061421 Study Session Mins Adopted • North
Augusta
South Carolina's Riuerfront
MINUTES OF JUNE 14, 2021
Briton S. Williams, Mayor
J. Robert Brooks, Councilmember
Pat C. Carpenter, Councilmember
lenafer F. McCauley, Councilmember
David W. McGhee, Councilmember
Eric H. Presnell, Councilmember
Kevin W. Toole, Councilmember
ORDER OF BUSINESS
• STUDY SESSION
The Study Session of June 14, 2021 for the City Council of the City of North Augusta, 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." The Study Session adjourned 7:59 p.m.
Per Section 30-4-80(e) notice of the meetings was sent out by email to the current maintained "Agenda
Mailout" list consisting of news media outlets and individuals or companies requesting notification.
Notice of the meetings 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.
Members present were Mayor Williams, Councilmembers Brooks, Carpenter, McCauley, 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, 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; J.D. McCauley,
Manager of Human Resources; Ricky Jones, Manager of Information Technology and Sharon Lamar, City
Clerk.
ITEM 1 CITY COUNCIL MEETING: Items for the June 21 2021 Council Meeting-Council Discussion
• City Administrator,Jim Clifford, led Council's discussion of items for the June 21,2021 regular meeting.
Please see ATTACHMENT#1 for a copy of the proposed DRAFT items.
Minutes of Study Session of June 14,2021
ITEM 2. DEPARTMENT DETAILS:
• City department directors and managers provided departmental updates.
Please see ATTACHMENT#2 for a copy of the "Department Details June 14, 2021."
ITEM 3. MAYOR'S MATTERS:
(A) Mayor Williams shared some items related to his"Mayor's 100 Day Plan"for the City of North Augusta.
He announced the "Meet the Mayor" event planned for Tuesday,June 15 will need to be relocated. The
new location will be announce on the City's Social Media and website Tuesday morning. He shared about
his visit to the Grand Opening of the OTB-Bargain Outlet. He reminded citizens of North Augusta
Forward's Third Thursday scheduled for Thursday,June 17. Finally, he announced Main Street will be one
of the topics of the next Study Session,June 28, 2021.
(B) Mayor Williams introduced the Focus Items:
(1)The RECing Crew- Presentation to Council
Rick Meyer, Director of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, introduced the Miracle League project by
sharing a video and then introduced Pam Stickler, President and Founder of The RECing Crew.
The RECing Crew is a non-profit organization established in 2002 by families and friends of those
with disabilities to provide leisure and recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities
• from the CSRA area. The organization reaches families from three counties in Georgia and
South Carolina. Ms. Stickler shared The RECing Crew's dream to build a Miracle League field at
Riverview Park.
Also, speaking on behalf of The RECing Crew and the proposed Miracle League field were:
Don Bickley
Don Howard
Sandy Katterjohn
Bella Waters
Will Buchannan
Trey Ruczko
Please see ATTACHMENT#3B i for more information about The RECing Crew and Miracle League.
(2) Public Safety Headquarters—Council Update
Jim Clifford,City Administrator,updated Council on the status of Public Safety Headquarters. The
costs to build the new Public Safety Headquarters building at E. Buena Vista Avenue have
increased dramatically since last presented to Council in September 2020. These costs are
associated with the construction of a retaining wall and soil stabilization. There are other
concerns with the easement and lack of future building and parking expansion. Mr. Clifford
reminded Council of a property formerly considered for the project at Georgia Avenue. After
reviewing a "Site Prep Side by Side Comparison", Council discussed the pros and cons of the
Georgia Avenue property and compared it to the E. Buena Vista Avenue property. A consensus
of Council was reached to consider a resolution granting staff authority to present to the Planning
Commission for zoning the properties on Georgia Avenue P,for Public Use.
Please see ATTACHMENT#3B ii for a copy of the PowerPoint presentation.
