111620 Council Mtg Mins Adopted North
Augusta
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MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 16, 2020
Robert A. Pettit, Mayor
ILJ. 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
REGULAR MEETING
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of North Augusta of November 16, 2020
having been duly publicized was called to order by Mayor Pettit at 7:04 p.m. and then adjourned
at 7:32 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 James S. Clifford, City Administrator; Rachelle Moody, Assistant City
Administrator; Kelly F. Zier, City Attorney; Cammie T. Hayes, Director of Finance and General
• Services;Richard L.Meyer,Director of Parks,Recreation,and Tourism;John C.Thomas,Director
of Public Safety;Thomas C. Zeaser, Director of Engineering and Public Works; James E. Sutton,
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• Director of Public Services; Libby E. Hodges, Director of Planning and Development; J.D.
McCauley,Manager of Human Resources;Ricky Jones,Manager of Information Technology; and
Sharon Lamar, City Clerk. Members of the public and media were also present.
The minutes of the Study Session and Regular Council meeting of November 2, 2020 were
approved by general consent.
ITEM 5. PROCLAMATION: Small Business Saturday—November48,2020
Mayor Pettit proclaimed November 28, 2020 as Small Business Saturday in the City of North
Augusta.
Please see a copy of the proclamation below:
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, small businesses form the backbone of our local economy, generating jobs and
improving the quality of life for citizens; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council of North Augusta, South Carolina acknowledge and
• celebrate the City's small businesses and the contributions they make to our community; and
WHEREAS, the impact on local small businesses resulting from the COVID pandemic has been
dramatic and, in many instances, devastating; and
WHEREAS, 2020 marks the eleventh year of Small Business Saturday, a nationwide campaign to
encourage shopping at local businesses on the Saturday after Thanksgiving to stimulate the local
economy; and
WHEREAS, local organizations such as the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce and many
other organizations across the country endorse the Saturday after Thanksgiving as Small Business
Saturday.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Robert A. Pettit, Mayor of the City of North Augusta, South Carolina, do
hereby claim November 28, 2020 as:
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
AND encourage our citizens to recognize and support small businesses within our
community by shopping locally on the Saturday following Thanksgiving.
• IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the City of North
Augusta, South Carolina, to be affixed this 16th day of November, 2020.
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• ITEM 6. PROCLAMATION: Arbor Day—December 4,2020
Mayor Pettit proclaimed December 4,2020 as Arbor Day in the City of North Augusta.
Please see a copy of the proclamation below:
PROCLAMATION
ARBOR DA Y PRO CLAMA TION
WHEREAS, in 1872, J. Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture that a
special day be set aside for the planting of trees; and
WHEREAS, the holiday, called Arbor Day, was first observed with the planting of more than a
million trees in Nebraska; and
WHEREAS,Arbor Day is now observed throughout the nation and the world; and
WHEREAS, trees can reduce the erosion of our precious topsoil by wind and water, lower our
heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce oxygen and provide
habitat for wildlife; and
• WHEREAS, trees are a renewable resource giving us paper, wood for our homes,fuel for our
fires and countless other wood products; and
WHEREAS, trees in our City increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business
areas, and beautify our community; and
WHEREAS, trees, wherever they are planted, are a source ofjoy and spiritual renewal.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Robert A. Pettit, Mayor of the City of North Augusta, South Carolina, do
hereby proclaim December 4, 2020, as "Arbor Day"in North Augusta, South Carolina,
and urge all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day and to support efforts to protect our trees and
woodlands, and further, 1 urge all citizens to plant and care for trees to gladden the heart
and promote the well-being of this and future generations.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the City of North
Augusta, South Carolina, to be affixed this 16`h day of November, 2020.
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• ITEM 7. PERSONNEL: Michael Key—Retirement—Recognition of Service to the City
of North Augusta
Mayor Pettit recognized Michael Key's retirement from the City's Public Safety Department.
