[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6234550,"mediaKeyId","3411084-1fa7778bcba4b11c55ed38fb4352d124","parentId",3411084,"title","Commission approves personnel severance, hires and land‑bank transfer following executive session","audioSeconds",160,"startMs",17358000,"endMs",17518000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3411084-1fa7778bcba4b11c55ed38fb4352d124&start=17358&end=17518","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3411084-1fa7778bcba4b11c55ed38fb4352d124/thumbnail_17358000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6234550/Augusta-City/Richmond-County/Georgia/Commission-approves-personnel-severance-hires-and-landbank-transfer-following-executive-session","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6234550-30c1f6c842e884b14d3d34e901615ba0/orig.mp4?Expires=1775057685&Signature=W8H5bA0sDfKOgGyyTlS8NinR~-S08V8FcyreNoXBMCrQx2JtA-HQ~ZxE-ooPpC~IjVKqYFXyHVguj6KnzLII5-VPBJRvDdVqeKfRXNy0XDb5AxdniycTI47iO5FhIwumTcWywhnRsiTYmbs3yYK7-eXlq65M4Xe4L~CJ5bHUdUbnjjAsFkM43wQsZzrPAg2OZ6kWISPpTA8-euWUkVFRpHVETBmAK8pSAzQhx4HsqjB-CkI3nlKB6shOtnPrs4X0c~62ijMUn0yLh5K9NVyorSEEjrVuQMtmW~OkASMXNC1F2D7bpfWurerWBm9~QVWRQs4aAsp9IpVvw7Zb6PAwRw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-05-21T00:05:56.547Z","article","Following an executive session, the Augusta‑Richmond County Commission approved several personnel actions and a property transfer.

Motions made public by Attorney Plunkett included acceptance of the resignations of Carla Delaney and Samuel Miller as SES employees with one month’s severance pay in salary continuation, conditioned on execution of separation agreements and releases. The commission approved Delaney’s separation (vote recorded as carrying with Commissioners Garrett and Scott absent). The motion regarding Samuel Miller carried 8–1, with Commissioner Alvin Mason voting no and Commissioners Garrett and Scott absent.

The commission also approved two hires by vote: Todd Kennedy as senior planner in the Planning Department at an annual salary of $61,431.08, and Chiquita Richardson as communications manager at $75,000 per year. Both motions carried with Commissioners Garrett and Scott absent.

Finally, the commission approved the transfer of property at 25 Greg Street to the Augusta Georgia Land Bank Authority; that motion also carried with Commissioners Garrett and Scott absent.

All personnel and property items were taken after the commission went into executive session to discuss potential litigation, real estate and personnel matters. No additional details about the separation agreements were disclosed on the public record.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Augusta Pension & Audit Committee/Commission Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","After an executive session, commissioners approved separations with one month of severance for two SES employees, hired a senior planner and a communications manager, and transferred a property to the Augusta Georgia Land Bank Authority.","taxTitle","Augusta City, Richmond County, Georgia","taxId",3794,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6234555,"Commissioners hear calls for improved regional transit; administration plans ridership study and RFP",717,4591000,5308000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3411084-1fa7778bcba4b11c55ed38fb4352d124&start=4591&end=5308","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3411084-1fa7778bcba4b11c55ed38fb4352d124/thumbnail_4591000.jpg","/articles/6234555/Augusta-City/Richmond-County/Georgia/Commissioners-hear-calls-for-improved-regional-transit-administration-plans-ridership-study-and-RFP","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6234555-beeffe6f3238815e5d01523ef6e65040/orig.mp4?Expires=1775057685&Signature=VqTtD4w1oJ~Yf2qqSCfFSpCNT0XKTqHgURKhh9tkdJT-QVaQ~RHa7oI~CjWQvSHTfH8v-LQImMVqs0KTtAhwIrepEaC4~Ni5fGRTjKWdlDA05qfrfQXv5PldOc4XXXy5PVNW4UqSaugis11-G5rJGxL7m9MBCetq1NsX0ok78VXLivBSKH8P9HbG4SUfHNNaZVRMio9I2bmRt8W~QgbETpOhFWbwqazsjyulQL1tmB8YjVF8bpprUqHxGLCFeBxZiKezQgvjCWDABWYAU6EtVa6613Wjm~eaZ-VD6OcHSEPNHCTzxRpohDdrrwcZ39Tt-2yPL~~hDMhWqTEe8vVmuQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A citizen speaker and several commissioners urged Augusta‑Richmond County officials to expand public transit service and pursue reciprocal regional routes, while city staff said an RFP for a ridership study will be issued to realign services to current demand.

Brian Green, a resident and transit advocate, told the commission that a modern, reciprocal transit system linking neighboring counties and major job centers would produce measurable economic returns and better serve residents who lack reliable transportation. “We can have an express system that goes to Waynesboro,” Green said, adding that properly marketed routes and targeted service can boost ridership and economic activity.

Mayor and commissioners discussed concerns raised by residents about safety and neighborhood impacts; speakers rejected the idea that transit causes crime and emphasized the mobility needs of workers. Several commissioners supported further study of options including express routes and regional reciprocity.