Minutes of Study Session of June 14,2021
APPROVED THIS !!DAY OF Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Lamar
Brito illiams City Clerk
May r
•
ATTACHMENT#1
North - `�
Augusta
• South Carolina's Hioerfront
DRAFT: CITY OF NORTH AUGUSTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
June 21,2021-6:00 p.m.-Municipal Center-100 Georgia Avenue,3rd Floor-Council Chambers
The Power Hour and regular City Council meeting will be streamed for public viewing online at:
• "City of North Augusta-Public Information" on www.Facebook.com
• "City of North Augusta Public Information" on www.YouTube.com
CITIZEN COMMENTS: Citizens may speak to Mayor and City Council on each item listed on this agenda. The Mayor will call
for comments prior to Council's discussion. Speakers shall give their name and address in an audible tone of voice for the
records. Speaker Forms are provided on the credenza at the entrance to the Council Chambers. Speakers desiring that the
minutes indicate that they addressed Council on a specific topic should complete the form. The form will be included as part
of the minutes of the meeting. Citizen comments are limited to five minutes.
CITIZEN ASSISTANCE:Individuals needing special assistance or sign interpreter to participate in the meeting,please notify the
Administration Department 48 hours prior to the meeting.
1. CALL TO ORDER:
2. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
3. ROLL CALL:
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Council Meeting Minutes of June 7, 2021 and Study Session Minutes of June 14, 2021
S. PERSONNEL: Patrick Yonce,Retirement-Recognition of Service to the City of North Augusta
• UNFINISHED BUSINESS
6. 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 One;Ordinance-Second Reading
7. 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-Second Reading
NEW BUSINESS
8. PARKS,RECREATION AND TOURISM: Resolution No. 2021-22-Authorizing Proceeds from the 2021 North
Augusta vs. Midland Valley Baseball Game at SRP Park to be used to
Purchase New Batting Cage Nets at Riverview Park
9. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Resolution No.2021-23- Establishing and Agreeing to Participate in the
Lower Savannah Regional HOME Consortium
10. PUBLIC SAFETY: Resolution No. 2021-24-Authorizing Receipt of Proceeds from Project Lifesaver of North
Augusta and Designating the Proceeds for the Project Lifesaver Program
11. PUBLIC SAFETY: Resolution No.2021-25-A Resolution to Adopt the Update of the Aiken County Multi-
Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan for 2021
12. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Resolution No. 2021-26-A Resolution to Commit the City of North Augusta's
• Participation in a Retail Recruitment Training Program
13. ADMINISTRATION: Resolution No.2021-27-To Authorize the City to Enter into an Agreement to Become a
Host for the Veteran's Local Government Management Fellowship Program
14. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
• 15. PRESENTATIONS/COMMUNICATIONS/RECOGNITION OF VISITORS:
A. Citizen Comments-At this time, citizens may speak to Mayor and City Council regarding matters not listed on
the agenda. Speakers shall give their name and address in an audible tone of voice for the records. Speaker
Forms are provided on the credenza at the entrance to the Council Chambers.Speakers desiring that the minutes
indicate that they addressed Council on a specific topic should complete the form. The form will be included as
part of the minutes of the meeting. Citizen comments are limited to five minutes.
B. Council Comments—
16. ADJOURNMENT
North �»y
AugustaAl
South Carolina's Riueifront
Thank you for attending tonight's meeting of the North Augusta City Council.
To assure every citizen's privilege to speak to City Council and to maintain proper decorum
the following sections of the City's Code of Ordinances are reprinted.
Sec.2-57. Order and decorum generally
• (a) By council members.While the council is in session,the members must preserve order and decorum,and a member
shall not,by conversation or otherwise,delay or interrupt the proceedings or the peace of the council,or disturb any member
while speaking or refuse to obey the orders of the council or its presiding officer,except as otherwise herein provided.
(b) By other persons.Any person making personal,impertinent,or slanderous remarks or who shall become boisterous
while addressing the council shall be forthwith,by the presiding officer,barred from further audience before the council,unless
permission to continue be granted by a majority vote of the council.
Sec.2-S8. Sergeant-at-arms
The public safety director or such members of the public safety department as the director may designate,shall be sergeant-
at-arms of the council meetings.They shall carry out all orders and instructions given by the presiding officer for the purpose
of maintaining order and decorum at the council meeting. Upon instructions of the presiding officer,it shall be the duty of
the sergeant-at-arms,to place any person who violates the order and decorum of the meeting under arrest,and cause such
to be prosecuted under the provisions of this Code,the complaint to be signed by the presiding officer.
Sec 2-62 Addressing council—Permission required;exceptions
Any person desiring to address the council shall first secure the permission of the presiding officer so to do.
