060721 Power Hour & Council Mtg Mins Adopted North
AugustoA, 7 /
South Carolina's Riuerfront
MINUTES OF JUNE 7, 2021
Briton S. Williams, Mayor
J. Robert Brooks, Councilmember
Pat C. Carpenter, Councilmember
Jenafer F. McCauley, Councilmember
David W. McGhee, Councilmember
Eric H. Presnell, Councilmember
Kevin W. Toole, Councilmember
•
ORDER OF BUSINESS
The Public Power Hour and regular City Council meeting were streamed for public viewing
online at: "City of North Augusta—Public Information" on www.Facebook.com and "City of
North Augusta Public Information" on www.YouTube.com
PUBLIC POWER HOUR
The June 7, 2021 Public Power Hour began at 5:00 p.m. Members present were Mayor Williams,
Councilmembers Brooks, Carpenter, McCauley, McGhee, Presnell, and Toole. Also in attendance
were J.D. McCauley, Manager of Human Resources, and Sharon Lamar, City Clerk.
• John Felak spoke to Council regarding parking along Carolina Park and Carolina Avenue.
• Jan Menger spoke to Council about a safety issue concerning the Greeneway crossing at
Pisgah Road.
• Dianne L'Heureux spoke to Council about concerns regarding Riverside Village.
• Saren Bright spoke to Council regarding sidewalks and lighting around her neighborhood
at Pershing Drive. She also shared ideas from her neighborhood newsletter.
•
• The Public Power Hour concluded at 5:40 p.m. Copies of speakers' comments are attached,
as provided.
REGULAR MEETING
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of North Augusta of June 7, 2021 having been
duly publicized was called to order by Mayor Williams at 6:00 p.m. and also 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"then adjourned at 7:18 p.m. Following
the regular meeting, City Council adjourned to the Council Conference Room for an Executive
Session. 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 Williams rendered the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Members present were Mayor Williams, Councilmembers Brooks, Carpenter, McCauley,
McGhee, Presnell, and Toole.
Also in attendance were lames S. Clifford, City Administrator; Rachelle Moody, Assistant City
• Administrator; Kelly F. Zier, City Attorney; Cammie T. Hayes, Chief Financial Officer; Thomas C.
Zeaser, Director of Engineering and Public Works; Richard L. Meyer, Director of Parks, Recreation,
and Tourism; James E. Sutton, Director of Public Services; John C. Thomas, Director of Public
Safety; Lillian E. (Libby) Hodges, Director of Planning and Development; J.D. McCauley, Manager
of Human Resources; Ricky Jones, Manager of Information Technology and Sharon Lamar, City
Clerk.
The minutes of the City Council meeting of May 17, 2021 and the minutes of the May 24, 2021
Study Session were approved by general consent.
ITEMS PROCLAMATION: Scoliosis Early Detection Awareness Month
Mayor Williams proclaimed June 2021 as Scoliosis Early Detection Awareness Month. Elisabeth
Harkins was in attendance to receive the proclamation.
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, scoliosis, the abnormal curvature of the spine, is a condition which affect an
estimated 6 to 9 million people in the United States; and
• WHEREAS, primary onset of scoliosis is between ages 10 to 15 with females being five times
more likely to require treatment, and scoliosis can cause pain, reduced respiratory function, and
• limited mobility in otherwise-healthy children„ and approximately I in 6 children diagnosed with
this disease will eventually require active medical treatment and;
WHEREAS, screening programs allow.for early detection and for treatment opportunities which
may alleviate the worst effects of the condition which has no known cause or cure; and
WHEREAS, raising public awareness of scoliosis is vital, helping children, parents, and health
care providers understand, diagnose, and treat this disease and reduce the pain and suffering of
those it affects.
NOW THEREFORE, I. Briton S. Williams, Mayor of the City of North Augusta, South Carolina,
do hereby claim June, 2021 as
SCOLIOSIS EARL Y DETECTION
AWARENESS MONTH
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, 1 have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the City of North
Augusta, South Carolina. to he affixed this 7th day of June, 2021.
