AUGUSTA, GA (Anibal Ibarra) - UPDATE 9/29/2014: Hap Harris was appointed as Interim Commissioner for District 7 by the Augusta Richmond County Commission in open session. He assured the media he is not "puppet" of Super Commissioner Grady Smith.
9/26/2014: In a special called meeting the Augusta Richmond County Commission will proceed to appoint the interim Commissioner to represent District 7 until March 15, 2015. In 2010, 5,361 votes went for Donnie Smith and 4,329 for Kenneth Echols. Some constituents would like Echols to be the natural pick to represent them. Super Commissioner Grady Smith apparently wants the appointment to be done in closed doors. If that happens the process could call for a lawsuit. Monday is expected the vote at the Commission meeting.
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| Hap Harris and Mary Davis are two of the Commissioners in office after running campaigns. Davis was involved in Mayor Copenhaver campaign. |
So which is it? Are you in favor of working with everyone and hearing from everyone in Augusta or only the folks in your District? For your information residents from District 1 like the woman who spoke in favor of the "will of the people" and board member, Phil Williams from the West Augusta Alliance are both residents of District 1 and 30904 a zip code that has been included in the WAA.
What's up with you, censured Super Commissioner? Board members of the neighborhoods organization would appreciate if you stop "badmouthing residents who care about the city and do your job which now includes removing your foot from your mouth."
When all is said and done 55% for Donnie Smith and 45% for Kenneth Echols is hardly a mandate for Donnie. So does the '"will of the people" rule in District 7 or the backroom? It's up to you District 7 and the rest of the Commission.
Constituents wanted to change the representative form of government to a democratic one, but politicians opposed such revolutionary approach and decided to continue the "tradition" as Super Commissioner Grady Smith stated during a public meeting.
It is understandable the constituents demand for more information about the candidates after the shameful case of Donnie Smith. From now on is seems people will scrutinized more than ever the candidates. The case of Mayoral candidate Helen Blocker-Adams is still fresh, also.
Special Called Meeting at the Commission Chamber- 9/29/2014- 12:00 PM
1.
Accept the resignation of Donnie Smith, District 7. (Requested by Commissioner Grady Smith)
2.
Appoint successor to fill the unexpired term of Donnie Smith, District 7. (Requested by Commissioner Grady Smith)
3.
LEGAL MEETING
A. Pending and potential litigation
B. Real estate
C. Personnel
4.
Motion to approve execution by the Mayor of the affidavit of compliance with Georgia's Open Meeting Act.
5.
Motion to approve an ordinance to amend the Augusta, GA Code Title One, Article Four, Section 1-7-51 relating to the adoption of personnel policies and procedures of Augusta, Georgia; to amend section 100.014 of the Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual regarding annual leave buy-back policy; to repeal all code sections and ordinances and parts of code sections and ordinances in conflict herewith; to provide an effective date and for other purposes.
6.
Motion to approve Employee Retention Bonus of $500 for full-time employees and $200 for part-time employees who are employed as of September 29, 2014 and remain employed through October 31, 2014, which shall be paid on the November 28, 2014 pay check.
9/22/2014: The West Augusta Alliance Neighborhoods wants a public hearing with the candidates to be appointed to represent District 7, but Augusta politics is making very uneasy the process and constituents are beyond frustration.
Commission Meeting Agenda - 9/16/2014 - 2:00 PM - WATCH THE SESSION
A last minute attempt to vote to appoint an interim for District 7 didn't gather consensus and failed.
The Augusta Richmond County Commission will delay the appointment to replace former Commissioner Donnie Smith to represent 25,000 constituents in District 7. The agenda for today's meeting doesn't contain as one of the items. The approval of the special unit to patrol 12 community projects in the agenda is included without the recommendation of Public Safety since Smith resigned and he was the Vice Chairman of that Committee.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
What's up with you, censured Super Commissioner? Board members of the neighborhoods organization would appreciate if you stop "badmouthing residents who care about the city and do your job which now includes removing your foot from your mouth."
