042020 Virtual Council Mtg Mins Adopted -1%--u\r/
NorthAugustä\
South Carolina's Riverfront
MINUTES OF APRIL 20,2020
Robert A. Pettit, Mayor
J. Robert Brooks, Councilmember
Pat C. Carpenter, Councilmember
Fletcher L. Dickert, Councilmember
David W. McGhee, Councilmember
Eric H. Presnell, Councilmember
Kevin W. Toole, Councilmember
ORDER OF BUSINESS
VIRTUAL REGULAR MEETING
The virtual regular meeting of the City Council of the City of North Augusta of April 6, 2020
having been duly publicized was called to order by Mayor Pettit at 7:02 p.m. using GoToMeeting
online conferencing software and streamed online for public viewing at the City Facebook page:
"City of North Augusta — Public Information" and City YouTube page: "City of North Augusta
Public Information" and adjourned at 7:48 p.m. Per Section 30-4-80, (e) notice of the meeting by
email was sent out to the current maintained "Agenda Mailout" list consisting of news media
outlets and individuals or companies requesting notification. Notice of the meeting was also
posted on the outside doors of the Municipal Center, the main bulletin board of the Municipal
Center located on the first floor, and the City of North Augusta website.
Mayor Pettit rendered the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Members present were Mayor Pettit, Councilmembers Brooks, Carpenter, Dickert, McGhee,
Presnell, and Toole.
Also in attendance were Rachelle Moody, Interim City Administrator; Kelly F. Zier, City
Attorney; Cammie T. Hayes, Director of Finance and General Services; Ricky Jones, Manager of
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Information Technology; and Sharon Lamar, City Clerk. Members of the public and the media
were also present.
The minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting and Study Session of April 6, 2020 were
approved by general consent.
ITEM 5. PERSONNEL: Employee of the Quarter — January, February, March 2020-
Robert Briggs
Mayor Pettit announced the Employee of the Quarter for January, February, March 2020, Robert
Briggs, Sanitation Worker I, with the Department of Public Services.
Robert started his employment with the City of North Augusta on July 5, 2012.
Robert works independently in the Sanitation Division collecting metal,white goods,and performs
other tasks as requested. He is also the sanitation staff member that completes various work order
tasks and fills in when other employees are absent.
Robert is an outstanding, dedicated City of North Augusta employee with a great positive attitude.
He demonstrates a high value work ethic and is always courteous to others. Robert has received
praise from both city staff and citizens with his willingness to go above and beyond his scope of
duties.
During the month of March, Robert assisted a young lady on Macklin Lane whom just had a baby
and forgot to roll her trash cart out to the curbside. Robert, without prompting, proceeded to roll
the cart out curbside and dump it for the customer. The young mother was most appreciative that
a City of North Augusta staff member had made sure her trash wasn't skipped. She called and left
a voice message along with a picture from her front door bell camera of Robert in action.
Robert Briggs is a tremendous asset to the Public Services Department and the City of North
Augusta workforce.
Mayor Pettit also shared this submission from Tanya Strickland, Stormwater Superintendent:
"I would like to nominate each employee that has had to continue arriving each day to conduct
their jobs and don't have the option to work from home at all. Every one of those employees
deserve recognition this quarter.
This pandemic has affected everyone in different ways, but each of us are stressed by the
invisible virus that may be lurking on things, equipment, co-workers, door handles, bags, roll
carts, shovels,...anywhere! There are those employees that do not get to go home and stay put
in the safety of their homes where they can control all of the surfaces, personal items and things
they bring in to them,for any time since this started. These many dedicated North Augusta
public servants are dealing with the invisible stress every single day, with no let-up, no break at
all except normal time at home. They are the ones that deserve this award. I admire how they
have handled it. They come in and do their jobs just as if the pandemic never arrived. They are
ready, willing and able every day. But 1 am sure it's on their minds more than any of us can
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imagine. It's got to be hard on them and their family. They are the truly award
worthy employees of this quarter of 2020, the Covid quarter, and hopefully the only one. "
ITEM 6. PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT: Resolution No,2020-14—Accepting a Deed
of Dedication for the Water Distribution System, Sanitary Sewer, and Associated Easements
and Rights of Way,Along with a Maintenance Guarantee and Letter of Credit for LeCompte
Townhomes
On the motion of Mayor Pettit, second of Councilmember Toole, Council agreed to consider a
resolution to accept a Deed of Dedication for the water distribution system, sanitary sewer, and
associated easements and rights of way along with a Maintenance Guarantee and Letter of Credit
for LeCompte Townhomes. Rachelle Moody, Interim City Administrator, confirmed there are five
townhomes planned. The resolution was adopted with a unanimously vote of Council.