ITEM 6 PROCLAMATION: National Garden Week—June 6-12, 2021
• Mayor Williams proclaimed June 6-12, 2021 as National Garden Week in the City of North
Augusta.
PROCLAMA TION
WHEREAS, Gardeners have a passion for nurturing the beauty and resources of the earth
through the planting of seeds, the care of all plants and the riches of their efforts; and
WHEREAS, Gardeners work to preserve our country's traditional spirit of independence
and initiative through innovation and hard work; and
WHEREAS, Gardeners advocate the importance of all creatures sharing our world and
their roles in a balanced and productive ecology; and
WHEREAS, Gardening serves as a challenging and productive activity for all citizens,
those just learning as well as those having years of experience; and
WHEREAS, Gardening promotes a healthy lifestyle that lasts a lifetime, helps reduce
stress from other areas of our life, and teaches that rewards come from diligent efforts; and
WHEREAS, the North Augusta Council of Garden Clubs enriches our city by maintaining
• Billie's Butterfly Garden, providing a scholarship for a North Augusta High School senior, and
sponsoring campers for Camp Wildwood.
NOW THEREFORE, 1, Briton S. Williams, Mayor of the City of North Augusta, South Carolina,
do herebv proclaim the reek of June 6-12, 2021 as
National Garden Week
IN WITNESS WHEREOF. 1 have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the City of North
Augusta, South Carolina, to be affixed this 7th day o/June 2021.
ITEM 7 ZONING: Ordinance No 2021-05 — To Amend the Zoning Map of the City of North
Augusta South Carolina by Rezoning ±51 20 Acres of Land Owned by Aiken County Board of
Education Aiken County Tax Parcel # 023-05-04-003 from PD Planned Development, to P,
Public Use; Ordinance—Second Reading
On the motion of Councilmember Presnell, second of Councilmember McGhee, Council agreed
to consider an ordinance on second reading to amend the zoning map of the City of North
Augusta, South Carolina by rezoning ±51.20 acres of land owned by Aiken County Board of
Education,Aiken County Tax Parcel#023-05-04-003,from PD, Planned Development,to P, Public
Use. There were no comments from citizens. Council voted 7-0 to adopt the ordinance on first
reading.
• Please see a copy of the proposed ordinance below:
ORDINANCE NO. 2021-05
TO AMEND THE ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF NORTH AUGUSTA,
SOUTH CAROLINA BY REZONING ± 51.20 ACRES OF LAND OWNED BY AIKEN COUNTY BOARD OF
EDUCATION AIKEN COUNTY TAX PARCEL#023-05-01-003,
FROM PD PLANNED DEVELOPMENT, TO P, PUBLIC USE.
WHEREAS, on December 17, 2007, by Ordinance 2007-22, the North Augusta City
Council adopted the North Augusta Development Code and a citywide Zoning Map which is
consistent with the City's North Augusta 2017 Comprehensive Plan; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 5.3, North Augusta Development Code, the North
Augusta Planning Commission may recommend amendments to the Zoning Map, provided such
amendments are consistent with the City's North Augusta 2017 Comprehensive Plan; and
WHEREAS, the North Augusta Planning Commission, following a April 15, 2021
public hearing, reviewed and considered a request by Aiken County Board of Education,to amend
the Official Zoning Map of North Augusta from Planned Development (PD) to Public Use (P). The
staff report and results of this hearing have been provided to City Council.
•
• 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. A parcel consisting of±51.20 acres owned by Aiken County Board of Education, is hereby
rezoned from PD, Planned Development to P, Public Use. Said property is Aiken County
tax map parcel#023-05-01-003 and specifically identified on Exhibit "A" attached hereto.
II. The Official Zoning Map for the City of North Augusta is hereby amended to reflect this
rezoning.
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
and final reading.
DONE, RATIFIED AND ADOPTED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF NORTH AUGUSTA, SOUTH CAROLINA, ON THIS DAY OF 2021.
