The Augusta Commission hired a procurement director and a communications manager Tuesday. Commissioners also again raised questions about an ever-developing deal with Trane intended to save the city money on energy.
The commission spent much of nearly seven meeting hours behind closed doors Tuesday, discussing “personnel” who included at least two – general counsel and procurement director – of the dozen vacancies that currently exist among top city staff.
Emerging from a first closed session around 2:40 p.m. the commission voted to name Aaron “Andy” Penick as the “sole finalist” for procurement director. Governments are required under Georgia open records laws to release information about at least three finalists.
If he accepts, Penick would take the place of longtime former Procurement Director Geri Sams, whom the commission forced out last fall.
MORE: Rezoning for site of former First Baptist Church of Evans approved
According to an online bio, Penick most recently served as purchasing manager for Hall County, where Gainesville is the county seat. He joined Hall County in March 2022 and lists among his accomplishments working with other departments on the development of complex, multimillion-dollar contracts and request for proposal solicitations.
The commission also voted to hire Chiquita Richardson, currently public information officer for the fire department, as the city’s new communications manager at a salary of $75,000. Richardson replaces Danielle Harris, who resigned last year to teach at Augusta University .
The commission voted to accept the resignations of Planning and Development Director Carla Delaney, who tendered her resignation last month, and Senior Staff Attorney Sam Meller. The commission voted to offer each severance pay equal to one month’s salary and benefits.
Trane update
The Trane item began in 2018 as an energy savings contract that led to a detailed audit of the city’s energy usage. Then in 2022, the commission borrowed $24 million to cover widespread HVAC and other equipment upgrades in conjunction with a 20-year promise of cost-savings expected to cover the $24 million.
Last week, Interim Central Services Director Ron Lamkin presented another component of the deal, which was service agreements with Trane intended to keep the equipment in top shape for the 20 years. Year 1, which the commission approved Tuesday, cost $580,671.
Lamkin said the service agreements were required for Trane to achieve the cost savings while without them, the city forfeits its agreement with Trane for the guaranteed savings.
MORE: Electrical power for both new arena and Bell Auditorium scheduled to be installed soon
Former commissioner Ben Hasan encouraged the commission to wait for information from NV5, a consulting firm hired as a third-party monitor, required for energy savings contracts. The firm was expected to verify the amount of savings.
“I’m curious why we never received the update that we were told was coming,” said Commissioner Brandon Garrett.
Administrator Tameka Allen said with energy costs rising, the Trane deal had resulted in “more of a cost avoidance, than a major cost savings.”
Lamkin said when the performance period of the contract begins in June, Trane and NV5 will present more information.
Commissioner Wayne Guilfoyle made a motion to approve. He said the city doesn’t do well with maintenance.
The motion passed 6-4 with Garrett absent for the vote.
