Commission - Regular Meeting

Thank you.

All right. Good afternoon. Hey, come on, come on. All right, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. Thank y'all for being here. I can ask all our colleagues on the commission to make your way to the dais. Who are we missing? Missing, all right, Madam Clerk, it appears that we have a quorum The time is now 2.10 p.m. on this Tuesday, July the 21st. I call this meeting to order. I will explain our guest in just a moment. Madam Clerk, the floor is yours.

At this time, we will have our invocation shared with us today by Pastor Reece Leroy, lead pastor of the Vineyard Church of Augusta. Mayor Johnson will now introduce our guest who will lead us in our Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Mayor.

Thank you so much, Madam Clerk. Ladies and gentlemen, we're fortunate to have two groups visiting us today from the School Aid Center out at Fort Gordon, being led by Mr. Gerald Arnett and Rosa Miller, And then the director of Child Care Network, her name is Deanna Hanna and Kiara Crawford. Thank you guys for coming, being part of your government day and blessing us with your presence. And we're going to ask them to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance after the prayer. Thank you so much. Pastor, the floor is yours. Please stand.

Thank you so much, Mayor and commissioners, for the opportunity to come and lead today in prayer. Would you join me in prayer? Father, Son, Holy Spirit, we thank you for this day that you have given us. We thank you for breath and for life and for all the blessings that you have entrusted to us. We pray that you would help us to be good stewards of every good gift that you give. Lord, in accordance with your word, we come and we pray for our leaders at every level, federal, state, and local. Father, I pray that you would bless our mayor and the commissioners as they take all of these orders of business today, that you would give them wisdom and discernment and insight. And Lord, thank you for just all that you are doing in the Augusta community. We pray your blessings. We pray that you would lead us into the good and prosperous future that you have for us. And Lord, we pray that we would be people who love mercy, who act justly, and who walk humbly with our God. And I pray these things today in Jesus' name. Amen.

Students, if you will, face to the right. The flag is to your right. And we're going to ask you guys to lead us to your right. Please lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

I pledge allegiance 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.

Pastor, thank you so much for that prayer. Now I'm going to ask my colleagues, if you will join me now, let's get a picture with these students. That would be phenomenal. Come on.

You want to get behind them? Yeah.

I was coming to you. I ain't, you know.

You want to get back here? Everybody stand in here. Get in here.

You got to go up front. All right, y'all ready?

Three, two, one. Ready?

Three, two, one.

All right, ladies and gentlemen, let's give another round of applause for our future leaders. Thank you all so much for being here.

Pastor Leroy, he's still in the chamber. Pastor, as you make your way forward, thank you for putting us in remembrance of God's promise to us. Thank you. By these presents, be it known that Pastor Reese Leroy, lead pastor of the Vineyard Church of Augusta, is our chaplain of the day. May your spiritual guidance and unwavering leadership continue to bring strength and blessings to the citizens of Augusta. Given under my hand this day, 21st day of July, 2026, Garnett L. Johnson, Mayor. Thank you. Thank you so much.

Pastor, thank you so much for that prayer and thank you for being here today. Madam Clerk. I think that takes us to the recognition portion of our agenda. Let's proceed, please.

Yes, sir. Item A, years of service recognition. Recognize employees celebrating 25 to 50 years by our HR director, Ms. Anita Rickert and staff.

Good afternoon, Mayor Johnson, Commissioners, Administrator, and Madam Clerk. It is, first of all, my name is Anita Rueckert, the HR Director with the City of Augusta. And it is with great joy and pleasure that we are going to recognize our Years of Service recipients today. for the years of service recipients in the first quarter of 2026. For the first quarter of 2026, we had 61 employees celebrating five to 50 years of service with Augusta. The total years of service and institutional knowledge being celebrated is 825 years. Yes. This afternoon, we're gonna recognize our 25 to 50 years of service. So to the recipients, when I call your name, please make your way up to the front with the mayor. Michael Gabe, utilities, 25 years. Michelle Wren, Sheriff's Office, 25 years. Robert Bryant, Jr., Sheriff's Office. She's not here. Is that you, sir? Oh, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Let me get Michelle first. I'm so sorry. I'm moving too fast. Michelle Wren, the Sheriff's Office, 25 years. Robert Bryant Jr., Sheriff's Office, 30 years. Anthony Reynolds, Fire Department, 30 years. James Lester Jr., Engineering, 30 years. Bernie Hardin Jr., Sheriff's Office, 30 years. Doreen Holmes, Procurement, 30 years. William Rhodes Jr., Sheriff's Office, 30 years. Titron Bush, Sheriff's Office, 35 years. Judy Blackstone, Finance Risk Management, 35 years. Susan Epps, Sheriff's Office, 35 years. Michelle Gilliard, Civil Court, 40 years. Again, congratulations to all of our years of service recipients.

Ladies and gentlemen, another round of applause for more than 800 years of service. Madam Clerk, we'll give them a second to clear out of chambers. Okay. All right, Madam Clerk, next delegation item, please.

Yes, sir. Our next delegation, item B, recognition, I'm sorry. Mr. Brinson Judon, selected as Augusta Technical College 2026 College Gold Winner. Presenters.

dr kendrick's hooker augusta technical college thanks so much madam clerk this item uh has been led by commissioner don clark uh he is in the queue i yield the floor to the commissioner from the fifth commissioner clark thank you mr mayor uh ladies and gentlemen it is a great day to uh recognize uh one of our

up-and-coming leaders in this community. Mr. Brinson Judon happens to also be the son of our airport director, Mr. Herbert Judon, and his lovely wife, Satanya Judon. This is a proud day that we're able to recognize someone with such a bright future, someone that has really gone above and beyond in his scholastic abilities and pursuits, and you're the runner-up in the entire state as well. So ladies and gentlemen, we wanted to take time in the midst of everything that we have going on. And can we help and celebrate this fine young man on his great accomplishments? And he did all of this at one of the best technical schools in the entire state, which we proudly have and affectionately know as Augusta Technical College. Help me bring up Mr. Brinson Judon and his family.

Well, I just want to say thank you, Mayor. Thank you, Commissioners. It truly is an honor to be recognized by the city that I work tirelessly, you know, every hour of every day to serve as, you know, with the most integrity and honesty as possible. And, you know, really, I also want to extend a thank you to AUGUSTA TECHNICAL COLLEGE. MY INSTRUCTOR IS BACK THERE. MY DIRECTOR OF CAMPUS LIFE AND RECRUITMENT IS BACK THERE, MR. QUINTON WHITE. I WANT TO EXTEND A THANK YOU TO MY LEADERSHIP AT AUGUSTA TECHNICAL COLLEGE. UNFORTUNATELY PRESIDENT HOOKER COULDN'T BE HERE TODAY BUT THANK YOU TO HIM AS WELL. THANK YOU TO MY LEADERSHIP AT WRDW. MR. GARY IS BACK THERE. THANK YOU TO MY COLLEAGUES AND COWORKERS AT WRDW. Miss Sidney Hood is back there. And lastly, I want to say, you know, Augusta has not only given me work, but they've given me the people that are worth doing the work for. And I look forward to not only continuing my impact, but above all else, I look forward to continuing to serve my peers and my community. So thank you all so much for this recognition. It means the world to me.

We've got to come back and get another picture, according to the commissioner.

I know that's it. I ain't doing that.

All right, Madam Clerk, congratulations. Another round of applause for Mr. Judon. He's doing great work. And he got some talent from college. Madam Clerk, ladies and gentlemen, we know today is going to be a spirited day and that we have a very long list of delegation items. Actually, there's... a little over a dozen of them. We're gonna companion items, colleagues number eight and 30, and what we're gonna do is we're gonna companion those delegation items that also reflect those who wanna speak regarding delegation, and we're gonna put those towards the end so that hopefully we can get out of here get the people's business done first, and then address items number eight and number 30. And as I count, there's one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, 10 delegation items. that will go with those. And each delegation will be given an opportunity to speak for five minutes before we address items number eight and number 30. All right. So, Madam Clerk, let's move on with the delegations. I think that's going to take us to item F. I think Ms. Zakia Mabry wants to talk about Lessons in Public Governance, Part 1, Transparency. Doing delegations.

No. Yeah. He just skipped the ones for data center.

The ones for data centers, we're gonna combine those when we address items number eight and number 30. Item F. Then we'll go to item F, N, O, P, Q, R, and S. All right.

Give me a moment to get situated. I didn't know I was gonna be coming right at this moment. Okay. Good afternoon, everyone.

Good afternoon. If you will state for the name, your name and place of residence.

My name is Zakiya Mabry and I reside in Richmond County. The first lesson in public governance is that transparency is not one way communication. We continue to hear that the data centers was new in 2022 and Augusta is just now learning as it goes. But Google was officially founded in 1998. It's important that I point that out because I'll wait. Can we stop the clock while I'm waiting? Okay, by 2022 government employees, planning professionals and elected officials have access to decades of publicly available research, professional guidance and examples from other jurisdictions concerning digital infrastructure and large scale data center development. We could have used Google, right? The issue is whether the right questions were being asked for their approximately 211 acres that were zoned and before this project advanced to its current stage. I'M ENCOURAGING, I'M VERY ENCOURAGED TO SEE OVER ABOUT A DOZEN PEOPLE COMING TODAY TO TALK ABOUT THE DATA CENTER. THIS IS NOT A ZEKEIA ISSUE, NOT A HANG STATION ISSUE, THIS IS A CONCERN FOR the whole of the Augusta County and the CSRA in Georgia. There's room for many voices, leaders and approaches. We may not agree on every goal or strategy, but we can identify where there is alignment and we can work together. Now, after major decisions have already been made, city officials are preparing to visit and tour a QTS data center in Fayetteville, Georgia, on 3 August. Community leaders and residents who are directly impacted and community leaders should have the opportunity to attend and be part of the discussion. and while the information is being gathered. If public funds are being used for any part of this, we should have an itemized list of how it's being done and the agenda for said meeting and tour. I also want to point out that I recently learned that a federal public comment period concerning the proposed impacts of wetlands, streams, and other protected resources went from 10 February to 12 March of this year. Mind you, we had the QCS in Augusta Town Hall at the elementary school on the 11th of February. Most residents had no practical reason to know that we should have looked on the federal agency website for that opportunity listing. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is still accepting substantive comments. So if some of the members in the public want to hold up the QR codes, if you come see one of us, you can scan that. And when we're having a session on 12 August, you can be invited. In addition, we can send you information about where to submit your comments for that open period because they're still accepting information. By Friday, we hope to have that email out. And please give us your contact information. I just wanna add that transparency requires disclosure, equal access to relevant information, meaningful opportunities to ask questions, get a meaningful substance response and a clear record showing how the public concerns are affected in the final decision. Many citizens would agree the city needs to implement better governance and oversight. I respectfully ask that the moratorium be extended for 180 days so we can take a thorough look at the ordinance and receive public feedback and implement it along with some other agencies. To every resident, advocate, professional, citizen, community leader, let us collaborate and work together. Mr. Mayor, at this time, I want to yield the rest of my two minutes to Deborah Estep for a few remarks.

Ma'am, you have one minute. Okay. Mr. Estep.

Good evening, I'm speaking in support of government transparency as well, and I want to name the part of transparency no one talks about, the language itself. We're told public information is public, and technically it is, but there's a wide gap between information that exists and information a resident can actually find, read, and understand. And that gap is where accountability quietly disappears. Because when the rules that govern us are written in vague gray language where what's allowed depends less on a clear standard and more on how an official chooses to read it in the moment power has moved. It moves from the people to the person doing the interpreting and the benefit of the doubt goes to the official. The burden lands on the citizen and that shift almost never gets announced. So it asks this body to hold itself to a simpler test. Not was it technically permitted, but was it clear? And did it serve the people who live here? It's not a high bar. That's the standard. And everyone watching, it feels like this is too big a change. It isn't. We're already fixing it. Citizen-run gathering Saturday at 6 in person and remote where residents can track what's happening. That's in the handout I've left on the table. Take one, take a stack, and share it with your neighbors, your family, and the people who felt shut out. Because fixing this starts with us trusting each other enough to talk.

That's time, thank you so much for being here. Madam Clerk, I think that takes us to delegation item N, please.

Ms. Lorena Pope Mathis regarding holding property owners accountable for rental properties that is being neglected as it relates to the Richmond County Code of Ordinances.

Thank you so much. Ms. Pope Mathis, welcome to the Augusta Richmond County Municipal Building. If you will, for the record, please state your name and your place of residence, please.

Thank you. Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Lorena Pope Mathis, and I reside in the Santa Rita subdivision community since 2000, excuse me, February the 3rd, 1987.

Thank you, ma'am. You have the floor and you have five minutes.

Thank you. i come before you today um want to put it to draw attention to slumlords it's not where you live it's how you live and overgrown properties the basketball goes in the street i have witnessed There's people that have moved from our community to Columbia County, Aiken, North Augusta, Atlanta, Florida, and have forgot about the upkeep of the structure and the property. It appears they only care about the money. And with this, it brings other nuisance that's a violation to the Richmond County Code and Ordinance. OVERGROWN LOTS, BASKETBALL GOES IN THE COURT. I LIVE ON A COURT. IT HAS TURNED OUR COURT INTO A BASKETBALL COURT WHERE YOU HAVE SEVEN TO 10 KIDS AT A TIME, MAYBE MORE. IGNORING NEIGHBORS, LOUD NOISE, CUSSING, RUNNING THROUGHOUT PEOPLE'S YARDS, THROWING BASKETBALLS IN THE YARD. Now with the overgrown, I need clarification, please, on the 12-inch rule, because I've seen it where there is a property that is cited as in compliance, that says in compliance to Richmond County Code and Ordinance, a property across the street, same condition, is out of compliance. And I would like to know how the 12-inch rule is administered. I would also like to see a uniform code across the board concerning basketball goals. have seen throughout the years I have been in Sand Ridge, remarkable and unremarkable changes throughout the years. I thank Richmond County, my commissioners, and everyone that worked to keep our community safe and clean. I thank you today for this opportunity to stand here today and cite my grievances. Your attention to these matters will be highly, highly received. And the residents, we only want in South Augusta to be heard, to listen to first, heard and respected. Thank you.

Again, for your time. Ms. Pope-Matthews, thank you so much. And I want to point out, I don't see our planning director, Ms. Cameron. She's directly behind you. She will put you in touch with the appropriate personnel to get your questions answered, okay?

Thank you, sir.

Thank you for being here.

Thank you.

Madam Clerk. Item O, please. Item O, Dr. Lawrence L. Freeman regarding Operation Cleanup, City of Augusta, Georgia for District 1 and surrounding districts for a cleaner and better Augusta.

Thank you so much, Madam Clerk. Do we need to use the mobile mic or does... Okay. All right. All right. Mr. Freedom, for the record, please state your name and your place of residence, please, sir.

Greetings, everyone. My name is Dr. Lawrence L. Freeman, Jr., a.k.a. Law Dog, and I live at 534 Laney Walker Boulevard over in Allen Homes over on the Golden Block.

Mr. Freeman, Dr. Freeman, you have the floor in five minutes, sir.

Okay. I would like to thank Charles Jenkins and Commissioner Matt Knight for this President, if James Brooks, are you in the building? Yes. Coming up, we was talking about, I understand it's a better operation, operation cleanup. And I would like to thank Marie Bolton and Lieutenant Brooks. Mr. Jenkins and Ms. McKnight had helped did this. Now, I want to let y'all know that we got Augusta, right? You know, it's the second largest, but like Ms. Pope was saying, you know, overgrown weeds. And I remember y'all was talking about the right of way. Well, I already talked with someone over at the, at Fantasy Road when I was riding around. And thank you, Jordan, for putting your video up. I saw, you know, with the fly up, you know, you know, when you look at the city from up high and then the city up there, it looked like a beautiful place to stay, right? But when you get into it, like on East Boundary, Laney Walker, which is the Golden Blocks, and not only that, surrounding areas like Meadowbrook, Meadowbrook Park, Bar Chaparro, you know weeds blown or yeah other people's is any plus I had taught with the Augusta Canal folks He didn't get back with me yet about trying to clean up the canal You got overgrown trees trees locked down and damn right down Lane and Walker Boulevard with twig Street You got the power is right there it's undisposed kids could walk it up and down going to the store electrical fire i mean electrical something might shock them and who's gonna be held accountable and you know yeah we got all the overgrown trees uh around miss stacy williams second district and surrounded i brought some reinforcement right here to let's see what we gonna do about this and um they was like yeah we'll love to help clean up so i'm gonna let y'all talk good afternoon

Good afternoon, Madam Warden. I'm Marie Bolton, the Deputy Warden at Richmond County Correctional Institution. I had the honor of speaking with Mr. Freeman the other day. Nice to meet you, sir. I have Lieutenant James Brooks here with me. We want to help in any way that we can with this endeavor that Mr. Freeman has mentioned. And we are willing to do so. We are. JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE, WE'RE TRYING TO MAKE DUE WITH OUR STRAPPED STAFF, BUT I SPOKE WITH MR. FREEMAN AND SHARED THAT AS WE CAN, WE WILL BE ABLE TO PULL FROM ONE DETAIL TO POSSIBLY HELP CLEAN UP THE AREA THAT HE'S SPEAKING OF, BUT WE JUST CAN'T COMMIT TO IT WHOLEHEARTEDLY BECAUSE WE ARE STRAPPED AT THIS TIME FOR STAFFING, BUT WE ARE WORKING ON THAT ENDEAVOR AS WELL. LIEUTENANT BROOKS, He's been gracious enough that if I ask him to help us out, we'll find a way to satisfy Mr. Freeman as best we can.