• ITEM 8 CITY PROPERTY: Ordinance No 2021-06 —An Ordinance Granting an Easement to
Dominion Energy South Carolina Inc for Placement of Facilities to Serve Fire Station O
Ordinance— First Reading
On the motion of Councilmember Brooks, second of Councilmember Carpenter, Council agreed
to consider an ordinance on first reading to grant an easement to Dominion Energy South
Carolina, Inc.for placement of facilities to serve Fire Station One.There were no comments from
citizens. Council voted to adopt the first reading of the ordinance with a 7-0 vote.
Please see for a copy of the proposed ordinance below:
ORDINANCE NO. 2021-06
AN ORDINANCE GRANTING AN EASEMENT TO
DOMINION ENERGY SOUTH CAROLINA INC. FOR PLACEMENT OF FACILITIES TO SERVE FIRE
STATION ONE
WHEREAS, the City of North Augusta is in the process of constructing Fire Station
1 at 311 W. Martintown Road ("Project"); and
WHEREAS, the City has requested that Dominion Energy provide underground
electric service to the new fire station; and
•
• WHEREAS, Dominion Energy has requested that the City grant to it an easement
upon and across City property that would allow for the placement of equipment necessary for
the provision of such electric service; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council have reviewed this matter, to include the
proposed Deed of Easement and find that it is in the best interest of the citizens of North Augusta
that such easement be granted.
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 City grant to Dominion Energy South Carolina, Inc. an easement over and
across City property known as Tax Parcel Numbers 007-07-07-003.
II. The City Administrator is hereby authorized to execute the Deed of Easement and
any other documents necessary in order to complete this matter.
III. This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its adoption on third and
final reading.
DONE, RATIFIED AND ADOPTED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF NORTH AUGUSTA, SOUTH CAROLINA, ON THIS_ DAY OF 2021.
• ITEM 9 PUBLIC SERVICES: Resolution No 2021-19—Accepting the Donation of Granite Slabs
from Tony L. Carr,Jr.
On the motion of Councilmember McCauley, second of Councilmember Toole, Council agreed to
consider a resolution to accept a donation of twenty three slabs of granite rescued from salvage
and given freely with no encumbrances,strings, or expectations from Tony L. Carr,Jr. There were
no citizen comments. Council approved the resolution with a unanimous vote of 7-0.
Please see a copy of the proposed resolution below:
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-19
ACCEPTING THE DONATION OF GRANITE SLABS FROM TONY L. CARR JR.
WHEREAS, Tony L. Carr, Jr. wishes to donate salvaged granite slabs, to the City of
North Augusta for use in a public space; and
WHEREAS,the City's Property Maintenance Department has expressed an interest
in receiving these materials and has identified various projects where these materials could be
used, such as benches, walls, art pieces, and waterfalls.
•
• NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Council in meeting duly
assembled and by authority thereof, on behalf of the citizens of North Augusta,gratefully accepts
the donation of this material.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council wishes to express sincere
appreciation to Tony L. Carr, Jr. for this contribution toward helping to build North Augusta's
quality of life that is enjoyed by all citizens of the community.
DONE, RATIFIED, AND ADOPTED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF NORTH AUGUSTA, SOUTH CAROLINA, ON THIS DAY OF , 2021.
ITEM 10 PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT: Resolution No. 2021-20 — Accepting a Deed of
Dedication for the Streets Sanitary Sewer Stormwater Collection and Associated Easements
and Rights of Way, Along with a Maintenance Guarantee and Letter of Credit for Austin
Heights, Section 1
On the motion of Councilmember Toole, second of Councilmember Presnell, Council agreed to
consider a resolution to accept a Deed of Dedication for the streets, sanitary sewer, stormwater
collection, and associated easements and rights of way, along with a Maintenance Guarantee
and Letter of Credit for Austin Heights. Section 1. With no comments from citizens, Council
• adopted the resolution with a vote of 7-0.
