Commission Meeting

COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Commission Chamber Tuesday, January 20, 2026 2:00 PM PRESENT: Mayor Garnett Johnson Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Guilfoyle Commissioner Stacy Pulliam Commissioner Catherine Rice Commissioner Lonnie Wimberly Commissioner Don Clark Commissioner Tony Lewis Commissioner Tina Slendak Commissioner Brandon Garrett Commissioner Francine Scott ABSENT: Commissioner Jordan Johnson INVOCATION Reverend Melvin Ivey, Pastor, Greater St. John Baptist Church PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA RECOGNITION(S) A. Congratulations!!!Tiesa Bussey, Finance Department as the 2025 November Employee of the Month. Presentation made accordingly. B. Congratulations!!! Charles McJunkin, Richmond County Sheriff's Office as December 2025 Employee of the Month. Presentation made accordingly. DELEGATION(S) C. Mr. Michael Dixon- do we the people not deserve clean air, clean water and clean land to live on? How can you justify lying about the quality of life in our city? Presentation made accordingly. 1 D. Ms. Zakiya Mabrey regarding community impact to the Haynes Station Subdivision related to the proposed data center development. Presentation made accordingly. E. Mr. Charles Zabel regarding the Haynes Station Subdivision as it relates to the proposed data center development. Presentation made accordingly. F. Mrs. Nomi Stanton regarding Homeless Task Force Update(s). (Requested by Commissioner Francine Scott) Presentation made accordingly. CONSENT AGENDA (Items 1-21) PLANNING 1. Z-26-01 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to APPROVE a petition by Sheila R. Butler, on behalf of the Macedonia Baptist Church of Augusta, requesting a rezoning from zone B-1 (Neighborhood Business) to zone B-2 (General Business) to establish a public event venue, affecting property containing approximately 8.26 acres located at 1755 Gordon Highway. Tax Map # 070-4-091-00-0 Motion to approve (no objectors) Motion made by Garrett and seconded Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0 2. Z-26-02 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to APPROVE a petition by Jennifer Jones, on behalf of the Plunkett Family Revocable Living Trust, requesting a rezoning from zones R-1 (One-Family Residential) and R-1A (One-Family Residential) to zone B-1 (Neighborhood Business) to develop a private school campus, affecting property containing approximately 5.32 acres located at 3118 Skinner Mill Circle. Tax Map # 017-0-102-00-0. Motion to approve (no objectors) Motion made by Garrett and seconded Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0 3. Z-26-03 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to APPROVE a petition by Piyush Patel, on behalf of Garrett H. Fulcher, II, requesting a rezoning from zones A (Agricultural) and LI (Light Industrial) to zone B-2 (General Business) to develop a retail complex with a drive-thru, affecting approximately 1.25 acres out of a 4.52 acre tract located at 3416, 3430, and 3438 Mike Padgett Highway. Tax Map #’s 134-1-069-01-0, 134-1-121-00-0, & 134-1-001-00-0. 2  Motion to delete. Motion made by Garrett and seconded Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0 4. SE-26-01 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to APPROVE a petition by Highside Companies, on behalf of HR Commercial, LLC, requesting a special exception per Section 22-2(d) of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance to develop an extended stay hotel, affecting property containing approximately 3.76 acres located at 1060 Claussen Road. Tax Map # 012-0-014-07-0. Zoned B-2 (General Business). Motion to approve (no objectors) Motion made by Garrett and seconded by Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0 PUBLIC SERVICES 5. Motion to approve the sole source upgrade purchase of hardware/software equipment for bus reporting data for ridership, and fare collections data. (Approved by Public Services Committee January 13, 2026) Motion to approve Motion made by Garrett and seconded Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0 6. Motion to approve a resolution designating Sunday February 8, 2026 as the designated Sunday for bars to be open for Super Bowl Sunday. Motion to approve the sole source upgrade purchase of hardware/software equipment for bus reporting data for ridership, and fare collections data. (Approved by Public Services Committee January 13, 2026) Motion to approve (no objectors) Motion made by Garrett and seconded by Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0 7. Motion to approve A.N. 26-01 Existing Location, New Ownership: Samarth Kaushal, applicant for Express Lotto LLC, requesting Retail Package Beer and Wine located at 2657 Barton Chapel Road, Augusta GA 30906. District 4, Super District 9 Motion to approve the sole source upgrade purchase of hardware/software equipment for bus reporting data for ridership, and fare collections data. (Approved by Public Services Committee January 13, 2026) Motion to approve (no objectors) 3  Motion made by Garrett and seconded by Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0 8. Motion to approve A.N. 26-02 – Existing Location, New Ownership: Samarth Kaushal is the applicant for Sammy Food Mart LLC requesting Retail Package Beer, and Wine located at 2749 Barton Chapel Road, Augusta GA 30906. District 5, Super District 9. Motion to approve the sole source upgrade purchase of