Sec.2-63. Same—Procedure
Each person addressing the council shall step up in front of the rail,shall give such person's name and address in an audible tone
of voice for the records,and unless further time is granted by the council,shall limit the address to five(5)minutes.All remarks
shall be addressed to the council as a body and not to any member thereof.No person,other than the council and the person
having the floor,shall be permitted to enter into any discussion,either directly or through a member of the council,without the
permission of the presiding officer.No question shall be asked a council member except through the presiding officer.
• Sec.2-64. Persons authorized to be within rail
No person,except city officials or their representatives shall be permitted within the rail in front of the council chamber without
the express consent of the council.
ATTACHMENT#2
• DEPARTMENT DETAILS North
fortune 14,2021 Augusta
SoullI CUCOIitials Rit-WrfrOJll
FINANCE:
• Utilities Updates:Cycle 1 Disconnect 6/16 and 6/17
Cycle 2 Due Date 6/18
Cycle 1 Due Date 7/6
Cycle 2 Disconnect 7/7 and 7/8
PUBLIC SERVICES:
• Utility staff will be conducting smoke testing of the wastewater pipe system within Hammond Hills
Subdivision from June 21—July 2, 2021 subdivision.Staff will deliver notices to customers within the test
area.Smoke testing is a method used to locate defective pipes that may allow ground or surface water to
enter into the collection.
SMOKE TESTING OF WASTEWATER LIMES
The City of North Augusta will be smoke testing its
wastewater lines in various areas of the City from March
29 through August 28, 2020- Smoke test will assist our
• inspections crew in locating defects in the collection
system. City staff will provide residents with written
notice several days prior to conducting the smoke test.
During testing, smoke will appear coming from roof
vents, building foundations or other areas outside of
your home; this is a normal occurrence as part of the
test.
The smoke should not enter your home unless you have
defective plumbing or dried up drain traps. We
recommend that you run water In fixtures that are not
frequently used.
The smoke that is being used is manufactured for this
purpose, leaves no residual stains, not toxic and is
harmless to humans and animals.
If you have any questions or concerns please call (803)
441-4240.
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT:
• The Planning Commission will hold a Study Session and Regular meeting on Thursday,June 17.
• The Board of Zoning Appeals will not hold a July meeting.
•
PUBLIC SAFETY:
• • Public Safety has 9 employees in Fire Academy classes that are hosted by Aiken Public Safety.These classes
will run 8 weeks.
• Third Thursday this week... Public Safety will be at First Baptist Church with fire trucks and the K-9 unit.
PARKS. RECREATION AND TOURISM:
• Summer camps have started out strong with 202 participants in the True North Cross Training Camp and 18
campers in Adventure Camp. This is week one of 9 straight weeks of Adventure Camp at the Community
Center.
• Riverview Park will play host to the South Carolina RBI State baseball tournament for BU, 10U,and 12U age
groups this Friday-Sunday. Riverview Park will also host Girls Softball tournament Saturday & Sunday for
8U, 12U,and 18U.All of the baseball and softball teams participating are recreation league all-star teams.
• Free concerts this Friday&Saturday at the Sharon Jones Amphitheater. Friday night's concert will feature
20 Ride, a Zac Brown tribute band and Saturday night will consist of area artists Coach, Pure Indigo, and
Easily Amused.
• Parts to repair the Creighton Park playground structure have been ordered. We are uncertain of the time
frame of delivery but will move as fast as we get the parts.
• PRT and Storm water are teaming up together to participate in North Augusta Forward's Third Thursday.
Mandy Nelson and Michaela Day will have a table and tent set up in Wade Hampton Park with department
information,environmental education,and give away items.
ENGINEERING AND PUBLIC WORKS:
• • Rapids HOA Sidewalk Extension, Phase 3
HUMAN RESOURCES:
Center Coordinator—Parks,Recreation &Tourism Grounds Worker II—Property Maintenance
Grade:8 Grade: 6
Salary/Pay Rate:$15.75/hour Salary/Pay Rate:$14.03/hour
Closing Date:06/15/2021 Closing Date:Until Filled
Communications Technician I—Public Safety Public Safety Officer—Public Safety
Grade:9 Grade: 15
Salary/Pay Rate:$16.61/hour Salary/Pay Rate:$20.38/hour
Closing Date:06/25/2021 Closing Date: Until Filled
Firefi¢hter—Public Safety
Grade: UN
Salary/Pay Rate:$9.43/hour
Closing Date: Until Filled
ADMINISTRATION:
• Fire Station 1 Update
•
ATTACHMENT#3B i
,1 Fun choices for everyone!