Please see a copy of the proposed resolution below:
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-20
ACCEPTING A DEED OF DEDICATION FOR THE STREETS,
SANITARY SEWER STORMWATER COLLECTION AND ASSOCIATED EASEMENTS AND RIGHTS OF
WAY ALONG WITH A MAINTENANCE GUARANTEE AND LETTER OF CREDIT,
FOR AUSTIN HEIGHTS, SECTION 1
WHEREAS, Summerfield SC, LLC developed Austin Heights, Section 1 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 March 3, 2021 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 the streets, 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:
ALL those strips or parcels of land, and appurtenances to said premises belonging or in anywise
appertaining therewith, situate, lying and being in the City of North Augusta, County of Aiken, State of
South Carolina, in Austin Heights, Section I, being 50' Right of Ways known as Greyton Circle, Bakerville
Lane, and Kingburgh Lane, and also Parcel 1 Detention Pond containing 103,993 S.F. or 2.39 Acres more
or less, as more particularly shown and described on that certain plat of survey prepared by H&C
Surveying, Inc. for Summerfield SC, LLC dated February 27, 2020, and recorded in Plat Book 62, Pages
790-794, in the Office of the RMC of Aiken County,South Carolina. Reference is hereby made to said Plat
for a complete and accurate description of said property hereby conveyed.
ALSO, All and singular,those certain water distribution and sewage collection systems, including but not
limited to all pipes, mains, manholes,valves, meters and other improvements and appurtenances in any
way connected therewith,excluding services lines from the lot lines to the improvements located thereon
• developed or extending within the lot lines of undeveloped lots situate, lying, and being in Aiken County,
South Carolina, in Austin Heights Subdivision, Section I, being more fully shown and designates on that
plat prepared by H&C Surveying, Inc. for Summerfield Sc, LLC.
ALSO, all water and sanitary sewer easements and appurtenances to said premises belonging or in any
way incident or appertaining as shown on the above referenced plats.
ALSO, all easements and appurtenances to said premises belonging or in any way incident or
appertaining, as shown on the above referenced plats, including but accepting not limited to:
Easement No. 1— 1,107 S.F. or 0.03 AC Easement No. 7— 1.668 S.F. or 0.4 AC
Easement No. 2—1,026 S.F. or 0.02 AC Easement No.8—4,547 S.F. or 0.10 AC
Easement No. 3—3.360 S.F. or 0.08 AC Easement No. 9—1,012 S.F. or 0.02 AC
Easement No.4—719 S.F.or 0.02 AC Easement No. 10—19,642 S.F. or 0.45 AC
Easement No. 5—3,672 S.F. or 0.08 AC Easement No. 11—3,221 S.F. or 0.07 AC
Easement No. 6—2,479 S.F. or 0.06 AC
This being a portion of the same property conveyed to Summerfield SC, LLC by deed of Dottie Berniece
Summers, as Trustee of the Summers Family Trust dated July 11, 1985, on January 22, 2019, and being
recorded in the Office of the RMC in Aiken County, South Carolina, book 4763, Pages 1800-1802.
Tax Map and Parcel: portion of 011-05-01-001
•
• BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a Maintenance Guarantee and letter of credit in
the amount of$155,000.00 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 2021.
ITEM it BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: Planning Commission Appointment-
Recommendation by Mayor
Upon election to the Office of Mayor in April of this year, Briton Williams resigned his position on
the City's Planning Commission. Mayor Williams recommended Robert S. "Bob" Bigger be
appointed to fill that unexpired term of office through January 2024. With the motion of
Councilmember Toole, second of Councilmember Carpenter, Council concurred unanimously
with the appointment.
ITEM 12. HUMAN RESOURCES: Resolution No. 2021-21—To Authorize the Contract for
Employment of Interim Planning& Development Director
On the motion of Councilmember Presnell, second of Councilmember Brooks, Council agreed to
. consider a resolution to authorize the contract for Thomas L. "Tommy" Paradise's employment
as the Interim Planning and Development Director. There were no comments from citizens.
The resolution was adopted with a 7-0 unanimous vote of Council.
