Commission - Regular Meeting

You can go ahead and get started.

You do some turn me on. Turn me on.

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the Tuesday's edition of the Augusta Richmond County Commission. The last day of the month of March, the last day for Women's History Month. Ladies and gentlemen, let's give a round of applause for all the notable women that you know in your lives. Great to see our partners from the Richmond County School System to the board members. Welcome to the Lee Ninb commission chambers. To the students, thank y'all for being here. Thank you so much for your high achievement. We're so looking forward to celebrating you guys today. We're going to try to get you in and out of here. We have a madam clerk that's still organizing things. Um and before we get started, I'm going to take um a point of personal privilege to welcome a new planning and development director, Miss Adelasia Cameron. Did I pronounce your name right? Welcome, ma'am.

Say a few words. It's up to you. If not, I'm know you have more than enough time to talk, but Miss Cameron is a new director of planning and development. We welcome you to the city of Augusta. Thank you so much.

Thank you so much for holding that department down. Appreciate you. Good job. Appreciate it.

All right. All right, Madam Clerk, if you're ready. If if not, I got one more point of personal privilege from the commissioner from the fourth if you need a few more minutes. Or you ready? All right, we're ready. With that said, Madame Clerk, I call this meeting to order. The time is 2:11 p.m. Yes, sir. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Where's my agenda?

At this time, we would like to ask the Reverend Paul Robinson, pastor of the Windsor Spring Baptist Church, if he would please come forward with our pledge of allegiance. And we would like to ask one of the Cross Creek team members if they would please lead us in the pledge of allegiance. The whole team can. Person needs to pray. Person needs to pray. Come on. We're going to do the prayer first. We're going to do the the prayer invocation. Well, stand up. He won't be long if we stand up. Let us pray.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for this time that we could get together today. Thank you for all those in attendance. Father, we pray uh first of all, Father, for our mayor and the commissioners. Father, we pray that you'll give them wise and godly counselors who will surround them, Father, and give them uh counsel when they need it and encouragement when they need it. And Father, I pray that you'll pour out a spirit of cooperation among our elected leaders. And heavenly father, I pray that you'll protect the marriages and the families of all those who are in elected offices in our uh in Richmond County. And Father, I just pray that you'll keep them safe. Lord, I pray that you'll give the mayor and all the commissioners uh the understanding and the uh clarity to know and to understand which issues they need to give their time and efforts to. Father, I pray, Father, that you'll soften the hearts of all of our leaders and so that they can hear and understand the needs of of the communities in which they serve. And so, Father, I just thank you uh for the community and and for Augusta and the beautiful city that you've provided for us to live in. And we pray all this in the name of Jesus, our savior. Amen.

Amen. Amen.

To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you.

Pastor Robinson, please come forward. Thank you for praying on our behalf and the Baptist church. We call that sending up timber. Yes, ma'am.

By these presence be it known that Reverend Paul Robinson, pastor of the Windsor Spring Baptist Church, is our chaplain of the day. May your continued dedication and faith centered leadership inspires, uplift, and strengthen the citizens of Augusta. Given under my hand this 31st day of March, 2026, Garnett L. Johnson, mayor, and thank you so much for praying on our behalf. Amen. Thank you.

Thank you so much for that prayer and I am in 100% agreement with you. Augusta is the most beautiful, best place to live on this planet.

Thank you so much, Madame Clerk. I'm going to recognize the commissioner from the fourth. He has a point of personal privilege. Chair recognizes Commissioner Lennon Wimberly. Thank you much man. Um some that are overlooked but yet carries a burden that we all doesn't share and that is the military child. Today we're going to take the opportunity to honor those childrens. And with us today we got the leader uh Miss TJ. Now I'mma do this f uh phonetic now. Feel now.

Fear now. Got it. And uh Natasha Lewis. They're the leaders. And the the two young ladies going to come forward and and they're going to give you some remarks on why this is an important date for them and an important observation. So with uh Miss Madison Lewis and is the mic over there? Yeah. Okay. Miss Madison Lewis, whichever one gonna go first. Miss Madison Lewis, you go to the mic and make your remarks. You can go to that mic or you can go to the podium. Wherever you want to be. You got a mic right there.

Got a mic. We got a mic. If you will just pronounce your names if you don't mind. Just tell us your name. Madison Lewis. All right. And an Aaron Carpenter. Madams, y'all have the floor. You may proceed.

My name is Madison Lewis. I am 12 years old and I'm in the sixth grade at Freedom Park School. I have been in Girl Scouts since kindergarten as a Daisy. I completed my Girl Scout leadership award by helping lead my Daisy Troop meeting where I taught younger Girl Scouts about responsibility and guided them through activities like reading a book and asking them simple questions about the book. I also helped them make many Girl Scout cookie booths out of popsicle sticks because our troop was about to start cookie season. This helped me improve my leadership skills, communication, teamwork. Hello, my name is Aaron Carpenter and I'm currently a proud seventh grader at Davidson Fine Arts. I'm also an enthusiastic member of a Girl Scout troop 27315 in Fort Gordon, a group I've called home since kindergarten. At school, my artistic journey centers around dance and acting, passions that truly let my creativity shine. Being a Girl Scout is not just about badges and uniforms for me. It's about rolling up my sleeves and making a real difference. I remember the sense of accomplishment that was felt as a junior when I earned my bronze awards. Together with others in my group, we built buddy benches for the Fort Gordon family garden, creating a welcoming spot where families could rest and friendships could bloom. We are here today as a part of the Civil War project. The Civil Award is the highest honor for cadets. The Civil War recognizes girls who take action, research community issues, and create lasting sustainable solutions. As a part of our Civil War project, we requesting that the city of Augusta recognize April as the month of the military child to honor the military children because they show strength and resilience by moving often and having parents who serve our country. We want to recognize their experiences and show why they deserve to be appreciated.

Let me share a little bit about the month of the military child. Every April, communities across the United States come together to celebrate the month of the milit military child. A vibrant tribute to the remarkable strength, perseverance, and sacrifices of military connected children. Created by the Department of Defense in 1986, this special month shines a spotlight on young individuals whose courage and versatility are woven into the fabric of America's armed forces. By displaying the color purple, we are able to honor children from all branches of the military combined. the unique contributions and vital role these children play in the shaping the readiness and well-being of our nation, inspiring us all with unwavering spirit and determination is unspeakable. On behalf of my friends and military families across the community, we are here to propose that the month of April be officially recognized as the month of the military child. I feel that we should celebrate the military children because they show strength and resilience in their everyday lives. They often must switch schools, move to unfamiliar places, and sometimes even spend time away from their mom and dad. When some of the parents are deployed, they can struggle. Even though these changes are hard, they still stay positive, make new friends, and even learn how to adapt to these lifestyles. Recognizing military children helps others understand their experiences and shows that their hard work and bravery truly matters. Personally, I have experienced sadness and cry when my military friends had to move away. I have had to accept it and make new friends. I learned how to communicate with two of my friends that move away by FaceTime or call them on the phone. One of the biggest reasons I care so much about military children is because my grandma was a military child.

When she was younger, her mom and her dad and her brother would record themselves on a cassette tape to send to her dad. They also sent a lot of letters and cards to lift her dad's spirit. It made them feel good. Also, as she got older, she joined different clubs in school to get her mind off of her dad being away from home because he was deployed overseas. My great grandpa and grandpa made a career of 22 years of military service. My grandpa always tell me stories about the places he went to and the people he helped. I'm so proud of them and I want to honor their service by being a good support to military children. Thank you for your time and allowing us to come before you to present this matter. All right. Bravo. All right, kids.

All right. All right, ladies. Come on. We're going to present a proclamation. Mr. M, would you join me while we uh present them with this proclamation to uh for the military child? Come on.

Come down. Come down. Oh, you got to I got it. Okay. Hey, hold it up. Commissioner, at this time we gonna present this uh uh publish this. I'm going to get it right in a minute. That's all right. You're doing good. Clark is going to publish this, please.

City of Augusta proclamation military children's month. Whereas the city of Augusta proudly recognizes the children of our military service members whose strength, resilience, and sacrifice support the readiness and the success of our armed forces. And whereas military children face unique challenges, including frequent relocation, separation from loved ones, and the uncertainty that comes with a parent's service to our nation. And whereas despise despite these challenges, military children continue to demonstrate courage, adaptability, and perseverance, serving as a resource of pride and inspiration within our community. And whereas August is honored to be home to many military families connected to Fort Gordon, and we remain committed to supporting and uplifting those who serve and their families. And whereas military children's month provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the important role military children play in strengthening our nation and our local community. Now therefore, I, Garnett Johnson, mayor of the city of Augusta, Georgia, do hereby proclaim the month of April, 2026 as Military Children's Month in Augusta, Georgia, and encourage all residents to honor and support military children and their families for their service, sacrifice, and contributions to our community and nation. presented this 31st day of March 2026. Garnett L. Johnson, Mayor

Military. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you again. Great job, ladies, gentlemen. I saw a proud military parent that took a bunch of pictures. I see a bunch of you guys. Thank you for your service and commitment to this great country that we live in

and uh your work is noted in your sacrifice is too. Thank you so much. Madame clerk, let's move on to the delegation. Not the delegation, the celebration. Recognition portion of this mission.

Mr. Mayor, I'd like to highlight the generosity of our 911 center and he has uh relegated his spot to our A B and C congratulators. So, at this time, we would like to on offer our congratulations to the 2026 Cross Creek Comprehensive High School boys varsity basketball team. And we have Miss Alisa Lions who is the sports director for channel 12. She prior to joining the news, Alisia attended Ohio Athens where she graduated with a BA in journalism from EW Scripts School of Journalism. In Athens, she was part of the Emmy award-winning show for student production. at Syracuse. Alisa worked for ACC Network Extra, telling featured stories and part of the first all femaleled broadcast at ESPN. An avid Cincinnati sports fan, when she's not at work, Alisa can be found cheering on her hometown team. But today, Alisa is doing our an honor to recognize the 2026 Cross Creek Comprehensive High School Boards boys varsity basketball team on clenching the 2026 Georgia High School Association 3A Championship title. Thank you, Alisa. The floor is yours now. Alisa, why don't you

There's either one or she's going to do the roll call. Okay. Yeah. You want to hold it? Okay. Music on. Let me move it up a little bit. Yeah. Some music on.

Oh, yeah. Why not? Play some video, too. We got a full uh kitten kaboodleoodle thing going on here. We're going to see some highlights from these games. But it is an honor to be here with you today to present the 3A state champions, Cross Creek and the 2A runner-ups, Butler Boys Basketball. Give ahead and give a round of applause. It is one thing to shoulder expectation, another beast to rise to it. And we know from talking to Lawrence Kelly all season long, he said they come to Cross Creek because they want to play for state championships. That's why you find them here today. And even if you talk to Chaz Clark, he knew as soon as they walked off that state championship team last year that they were going to be right back where they belonged. And that's why you see them standing on the other side of the aisle today. So without further ado, we'll begin with Cross Creek, who picked up their third title of the decade, sweeping Harlem with four wins over the Bulldogs. They pushed the limit on this title game. I say that because the shots that they usually get to drop were not falling. Yet they didn't give up. sealing the deal at 5651. Dantrell Jackson led the way for the backs with 25 points, going 11 of 18 from the field. Junior Fashad Tisby followed Jackson with 16 points and seven boards and Derek Shine finished with 11 points. They ended the season at 27 and five, a 15-1 region record with a crown. Don't forget that. The backs won by an average of 22 points a game this season. and Dantrell Jackson, he's pretty special here because he won three titles in four years. Uh it's very special. Not to discredit, you know, the three Pete at Westside, but to pick up two titles with the Patriots and then move and go under a different regime with a different coach and then get himself in that system, it's pretty unbelievable. He finished with an 19 record overall through his four seasons. So, we'll go ahead and announce Cross

Creek first. All right, let me go. Mai Brighgam, guard, come on up and we'll go through. Your name is called.

Okay. Rashad Tisby the three king. Where you at?