hardware/software equipment for bus reporting data for ridership, and fare collections data. (Approved by Public Services Committee January 13, 2026) Motion to approve with (no objectors) Motion made by Garrett and seconded Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0 9. Motion to approve A.N. 26-03 – Existing Location, New Ownership: Malay Patel applicant for Top Notch Liquor LLC, requesting Retail Package Liquor, Beer, and Wine located at 2751 Barton Chapel Road, Augusta GA 30906. District 5, Super District 9. Motion to approve the sole source upgrade purchase of hardware/software equipment for bus reporting data for ridership, and fare collections data. (Approved by Public Services Committee January 13, 2026) 10. Motion to approve A.N. 26-05 – New Location: Consumption on Premises Liquor, Beer, Wine and Sunday Sales. Bradley Usry is the applicant for Bradley’s BBQ LLC, located at 1209 Broad Street, Augusta GA 30901. District 1, Super District 9. Motion to approve the sole source upgrade purchase of hardware/software equipment for bus reporting data for ridership, and fare collections data. (Approved by Public Services Committee January 13, 2026) Motion to approve (no objectors) Motion made by Garrett and seconded Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0 11. Motion to approve A.N. 26-06 – Existing Location: Consumption on Premises Beer and Wine. Jonathon Kautter is the applicant for Broad Axe Throwing LLC, located at 1025 Broad Street, Augusta GA 30901. District 1, Super District 9. Motion to approve the sole source upgrade purchase of hardware/software equipment for bus reporting data for ridership, and fare collections data. (Approved by Public Services Committee January 13, 2026) Motion to approve (no objectors) Motion made by Garrett and seconded by Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0 12. Motion to approve Augusta Regional Airport (AGS) – Award Bid Item #25-265 – 6 Stall Towable Restroom Trailer to Rockland Cargo Equipment, Inc. This item was approved during the December 17, 2025, Augusta Aviation Commission Meeting. Motion to approve the sole source upgrade purchase of hardware/software equipment for bus reporting data for ridership, and fare collections data. (Approved by Public Services Committee January 13, 2026) Motion to approve 4  Motion made by Garrett and seconded Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0 13. Motion to approve the memorandum of understanding between Augusta, Georgia and The City Owned Cemeteries Citizens Committee for raising funds for special cemetery projects at Cedar Grove, Magnolia, and Westview Cemeteries. (Approved by Public Services Committee January 13, 2026) Motion to approve Motion made by Garrett and seconded Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0 ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES 14. Motion to approve of the following annual bid item, as the estimated annual purchases for these items are expected to exceed $25,000.00. This request is in accordance with Sec. 1-10-58 of the Annual Contracts provision. Central Services Department: 26-006–Elevator Maintenance Services, Engineering and Environmental Services Department: 26-055 - Janitorial Services and/or Recycling Augusta Utilities Department: 26-066 – Warehouse Supplies. The recommendation for the award is for a one-year term with the option to extend for an additional four (4) one (1) year options upon mutual consent of both parties. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee January 13, 2026) Motion to approve Motion made by Garrett and seconded Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0 ENGINEERING SERVICES 15. Motion to approve Award of Bid Item #26-131 for the construction of the Kroc Center Sanitary Sewer Gravity Main Rehabilitation Project to Quality Plus Services, Inc. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee January 13, 2026) Motion to approve Motion made by Garrett and seconded Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0 FINANCE 16. Motion to approve qualifying fees for Election year 2026. (Approved by Finance Committee January 13, 2026) Motion to approve 5  Motion made by Garrett and seconded Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0 PUBLIC SAFETY 17. Motion to accept the CACJ FY26 Enhancement and Innovation Grant awarded to the Augusta Judicial Circuit Family Treatment Court in the amount of $11,120 WITH A $1,962. (Approved by Public Safety Committee January 13, 2026) Motion to approve Motion made by Garrett and seconded Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0 18. Motion to approve the acceptance of FY 2022 Family Treatment Court Grant program award in the amount of $26,846. (Approved by Public Safety Committee January 13, 2026) Motion to approve Motion made by Garrett and seconded Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0 19. Motion to approve the acceptance of the SCIP Youth Gang Intervention Program grant award in the amount of $335,000. (Approved by Public Safety Committee January 13, 2026) Motion to approve Motion made by Garrett and seconded Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0 20. Motion to approve renaming the 3000 Block of Walden Drive to Jim Dent Way. (Approved by Public Safety Committee January 13, 2026) Motion to approve Motion made by Garrett and seconded Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0 PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS 21. Motion to approve