Please see a copy of the proposed resolution below:
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-21
TO AUTHORIZE THE CONTRACT FOR EMPLOYMENT
OF INTERIM PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
WHEREAS, as a result of the resignation by Lillian E. "Libby" Hodges, former
Director of Planning & Development,the Mayor with the authorization of Council has made a
determination to employ Thomas L. Paradise as the Interim Planning & Development Director;
and,
WHEREAS, an Employment Agreement has been negotiated related to such
employment; and,
WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council have determined that it is in the best
interest of the City to move forward with the employment of Mr. Paradise and entering into
a Contractual Employment Agreement with him.
•
9
• 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. Thomas L.Paradise is to be employed by the City as the Interim Planning
& Development Director;
2. That the employment of Mr. Paradise, to include term of employment,
salary, duties, compensation and other related matters are specifically
covered by the Employment Agreement that is attached hereto marked
Exhibit "A";
3. That the Mayor is specifically authorized to execute such agreement on
behalf of the City.
DONE, RATIFIED AND ADOPTED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCILOF THE CITY
OF NORTH AUGUSTA, SOUTH CAROLINA, ON THIS_ DAY OF June, 2021.
Please see ATTACHMENT#12 for a copy of the Employment Agreement.
ITEM 13 CITY CODE: Ordinance No 2021-07—Amending Section 12-21 of the Code of
Ordinances for the City of North Augusta by Establishing Specific Exceptions to Said Section;
Ordinance— First Reading
• On the motion of Presnell, second of Carpenter, Council agreed to consider an ordinance on
first reading amending Section 12-21 of the Code of Ordinances for the City of North Augusta by
establishing specific exceptions to Section 12-21. Jim Clifford, City Administrator, explained the
proposed amendment would change the noise ordinance time of enforcement to 11:59 p.m. -
7:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings; allow the City Administrator and Assistant City
Administrator to approve permits for special events; and allow GreenJackets Baseball to finish
games that take longer or even double headers within the City's noise ordinance specified time.
The following citizens offered comments:
Dianne L'Heureux (see attached Speaker Form)
John Felak
Missy Martin
Ryan Abel
Councilmember Toole, with the second of Councilmember McCauley, made a motion for
Council to consider an amendment to the ordinance to change the time from 11:59 p.m. to
11:00 p.m. The motion failed with Councilmembers Toole, McCauley and Carpenter voting for
the amendment. Mayor Williams and Councilmembers Brooks, McGhee, and Presnell voted
against the amendment.
•
10
• After further discussion of Council, Councilmember Presnell, with the second of Councilmember
Brooks, made a motion for Council to consider an amendment to the ordinance to change the
time from 11:59 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.The amendment was approved with a unanimous vote of 7-
0.
The first reading of Ordinance No. 2021-07 was approved unanimously as amended with a vote
of 7-0.
Please see for a copy of the proposed ordinance below:
ORDINANCE NO. 2021-07
AMENDING SECTION 12-21 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES
FOR THE CITY OF NORTH AUGUSTA BY ESTABLISHING SPECIFIC EXCEPTIONS TO
SAID SECTION
WHEREAS, Section 12-21 of the City Code for the City of North Augusta was adopted by
the Council as part of the 1956 Code with said provision being effective on or after April 9, 1957;
and
WHEREAS, said Ordinance has been carried forward in all Codes of Ordinances for the
City; and
• WHEREAS, substantial change has occurred in the City with the City now having sports
venues and entertainment districts that were not present or anticipated at the time that such
Ordinance was originally adopted; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have determined that specific exemptions to said
Ordinance are necessary and appropriate at this time.
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:
A. The following specific exceptions to the provisions of 12-21 of the Code of Ordinances for
the City of North Augusta are established:
The following areas and usages are exempted from the time limitations of 12-21 (1) (2)
(13) with said areas bring subject to time limitations of not between the hours of 31-59 11:30
p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. On all other days of the week the time limitations
as set forth in 12-21 (1) (2) (13) remain applicable unless specifically waived for an event by the
City Administrator or Assistant Administrator.
• Such usages are also specifically determined to not be in violation of 12-21 (a) and (b).