Mike Key began his service to the City of North Augusta on April I st 1987. For over 33 1/2
years He has been a role model for others to follow. He is an example of a loyal and dedicated
employee. His devotion to the Public Safety Department is going to be missed and will likely not
be equaled any time soon. Mike always seemed to have positive influence on the other officers
he worked with. Mike handled his chosen profession with a calm demeanor and good humor
even in the difficult times. His knowledge and caring of the Community he served will remain
one of his finest qualities. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of serving with him.
ITEM 8. PERSONNEL: Randy Nichols—Retirement—Recognition of Service to the
City of North Augusta
Mayor Pettit recognized Randy Nichols' retirement from the City's Public Utilities Department.
On behalf of City Council and City Staff, I (Mayor Pettit) want to congratulate Public Utilities
Supervisor Randy Nichols on his well-deserved retirement and thank him for 28 years of
dedicated service to the citizens of North Augusta.
• Randy began his career with the City in 1992 in the Public Utilities Department. During his years
of service Randy served several years on the safety committee,provided technical skills training
to employees and was known for his professionalism and dedication to provide exemplary
customer service.
Randy has served as an integral component to maintaining the integrity of the City's utility
systems. Randy's hard work and dedication to serve is an example we should all strive to follow
and will truly be missed by his City family.
Our well wishes and thoughts are with Randy and his family for happiness and good fortune
throughout his retirement.
Again, congratulations on your well-deserved retirement!
ITEM 9. PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT: Ordinance No. 2020-34 —Amending
Article 3, Zoning Districts, of the North Augusta Development Code, Chapter 18 of the City
of North Augusta, South Carolina Code of Ordinances; Ordinance—First Reading
On the motion of Councilmember Dickert, second of Councilmember Presnell, Council agreed to
consider on first reading an ordinance to amend Article 3, Zoning Districts, of the North Augusta
Development Code,Chapter 18 of the City of North Augusta, South Carolina Code of Ordinances.
• There were no comments from citizens or Council. The first reading of the ordinance was
approved with a unanimous 7-0 vote.
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• Please see a copy of the proposed ordinance below:
ORDINANCE NO. 2020-34
AMENDING ARTICLE 3 ZONING DISTRICTS. OF THE NORTH AUGUSTA
DEVELOPMENT CODE CHAPTER 18 OF THE CITY OF NORTH AUGUSTA. SOUTH
CAROLINA CODE OF ORDINANCES
WHEREAS, on December 17, 2007, by Ordinance 2007-22, the North Augusta
City Council adopted the North Augusta Development Code which is consistent with the City's
Comprehensive Plan and which incorporates all City zoning and land development regulations;
and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 5.3.3.2 Text Amendments in Article 5,Approval
Procedures, of the North Augusta Development Code, any person, property owner, board,
commission,department or the City Council may apply for a change in zoning ordinance text; and
WHEREAS, the North Augusta Planning Commission, following a October 15,
2020, public hearing, reviewed and considered a request by the Planning and Development
Department to amend Article 3, Section 3.8.6 entitled "NP,Neighborhood Preservation Corridor
Overlay District," of the North Augusta Development Code to allow Special Exceptions within
the overlay.The Planning Commission report has been provided to City Council for consideration.
• The Mayor and City Council have reviewed the request as well as the report from
the Planning Commission and has determined that the change to the text of the Development Code
is appropriate.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORTH AUGUSTA,SOUTH CAROLINA,IN MEETING DULY
ASSEMBLED AND BY THE AUTHORITY THEREOF, THAT:
I. The North Augusta Development Code, Chapter 18 of The City of North Augusta,
South Carolina Code of Ordinances, Providing for New Zoning and Land
Development Regulations for the City of North Augusta, South Carolina, is hereby
amended and shall read as described in the following section. The section of the
Code affected by the proposed amendment is identified by the section number.