When all is said and done 55% for Donnie Smith and 45% for Kenneth Echols is hardly a mandate for Donnie. So does the '"will of the people" rule in District 7 or the backroom? It's up to you District 7 and the rest of the Commission.
Constituents wanted to change the representative form of government to a democratic one, but politicians opposed such revolutionary approach and decided to continue the "tradition" as Super Commissioner Grady Smith stated during a public meeting.
It is understandable the constituents demand for more information about the candidates after the shameful case of Donnie Smith. From now on is seems people will scrutinized more than ever the candidates. The case of Mayoral candidate Helen Blocker-Adams is still fresh, also.
Special Called Meeting at the Commission Chamber- 9/29/2014- 12:00 PM
1.
Accept the resignation of Donnie Smith, District 7. (Requested by Commissioner Grady Smith)
2.
Appoint successor to fill the unexpired term of Donnie Smith, District 7. (Requested by Commissioner Grady Smith)
3.
LEGAL MEETING
A. Pending and potential litigation
B. Real estate
C. Personnel
4.
Motion to approve execution by the Mayor of the affidavit of compliance with Georgia's Open Meeting Act.
5.
Motion to approve an ordinance to amend the Augusta, GA Code Title One, Article Four, Section 1-7-51 relating to the adoption of personnel policies and procedures of Augusta, Georgia; to amend section 100.014 of the Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual regarding annual leave buy-back policy; to repeal all code sections and ordinances and parts of code sections and ordinances in conflict herewith; to provide an effective date and for other purposes.
6.
Motion to approve Employee Retention Bonus of $500 for full-time employees and $200 for part-time employees who are employed as of September 29, 2014 and remain employed through October 31, 2014, which shall be paid on the November 28, 2014 pay check.
Commission Meeting Agenda - 9/16/2014 - 2:00 PM - WATCH THE SESSION
A last minute attempt to vote to appoint an interim for District 7 didn't gather consensus and failed.
The Augusta Richmond County Commission will delay the appointment to replace former Commissioner Donnie Smith to represent 25,000 constituents in District 7. The agenda for today's meeting doesn't contain as one of the items. The approval of the special unit to patrol 12 community projects in the agenda is included without the recommendation of Public Safety since Smith resigned and he was the Vice Chairman of that Committee.
INVOCATION:
Rev. K. B. Martin, Pastor, Antioch Baptist Church
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
PRESENTATION(S)
A.
Major Gene Johnson (RET) and Capt. Chester Huffman (RET) Richmond County Sheriff's Office.
CONSENT AGENDA
(Items 1-17)
PLANNING
1.
Z-14-42 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to approve a petition by Hudson Rogers, on behalf of Frederick L. Young Jr., requesting a change of zoning from Zone A (Agriculture) and Zone R-MH (Manufactured Home Residential) to B-2 (General Business) affecting property containing 5.85 acres and is known as 3764 Peach Orchard Road. Tax Map 168-0-021-00-0 DISTRICT 6
PUBLIC SERVICES
2.
Motion to approve an Ordinance amending Augusta, Georgia Code, Title 6, Chapter 2, Article I, Alcoholic Beverages, Sections 6-2-1 through 6-2-145 without fee increases. (Approved by the Commission September 2, 2014 - second reading)
3.
Motion to approve an Ordinance amending Augusta, Georgia Code, Title 2, Chapter 1, Article I, Administrative and Regulatory Fee Structure, Sections 2-1-3(c) so as to establish the Hybrid Restaurant regulatory fee as recommended by the Planning and Development Department with an effective date of January 1, 2015. (Approved by the Commission September 2, 2014 - second reading)
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
4.
Motion to approve amending Ordinance No. 7434 changing the meeting time for regular commission meetings for legal matters from 12 Noon to 1:00 p.m. and starting Public Services Committee at 1:00 p.m. (Approved by the Commission September 2, 2014 - second reading)
5.