Administration response and next steps: the city administrator said demand for service has shifted toward South Augusta and that the city will pursue a ridership study to align routes with demographic changes. “Right now, the city actually supplements transit $1,600,000 a year,” the administrator said, and added that staff will issue an RFP for a study to inform route and resource decisions. The administrator also directed the public to contact Transit Director Daughtry to coordinate ideas and potential partnerships.

Why it matters: commissioners noted that public transit affects access to jobs and economic development and that technological upgrades — such as mobile ticketing — could increase ridership. Commissioner Tina Slendak urged the system to adopt mobile ticketing to remove barriers for younger riders who are less likely to use cash or paper tickets.

No formal action: the presentation and discussion were part of the delegation and comment portion; commissioners asked staff to proceed with a ridership study and explore technology and partnership options.","A resident urged the commission to expand and modernize public transit and pursue reciprocity with neighboring counties. The administration said it will issue an RFP for a ridership study and noted the city currently subsidizes transit by about $1.6 million annually.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6234560,"Local comic‑book literacy project seeks city partnership to distribute 10,000 summer packs",238,2834000,3072000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3411084-1fa7778bcba4b11c55ed38fb4352d124&start=2834&end=3072","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3411084-1fa7778bcba4b11c55ed38fb4352d124/thumbnail_2834000.jpg","/articles/6234560/Augusta-City/Richmond-County/Georgia/Local-comicbook-literacy-project-seeks-city-partnership-to-distribute-10000-summer-packs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6234560-d7bf350d3168bb64a8177bf132d510b7/orig.mp4?Expires=1775057685&Signature=XJCWcH2vbzQohEmoQLv3iftVzRc0wjFSw1Koy~pfM-dRnwfMNC5OFK0N0vJzNnk8vpRixEUbRBFpJysbazLCw0NWk5t8SSBJWK9C43dElx4f2Nnn0nAl5BPPlId0ZmVykHG0mx5INiCJlVfGkaMHASfGQejiK3zUI9bYQ4pYegn~DokKT93xDV-S3LWDGes87JqpkqgMhFQXvzXv51WFWbhzMheg1HKDwTJIKiMhtQU91pNwHmQeTta3~47qDOZ32stfIorKyma6ENgYysaik5Ryt6INBPzoV1VfNkwklNP54TKIB7bAuwqx6c~iZKDehQQ37AwbGdlh4dwK61vd7Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A small comics‑and‑education company asked the Augusta‑Richmond County Commission to help launch a citywide summer reading program that would distribute free comic‑book “adventure packs” to children and teens.

Aziza Ilujah, who identified herself as a founder of the program, told the commission the Augusta Summer Adventure would use comics and an immersive scavenger‑hunt format to encourage reading and visits to libraries, parks and local businesses. “We're planning an epic adventure that spans the city. We're looking to distribute 10,000 or more free adventure packs to children ages 4 through 16,” Ilujah said.

Why it matters: presenters said comics can engage reluctant readers and students with learning differences, improve comprehension and vocabulary, and spark interest in school‑age children. Ilujah said the project is research‑based and can be tailored with culturally relevant stories.

Local response: Commissioners and staff expressed support and offered next steps. Commissioner Alvin Mason suggested partnering the program with the Recreation and Parks Department to use city facilities and praised director Tamika Williams for prior facility work. “It's something that's sorely needed in, not just our community, but in the nation as a whole,” Mason said.

Commissioner Francine Scott said the project was presented to the Augusta Richmond Public Library board the previous night and that the board voted unanimously to partner in a pilot. Ilujah said she had already discussed a demo of the program with Emmanuel Mitchell of the Augusta Richmond Public Library. Director Tamika Williams and library staff were identified as likely partners to host checkpoints and events.

Program details presented: Ilujah described a free citywide scavenger hunt that turns libraries, parks and businesses into “comic book chapters.” Participants would read comics, complete activities, follow clues across the city and attend multiple events. The presenters said they plan teenage events, a “Soul Bowl” community food event, and work with 20 or more host venues.

Funding and next steps: Ilujah said the group seeks grants, sponsorships and city support for events and logistics. Commissioners encouraged coordination with Parks and Recreation and the library to finalize sites and timing and asked staff to follow up about facility use and potential city support.