A. Article 3,NP,Neighborhood Preservation Corridor Overlay District, Section 3.8.6.2,
Permitted Uses, is amended to read:
3.8.6.2.1 Permitted nonresidential uses may be located on the first floor only.
Upper stories may be used for residential and accessory storage uses only unless
• allowed by Special Exception. Parking is not permitted as a principal use.
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• And
3.8.6.2.3 Uses which require a special exception may be granted by the Board
of Zoning Appeals with conditions.
B.Any other needed formatting will be edited to reflect new page numbers,titles or item
numbering associated with the text changes outlined herein.
II. All other Ordinances or parts of Ordinances in conflict herewith are, to the extent
of such conflict,hereby repealed.
III. This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its adoption on second
reading.
DONE, RATIFIED AND ADOPTED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF NORTH AUGUSTA, SOUTH CAROLINA, ON THIS DAY OF 2020.
ITEM 10. BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: Municipal Election Commission
Appointments—Recommendation by Mayor
• Mayor Pettit recommended the following appointments and terms to the Municipal Election
Commission.
Name Term Expires
Machela Knox 1/31/2026
Carleton Vaughn 1/31/2024
Council confirmed the appointees by general consensus.
ITEM 11. ELECTIONS: Ordinance No. 2020-35—Complying with Sections 10-1 and
10-2 of the Code of Laws of North Augusta, South Carolina by Setting the Dates for
Municipal Party Primaries, Conventions, and Partisan General Elections, Times for Filing
of Nominating Petitions, Certification of Candidates by Parties and Certification of
Candidates by Municipal Election Commission; Ordinance—First Reading
On the motion of Councilmember Brooks, second of Mayor Pettit, Council agreed to consider on
first reading an ordinance complying with Sections 10-1 and 10-2 of the Code of Laws of North
Augusta, South Carolina by Setting the Dates for Municipal Party Primaries, Conventions, and
Partisan General Elections,Threes for Filing of Nominating Petitions, Certification of Candidates
by Parties and Certification of Candidates by Municipal Election Commission. Kelly Zier, City
Attorney, explained the filing dates have been adjusted to meet a Federal mandate to allow 45
• days before primaries for the preparation and distribution of overseas and military absentee
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• ballots. There were no comments from citizens and Council. The ordinance was approved on
first reading with a unanimous vote of 7-0.
Please see a copy of the proposed ordinance below:
ORDINANCE NO. 2020-35
COMPLYING WITH SECTIONS 10-1 AND 10-2 OF THE
CODE OF LAWS OF NORTH AUGUSTA, SOUTH CAROLINA,
BY SETTING THE DATES FOR MUNICIPAL PARTY PRIMARIES, CONVENTIONS,
AND PARTISAN GENERAL ELECTION, TIMES FOR FILING OF NOMINATING
PETITIONS CERTIFICATION OF CANDIDATES BY PARTIES,AND
CERTIFICATION OF CANDIDATES BY MUNICIPAL ELECTION COMMISSION
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
NORTH AUGUSTA, SOUTH CAROLINA,IN MEETING DULY ASSEMBLED AND BY THE
AUTHORITY THEREOF,THAT:
I. The 2021 Municipal General Election for Purposes of electing the mayor and three
members of City Council for the City of North Augusta, South Carolina, on
Tuesday, April 27, 2021,with a run-off, if necessary, on May 11, 2021.
• II. The filing and certification dates are hereby set for the 2021 Municipal Party
Primaries and General Election as follows:
A. The time for entry of candidates into party primaries or conventions shall
commence at 9:00 A. M., December 14, 2020, and shall end at 12:00 Noon,
December 21,2020. Entries shall be made to the chairperson of the respective
parties.
B. Primary elections, if selected by a party, shall be held on February 9, 2021,
with a run-off, if necessary, on February 23, 2021.
C. Conventions, if selected by a party, shall be held no later than February 9,
2021.
D. The deadline for filing nominating petitions to the Municipal Election
Commission shall be 12:00 Noon, February 10, 2021. Candidates may file
by petition with no less than 5%of qualified electors.