Derek Shine Guard. Aiden Nichols, guard. Corey Ruffin, guard. Dantrell Jackson. Markeel Marshall, guard. Ian Leett, the transfer guard and forward. William Evans, guard. Rashad Luke forward. Jaden Thomas forward.

Anthony Luke Center. I can Ryan Wells Jones forward. Javon Swanigan forward. Maurice Walker forward. Manager Chelsea Hamrich, manager London McCall, head coach Lawrence Kelly,

assistant coach Bill Kogle, assistant coach Angress Bighgam, Assistant Coach Eric Gore.

In the last seven seasons, every Crosscreek boys basketball senior has gone to school to play basketball. Give it up for the backs. and athletic trainer Marissa Lucas. Miss Jazz, hold up. She's coming in to take

Come on in. You guys want

Yes, sir.

Yeah. Hold on. Let the coach. Coach, can you come up? You want to say a few words? Come on up, sir.

Um, Mr. Mayor, let me go ahead and have school board members if they want to come. Okay. Okay. All right. She's going to read proclamation. Office of the Mayor, a proclamation honoring the 2026 Cross Creek Comprehensive High School boys varsity basketball team. Whereas Cross Creek High School believe that students learning is the main priority and should be the primary focus of all decision impacting their school and recognizes students as a valued individual who learns in different ways and should be provided with a variety of instructional approaches and assessments to support their learning. And whereas Cross Creek High School students learn to make appropriate decisions giving a supportive changing and safe learning environment which is enhanced by pro positive relationships as well as mutual respect between students, parents and staff. And whereas the sportsmanship they've demonstrated is commendable for these young men as they are coached by some of the finest in the CSA, namely head coach Lawrence M. Kelly, assistant coaches Bill Cogle, Andress Bighgam, and Eric Gore. And whereas on March 11, 2026, the Cross Creek Razerbacks won the 2026 Georgia High School Association Class 3A boys basketball state championship, defeating Harlem 5651 to secure their third state title of the decade. Under coach Lawrence Kelly, the

team finished the 2026 season 27 and5 overall, remaining undefeated since late December and finishing 151 in regent play. Now therefore, it be resolved that I, Garnett L. Johnson, mayor of the city of Augusta, do hereby proclaim March 31st, 2026 as Cross Creek High School boys varsity basketball day in Augusta, GEORGIA.

HELLO. All right. I just want to say uh thank you um for having us here. Uh Mr. mayor. Um, we really appreciate the opportunity of coming here. Um, all my guys, the admin from Cross Creek, and of course my assistant coaches. Uh, we really appreciate the opportunity. Thank you, coach players. Thank you so much. There's been a special There's been a special request that we have the pastor to pray over these young men. Amen. I'm going to ask I'm going to ask the butlers about Can you guys stand? We're going to pray for all these young people because our community needs it. Come on, pastor.

Let's pray. Heavenly Father, we do lift up Butler and we do lift up Cross Creek, Father. Yes.

And Lord, we just pray that you'll protect these guys. Help them to make wise and good decisions. Father, we pray that you'll bless them and keep them. Father, that you'll make their face to shine upon them and be gracious to them. And father, I pray that you'll in the future as they seek to go to school or wherever you uh seek to wherever they go in the future, Father, may they always look to you for guidance and support and seek to to to live each and every day for you. Father, I thank you for the coaches. I thank you for assistant coaches, all the teachers and educators that that work with these guys. And I pray, Father, that you'll bless all of them, protect them, and keep them safe. And we pray this in Jesus name. Amen. Amen.

Amen. All right, principal Cross Creek. Doctor Dr. Durham, you here?

Come on up. Dr. Durham, Mayor Johnson, uh, again, like Coach Kelly said, we appreciate this honor. Um, I think the, uh, the biggest thing about these young men that I want to say is that they embody what we really want out of our young men. They are student athletes. Um, when they come in the door, they they go where they're supposed to be. Um, they do what they're supposed to do. They're they're gradeor oriented. Um, anytime we ask for them to be leaders, they're leaders, whether people are watching them or they're not. And so, we're really just hoping that everything that uh this team has accomplished, they're able to use as they become employable, enlistable, and enrollable um whenever they step out into the world. Um, and we also appreciate all that our distinguished board, uh, the school board does, um, to support these young men and support us in our everyday journey, um, with academics, whether that's socially, emotionally, and whatever it is, uh, that may come. Um but again on behalf of um really the administrative staff, all the teachers, uh we are so so so proud of of you all and and what you've accomplished cuz it's much bigger than basketball. Um we're super excited. Uh we enjoyed the ride. We enjoyed going all over the state into Alabama to beat up on people. But, uh, what we what we really, really, really, really enjoy is watching you all mature and becoming the young men that you're going to be. So, um, again, we appreciate you. We're going to support you, win, lose, or draw. Um, but that doesn't happen without a community of people. It's not just the school, it's the stakeholders. It's it's everybody, uh, the parents especially that pour into these young people every day. So, uh, we appreciate the opportunity to serve them and, uh, everything that they do, um, we hope is going to be in in God's name and hopefully in their favor. So, again, to you, to you and this distinguished, um,

council, uh, we appreciate you and everything that you all are doing for the city as well, sir. So, thank you. We appreciate you. Thank you, Dr. D. All right, ladies and gentlemen, another round of applause for the Cross Creek High School Basketball Champions. Good job, guys.

All right.

That's you. Okay. What you got?

All right, madam clerk. All right, just a minute. Are we ready? Uh, no. I got to announce it. I think I put that in there. This one? That one? Again, while we're waiting, I want to recognize the board of trustees for the Richmond County School System. Can you guys stand up? Board of trustees. Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all so much for being here. Madame Clerk,

thank you, Mayor Johnson. Our next group of honores, we offer our esteemed congratulations as well to the Butler High School boys team for their second place finish during the 2A tournament. Right here.

Okay. Office of the Mayor, the Augusta Commission. Certificate of recognition given to Darren Thomas. I'm sorry I take a spotlight. Let me just read the text of the recognition. This would apply to all of the team members for your outstanding achievement and excellent sportsmanship displayed during the 202526 basketball season, posting a 255 final record overall and a 100-0 in regent play this season. The city of Augusta recognizes your commitment to athletic excellence and congratulates you for participating in the state championship game. You represented excellence, resilience, and the bulldog spirit, earning a remarkable second place finish, falling by follow by one point, failing by one point to Morgan State High School. Congratulations on an outstanding performance this year. Miss, you can do the

Yeah, this team fought for every single inch leading up to the final seconds. Literally, the dogs had 10 lead changes, two chances at the buzzer. Seriously, my heart broke for you guys because how did both of them not fall in? I watched that video over and over again and probably tormenting myself and maybe you guys just a little bit. Their first basket didn't come until 5 and a half minutes. And just think about that. They played from behind, down 10 early. They had 10 lead changes, 10 ties, one overtime, and lost by a single digit. Butler ended their season at 25 and five, a perfect 10-0 in region play with a title to join them there. This season, Bridges led all scorers in that game with 22 points, sticking himself among the all-time Butler greats to ever wear the uniform. Max Preps had him at 1,376 points, averaging 14 and a half per game this year, though I think that is actually a little higher. I think we didn't track every single one. Yeah, Chad or Chaz Clark is shaking his head like yes. Okay, soqwam Bridges just he shoots buckets and gets them too. All right, without further ado, let's announce the team. Aiden Dunn, number one or number zero, sorry. Kawamin Bridges Anthony

who stepped into a major role this season replacing Marcus Scurry

Darren Thomas, Lammani Wear, Dory Fleming, Cameron Stanley, Leger Wright, who came up big in the final four game, Artrell Carter, Donald Wyman, Raen Griffin, Jimmy Walker, and Dion Dixon. Coach Chaz Clark.

No, see if I had assistance on a different sheet. Okay,

I see the assistants here. Everybody jQuon Sledge. and a few assistant coaches. Tommy Campbell, Victor Carter, Levante Reic, Michael Stevenson, Marcus Walker, and Dwayne Williams. and Tob is scooter tape.

Oh, and we also have Karen Bush as well. Ladies and gentlemen, the principal of the George P. Bowler High School.

Johnson, Mayor Johnson, we really do appreciate this recognition today. It's very it's very special to us. Um we are so very proud of this team. Um as Dr. Durham said, these guys are the guys that come into the school just like at Cross Creek. These are the guys that they're our go-to. They come in, they academically they are very strong academically. They behave, they go to class. We don't have to worry about chasing h chasing the halls looking for them. They do what they're supposed to do. Coach Clark sets really high standards for them and they meet those standards and they really did play great on that Saturday. And so it was as you say a heartbreaker. Um I am a graduate of Butler High School. So it it just there was just that double pain for me. But um we are still just so proud and we just want them to know how much how proud we are of them. And then we just thank everyone um all of our board members for all of the support um all of our teachers all of the support that um they've given and the city. Thank you very much again for this recognition. We appreciate it. Thank you so much.

Gentlemen, ladies, thank y'all so much. I appreciate you guys being here today and we continue to salute you. I was also at that game. Coach, come on up. Come on up, coach. I was at that game and you did have two opportunities to win, but it didn't work this time, but I'm quite sure we're going to be back next year, coach.

Working on it. Um, I just want to say uh first of all, thank you to the these 15 young man. As Dr. Kelly say the standards to play at Bullet High School is extremely high. Um I don't allow these guys to make nothing lower than 80. Um they can't play in the program. And so I know um so um front of all you guys, I want to say to them, I know it's tough playing for me. I know I um I'm at times I know I'm overbearing, but I just hope like I tell their parents that it's done with love and I understand what you guys can be. And so um just uh keep striving young man. Um you know coach your coach love you. That's it. That's right. All right. Now ladies and gentlemen, I got to say basketball is alive and well in this region. If

you look at what we've done compared to the number of teams that we sent to the state, not only on this side of the river, but across the river and in these chambers. I need everybody to stand up. Let's salute these young men and young ladies. Come on with it. Let's show them some love. That's what I'm talking about. Thank y'all so much. Thank y'all for being here. Have a great great spring break. Most importantly, have a safe summer if we don't see you before then. Thank you'all so much for being here. Go ahead and switch. Go ahead and switch back to yours. They were doing coffee cuz

good. Yes, sir. I'm just going to read off this. Okay. All right, madame clerk. Are we going back to going back to uh the recognition portion with 911 item A?

All right. I think we're ready at this time. Congratulations. recognition of our 911 center as the recipient of the 2025 Georgia Emergency Communications Conference 911 Communications Center of the Year Award. All right.

Good afternoon, Mayor Johnson, Commissioners, Madame Clerk, Madame Administrator. I'm Daniel Dunlap, the 911 emergency services director. A few weeks ago, the Georgia chapters of the National Emergency Number Association, known as NENA, and the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials, known as APCO, they held the Georgia Emergency Communications Conference in Athens. Uh the conference award committee received several nominations for the 911 Communications Center of the Year award, one that included an agency that can primarily be described in one word, and that's perseverance. In 2024, when this agency faced hiring and retention challenges, they helped each other by covering overtime shifts and made sacrifices to ensure that help was there for the public and first responders. Interestingly enough, the Augusta Commission was actually even mentioned within the award criteria submission as it was the commission that approved a mid-year budget increase for salaries and training to assist with the department's challenges. Then came Helen. On the day she rudely arrived, uh, the 911 center received nearly eight times the amount of calls that they normally would receive. At the same time, staff was unable to make access to work, uh, to leave their neighborhoods because of the conditions, damage to their homes, had difficulty finding gasoline, and just general family concerns that we all experienced. But they came to work. They faced uncertainty and grief and they put it aside to be there for their community. Regardless of the challenges, this group of professionals, they always band together for each other, for their agency, and for their community. And they keep it moving forward. And it's not just the frontline personnel. It's the administrative team that's behind the scenes making sure that the training is done, making sure

quality assurance and quality improvement reviews are provided, protocols, programs, procedures are fully operational, and detailed recordkeeping and budget goals, ensuring that those are met. These fine men and women answer the call day and night, 24/7, doing their best to be better today than they were yesterday to assist the public, the police, the fire, the ambulance. They're the heroes behind the headsets. They're the first first responders. And with that, I ask that we applaud the Augusta 911 Center for receiving the 2025 GECC 911 Communications Center of the Year Award. Three, two,

You mind if I speak?