Thank you so much. Operation City Cleanup is an effort that occurs now every other Saturday, and it's a collaborative effort between the City of Augusta, the Sheriff's Department, the Marshal's Office, State Court, where we have our probationers are given the opportunity of getting uh two hours for one hour of work on on saturday between 8 and 12. so it's not only a way to for probationers to work off hours if anybody in the community that wants to be a part of keeping augusta clean operation city cleanup every other saturday happens i'm about for the canal authority and that just this past saturday they had a cleanup of the river and the canal i think it was a paddle cleanup where they collected bags and bags of trash so they did their community effort this past weekend. But Dr. Freeman, thank you so much for being here. Yes, sir.

But what about like the downed trees? And also we understand y'all doing an operation cleanup and we thank everybody, but we need to get all the organizations like the school, baseball team, band, ROTC, you know, to get them because they're going to raise funds too. That'd be a good way for them. But we're not just trying, we know y'all, but look on Facebook. but y'all seem disgusted. Come on, y'all. They could have done it with that rice, man.

Yes, sir. All right. Dr. Freeman, thank you so much. Ms. Bolton, thank y'all so much for all that you do. Appreciate you being here today, okay? Thank you. Thank you so much.

Madam Clerk, I think that takes us to Item P, please. Item P, Ms. Rebecca, in Shores regarding the Augusta Veterans Day Parade. All right. Ms. Shores, are you in the building?

Rebecca Shores calling two times in the event that she's outside. Ms. Shores, you're gonna give up five minutes that I know someone would love to have today. Madam Clerk, there is no Ms. Shores. Let's move on to item Q, please.

Q. Item Q, Ms. Teresa Ivey. Special Exception 26-1H of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance to establish a family personal care home at 3120 Blackmon Court. Thank you so much, Madam Clerk.

Is that item Q? That's on the agenda too? We'll proceed with her. Ms. Ivey?

Yeah, she's the delegation.

If you will, for the record, please state your name and place of residence.

Yes, Teresa Michelle Ivey.

right that's the richmond county so you have a companion with you ma'am are you going to be presenting if you will for a record it's the same please octavia collins president of the richmond county neighborhood association alliance inc and i live in richmond county thank you so much miss ivy you have the floor in five minutes

Thank you so much commissioners. I'm speaking on behalf of SE 2611 that was denied initially and I'm here to continue to confirm the commissioners will deny it again. Just a A high level, I want to reiterate that that property next to the proposed site has been my family's home since 1995. Over the past three decades, four generations of our family have lived, grown, and built lasting memories there. It is more than just a piece of property. It is the foundation of our family legacy. The legacy that we have built is not measured by financial wealth, but by our faith, our values, and strong family bonds that have been passed down from one generation to the next. We hope to continue that tradition and preserve this home for the next generation, which will be our fifth generation, that will be contributing citizens to Augusta Richmond County. Thank you for your time, your consideration, and the opportunity to speak today. I sincerely appreciate it.

Thank you, Ms. Ivey. Ms. Collins, would you like to add anything additional?

Yes, thank you all so much. As each of you know, we have been battling this for a while now pertaining to businesses in residential areas, and as you know, personal care homes are businesses. So the Planning Commission did deny this, and we're prayerful that you will deny it as well. Thank you so much for your time.

Thank you so much for being here. Sir, I see are you... Is this gentleman part of your delegation?

Yes.

Sir, you're not on the delegation?

I'm representing, opening the group home under 31.

You will have an opportunity when we address it on the regular scale little agenda item, okay? You have that opportunity. All right. Madam Clerk, I think that takes us to delegation item R, please. R?

Yes.

Greater Augusta Black Chamber of Commerce, Organizational Overview and Benefits to the Community. Speakers Ronnie West, Johnny Gregory, Matthew Frazier.

All right. I've been asking, you guys getting ready to sing or something? I think they're going to rap. Those are rappers. They're commissioned from the whore. All right. Madam President West, you have the floor, if you will. State your name and who you represent today.

Yes. Hello. Good afternoon, everybody. I'm Ronique West, present co-founder of the Greater Augusta Black Chamber of Commerce. I was asked to present an update of the chamber and what we offer to the community here in the CSRA. So if you didn't know, well, thank you, commissioners and mayor, for your time today and the guests in the audience as well. If you didn't know today, this year is 2026. The time is now is our theme. We choose a theme every year so we can just motivate the community, motivate the leaders and so forth. Our mission is to foster economic stability for businesses through advocacy, education, networking, discovery and strategic partnerships. And our areas of focus is business, community and government. We consider ourselves the conduit between the three. Now, if you didn't know, we are based in Augusta, but we cover the entire CSRA. Now, before I get into what we do for the community in an update, I can't do this without our team. So if you see the lovely faces up here on this slide and the next slide, you probably know them because they're always working within the community doing things. So now our members. These are pictures from this year's events. We had a kickoff event. We also had our annual gala and we always do annual awards here at the organization. I just want to talk about the collaborations and how we are carrying out OUR ACTUAL MISSION. SO YOUR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WAS STARTED IN 2017. THIS IS OUR NINTH YEAR. WE HAVE PARTNERS WITH CHAMBERS THROUGHOUT THE U.S., SCHOOL SYSTEMS THROUGHOUT THE CSRA, CORPORATE AND BANKING PARTNERS, LOCAL, STATE, AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, BUSINESS ENTITIES, COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS, AND THE COMMUNITY ALIKE. This is a little time on our annual report. This is on our website, so you can pull this information yourself. We have an open rate of our email communication, about 60%. We have text communications go out on a regular basis to our community, not just our members. We have a nice following on our social media platforms. We want to make sure we're a conduit for the community in communication to get things out. and educate the community our membership sits about 229 members at the end of 2025 we have about 85 percent retention rate and we run a lot of programming and advocacy AS WELL. SO I WANT TO HIGHLIGHT OUR TRAINING INITIATIVES. THAT WAS SOMETHING WHEN I WAS ASKED, KIND OF VOLUNTEERED TO BUILD THE ORGANIZATION, I SAID I WILL DO IT IF WE HAVE TRAINING AS A STRONG COMPONENT. I WANT TO REPORT TODAY WE HAVE RAN EIGHT PROGRAMS, LED OVER 92 CLASSES, TRAINED AND PROVIDED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO THOUSANDS OF BUSINESS OWNERS RIGHT HERE IN THE CSRA. and direct capital of over $600,000 to business owners in this area. So we are really doing our mission at this point. Just behind the headlines, we do things like ribbon cuttings, events, economic monthly impact call. We also do a member-only monthly call. We have community partner events, internal staff meetings, of course, and our weekly newsletter, which a lot of people do enjoy. This is a couple things for 2026 and we're going into 2027. We've already held our first program for this year and closed it out. It was the SBR grant program that was powered by Governor Kemp. We have done a Georgia State capital visit already this year. We have business floods, which we're bringing back. We try that every year. That's where we encourage the community to come out and support locally owned businesses. We do strategic planning sessions with our leadership training. We have an annual gala that's already hosted. Our women's and men's brunch has already occurred. We've had several networking events. partner events with chambers without the CSRA and so forth. Our Black Business Summit comes up in August, which is the Black Business Month, next month as well. We have an energy conference that we are working on to make sure we address data centers, nuclear energy, as well as renewable energy. That will be happening this September. So we are always advocating and making sure we're addressing the things that are most pertinent for our community. We also just got funded through our GABC Foundation for Rural Business Initiative, and that was powered by Senator Ossoff. So just some strategic initiatives that we have for 2026. Access to starting and working capital is always one of our strategic initiatives. Advocacy throughout the U.S. Business education and support. Child care access and affordability is an area that we cover between Georgia and South Carolina. We've been having talks around that for the last three years. Artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. And then insurance, affordability, and access. We have now been deemed as a risk factor for insurance because of Hurricane Helene. So we have actually been meeting about that. And if you want to connect with the chamber, you can contact us at 706-310-8425 and our email is up above and you can go to our website and we would love to continue to service the community. So contact us if you have any questions and then Matthew and Johnny have a presentation.

All right. Gentlemen, if you will, for the record, please state your name and place of residence, please.

Matthew Frazier, Augusta, Georgia, District 5. All right. And as a member of the Greater Augusta Black Chamber of Commerce, we held our annual Men in Business Brunch. The theme was centered around legacy and leadership. The event celebrated outstanding men whose leadership, service, and dedication are creating a lasting impact throughout our community. While several honorees were recognized during the brunch, one recipient was unable to join us, so it's our privilege to present this award here this afternoon in this commission meeting. And it was our Unsung Hero Award. This recognizes individuals who consistently serve others behind the scenes. they are the people who rarely seek recognition but are always willing to help when their community needs them they lead through humility service and action this year's unsung hero recipient is none other than don d c curry is my privilege and honor to clark i'm sorry that's what you that's what you give for the uh the rap group comment so we wanted to present don dc clark with our 2026 unsung hero award congratulations i i i thought dc kerr was going to tell us some jokes

I love it. You didn't put it on there, did you? No, no, no, no, no. We didn't do that. Thank you.

Congratulations. Want to do a picture?

Let's take a picture. Where are we going?

thank you president west and all the great work you do at the greater augusta black chamber of commerce your work is noted and appreciated madam clerk i think that takes us to delegation item yes yes yes are we there item s item s miss patricia jeter confirm and discuss the creation of a commercial quarter enhancement and storefront improvement program All right. Good afternoon, Ms. Jeter. Thank you for being here. For record, please state your name and your place of residence, please.

Good afternoon, distinguished mayor and commissioners. My name is Patricia Jeter at 4103 Madeline. I'm sorry, 4102 Elders Drive.

Madam, you have the floor and five minutes.

Okay. I submitted an amendment to this agenda item to make some comments about the data center. And I would like to, if that's the case, we will allow you, but can we get through the, and we'll add you with the other group.

Okay. Okay. So just give us a little time. Let's get through it. And I promise you get your five minutes.

Okay, I just kind of wanted to tie it in a little bit to this, but you know, that's fine. I'm here today in regards to...

So are you going to present now or are you going to wait with the data center? You're going to present on the topic of the commercial corridor? It has to be relevant to this.

It does have some relevancy in regards to aesthetic values as far as the surrounding structures, how it impacts the surrounding residential areas.

Is it referring to the data center though?

Yes.

So can we wait and put you with the other group if that's okay?

Well, that portion is, yes. Would you want me to do the whole thing with them?

Yes, if you don't mind, yes.

Because it's not just the data centers in regards to Title VII, the construction, building construction and compliance. Did you...

Yeah, let's put you in with all the other data centers.

Buildings and construction, the importance of enforcement.

Yeah, let's put you in with the data center group, okay? Okay, all right, thanks. Thank you so much, Ms. Jeter. All right, Madam Clerk, let's move on to the consent portion. Let's kind of clean up some of these things, because I know most of the conversation is going to be driven around the data center's items 8 and 30. So we're going to open up the consent portion of this meeting, see if we can clean up a little bit. For the record, do we need to read any of the planning ordinances? Well, let's just go through the consent portion. Chair recognizes Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Guilfoyle.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor, agenda item number 33, we already handled last week, so we need to delete it off this.

Yes, sir. We have that added to the consent. 33 and 38 is requested to be deleted. 33. Okay. Number 38? Yes, sir.

Thank you, ma'am.

33 and 38. All right. Thank you, Mayor Pro Tem. Chair recognizes Commissioner from the 9th. Commissioner Francine Scott.

Thank you, Mayor Johnson. On the consent agenda, I got several calls about number one, and I would like to pull that.

All right. Colleagues, the request has been to pull item number one.

Mister mayor before we go to kid, we do the announcement on the planning is only yes, let's see if we have other objectors this man okay. Call your attention to the consent portion of our agenda planning items that there any objectors to any of our planning petitions would you please signify your objection once the petition is read call your attention to item number 2 is the request for rezoning from a high. from a heavy industrial and a light industrial to a Zone B2 general business affecting property located at 3010, 3010 A Walker Street. Are there any objectors? Any objectors to 3010 A Walker Street?

Madam Clerk, hearing or seeing none, let's continue.

Item number three is a request to amend a B2 general business from zone Z07104 to establish an automotive service station and repair garage for specialty vehicles. Are there any located at 1650 Barton Chapel Road? Are there any objectors?

Any objectors to 1650 Barton Chapel Road? Hearing or seeing none, let's continue.

Item number four is a request to amend the B2 General Business zoning conditions from zoning case Z07104 to establish an automotive service station and repair garage for specialty vehicles on property located at 1650 Barton Chapel Road. Are there any objectors? Is that the same one, Madam Clerk?

I think that's a duplicate. Three and four duplicates? Three and four duplicates, obviously. It's the same address and actually same number.

With no objectives.

With no objectives. All right. Let's move on to item five.

Okay. Item number five. It's a zoning ordinance to establish a family personal care home. Property located 3120 Blackman Court, Zone 1A. Are there any objectors? 3120 Blackman Court.

Deny. I got to see your hand so we can count them, please. It's recommending to deny. This is a recommendation to deny. So if you want this to deny, I need to see your hand so we can count them, please. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. 15, I have 15, 16, 16, Madam Clerk. Okay. To deny. Okay.

All right. Item number six, It's a request to amend a B2 general business zoning conditions from zoning case Z2256 to establish a convenience store and property located at 1602 Gordon Highway. Are there any objectors?

Any objectors to 1602 Gordon Highway? I don't see any.

That takes us to item number seven. It's a request on the comprehensive zoning ordinance to establish an extended stay hotel property located at 1310, 1310A Walker Street. Are there any objectives?

1310, 1310A Walker Street. Any objectives? Hearing to see none.

Let's continue. Okay. Under our public service portion of the agenda, if there are any objectors to our alcohol petitions, would you please signify your objections once the petition is read. Call your attention to item number 12. It's a request on... consumption on-premise liquor, beer and wine license and Sunday sales for property located at 127 Laney Walker Boulevard Extension. Are there any objectors?

127 Laney Walker Boulevard. Madam Clerk, I don't see any objectors.

Item number 13 is a request for consumption on premise liquor, beer, and wine license and Sunday sales property located at 2706 Gordon Highway. Are there any objectors? 2706 Gordon Highway. Madam Clerk, I don't hear or see any. Okay. Our consent agenda consists of items one through 29 with deletion of items 33 and 38.

We've asked to pull item one by the commissioner from the ninth. Item five has the petitioner here with objectors. Sorry, now.

Pull eight. Yes, the mayor asked for eight.

There you go.

One five. Eight is going to be considered along with the data center. That is correct. A companion with item 30. Item 30.

That is correct. All right, let's get back to it. Commissioner from the first, the floor is yours, sir.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I'd like to add item number 40 to the consent agenda. Yes, ma'am. 40, sir. Yes, ma'am.

Item number 40. All right, is there, can we also ask for 41 to be included?

Yes, sir.

Okay. What was that? 40 and 41? 41. 40 and 41, okay. Thank you, Commissioner, from the first. Chair recognizes Commissioner from the second. Commissioner Stacy Pullian.

Thank you, Mayor Johnson. I'd like to pull item number 19. I have a couple of questions.

Number 19, ma'am.

Yes.