the minutes of the January 6, 2026 Commission Meeting. Motion to approve Motion made by Garrett and seconded Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0 ****END CONSENT AGENDA**** AUGUSTA COMMISSION 6  AUGUSTA COMMISSION REGULAR AGENDA (Items 22-32) PUBLIC SERVICES 22. Motion to reject the unsolicited proposal for the revitalization of Vernon Forrest Park (25-000). (No recommendation from Public Services Committee January 13, 2026) Motion to approve Motion made by Guilfoyle and seconded Rice Motion carries 9-0 with J. Johnson and Lewis out 23. Receive updates from Augusta Law Department regarding Redwood, Inc.'s safety and property improvements at the Bon Air and Richmond Summit Apartment Complexes. (Deferred from the Commission in its January 6, 2026 Commission meeting). Forward to the full Commission without objection. ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES 24. A.N. 26-04 – Existing Location, New Ownership: Mukesh Mahantwar, Applicant for PM Spirits LLC, requesting Retail Package of Liquor, Beer, and Wine located at 2372 Barton Chapel Road, Augusta GA 30906. District 5, Super District 9 (No recommendation from Public Services Committee January 13, 2026) Delete without objection 25. Discuss the application process including: 1. Having NGO define, how their offering addresses a clearly defined measurable community need. 2. Metrics for determining long-term, positive community impact and sustainable results; 3. Require transparency and accountability in all financial disclosures and proposed uses of funds; and 4. Utilize a competitive, data-driven evaluation process to ensure equitable and effective allocation of City resources. Applications will be reviewed and scored by a committee. (Requested by Commissioner Stacy Pulliam) (No recommendation from Administrative Services Committee January 13, 2026) Refer to the next committee meeting without objection 26. Address the concerns of the Fire Department employees and staff. (Requested by Commissioner Wayne Guilfoyle) Motion to task Chief Burton to develop a wholistic program to address the issues and concerns at the Augusta Fire Department working with Valor Station. Motion made by Clark and seconded by Garrett 7  Motion carried 10-0 27. Motion to approve providing Habitat for Humanity, an affiliate member of the GICH Housing Committee, a “Resolution of Support” from this local municipality. This Resolution is needed to allow them to submit an application to DCA's CHIP program to propose construction of new homes in the Turpin Hill neighborhood and/or other sites in Augusta. (Requested by Commissioner Stacy Pulliam) Motion to approve Motion made by Garrett and seconded Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0 ENGINEERING SERVICES 28. Approve & Award RFP 25-241A-“On-Call Professional Services for Engineering and Field Design, small to Medium Scale Maintenance Task Design, Regulatory Periodic Inspection Compliance, Structural Inspection & Investigations, and Construction Miscellaneous Support” Services (CEI Services) Contract to Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. (KH), subject to receipt of signed contract and proper insurance documents. The Contract is for three years with renewal option of two additional years. AE/25-241A (No recommendation from Engineering Services Committee January 13, 2026) Motion to approve Motion made by Garrett and seconded Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0 29. Approve to Supplement Construction Contract with Reeves Construction Co. in the amount of $486,327.50 for cover additional cost of Resurfacing Eisenhower Drive. AE/Bid 22-237. (No recommendation from Engineering Services Committee January 13, 2026) Motion to approve Motion made by Garrett and seconded Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0 30. Approve Change Order for construction completion schedule for Transportation Investment Act (TIA) Project, Broad Street Improvements Project roadway segment between 13th Street and 7th Street. Critical milestone is substantially completion of roadway for all improvements between this segment by November 2026 versus base schedule completion by April 2028. Also, approve early completion incentive not to exceed maximum amount of $2million if substantial completion achieved by or before the targeted date of November 2026. . AE/ RFQ 22-167. (No recommendation from Engineering Services Committee January 13, 2026) Motion to approve Motion made by Wimberly and seconded by Guilfoyle Motion carried 9-0 with J. Johnson out 8 FINANCE 31. Discuss Floating Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST) in May Election related to the Local Homestead Exemption- House Bill 581. (Requested by Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Guilfoyle) Motion to approve authorizing the Attorney to move forward. Motion made by Garrett and seconded Guilfoyle Motion carries 9-0 with J. Johnson and Clark Out 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 AGENDA AUGUSTA COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 20, 2026 2:00 P.M. 1. Motion to approve State Court Accountability Court’s contract with Willingway Augusta Outpatient Center for the provision of behavioral health treatment services as a sole source vendor. (Emergency- State Court Accountability Court) Added to the agenda without objection: Motion to approve Motion made by Garrett and seconded Guilfoyle Motion carries 10-0 ////////////////////////////////////// 9