Please see the text of the proposed resolution below:
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-14
ACCEPTING A DEED OF DEDICATION FOR THE
WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM, SANITARY SEWER, AND ASSOCIATED
EASEMENTS AND RIGHTS OF WAY, ALONG WITH A MAINTENANCE GUARANTEE
AND LETTER OF CREDIT,
FOR LECOMPTE TOWNHOMES
WHEREAS, Park Ridge Builders, Inc. developed Lecompte Townhomes,
according to the requirements of the North Augusta Planning Commission and the City, and owns
the streets, utilities and easements; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to §5.8.4.3 of the North Augusta Development Code, the
Director of Planning and Development and the City Engineer approved the final subdivision plat
for recording on February 13, 2020, and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the City that, upon approval of a final subdivision
plat, the City will, following inspection by the City's Engineering department, accept a deed of
dedication for utilities, etc. for the purpose of ownership and maintenance when said deed is
accompanied by a maintenance guarantee; and
WHEREAS, a maintenance guarantee and supporting letter of credit accompany
the deed; and
WHEREAS, the City Engineer has made final inspection of the subject
improvements and these improvements meet City standards.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Council of the
City of North Augusta, South Carolina, in meeting duly assembled and by the authority thereof,
do hereby accept a deed of dedication for:
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A perpetual non-exclusive access and utility easement over and upon that area designated
as 46' Access and Utility easement as shown on a plat prepared by John M. Bailey &
Associates, P.C., dated December 5, 2019 and recorded in the Office of the RMC for
Aiken County, South Carolina, in Book 61, at Page 908; reference being made to said
plat for a more complete and accurate description as to the metes, bounds and location of
said property.
TOGETHER with any and all portion of said property containing and encompassing all
of the water lines, sanitary sewer lines, valves, connections, and related infrastructure,
and appurtenances to said premises belonging or in any way incident or appertaining,
located within said property in accordance with and as shown on the above referenced
plat.
TOGETHER with all water lines and sanitary sewerage collection systems located on the
property shown on the aforesaid plat; and a perpetual and non-exclusive easement for the
water lines and sanitary sewage, as well as the necessary ingress and egress to reach the
aforesaid.
This being the same property conveyed to Park Ridge Builders, Inc. by deed of Glynn
Bruker, dated March 21, 2019 and recorded on March 25, 2019 in RB 4768, Page 2409,
aforesaid RMC Office.
Tax Map & Parcel Number: 006-19-13-005
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a Maintenance Guarantee and check in the
amount of$1,500.00 are hereby accepted.
DONE, RATIFIED AND ADOPTED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF NORTH AUGUSTA, SOUTH CAROLINA, ON THIS DAY OF
, 2020.
ITEM 7. ENGINEERING AND PUBLIC WORKS: Resolution No.2020-15—A Resolution
Authorizing the Acceptance of the Low Bid of Reeves Construction Co. for the Lynnhurst
Drainage Improvement Project
On the motion of Councilmember Presnell, second of Councilmember Brooks, Council agreed to
consider a resolution to authorize the acceptance of the low bid of Reeves Construction Co. for the
Lynnhurst Drainage Improvement Project. There was no discussion. The resolution was adopted
with no dissenting votes.
Please see the text of the proposed resolution below:
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-15
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE LOW BID OF REEVES
CONSTRUCTION CO. FOR THE
LYNNHURST DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
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WHEREAS, on March 5, 2020, an Advertisement for Bids for the Lynnhurst
Drainage Improvement Project was published on the City's website and in South Carolina
Business Opportunities (SCBO); and
WHEREAS, on April 2, 2020, four(4) sealed bids were received, publicly opened
and read aloud; and
WHEREAS, the low bid by Reeves Construction Co. is in the amount of
$917,615.00; and
WHEREAS,the Mayor and City Council of the City of North Augusta find that the
awarding of such bid is in the best interest of the City.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Council of the
City of North Augusta, South Carolina, in meeting duly assembled and by the authority thereof
that Reeves Construction Co. shall be awarded the contract for the Lynnhurst Drainage
Improvements at a bid amount of$917,615.00.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that construction contingency funding shall also be
provided in the amount of$82,385.00.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the funding sources for this contract shall be
as follows:
SC RIA Grant $ 300,000.00
Stormwater Utility Fund Previous Years Misc. Drainage Projects $ 500,000.00
Stormwater Utility Fund 2020 Budget Capital Projects $ 116,449.00
Stormwater Utility Fund Unrestricted Fund Balance $ 83,551.00
Total $ 1,000,000.00
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Administrator is authorized to execute
any documents required for the entering into of this contract.
DONE,RATIFIED AND ADOPTED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
NORTH AUGUSTA,SOUTH CAROLINA,ON THIS DAY OF APRIL,2020.