Motion to approve employee retention incentive and vacation buy back program subject to staff bring back financial information on both items to the commission for final approval. (Approved by Administrative Services Committee September 8, 2014)
ENGINEERING SERVICES
6.
Motion to authorize condemnation to acquire title of a portion of property for right of way and permanent construction and maintenance easement, and one temporary driveway easement (Parcel 193-0-097-00-0) 4594 Windsor Spring Road. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee September 8, 2014)
7.
Motion to authorize condemnation to acquire title of a portion of property for right of way, permanent construction and maintenance easement, and one temporary driveway easement (Parcel 227-0-037-00-0) 4759 Windsor Spring Road. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee September 8, 2014)
8.
Motion to authorize condemnation to acquire title of a portion of property for right of way, permanent construction and maintenance easement, and one temporary driveway easement (Parcel 227-0-092-00-0) 4760 Windsor Spring Road. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee September 8, 2014)
9.
Motion to authorize condemnation to acquire title of a portion of property for right of way, permanent easement, and one driveway easement (Parcel 209-0-007-00-0) 4727 Windsor Spring Road. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee September 8, 2014)
10.
Motion to authorize condemnation to acquire title of a portion of property for permanent easement and temporary construction easement, (Parcel 052-0-015-00-0) 3875 Belair Road. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee September 8, 2014)
11.
Motion to authorize condemnation to acquire title of a portion of property for right of way and permanent construction and maintenance easement, and one temporary driveway easement (Parcel 193-0-027-00-0) 4614 Windsor Spring Road. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee September 8, 2014)
12.
Motion to authorize condemnation to acquire title of a portion of property for right of way and temporary construction easement, (Parcel 052-0-016-00-0) 3871 Belair Road. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee September 8, 2014)
13.
Motion to approve purchase order to Duke's Root Control in the amount of $250,000.00. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee September 8, 2014)
14.
Motion approve award of Engineering Services Contract to Cranston Engineering Group, PC in the amount of $353,726.00 for Task 3 of the Augusta ADA Self Evaluation & Transition Plan. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee September 8, 2014)
15.
Motion to approve the formation of a fiber installation and maintenance crew in the Utilities Department. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee September 8, 2014)
16.
Motion to determine that 0.166 Acre of Right-of-Way at the Northwest Intersection of Alexander Drive and Old Alexander Drive, as shown on the attached plat has ceased to be used by the public to the extent that no substantial public purpose is served by it or that its removal from the county road system is otherwise in the best public interest, pursuant to O.C.G.A. §32-7-2, with the abandoned property to be quit-claimed to the appropriate party(ies), as provided by law and an easement to be retained over the entire abandoned portion for existing or future utilities as directed by Augusta Engineering Department and Augusta Utilities Department. (Approved by Engineering Services Committee September 8, 2014)
PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
17.
Motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the Commission held September 2, 2014 and Special Called Meeting held August 8, 2014.