Director Dunlap, thank you to you and your team. We appreciate your effort. You are the voice that everyone calls when they're in need and we appreciate your effort, especially not only during hurricane Nolan, but every single day. Chair recognizes Mayor Pro Tim Wayne Gilfoil. You have the floor, sir. President Dunlap, um, I would like to say thank you. Thank you to your employees and your staff. They are the one who's answering the phone calls. They the one that hear has to hear the cries, the sounds that most people never hear. They actually um work handinand with the sheriff's department, fire department, and uh our central ambulance service. And I do appreciate each and every one of you. I don't know how y'all do your job, but that's probably the most challenging job in Augusta. And I want to say thank you.

Thank you, sir. Thank you, Mayor Protown. Thank you, Madam Clerk. We got state basketball champions. We got world class 911. We got it all. We celebrating everybody today. Come on with it. I see some and and I I think we're going to keep it going. We got heroes in the room. Come on, Madam Clerk. Let's go. Your attention to the delegation portion of our agenda. Item E, Miss Deborah Eastep

regarding accessibility of commission meetings. Request to move the 6 pm on Tuesdays for majority of local citizens to reinforce good faith progress and action. Good afternoon, Miss East. Thank you so much for being here. If you will, for the record, please state your name and address, please. My name is Deborah East, 1523 John's Road.

Thank you, ma'am. You have the floor in five minutes. I'm here to ask one thing. That you move these meetings to 6:00 p.m. Every surrounding community already does this. Columbia County 6:00 p.m. North Augusta 6:00 p.m. Hepsa 700 p.m. Ble 6 p.m. Augusta Richmond County 2:00 p.m. We are the only one holding meetings in the middle of the workday. The bare minimum is that the people paying for this government can be in the room. The excuse is that staff would need overtime. This government just approved $375 million in SPLOS 9,85 million for jail expansion alone, but can't keep this building open past 5:00 for the taxpayers funding it. That's not a budget problem. That's a priority problem. I've walked this community and asked people if they would come at a different time, and many didn't know the meetings were at two. Many said they wanted to attend and never could. My team, younger, diverse workers and families cannot be here at 2:00. I can today, so I'm here for them. I spoke to retired residents, too. A few said 6:00 would be less convenient. Every single one still supported moving the time because they know they're not the majority of Augustans being shut out. This is common sense. This is part of a pattern our local politicians make promises they cannot or will not keep. Steven Kendrick unveiled a $200 million Regency Mall redevelopment in 2022 while running for mayor. Mayor Garnett criticized it and said it was false hope and promised he'd take a different approach. Demolish the site, get it into local hands, redevelop it. He won. And over three years later, no demolition, no purchase, no redevelopment. Both men made promises and neither delivered. South Augusta is still waiting. Now, Kendrick promises he'll force a forensic

audit. The mayor cannot order one. It requires a commission majority, and this commission has voted it down at least four times, most recently 3 to 7 and 2 to 8 in 2022. Even with the full vote, now that's one out of 11. Another promise he has no structural power to keep. The charter rewrite, our first in over 30 years, was rushed past the review committee before they finished. What was unanimously approved by them was a city council form of government. The commission voted six to four to bypass the charter review committee and send the charter change to state lawmakers before the committee finished its work. I tried to find the full roll call on who voted yes and who voted no and it was not easy to find. That should concern every person in this room. Your government's vote should not be hard to track down. The 6 to4 vote is reported by WJBF, WRDW, the Augusta Press, and WFXG, four separate outlets. I'd encourage every person in this room to look up how your commissioner voted because five of those seats are on the ballot for May 19th. Committee member Angela Bako said publicly, "The committee was essentially cancelled." Eric Gaines and Sheffy Robinson raised serious concerns the committee was never told about. Language has been changed. Term limits removed. Residency requirements loosened. Power concentrated through gray language was never part of public feedback. I want to thank the retired community members who show up and champion the voices of those who cannot be here. But I need you to understand this is a great deal happening that prioritizes you too. How Powell Apartments public housing for elderly residents owned by the Augusta Housing Authority. During Hurricane Helen, residents were trapped inside and could only get out if they were let out from the outside. They went days without power. No wellness checks above the

second floor. Feces, vomit, urine in the hallways, broken elevators, black mold. News reporters have confirmed these conditions. This is a building this government directly responsible for. One minute, ma'am.

When you are useful, you are catered to. When your voice is inconvenient, you're ignored. And this is true for all of us. I'm not here for hollow promises. I'm not asking you for a form of committee to explore the feasibility of maybe considering this after elections. I'm here to call this what it is, a failure of governance and a deliberate choice to shut working people out while making decisions worth hundreds of millions of dollars on our behalf. You work for us. The people of this city deserve better. May 19th, the mayor's race nine and five commission seats are on the ballot. And I don't expect you to act on this, but I expect the people of Augusta to remember who didn't and who has not. I've been meeting across the area, Columbia County, North Augusta, Hepsub, BL. I've seen citizens lied to by their own officials in those places, too. But those citizens can hold them accountable because when meetings are six or seven, the number of people who can show up changes and the number who can look you in the eye changes and that matters. We'll see you May 19th. Low turnout is what you count on. But we will make it this time because you have made it urgent. We'll be heard and we will take the power back in one fell swoop. I suggest that we remember hopelessness is the point. When predatory systems know they are weakest, they will try to instill divide and a feeling that we don't have a choice. But we do have a choice. We know because the choices made around this election. And that's why it's important. Make sure you are heard. Make that choice for our future. It is now or never. Be the force you thought you could not be. Find your commissioners by plugging in your address. Find my commissioner tool on augusta georgia.gov. Thank you. This is our chance to turn out when it's least expected.

Miss Steep, thank you so much. there's a commissioner that that may want to address you and and I agree with your sentiment. Um our greatest tool that we have in this democracy is right to vote in May 19th. I hope that everyone exercises that right because it is important to vote for your the candidate of your choice. Chair recognizes commissioner from the third commissioner Katherine Smith Rice.

Thank you um Mr. Mayor and Miss Eastep for being here today. Um, but I hear what you're saying and you have a right to come up and speak, but you got off you got off a little bit with your agenda item. We were supposed to talk about 6 pm meetings. One thing is about that, they've done that. They did that in the past. It's been done before where they had meetings in the past that started in the evening. It did not work out. It just did not work out. And I'm gonna say it. uh you know you got we got to pay overtime for people to come sit and if you have been paying attention which I know you have I I know you have but I will say that we start the meetings at 2 and we don't get out of here a lot of times till 7:00 might be 6:37 if we started at 6:00 p.m. we probably wouldn't get out of here sometimes till 1:00 a.m. And that's keeping sta you know staff paying overtime. So, thank you for being here and expressing your 6 p.m.

There there's four other places that I figured out. Just hold tight. Let's make sure the comm Let's make sure the commission is done. All right. Commissioner Commissioner Bryce, are you do you yield or you got more? Yeah, I I'm I'm gonna be done with this because I am um in total disagreement with the 6 p.m. and and you have right to your um opinions of wanting six, but it's been tried, you know, before and it did not work out. Why did it fail? You know, I wasn't on the commission then. That was that was me that was years ago, but it did not work out. But that I'm just giving you my two cent. So, does anyone have feedback on why it didn't work out? Anybody want to answer the question?

Chair recognizes Mayor Pro have an opinion as well. All right. Just just sit tight. Don't probably the only person here that could um answer correctly to this is our clerk of commission. Um, Miss Bonner has been here for quite some time and she's seen a lot of good things, a lot of bad things, a lot of things happen and a lot of things that shouldn't happen. But let me tell you, you had brought up city of Hetsza, city of Ble. I live in a city limits of Hza and I do attend them uh city council meetings. They usually have about two to three items on that agenda. Augusta Richmond County as you could probably see right now we have 32 and that's a small agenda item.

Yes. And for for you to say hey that if we change it to 6:00 are you going to remain here? Is the citizens going to remain here or is it just just to accommodate? That's been the overwhelming feedback so far. Sorry I couldn't hear you. That's been the overwhelming feedback when I've walked downtown and also talked to the entirety of my team and young people have all said I've not had a single person say that six o'clock would be worse for them. I can understand that is Columbia County though because I've been to those as well and they do have quite a few agendas and they do end up staying late for their citizens. Yes, ma'am. And usually with Columbia County they have a member of five. Is that correct? Council commissioners.

I don't know of hands. Yeah, I got a chairperson and four other people. And usually um this is a proven fact, Miss Estep, is that anytime you got a smaller amount of people, the decisions are usually made better and quicker. When you got a commission of 10 plus one mayor, you seen the d you sat in here many of times and you seen the dialogue that has happened and you see things not happen. There was no action taken.

Yeah. but to change it to 6:00 and ask all our directors, the assistant directors, staff, um, our clerk to stay here 11 12:00. One thing that would probably happen is we'll probably get out of here quicker because we got tired and probably make bad choices by saying just consent it. And so anyway, so what's the solution? the solution if it's not accessible to a lot this solution that has been going on for probably 16 years going on at 2:00 and 2:00 is the best time for this community to have a meeting

we had a full room today Miss Castep

there are so many people besides who's in this room though that would like to attend we also I'm not getting in a contest with you whatsoever Miss Castep what I'm saying is that we do um have it online where everybody could watch it live. That's one of the benefits and everybody should have the contact number for every commissioner as the way as well as the mayor and mine is public as far as my private telephone number. So, you know, everybody could be gotten a hold of, but you are the first one that I'm aware of that wants to change it to six o'clock. Well, this will be online later, so anybody watching,

most likely it will be if that's Thank you, Miss Castep, for being here.

Madam Clerk, we missed one celebration. We got to go back to the fire chief. I told you we got state champions. We got world class 911. Now we got some heroes that have saved some lives. Antonio, Chief Antonio Burton, come on up, sir. She got All right. Who's uh who's teeing us up?

Yeah, I'm coming down. Let's go. Come on. Come on. So, how are you going to do it?

Okay.

You're okay. City of Augusta recognition recognizing lifesaving actions of fire and EMS personnel. Whereas members of the Augusta Fire Department and Central EMS demonstrated exceptional professionalism and swift action in response to a medical emergency involving Captain Johnson. And whereas Lieutenant Russell Williams, Sergeant Scott Walker, firefighter Vincent Williams, firefighter Anthony Harris, firefighter Wesley Brinsson quickly assessed the situation, initiated CPR, provided ventilation, and administered a lifesaving August AED shock. And whereas their coordinated efforts resulted in the restoration of spontaneous respirations prior to transport. And whereas central EMS personnel Jquz Mims, Summer Bryant, and Blandon Johnson continued continued advanced care and ensured safe transport to Medical College of Georgia Hospital. And whereas the teamwork displays reflects the highest standards of emergency response and directly contributed to saving a life. Now therefore, our Garnett L. Johnson and the mayor and the commission of Augusta, Georgia that we do hereby recognize and commend, Lieutenant Russell Williams, Sergeant Scott Walker, firefighter Vincent Williams,

firefighter Anthony Harris, firefighter Wesley Brinsson, Jack Quz Mims, Summer Bryant, and Blandon Johnson for their outstanding lifesaving actions, professionalism, and commitment to public safety. Presented this 31st day of March, 2026, Garnett L. Johnson, Mayor Ladies and gentlemen, I'd just like to take a second to give you a little bit of a highlight of the actual incident that took place today. We gather not only to recognize service, but to honor the quiet strength, instinct, and unity that defines what it means to be a first responder. The event I am about to share is not just an incident. It's a testament to the character of the men and women who stand ready for one another every single day. It began like any other shift. Lieutenant Williams was inside the station focused on a routine work while the rest of the crew tended to the apparatus outside. Nothing unusual, just the steady rhythm of a team doing what they always do, preparing to serve. Sergeant Walker stepped inside with a message that instantly changed the tone of the day. Call for an ambulance. Captain Johnson is on the ground. When Lieutenant Williams reached Captain

Johnson, he wasn't the victim of a fall. He had lowered himself to a chair after feeling dizzy and laded. He directed his crew to call for help. Inside the station, he took a seat at the kitchen table. But the moment Lieutenant Williams saw the signs of distress, he knew something was wrong. something urgent had occurred. The crew moved quickly, checking his vital signs, staying calm, staying focused. And then, without warning, Captain Johnson's body tensed, he became unresponsive. There was no hesitation, no panic, only action. The crew moved quickly to the floor and immediately began resuscitation efforts. Rescue and cardiac measures were conducted and then signs of responsiveness. Crew John, I'm sorry, Captain Johnson slowly regained partial responsiveness. Moments after, Blandon Johnson, his son, and the central EMS team arrived. Together, they prepared Captain Johnson for transport. He was moved with care, with steadiness, the kind of teamwork that only comes from deep trust and shared experience. We share in this moment today to honor those responders not only for what they did, but for who they are. Their actions remind us that service is not just a job. It is a promise to not only the community, but to each other. We salute truck 10 and the central EMS crew for a job well done.