It
• (1) The use of property by the State, or any political subdivision of the
State, or any of their lessees, licenses, or permittees for the purpose
of promoting, producing or holding cultural entertainment,athletic, or
patriotic events including, but not limited to concerts, other musical
performances and festivals.
(2) The portion of the area known as Riverside Village bordered by
Esplanade Ave, Railroad Avenue, Georgia Avenue, and the Savannah
River. Such area being considered an Entertainment Zone.
B. In the event of an official baseball game, taking place in the City Stadium, now known as
SRP Park, is delayed beyond the permitted specific time as allowed by the Ordinance,
such game may continue to be played and shall be exempted.
DONE, RATIFIED AND ADOPTED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
NORTH AUGUSTA, SOUTH CAROLINA, ON THIS DAY OF 2021.
ITEM 14. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
City Administrator,Jim Clifford,thanked Libby Hodges for her leadership as Director of the
• Planning and Development Department and wished her the best as she transitions to another
position in the private sector.
ITEM 15 PRESENTATIONS/COMMUNICATIONS/RECOGNITION OF VISITORS:
A. Citizen Comments:
• Seve Adigun spoke to Council regarding adding a sidewalk on Five Notch from Pisgah
Road to Georgia Avenue and a traffic signal at Gregory Lake Road and W. Five Notch
Road.
B. Council Comments:
• Mayor Williams announced a contribution of $500 was made from the City Council
Contingencies Fund to sponsor the Aiken County Public Schools 2021 Graduation
Ceremonies.
• Mayor Williams shared his participation the previous weekend at the "Chalk It Up Block
Party' on Pershing Drive and a block party on Torry Avenue.
• Councilmember Presnell invited Mayor and Council to his neighborhood's block party on
July 411.
•
12
• ITEM 16. ADJOURNMENT OF REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
There being no further business, Council adjourned the regular Council meeting at 7:18 p.m. and
voted to move into Council's Conference Room to enter into Executive Session
ITEM 17 LEGAL: Executive Session—Request of the City Administrator
In compliance with Section 30-4-70 (a) (2) the City Administrator requested an executive session
for the purpose of:
(2) Discussion of negotiations incident to proposed contractual arrangements and proposed sale
or purchase of property, the receipt of legal advice where the legal advice relates to a pending,
threatened,or potential claim or other matters covered by the attorney-client privilege,settlement
of legal claims, or the position of the public agency in other adversary situations involving the
assertion against the agency of a claim
On the motion of Councilmember Toole,second of Councilmember Carpenter, Council agreed to
enter into Executive Session and moved into Council's Conference Room. Discussion was be
related to City property identified as Aiken County Tax Parcels#007-07-06-003, #007-07-06-004,
and #007-07-06-005.
• On the motion of Councilmember McGhee second of Councilmember Brooks, Council voted 7-0
to adjourn the Executive Session at 7:57 p.m. Upon returning to open session, Council did NOT
take action on the matter discussed in Executive Session.
APPROVED THIS alp DAY OF Respectfully submitted,
Tu_nG 2021. ' D
Abe1V TlSAiwab2
Sharon Lamar
Brito S. illiams City Clerk
May
•
1?
Public Power Hour-Jan Manger
• Page -I-
Mr. Mayor and Ladies and Gentlemen of Council. Thank
you for the opportunity to speak with you today.
I would like to bring to your attention a safety matter that
relates to the Greeneway crossing at Pisgah Road near the
intersection with Five Notch Road.
Over the course of several months, my husband and I
have observed that the blinking yellow lights that alert
motorists to the approach of pedestrian traffic on the
Greeneway do not seem to be working properly.
On Sunday afternoon, we monitored the intersection for
approximately 30 minutes. During that time, we observed
both the yellow lights for traffic and the red lights for
pedestrians. The yellow light on the right side as you
drive toward Five Notch was blinking almost constantly,
whether there were pedestrians coming on the Greeneway
or not. The yellow light on the other side rarely blinked
at all even when pedestrians were coming from the
direction of I-20 toward Knotty Pine Drive.