****END CONSENT AGENDA****
AUGUSTA COMMISSION
9/16/2014
AUGUSTA COMMISSION
REGULAR AGENDA
9/16/2014
(Items 18-48)
PLANNING
18. Denied (Update)
Z-13-41 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to dismiss a petition by Verizon Wireless, on behalf of the Trustees of Masonic Hall of Augusta, requesting a Special Exception to establish a telecommunications tower per Section 28-A of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for Augusta, Georgia affecting property containing a .22 acre leased tower compound of a 5.21 acre tract known as 3201 Wrightsboro Road. (Tax Map 042-1-034-01-0) DISTRICT 3
19. No Green Light (Update)
Z-14-19 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to deny a petition by Jennifer A. Blackburn, attorney for Verizon Wireless, on behalf of Mary P. McElmurray, requesting a change of zoning from Zone R-1 (One-family Residential) to Zone R-2 (Two-family Residential) affecting property containing .22 acres located 269 feet, more or less, west of Old Waynesboro Road and also being 1,439 feet, more or less, south of where the centerline of Rusk Drive extended intersects. Part of Tax Map 213-0-156-00-0 (DISTRICT 6) (Deferred from the Commission's May 22nd meeting for 90-days)
20. No Green Light (Update)
Z-14-20 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to deny a petition by Jennifer A. Blackburn, attorney for Verizon Wireless, on behalf of Mary P. McElmurray, requesting a Special Exception to establish a telecommunication tower per Section 28-A-5(c) of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for Augusta, Georgia affecting property containing .22 acres located 269 feet, more or less, west of Old Waynesboro Road and also being 1,439 feet, more or less, south of where the centerline of Rusk Drive extended intersects. Part of Tax Map 213-0-156-00-0 (DISTRICT 6) (Deferred from the Commission's May 22nd meeting for 90-days)
21. Denied (Update) In consequence 3 elders have to leave the home
Z-14-38 – A request for concurrence with the Augusta Georgia Planning Commission to approve a petition by Mary Kingcannon, on behalf of Joseph Kingcannon, requesting a Special Exception to establish a Family Personal Care Home per Section 26-1(H) of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for Augusta, Georgia affecting property containing approximately .37 acres and is known as 3908 Fairington Drive. Tax Map 152-0-132-00-0 DISTRICT 4
PUBLIC SERVICES
22.
Motion to approve entering into contract with Hall Marketing for Augusta Regional Airport's Advertising Agency of record as approved by the Augusta Aviation Commission at their August 28, 2014 Meeting.
23.
Motion to approve New Application: A.N. 14 - 34: request by Kerry Kenny for a retail package Beer & Wine License to be used in connection with 706 Home located at 3644 Walton Way Ext. District 3. Super District 10.
24.
Motion to approve the proposal submitted by Modern Business Systems, Inc. for providing and installing Mobile Filing and Storage Systems for the Tax Assessors Office and the Finance Department and two new Lektrivers for the Finance Department.
25.
Motion to approve the selection of and contract with Diio, LLC for providing Aviation Statistical Data to the Augusta Regional Airport as approved by the Augusta Aviation Commission at their August 28, 2014 Meeting.
26.
Motion to award the contract for Bid Item 14-183, Fleming Tennis Center Improvements to the low, responsive bidder, Larry Pittman & Associates of Augusta, Georgia. Their lump sum base bid was $498,752.58 and the recommended add alternate for $61,525.00 for a total contract price of $560,277.58
27.
Motion to approve an Ordinance amending Augusta, Georgia Code , Title 2, Chapter 2, Article 4, Excise Tax for Hotels/Motels, Sections 2-2-27 through Section 2-2-35; Article 5, Local Business License Tax on Depository Financial Institutions, Section 2-2-36 through Section 2-2-49; and Article 6, Tax Imposed (Rental Motor Vehicle), Sections 2-2-50 through 2-2-56 as recommended by the Planning and Development Department.
28.
Motion to approve the Reeves Construction Change Modification #1 for the Credit Card Lot Repairs as approved by the Augusta Aviation Commission at their August 28, 2014 Meeting.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
29.
Discuss the appointment of the city administrator. (Requested by Commissioner Ben Hasan)
Janice Allen Jackson was hired. Her contract should be effective by January 2015.
The other top candidate Oscar Rodriguez was not considered for the position. The Commission last December decided to fire the city Administrator Fred Russell during a tumultuos closed door session. Today was hired his replacement during open session with similarly more or less controversial spectacle.
30.
30.
Update from staff regarding James Henry settlement of claims. (Requested by Commissioner Marion Williams)
PUBLIC SAFETY
31.
Discuss the downtown parking meter proposal. (Requested by Commissioner Marion Williams)
32.
33.
Discuss the policing and the detention authorities of Paine College. (Requested by Commissioner Marion Williams)
FINANCE
34.
Approve the acquisition of one vehicle for the Coroner’s Office.
35.