Okay.

That's item number 19. Okay. Thank you, Commissioner, from the second. Commissioner Brandon Garrett, he's out of the queue. Commissioner Garrett, I see you were in the queue back end. You have the floor, sir.

Thank you. I'd like to consent items 31, 32, and 34. 31, 32, and 34. 34.

Okay.

Commissioner Jordan from the first.

Thank you, sir. I'd like to pull number 15 for a few questions.

Number 15?

Yes, ma'am. Thank you.

Okay. It's item 15. All right. Commissioner Garrett from the eighth.

I'd like to add item 36.

36.

I make a motion to approve the agenda as stated.

Thank you, Commissioner, from the 8th. 36, and there is a motion to approve before I go to Commissioner Clark. Is there a second to that motion? There's a second by Commissioner Tina Slendak. Commissioner Clark from the 5th, you have the floor.

Yeah, Mr. Mayor, can I get a point of clarity for item 35? Did we pull that one, or was that one added to the consent? It was not added.

It was not? No, sir.

okay i'd like to add number 35 um to the consent as well all right no objection to add an item number 35. madam clerk i don't see any colleagues in the key if you will get us up on the screen so we can see what we have and i think we'll be prepared we have a motion in a second i think we'll be prepared to vote All right. Colleagues, do we have a motion? We have a second. Commissioner from the 5th.

Yes, sir. I see you pulled number 8. Are we going to put, what was it, 30 as well?

It's not on the consent agenda. It's on the regular agenda. We're going to companion 8 and 30.

Thank you.

Okay. All right. Madam Clerk, I don't see any colleagues in the queue for discussion. I have a proper motion by Commissioner Brandon Garrett, and it was seconded by Commissioner Tina Salindak. We're prepared to vote.

Ms. Rice, Mr. Johnson, Ms. Rice out. Okay. That motion carries with Ms. Rice out. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Let's start off at number one. Let's just kind of work through the agenda. Item number one is a request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to approve a rezoning from a zone R1A1 family residential to a zone B1 neighborhood business to develop a daycare center affecting property located at 2933 Deansbridge Road.

All right, is there a planning department here? Here we go. Commissioner Scott, I know that you asked, requested this item be pulled. I'm going to have Director Cameron to kind of kick us off.

Thank you, sir.

Director Cameron, that's item number one.

Yes, sir. So 30 days ago, I was asked to investigate more information about this particular case. And after further investigation, we did find a couple of other things that was concerning our department. Although the applicant did remove the fence that was in front of the building, however, what we found out is that there were additions that were added to the building that did not have building permits. Those improvements that were made did not... apply for a a permit however when we talked to our traffic the investigation uh the the traffic department did find that there was no need for a a left turn um so with that being said um The recommendation for approval from the Planning Commission stands. However, it's the pleasure of this board if you want me to continue to have the applicant to come in. The normal process is to have the applicant to come in and to provide them with the information that they need to get the building permit. There will be fees there will be penalties for doing business without a building permit Thank You director Cameron Commissioner from the 9th Commissioner Francine Scott.

Thank you. I'm here. Thank you director Cameron I got several calls When it went through planning and when you came before us with that and I believe mr. West is he wells is here and i'm not sure how many other objectors we have mayor johnson but uh before my colleagues come up i would like to ask mr wells to come up and whoever else is here to voice their objection to having this daycare here mr wells come on up sir do you want mr wells

If you don't mind, just in case we have questions for Director Cameron. All right, Mr. Wells, for the record, please state your name and place of residence.

My name is Keith Wells. I reside at 2920 on Dean's Ridge Road, Augusta, Georgia. Residing at this place since 1990.

Okay, all right, sir, you have the floor.

Yes, there is, and I believe I emailed everybody here, and I gave you some statistics about childcare drive-throughs and stuff, the average time it takes to pick up a kid, drop them off that are age three to six, which is somewhere around three minutes is what the national average is. Some people call it five. You have to take your kid, obviously at that age, you gotta unstrap it from a seat, you gotta take it in, you gotta sign it in, then you gotta come back out in your car and you get, when you come back to your car, you're sitting there 400 feet from the light. If you, whichever way you come, coming down Dean's Ridge Road, since the only entrances are on the southbound side, you're gonna have to make a U-turn or go back in the neighborhood and queue up at a stop sign. This is gonna be highly dangerous, plus it's gonna cut my driveway off. There's no way that you can have any amount of cars here, and if you also looked at my emails in the stats there, 80% of these kids are picked up within a one hour time, and most of those are within one half hour time. This driveway comes down very steep, it's hard to see, and most people, if you come into Dean's Bridge, The speed limit says 45, but if you took a speed gun out there, it's gonna be an average of 60 or more. We have two months of the year during the school year, which is when most of these kids will be going to childcare, that the sun is so directly in front of your eyes that you can't see in front of you. There's multi-car accidents there sometimes that you'll also notice. That light is one of only two that has a no turn on a green unless you have an arrow, the reason being because that sun's coming in your eyes and you can't see. I don't see, given the little bit of driveway they have down there, for anybody to not be queued up out in Deans Ridge Road. I don't see how it's possible. Another requirement of the, one of the requirements of this was that this had a 10-foot barrier from the northeast residential property, which is mine. There's not a 12-inch variance. Where the fence is, there's a building this far down my arm off the fence. The fence is right down the property line. The fact is when that fence was put in, property markers were pulled up to put that fence in. So the fence is the property line. And I think earlier at the Planning Commission, I had sent some pictures of the distance between the building there and the fence line. And like I say, it's not 12 inches away. You cannot... unless you're a really skinny person, which obviously I'm not, if you're a really skinny person, you couldn't squeeze between that fence and that building. But the main thing is, Besides, Sonoya's gonna be on my side, and I've been here since, I'm the longest resident there. Mr. Epps is the next longest resident. Mr. Randall Keyes, which is also signed off on this email, is the third longest resident, and if you included his grandmother who owned the property, she's longer than all of us. That's a pass-me-down house down there. And he's gonna have a problem, too, with, he says, okay, if they don't make the U-turn up there where they have to come out and go across three lanes right away to get into the turn lane and make a U, he said they're gonna come down, they're gonna make a right, they're gonna go down Rocky Creek, they're gonna go down to Cornell, you're gonna have a stop sign. Then you're gonna try to take a left across four or five, well, three lanes of traffic this way on the south side, but you got the traffic going then on the north side, which is another three lanes, I've been queued up behind cars there just looking for everything to clear out as far as they can see for five minutes for one car. And there's a lot of people when they pull out in Deansbridge, rightfully so, that are frightened. So they really look for, I can't see any cars before I'm gonna pull out. And there is no way with the distance that they have for the drive, I wish I'd brought some pictures, actually I did, but it's on my phone, of what the little driveway they have going around. You can't put more than two or three cars right there in front of the entrance to the back of the house where they're gonna go in. Anything else is going to be stacked up down the driveway or stacked up down the other driveway. And these driveways have an incline of something over 20 degrees.

All right, Mr. Wells. All right, we've got a bunch of colleagues in the queue. Just stand there just in case there is a question. But going back to you, Commissioner, from the 9th, you want to go through the queue or is there anything additional you'd like to add?

i would like to go through the queue with the other uh colleagues that this property thank you commissioner tonight chair recognizes commissioner from the fifth commissioner don clark thanks mr mayor um director cameron um the staff what was the staff's recommendation

The staff recommendation was approval based on the conditions that set forth. However, I did want to bring to the attention and also I spoke with Mr. Wells as well about the development standards that this, the rezoning, one of the conditions is that this rezoning, this development meets the development standards. So they would have to go through that whole process as well. And that would be those standards. They may not be able to meet those standards, but it's a condition that's always put on the cases.

What standard are they not going to meet?

The standards, well, there are several development standards that they may not meet. The adjacent property, what he just said, we have a tree protection, we have landscaping. So there are several, there's a whole list of development standards when you are rezoning from residential to commercial. that property is now brought up to commercial standards. So it would have to meet all those standards once it gets approved. If this board so desires to approve this.

I guess the concern I have, I don't know why we approved it, if the staff approved it, if there were so many concerns. And I definitely don't understand why we've allowed the petitioner to go through as many steps that they've taken to try to meet the standards of fulfilling this. Because they've gone through not just local standards, they've gone through state standards, inspections, requirements and otherwise. And all of that and the entire time they're paying money to try to meet these standards. So I think it's disingenuous of us to continuously put the commission in the situation of saying, hey, we're going to vote this down and I'm not dismissing Mr. Will's concerns or anyone's concerns. But the process seems very, very slighted in the sense that it's coming to us with as many concerns that the staff has.

Yes, sir. So this was a case that was brought to us from code enforcement. They found that work was being done without a permit and that is what triggered the applicant to come in. If they had come in before, we could have given them all of the information that they needed to make a better decision on this property because we are going through the zoning update that would have helped with that situation. So staff, based on what had already transpired, staff was actually trying to help the applicant in getting the approval. So based on their recommendation, it was, you know, the overall is that they have to meet those development standards.

Yeah, I'm with that. I think the problem is it went through staff recommendation of receiving approval. It went through the planning and zoning recommendation of receiving approval. And we're now stating today before the commission something separate. Was this presented to the planning and zoning commission, the concerns that you're bringing to us now?

The planning commission, yes, sir. Not the zoning board of appeals. The planning commission. Yes, sir.

But didn't they have to go before zoning and appeals as well?

They have not, but they will have to go through there.

Yeah. I'm going to tell you, I'm pretty conflicted on all of this, and I'm going to tell you a couple reasons why. Personally, my wife owned a daycare, and she started out in her home. Yes, sir. My kids went to daycares in a home as well because at that time— Daycare is pretty expensive. We are in a statewide shortage of daycares. This is a requirement and a process that's offered out here specifically because everyone can't afford to put their kid in a full blown daycare center. And I think the thing I'm kind of disappointed with in this process is we're making it harder and harder and harder for folks to be able to, in good faith, go through this process because right now, They're going to be out thousands of dollars, if not more, because they've gone through this in good faith, thinking that if I follow all the steps, if I go off of the staff recommendations and so on. So I'm conflicted on this one because really, to me, if there were this many issues, it shouldn't have come to us.

Yes, sir. And that's the reason why we are updating the zoning ordinance because there are a lot of things that we're trying to correct now. And I do understand the concern.

Are the petitioners here?

Yeah, the petitioners. Are you present?

Did they know about it or did they get confirmation that, hey, your stuff has been approved and you don't have to come?

They received, no, sir, they received a letter that it was on the agenda for today. They did receive that. Okay. Mr. Wells? The letter went out. Let me just put it away.

Yes, I was at the Planning and Zoning Commission, too. I do not believe that anybody ever looked at this place. I don't believe that anybody went by it. While this was going on, there was construction going on in there, which apparently nobody knew anything about. But I don't believe anybody from Planning and Zoning looked at this. When they did come up to it, they said they talked about putting a right turn in, which there's no place to put a right turn in. You'd have to go in my yard. Right. And my hill is already a slant like this to get in the driveway because originally it went out to the median. And that's what they've already emanated, domained out of this property. But this was not brought up in the Planning Commission. My thing was I don't think anybody looked at it. No one had looked at the traffic thing. No one had looked at any effect on the traffic or the queuing. None of this was brought up in planning and commission. In my opinion, this should not have been approved in planning and commission. But apparently, as I say, it appeared to me that nobody really went out and looked at this place.

Well, I know the staff did go out, Mr. Wells, the director. I called her directly myself after I personally went out to see the property because I wanted to get.

I remember talking to you.

Yes, sir. I wanted to get a visual understanding of it. I think the biggest concern with it is it's coming to us as stated that it's approved from the staff and from the planning commission. But then we're being presented that there's a number of issues that's going to disapprove it.

and if i may miss cameron at the last meeting said that if she had reviewed this before that she would have recommended denial instead of approval from the planning zoning that should be in the minutes of the last commission meeting all right uh i'm gonna um get out the queue mr mayor i know we got a lot of folks there thanks thank you um commissioner brandon garrett from the eighth thank you and i i appreciate all the

phone calls that I've gotten in regards to this as well with the concerns and you know one of the things that just jumps out to me is red flag after red flag is the fact that they were already making changes to their building without going through the process they only came forward because code enforcement called them but yet for some reason it's sitting here in front of us as an approval when They've already showed that they're not willing to do the right thing or go through the right processes. There's no way that I could approve this and then allow kids to be kept there knowing that they can't even go through the adult process correctly to do what's right. And I would hate to think of what might happen to if they're going to do the right thing in regards to these kids. So I'm going to make a motion right now that we deny this petition.

Thank you, Commissioner, from the 8th. There's a motion to deny. Is there a second? Second. There's a second by Commissioner Francine Scott from the 9th. There's still a couple of colleagues in this queue. Madam Clerk, we have a motion and a second to deny. Chair recognizes Commissioner from the 4th, Commissioner Lonnie Wimberly. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

What work was being done on the building?

There was some improvement.

What did you call improvement?

In addition, there was an addition to it. They went inside and redid floors and walls, moved walls around. They did. Well, yes, they did. They did an addition, which meant they had to add a roof. Thank you.

Okay. The gentleman talks about traffic. Do we get with? Yes, sir. Chairman, if that really was an impact, or are we just going on belief?

No. So typically we send the applications around to our different reviewers. Traffic at that time said needed to investigate. And so when I sent the information out for the investigation, they said it was determined that no right turn lane was necessary if it was approved.

If it was approved.

So traffic was not considering inbound traffic. It was just the outbound traffic. Am I correct?

So, yes, sir, if you're, yes, sir, to turn in, that's what traffic was saying. There was no issue.

Right. No issue with turning in.

So the only issue then is... That would be the only issue from what I would see. But I'm not a traffic engineer.

Well, you should have been listening then.

Now...

I wanna make sure we got good standards on code enforcement and our codes, building codes. Because I just received a call yesterday from a family that somehow another enforcer showed up at their property. and was telling them they need a permit. And that permit was to, because they was putting, had someone to put a screen, screen Y on the back porch. You need a permit for that.

Is that resident? Was it residential?

It's residential.

Well, sir, I would have to have the address and I would need to find out more. I'm going to tie it in folks. Okay. All right. But go ahead. to put screen on a house on a porch usually does not require however I want to say I don't know the size so I don't want to answer in a general way but because as you know they it could be screened but it could have been other things and it depends on the size.

Okay it also depends on the cost and the reason I brought that up is you just said that they were making additions but you're not painting a picture for me as to what that were.

Yes, sir. I did not, so in your packet, you won't be able to see it in your packet. If I have to pull it up, you're right. There was a large addition put on the back of the structure. I haven't gotten the details as to was that a requirement for the daycare center? I'm sure it was. However, again, the applicant proceeded to do this work without coming to the department. So going from that residential to a commercial, it would have required that, especially for a daycare center. At the state level, they require certain, you know, more restrooms, they're going to require other things, but just going from a residential to a commercial, As you are aware, it's going to trigger utilities. They're going to have to pay, they're going to have to go from residential to commercial paying utilities. They will look at the usage now. So there's going to be a lot of things. It won't just be triggered in zoning compliance. It's going to trigger utilities. It's going to trigger, we know it's not going to trigger traffic because they've already said something. But to go from residential to commercial, it's going to change the whole fabrics of how they operate because now it's a business.

I'm aware of that. Yes, sir. But my question was really, is your inspectors, since the folks have been preparing this building for quite some time, and here we are in the ninth hour, and we're telling them, oh, by the way, it's no good. You didn't do these things. Well, nowhere along the line, because they came before your board. They presented the package to be evaluated before the peer, before the board. And now we're just getting the bad talk.

So let me just say, on behalf of the Planning Commission and the planner that did the case. One of the things that we always say, especially in the commercial, is that your project has to conform to the development standards of the code. That is something that we go over with the applicant. The applicant gets the case. a week ahead of time. We're open to go over that with the applicant. So we wanna make sure everyone understands that. That was not a question that came up. That was a condition that was read. They were in the pre-meeting and then they also stood before the commission. The commission didn't ask the question. So I was under the impression that they understood the fact that they had to succumb to those development standards because they came from a residential to a commercial.

which triggered them to be under all the commercial standards thank you thank you commissioner from the fourth commissioner from the ninth um we have a motion in second before we vote is there anything additional you'd like to add yes i would just like to say i think denying a small business is is hard but we have so many unanswered questions and um We need to do better and make sure we are following the guidelines. If we had all these problems with lack of license and permits and that kind of stuff, that should have been a red flag. So, Mr. Mayor, I'm ready to vote when everyone else is.