The red lights are apparently meant to warn pedestrians of
the possibility of approaching vehicles, and the yellow
• Page -2-
lights are apparently meant to warn vehicles that there
could be pedestrians on the Greeneway approaching the
crossing. The lights flashed either almost constantly for
what appeared to be little reason at all, or flashed
randomly, or infrequently, seemingly without any
connection to the movement of vehicles on the street or
the people on the Greeneway.
We observed numerous vehicles approaching the crossing
from one direction or the other. Most slowed down
considerably, simply out of caution, regardless of what
the warning lights were doing. Others seemed to disregard
the lights and the fact that this is a pedestrian crossing
area, and almost never slowed down at all. These lights
seem to operate inconsistently with regard to what we
believe their intent is.
Others have recognized this issue as well. While we were
monitoring and making our notes, a friend stopped to see
if we needed some help. She noticed that we had been
there when she passed by and were still there when she
returned. We told her what we were doing, and she
commented that she, too, recognized that the lights were
• not consistent.
• Page -3-
My concern is that with this randomness and
inconsistency, there is a strong possibility that vehicle
drivers and pedestrians might be ignoring the warning
lights completely.
I ask that the City evaluate all the lights at this crossing,
and make any changes necessary to improve the safety of
the area and minimize the potential for a disastrous
accident.
Thank you for your attention and consideration.
Jan Menger
601 Savannah Barony Drive
803-646-4481
Public Power Hour- Dianne L'Heureux
• Thank you, Mayor Williams, for offering the Power Hour opportunity for residents
to share ideas and concerns with you and city council prior to council meetings. I
appreciate the gesture, but I must say that we do have a very responsive city
council. Honestly, I rarely feel a need to call council members and am
appreciative of their time when I do call.
I've been a resident of North Augusta since September of 2009, having spent most
of my life across the river.
I have completely embraced this community. And I use that word intentionally.
Not only is there a sense of community here, there is a sense of pride in this
community. It's evident when crossing the bridge. Roy Kibler is a treasure and
keeps our city looking beautiful year round. The attention to detail is unparalleled
in the CSRA.
So when the city was offered a deal for a baseball stadium, I was all in for Project
Jackson speaking in its favor at nearly every hearing.
During these hearings, residents were assured that attention to noise and lights and
traffic would be contained. All of which came to fruition I'm happy to say.
• Rarely does a project hit the target straight out of the gate, but we're pretty darn
close.
I walk there nearly every day now, frequent the businesses and have a 5 year
contract as a Green Jackets season ticket holder. I want Riverside Village to
succeed.
The growing pains that I see are centered around cleanliness and parking. I'd also
like to weigh in on the issue of changing the noise ordinance. I'm only offering
my suggestions in the event they haven't been previously considered.
First— cleanliness
The promenade between Crowne Plaza and the stadium side of Riverside Village
seems to be an unclaimed property for clean-up. Cigarette butts, bottle caps, beer
bottles with cigarette butts, and someone's lunch have littered this area since
before Memorial Day. Cigarette butts are now firmly affixed in the spaces where
grout doesn't exist between cement tiles. There are no trash cans, ash trays or
iother means of containing debris. I'm guessing this is a simple oversight, but it's
• not in keeping with the standard operating principles of this city, and someone
needs to take ownership of its cleanliness, whether that responsibility resides with
the city, the businesses or a combination of the two.
Second—parking
Visitors to Riverside Village have found all kinds of creative ways to avoid
parking in metered spaces. Most of them are unsightly, but some are dangerous.
The massive electric meter box, enclosed in a brick structure between Swank and
Southbound is clearly marked for 1001 Center Street, which is the Riverside
Village complex. There are two signs reading "No parking, tow-away zone" on
this structure. This appears to be there for good reason, as emergency vehicles
need to have access to this meter box in the event of an electrical problem. Yet,
cars park there daily, and to my knowledge have never been towed. Either tow the
cars, or remove the signs. It makes the city look careless and thoughtless at best,
dangerous, at worst.