Approve the replacement of 1 older model mechanical rodder truck with more modern water based jet rodder truck for Augusta Utilities Department-Construction and Maintenance Division.
36.
Approve a request from the Augusta Utilities Department-Water Production Division to purchase a new F-350 Crew Cab maintenance truck with small crane.
37.
Motion to approve the acquisition of one new ride-on trencher for the Utilities Department - Facilities Maintenance Division.
38.
An Ordinance to amend the Augusta, GA Code to create Title Two Chapter Two Article Seven Sections 2-2-57 through 2-2-66 relating to the provision of a local excise tax on energy used in manufacturing; to repeal all Code Sections and Ordinances and parts of Code Sections and Ordinances in conflict therewith; to provide an effective date and for other purposes.
39.
Motion to approve request to compel the Finance Director to provide the Governing Body information relative to the disposition of interest monies earned on SPLOST proceeds. An Augusta Georgia SPLOST Fund Balances Report as of 12-31-2013 reflects the following: SPLOST I interest earnings $7,364,408; SPLOST II interest earnings $12,954.082; SPLOST III interest earnings $20,514,527; SPLOST IV interest earnings $18,696,003; SPLOST V interest earnings $11,948,048; SPLOST VI interest earnings $381,303. In addition, the Finance Director will provide documentation that will reflect the authorized usage of such funds. Any other relevant information is solicited. (Requested by Commissioner Lockett)
40.
Motion to approve the intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the cities of Blythe and Hephzibah for the allocation and distribution of proceed from the energy excise tax.
41.
Consider a request from Keiauntae Weston regarding a refund in property taxes due to the home being assessed incorrectly from years 2007 through 2011.
42.
Motion to approve Water and Sewer Revenue Bonds series 2014 supplemental resolution.
43.
Discuss the following ARC contractual requirement relative to organizations who receive SPLOST funding "Organization shall comply with the purchasing policies of Augusta-Richmond County regarding the advertising for bids, the securing of bids, and payment, performance bonds and contracting. Payments to any sub-contractor employed by the Organization shall be made directly by the Organization, subject to Augusta’s audit and approval. If the total project costs exceed the amount funded by Augusta and the Matching Funds, the Organization shall provide proof of other funding sources. Payments by the Organization to sub-contractors shall be made only upon presentation of verified invoices." (Requested by Commissioner Marion Williams)
ENGINEERING SERVICES
44.
Motion to approve the termination of the contract between Heery International and Augusta, Georgia. (Requested by Commissioner Marion Williams)
45.
Motion to approve reallocation $630,000 from Oates Creek (SPLOST III – District 2), to Hyde Park/Wilkerson Gardens Drainage Improvements Project to partially fund land acquisition and resident relocations as requested by AED. (No recommendation Engineering Services Committee September 8, 2014)
APPOINTMENT(S)
46.
Consider the recommendations of the Richmond County Board of Health to appoint as follows: Willie Joseph Hillson, M.D. to the unexpired term of Elijah Lightfoot, Jr., M.D ending December 31, 2016 and Bruce Riggs, D.M.D. to a four-year term formerly held by Dr. F. Marion Durst, III.
ADMINISTRATOR
47.
Update from the Interim Administrator regarding Clerk of Commission's Office Space.
LEGAL MEETING
A. Pending and Potential Litigation.
B. Real Estate.
C. Personnel.
48.
Motion to approve execution by the Mayor of the affidavit of compliance with Georgia's Open Meeting Act.
Appointment Going South
According to sources, Super District Commissioner Grady Smith wanted to lead the campaign to search for candidates for district 7. It is seems he didn't have time to find the right candidate of his choice on time to add to the agenda above for today's meeting of the Commission.
But some in the community are speculating that the appointment process is not being handled properly, leaving the constituents of the district without representation more time than expected.
A candidate for Mayor resigned hours before election day this year, followed by the resignation of Commissioner Joe Jackson and on September 8 by Smith.
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