E. The deadline for parties to certify candidates selected by primary or
convention to the Municipal Election Commission shall be 12:00 Noon,
• February 26,2021.
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F. The certification of the candidates by petition,primary, or convention by the
Municipal Election Commission shall be no later than 12:00 Noon, March 1,
2021.
III. All ordinances or parts of Ordinances in conflict herewith are,to the extent of such
conflict,hereby repealed.
IV. This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its adoption on second
reading.
DONE, RATIFIED AND ADOPTED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF NORTH AUGUSTA, SOUTH CAROLINA, ON THIS DAY OF
12020.
ITEM 12. PUBLIC SAFETY: Resolution No. 2020-55 — Approving Payment to
Belvedere Fire District for Transfer of Service Territory to City for Properties Annexed from
April 15,2019 through October 31,2020
On the motion of Councilmember Carpenter, second of Councilmember Presnell, Council agreed
to consider a resolution to approve payment to Belvedere Fire District for transfer of service
• territory to the City for properties annexed from April 15, 2019 through October 31,2020. Kelly,
Zier, City Attorney, explained this procedure was established in 2019 and the total payment is
$1950 from the Fire Protection Fees account. There were no other comments. The resolution was
adopted with a unanimous 7-0 vote.
Please see the copy of the proposed resolution below:
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-55
APPROVING PAYMENT TO BELVEDERE FIRE DISTRICT FOR TRANSFER OF
SERVICE TERRITORY TO CITY FOR PROPERTIES ANNEXED FROM
APRIL 15 2019 THROUGH OCTOBER 31, 2020.
WHEREAS, the City and Belvedere Fire District entered into an Agreement
related to the respective fire districts for the City and Belvedere Fire District, to include
provisions related to future annexations by the City; and,
WHEREAS, the Agreement was approved by the Aiken County Council on
February 5, 2019; and,
WHEREAS,the City and Belvedere Fire District reached an Agreement related
to the specific procedure for the payment by the City to Belvedere Fire District when an area is
annexed by the City and removed from the Belvedere Fire District; and,
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• WHEREAS, the City desires to, at this time make the required payment to
Belvedere Fire District for annexations that have taken place since April of 2019 through
October 31, 2020.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and City Council of
the City of North Augusta, South Carolina, in meeting duly assembled and by the authority
thereof,that:
1. That twenty-two (22)annexations have taken place within the timeframe
as set forth above that pursuant to the formula agreed to results in a
payment due by the City to Belvedere Fire District in the amount of
$1,950.00;
2. That pursuant to the agreement that this amount may be paid, without
interest over a period of five (5) years;
3. That the City has determined that it does not desire to pay this amount
over the five (5) year time, but would desire to pay the same in full at
this time;
4. That the Director of Finance and General Services is authorized to make
payment to Belvedere Fire District in the amount of$1,950.00;
5. That the funds being paid to Belvedere Fire District are to be paid out of
the Fire Protection Fees account.
DONE, RATIFIED AND ADOPTED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
• COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORTH AUGUSTA, SOUTH CAROLINA, ON THIS
DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2020.
ITEM 18. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
There were no new Administrative reports.
ITEM 19. CITIZENS COMMENTS/RECOGNITION OF VISITORS:
A. Citizen Comments:
There were no comments from citizens.
B. Council Comments:
Councilmember Presnell congratulated the North Augusta High School Varsity Football team for
winning their first playoff game. He also wished the City a"Happy Thanksgiving."
Councilmember Dickert reminded everyone the bids for Fire Station 1 were due by 2 pm on
Tuesday,November 17.
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• Councilmember McGhee confirmed the City Christmas Tree Lighting event will be Tuesday,
December 1 at 1 pm and the Lions Club Christmas Parade will be Sunday, December 6 at 3 pm.
There being no further business, Council adjourned at 7:32 p.m.
AP ROVE THIS DAY OF Respectfully submitted,
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iU OS[LYLt.Nt�
Sharon Lamar
Robert A. Pettit City Clerk
Mayor
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