Ladies and uh gentlemen, I I really wanted to take this opportunity to uh highlight this team. Um they truly exemplify u the men and women of Augusta Fire Department. uh our partnership with Central EMS, you know, overcoming unsurmountable odds in having to care for for one of their members uh and and to move into action without hesitation. I am extremely happy to report that Captain Johnson is back on the clock with us. So, please join me and give him a round of applause.

Good. I'm good. you know, um, today has been special, but it's no more special than this occasion. Often times we are out and I tell everybody, you guys have one of the most, not only technical, but one of the most important jobs because you see the worst of everything that happens in our community. Often times before amales arrive, you're on site. So, one, we pray for you and we thank you. We thank you for for often being away from your families. You know, often times you're spending days at a time at the station and uh, just know that we are here with you. We support you. We love you. And uh, Captain Johnson, I am so glad that you're still in our presence. And to this team that saved his life, thank you guys for your commitment to your profession. Thank you so much. Thank you, Chief.

I I would just like to highlight one thing. Captain Richard Johnson gave his son life and then in turn his son saved his life for that day. Do not forget that. We can't underscore that enough. Congratulations, Cal. I'm glad you're still with us, my brother. Good. That's good.

Well, I don't get to do this much. I like to talk. That's a lie. I like to talk, but I don't I don't do this much. Um, I'm not nervous to be in front of you, but I don't I want to stay together. Uh, put it this way. Uh, years ago when I come on, I come on during a good time, old school time, taught old school, new school's important. Old school still got a place. And I'm that old guy

indeed. with the department. I've been on long enough to where I feel like I can say this and it ain't just saying it because he's here or because the upper administration has changed and I've worked with some. I mean this wholeheartedly. Administration here show my family and me patience wasn't worried about me coming back. Was more worried about just making sure I was okay and my crew and my son. That day I felt fine. There was nothing wrong. And I've not had chest pain, shortness of breath, or nothing. And I and and I'm a worker. If anybody knows me, I I I work my crew that day. I'll never I hope I don't have to repay you like that. But I can never repay that. But the one thing I can say is without them, of course, I wouldn't be here in a almighty above and my son. The one thing I will always like a double. It's like a pingpong with me in my brain. I hate my crew and my son had to do this. I I really truly do hate that. Um I'm not used to being on the end of help. I like to help. Um so that day when that happened, um like I say, the crew was on point. They proved one thing to me. They proved that as hard as I can be at times and probably difficult and mad with me, they showed what I knew about them, which is they can handle the call when it comes in. Anything. Thank you. And uh Chief Burton, this is the part I said I feel like I

can be fair about and say because I've been here probably longer than most in the room. And with this administration, it's never been like this before. In all the administrations I've worked under, never once was our fire chief not involved and not there. I spent six days in the ICU. And this is a this is a testament and I hope I can say this. I'm I really don't care if I get in trouble on this one, but the Lord above I'm here is his glory. Amen.

I made it back, but it's his glory. my chief on Saturday, six days later, I had chiefs involved. I had battalion 2 involved. They set up stuff at the house, my wife for two weeks, and believe me, the refrigerator was full. And I and I didn't need nothing else. But my crew on all three shifts, my shift saved me. But all three shifts worked together to keep my wife afloat so that she could just sit and make sure I was okay. But on Saturday when I was released, and I think it was somewhere around 2 or three, I noticed my son disappeared cuz he was with me all but maybe one day. I think he finally went home. I told him go to sleep. Um, but I was released and I was going out the door and my son was with me and my wife had disappeared to go get the car and I bought all into that. Made sense. And when I come out the door, it was me, my son, my son's girlfriend, my my wife was out at the car along with Alyssa. And to show you, we still we firemen all the time. So, as I'm coming out the door, I'm noticing and I thought I see a fire a chief's car and I couldn't make it out. And then I made it out and then he pulled up and turned the lights on. Well, he might as well turn the faucet on my eyes, too, cuz that was such a joy for me to see because all I wanted was to come back. And all he told me was is we'll cross that when we get there. But he was there that Saturday. I've never and and if it was done, I apologize to any of the chiefs in the past in advance, but it wasn't that I know of. I have never seen an

administration be behind firemen like they were me. And Chief was there on a Saturday 2 3:00 in the afternoon. He made time to be there. was willing to take me home if that was better because my wife didn't bring my truck. She brought that low thing and uh but I told him I thought I was good and he helped me and my son helped me get in the car. I will never forget that and it went a long ways. But to finish this up to show you how great God is, 63 days later, I didn't just come back to work. I come back to my second family who I unfortunately spend more time with than my own.

But I have spent 20 years every third day with this young and out of five. Every third day I come back. It was March 16th, a Monday. I'm sure my crew had that in their mind and I felt so sorry for them for that because it was a January 12th Monday that I was out there washing the truck with them, helping them, making them understand why the reserve truck was so important to try to make right. And for whatever reason, this had to happen. But it couldn't happen in a better place. And uh and I don't think that was coincidental. I think that was I'm here. So, um I'm thankful I got to see my family, my grandkids, my my crew, my son. And like I say, I never can make it up to them. And and I hate what they had to go through. We go through it on cause. We care. You may see us smile on the side and and wonder how do y'all do that because y'all just, you know, somebody just died. us smiling is not is not any kind of uh disc to the person we were there to help. It's almost how you have to deal with it. You have to find something if it ain't nothing but you know we did this, we did this, we did this. You know, we we critiquing oursel even when it's good or bad. So, we really it's a double-edged sword. It can be good, but it can be bad. And I can just tell you in 33 years, I only know of one person that actually walked out of the hospital. Plenty of them made it to ICU, but they didn't make it out. So that's 33 years of what I've saw. So it's important to know CPR and have a AED in these buildings that can be available.

But as you see, and I'm pretty sure my statistics probably ain't ain't off. Uh it's it's a blessing. But 63 days later to uh March 16th, I come back. My crew was ready to have me back and I was thankful for that. You know, I'm sure they were nervous, but they were thankful. This one here, I think, was as as excited as I was. I think um there was times I wasn't sure. He reassured me that we crossed that bridge when we get to it, Cap, cuz I wanted to go back that night after at the emergency room. I I was ready to go back and get on my truck and they were like, "No." So 63 days later that March 16th happened. We enjoying a pretty good shift. I'm back. It's nice. I'm a little feeling sorry for them because it's Monday. So I'm thinking maybe it's making them go back and I was hoping not. But then we got the call a structure fire actual burning. And they were like, "Cap, you know we ain't had a burner since you've been gone." And so we got to go. We did get to do some things. And then luckily today, I hate that something awful happened, but I'm glad that we were able to respond and do the best we could. And today before this meeting, we called another structure fire. So I'm thankful, but the Lord above can make anything possible. And good administrations and good battalion chiefs that help their men and women utmost respect. And like I say, 33 years in it, chief. I'm telling you, I've never never experienced that and I appreciate it. I love you forever. All right. Wait a minute before you go. You know, I was wondering why I was sitting here smelling smoke. I smell a lot of smoke up here.

You guys have been fighting the fire and you're in here. Thank you so much for that, sir. Thank you for your work. Thank you for commitment. Ladies and gentlemen, let's give him another round of applause. Okay. All right. The mayor need to be there.

Oh, but it did. I think it pull it down. Yes, sir. Yes. Right there. But I I'll pull it up. Yeah. Here. One more. A really, Miss Cooper. Miss Jacqueline Cooper. Recognition of public service. Come on. Okay. Good afternoon everyone.

Same to you, ma'am. My name is Jacqueline Cooper and I am here for public service recognition is Sergeant Terry Gore. here. Sorry.

That's you.

Um almost 10 years ago, it'll be 10 years in August, Sergeant Gore was the first person on scene. I was I survived a home invasion. So, thanks to Sergeant Gore, he helped me out. When I went to court, he was there through all the good and all the bad. So, I just want to say in appreciation for Sergeant Gore, thank you for being there in my time of need. Thank you, sweet.

Thank you.

We got this one right here. Hold on. Got one more right quick. Thank you, Sheriff Gino, for having somebody that cares. Thank you. And thank you, Colonel Bo. This one right here. I just met Sergeant, not Sergeant, um, Commissioner Don Clark. before he became a commissioner, he was on the scene to help me and my husband through a situation with a slum lord. So on behalf of us, Commissioner Don Clark, thank you for your leadership, for the genuine care and show to your community and district. Your commitment to your people you show does not go unrecognized. Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Thank you again. All right, Miss Jackie. Thank you so much, Sergeant Gordon. Thank you so much. It's been a great day. Sergeant Gore. Sergeant Gordon, thank you. Gift box. Sergeant go.

You want to protect your valuable All right, madame clerk. What a day. State championships, life saving, fighting fires heroes are up in the Lee in Beard Commission chambers today. Madam clerk, let's continue. How many more delegations do we have? We're done, sir, for done with delegations. All right, so let's move on to the um

we got we got some appointments we need. have. Let's let's let's go to our let's go with the addendums, please.

You got more. Yeah. Let me see. Take that one.

All right. All right. I see, madame clerk, I see three addendum items. You think we need to read them in for the record? I know they're on the screen, sir. Let's read them in for the record, please. Yes, sir.

Addendum agenda. Augusta Commission regular meeting March 31st, 2026. Addendums. Item one, administrative services. approved the execution of a memorandum of understanding between Augusta and the Augusta Museum of History for the temporary use by the public, the museum parking lot and to authorize the mayor and the clerk to execute theou. Item number two is a motion to approve of the following bid items as estimated annual purchases for these are expected to exceed $25,000. This request is in accordance with section 1-10-58 of the annual contract provision. The award would be for one year with the option to extend for four additional years.

Thank you, madam clerk. We have one deletion from our delegation, Mr. Matthew Carveden, regarding failure to accommodate wheelchair users at the Augusta Aquatic Center. The issue has been addressed. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Colleagues, is there any objection to adding these these three addendum items to today's agenda? No, sir. But when we do um if we do consent this um parking memorandum, let's put it up on the board so the citizens can see it. You got it. Uh madame clerk, I hear no objection to adding these three addendum items. Not yet, Mr. May.

Okay. All right. Uh I'm not sure what this public service bid is about. You want to do this bid? What item is that commissioner from the fourth? Item two. All right. You have a question regarding two. If you have a question regarding that, we we'll make sure we'll we'll we'll discuss it. We'll pull and discuss. We'll get you to speaking to you, Mike. Mr. We got to come a little closer to you, Mike, too, for the record.