Thank you, Commissioner. Director Crammond, what's the process for the petitioner in the event of this denial? six months so they have to reapply six months from now yes all right commissioner from the fifth before we vote you have the floor sir yeah hey so

Yeah, I'm really bothered by this one on how it went. I don't like the fact that this is all coming to us now. I don't think it's a fair process. When they go through this process, I'm assuming the staff gives them everything that they have to do, the process, communication plan, and so on, correct?

correct sir and as it stands now we don't require that they come in for a pre-application meeting however for these zoning matters however in the update the zoning update we are strongly recommending that applicants come in to get all of the um information and processes yeah i think we need to update our processes i mean if somebody's going to do business um

And I'm just saying if they're going to go through this entire process and we say, hey, is that you're choosing to do this? I think we need to add some more kind of parameters in that right now. I just don't like how this one this one is going because right now we're getting one side of it that I don't even know if the planning commission received.

Yes, sir. If you look at your recommendation packet, it actually outlines everything that they would need. It talks about the lighting. It talks about the variances for the tree ordinance. So they were giving information that they needed to do the tree protection, the landscaping, you know, the commercial lighting.

It was approved. Yes, sir.

Based on them doing these things.

So it was approved with conditions?

Yes, sir. Approved with conditions.

All right. Mr. Wells, I'm going to give you just a second.

Okay. All these improvements were done before he applied. And if you want, I can show you a picture real quick of the major improvement. But these were done before he ever made an application. Okay. If you'd like, I can show you. All right.

Chair recognizes Commissioner from the second. Commissioner Stacy Pooley. You're out. Madam Clerk, we have a motion. Yes, sir. With a proper second to deny this approval. Seeing no colleagues in the queue, we're prepared to vote. That motion is to deny.

Mr. Clark. Are you voting?

Okay.

That motion carries eight to two with Ms. Pulliam and Mr. Wimbley voting no.

Thank you so much, Madam Clerk. Mr. Wells, thank you for being here today. Let's go to item five, please.

Item number five is a request for concurrence with the Planning Commission to deny a petition requesting a special exception to establish a family personal care home with four clients on property located at 3120 Blackmon Court.

All right. Director Cameron.

Yes, sir. Let me grab this right quick. The Planning Commission, sir, as it stands, recommended denial of this petition.

All right. Thank you so much, Director Cameron. Sir, if you will come to the podium because you are the petitioner. There are 16 objectors. So we're going to give you a few minutes. to argue your case while this item should be approved. For the record, please state your name and your residence, please.

Henry Holston, and I reside in Richmond County.

Thank you, sir. You have the floor.

all right so my name is henry holton i'm the program director and the developmental disabilities professional for um rem georgia under the umbrella of um servita healthcare and through the guidance of dvhdd so um we respectfully um request the overall approval um to support no more than four um individuals within our group home while the county does allow us to have up to um three individuals without an um exceptional um permit This request will enable for us to continue to meet the overall needs of the individuals diagnosed with developmental disabilities. So our organization provides around the clock supports with highly trained staff who are equipped and highly trained through the areas to ensure the overall health, safety, and well-being of the individuals served. OUR MISSION IS TO HELP PEOPLE STAY IN PLACE IN LIVING SAFETY AND SUCCESSFULLY WITHIN HOMES OTHER THAN IN AN INSTITUTIONAL BASED SETTING. SO WE WORK CLOSELY WITH DIFFERENT FAMILIES, DIFFERENT CASE WORKERS THROUGHOUT THE STATE TO ENSURE THAT WE ARE PROVIDING THE OVERALL INDIVIDUALIZED SUPPORT FOR THE INDIVIDUALS DIAGNOSED WITH IDD SO THEY CAN LIVE MEANINGFULLY and comfortably within a community-based setting. So overall, I do currently oversee multiple group homes in the Augusta, Grovetown, and Havasuva area. And we are advocating to open up another home at the residence of 3120 Blackman Court. And I do want to add one more thing. which is the Federal Fair Housing Act. And the Federal Fair Housing Act is a landmark civil rights law which makes it illegal to discriminate against people in a cell, RENTAL OR FINANCIAL HOUSING AND THIS OVERALL PROTECTS SOMEONE BY THEIR RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, AND DISABILITY OVERALL. SO ONCE AGAIN, WE ARE ADVOCATING FOR US TO OPEN OUR FOUR-PERSON GROUP HOME AT 3120 BLACKLAND COURT, HEPSWITH, GEORGIA.

Thank you so much. I know there were objectors, 16. Is there anyone who wants to come speak on behalf of those? Ms. Ivey?

Mayor, before they come up, can I ask the petitioner a question?

Yes, sir.

Sir, is this group home currently operating? Do you have any residents living here? Not currently, no, sir.

We are waiting for the final approval just so we can move forward through a regional office so we can have a provider number and provide services to individuals.

How many other homes do you operate?

So right now, I'm currently, we are currently overseeing eight, which is three in the Augusta area, three in Grovetown, and two in Hepzibah, and the Blackman Court will be our ninth one. Thank you.

Thank you, Commissioner Garrett. Ms. Ivey, I think you're on the record for your name.

Yes, sir. Just to reiterate, I'm Teresa Ivey, 3118 Blackman Court, Hespa, Georgia. Okay. Over the past 30 years, my parents have continuously, along with their neighbors, invested their hard-earned money, time, blood, sweat, and tears into maintaining and improving their property, all while faithfully serving their community. My dad did 20 years in the U.S. Army. My mom did 25 years as a nurse at Gracewood State Hospital. Today, my parents are in their late 50s. They have earned the right to spend their retirement years in a home they worked so hard to build with peace of mind that comes from the feeling of feeling safe, secure on their property. They should not have to worry about the increased risk of crime, the loss of privacy, or the possibility that value of their greatest financial investment could be diminished by placing this business immediately next door to my parents. My family has spent decades, not just building a home, but building a legacy for our family and our future generation. We respectfully ask that you protect that investment and allow my parents and their neighbors to enjoy the home they have built over their entire lives. They took their entire lives to create. Sorry. Thank you.

Thank you so much. Madam President.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I do empathize with what you say. However, this is a residential area. And I think a lot of times that's where some confusion comes in. This is a business. Is it not? Well, if it's a business, then in my opinion, it should not be in the residential area. You don't want it. Well, maybe I'm wrong. Maybe you do want it in your neighborhoods and I'm not going to get you to answer that. However, As you know, I'm the president of Richmond County Neighborhood Association Alliance Inc. I stand with the residents. I wouldn't want it in my neighborhood. And trust me, my mother was in a personal care home. But at some point in time, we have to stop accepting businesses, in my opinion, within residential areas. It poses other problems. Yes, you say you run all of these different ones and they run perfect. Well, that's fine, but they're not in this neighborhood. And as we stated, it's residential. You want a special exception. There's a reason you need a special exception. Planning denied it. And I respectfully ask this commission to deny it as well. Thank you.

Thank you, Ms. Collins. All right, colleagues, I don't see anyone in the queue. Is somebody going to entertain a motion, please?

Motion to deny.

There's a motion to deny by the Mayor Pro Tem.

I have a question. Is that a motion to deny as stated? So that would be a motion to approve what's on the screen, correct?

Yeah.

All right. Motion to approve the denial.

Just...

I haven't heard you. I heard that the motion has been rescheduled, sir. It was seconded by Mayor Brandon Garrett. All right, Commissioner, from the fourth, you have the floor, sir. No, Mr. Mayor, we're out. You're out. All right, Madam Clerk, I don't see any colleagues in the queue. This is a motion to approve the denial of this item, item five. We're prepared to vote.

That motion carries with Ms. Rice and Mr. Clark out.

Thank you, Madam Clerk, Ms. Ivey, Ms. Collins. Thank you for being here. Thank you, Mr. Mayor and Commissioners. You got it. Thank you so much.

Thank you.

All right. Madam Clerk, let's just keep on moving down. We're going to companion 8 and 30.

We're going to move it to 15, please. Number 15.

Yes, ma'am.

Item 15 planning and development is requesting approval for additional funding to the zoning ordinance update to include but not limited to two additional public engagement meetings, workshops for input from all commissioners, stakeholders and public and the production of an official zoning map and future land use map. This request is to extend the PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE TO NOVEMBER TO DECEMBER 2026 WITH AN ADDITION NOT TO EXCEED THE AMOUNT OF $68,368 FOR THE ADOPTION OF THE NEW ZONING ORDINANCE.

DO MADAM CLARE COME FOR REFERENCE? I FORGET WHO ASKED THIS ITEM BE PULLED. MR. JOHNSON. MR. JOHNSON. DIRECTOR CAMERON, DO YOU WANT TO GIVE US SOME BACKGROUND INFORMATION, PLEASE?

YES. CAN I GET SOME ASSISTANT WITH THE? WE GOT HIM. THANK YOU. WE GOT HIM. Yes, so as you are aware, we are right in the middle of, or almost at the end of updating our zoning ordinance. So 1963 ordinance that was updated, amended in 71 and 83 and so forth and so on. And what you will find in the entire ordinance, you'll see the city of Augusta and Richmond County that just came together. Even with building, code enforcement, zoning, your tree ordinance, we have a lot of different individual ordinance that we are trying to bring together. And what was just described a minute ago is a product of what we are dealing with. And so with that being said, when the original contract was assigned in 2024 it was a zoning update and so what i found here and and my my team is that the consultants um pretty much were doing what they were contracted to do. The scope was to update the zoning ordinance. So they were updating portions of it and they were just carrying over other parts of it. And as you can see, it needs an overhaul. So the additional, some of the basic things that happens whenever you do a zoning rewrite update is that you redo your map. Your zoning map has to show and reflect what those new classifications are. It shows where your parks are, your parks and recreation. It shows your utilities, which are special districts. It shows your overlay, things like where your airport is. We don't have that in our current zoning ordinance. And then it also provides for a future land use map. Now we have character areas in our comprehensive land use plan when it was last updated, which is very good. And so with that, what companions with the character areas is your future land use map. And so we take that information, we look at what we have today, and we look at what you would like that area to be in the future. And so we base decisions off of that information. And so having character areas from the past is a result of what you have now at 2933 Deansbridge Road. So we are trying to fix that. And so in talking with the administrator and talking with the consultants, we found out that there were several meetings that had taken place with commissioners or lack of, and the administrator of Allen wanted to make sure that all the commissioners had a part of this zoning update. And so with that being said, there was some conversation, there was some meetings and she wanted to ensure that there were more public meetings because a significant amount of meetings had taken place with the various departments and then there had been stakeholder meetings and some steering committee meetings that had taken place. And so with that being said, we wanted to find out what it would take to bring back in the zoning ordinance to make, excuse me, the zoning map, the official zoning map, to bring that back into view, how much that would cost, and then the future land use map to go along with our new ordinance. and then also to see, to look at other meetings so that we can ensure that all of our commissioners and then the public can take place in that meeting. We did have one meeting out at Diamonds Lake that was very successful. A lot of the public that's here attended that meeting with the consultants. We'd like to see a couple of more of those. And so the information that's in front of you is currently is what has happened. And I want to scroll and I know it's kind of hard for you to see. I do have a couple of more of those. Can everyone see the screen? OK. No. OK. Perfect. Perfect. So I want to make sure that I pull up the July because that's the most, thank you so much. That's the most current. Can you enlarge it for me? Okay. Thank you. That's the most current. And so you'll see what you have in front of you are things that were done. Can you go to the very first? Yes, yes. So these are the items under the current contract that has been completed. And as you can see, I'm just going to cursor down. As you can see, there are still some outstanding items that need to be completed. And what has happened is we have paused this process because we were getting the other ordinance that was directed to do. And so with that being said, it left us a little more some funds left over. And so we are right now, we're negotiating with those consultants because as you can see, we have, we do have some finances left over, have not consumed it as fast because there has been some in the calendar, there has been some holidays, there has been some pauses. And so we are renegotiating and can probably get one more public meeting and, Thank you, I just wanted to, okay. So I wanted to put, as you can see where it says the budget, the percentage that's complete, and then you will see, if you look at the far right, actually, if you look at the previous billing or total earned, let's say, look at total earned, you will see the difference in what has been completed and what is remaining. So what remains that you can, that you see here is the drafting of the zoning ordinance. And that's five. If you can, if you look at five and then five dash one, that remains because what was happening is again, There was a reclassification of the zoning districts, for example. We have tons and tons and tons of residential. And so that was reduced from the previous administrator or administration or director. However, when we looked at that, it needs to be reduced again. We have so many residential areas. And so we want to make sure we have a good product. So we told the consultants to go back to the table. And we're working with them. And as you can see, again, a lot of it has been consumed, but we still have some funds left under this original contract because it won't be complete until about September is what we were looking at. And we needed a couple more vital items. The maps are just vital. It will help us, it will help you, it will help everyone to be able to look at that map and to determine where to put our commercial. It will show the distance of where those businesses should go. You will have your zoning cases on there. You will have your things that were reclassified. That information will be very, very important. The digital map that we have now, you will be able to click over to the future land use map and see what the community wants in the future. And that is what would bring investors in because investors, they can plan, right? When we have information, we can plan better. So with that being said, the information you have in front of you, we do have some money left over that we are trying to use. What I have asked for you here, let me just switch over, switch over. What I have asked for here, if I can get there, sorry. What I have asked for here is the addition that the consultants have provided for us. And then what you see is a survey. In that meeting with Administrative Allen, they talked about a survey being put back on the website. And that would be a partnership between the consultants and staff so that we can cut costs. So we are working on cutting that 68 and some change that we ask you for. But this is a roadmap telling you what they will do. They have been working just through negotiating. We have been working on the mapping part, just swapping over some things. And then as you can see from June to August, you will see a digital map that we will be presenting. And then you see workshops that we're proposing for next month. And then they will be releasing, should be releasing a good, final draft in September or almost ready draft. And then of course, we're gonna have a couple more work sessions with our planning commission and our Augusta commission. And then also the final draft, it will be in mid to last of October. And then we're looking at November to adopt this. Again, I know that we brought before you that we need 68,000 and some change, but we are negotiating that with the consultant now. So it's going to be, it'll be less. I'm almost certain. So I apologize. We just, everything is just happening real fast. I heard back from the consultant this morning, they are redoing the numbers because we are renegotiating these costs.

All right, thank you, Director Cameron. Commissioner Johnson from the First.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I just wanted, you've given me a lot of information. I thank you, Ms. Cameron. The question, just for my clarity, is that this is not a new scope of work. This is just extending the work that was already agreed to?

So the roadmap is new work.

Okay.

So it was previous work, from what I understand, that was taken out of the original contract due to cost. However, I don't understand why, because whenever you are updating a zoning ordinance, you have to, your map has to mimic that. And it could have been, you know, it could have been the fact that we have planners and we have a GIS. However, the resources is just not there for us to be able to do that.

OK, and so you mentioned that you're going back and doing negotiations, and I know that because that's a contract negotiation, we probably shouldn't talk about that on the floor. But I would like for you to provide to us or through the administration, you know, if 68 is needed and this is, you know, you're trying to get it lowered, what's what scopes are going to change? because of that lower price and then compare it to what we're asking for currently. Does that make sense what I'm asking?

It does, yes, sir. The scope will be this. So the scope will actually be this information here. So they will be, because we are doing a new ordinance, they will be drafting the districts and the uses differently. because what they did was took what we had and just put it in fields and columns.

But I guess the level of engagement will probably change if the price goes down, correct? Yes, sir. Okay. Yes, sir. All right. Well, you can just provide that to administration. We'll get it from administration. Thank you.

Commissioner Johnson, thank you. Chair recognizes Commissioner from the 6th, Commissioner Tom Lewis.

Thank you, Mayor Johnson. Director Cameron.

Yes, sir.

