $40K. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee August 12, 2025) 22. Motion to approve Housing and Community Development Department’s (HCD's) request to provide funding to the Augusta Housing Authority, Augusta Locally Grown, Black Farm Street, and Greater Augusta Arts Council for the Choice Neighborhood Early Action Activities Grant within Allen Homes. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee August 12, 2025) 23. Motion to Authorize the Mayor, as Augusta’s Certifying Official, accept the City of Augusta, GA FY 2023 CoC Intake and Referral Service Project Grant GA0101L4B042316 Agreement and execute all forms associated with the grant agreement, to include but not limited to: the agreement and Certifications of Consistency (HUD 2991).(Approved by Administrative Services Committee August 12, 2025) 24. Motion to approve Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) to accept award from the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s 2024 Continuum of Care Program.(Approved by Administrative Services Committee August 12, 2025) 25. Motion to Authorize the Mayor, as Augusta’s Certifying Official, accept the City of Augusta, Ga FY 2023 CoC Planning Project Grant GA0487L4B042300 Agreement and execute all forms associated with the grant agreement, to include but not limited to: the agreement, and Certifications of Consistency (HUD 2991).(Approved by Administrative Services Committee August 12, 2025) ENGINEERING SERVICES 26. Motion to approve additional fees in the amount of $312,368.88 to ISM Engineering for engineering services supporting the fiber, rainfall, and on-call engineering (Change Order #5 - 19UTI792). (Approved by Engineering Services Committee August 12, 2025) 27. Motion to determine that portion of Woodson Lane as shown on the attached plat and consisting of approximately .32 acre, has ceased to be used by the public to the extent that no substantial public purpose is served by it or that its removed from the county road system is otherwise in the best public interest, and a public hearing shall be held regarding the issue of abandonment pursuant to O.C.G.A. 32 -7-2, with the abandoned property to be quit-claimed to the appropriate party(ies). (Approved by Engineering Services Committee August 12, 2025) 28. Motion to approve that the portions of Dogwood Terrace Apartments, approximately 940 feet of Fifteenth Ave, 326 feet of Dudley Street, 1264 feet of First Avenue, 1155 feet of Second Avenue, 1393 feet of Third Avenue, 722 feet of Leonard Drive and 877 feet of Old Savannah Road as shown on the attached plat, have ceased to be used by the public to the extent that no substantial public purpose is served by them and that their removed from the county road system is otherwise in the best public interest, pursuant to O.C.G.A. 32 -7-2. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee August 12, 2025) 29. Motion to authorize condemnation to acquire a portion of property for temporary construction easement (Parcel 061-3-044-00-0) 411 Rachael Street (East Augusta Drainage and Improvements Phase IV Project). (Approved by Engineering Services Committee August 12, 2025) 30. Motion to authorize condemnation to acquire a portion of property for right of way and permanent easement (Parcel 150-0-014-00-0) 2990 Ulm Road (Willis Foreman Road Widening Project – Project Parcel 14). (Approved by Engineering Services Committee August 12, 2025) 31. Motion to authorize condemnation to acquire a portion of property for right of way and permanent easement (Parcel 150-0-009-06-0) 2992 Willis Foreman Road (Willis Foreman Road Widening Project – project parcel 36).(Approved by Engineering Services Committee August 12, 2025) 32. Motion to authorize condemnation to acquire a portion of property for permanent easement (Parcel 150-0-009-06-0) 2992 Willis Foreman Road (Willis Foreman Road Widening Project – project parcel 39). (Approved by Engineering Services Committee August 12, 2025) 33. Motion to authorize condemnation to acquire a portion of property for permanent easement (Parcel 178-0-026-00-0) 2738 Willis Foreman Road (Willis Foreman Road Widening Project- project parcel 126). (Approved by Engineering Services Committee August 12, 2025) 34. Motion to approve the deed of dedication, maintenance agreement, and road resolution submitted by the Engineering Department for Haynes Station Section 16. Also, approve Augusta Utilities Department easement deed and maintenance agreement. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee August 12, 2025) 35. Motion to approve entering into Construction Agreement with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) for Broad Street and Greene Street Lighting Improvements Projects (PI #0020263 & PI#0020264). Also authorize Augusta Mayor and Clerk of Commission to execute Construction Agreement and its associated documents (electronic and hard copy). /AE(Approved by Engineering Services Committee August 12, 2025) 36. Motion to approve the deed of dedication, maintenance agreement, and road resolution submitted by the Engineering Department for Worthington. Also, approve Augusta Utilities Department easement deed and maintenance agreement. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee August 12, 2025) 37. Motion to approve Willis Foreman Rd Improvements Project Value Engineering (VE) study fee paid to GDOT in amount to $100,000.00. /AE (Approved by Engineering Services Committee August 12, 2025) 38. Motion to install drain at 1912 Ellis St. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee August 12, 2025) 39. Motion to authorize condemnation to acquire a portion of property for permanent drainage easement and temporary construction easement (Parcel 061-3-135-00-0) 1322 Solomon Place (East Augusta Drainage and Improvements Phase IV Project). (Approved by Engineering Services Committee August 12, 2025) 40. Motion to authorize condemnation to acquire a portion of property for right of way and temporary construction easement (Parcel 043-4-001-00-0) 2631 Wrightsboro Road (Wrightsboro Road Improvements Project).(Approved by Engineering Services Committee August 12, 2025) 41. Motion to authorize condemnation to acquire a portion of property for temporary construction easement (Parcel 061-3-035-00-0) 1320 Bruce Street (East Augusta Drainage and Improvements Phase IV Project).(Approved by Engineering Services Committee August 12, 2025) 42. Motion to authorize condemnation to acquire a portion of property for temporary construction easement and driveway easement (Parcel 042-3-029-00-0) 1700 Valley Park Court (Wrightsboro Road Improvements Project).(Approved by Engineering Services Committee August 12, 2025) FINANCE 43. Motion to approve resolution authorizing execution of intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with Urban Redevelopment Agency (URA) to refinance the Laney Walker Bethlehem Bonds Series 2020. (Approved by Finance Committee August 12, 2025) 44. Motion to approve an ordinance amending the Excise Tax for Hotel, Motel and Rentals of Augusta-Richmond County and to waive the second reading.(Approved by Finance Committee August 12, 2025) 45. Motion to approve the Amended and Restated Professional Services Agreement with the Augusta Convention and Visitors Bureau, Inc. (Destination Augusta). (Approved by Finance Committee August 12, 2025) 46. Motion to direct the administrator to set funding aside in the upcoming budget to procure an auditor to perform internal audits; no one in-house, and on-call. (Approved by the Finance Committee on August 12, 2025) PUBLIC SAFETY 47. Motion to approve the purchase of one (1) Pierce custom 107’ straight stick aerial truck through the League of Oregon Cities (LOC) and the NPPGov Cooperative Contract.(Approved by the Public Safety Committee on August 12, 2025) PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS 48. Motion to approve the minutes of the August 5, 2025 Commission Meeting. APPOINTMENT(S) 49. Motion to approve the appointment of Mr. William Brown to the General Aviation Commission - Daniel Field representing District 5. (Requested by Commissioner Don Clark) ****END CONSENT AGENDA**** AUGUSTA COMMISSION AUGUSTA COMMISSION REGULAR AGENDA (Items 50-63) PUBLIC SERVICES 50. Motion to approve $1,000,000 funding in the FY 2026 General Fund operating budget to support new airline recruitment. (Requested by Augusta Regional Airport at Bush Field) ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES 51. Motion to name Coroner's Office Morgue "Mark Bowen Morgue" in honor of Coroner Mark Bowen. (Requested by Commissioner Jordan Johnson) (No recommendation from Administrative Services Committee August 12, 2025) 52. Mr. Lawrence Brannen requesting establishing a board to make final hiring decisions on employee applications thereby removing power from being solely in the hands of Department Directors.(No recommendation from Administrative Services Committee August 12, 2025) ENGINEERING SERVICES 53. Discussion and consideration of a Usage Fee for Outside Entities Transporting Solid Waste and Landfill-Bound Material to the Augusta-Richmond County Landfill. (Requested by Mayor Garnett Johnson) 54. Reconsideration of waste management monthly payment option. (Requested by Commissioner Stacy Pulliam) FINANCE 55. Discuss and approve process to start seeking a partner for building and operating a water park on the south side preferably Diamond Lakes Park using 5 million dollars in seed money from SPLOST 8. (Requested by Commissioner Brandon Garrett) PUBLIC SAFETY 56. Motion to approve acceptance of FY26 Criminal Justice Coordinating Counsel grant award in the amount of $120,902.00 with a match of $18,135.00. APPOINTMENT(S) 57. Motion to approve the reappointment of Mr. Gregory Hill to the Augusta Economic Development Authority AEDA). (Requested by Commissioner Tony Lewis). 58. Motion to approve reappointment of Steven Kendrick to AEDA. (Requested by Commissioner Brandon Garrett) 59. Re-appointment of Mr. Corey Johnson to the Augusta Economic Development Authority. (Requested by Commissioner Don Clark) 60. Motion to approve the appointment of Melanie Taylor for the Economic Development Authority Board. (Requested by Commissioner Catherine Rice) 61. Motion to approve the reappointment of former Mayor Deke Copenhaver to the Augusta Economic Development Authority. (Requested by Mayor Garnett Johnson) ADMINISTRATOR 62. Motion to approve proposed 2025 mill rates for each taxing district, including County M&O, Urban Services M&O, Capital outlay Fund, Blythe Fire District M&O and Fire Protection, advertise the required 5-year history of the digest and to schedule the date of August 19, 2025, for the meeting to adopt the rates as proposed.(Deferred from the August 5, 2025 Commission Meeting) (Requested by the Administrator- 8-12-2025) LEGAL MEETING A. Pending and Potential Litigation B. Real Estate C. Personnel 63. Motion to authorize execution by the Mayor of the affidavit of compliance with Georgia's Open Meeting Act.