All right. All right. Madam clerk, just let it be noted the commissioner from the fourth is the only want to pull item number two uh on the addendum agenda. Otherwise, there's no objection to the other two. The mayor pro Tim has requested item one that the contract be put on the screen for everyone to view. And this is a parking agreement with the city of Augusta and Augusta Museum of History for the business owners that operate down in the 500 block maybe five and 600 block of Broad. there's a parking agreement while uh that stretch of Broad Street is under construction that allows those business owners to have places for their customers and their patrons to park. And looking at the agreement, it is effective uh it was effective two days ago. So the Museum of History's parking is available um for those businesses that are in the five and 600 block of Broad Street. Chair recognizes Commissioner from the 9th, Commissioner Francine Scott.

Thank you, Mayor Johnson. And I'm not sure if we're discussing this or not, but is is there a cost to this? There there is no cost. Uh it is absolutely free parking and uh I think some business owners have agreed to to clean it up at least twice a week. So it is a an agreement that one only provides parking but make sure it provides also cleanliness to the parking lot for the museum. All right, madame clerk, it's time to go through the consent agenda. The colleagues take a look. Let's see what we consent. what we can and let's move forward. Chair recognizes Commissioner Katherine Smith Rice from the third. You have the floor, ma'am.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I would like to consent items if it's okay. Item 26 and item 30 and item three. Uh, I got a question on agenda item number 26. All right. Uh, commissioner from the third 26. The commissioner mayor pro Tim said he don't want to consent that one. We can consider item 30 if that's okay. And 29 29 and 30. 29 and 30. Okay. Thank you, Commissioner Katherine Smith Rice. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Recognizes Commissioner from the fifth, Commissioner Dun Clark.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, for item numbers, uh, Miss, uh, Madame Clerk, I'll say it slower um because it's a number of them. Okay. um all the condemnations. So that's items 8 and 9 uh and 12 through 18. 12 through 18. Let's combine all of those together. Um I think uh general counsel you're speaking to those correct? I can sir. Okay. So let's let's combine those together. Um for consent say again 22.

Yeah. For cons oh I'm sorry. Number 22 goes with those previous ones that I said. Let's combine. Miss um Madam Clerk, Commissioner from the Fifth, are you want to companion those and then add to consent? Yes, I'm companion all of those. Not for consent, but um to be discussed. To be discussed. All right. Oh, to be discussed. Discussed. Yeah. So, let's go through those items again for companion items. All right. So companion items will be 8 through 9, 12 through 18 and number 22. Okay. And general counsel should be able to give us the overall um summary of of what they're all related to and for. Correct.

All right. Thank you. Um for consent, I'd also like to make number 19 through 22 for consent. We have 22 there, Miss I mean 22 is a part of the uh companion I apologies 19 through 21 for consent. 19 20 and 21. Okay, that's it. Thank you. That's it. All right. Thank you, Commissioner Clark. Chair recognizes Mayor Pro Tim Wayne Gil. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, as the engineering service, would he mind consenting have a problem if I consent agenda item number 23? Agenda item number 24. Okay, sir. Agenda item number 22. 23 24

23 and 24. Madam cler. Yes, sir. And I need a little point of clarity. My appointment for agenda item number two. Right. It shows Lawrence Brand. It should actually be Lawrence L. Freeman. F R E M- an error on my part. And I apologize. Mr. Freeman is here in the room sitting front and center. So, thank you for being willing to serve on HCD, sir. Mr. Freeman, welcome, sir. All right. Which one? All right, colleagues. Anybody else? So, we got Mr. Mayor. Yes, ma'am.

Madam, you need to turn your mic on so we can for There you go. All right. Item three and six to be deferred to the next public services committee at the request of the administrator. Three and six is requested to be moved to the next committee cycle. We'll add that to consent. Sir, can we add that to consent without objection? Okay. All right. There's there's no objection to uh consenting three and six to be moved to the next committee cycle. All right. Chair recognizes I'm sorry, Mayor Pro Tim Gil, you still in the queue?

Yes, sir. Um, as far as consent agenda items, can we consent agenda item number seven? That was to receive this information for the sheriff's department. Agenda item number 28. All right. Seven. Yes, sir. 28. Uh, Judge Fleth receiving a grant. Agenda item number 30. She's already Somebody already consented it? Yes, sir. And what about number 31? No sir. You'd like to add that? Yes ma'am. All right. Item number one. Thank you. You got it. All right. Chair recognizes commissioner from the seventh. Commissioner Tina Slendett.

Thank you. Would it be possible to um consent item seven administrative services? It has been. It has been already. Okay. Thank you. Mhm. All right. Chair recognizes commissioner from the ninth, Commissioner Francine Scott. Um, mayor, um, did we consent, um, item number 29 under public safety 29? It has been okay.

It has been. All right. All right. Guys, if you're you're good, let's get the the clerk. We got to put them up on the screen so we all all cleaned up. We'll entertain a motion as soon as we see them on the screen, please. on the screen is correct. I would love to entertain a motion. Motion to approve. Second.

Madam clerk, there's a motion by commissioner from the third, Katherine Smith Rice. Seconded by Commissioner from the fifth, Commissioner Don Clark. See no colleagues in the queue for discussion. We're prepared to vote. No, we consent those those um

it's unanimous.

Thank you, madam clerk. Let's see where we going here. Let's get this uh addendum agenda and item number two that uh Commissioner Lonnie Wembley requested. Please, Madam Clerk. Item number two, motion to approve the following annual bid as the estimated annual purchases for items expected to exceed $25,000. This request is in accordance with section 11058 of the annual contract provision. The award will be for one year with the option to extend for four additional years. The commission has approved the recommendation of award. Item 2 A is Augusta Regional Airport 26-00004 temporary FBO tent structure for 2026 Mast's Tournament Operations.

Thank you so much, Madam Clerk. Uh Comm. I'm sorry. Yes, sir. You have the floor. Yes, sir. Uh Ken Hinkle, Augusta Regional Airport. Uh this tent structure is in support of the Ka National or the Masters golf tournament. Um the did the procurement uh did all the process. Um our board approved it uh back in December. Uh the grand total amount uh is $132,635 and uh we request approval. Thank you so much. All right, Commissioner Warway. I'm going to come to you first because you want you you

Yes, sir. So, is this just to purchase a tent and you going actually to rent a tent? Yeah. To rent it and so this the you're dealing with one company that that only only this one company does this tent or something because my concern is that to repeat for five years on for one source. Yes, sir. So, so am I correct? Yes, sir. So, what we did was RFP and provided them with the specs uh specifications for the um for the contract and this particular company did a better job. Okay. All right. You good? I'm good. All right. Can you motion for approval?

Motion to approve. Second. Second. There's a motion by uh Commissioner Katherine Smith Rice. I heard a second by Commissioner Wimbley. Madam Clerk, we're prepared to vote. Okay. May pro Tim. I'm sorry. Thank you. Thank you, madam clerk. Let's move on to item four, please. From the regular agenda. Yes, ma'am. Okay.

Because the other the other two items from the Item number four, report from the director of recreation regarding the costs associated with adding permanent pickle ball lines at the Warren Road gym. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Director Williams, floor is yours. Hello, sir. You can stand right there. You we we'll call you when we need you. All right. Is that all right? Hopefully, we won't need you. Hopefully, you'll be satisfied what we get ready to present here. I'm hoping, fingers crossed, Mr. Hollis. Correct. Correct.

Good afternoon, commissioners, mayor. Um, just wanted to come back at our last commission meeting, you had requests that we bring back information about the following. So conduct a meeting with the um city of Hepsuba to explore the cost of their outdoor pickleball courts. Um see how that their prices compared to what we would do at Warren Road uh community center tennis courts conversion. U estimated cost to do permanent pickle ball courts on the Warren Road uh community center gym floors. Um we did do another site visit and that was conducted at the um one road community center outdoor tennis courts and also in the gym last week. So based on the observation of the gym floor, uh it was recommended to address some of the concerns on the gym floor. Um and doing this is by having the floor um a contractor to come investigate investigate the soft spots that are on the floor on the north end of the gym to evaluate the potential fix of the um soft area and stabilize the um parquette flooring. Clean and stripe wax. Clean and strip the wax that is on the existing existing gym floor. Painting the pickle ball lines um which you can get a max of three pickle ball courts on the floor and then rewaxing and buffing the gym floor. Um with this the budget recommended for this um type of project will range anywhere from 3500 to 4500. um with that's with the cleaning, stripping um the waxing off the floor, painting the pickle ball lines, and then also um rewaxing and buffing the floor. And if we then expound on um doing the flooring with the contractor, that be based on the recommended course of action that the U repairs would happen

for the soft areas. if the subfloor underneath the um flooring needs um attended to then we would need to get that improved um as well. So this would be an additional cost anywhere from 2500 to 3,000 to do that portion. Um but at this time I'll have um ISM Mr. AB Lansen to come and just give a brief presentation on the areas of U War. Thank you, Mr. Mayor, and members of the commission. Um, what we did, um, as Miss Williams stated, we put went out there and did some, um, further investigation. Um, we also visited, um, the pickle ball the new pickle ball court in, uh, Hepsiba and, um, looked at that and actually compared it to um, what would be proposed at Warren Road. Uh so with that said, I'm going to uh go through this presentation. Um the agenda for it, it's going to be quick. The agenda is to do a cost uh comparison, which is a call cost comparison with Warren Road and EPSA. Uh and then also we're going to look at construction options to consider. Uh there are actually three options and we'll uh get a little bit in detail on that uh as we get through the presentation. And then we'll do basically like um a general generalized recommendation and then after that we'll open open it up for uh discussion, comments and questions. In our previous presentation um we gave this uh um presented this estimate and I kind of want to go just briefly go through the estimate. um when we stated that the total cost would be

we say that the co to total cost would be $542,400. Um and I think I wanted us to pretty much somewhat compare uh apples to apples instead of apples to orange. Um that number includes both demolition, construction and uh also um some soft um um soft cost um as design permitting and those type things. So the actual construction um and that's doing everything re redoing the um u the courts completely uh demoing everything. um it's estimated at $39,000.

Okay. And so we looked at that and um looked at um HEPSA and basically came up uh with a cost for um Warren Road, which was what we had here was $51,000 uh per court. And uh when we spoke with the city of Hepsa, they stated that their courts um was $35,000 uh per court. Now, the difference in the um in the and the cost there is that the pickle ball courts are pickle ball courts, so they're a lot smaller than the actual courts that would be at Warren Road because at that point, you would have a combination of pickle ball courts and tennis courts. So that's the the the Warren Road courts would be larger. Um now on um Hepsa, let me put that on the next slide there. Um they had five courts, we estimated six courts. So um the courts itself was about $175,000. Now the notes on that is that they got have a retaining wall there and they didn't have that included in the cost that we got. Uh, no lighting is included. I think they're um going to put lightings out there. Also, there was no site uh work and grading that was included in the cost. Um uh when we spoke to them, they said that they would give us some more details um drawings perhaps and and specs and those things on what they actually use. So, we're we're waiting to get that that information. Um again I stated that it's pickle ball courts versus a combination of tennis tennis and pickle ball courts. So um with that said those are the that's the cost when you come do the

comparison those are cost um comparison there. So again those the the the price itself might be similar. Um, one other note I would like to make too is that um, it was an ongoing project that they had and um, they um, did that project the courts itself as a pretty much as an addition to the existing uh, contract. So again, he's uh, we're looking to get some further information um on that particular court in Hepra. Um other construction options, uh one of the options is to take the existing court and to fix the cracks uh and in the courts, seal it and then resurface it. Um the cost for that construction wise is $14,000. So that is an option and and that would be for all six courts. Um the total uh with everything would be $143,200. So that's that's another option. Uh another option uh is to is to basically uh if you look at the sports courts um to basically um get a a lesser quality um type resurfacing. Um it reduces the cost probably right at about $100,000. Okay. uh recommendation I think uh and this is just coming from um um from the team uh I think it is probably imperable are important that we uh conduct a publicformational meeting to determine exactly what the public wants in that area and present various

options uh preferably the options that we have actually uh presented here today. Uh secondly, um I think we need to identify which is being done now, identify funding and basically come up with a schedule um to do the work. Uh if the majority of the public um um wants the pickle ball courts, uh what type of pickle ball courts? So um with that said, um I'll open it up for discussion, comments, and questions. Thank you so much. Uh Mr. Latson and chair recognizes Commissioner Tony Lewis from the six.