You know, last week I had some questions in reference to the $68,000 ask. Yes. I think one of the questions I asked you is this, will this be good money spent? And I think you answered that it was needed in order to further or to complete this... this mandate here. Yes, sir. My question to you, when we looked at the original $300,000 and I see the categories that if you can go back, who categorized these items here and how were they broken down? How were they categorized? Because I see some of them are 100% completed, some are 85%. So based on these subjects here, How did the or did the consultant actually break the numbers down? You know, it was $327,000 each category. Did they break it down as to how much each category would would cost? Because I'm looking at these numbers here and I'm just wondering, how did they come? How did they come about?

yes sir in the previous this is under the original uh contract and this is how it was set up in the original contract so it was that budget column is is what they budget for and then the percentage is what what has been completed or not and then the total earn is what has been paid

Okay, so we say we have some left over. So these that we see that are not at 100%, the money that's left over, once those are completed, will actually...

fulfill the 100 and it would it would take away from the amount that's left is that what we're saying yes sir um the ones that was budgeted for there are some zeros that these are things that were taken out so for example the website typically when there's a zoning update that the consultants they handle everything um however that was negotiated out so we are responsible for doing the website putting information in and and uh keeping up with the with the information so Okay. That, and then you'll see several, you'll see a couple more lines of zeros, but you'll see things like the adoption part. That is something that, of course, that's going to happen. That will go over from the old, from this original contract to the new contract. So that has already been budgeted for the executive summary and the planning commission and the Augusta commission meetings. so six is already budgeted okay so that would that would go over you you have things like five some of that is going to go over at least that's what we're negotiating um and and and again we are um staff is doing a um staff is doing a lot to make sure that this product is what um augusta needs and not something that someone just want to give us

So when we talk about the map, when we talk about the map issue, you said that the ball was dropped when it pertained to the map. That should have been included in the original. So if we're dealing with a consultant, someone that has the expertise, why wouldn't they Why wouldn't they suggest that this be included? And so how can we overlook something so major if we have a consultant, someone that does this kind of work and yet they do not make sure that it's included?

So that's a great question. So being on that side, it is up to the customer.

And so it was probably negotiated out Again, you have a you have a great staff However, I think that I think I think you when you say we have a great staff I think if we left this much out Then it says it doesn't say a whole lot about staff being great if we're gonna leave something so important as this mapping out of it now we've got to come back and negotiate a new deal on including this, then something just didn't add up. We dropped the ball.

Well, I can't say that, sir, because I wasn't here.

Well, not to say, the ball was dropped then.

Okay.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Director Cameron. Yes, sir.

Thank you, Mayor. Thank you, Commissioner Lewis. Commissioner from the second, Commissioner Stacy Boyd.

thank you mayor johnson thank you director cameron for your presentation my question is um i'm glad you all asked about the website creation on the website will we be advertising our process for public comment in our next meetings yes ma'am okay and those public comments are going to be taken into consideration it won't just be the steering committee and that's making those decisions absolutely everyone would be taken all comments would be taken into consideration that's very important um i was at the meeting at diamond lakes and I believe more people wanted to comment and give input, so I would like to see that in our next public meeting, that we can actually receive public comments. Since this is the city that we all will inhabit together, it's important that our citizens are a big part of this. Yes, ma'am. Okay, thank you.

Thank you, Commissioner Pulliam. Commissioner Brannan-Garrett from the 8th.

Thank you, and Director Kammerer, I appreciate the update on this. Mayor, I have one question for our Procurement Director, Pennant.

Yes, sir, Mr. Pennant, Director Pennant. Should I take the other motion? I recommend it. Good afternoon.

All right. Thanks, sir. Hopefully this will be a quick question, but Director Cameron was talking about this contract versus the new contract. Is this additional to the already procured contract, or is this a new procured contract for this additional money?

It will be an amendment. Okay.

The existing contract. Okay. So from what she's presented and what you've seen, do you see any issues with this additional money?

I would prefer additional review.

Okay. Thanks, sir.

All right. Thank you so much, Mr. Penick.

And with that being said, I'm going to make a motion that we send this to committee based on Procurement Director's recommendation for further review.

Commissioner from the 8th has made a motion to send this back to procurement. And then I hear a second from Commissioner from the 1st. All right. You said committee, right, sir? Send it back to committee. Committee. Yep. Okay. And it's proper seconded by Commissioner from the 1st.

Okay.

Madam Clerk, I don't see any colleagues in the queue. We're prepared to vote.

Ms. Linda, are you having trouble? Okay. That motion carries with Ms. Rice and Mr. Clark out. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Item 19, please. Item 19, request to approve submission of the fiscal year 2026 annual action plan representing 3,852,829.39 in an investment in the housing and service needs of low and moderate income residents of Augusta and grant authority for the mayor to execute the necessary document required for submission.

All right, Commissioner Pulliam.

Thank you, Mayor Johnson. I'm going to make a motion to approve this item.

All right. Do you want to request it to be pulled?

Yes, sir, I did.

Madam Clerk, the Commissioner from the second has requested this motion be approved. I heard a proper second by Commissioner, I'm sorry, Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Guilfoyle. There was someone in the queue, but there's no one in the queue now. Seeing no one in the queue and no further discussion, we're prepared to vote to approve this item.

That motion carries with Ms. Rice, Mr. Clark, and Mr. Garrett out. All right, Madam Clark, 37, please. Yes, sir. 27? 37. 37, thank you. 37, approve supplemental funding for the Seoul Source Lighting America in the amount of $251,511 for the Riceboro Road Improvement Project, North Lake Highland Avenue for completing installing solar streetlights. Thank you, Madam Clerk. I see Director Malik.

Dr. Malik, the floor is yours, sir.

Yes, sir. Good afternoon. So this is the last part of our Riceboro Road improvement project from Highland to North Flag. So this request is for just the installation of the lights back in June 2024. This body did approve the purchase of the materials we do have. We tried to get the road work finished before the masters. So that's what we did. And now we're just coming back to get these lights installed. The request is, and the funding is in the project.

Thank you, Dr. Malik. Chair recognizes Commissioner Brandon Garrett from the 8th.

Motion to approve.

There's a motion to approve. I heard a second from Commissioner Jordan Johnson from the 1st. Madam Clerk, I don't see any colleagues in the queue. We're prepared to vote.

With Ms. Rice and Mr. Clark out. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Item 39. Item 39, approve supplement funding in the amount not to exceed $50,000 for Hurricane Eileen. Wait a minute. I think we're asking that be deleted. Is that 38, 39? Okay, I had 39 too. Approve supplement funding in the amount not to exceed $50,000 for Hurricane Aline Debris Removal Coordination Support Services with Infrastructure Systems Management, LLC. Also approve use of general fund balance to fund these services. Thank you so much, Dr. Malik.

yes and good afternoon so this is the part of the healing recovery permanent work and ISM been providing supports for off-road projects on that the request is just to add this one not to exceed amount because that's the FEMA process requires to have that notice to proceed and not to exceed so If the need arise, we will pull the money out of that. Not necessarily our $50,000 going to go there, but I need to have that question. The previous approval, we exhausted all those funds. Majority of them was during recovery phase and all that. but this is the sports they're doing for off-road projects since the engineering was, did the previous supplement and RFP and all that. So that's what I'm bringing this to this body.

Thank you, Dr. Malik. Chair recognizes Commissioner Lonnie Wimbley from the Fort. Mr. Mayor, I recommend approval. I heard, I recommend approval by Commissioner Lonnie Wimbley. I heard a second from Commissioner from the 9th, Commissioner Francine Scott. Madam Clerk, there are no colleagues in the queue for discussion. We are voting.

That motion carries with Ms. Rice and Mr. Clark out.

All right, Madam Clerk, I think that concludes most of our agenda items with the exception of item eight and item 30 that we have companioned for today's commission meeting. Before we address item eight and item 30, we're gonna move back to the delegation portion of our meeting. As I counted, there are 11, 11 delegations that we need to address. And colleagues, we need to take a five minute break. We're gonna suspend for five minutes because each delegation requires five minutes and that's five times a lot of time. So give us five minutes and we'll reconvene. Madam Clerk, we stand suspended for five minutes.

Yes, sir.

All right, Ms. Gayla Kesey. I saw Ms. Gayla Kesey in the hallway, so we're gonna see, I think she's first on the list. Dr. Gayla Kesey. Dr. Gayla Kesey. All right. Madam Clerk, I see our first delegation is here and we have a quorum. I'm gonna call this. this session back to order? Yes, sir. And let's start with delegation item C, please. Ladies and gentlemen, we're back in session, back to order. Madam Clerk.

Delegation C, Dr. Gayla Kesey, postpone the vote and strengthen the data center zoning ordinance. Thank you so much. Dr. Kesey, for the record, please state your name and place of residence, please.

My name is Gayla Kesey. I live in Richmond County. Thank you, ma'am. You have the floor and five minutes. i'm also speaking on behalf of the league of women voters as co-president i came today to speak on the data center ordinance and the additional 68 000 requested for the zoning consultant guess what we weren't even able to talk before that was even discussed again this happened at the public service committee meeting where we had to fight to even be to have comments before a vote was taken on the ordinance and that proposal. But those comments came after the budget had been considered. So we weren't able to address that. Nearly two hours into this meeting, The matters the public came to address still have not been discussed. Other business went ahead of us and the commission acted on the consultant funding requests before the people who signed up to speak were even heard. The item was sent back to committee, but that was still official business that the public had no input into. Like I said, at the Public Service Committee, we were having to push to even have comment because we were put at the end of the agenda. Meaningful public participation isn't just letting people speak eventually. It means being heard while comment can still shape the discussion. Now about the ordinance. The Planning Commission declined to recommend that it move forward. Instead, they recommended a 60-day moratorium extension and public hearings outside of regular government meetings held after work hours so people could come so they could participate so they could ask questions and have the questions answered we agree that that moratorium should have at least 60 days, if not longer, because we're proposing that you need more public hearings and you need more public comment We right now have been advised that they want public comments on a little bitty text box that provides absolutely no information about the ordinance, about what kind of comment they want, or anything. It's a plain text that you can't even add a document or anything. That's not effective. Then there is no revision process. Once we submit our comments, where do they go? We've been told we hear you, but where do they go? How are they being incorporated? We don't know. So we need to have a two-step revision process. You need to have those public meetings. You need to have, she's wanting a survey again, open that back up. You need to revise what is there, and I sent you the leaks analysis, a plain text analysis, and our suggestions for what needs to be done. I also passed out to you a one-page go beyond youtube and go beyond tick tock and get researched data stuff on this ordinance other ordinances that um georgia tech currently has a hub that is a valuable resource this is where we're getting our suggestions i also call on director camera and her staff to do due diligence and provide explanations to you. To provide explanations on why certain things were included in the ordinance, why things were left out, and what they can do better. Once we revise that, we need to have additional public hearings and educational hearings, and I don't think the consultants are the ones that need to be doing that. The people going to be putting that into practice are our own department, who she says are experts. Let them explain what those choices were, why they were made, and why we need to adopt that, and why It helps and protects. I challenge us. Georgia is on the leading edge of data centers. We have the opportunity to be the leader in developing our ordinance. Please do. Thank you, Ms. Casey.

Dr. Casey. Madam Clerk, I don't see any colleagues in the queue. Let's move on with delegation item D, please.

item d denise trainer concerns regarding the construction of data centers in the csra good morning i'm sorry good afternoon miss trainer long day for the record please state your name and your place of residence denise trainer 631 bowler avenue augusta georgia you have the floor in five minutes

Good afternoon and thank you for setting aside this time for residents to be heard. I've lived here in Augusta for over 30 years, served this community professionally as a licensed physical therapist and in this government as a member of the Planning Commission. I currently serve on the Transit Citizens Advisory Committee and ran for commissioner's seat a couple of times. Both of my sons graduated from Richmond County Schools. I clearly feel like I have status here and standing rather. As a concerned resident, a parent and grandparent, I have quality of life issues on my mind. I'm not alone. I hear from my neighbors, they're concerned as well. We want the moratorium on AI data centers to continue until such a time as an ordinance that fully protects our citizens from air, water pollution, noise, and increased electricity costs can be proposed. We want the public to be able to ask what services will these data centers be providing. When a huge corporate entity is able to gain access to our natural resources, we have a right to know what purpose it serves and if that purpose places us at any risk. Augustans want developers to come to Augusta and ask Augustans what they want, not impose a corporate model for these centers upon us. It is my hope that you will think outside of the AI box and consider the highest levels of safety and protection for our citizens, my neighbors. To create neighborhoods that thrive, not merely survive, we want accessible, quiet, open spaces, clean air, affordable housing, reasonable cost of living expenses, and safety for ourselves and our families. Land use that supports cradle-to-the-grave needs of a community is worth pursuing. Don't give up. Huge corporate entities do not have local citizens' interests at heart, but you do. For example, the Initiative for Energy Justice tells us that Georgia Power experienced a profit margin increase from 6.1% to 22.6% from 2022 to 2024. Meanwhile, our residential rates rose six times, increasing our cost up to $516 a year. Profit is the god they serve. We must and are capable of creating smaller centers that have public input, mandate a living wage for workers, create no danger to our water or air supply, and create no increases in the cost of electricity if our elected officials put forth the framework to protect our families and our neighbors. Back to quality of life, the increased cost of electricity being paid by citizens who are already scrambling to make a decent living and hopefully afford to take a vacation once in a time, maybe once a year, is unrealistic and cruel. I want to repeat the public's desire to enforce the moratorium on these centers. I want to repeat the public's desire to enforce the moratorium on these centers is us asking for a seat at the table that may determine whether the quality of life of Augustans is moving in a direction that supports our families and their futures. A moratorium will allow for more thought and discernment with a better outcome. Please support a continued moratorium. I understand the Troop County has put forth an ordinance, I think it was in May. One minute. That has been considered one of the most realistic with common sense language, due diligence and consideration for its enforcement, including the public's input. I again urge you to continue the moratorium. Take a closer look. Thank you. Thank you, Ms. Trena.

Madam Clerk, there are no colleagues in the queue, so we're prepared without delegation. Item E, please.

Item E, Ms. Priscilla Wheeler, draft data center ordinance specifically regarding utility water impact, low frequency sound barriers, and the need for an independent study.

Ms. Wheeler, thank you for being here. Thank you for your patience. Please, for the record, please state your name and place of residence, please.

Yes. My name is Priscilla May Wheeler. I am in District 7, a new resident, just moved here in January.

Welcome to the best city on the planet.

It is. It's better than Florida, where I'm originally from. So I've had my 20 years of hurricanes.

We have them here too. I know. I know.

I know. But I know how to prepare. OK. All right.

Madam, you have the floor in five minutes.

Thank you very much for your time, Mayor and Commissioners. I'd like to thank you for the opportunity to speak today and just to share with each and every one of you a sentiment that I think all of us could understand. I three years ago went through fire training and EMT training, went through rescue rides with the fire department in Miami-Dade County, Broward County. So I fully understand what it means to be of service, to put those lives, those people and seeing them the worst day of their lives and making sure that you have every I dotted and T crossed in the training that you did. and to oversee the life of those people that have been placed in your care. And so that is exactly what each and every one of you get up and do every single day. And it's not something that was placed upon you as something that you were forced to do. It was a choice. It was a choice to be of service and to come with your heart open, connected to your mind to make those logical, clear decisions that are necessary. And I understand that it comes with a huge weight and that it isn't always going according to the plan that you may have hoped in your mind and in your heart but what we do is the best that we can with the knowledge and information that is presented before us and our own lived life experiences so with that understanding i would like to remind everybody here that we are here together as a team to work together to remember that we are community unity is in community and to address the issues of this community together as one because we are one governing body. Without the constituents, you're just mayors and commissioners. And I like to remind that there was one message or comment that was made last week about how commissioners are only policy makers. You're so much more than that. And I really hope you honor yourself in a way that's more than just policy approvers. You're placed on a podium higher above us, not because you are above us, It's so you have a field of view that gives you the opportunity to see things from a larger and wider perspective. You're privy to information. that we are not. And you also have the knowledge and I hope the experience and understanding of how the system works. And also remember that you are also one of us that lives in this community that are also have to go through the same exact things that we will have to if the water doesn't flow once QTS site is in place. And my sentiment also goes to planning and zoning. That is a tough job and a tough position. It also requires that when we're speaking of coming out with a good product, that product are the constituents, is you and me, all of us as one. So we're not just a line item to be checked off. We're not just a product. We are people, we are souls, and we are equals. And that brings me to some clear facts. about the 300 feet, 70 or 65 decibels. I think in the meeting discussed was 70 decibels, but what's on site is 65. Basic high school physics will tell you that sound is measured in two forms, Hertz and in Hertz it's measured by basic sound, my voice, the sound of birds and traffic passing by. And there's another form, low frequency sound, or a hum. As you would, back in the day, I'm gonna date myself. You ever be in a car, driving by, and they had a big subwoofer in the back going, and the windows are pounding and vibrating? It was cool back when I was in high school, but that's not the point. That is a low frequency sound that goes through windows, that goes through the body. 20 decibels or 20 to 200 hertz cannot be measured on a decibel scale according to the World Health Organization. So the recommendation, while measuring it by decibels, seems like it'll be approved. The World Health Organization clearly states, if you look at their website, that any low decibel sound is an appropriate form of measure and must be measured through hertz. So my request is that with that information that is accessible to everyone at the local library or just Google, that we need more time to do the homework to respect and honor the souls of this community because it affects everyone. Thank you so very much.