The RECing Crew is a non prohr organization and
-� - Commurury Partner with the United Way It was
established in 2002 by the families
and friends of those month disabilities to provrde
y !,,sure and recreational opportunities for mdiinduals
wdh Disabilities from the CSRA area
M.
Art b Music
i
f- Ballet
Baseball b Basketball
Bocce Ball
Boxing/Karate/MMA
Bowling
+ Crew Chorus
E-Crew
• is Avenue
Gymnastics
No` ' Augusta, SC 2984Jazz&Modern Dance
803-426-1284 Jazzercise
www.therecingcrew.com Miracle League
infoCatherecingcrew.org Music Therapy
Social b Community
Leisure and Recreational Programs Activities
For Individuals with Visual, These programs enhance
Hearing, Intellectual and/or the physical,emotional
and social growth of
Physical Disabilities. those who participate.
FIND US ON 91
•
• •
The ki- ;ng Crew Miracle League Field MORE THAN JUST
The RECing Crew is a non-profit 501 c 3 BASEBALL!1
organization that has been offering leisure TheMimele Complex
and recreational programs for those with A Miracle Field is a universally accessible, In addition to the field being used for
special needs since 2002.We currently offer soft-surface baseball diamond for athletes who baseball,this Miracle League Complex
16 programs and served over 5000+ have a disability.The field lets athletes play will be designed to be a multipurpose
individuals last year that live in Aiken, baseball without barriers such as grass or rutted facility.We envisions other
base paths The surface also accommodates therapeutic recreational activities
.
Barnwell &Edgefield Counties in South on-site such as:
Carolina as well Burke, Columbia and wheelchairs&other assistive devices and helps
prevent injuries.Our Miracle Field Complex will be . Miracle League Tournaments
Richmond Counties in Georgia. built in Riverview Park,an inclusive environment
• Kick Ball
that offers all of the amenities at Riverview Park.
Awards&Recognition: . Pickle Ball
2008 Giving Your Best Award: News Channel 7%e ill SINS
• Soccer
6,Georgia Bank&Trust, Solvay Advance The Miracle League has
Polymer and Walton Rehabilitation "buddy' system pairing • Bocce Ball
Institute each player with a commu- • Movie Nights
2011 Time to Care Award:WRDS-TV New 12 nity volunteer to help • Holiday-themed Activities
2013 Citizen of the Year: North Augusta them bat, run bases and
Chamber of Commerce field the ball. Each player The RECing Crew will partner with
2014 South Carolina Angel Award:South bats, runs and scores each other agencies who provide services
Carolina Secretary of State Mark time Buddies will be vol- to children and adults with disabilities
unteers from local business by offering the field for their use for
Hammond and organizations.There is special programs,outdoor activities,
2020 Community Heroes Award: also a Competitive League classroom programs and more.
Atlanta Braves that lasts 4 innings, is
2020 House Achievement Certificate:SC played with outs, strikes,
House of Representatives in recognition and the runs count! _
'Community Hero Award'
Frmdlnp the FYeIdJ
516 Georgia Avenue The North Augusta Miracle League Capital Cam-
North Augusta, SC 29841 paign will have a variety of sponsorships levels
Phone: 803.426-1284 that offer different benefits to our donors.As a
E-mail: p.stickler@therecingcrew.org sponsor,donors will receive recognition on all
ID#i26-2858759 Miracle League media,tax-deduction benefits and
www.therecingcrew.com more.
x
i
MIRA E
What is The Miracle League? It's Hope, Determination
a display of Human spirit that is unequaled.
And of course...there's baseball.
There is something about playing the game that lights up a youngster's eyes. But for children
facing serious physical and mental disabilities that opportunity can often be difficult to achieve. Baseball
diamonds weren't exactly designed with wheelchairs and crutches in mind.
The Miracle League removes the barriers that keep children with mental and physical
disabilities off the baseball field and lets them experience the joy of America's favorite pastime. Since the
main barriers for these children arise from the natural grass fields used in conventional youth leagues,
Miracle League teams play on a custom-designed, rubberized turf field that accommodates wheelchairs and
other assertive devices while helping to prevent injuries.