Oh, you can do it. All right. May pro Tim Wayne Gilful, you recognize, sir. Mr. Lance, did you um I'm trying to think of what day did uh Robert reach out to me? Um he asked me, so are you attending this meeting? I guess it was latter part of last week. It was on Friday. He was not not there. he uh stated he had um uh something came up and so he wen able but we spoke with him on the phone twice.

Okay. Um as far as the only thing Mr. Buckitz chairman Hetsa was telling me that they did use a local contractor which did all the grade and site work as you would call it. Um, but by using a local contractor, you'll notice in your breakouts, you got mobilization at 25,000. Then you got um silk fence um entrance at 25,000. Um, that might be where it's taking you over the edge there because if you lose use a local contractor with me being a contractor when I get on the job site, I don't charge to do that. Now, if you were doing a shopping center, yeah, you'll have to mobilize the big equipment to come in because you'll have to pay somebody else to deliver it. but to do a simpleton um pickle ball court or uh the reservicing of the tennis courts. Um who did you speak with if you don't mind me asking? Jody Bolanu

for um city of Heb. Yes sir. With Mr. Buckwitch and you wasn't able to talk to him in person? No sir. We we actually were uh we had a meeting set up for 9:30 on Friday morning and so we were out there and he he called and stated that he could we wouldn't be able to make it. All right. I I would reach back out to him. Um, did you find out his contractor by chance? Cuz I think you were bringing somebody in from Savannah or something. No, what what he said he was going to just put everything together, the details of it, and he's going to give that to us.

All right. Now, maybe what we need to do is table this until we can find that information. And that way you could actually see, hey, we could actually use this contractor, which we already you already seen is work. Yeah. the company's work and it should be up up to par at least to say the least. Um and then we go from there if you don't mind. No and but I will say this uh with ISM y'all are doing your due diligence making sure that everything's every basis is covered because the your bro breakouts shows everything. Yes sir. There's nothing missing and I appreciate that. Thank you sir.

Thank you. Thank you, Mayor Prom. Chair recognizes Commissioner from the seventh, Commissioner Tina Slender. Thank you. Um, Director Williams, uh, do you and Mr. Lson, do you know when about how soon you would be having meetings, community meetings about about this um to get a flavor for Go ahead. We can get something set up. Um I'm thinking we can get something set up pretty quick, but I'll let Well, I mean, you know, after masters and um Yes, ma'am. Yes, we can look to do that. Okay.

I think at the last meeting, I had said within the next couple of months that we can we could do that. So, that was the plan. Okay. All right. Um and um the tennis court at uh Pendleton King Park Park. Um is is that something y'all y'all did? And what was the um procedure for that or the cost? Y'all Yeah, I'm not aware um of anything done at Penny King Park. anything in right anything coming up or Okay.

All right. So, I didn't know if what type of shape that was. Um Okay. Um that's that's great. Um yeah, I think we need to get comm community input. Um because all these facts and figures and everything, if there's not, I mean, I know Mr. Hollis wants pickle ball courts, but I mean if the a lot of the community I know um last weekend I think it was I mean there were people playing tennis out there. So um I'm not saying they wouldn't be playing pickle ball if the pickle ball was there but I mean there were people there playing tennis. Um so um if you could get that scheduled I mean you know of course we got to get over our masters and stuff like that but um just get some community input.

Yes. Um and then we can move forward um with some of And I appreciate the price breakdowns on the different um levels, you know, of either just doing the, you know, redoing the gym inside, restriping that versus just the resurfacing and then the whole shebang of clearing everything. That gives us three um pretty good options. But, um, I appreciate your work for those. And if we can just get some community input fairly quick, maybe we can, um, find some funding and move this along.

Thank you, Commissioner Slindac. Chair recognizes Commissioner Don Clark from the F.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, Miss Williams and Mr. Latson, appreciate you all continuing to work on this. I actually was going to say something in step with uh what the commissioner from the 7th was saying. Uh, Miss Williams, since you and I are the only two honorary members of the uh, pickle ball club at uh, Henry Bighgam, uh, let's make sure that we tap into our club that we are honorary members of. No, I'm just I'm serious though. Let's I think we got enough pickle ball players around here, though. Um, I'm I just started playing myself. It's a super fun sport, but I know we have a lot of seniors and outdoors is going to be unbearable at a certain point in time. So, having some leverage to kind of do in indoor outdoor is going to be beneficial. How many facilities do we have right now that are able that are marked up for pickle ball? Yeah, indoor. Yes, ma'am.

About five.

Five. So, we got we got a pretty good amount of options for folks to kind of rotate around to for indoor while we're working this outdoor component. Okay, great. And um I know we we do have other facilities as well, community facilities like Trinity on the Hill and other places that offer free play as well. So, um Okay, thank you. I'm looking forward to uh seeing this. This is going to be really uh great once we do get something up and running. um it'll take some time to get through, you know, the pricing and bidding and all that. It's not going to happen tomorrow. So, let's make sure we set expectations appropriately, but I think you all have time to, like Commissioner from the seven said, query um our active players to really give some feedback and some skin in the game on this. Thank you both.

Thank you, Commissioner Clark. Mr. Hollis, we're going to recognize you. You uh have distributed some information, but if you will, for the record, please state your name and address, please. Even though you're not part of the delegation, we're going to at least recognize you see as how we're discussing this because of your interest. Mike Hollis 30907. All right, sir. Can you describe what you've uh

um what I laid out here um last at the last meeting when they said that the um pickle ball court would be 500 and something,000. And I said that's a good investment. So, I went and did some of my own research and I contacted about 15 different companies around the country that make pickle ball courts. And this one I I gave you a copy of. Um they they go through every state in the country. They make pickle ball. Last year they made over um 800 pickle ball courts refurbishing tennis courts into pickle ball courts. So I called him. I talked to Mr. thing and I sent him pictures and a video of Warren Road um the tennis court out there and I asked him could you just send me something with a rough draft of the cost and all the breakdown and he sent me what I handed to you guys today and the total was you guys said 540,000 um the total I got was 181,000 you know that's with the chain fence which we don't really need a chain fence there they got a chain fence around there already So with these overpricing numbers, um I think we need to re-evaluate and look outside of the state if we want something reasonable and something that we can afford. I know how important it is to use the people in the state, I'm all for that. But when they talking about 540,000 and you can get it for 180,000, I think that's a great discrepancy.

Thank you.

Oh yeah. Yeah. One more thing. Oh yeah. and all these other pickle ball courts. Like I said, I wanted to go out with my grandchildren. You can go to I don't care any of these pickle ball courts around Augusta and you cannot find little children out there playing pickle ball. If I go to these places where like Henry Bighgam or or um Warren Road or any other pickle ball, there's no children under the age of probably 19. My grandchildren are six, seven, eight, nine. And that's why I want to go out. That's why I want a public pickle ball court in West Augusta so I can walk out there early in the morning with my grandchildren and teach them pickle ball. They don't have any anything for kids in pickle ball. It's all grown-ups as athletes like Mr. Clark said. Um, you know, they don't have anything for children and that's what I'm about. I'm about the children. Give them a place to play. Invest in our children.

Thank you, Mr. Hollis. Appreciate it. Director Williams, Mr. Latson, thank you so much. I don't see any colleagues in the queue. That's what we're going to do here. We're going to receive this as information. We're going to provide some direction. Any anybody? We're just going to receive his information. Yes, sir. All right. Can we do that without objection? Any objection to receive this as information? Hearing or seeing none, madam clerk, we're going to take item four and receive his information without objection. Mr. Hollis, thank you for being here, sir. All right, let's move on to the next item. Madam clerk, I think that takes us to item five, please.

Item number five, approval process of plans from contractors and developers. Mayor Pro Tim.

Thank you. All right, Mayor Pro Tim, you had the floor, sir. Mayor, since the last time I've been in office, it's been a u as far as being a contractor, I get a lot of phone calls from developers, builders, and people who does investment in this community. Some of the challenges that they have is that it's not user friendly. Our process is not user friendly. And ever since I've been back on this commission, we have been focused on bringing the contractors in, developers in, and we we come a long ways in a short amount of time with the leadership of our administrator that's been heading this up and this um construction review committee as well that went uh extinguished when um we had the former Marshall Masters retire. it no longer became actually a tool for us to use as trying to figure out the problems from every um contractor in the whole department of construction. But I do want to say um while intern Vassor was doing his job, willing to stand up, he's really been a focal person that I could actually lean on to get things done and get answers. Um as well as um Kevin Boyd. I appre appreciate both of y'all for being there. That that means a lot to us cuz y'all got the energy and the desire. you don't might not have the answers, but you're willing to find out and I appreciate that. Um, so some of the challenges that we see was Commissioner Slend and myself went to lunch with a developer and a builder

and they were telling me that it costs more per square foot or it costs more than any other surrounding county to do business in Augusta. And one simple thing that they had brought up is getting plans approved. That goes through the fire department, engineer, utilities, um, license inspection and license and or plant and zoning license inspections. But all it takes is somebody to comment when it goes through that process to comment on that plan and then they get the government takes 45 days and then everybody else has to go through the same process to get the same approval when it should only be defined to that one department and not have to go through the whole process again where it takes 60 80 90 days for it to be done. That is ludicrous. So, I did reach out to the administrator to anything I put on the agenda. And madame administrator, where are you at with your staff directors of coming with a path forward to make it efficient for these um end users?

Yes, sir. Uh Mr. Commissioner, so as you have stated, there were a number of concerns that were raised by the um developers and contractors. So in September um what we did because of course you know we have a construction advisory board.

However we couldn't not get enough members on that board because one of the requirements of that board is for the people to live actually in Richmond County. So it was you know very hard to get a quorum or get a large group to meet to have those respective discussions. So what we've done is in administration we created the administrators construction advisory council and that council is made up of 11 different um representatives from our industry for u construction um developers as well as builders actually sit on that council um as well as our respective departments. I I will say that Mr. Vassor and his team as well as the fire chief um our engineering department as well as our utilities department and information technology because we want to make sure that we utilize technology have made some strides. We meet once a month and everybody comes in um and I and I do want to do a special shout out to Tiffany Heightsman um who's over the home builders association. She did a she does a phenomenal job in bringing us any concerns from the perspective group itself. So we meet, we look at issues, um we determine what's the best way to move forward. We have made some improvements. Um we've made updates to the website. We've improved the notification process so the developers and engineers um as well as the actual um lead for the construction get the same information so they're aware of where we are. Uh we have um now we're in the process of finalizing the terms of a new software agreement because we're going to go to a new platform that's going to help to streamline the process as well when we do the reviews and make sure that we're doing them electronically and all of those respective departments will actually get to do that electronically and respond.

So um as you stated we have been working now to minimize that 45day delay. um we have up to 45 days and I and the the concern is when there is one comment or something has to go back it starts that process again. That's correct. And that is one of the things that all of us have been working to try to improve and see if we can come up with a new uh policy in regards to our response time. So we've been working again with all of the respective departments. We are also looking at some other things that we will be bringing back to the governing body for approval. Our goal is to probably bring all of that information no later than June. Um some recommendations that we have as far as the inspections, the permitting, various things that they want to see and that they're um supporting us doing as a body. So um they it the meeting the council itself has been making a lot of progress sir. So that is one of the things that we are working to do. Um, as well we have Commissioner Rice and Commissioner Lewis that are both on that council as well. So, um, I think they've heard I think Commissioner Lewis heard some of their their concerns. Um, and we're working toward resolving those concerns. So, everybody's to the table. We wanted to make sure all of our community stakeholders were sitting at the table to give us some information. Um, and what they were truly cuz we want Augusta to grow and we want us to do some smart building and we want to make sure that this is the place everybody wants to develop. So, we're working through those respective things with everybody to the table from different companies, different construction companies, all of them are at the table giving their input.