Ms. Wheeler, thank you so much. Thank you for moving north. Please keep the hurricanes in Florida. We'd love to stay here, okay? All right. Thank you so much. All right, Madam Clerk, let's move on to the next delegation. I think that's delegation G. Yes.

Mr. Brian Green, Rewards and Risk of Data Centers.

Mr. Green, you have the floor, sir. All right, you have some illustrations and you need some help? Yes. He has something he wants to put on the screen, Ms. McFarland. All right, I had to make it a little smaller, move it around a little bit. All right. We're going to wait till you get all set up, Mr. Green. All right. Mr. Green, you know the record. For the record, please state your name and place of residence, please.

Brian Green, 24591. Good Lord have mercy. Augusta, Georgia.

Thank you, sir. You have the floor in five minutes.

I'M HERE TODAY. I WANT TO MAKE IT CLEAR. I WANT TO MAKE IT CLEAR. MY PRESENTATION IS BASED ON MY PRESENTATION IS BASED ON PROJECT EISENHOWER. PROJECT EISENHOWER. NOT FUTURE DATA CENTERS. NOT FUTURE DATA CENTERS. SO STRICTLY, IF ANYBODY WOULD SO STRICTLY, IF ANYBODY WOULD LIKE TO INDULGE ME, I'M TALKING LIKE TO INDULGE ME, I'M TALKING ABOUT THIS ONE RIGHT HERE. ABOUT THIS ONE RIGHT HERE. FOR THE AUDIENCE, AS YOU CAN SEE FOR THE AUDIENCE, AS YOU CAN SEE ON THE ILLUSTRATION, I HOPE ON THE ILLUSTRATION, I HOPE YOU CAN SAVE YOUR APPLAUSE FOR YOU CAN SAVE YOUR APPLAUSE FOR THE R-WORD, BY THE WAY. THE R-WORD, BY THE WAY. Just a few things. If you see on my illustration, you see benefits, drawbacks, and other concerns. Just so y'all know what you're looking at down here. Obviously, everybody knows what that sign in the middle is. It's dollar signs. The little specks, in case you're wondering, they represent PM, something called particulate matter. We'll come back on that later. That's pollutants in the air, by the way, presently. At the bottom, we see the little bowls illustrated. You see QTS, Georgia Power, and I ran out of ink to write the Richmond County government in there. Those are pots that are going to catch these dollars falling. People say they can make it rain, so we're going to talk about where the rain comes from. At the bottom, we see six buildings. that are part of the center, the data center. I'm learning these terms and all. And they're pretty sizable. Supposedly, you're talking over 2 million square foot. You're talking about a structure the size of supposedly two Augusta Malls. That's pretty sizable. How you like driving by that every day to go home? Now, I just want to set the record straight. I wouldn't want to live within 50 miles of this. So I'm already too close. you know, seek consultation and all that. I'm already too close for this idea right here. But let me go on. Mr. Mayor, I can't see the clock, by the way, because of my thing.

You have, we're in two, two minutes, 16 seconds and counting.

Thanks. Okay, on the benefits. We see jobs. Not everybody can work. I worked in nuclear power plants and had no intention of working long term when I found out about some of the dangers, the unseen dangers. But high paying jobs and all that is going to be, that's a positive. Tax revenues. I think the tax revenue is the hitch right here because I'm seeing the speed of these things getting approved all over the country. like that so what's the selling point because it's not benefiting the community must be these green things you see falling right here other things world-class ai service i don't consider this cutting edge technology i consider this drudging uh to get there you may get cutting edge technology as far as reporting i'm no expert on that but this is not cutting edge because you're draining water electricity and all the other things that come with this so um Anyway, I think the benefits kind of speak for themselves, but I want to be fair in this process. Next thing is drawbacks, as you can see. Necessity This project necessitates heavy usage of water. You heard that already. You're going to hear more today. It necessitates that. So that's a major drawback for me right there as far as the selling point is concerned. Another thing is this, lucrative tax breaks. You see Georgia Power up there in the corner because they market for these places. But Georgia Power right now is in Coweta and Fayette County trying an eminent domain because they want to cut a 30-mile stretch and lay out the whole 30-mile stretch of data centers. So Georgia Power is getting there, but like I said, they're making it rain.

One minute, Mr. Green.

Okay, thanks. Next thing is this. Why am I here today? is because we have three zip codes, 30901, 30904, and 30906 that are considered the most, I guess, polluted areas in our town. Why? Traffic flow, heavy traffic flow, and guess what? Industry. So we're looking to take a data center, that's the reason I emailed you, and thanks for getting back to me, that we're taking a data center and putting it into a already polluted environment. So I close by saying this, and I entertain any questions I have, when, forget future moratoriums, did QTS clearly state, when we build this thing right here, this one, the Eisenhower project, did they put their name behind the minimize effect to the environment? Have they assured that? A lot of things sounds good, Mr. Mayor, but I just wonder that they put their name behind the effects this could have on our local environment.

Thank you, Mr. Green. There's no colleagues in the queue for any discussion. We appreciate you being here today and thank you for your presentation.

Madam Clerk. Next, Delegation H, Ms. Courtney Harris, Data Center Ordinance.

Ms. Harris, thank you so much for being here and I appreciate your patience. For the record, can you please state your name and place of residence, please?

I am Courtney Harris. I live in the Broadway Apartments, 30901 District 1.

Thank you, ma'am. You have the floor and five minutes.

Thank you. While I appreciate the move to vote whether to extend the data center moratorium today, I do question why the development of data centers here was a discussion rather than a hard no. Beyond the fact that most public sentiment has been against the development of data centers in and near our communities, Whether the climate crisis is well understood by you or outright denied, we are currently having this discussion in what is the hottest summer on record. When community members are already questioning why their water bills are skyrocketing into the hundreds for small families of three. When most of us are still suffering under extreme energy bills. And there are already documented accounts of how detrimental data centers have been to communities in Tennessee and Wyoming and Texas and even here in our state of Georgia. If the research on the incoming centers that has or will be received is overwhelmingly positive, would that not be grounds to question your sources? We often take on human exceptionalism in these discussions without considering other losses of life and habitat. We believe that we are gods of this world, and therefore our decisions, though harmful to others, can never reach the level of threat to us. We forget that we too are a part of an ecosystem, both locally and globally. When the water runs out for wildlife, it will also run out for us. When the noise levels, pollutions, and food losses disturb the birds, land, and water animals, confuse their migrations, and kill their offspring, it will eventually do the same to us. I worry over the world we are giving my child and all of our children as an inheritance. Augusta already has many vulnerable populations and communities, some of which have historically suffered from corporate abuses of power with limited to no accountability. Our air quality on its worst days is some of the worst in the nation. We have high rates of immunocompromised individuals here and often poor communities. Many families live in food deserts, which can exacerbate these illnesses. Bringing data centers here may offer some jobs for the short term, but they will also dry this land out, adding to the strain already experienced here. I AM ANGERED THAT MANY OF THESE DEALS HAVE HAPPENED BEHIND CLOSED DOORS WITHOUT PUBLIC INPUT, YES, AT A TIME WHEN DATA CENTERS AND AI ITSELF WAS NOT WELL KNOWN OR UNDERSTOOD. BUT NOW THAT THOSE CATASTROPHIC EFFECTS ARE KNOWN, THERE SHOULD BE NO EXCUSES OF SHORT TERM PROFITS FOR SOME TO MOVE FORWARD IN THEIR DEVELOPMENT HERE. I QUESTION THE NEED TO DENY RIGHTS TO MANY OVER THE GAINS FOR SOME WHEN ALL WILL SUFFER THE SAME FATE. I cannot speak for the prior shady decisions by those in high levels of government here to set the ball rolling on a development that the community has not asked for. But I can ask for it to halt its movement. And to my community, I say, if we are angry, it is righteous. We should be demanding that if the commission decides to ignore our pleas to extend the moratorium or cease development and moves forward against the majority wishes, then along with environmental protections, noise restrictions, and energy and water restrictions, community benefits should include that the data center owners should have to pay 100% of county property taxes each year, as well as give citizens an annual dividend check. They should also pay for all infrastructure upgrades, such as fixing our roads, providing funding to revamp our public transportation systems to include more buses and city investments in the transit application to map out bus routes and times, and repair dilapidated buildings towards more housing opportunities for citizens here. They should also buy out the homes at the top cost for every citizen who opts in from a neighborhood that will be directly affected by these centers. There needs to be no exception to the closed loop system. Any potential access for these sites to skate under restrictions needs to be prohibited.

One minute, Ms. Harris.

Thank you. If the data center developers are unwilling to agree to every point, then they cannot make a home here in a place that all of us already call home. And then if any of these employees on our behalf who voted against these major needs of the public must be removed from their seats and made an example of how to think of a future where profits are not prioritized over the quality of life and wellbeing for all under their jurisdiction. I encourage you all to extend the moratorium. Study, please, study closely the effects of these centers on our vulnerable communities and our environments. Then cease these talks of proliferation and make Richmond County an example in Georgia that we do not need data centers here to be great. Thank you.

All right, Madam Clerk, next item, please. Item?

Aye. Item, aye. That's right. Ms. Octavia H. Collins, Data Center Ordinance. All right.

Ms. Collins, for the record, please state your name and...

My name.

Go ahead, please.

My name is Octavia Holloway Collins, and I am a resident of Richmond County. Forgive my voice. It's been a long day and y'all didn't give me anything to drink. Thank you. Please. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

Anyway. All right, ma'am. We're going to wait for you to get the bottle of water first. Thank you so much.

See, we have a very kind commission here. That's right. All right. Thank you so much. It's okay. I'll open it.

All right.

Thank you all so much. See, I sound better already.

Already. You have the floor in five minutes.

Thank you. Good afternoon again, Mr. Mayor and Commissioners. Thank you for granting me this opportunity. My Almighty says, take care of my people. When it comes to data centers, we cannot afford to get this wrong. What is considered acceptable for some may not be for others. It requires making difficult decisions. People first, not profit. It can't be about financial gain. It must be about how it impacts our communities as a whole. Putting data centers in heavy industrial zones or zones does not alleviate the water, electricity, and environmental impact concerns that our citizens have, which also includes standard technology center, north lighting, et cetera. The Augusta Commission passed a temporary moratorium to freeze new data center applications while zoning rules were being developed. The temporary moratorium expires, I think, today, but I could be wrong. I know you want to put a county ordinance in place pertaining to data centers soon. However, based on recent planning and committee and community concerns, and with so much to consider, I would hope you extend the monitorium for 60 days until each of you have had time to visit a data center, closely evaluate all the impacts to our, your communities. As one commissioner stated last week, you are not experts, but policy makers. An expert is an individual with profound, specialized knowledge or skills in a particular domain gained through extensive training, research, or hand-on practices, which most of you, and as am I, are not. Not experts. And I appreciate the Commissioner mentioning that last week. Therefore, you rely on professional staff and subject matter experts to provide the data needed to make informed policies. As you may know, most manufacturing has some type of negative impact on the environment. When negative impacts to our environment, when will it be enough? And it's our own fault, y'all, because we do use all this technology. Yes, we care about our communities. What matters most is not only our overall safety, but the safety of future generations as well. Before making a decision, ensure you understand how does our communities benefit from data centers and at what cost to our health, our environment, and the impacts to our local infrastructure. I trust each of you will do your due diligence to ensure we all don't look back with what if or regrets. I commend you for taking steps to put a data center ordinance in place. However, based on everything I have read, reviewed and heard, including in planning and committee commission meetings, there is still work to be done to ensure the right decisions are being made for the right reasons without undue pressure. Being my brother's keeper mean you are responsible for the welfare, safety, and care of your fellow human beings. You were elected to do the will of the people. We are stronger when we stand together. Let's be the example of doing what's best for our communities. It is your community as well. If you decide to allow additional data centers into Augusta-Richmond County, please ensure you identify specific measurable guideline mandates, checks and balances to ensure the companies are not in violation of the mandates, and include how many more data centers, if any, will be allowed in Augusta-Richmond County. I'm not sure if you can do that, but take it under consideration. Town hall meetings to promote open dialogue, additional transparency, and community feedback between leaders and the public specific to data centers would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all so much again.

Thank you, Ms. Collins. Ms. Collins, you had another 30 seconds, but I appreciate you making time for someone else.

There you go. Madam Clerk, let's move on to the next item, please. Delegation J, Ms. Dorothy Smith, Data Center Moratorium. Ms. Dorothy Smith.

Ms. Smith, welcome. Thank you for your patience. For the record, please state your name and place of residence.

My name is Dorothy Smith. I live in Richmond County.

Thank you, ma'am. You have the floor in five minutes.

Thank you. First of all, I agree with everything everybody has said up until this point. I have a few other points to bring up. As per the BrockovichDataCenter.com, there are 8,217 community-reported data centers in the U.S. right now. As per DCMAPUS in Georgia, We have 143 that are operational, 10 that are under construction, 88 that are planned or approved, and QTS operates the most of them at 18 facilities. One of which was responsible for the 29 to 30 million, but what's a million gallons between friends, of water that was siphoned from Fayetteville, Georgia. As per 100miles.org, regarding moratoria within the Golden Isles, Camden County has passed a six months moratorium. Kingsland, Georgia has passed a 12 months moratorium. Garden City, which I'm not exactly certain where that is, I used to live in Brunswick, passed the moratorium, the length was not given to that. And then Glynn County has gone against the wishes of the people there. The Island and Mainland Planning Commissions unanimously voted on a 120-day moratorium, but that has been overridden by the governance in Glynn County. As per The Atlantic today, at 8 44 a.m we are in an ai bubble everything that i have heard up until this point has stated that when that bubble breaks it will make the great depression look like a cakewalk because now this is as per um the atlantic The value of AI-linked firms has climbed 27 trillion, with a T, dollars in the past three years, with not much to show for it. No less authority than Sam Altman, the person who created OpenAI, has also agreed that we are in an AI bubble. The International Monetary Fund is citing the AI bubble as a significant risk to financial stability and warning about what might happen when it bursts. diminished investments, tighter credit, reduced consumption, and disrupted trade flows. Now, a lot of that is not going to affect me in my day-to-day, well, it is gonna affect me in my day-to-day because it's gonna affect the price of everything. So with all of that, The questions that I have that have not been answered that I have heard, and unfortunately, I haven't been able to attend the meetings because getting here on a random Tuesday at either one o'clock or two o'clock is not always feasible for me. Quite frankly, I would love to see Commission meetings move to the evening so that people who actually work for a living can attend these and have an input. What type, and this is specifically about Eisenhower right now, but this goes forward.

One minute.

All right. What type of data center is the Eisenhower project? Because there's lots of different ones out there. The surveillance state of it all is not being addressed with this. There's different types of surveillance. This could be data that relates to our spending and our financial standing. As to surveillance pricing, are you familiar with that? Where you and I could be standing in exactly the same store looking at exactly the same item, but because I have my phone with me, and it can connect to Wi-Fi and they can mine my data, what I pay for a product is vastly different from what you pay for a product. Now I'm not talking about going online to kayak.com and getting a plane ticket. I'm talking about being in a physical store looking at a physical product. But because of data mining, I could pay 15 times more than you could or vice versa.

Ma'am, your time is expired.

I would like to bring something up on that. Because earlier when the Black Chamber of Commerce were up here with Ronique West, nothing against them at all, they went over by one minute on the presentation because they had a nice little PowerPoint going on. And then they were given an additional two minutes because she had two other people that were there. Why did she get preferential treatment yet I'm being cut off at five minutes.

It's at five minutes because they asked for preferential treatment for a point of personal privilege from the commissioner from the fifth for him to receive an award.

Then I would like for preferential treatment from somebody on the commission right now. Because I have a couple more things that I would like to bring up.