No formal commission action was taken at the meeting; the presentation was on the delegation portion of the agenda and commissioners asked staff to explore partnership options ahead of the summer season.","A small comic‑book education company asked the commission to partner on a free, citywide summer reading “Augusta Summer Adventure” that aims to distribute 10,000+ adventure packs and place 20+ host venues across Augusta to boost literacy.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6234565,"Augusta commission approves $1.16 million Trane maintenance agreement after debate over consultant oversight",3670,3212000,6882000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3411084-1fa7778bcba4b11c55ed38fb4352d124&start=3212&end=6882","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3411084-1fa7778bcba4b11c55ed38fb4352d124/thumbnail_3212000.jpg","/articles/6234565/Augusta-City/Richmond-County/Georgia/Augusta-commission-approves-116-million-Trane-maintenance-agreement-after-debate-over-consultant-oversight","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6234565-7f248e8bc89a001ff81bedea30d1fd3c/orig.mp4?Expires=1775057685&Signature=hnqfGTT7WiR7fGcvMHEeATvn2ELtNiVt7eWBEUwPwGGmYfyZmURuLnrNkGS3cq9L25t3PgtcqLRBTq7GTUoGnb4LPLWoi8rYTQT4ULmO4hVDiVrqBeTQD8lC8zIxAk2892PYkSEdZcv8fYyGQEprUDXjsAZdHvASlCDKWLzFkUy4zu~~r1v19kCII3Peqlaih36Ky1qjiXahzisTL1LFm0jA9fS-tgfpWVF4uDrdjDozjOnFuDGA0kQcrnWyw008XR9bZF2GFSQEOjfo7C6-Z8~sAf~G4lNXEuDjY8w7eepiDFUYTdaPNmPMhBzQSrKIBUupLQeSIdAh3mQdWnkfTA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Augusta‑Richmond County Commission on Thursday approved a one‑year building automation and mechanical service agreement with Trane for $1,160,670.97, after more than an hour of public comment and debate about consultant oversight and guaranteed energy savings.

Commissioners voted 6–4 to approve the contract. Commissioners Catherine Smith Rice, Alvin Mason, Don Clark, Tina Slendak, Wayne Guilfoyle and Mayor Johnson voted yes; Commissioners Jordan Johnson, Stacy Pulliam, Tony Lewis and Francine Scott voted no. A substitute motion to postpone the vote until NV5 — the project’s consultant — appeared before the commission failed 4–6.

The contract covers preventive maintenance for the equipment installed in the energy‑efficiency project and extends service to the facilities not fully covered in the project’s original Exhibit G. Interim Director Ron Lampkin told commissioners the maintenance is necessary to preserve the contract’s 20‑year energy‑savings guarantee: “The maintenance contract is renewable every year. If we don't continue forward and the equipment is not properly maintained and then you run the risk of losing your guarantee that was voted on in the contract.”

Why it matters: the original energy‑efficiency project carries a 20‑year performance guarantee tied to measured kilowatt‑hour savings. Lampkin said the contract guarantees 3,816,906 kilowatt‑hours in annual savings; if savings fall short, Trane is contractually obligated to reimburse the city. Commissioners and members of the public pressed for clearer auditing and independent oversight of those savings before approving a $1.16 million maintenance package.

Most of the debate centered on NV5, the consultant retained to review the project and validate savings. Several commissioners and a delegation speaker, Ben Hassan, said NV5 had been asked to appear in January and had not presented to the commission; commissioners argued the consultant should be available to explain how savings will be measured and verified. Lampkin said NV5 has been involved throughout the project and will monitor performance during the contract’s upcoming performance period: “Starting June, we will go into what's called a performance period of the contract, that period is for 1 year, and in that 1 year's time, Trane will monitor, NV5 will monitor, and then they will be reporting back on a monthly basis.”

City administration framed the program’s results as cost avoidance rather than net savings to date. The administrator said the project has helped avoid higher utility costs as Georgia Power rates rose, but cautioned that growing utility prices reduce the program’s immediate dollar savings: “It is more of a cost avoidance, I would say, at this point, than a cost major cost savings.” The administration also noted Georgia Power incentives have been received and may be applied back into the project.

Scope and coverage: Lampkin said the maintenance work covers the 64–65 facilities included in the project, citing the municipal buildings, parks, the jail on Tennessee Road and other sites. He said the aquatic center and some equipment not replaced in the project would be included in the maintenance contract so those systems can be properly serviced in pool season.

Questions and next steps: Commissioners asked for (1) NV5 to present to the commission about performance monitoring and validation, (2) documentation of the consultant contract and recent NV5 reviews, and (3) periodic updates on staffing to build in‑house maintenance capacity. Lampkin said the city is training staff through Trane certification programs that can, over time, reduce scope and cost of outsourced maintenance: the training program is a multimonth process and the maintenance agreement is renewable annually, he said, allowing the city to remove items from the contract as in‑house capacity grows.

Outcome and notable votes: a substitute motion to delay the vote until NV5 appeared failed on a 4–6 roll call. The final motion to approve the Trane service agreement passed 6–4. The clerk recorded the final motion as: “Motion to approve the request for the building automation service and mechanical service agreement 1 year in the total amount of $1,160,670.97 by Trane Company.”

The commission asked staff to provide the NV5 contract and a written schedule for consultant availability and promised monthly performance reports once the performance period begins in June.","The Augusta‑Richmond County Commission voted 6–4 to approve a one‑year Trane building automation and mechanical service agreement totaling $1,160,670.97 amid concerns about consultant NV5’s absence and how energy savings will be audited.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission approves personnel severance, hires and land‑bank transfer following executive session

Commissioners hear calls for improved regional transit; administration plans ridership study and RFP

Local comic‑book literacy project seeks city partnership to distribute 10,000 summer packs

Augusta commission approves $1.16 million Trane maintenance agreement after debate over consultant oversight