That's right. But the way I look at it between Burke C, well, not Burke County, uh, North Augusta, Aken, Columbia County, um, I want to say even as far as Barnwell, when they outnumber us when it issuing, um, housing permits, something's wrong with this picture. We're good at doing apartments, which is for some reason we are we it attracts like lint. Um, but as far as the you got a council, construction council, uh, why don't we do this to to reimplement the uh, construction advisory board? Why don't we not only do they have I know there was always something that um, say that they had to live in Augusta. Why don't we do this? Why don't we say if they have a business permit, business license in Augusta that they could sit on that board? because just to find the people uh let's say plumbing for example we got universal plumbing

u fortunately he was on the board before um but to find another entity like that is rare um that lives in Augusta as far as electrical you know heating and air um if we could naturally we policy setters yes sir I think that would be more for I think uh legal to because it would have to change the actual require requirements, right?

Um for the construction advisory board, the construction board, but for ours is really no, you know, because it's in the administrator's office. And so again, I mean, we, you know, we have a full room every month discussing each of the items and we're more um focused on the internal operations and how we can improve the internal operations, right, and respond better to the um our youth, our customers. So Okay. Well, madame administrator, I definitely appreciate you staying on top of this, finding ways and solutions to make it user friendly for our builders, developers. Yes, sir. Thank you so much. I'd like to receive this as information.

Thank you, uh, Mayor Pro Tim. Um, Madame Clerk, Mayor Pro Tim has asked to receive this as information and without objection, is there any objection from this body? No objection. No objection. This is being received as information with no objection. Madam clerk, I think that takes us to the companion items that the commissioner from the fifth has requested. Number 8, 9 12 13 14. Can you jump? Is that 15, 16, 17, and 18? All right, let's get all those. Do we need to read all those in? All right,

number 27 so we can get All right, let's get let's go. Let's let's move 27. Get 27 out of the way. Then we'll come back to those companions. Item 27. Read for the record. Madam clerk, a motion to approve funding for the March 10th, 2026 special election, House District 130, and the April 7th, 2026 runoff. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Director D. Good afternoon, Dawson. I'm sorry.

You got it. No, good afternoon. Uh, what the we are asking for is we're asking for funding to cover the special election for House District 130, which took place on March the 10th, and then for the runoff, which we will have next Tuesday on April the 7th. I didn't come before this body before the special election um because at the time um there was um a very short window and I was using the money that had already been in my budget for the May primary in general hoping to keep the the funds down for the special election. We came in a little under $60,000 for that special election. Um the runoff should be less than that because we will not have but four days of advanced voting. Advanced voting usually is um about half of what the election cost. So for the May 10th election, I was asking to funds to be put back into the budget um that we had to use for the May election and then of course for the extra funds to cover the runoff. The runoff is next Tuesday. Um, and that would be about $38,000. So, it's about half of what the actual election costs or about a third, I guess. Um, of course, the bulk of the money um that we spend is of course with pole worker pay that was about $16,000 for the pole workers. Uh, advanced voting for the election was $23,000. And then with with testing and machines and and whatnot. So that is what uh coming before this body um to ask for 95,200 to cover the special election which was not part of our 2026 budget because that was not an anticipated election. It was due to the resignation of Lyn Hefner, House District 130. Unfortunately, as we all know, elections are not cheap and

unfortunately we don't have the option when the governor tells us to have an election. That is what we we have to do. Thank you. Uh Director Doss, I heard a motion to approve. I'll second by Mayor Pro Tim Wayne Gilles, seconded by Commissioner Katherine Smith Rice. Funding is coming from where? Mr. Mayor, Madam Administrator, the fund would come from general fund contingency. All right. We willing that away quick, sir. We are. All right. Uh, Commissioner Don Clark.

Hey, I do want to add a point of uh, clarity to this. Um, and I want to give a shout out to uh, the administrator and of course our IT team for this. There were a lot of concerns and questions that came from folks um, stating that they didn't know if they lived in district 130 and so on. Um, for community members, um, you can now go on the Augusta GA website, go under government, on the section that says find your commissioner, it will now provide you an entire list of all of your elected officials. So, this is not just for commissioners. This is for your, you know, US um, congressman, your US senator, your state folks, even your school board members. every last one of them will be provided when you put your address in. It'll give you your full rundown. So again, uh special acknowledgement to the administrator of leading that and of course our IT team for making it happen. But I think that's going to give a great deal of clarity um because we heard that there was a lot of folks that didn't know if they were in the district 130. So this will help make um Travis and team's job easier as well. Thank you.

Thank you, Commissioner Clark. And I want to remind people also that this district 130 special election early voting started on yesterday and uh it concludes early voting concludes on April 2nd. Those early voting locations, Director Doss, can you just clarify those just for the record, please?

Yes. So, we have two locations uh open and you are correct. It closes at 6 p.m. on Thursday. Of course, the holiday is Friday, so we're not open on a holiday. So, the two locations that are open is the municipal building here downstairs in the Linda Beasley room and the Henry Bighgam Community Center out on Golden Camp Road. So, both locations are open um 8:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. at night. Of course, uh just a little reminder um since this is a runoff election. It is not a primary. anyone who was eligible to vote who are in the 130 house district and even if they did not vote in the special election, they are still eligible to vote in the runoff. Um so we do encourage uh anyone to uh either go to this um our website, the Augusta GA website. You can also go to the Secretary of State's website um to look yourself up to see if you're in that 130 house district. Um we have a list of the polling places and precincts also on our website. And so we encourage um anyone who is eligible to uh take advantage of that. We only had um you know a little over 4% turnout for the um for the special election. So um definitely it cost a lot um and we don't get a lot um a lot of uh outcome from that.

Thank you, Director Dawson. And the election is on Tuesday, April 7th. Tuesday, April 7th. All right, Madame Clerk, we have a proper motion and seconded it by Commissioner Katherine Smith Rice. We're prepared to vote. There's no colleagues in the queue to approve the request by our elections director, Travis Doss. I just pushed it.

Commissioner Lewis, Commissioner Lewis. Well, I think you've already voted. I just can Can you just sit tight till Commissioner Gil comes back from the restroom so we can maintain a quorum? Can you just hold tight for a minute? You'll be back in just a second. We'll be good. All right, Madam Clerk, you want to That motion carries Mr. Garrett, Mr. Garrett, Mr. Wimbleley, and Mr. Jordan Johnson out. All right. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Let's uh let's move back to the other items. And thank you. Thank you, director.

All right, madam clerk, let's move back to those items. Uh, okay. That would be that's 8 9 8 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 and all companion together. Yes, sir. Two 22. It ends with 22. Oh, it ends with it go that far, does it? It ends with 18. According my record, we had we consent at 19 2021. We didn't 22 two. Yeah, that was up there on the consent agenda. Okay. And 22 was 22. Oh, 22 goes with it as well. Okay. Got it goes with that. Okay.

All right. Do we need to read all those in attorney blanket or what is your recommendation, sir? Well, will note Willis for road condemnation. I think that would be fine. Thank you. Be a lot of reading otherwise. Yeah. So, Mr. Clark. All right. So, you you do we need to read them in or just read one of them in? I I think if we could say just the street I think the street address is noted.

Okay, we'll do that. Item 83 7 2283 Willis Foreman Road 2327 Willis Foreman Road 2797 Willis Foreman Road 2399 Willis Foreman Road ma'am I think that was 2349 2349 2349 I'm sorry item number 13 is 2349 Willis Foreman Road

item number 14 is 2345 Willis Foreman. 15 is 3032 Willis Foreman. 16 is 4102 Willis Foreman. 172746 Willis Foreman 182721 Willis Foreman Road. Thank you, Madam Clerk. attorney pocket.

Mr. Mayor, Mr. Clark, you would ask about this. So, these are this is for the Willis Foreman road widening project. There are different reasons why we end up having to condemn property in these particular situations. There were three, four or five of those that we could not reach a a value. So, the property owner wanted a different amount than was being offered. There are two that are title issues. So that could be a a bad description in the title. Sometimes people will do their own quick claim deeds and they'll just do a bad job of describing the property for legal purposes. Sometimes there's an estate issue that we'll have and so there's an unadministered estate and we have to deal with that. And then on occasion and two of these are this way that there's a lean against the property that is greater than the amount that's being acquired. So we have to deal with that creditor in that issue. So condemnation is the way that we can do this. So each time we bring this along, we're as as soon as the property is not able to be negotiated to a resolution, then um the process is that engineering authorizes us to move forward with requesting that this be condemned. Number 22 is a request that if we are unable to reach a resolution or there's a title issue that you could go ahead and authorize us to condemn any properties that we cannot reach an agreement for because that will shorten the process by 3 to four weeks and we are trying to uh Dr. Malikica can can correct me if I'm wrong, but I think we're trying to have all of the titles acquired by either June 1st or June 30th. And so out of the 262 264 parcels, we have about 60 parcels left to deal with. Um, of those probably 40 are actually will close and 20 of

those may have to be condemned. And so rather than bringing additional 20 to you if they cannot be resolved by negotiation or title issues, the request is allow us to go ahead and proceed with condemnation of those. Yeah. So I guess uh Mr. Mayor, can I address general counsel? Yes, sir. Thank you. Um I guess the biggest thing is and since it's so many of them um if let's say five of them you can't come to an agreement does that upend the project or does that put you where where does that put us today? If we can't acquire all the property we can't have a notice to proceed to move forward

and that jeopardizes the fiscal year funding for that project. Okay. And that was why I wanted to get some clarity on it on um and do we know we have any soft commitments upfront um with any of these or this is just kind of cold starting the process? Um well we've closed probably 160 of the parcels. Okay. So this is I I guess the best way to look at it is you work as long as you can to resolve the case. Okay. And then you kind of get to the problem cases where there's an error that the estate has not been administered. So there's nothing else we can do but condemn. Okay?

And so you take the easiest cases first, try to get those resolved. The ones that are negotiated sometimes it may be a couple hundred dollars and it's like there's a trying to work through that. But sometimes there's just truly an impass. people see the property's worth more than than our appraisers do and so then we have to go to the courts to see what that true value is. All right. Thanks. I just needed some clarity on a couple of those things. Um what this was going to do to the uh project moving forward if we had too many of them that um we couldn't come to concurrence about we can get through them if you'll approve them. All right. Motion to approve. Second.

All right. Madam cler motion to approve a proper seconded by Commissioner Katherine Smith Rice. Seeing no colleagues in the queue for discussion, we're prepared to vote on items number 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and item number 22 that have been companion and we're voting. Mr. Mayor, did you say 18 as well? I'm not quite sure if I heard that. Yes, I did say 18.

That's part of it. Okay, that motion carries with Mr. Wembley. Mr. Garrett and Mr. Gil out. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Let's move on to item 10, please.

Item 10, approve the 2026U with Augusta University for an internship program centered around environmental and smart city sensors and programs. Thank you so much, Madam Clerk. Utilities Director Westbas.

Thank you. Uh this is a three or four year program we've been sponsoring um about between 5 and 10 to 12 uh students um over the summer and throughout the year um work on environmental issues um water quality sensors heavily uh through the physics department at Augusta University and um provide faculty support, lab support, those types of things. Works really well. They're actually out yesterday deploying some sensors in Finy Swamp um looking at water level and water quality. um coming through Butler Creek and parts of the swamp. So um this is the uh annual extension of it and asking for you to approve. I I'll approve. Motion to approve.

All right. There's a motion by commissioner from the third, Katherine Smith Rice, seconded by commissioner from the ninth, commissioner Francine Scott. Madame clerk, see no colleagues in the queue vote. That motion carries with Mr. Wimbley, Mr. Garrett, and Mr. Gil Fo out. Thank m clerk. Number 11.

Item 11. Excuse me. Item 11, approve second contract amendment with itron 2416125 AUA189. Thank you so much, director Vines.