Hearing none. Madam, thank you for being here. Thank you for your presentation. Have a good day. Madam Clerk.

Delegation L. K. K. K. Minister Siobhan D. Williams, the community's response to data centers. Minister Williams, you're in the house. Come on down.

Minister Williams, thank you so much for being here. We appreciate your patience. For the record, please state your name, your place of residence.

Good afternoon. I am Minister Siobhan Williams. I'm a Richmond County resident in District 4. Thank you, ma'am. You have the floor in five minutes. Thank you. I'm the Executive Director of Partners for Faith and Justice, and we're a nonprofit organization, grassroots organization, that works throughout the communities, educating, listening, and talking with community members, advocating for healthcare, education, and economic justice, and increasing active civic engagement. And during our work, consistently, we have heard throughout our communities, both in the more rural areas and in our more densely populated urban and or suburban areas, concerns about the known and unknown risk of data centers and the lack of transparency in the approval process of the QTS data center. in district three and the appearance of pushing through the approval process of that data center and disapproves ordinance at such a rapid speed without allowing for true public dialogue, nor consideration of what the constituents you have all been elected to represent won't and what they really desire for our community. As a retired physician's assistant and having been born and raised in Augusta, Richmond County, I have seen firsthand the risk to our health due to industrial pollution. This legacy pollution in our communities already raises concerns to our air quality and our water quality. Augusta, Richmond County has a disproportionate rate of adults living with chronic medical conditions with a rate of 49%. About 13% of our adult population lives with a diagnosed chronic pulmonary condition. And about 8.1% of our children have been diagnosed with asthma. And that rate is even higher among non-white children. The air quality rating for Augusta-Richmond County is frequently graded poorly for air pollution by the American Lung Association. And I'm going to tell you, as a resident and a child growing up of 56, I was diagnosed with asthma and remember and still remember having family, children, and grands in the area, the smell that comes in the evening. So there's a concern that data centers will contribute to the poor health quality that already is experienced in Augusta Richmond County. There's a concern about increases in electrical bills. There's a concern about the increase on the demand of our water system. And there's a concern that in another emergency situation, such as we experienced with Hurricane Helene, that data centers would take priority over people. The community would like the process slowed down and or stopped so the community impacts of data centers can be thoroughly investigated. We need the vote that each commissioner takes today and moving forward regarding data centers to truly represent the voices of the constituents you have been elected to represent. Your vote can't truly represent those constituents though if we're not in the community, if you've not asked for the community opinion. The planning committee has recommended a 60-day extension of the moratorium. The committee wants you to take this recommended extension or more to consider what's best for our community. The community wants you to take this extension. for future data centers, but they want you to pause with all the unapproved permits for QTS and decide what's best for our community. And I've heard that there may be some legal liability. Let's figure out what it is and ask the community if they want that.

One minute, Minister.

you have a planned field trip this ain't my morning sermon you have a planned field trip to a data center on August the 3rd so anything less than 60 days won't give you a chance to consider what you learned there and listen to the community to get community input to decide how to move forward where you're going of note have have a data center that's caused so much trouble that they've elected no more data centers than Fayette County And I understand there may be a need for data centers, but Augusta-Richmond County may not be that place. And I want you to vote on this moratorium, thinking about the constituents who have put you here and what their needs are.

Thank you so much. Minister, we really appreciate you being here today. Minister Siobhan Williams. Madam Clerk, next delegation item.

L, Ms. Lisa Lovestone-Gilford, City Zoning and Data Center.

All right. Ms. Lisa Lovestone-Gilford. Is she here? She may be gone. Oh, okay. She's right there. Okay. Somebody whispered and said she was gone. All right. Before you get started, ma'am, we're going to give the clerk an opportunity to hand us this so that we'll have it as you get ready to speak. And while she's doing that, I want to acknowledge our newly hired warden for RCCI. Mr. McMillan, can you stand up for just a minute? Thank you so much for being here, sir. Round of applause. Warden, welcome back home to Augusta, Georgia, sir. Glad to have you. All right, did we get some this way? Everybody have theirs? I'm sorry, John, you need to come this way. I'll send them this way.

All right.

Yeah, I have one, thank you. All right. Ms. Lovestone-Gifford? Yes. Welcome. For the record, please state your name and residence.

Hi, I'm Lisa Lovestone Gifford and I live in Augusta, Georgia.

Thank you, ma'am. You have the floor in five minutes and we have your documents. Thank you so much.

Thank you. There's nothing special about this document. I just thought you might like to follow along with me. So data centers and water use in Georgia. Georgia, especially around Atlanta and Augusta, is a major hub for data centers. They use millions of gallons of water for cooling. The QTS campus in Fayetteville was found to use 30 million gallons. Some facilities propose using treated wastewater for cooling instead of drinking water to reduce strain on supplies. Closed loop systems and blow down. Many data centers say they use closed loop cooling to recycle water. However, even closed loop produce blowdown water that has to be removed because chemicals and sludge build up over time. That blowdown contains corrosion inhibitors, biocides, glycols, metals, and PFAS. Disposal and treatment in Georgia. I'm from Wyoming, so what's going on there is pertinent to me. So Georgia does not use underground injection wells or tanks like in Wyoming. They have tanks and wells that they put the blowback or whatever from, or the blowdown, and they put it in there and they test it, and they found contaminants. And so they... let's see sorry i lost my spot so i'm just going to kind of skip some of that because it feels uh impertinent at the moment so some facilities do on-site treatment first to remove solids and metal metals before discharge the treated water is then discharged into rivers like the savannah or chattahoochee In Augusta, Richmond County, Columbia County specifics, Augusta utilities operate wastewater plants that serve Augusta, Richmond County, and nearby communities in Columbia County. Through trunk line agreements, the city already discharges about 35 million gallons of treated water into the Savannah River daily and is currently nearing its clean water act discharge limit already we're halfway through the year the georgia data centers are considering using treated wastewater for the proposed qts data center at hay station to save on drinking water environmental and community concerns pifas Microplastics and other contaminants are not routinely removed by the current treatment plants. So whatever is already in place, they're not doing that. Residents in groups like Science for Georgia worry about groundwater and well contamination, lower water tables, and impacts to rivers like the Flint and Savannah. There have been complaints in Fayetteville about water pressure drops and in Morgan County about brown water after data center construction has begun. The eminent domain and local control georgia's eminent domain law is set at the state level so counties cannot override it utilities take land for power lines needed by data centers the main way communities can stop impacts is blocking the data center up front through zoning permits and county commission votes one minute once approved communities have limited control over Easements. Compensation issues. When land is taken, owners get paid fair market value under Georgia law. Many farmers and homeowners have said that does not cover loss of farmland productivity, reduced property value, or impacts like noise and towers. Georgia does not pay for things like loss of views or future productivity potential. And I just would like to mention that the United States population is 341 million. and we have over 4 000 data centers china has 1.41 billion people and they only have 449 data centers russia has 144 million and only 251 data centers thank you so much for being here thank you for your information today

Well, Madam Clerk, a couple more of you. Yes, sir. That takes us to Mr. Richard E. Jones, Data Center. You got it. Mr. Jones, welcome. Thank you for being here.

For the record, please state your name and residence, please.

Good afternoon, Mayor and Commissioners, and to the general public. I have a play I need to put on the screen. Excuse me.

Mr. Jones, please, your name and just residence.

Richard E. Jones. I'm a resident of Richmond County, the great city of Augusta.

Great city of Augusta. We're going to wait. All right.

Well, I say that because the military brought me here and I brag about it ever since I've been.

And you haven't left.

No, I ain't. Okay.

All right. When we're ready. All right. I think we're ready, Mr. Jones. I'm starting the clock. You have five minutes.

Did you guys get a copy of the report I submitted for you guys? 36 pages from the International Data Center Authority.

Did you email that?

No, I brought it to the, when I signed up to be on the agenda, I submitted it.

Madam Clerk, I don't see any 36 page report. Report. So, sir, we do not have it.

Oh, my goodness.

So you're just going to talk to it for about five minutes.

All right.

All right, I'm gonna start the clock. You have five minutes, sir.

Okay, the International Data Center Authority submitted a report. That is one of two. The other one is, I want the general public and everyone to know that you need to look at the United Nations report on data centers as well, okay? So, the commissioners and the mayor didn't get my copy. Basically that's one of the pages on it and it talks about data centers as you can see the information there Okay, and let me see if I can adjust it a little bit You can see the problems that data centers causes And I'm gonna try to Will this show this picture on my phone? It should, okay. that there is a map of the United States and the total amount of data centers active in the United States. If you notice, 219 in the state of Georgia already active, okay. Simply saying, we know we have a data center that's coming up now. The moratorium, I believe, should be extended at least maybe 180 days so that you can, one, work and get the ordinance right, two, to have town hall meetings so that the general public can continue to speak on what they feel about data centers, and three, my personal feeling, we got one in Augusta, no more. No more data centers, okay? The blowback in the country as of this past weekend, the city of Nashville, Mar-a-Lago, Florida, and think of the other city. There's another city, they all turned down data centers. Just down the street, Jefferson County is, the public is speaking out, they don't want a data center in Jefferson County either, okay? So we have, and over the weekend, there were 40 demonstrations in 40 states, in 40 states against data centers in the United States. And you see there where they're all located at. The most is in Virginia, then you got Texas, California, okay? My suggestion to the commission that you extend again the moratorium so that you can continue working on the ordinance and hear from the public in the arena of data centers. And... The International Data Center Authority talks about data centers, the water usage, that first screen you saw, and the use of electricity. I saw two farmers, one in Wisconsin and one in Texas. Both farmers said their electricity use went up 30%. The effect on the livestock, that they have was they just don't know what was going on. And they say it's the data centers that was put on land near their farms. And they had pretty good sized farms, okay? And that's just rural area. Here we are, we're in the city.

One minute, sir.

I'm a former chemical operator, and I know what pollution is like going into the Savannah River. Don't put the strain on our water processing plant that is already battling E. coli. Okay? And that's by the Riverkeeper's report. And I'm sorry you guys didn't get this report. General public international data center authority and also United Nations report on data centers. Thank you, sir.

Mr. Jones.

Thank you.

Thank you so much. And I must acknowledge our fabulous clerk said that your report is in our agenda book. So thank you so much. It is received. We do have it.

So did you guys review it? Show of hands. Show of hands. Show of hands. Did you guys review it?

Thank you, Mr. Jones, for being here, sir. Madam Clerk, I think this takes us to our very last delegation item. Ms. Jeter was so gracious to yield her time so that she can speak to this relevant topic. Are we going to do 8 and... After we get this, yes. 8 and 30. Okay, we're going to do Ms. Jeter.

Ms. Patricia Jeter, confirm and discuss the creation of a commercial quarter enhancement and storefront improvement program.

Yes, it's slightly different from the data center. Just name and residence and we're going to give you your time. Patricia Jeter and 4102 Elders Drive. I had to think about it.

You're fine. You have the floor, ma'am, and thank you for coming back.

Okay. I'm here today because I wanted to talk about the Title VII ordinance that's already in place. When I go up and down Gordon Highway, It looks terrible. It looks terrible. I'm not going to sugarcoat it. And I'm here to ask you to implement stronger enforcement with the Title VII ordinance that's already in place. TITLE VII ESTABLISHES STANDARDS FOR BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND PROPERTY CONDITIONS TO HELP MAINTAIN SAFE, ATTRACTIVE COMMUNITIES WHEN ORDINANCES ARE NOT CONSISTENTLY ENFORCED. NEGLECTED PROPERTIES AND POORLY MAINTAINED AREAS CAN AFFECT AUGUSTA'S APPEARANCE.

IS THAT PART OF YOUR PRESENTATION?

IS THAT A VIDEO WE NEED TO SEE?

I'm sleepy, y'all. I'm just going to be real. But anyway, let me get back. When ordinance are not consistently enforced, neglected properties and poorly maintained areas can affect Augusta's appearance, property values, and economic growth. Effective enforcement helps reduce blight, protect and improve property values, encourage investment and community growth, and maintain community pride. In regards to data centers, I do think that data centers, as far as the number that are allowed to come into Augusta should be limited in regards to this ordinance. Priority areas of concern are Downtown Corridor, Gordon Highway, Southwest Augusta, and South Augusta. So, that being said, I respectfully ask the Commission to consistently enforce ordinances, the ordinance that's already in place, along with a reasonable inspection schedule, accountability measures that encourage compliance while supporting responsible business ownership. Strong enforcement will help Augusta remain a clean, attractive, and welcome place to live, work, and invest. An ordinance is only as effective as it's enforced, and that's the same for data centers. You can create this ordinance. You can put everything that we're asking you to put in this ordinance, but if it's not properly enforced, go figure um so i'm going to get to the data centers data centers responsible planning and community impact as augusta considers future data center development my concern is responsible placement and protecting residents neighborhoods and natural resources especially wetlands That's our ecosystem. That's our clean drinking water. Very important. Location in relation to residential communities. Prioritizing appropriate industrial sites for large-scale developments. Impacts on noise, infrastructure, energy demands, and quality of life. Protection of wetlands and water resources. I appreciate the discussion regarding closed-loop cooling systems. I did speak to one of our honorable commissioners in regards to that. However, the looping system still pulls quite a bit of water. It doesn't use as much water, but it does still use quite a bit of water. However, water usage and environmental impact should be verified to ensure natural resources are protected. also encourage consideration of energy solutions that reduce pressure on existing infrastructure, including renewable energy options such as solar paired with battery storage. Responsible planning allows Augusta to support economic growth while protecting residents and the environment. That being said, I am asking the honorable commissioners and mayor to extend this moratorium to protect the natural resources, residential communities and its constituents and our property values as well and quality of life. Thank you.

Thank you, Miss Jeter. Madam Clerk, I think that concludes and we've addressed every single delegation item, especially those that are related to the data center. We're going to move back to our regularly scheduled agenda items that we have companion item number 8 and number 30. If you will, let's read them into the record, please.

Item number eight is a request for concurrence with the Augusta Planning Commission to postpone any action on a petition to amend the comprehensive zoning ordinance for Augusta, Georgia to establish land use regulation criteria pertaining to data centers. Number 30, commission to discuss and consider amending the comprehensive zoning ordinance of Augusta, Georgia to establish land use regulation criteria pertaining to data centers. Planning and development is requesting approval of the regulations.

Thank you so much, Madam Clerk. Chair recognizes Commissioner from the first, Commissioner Jordan Johnson.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I have a question for our planning director.

All right, Director Cameron. Thank you for being close. Yes. Thank you, sir.

Ms. Cameron, approximately, I know we spoke about this earlier today in our meetings, but could you share with me again, how long do you think it will take for the ordinances that you're upgrading? How long would that take us to complete?

So initially, my initial request was to ask for a moratorium until the zoning update was completed. I was directed, of course, to bring before this commission some regulations. And so we did that.

Around how long you think that's going to be until it's completed?

Well, the initial was September. If we get the additional, when we get the additional, it's going to be November, December.

Okay. That's the only question I have for you. You know, we've heard a lot of conversation and I think we've been involved in a lot of conversation as well. And I'm just personally, Mr. Mayor and colleagues, not at a point to where I'm ready to vote on this at all because there are too many unknowns. you have to ask yourself, does the benefit, whatever that is, does the risk outweigh the benefit? And right now, that's just too much at stake that I don't think that we have a clear understanding of. And also in the ordinance that's been presented, it creates some unintended consequences for telecommunications companies and things of that nature. So I mean, I just, I think that right now, I mean, I would like to see this moratorium extended until after this revision is done. I could compromise on 60 days. I heard folks say 60 days. I've heard 90 days today. But I think that whatever makes sense, number one, for the people of our community, and then also what makes sense for the staff who's going to have to go and draft this ordinance is what we should be working on. I just think that we should, as I said earlier today in conversation, we need to make sure that we are getting this right the first time because there is no second chance where this is concerning. There's too much riding on it. So I would suggest that we allow the planning department to complete the review of the ordinances before we make a move on these data centers. But of course, I know there's other conversation and we'll get there. So I would hold that motion until I hear from other colleagues. But I mean, I really wanna just pause and say thank you to everyone who made your voices heard. I think that I know for a fact that all 11 of us heard you. So here's an opportunity for us to have dialogue and figure out how to move forward best. So thank you, Mr. Mayor.