But it's more than playing a game. The Miracle League is about making new friends,building self-
esteem and being treated just like other kids. To help the athletes, the Miracle League uses a"buddy"
system—pairing each player with an able-bodied peer. The result is a bond that cannot be described. The
Miracle League serves children who suffer from any physical or mental disabilities,which causes them to
be excluded, whether intentionally or not, from conventional youth Baseball leagues. According to the
2000 Census Bureau, there are 19.7 million Children in our country, including Puerto Rico and Canada
who have disabilities between the ages of 5 and 19 and with young adults that number increases
substantially.
The first Miracle League field opened in Conyers, Georgia in April 2000. Word spread and by
2002, fields opened in South Carolina, Alabama, West Virginia, Illinois, and California. There are
presently 330 plus Miracle League Organizations across the country including Puerto Rico, Canada,
Mexico and Australia serving over 450,000 children and young adults.
The Miracle League has an aggressive plan to help local communities build Miracle League
complexes around the globe.
Our players may not be able to run the bases or hit the ball as weft as some of their peers, but
they have an equal amount of love and determination to play baseball, We want to help them achieve
that dream.
Every Child Deserves a Chance to Play Baseball!
ATTACHMENT#38 ii
VIVA
North Augusta
Council Study Session — 14 June 2021
Public Safety HQ
Facts:
Previous Council added Public Safety HQ as the#1 priority on the CPST IV ballot Initiative
City participated in a$10.5M bond initiative to jump-start the project
City previously purchased properties on GA Avenue for the purpose of PSHQ/Courts/FS#1
City previously made a decision to separate Fire Station#1 and build at 311 W.Martintown Road
Previous Council directed staff to site the PSHQ and Courts on City-owned property on E.Buena Vista
City is conducting due diligence of E.Buena Vista site
City has received requests for purchase of GA Ave properties for commercial development
Estimated site and construction costs for this project have increased dramatically since last presented to
Council in September 2020
Assumptions:
City Council and Citizens would be open to lower cost construction alternatives
•
1
6/14/2021
• N
Rendering #1 ( E. Buena Vista)
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Rendering #2 ( E . Buena Vista)
2
6/14/2021
E. Buena Vista Site Challenges
• Retaining Wall
• Soil Stabilization
• Easement
• lack of building expansion -
• Lack of parking expansion „„�„•�r ,.
GA Avenue Site Optioneu
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Rendering #1 (Georgia Avenue)
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•
Rendering #2 (Georgia Avenue)
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•
4
6/14/2021
• � uaf`a
Georgia Avenue Site Plan
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Site Prep Side by Side Comparison
Underground Retention $329,115.03 $329,115.03
Retaining Wall $446,731.94
Soil Stabilization $937,204.58
Import Soil Costs $266,561.85
Erosion Control $87,684.82
Road improvements $116,913.09
Demolition $217,350.00
Veneer Changes $75,000
JLA Redesign of sitework $60,000
Totals $2,184,211,33 $681,465.03
•
5
6/14/2021
Total Costs Side by Side Comparison
Land Purchase -$660,000
Design Services $1,250,000 $1,250,000
Construction Costs $14,426,853 $12,924,106.71
IT,Sec,A/V,FF&E,Support $1,675,000 $1,675,000
Project Contigency $607,315 $607,315
Totals $17,299,168 $16,456,421.71
•
Recommendation
GA Avenue Location
Pros:
Central location in the City
Preferred location by Public Safety
Lower overall cost to the City($842,746.29)
Expansion capability exists in future years if needed
Allows for the legacy structures on Observatory Ave to be maintained
Cons:
Delays the overall project at least 4-6 months
Unknown if community is supportive of this new concept
Potential loss of commercial tax base
•
6
6/14/2021
Next Steps (Georgia Ave site)
City Council Resolution granting staff authority to present to Planning Commission for Public zoning
Provide sketch plan review to Planning Commission in July
Community engagement with Punch&Judy Players,Historic North Augusta,Neighbors
Develop plan for"legacy"buildings fronting Observatory Road
Risk Decisions:
Provide guidance to designers to move forward on design work for GA Ave site(mitigates time loss)
•
�r7u uS�'
COUNCIL DISCUSSION/
GUIDANCE