The Augusta Commission and other committees will be discussing topics ranging from trash service to a non-discrimination ordinance and funding for Augusta Coliseum Authority.
The Administrative Services Committee will consider a request from City Administrator Odie Donald to transfer $45,000 to the Coliseum Authority so they can hire a consultant to provide a comprehensive plan for allocating federal funds for the area. The funding will come from the Parks and Recreation Department budget.
Documents included with the agenda do not specify exactly what federal funding is involved.
MORE: Coliseum Authority Regroups After Arena Bond Referendum Voted Down
District 4 Commissioner Al Mason says that he is uneasy with the vague wording and wants to hear specifics.
“We’ve already given them money so they could begin working on the failed new arena,” Mason said.
Trash pickup will be discussed in both a legal session and in the Engineering Committee. Behind closed doors, the commission will discuss the policy of people opting out of city-provided trash service. Recently, city officials have discovered that some people have been charged trash service fees for vacant lots and other property they own that does not need city trash service.
In 2013, the commission voted to exempt right of ways, land over 10 acres and land used for agricultural or forestry purposes. The commission also withdrew the requirement of landowners having to offer proof of alternate service to receive the exemption.
Meanwhile, District 7 Commissioner Sean Frantom added an item to the Engineering Committee agenda to discuss complaints about slow trash pick-up in some areas of the city and wants to discuss solutions for the future.
The Administrative Services Committee will vote on whether to adopt a non-discrimination ordinance. The measure aims to provide mediation to people who claim to have been discriminated against by private businesses. If the ordinance passes the committee, it will still require a vote by the full commission to be enacted.
Administrative services will also vote on whether to ratify an award of an agreement to replace the roof on Appleby Branch Library, in the amount of $62,306.50. CGS Waterproofing of Norcross was the winning bidder for the roof replacement.
Scott Hudson is the Senior Reporter for The Augusta Press. Reach him at scott@theaugustapress.com