Thank you so much, Commissioner. From the first chair recognizes Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Guilford.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, Director, if you would be kind enough, Denise Traynor had mentioned a town that had a very good ordinance in place. If you could ask her what was, I could not capture the name of the town or the municipality. Let's look at that ordinance as well as Dr. Galanese on the, what she had brought up was the Georgia Tech Hub. Okay. A lot of the people that came before us, the residents that came before us, doesn't understand. We hear you loud and clear. We went through, today's the last day of the 49-day ordinance. Moratorium. Moratorium, I'm sorry. But fortunately, our director already had experience, so she was able to come into this issue with experience. And that was the reason why we was able to get ahead faster than most cities to put an ordinance together. And I applaud her for that. I know that Listening to some of their directors, the ordinance might be too big. Where we got Columbia County that has a three page ordinance, McDuffie has an eight page. But we got to be careful moving forward. And listening to everybody from the two-step revision to the public meetings to the hertz and frequency the young lady was speaking about. as well as Project Eisenhower. We can't touch Project Eisenhower. I've already asked that question, I believe, a couple times on this floor. That ship's already sailed. But what we can do is make sure that we do everything right moving forward. And so my motion, I'm hearing different timelines. We need to put a moratorium. The most I heard is 60 days, so I'd like to put a motion in to extend this moratorium, because it expires today, until the September 15th, which is 56 days. Second. And I believe that If we look at what was brought before us, as well as Ms. Nisi had gave us, and I told her to give you a copy of it, let's look at that as well, because she does bring valuable information to the table. And let's go from there. I do appreciate the colleagues that's remained here today, listening to everybody's concerns and issues. And we all live here in Augusta, and we want to see it prosper and progress forward. Thank you.

Thank you, Mayor Pro Tem. Madam Clerk, I have a motion from the Mayor Pro Tem with a proper second by Commissioner Brandon Garrett to extend the moratorium for 60 days. There's a motion and a proper second. There's other colleagues in the queue, and we're going to get to them. So I recognize as Commissioner Stacey Pulliam from the second.

Thank you, Mayor Johnson. First of all, I want to thank everyone that came up today to present on the data centers. And not just for today, but your diligence in consistently coming before us, making sure that we hear you. I was honored to be able to go to the NACO conference these past few days, and there were quite a few data center discussions. And some of those individuals that stood out the most was the Honorable Jessica Fitzwater from Frederick County, Maryland, as well as Vice Chair Mike Turner from Loudoun County, Virginia, who wrote a white page that I'll actually be sharing. But one of the things that they both had in common in their presentations was that community, community, community. In fact, they said it three times. And for those of you that know me, three is my number. So they said that that was key, making sure that you hear from your community. But another thing that really stood out was them speaking about looking at those that have gone before you and learning from their mistakes. They also said that every community is different. So when you're looking at a rural county, that's one thing versus counties that look like ours. And most of this was not new information, but I want you to know that we hear you. I personally would like to say 60 days with the ability to amend that and I know that we can do that in the event we get past that 60 days and we're still not ready. A lot of counties, as I just walked around and was talking to everyone, went from 60 days to nine months and on from there because their water as well as the grid, making sure that those two things could support their communities was extremely important. And again, just listening to, and I recorded some of the sessions and took great notes as always, but listening to that and seeing what their counties had to go through. And then myself, Commissioner Clark and Commissioner Johnson also spoke to several people from Georgia. And you all mentioned a lot of those counties from Fayette County to just Troop County, DeKalb County. We had long discussions with those individuals. So it's just learning those things and knowing that although I believe I want to believe that every company that comes to Augusta, Georgia has the absolute best intentions. We also need to see what other communities have experienced. That way we're not just leaning on the company that's coming. So those are my comments. I do support the 60-day moratorium with the ability to be able to amend it past 60 days to make sure that Augusta continues to be great. Thank you.

Thank you, Commissioner Pulliam. Tim recognizes Commissioner Lonnie Wimbley from the 4th.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. And I'm going to say to my colleague from the 2nd, if you just got a round of applause. But I think when I finish, I'm going to get a standing ovation. There's nothing in the works that says that we gotta be prepared for data centers at any given point in time. So there's plenty of time and plenty of opportunity for us to just sit back, relax, and get it right. So I'm gonna make a substitute motion. You didn't do a substitute, you just made a recommendation. I'm going to make a substitute motion that we extend the opportunity for planning to get the ordinance correct or at least presentable and that we also at the same time extend the data center moratorium for not less than 90 days.

All right, is there a second to that substitute motion?

Second.

There's a second from the commissioner. Madam Clerk, did you get that? The motion is for the ordinance to be corrected and make sure that the planning department gets it correct with the moratorium to be not less than 90 days, okay? That was Mr. Commissioner Wimbley's motion, seconded by Commissioner Johnson. All right, got a few other colleagues in the queue. Commissioner Don Clark.

All right, Mr. Mayor, thank you, I appreciate it. Community members, this is what engagement looks like, when folks are getting more and more informed about something such as this. I think some of you all have gotten your honorary doctorate degrees in data centers up to this point. and are flexing them on a consistent basis when you come up. I'll tell you this, it's a lot to be learned and discovered with these processes. Again, like Commissioner Pulliam said, this was a national conference of county officials that we just attended, and everyone throughout the country is dealing with this same issue. So this is not an Augusta, Georgia only issue. It's a nationwide issue that everyone's contending with and everyone's trying to come up with solutions of how to better protect their communities. I do want to make sure this is stated for the record. This body of leaders is not stating one way or the other what we're proponents of outside of creating protections for the community, creating regulatory guidance that we can determine what fits and what doesn't fit for this community. The staff has been working very hard on trying to make sure that they cover all the bases to present something to us, but also to the community. So if we're going to extend this moratorium out, I've heard 60, I've heard 90. If we're going to do it then, and I know Commissioner Scott in the past and Commissioner Pulliam had brought this up. We've had to date, I think three public sessions about this. And well, you can say how you want to say it, but at the end of the day, we've had, I think, three to date that the company itself has hosted two, the city hosted one, and they weren't as well attended. But we'll put these out again. If we're going to extend it, I'd like to see if my colleague from the 10th who made his original motion, if we're going to extend it for the 60, add in Commissioner Pulliam and Commissioner Scott, of course, with our support, working to lead a town hall so that we can get more feedback and the community can feel as if they're a part of the process as the staff is firming up their plan. um the last thing about it as well one thing that naco provided us is a repository of ordinances white papers lessons learned and otherwise i'll make sure that the staff has that so that we're not just operating you know in a vacuum miss cameron again you brought valid experience so we're happy to leverage that but let's open this up as far as we can to make sure that we get this right i'll say this also and i'll conclude from here um these things don't belong next to the residential areas i i 1000 a point agree with that um I wasn't here in 2022. I didn't approve it, so sorry. I'm just going to be honest with you, okay? All right. But I do think that we do need to try to protect the residential areas. We do need to try to ensure that whatever we're going to do and how we're going to try to do for this particular situation that we put in as many protections as we can. Ms. Cameron has addressed a lot of those in the ordinance that she has. uh commissioner gilfoyle if you want to add that to yours i know there's a substitute that's on the table so we got to wait for that one so we can't add anything to it so nevermind right would you please uh

Say it, Stewart.

Yeah, I was just talking about doing a couple community sessions, town halls, so that the community can continue to get informed as we're shaping up and improving this. And who's heading it up? My suggestion was, because Commissioner Scott was the last one to bring this up, if she wants to lead it and then we support her wholeheartedly it's only been four of us i think to date including the mayor was five that have attended all of the ones to date but i think we need to get as many of us there as possible it shows a good faith it shows intentionality but more importantly we're just as engaged in living in this and thriving in this community as anyone else that'll work madam this is not the delegation portion of this meeting you're out of order thank you

All right. Thank you, Commissioner Clark. Do you yield? All right. Commissioner Clark yields. Chair recognizes Commissioner Francine Scott from the 9th.

Thank you, Mayor Johnson. Ms. Bono, we are on the substitute motion, right? So on the substitute motion, I want to make sure that we have three public meetings. Three public meetings, and I know when we change ordinance and we have to do the three meetings,

Commissioner from the 9th, can we get the Commissioner from the 4th to amend this substitute if that's the case?

Absolutely.

Commissioner from the 4th, are you okay with amending your motion as requested by Commissioner from the 9th to have three public meetings? I am. All right, thank you. Commissioner Scott, you good? All right. Madam Clerk, there are no other colleagues in the queue. We're going to address the substitute motion first that's been made by Commissioner Wimberly and seconded by Commissioner Jordan. to make sure that we get the ordinance correct through the planning department and extend the moratorium for not less than 90 days. So, see no callers in the queue for discussion. We're voting on the substitute motion. All right, guys, we're voting. We're voting on the substitute motion. Mr. Clark, Mr. Wimbley.

To extend the opportunity for planning and development to get the ordinance correct to extend the moratorium, the data center ordinance for not less than 90 days and three public meetings.

To include. Need a vote. Make her the motion.

Already voted. That motion fails. With Mr. Jordan Johnson voting yes, Ms. Stacy Pulliam, Mr. Lonnie Wimley, Mr. Tony Lewis, and Ms. Francine Scott. Voting no. Let me just do that, Mr. Mayor. Voting no, Mr. Don Clark, Ms. Tina Slendek, Mr. Brandon Garrett, Mr. Wayne Guilfoyle, and Mayor Johnson.

Point of clarity, Mr. Mayor. Yes, sir. I want to just ask a quick question just for understanding. The maker of this motion said that he wanted to extend the moratorium to be no less than 90 days. And I believe the other motion was 60 days with the option to extend. Isn't that saying the same thing?

so couldn't so let's let the maker of the motion clarify if you don't mind okay all right uh mayor pro tem

I don't remember saying with the option to extend in my motion. That's what Commissioner Pulliam asked you to amend to and you agreed to. I didn't hear that, I apologize. My motion was clearly to extend this moratorium until September 15th. And that'll give us 56 days. And the whole thing that we gotta realize is when we put an ordinance together, it could be amended at any given time. You know, it's just not a once you vote on it, it's a done deal. It could be modified, and that's the great thing about an ordinance. And we could change policy at any given moment. That was the whole thing, Commissioner. I apologize, I did not hear Ms. Pulliam say that.

Colleagues, colleagues, order please.

Colleagues, order please. Commissioner Johnson, you still have the floor, sir. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Can I ask the maker of the motion to just amend this motion to 90 days? I mean, 60 days. It's four additional days to his original motion.

a second can i respond to the commissioner whenever you're ready the floor is yours uh commissioner johnson last week i was actually um pushing forward for the august 18th meeting which would give us uh 45 47 days i believe it was um no it was less than that and for the august 18th but um i could i couldn't gardener support for that and everybody was basically saying 60 days and so with the september 15th that's 56 days that's four days short and that falls on a commission meeting and so it'll be the same thing as long weekend but Again, ordinance can be modified, it can be changed. It actually gives us over a month and a half after we visit the QTS Center. I think you said earlier on your statement that you could support either one, a 90 or a 60.

i think that's pretty close to it and i would appreciate if you would support this because if this vote fails we unprotected here in the city i agree and and 60 days is is not 56 days um the reality is there's not support for a 56 day moratorium but there's reality there's support for a 60 day okay so i'm asking that we meet uh at a compromise over four days so that we can get this vote passed so everyone can go have dinner So could you amend your motion to allow for 60 days?

Mayor Pro Tem, are you willing to amend your motion?

That's to keep us protected.

Or are you going to keep your original motion?

It's September 18th is the meeting date, commission date. That's it. If it fails, it fails. We'd be unprotected and people could come in and put it in a data center.

Commissioner, from the first, the Mayor Pro Tem is rejecting... To amend his motion. So his original motion stands. Point of clarity.

Point of clarity.

State your point, Commissioner.

Can we get the attorney to give clarification? This meeting for the ordinance to approve it, does it have to be during a committee or does it have to be during a commission meeting?

It'd have to be through a commission meeting.

Go ahead and say.

You need to put your mic, put your mic.

Of course, be through full commission regular call meeting or special call meeting.

All right, thanks. That's a point of clarity to the attorney as well, Mr. Mayor? Yes, sir, Commissioner Johnson. Mr. Matten, is it also true that we don't have to absolutely approve this ordinance at that meeting? If the ordinance was extended, if the moratorium was extended to 60 days, which would put us outside of that commission meeting date, is it also true that we could approve that ordinance at the following commission meeting with no issue?

That is true, but if you set a 60-day moratorium, that moratorium would expire on that 60th day.

Okay, and that would mean that somebody could apply the 61st day, which still leaves it in the commission's hand whether to approve it or deny it, correct? So there's still protection there if the moratorium were to expire, right? Yes, that is correct. So this ordinance doesn't stop people from applying. The moratorium stops them from applying while we create an ordinance. But if the ordinance, if the moratorium expires, people can apply, but the commission can still deny if that's our will.

Correct. But if their application meets all of our current requirements and zoning requirements, it would open the county up to possible litigation if it were denied.

Well, you know, that's the same situation we have right now with QTS and it seems like that's usually what we get thrown as a lawsuit lawsuit. But what I wanna just make sure that I'm clear on is that this September date is not ironclad. We can vote on an ordinance the following meeting or a special call that next Tuesday, correct?

Yes, the commission could do that, yes. Okay, thank you.

All right. Thank you, Commissioner Jordan Johnson from the first. Chair recognizes Commissioner Stacy Pulliam from the second.

Okay. I have a question. May I, I can direct it to Attorney Madden. Yes. If I may, I would like to honestly direct it to Ms. Bonner. if I may yes ma'am continue thank you I remember um there was a time when I was applying and I just want this to be clear even for the public when I was applying for GIC Georgia Initiative for Community Housing and we were not in a commission meeting in fact I had gotten word while I was in Austin that it may not go through and so I had to gather my votes or gather support for that and you were able to send out an email because something had to be signed and I was able to gain consensus through that email. In this situation, would we not be able to do the same thing since we're not meeting on a commission day?

well while we gain consensus it had to be approved at the next regular official meeting yes ma'am so it it for all intents and purposes it was not a valid vote it was just to that you all agreed to wait and that that would be your vote and that you would ratify it at your next regular meeting

But if we had a special call meeting in the midst of that, we could then approve it. Yes, ma'am. Okay. Thank you, Ms. Bonner. Thank you, Mayor Johnson.

Thank you, Commissioner Pulliam. Chair recognizes Commissioner Lonnie Whitman-Lewinford.

Thank you, Ms. Mayor. I'm still a little concerned. We seem to be trying to rush a document and rush a study I've listened to the news. I've heard of those counties that put moratorium on data centers, but I never heard an argument in that by we might get sued. They don't talk about that. They talk about what they don't want. They talk about what they don't want. They talk about what they want. They want still a pristine looking community that they have. They want the cow pastures and all that. Good. That's what they want. But they're not saying if we put this moratorium on, we're going to get sued. So what we're trying, the only thing I think that we're trying to do, and I hope that is the consensus, and we're just trying to get this right. And I don't see more out there that binds us to a 60-day window. There's nothing that binds us to a 60-day window, but that is a requirement for us to get it right for this community.

Thank you. Thank you, Commissioner Wimbley. Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Guilford.

Mr. Mayor, let me see if I can modify my motion. You ready, Madam Clerk? Let's extend this moratorium for 60 days. Let's include three public meetings, Warren Road, Diamond Lakes, and where was the other one? Brigham. At the Brigham Center. And that'll be handled by our staff.

All right. Madam Clerk, the maker of the motion has amended it.

I'm sorry? I couldn't hear you.

I don't think that needs to be a part of motion.

All right. Madam Clerk, Mayor Pro Tem has amended his motion. For 60 days.

For 60 days.

And three public hearings. Three hearings.

Henry Brigham, Diamond Lakes, and Warren Road, right?

Diamond Lakes. Commissioner Garrett, you were the original seconder of that motion. Do you?

Is he still here?

I was going to say I'll second. I heard second from you yield to the commissioner from the second. Do you second, ma'am? And it's seconded by Commissioner Stacey Pulliam, Madam Clerk. All right, Commissioner Francine Scott, you're in the queue. She's out of the queue. All right, Madam Clerk, we have an amended motion for a 60-day extension of the moratorium to include three public hearings. Would the proper second it? We're prepared to vote. There's no colleagues in the queue.

That motion is unanimous. Thank you, Madam Clerk.

Further business before this body? No, sir. Seeing or hearing none, this session is hereby adjourned. Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for being here. Have a great day.