ITEM 8. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
There were no Administrative Reports.
ITEM 9. CITIZENS COMMENTS/RECOGNITION OF VISITORS:
Please see the attached emails submitted to the City Clerk and read aloud for the April 20, 2020
Council Meeting.
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A. Citizen Comments via email were made by:
Perry Holcomb
Tamara Smith
Karen W. Powell
B. Council Comments:
Following the reading of Mrs. Powell's email, Council agreed that more focus should be made
to communicate with Fire Station 1 neighboring property owners. Many Councilmembers stated
they had already spoken to Mrs. Powell over the prior weekend and addressed her concerns.
Councilmember Dickert asked if this forum was the appropriate group to address recognition
of 2020 graduating seniors in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Councilmember Presnell
shared his concern that this year's seniors will not be honored with a timely traditional ceremony
yet deserve recognition. Mayor Pettit voiced support of naming of a small group to work with
Aiken County Public Schools (ACPS). Councilmember Carpenter stressed Council should not
move forward with any plans, but should wait for North Augusta High School Principal, John
Murphy, and ACPS to announce their plans. Councilmember McGhee stated he knows the
schools are working to plan for seniors' recognition, but supports helping the cause.
Mayor Pettit reminded Council the North Augusta High School Lady Jackets Basketball Team
has yet to be recognized publically by the City for their"four-peat" state championship.
Mayor Pettit concluded the meeting by sharing words of thanks for those who worked to make
the first virtual Council meeting a success.
There being no further business, Council adjourned at 7:48 p.m.
APP VED THIS DAY OF Respectfully submitted,
02!
441.411.07e. ,W0.4x0,49
1 Sharon Lamar
Robert A. Pettit City Clerk
Mayor
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Lamar, Sharon
crom: Perry Holcomb <hpholcomb@yahoo.com>
Sent: Sunday, April 19, 2020 7:47 PM
To: Lamar, Sharon
Cc: Pettit, Robert; Kevin Toole; Fletcher Dickert; Bob Brooks; Pat Carpenter; David McGhee;
Eric Presnell; Moody, Rachelle; Kelly Zier 2 kzier@zierlawfirm.com
Subject: Comment for the City Council Meeting of April 20, 2020
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
Madame Clerk,
Three items -
The City has passed through its first quarter of FY2020. I would like for Ms. Moody, in conjunction
with Ms. Hayes, to present a brief report at a future Council meeting regarding that quarter's actual
income/expenditures. Such would give the Citizens some idea of how the 2020 budget is fairing in
the face of untoward income/expenses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which was not part of the
budget's preparation and passing.
When is the aduited budget for 2019 expected?
Since the subject meeting and the Study Session are virtual without public participation, I would
expect that the City would maintain audiovisual copies of these virtual meetings on its website for the
record. Is such planned?
I hope everyone is surviving this critical time without too much stress from an unusual style of living.
Perhaps the pandemic is God's way of making all of us realize just Who is in charge.
Best regards and stay safe and well,
Perry
O
Lamar, Sharon
'rom: Tamara Smith <tamara.smith@scdmh.org>
Sent: Monday,April 20, 2020 11:41 AM
To: Lamar, Sharon
Subject: Comments for City Council meeting 4/20/20
Ms. Lamar,
I am the Executive Director of Aiken Barnwell Mental Health Center, 1135 Gregg Hwy, Aiken SC. I'd like to share the
following comments at the North Augusta City Council meeting scheduled 4/20/2020.
Good evening. I am Tamara Smith,the Executive Director of Aiken Barnwell Mental Health Center. Aiken Barnwell Mental
Health Center provides an array of high quality mental health services to the residents of Aiken and Barnwell Counties.
Our mission is to support the recovery of persons with mental illness. The outbreak of the coronavirus may be stressful
for you,your family and members of our communities as it has dramatically changed our way of life. It is common to feel
stressed, confused, scared, angry or anxious during this time. People may feel isolated and alone. It may be especially
hard for people who already manage feelings of anxiety or emotional distress. People who need help can call Aiken-
Barnwell Mental Health Center for assistance. Anyone interested in seeking services or has general questions, can call
and talk with our staff at 1-803-641-7700. We will discuss current needs and options for treatment, either by phone or
secure video,so that the individual in need can remain safe at home. These are precautions to help limit patient and staff
exposure to the Coronavirus in our community. Anyone experiencing a psychiatric crisis may contact our Crisis Team at
1-833-364-2274. The crisis line is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week and 365 days per year. Law Enforcement
and Dispatch may also contact the Crisis Team for assistance should they encounter someone experiencing a psychiatric
crisis or would like to consult with our team. It's okay to reach out for help. Taking care of your mental health during
COVID19 is important. We appreciate the opportunity to share information with you and the residents of North Augusta.