Thank you. This was just a fortunate occurrence. Um, itron is the vendor we selected for the smart metering program and they have partnered with a company called Voda AI who does remote sensing leak detection. We've looked at this package for years. um it's always been very expensive. Uh turns out we get the first year for free and so we said well it's hard to turn that down. Uh no cost extension of the contract for the first year and we get to test fly some really cool AI software. So that's all it is and we're looking forward to the opportunity. Looking forward to working. Thank you director commissioner from the third commissioner Rice. I'm make a motion to approve that and thank you Mr. Mayor. Thank you to Director Bine. Welcome. Thank you. Is there a second?

Second. It's a second by Commissioner Francine Scott. Madame Clerk, see no colleagues in the queue for discussion. We're voting. Tell you what, madam clerk, all that celebrating we doing Mr. took the sale out of everybody's uh the wind out of everybody's cell. It might have quiet up in here today. They exhausted. That motion carries with Mr. Wimbley, Mr. Garrett, and Mr. Gil all out. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Let's move on to item number uh I think that takes us to 25. Item 25.

25. Motion to approve the staff to begin identifying a parking management solution for the downtown corridor. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Commissioner Don Clark, floor is yours.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. So, in the spirit of ensuring that we capitalize off of the years of work that our staff and many community stakeholders have kind of put forth um towards this subject and in the midst of us doing this construction, I want to make sure that we're kind of proactive in ensuring that as we're going through the construction process that we're also doing this vitally important step towards getting the staff moving. um towards establishing um suitable solutions and options for us uh to approve. So I don't think to date we've had anything on record um that has green lock green lit the process to move us um madam administrator are you tracking that as well? Have we ever had a vote to get you all started on bringing us some solutions?

Not that I am aware of. I know previously the engineering department did develop a parking management plan. Um I'm not sure if that was approved previously. However, we are looking at us getting together to work toward getting a um parking management plan as well as working with our community stakeholders like ACE and the downtown development authority, bringing everybody to the table so that we can actually discuss um what we need to have included in the parking management plan.

Yeah. And and the reason I brought this one up is simply just what what what you just stated is let's get us in motion with moving towards you all you the staff and our community stakeholders providing uh the governing body a solution to approve and to um help move us forward. Uh park management is not foreign to Augusta Richmond County. Um, I think Augusta Tomorrow had a uh post uh I think it was early this year um where they showed from the 50s and 60s where there were up and down the corridor parking meters stuck in the ground. Um I don't think it's anywhere we can visit across the nation where you're not going to pay for parking. So, the fact that we're establishing this um highly essential um beautifification process for our downtown corridor and surrounding areas, um we need this is an essential step and I think it's a makes sense step Augusta um moves back towards um this direction. It' be another source of revenue for us. Um but again, this is not approving I want to make sure and clarify this. This is not approving any solution as it stands right now because we're not presenting one today. There is not one that is on the books right now for us to approve. We are simply um putting our staff in motion led by the administrator's office and engineering towards bringing in our community stakeholders as well to bring some viable solutions to the governing body. So I wanted to make sure and add that point of clarity for the record. We are not approving any solution today, but this is putting us in a very proactive stance of planning, exploring, and identifying viable solutions in concert with our ongoing construction.

Thank you, Commissioner Clark. Chair recognizes the commission from the first, Commissioner Jordan Johnson. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh just for clarity, when we voted um to I believe it was um to send Ella Street one way to redo uh Reynold Street and to paint some of the side streets. Wasn't that parking management uh portion involved in that in that discussion as well? Didn't we vote that day to do something with our parking management? Minister, I am not sure. Commissioner Johnson, I do recall the topic coming up. I'm not sure if they voted to do the plan or that is something that we needed to bring back and look at. Okay. I can defer that to Dr. Malik, but I'm not sure if

you get clarity on that just just in one of your updates. Just let us know what we did on that meeting. I will. Just so that we're all on the same page. Okay. Thank you. Dr. Malik, are you aware of any parking plan that we put in place? Just for clarity, you're here in the room. Any paid parking management plan? Good afternoon. Um, it was discussed and the parking overall was kind of got okay, but I I don't recall the actual uh approving the plan like meters and all of the strips. So, I think that's what we're getting green light to go forward and bring the plan back with the community input. You got it.

All right, Commissioner Clark. Yeah. And again, um, I talked to, uh, Commissioner Johnson earlier about this. I think this is a makes sense stance for us to do. So, let's just, um, again, the motion is already set of what we're voting for. Um, do I need to entertain? Do I need to make a motion? I mean, we already have one. All right. I'd like to make a motion to go ahead and approve. And I'll second it. All right. Thank you,

Madam Cler. The commissioner fas put in a motion has been properly seconded by Commissioner Katherine Smith Rice. I don't see any callers in the queue. We're prepared to vote on the motion to approve staff to begin identifying a parking management solution for the downtown corridor. They're all out. They're all out. That motion carries with Mr. Wimbley, Mr. Tony Lewis, Mr. Brandon Garrett, and Mr. Wayne Gilful out.

Thank you, Madam Clerk. Let's move on to item 26, please. Item 26 is a motion to approve the resolution and amended adoption agreement and addendum to the Augusta GMA 401A defined contribution plan to allow Judge Emmeritus to receive benefits while employed and prohibit future employee and employer contributions for Judge Emmeritus. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Commissioner Scott, is this your item? No, not a question. It was is any of the judges here to speak to this? Whose item is this? Please. This came through legal. It came through legal. All right. Attorney Plunkett.

Yes, sir. So, this is currently we only have one judge emeritus of the civil and magistrate court and that's Judge Allen. Um he is asking that he be allowed to start withdrawing retirement funds um from his defined contribution plan. but in currently under the plan for him to be able to do so he would have to retire um and resign as judge ameritus and he from time to time fills in for the civil magistrate court judges. So this would allow him to continue to serve in that ameritus capacity but now start drawing on his retirement and it would stop any additional contributions that would have to be made by the county.

All right, we got a bunch of questions here. All right. Um, Commissioner Francine Scott tonight. Thank you, Mayor Johnson. Um, Attorney Plunkin, how many judge emmeritus do we have and how would this impact the ones that's won't be asking to uh pull down their uh there is only one judge ameritus and that is Judge Allen. Okay.

Um, I'm I'm not sure Mr. Mr. Manton may know if another judge can qualify, but currently it's it's he is the only one who's eligible at this time. So the rest of the judges in the um civil court are paying into the contr into that plan. So they just not reached retirement age. So would that have an impact on them when they get ready to retire? No ma'am. This is this is um a defined contribution. So these are monies that he has put in, the county has put in. It's not like a pension where that may be impacted. So this is really him just being able to get to his his contributions.

So we're just doing it for one person. So every time another person a a judge emmeritus come you have to do it. I I guess I'm just not understanding.

You wouldn't have to do it for it would be applying to all judge emerituses is just orai. I'm not sure which way it is but um there's only one currently that has that status. So you're amending that a judge ammeritus after reaching 59 and a half years old could if they have reached this ameritus status could also withdraw their retirement plan funds. But it's it's not like the superior court judges or the state court judges. They're treated that's a state system. This is from the county side. And so it's only the civil court judges which would be um I'm going to I know Judge Brown. I'm drawing a blank on the second one right now and Judge Allen. So that that would be the only ones. Judge Johnson, I apologize to Judge Johnson not recalling this moment. So it's really just those three judges and only one of them has ameritus status.

Who has authority over those courts? Uh turning planket ultimately. Does clerk of commission have I mean the clerk of the courts have any authority over any of those? They would, the clerk of court would have management over the case files, but they would more or less report to the judge and there's a senior chief judge and that would be judge Carleta Brown Sims. Has she weighed in on this and provided an opinion? I'm not sure she did. We worked with um GMBBS and um GMA to structure the language that would be necessary. Okay. Commissioner Scott from the Ninth. I see you still in the queue.

Thank you, Mayor. Johnson, is this something that we have to approve today? And if not, can we please um have Judge Brown weigh in on this? I would be more than happy to. Yeah, I would ask that the same be done so we don't we don't provide bad precedent moving forward. All right, Madame Clerk. Um, it's been a request to that we get more feedback regarding this item, item number 26. You want to table it or defer it? We're going to defer it. Let's defer to the next commission. Yeah. Okay. Is that with the governing body without objection that we refer item 26 to the next commission while we get feedback from Judge uh Carleta Sims Brown?

Without objection. Without objection. No objections, madam clerk. Yes, sir. All right. That takes us, we're wrapping up here to item number item 31. Item 31, a motion to approve granting of a permanent utility easement to Jefferson Energy Cooperative for installation and maintenance of electric utility infrastructure to serve the proposed new fire station located at Gordon Highway and Powell Road. All right. Uh, I don't see anybody from engineering. Who's handling this one? Madam administrator,

I thought that item was consented. Mr. Mayor, 28, 29, 30, 31. Yes, sir. Under public safety. No, it wasn't consent. I don't have it on my list. Okay. Put it on there. I got 21 on there. All right. All right. I'll make consent. We ain't got to do it. Just consent it. Yes, sir. So, does that conclude our business for today? Mr. Mayor, we would request addendum the addendum item and also potentially go into a legal session. We consented item number one. We addressed two. Number three was consent because it was deleted. Yeah. What other item are you referring to? Attorney Plunket. No, sir. I was asking that we would go into executive session.

Executive session. All right. Looks like we have a quorum. All right. There's been a mo Well, I need a motion first. Is there a motion? And Mr. Clark, you need a second. Mr. Clark, are you willing to make the motion? He did. Mr. Clark is making motions there. Second. Come on y'all. Miss Scott. Thank you. Commissioner Francine Scott second it. Madame clerk. See no colleagues in the queue for discussion. Let's vote.

Mr. Mayor,

you know you're not on the delegation, but I'm going to let I'm going get while we voting. You better come on her up. Uh I don't want to read the city of Gus about the information about the century safe that we discovered off of Belair Road and also we can't let you discuss that sir. So if you will you can reach out to the clerk right here. We'll get you on so you can properly do it. Okay. All right. That'll be fine. All right. Thank you. Thank you for your patience and being here. But if you talk to Clerk Bonner, she'll make sure she gets you on the agenda. Okay. All right. All right. All right. Madam clerk. Okay. Can't even publish this one. Lewis. Oh, he's Don't leave. You gota get on the thing now. You got you said you need to see her. Okay. See Monday or Tuesday next week, but I Okay, you're scheduled. All right.

Thank you, sir. That motion carries with Mr. Wimbley, Mr. Mr. Lewis, were you trying to vote? Okay, Mr. Lewis, Mr. Garrett, and Mr. Gil. Thank you, Madam Clerk. We're now suspended to executive session.

Wait a minute. Where's the clerk? I need a clerk. Need a clerk. Portain.

Madam clerk. Yes, sir. I call this meeting back to order. Attorney Plunket. Mr. Mayor, we request a motion to authorize you to execute the closed meeting affidavit. So move. Second. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Attorney Plank. We have a motion by Commissioner Don Clark, seconded by Commissioner Katherine Smith Rice. Seeing no colleagues in the queue for discussion, we're voting, Madam Clerk. Who vote? No. Oh.

Oh, I want to. I don't know why I said no. Okay. Was that an error? That's in there. Okay. So, we'll count you a yes. Voting yes. Mr. Jordan Johnson, Miss Rice, Mr. Clark, Miss Slind, Miss Scott, Mr. Guilo, Mayor Johnson. Absent, Miss Pulium, Mr. Wimbleley, Mr. Lewis, and Mr. Garrett. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Attorney Plunkett, are there any motions as a result of our executive session?

There is one, Mr. Mayor. We would request a motion to approve the salary of any newly hired finance director for the Augusta Regional Airport at a rate of 130,000 per year with a moving allowance of up to $10,000.

There's a motion by Commissioner Don Clark and I heard a second by Commissioner Katherine Smith Rice. No colleagues in queue for discussion. Madam clerk, re voting. That motion carries seven with Miss Pium, Mr. Wimbley, Mr. Lewis, and Mr. Garrett out.

Thank you, Madam Clerk. I think that concludes our business today. Madame clerk, I hereby call this meeting into adjournment. Thank you so much.