Perhaps one of the reasons vehicles park in this space is that there is no loading
• zone for Swank or Southbound. Rezoning some of the parking in the circle in
front of the amphitheater to loading only could possibly alleviate this problem. It
would provide easy access for uber pick up and golf cart drop off as well.
3 — increasing the hour at which noise is permitted
It was unclear to me what necessitated this discussion, so I looked into some data
that may help clarify whether or not there is actually any real need to increase the
time for noise. Here are some facts about North Augusta. We have a population
of just over 22,000. Of that population 58% are married and have been married for
at least 15 years. 43% are families with kids under 18. The median age is just
over 40, 3% higher than the rest of the state. Compared to the state, North Augusta
is 529% more dense in population than the rest of the state, and much of that
density is along the river. None of this should surprise any of you. North Augusta
is basically, a close-knit family community, despite some folks idea that our city is
flooded with millennials.
So, who actually benefits from moving the noise ordinance to a later hour? At first
blush, it might seem that the food and beverage businesses in Riverside Village
• would benefit. We know that revenue from beverages are the real money makers
in food and beverage. So it may seem like a more profitable venture to keep
• customers until late into the night. But that's not what the data shows. The most
profitable hours for alcohol sales are from 5pm to 8pm Monday-Friday, accounting
for 60.5% of a bar's and restaurant's business. A Neilsen survey showed that food
and.beverage receipts, after any happy hour discounts, averages $68.99, $8 above
the average for any other part of the day. On the weekend, happy hour income is
only around 50% of the total.
We've been fortunate in North Augusta, that, despite the economic downturn
expected with a global pandemic, these businesses have not only stayed afloat,
they are on track, as a 10% profit margin is normal.
I submit that decisions should be made on sound evidence,just as I do in my job as
an educator, rather than on what feels right, or that our gut says is right. Let's
work together to continue to move this glorious community into one that works for
everyone.
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Public Power Hour - Saren Bright
CHALK IT UP o--- -
JUNE 5, 2021
NIGHT RIDER BACK PACK CHECK
October 1, 2021 Before and after school look in your kids book bag.
Frequently checking can improve communication with
6pm-8pm your child's school. By checking we can avoid items such
Greenway North Augusta as weapons, narcotics and spirits from entering the
school. I once found an ice cream sandwich saved from
Free helmet give away. lunch in my daughter's school bag...Thank God I check
**Must register** that day!
ML NUr MUMMY MUNllAY LEAVE THE LIGHT ON
-� I know leaving the light on does not sound economically
10/11 ALL ABOUT ME wise but, for a moment, I ask you to consider the
10/25 BALANCING ME neighbor who walks home from work at night and needs
11/8 INVISIONING ME a well-lit street; or, the delivery driver attempting to
navigate your street for the first time. Did you know
11/22 BUILDING ME having a porch light on deters burglars; because it sends
12/6 BINGO WITH ME a message, someone is home. How about that awkward
12/20 PAINT WITH ME knock on the door at night? What good is a doorbell
camera with poor lighting? Consider a solar powered
lighting option to avoid utility bill increase.
COACH SAREN B Late Bus Please?
Prepare to win with me, Soren B. Too often I ride down the street and see school aged children
Together we will balance your making their way to school and from school. I often give them a
foundation by building your Brain, ride. Obviously, this is not safe for a number of reasons. Please
Body and Business. ask your local school board to invoke the Late Bus in order to keep
our kids off the street. The late bus would pick up students who
With Saren B missed the bus and provide bagged breakfast. Going to school is
cool, however getting to school safely is cooler.
For more information contact me:
803.226.6751
Saren_b@yahoo.com
SPEAKER FORM
-I i
COUNCIL MEETING DATE:
• THIS FORM WILL BE ATTACHED TO THE MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING.
r // )
NAME: rI e t(�z —-- -
AGENDA ITEM/TOPIC: ' r l ,
PLEASE PROVIDE A SUMMARY OF YOUR COMMENTS TO COUNCIL.
(For example: I support the resolution because ...)
SUMMARY r is/ fi_' J ) ( I .
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