Thank you
Tamara Smith
Tamara L.Smith, LISW-CP, MAC
Executive Director
Aiken-Barnwell Mental Health Center
803-508-7862
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PATIENTS ARE ASKED NOT TO SEND MESSAGES TO THIS ADDRESS AS STAFF MAY NOT SEE
THEM IN A TIMELY MANNER.IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING A PSYCHIATRIC(MENTAL HEALTH)
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rNTERVENTION TEAM, TOLL-FREE,AT(833) 364-2274. IT IS AVAILABLE AT ALL TIMES.AS
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OTHER INFORMATION THAT IS PRIVATE AND PROTECTED FROM DISCLOSURE BY
APPLICABLE LAW INCLUDING: 45 CFR PART 160 (HIPAA), § 44-22-100, S.C. CODE OF LAWS
(SCDMH PATIENT CONFIDENTIALITY), AND WHEN APPLICABLE, 42 CFR PART 2 (ALCOHOL
AND DRUG PROGRAM CONFIDENTIALITY.) IF THE READER OF THIS MESSAGE IS NOT THE
INTENDED RECIPIENT OR RESPONSIBLE FOR DELIVERING THE MESSAGE TO THE INTENDED
RECIPIENT, YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT ANY DISSEMINATION, DISTRIBUTION OR
COPYING OF THIS COMMUNICATION, OR THE INFORMATION CONTAINED WITHIN IT, IS
STRICTLY PROHIBITED AND MAY SUBJECT THE VIOLATOR TO CIVIL AND/OR CRIMINAL
PENALTIES. IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS COMMUNICATION IN ERROR, PLEASE NOTIFY US
IMMEDIATELY BY TELEPHONE, REPLY E-MAIL OR FAX USING THE PHONE NUMBER OR
ADDRESS IDENTIFIED IN THIS COMMUNICATION AND DESTROY OR DELETE ALL COPIES OF
THIS COMMUNICATION AND ALL ATTACHMENTS.
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Lamar, Sharon
'rom: Karen Powell <mrs.kwp@icloud.com>
Sent: Monday, April 20, 2020 11:57 AM
To: Lamar, Sharon
Subject: Council meeting
Hey Sharon!
Hope y'all are well!
I just realized that I probably should have sent this to you per rules instead of asking it to be read in the body of
the letter to the Mayor. Thanks !
Karen
April 19, 2020
Dear Mayor Pettit,
This is a follow up to the November 17 City Council meeting where I spoke regarding my concerns with the
rezoning for the Fire Station #1 location. At the meeting, I asked 6 questions of you and you were able to
answer one that night. You said you would get back to me regarding the rest of my questions. We also spoke
briefly after the Planning Commission meeting on December 18 concerning this same issue. I haven't yet
received any communication from you.
During the subsequent Council meeting, the Planning Commission Chair publicly charged the Council to
involve the neighbors in the planning/decisions regarding the new fire station. Steve Bryant spoke about
moving forward together and framed what a great opportunity this was to show cooperation with the city and
the neighbors of the fire station. When we left that meeting, we left with promises of cooperation, involvement
and communication between the City and the neighbors. Unfortunately, that communication promise has not
yet been realized.
In February, I saw on social media information regarding a "neighborhood" meeting to show the plans for the
new Fire Station #1 to be held on February 12. That was the first time we, the neighbors, had heard of any
meeting. We contacted our neighbors to inform them of the meeting and none had been contacted by the
City. At the "neighborhood" meeting located at station #3, I voiced concerns over the minimal buffer on the
west side of the property with such a large unused buffer on the Observatory side.
It is my understanding that the interim City Administrator proposed to Council at the last City Council meeting
the approved footprint for the new fire station. I was unable to see this drawing as I stayed home because of
the concerns with COVID-19. During the meeting, I saw that public comments related to the design were not
permitted at that time. I have been told by those that did attend that there is still a considerable unused buffer
on the Observatory side and only a 15ft buffer on the west side of the property. I have also been told that the
entrance and exit on Clay have been removed and that the detention pond has been eliminated and I want to
thank Council for that.
I am asking for communication with us, the neighbors, as you continue this project. Would the City please
consider a buffer for contiguous properties of at least
25ft since that allowance could accommodate the Fire Station needs and place the structure more across the
entire property instead of pushing it to the side of the highest populated border of the property? I understand
the project is moving forward and, again, we are looking forward to it, but we would still appreciate
acommunication and involvement. I am hopeful that the lack of communication was just an oversight that will be
:orrected.
I would like for this request to be read for record at the April 20, 2020 Council meeting.
Thank you for your time,
Karen W. Powell
320 Clay Ave
North Augusta, SC
Sent from my iPhone
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