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071921 Public Power Hour & Council Mtg Mins Adopted North � tugusta South Carolina's Riuei front MINUTES OF JULY 19, 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 July 19, 2021 Public Power Hour began at 5:00 p.m. Members present were Mayor Williams, Councilmembers Brooks, McCauley, and McGhee. Also in attendance were J.D. McCauley, Manager of Human Resources, and Sharon Lamar, City Clerk. • Ross Douglas spoke to Council regarding development and its effect on the community. (See ATTACHMENT PPH/Douglas for provided comments.) • Dianne UHeureux followed up on her comments from the last Public Power Hour. • Stephen Raines spoke to Council regarding future development in Knollwood subdivision. • Larry Hammett spoke to Council regarding future development in Knollwood Subdivision. • Mayor Williams announced Public Power Hour comments along with the City's follow up can now be tracked at www.northaugusta.net/mayor. • The Public Power Hour concluded at 5:28 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 July 19, 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 6:25 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 Williams rendered the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. Members present were Mayor Williams, Councilmembers Brooks, McCauley, and McGhee. Also in attendance were James S. Clifford, City Administrator; Rachelle Moody, Assistant City . Administrator; Kelly F. Zier, City Attorney; Thomas C. Zeaser, Director of Engineering and Public Works; Richard L. Meyer, Director of Parks, Recreation,and Tourism; Ryan Metts,Superintendent of Water & Wastewater Operations; 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. The minutes of the regular City Council meeting of June 21, 2021; the minutes of the June 28, 2021 Study Session; and the minutes of the July 12, 2021 Study Session were approved by general consent. ITEMS PERSONNEL: Employee of the Quarter—April May, and June 2021 — Bill Fokes and Lamar Harvey The City of North Augusta Employee Recognition Committee would like to recognize the employees of the quarter for April, May, June 2021, Bill Fokes, Heavy Equipment Operator and Lamar Harvey, Foreman, with the Stormwater management Division of the Engineering and Public Works Department. Lamar Harvey started his employment with the City of North Augusta on August 4, 1999 as a Heavy Equipment Operator for Streets & Drains. He was promoted to Traffic Signal Technician in November 2010, transferred to Vehicle Operator III in January 2020, and promoted to • Stormwater Management Foreman on July 22, 2020. 2 • Bill Fokes began his employment with the City of North Augusta on May 23, 2012 as PT Grounds Worker II for the Property Maintenance Department. He was promoted to full time Grounds Worker 11 in January 2013, transferred to Vehicle Operator I for Stormwater Management in June of 2016, and promoted to Heavy Equipment Operator I in February of 2020. Bill Fokes and Lamar Harvey with the Stormwater Management Division are doing excellent work within the city to inspect, maintain and map our storm systems. They report to duty every day with a "can do" attitude and ready to tackle whatever jobs that they are assigned or discover. Storm drain cleaning is their main activity along with the new electronic tracking of our system. Every day they are out in the streets mapping or solving blockage or other problems to keep water flowing correctly without taking pollutants with it to the streams and river. Tuesday,June 1,they were doing just that when they noticed a resident on the ground along the Greeneway near the amphitheater. They immediately went to the aid of the resident who had fallen and had injuries. The resident was a long way from home and her injuries would have prevented her from making it home on her own. The resident was beyond grateful for their kindness and called it "a God given charitable spirit." The City of North Augusta is appreciative of our employees working every day in all types of conditions, but it is especially nice to see that they are also paying attention to the surrounding • areas and residents within their eyesight. When someone was in need, as in this case, they quickly responded to assist. Both Lamar and Bill deserve to be noticed this quarter for their work and for their gallantry in making sure a citizen alone and in need, was quickly assisted. North Augusta is blessed to have people like Bill and Lamar representing the City. Lamar Harvey recently retired from the National Guard and has had several tours of duty in Iraq, returning from his last tour this time last year to take the foreman position in the Stormwater Department. He has spent his entire career in public service both with the military as a retiree now and also 22 years with the city. Bill Fokes has spent most of his career in Public Service as well working in the state of Florida as a building inspector for many years and now for the past 9 years with the city. They are a blessing for sure and proving their worth on the staff in the stormwater department. Bill Fokes and Lamar Harvey are a tremendous asset to the Engineering and Public Works Department and the City of North Augusta workforce. Congratulations to Bill Fokes and Lamar Harvey, our employees of the second quarter of 2021. We have a plaque for you and monetary prize of$50. ITEM 6. PROCLAMATION: Parks and Recreation Month • Mayor Williams proclaimed July 2021 as Parks and Recreation Month. 3 • PARKS AND RECREATION MONTH WHEREAS, parks and recreation programs are an integral part of communities throughout this country, including North Augusta, South Carolina;and WHEREAS, our parks and recreation are vitally important to establishing and maintaining the quality of life in our communities, ensuring the health of all citizens, and contributing to the economic and environmental well-being of a community and region; and WHEREAS,parks and recreation programs build healthy, active communities that aid in the prevention of chronic disease, provide therapeutic recreation services for those who are mentally or physically disabled, and also improve the mental and emotional health of all citizens; and WHEREAS, parks and recreation programs increase a community's economic prosperity through increased property values, expansion of the local tax base, increased tourism, the attraction and retention of businesses, and crime reduction; and WHEREAS,parks and natural recreation areas improve water quality,protect • groundwater, prevent flooding, improve the quality of the air we breathe, provide vegetative buffers to development, and produce habitat for wildlife;and WHEREAS, our parks and natural recreation areas ensure the ecological beauty of our community and provide a place for children and adults to connect with nature and recreate outdoors; and WHEREAS, the City of North Augusta recognizes the benefits derived from parks and recreation resources. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY the Mayor and City Council of the City of North Augusta, South Carolina that July 2021 is recognized as Park and Recreation Month in the city of North Augusta. 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 19th day of July, 2021. ***Mayor Williams announced a contest seeking suggestions from citizens for a "River Event" in 2022. Ideas may be submitted on a form on the City's website. Paper copies of the form will also be available at City offices. A committee will selection the best 3-5 ideas then citizens will be asked to vote on their choice event to be budgeted and planned for spring 2022. 4 • ITEM 7. FINANCE: Resolution No.2021-30—Authorizing the Receipt of the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Allocation from the State of South Carolina as Appropriated by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 On the motion of Councilmember Brooks, second of Councilmember McGhee, Council agreed to consider a resolution authorizing the receipt of the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund allocation from the State of South Carolina as appropriated by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. There were no comments from citizens. Jim Clifford, City Administrator, noted the City has not received the funds to date. The distribution is expected in the fall of 2021 or early 2022. Council voted 4-0 to adopt the resolution. Please see a copy of the proposed resolution below: RESOLUTION NO. 2021-30 AUTHORIZING RECEIPT OF THE CORONAVIRUS LOCAL FISCAL RECOVERY FUND ALLOCATION FROM THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA AS APPROPRIATED BY THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT OF 2021 WHEREAS, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) appropriated funding to States for distribution to non-entitlement units of local government (NEUs); and • WHEREAS, the City of North Augusta is a NEU as defined by APRA and is allocated $11,871,089.22 per final allocations released by the U.S. Department of Treasury; and WHEREAS, funding will be distributed in two tranches to the City by the State upon request and receipt of the State's payment from the U.S. Department of Treasury; and WHEREAS, Fund 35, American Rescue Plan Fund, is to be established for receipt of the City's allocation as well as expenditures as appropriated by City Council in accordance with guidance adopted by the U.S. Department of Treasury. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and City Council for the City of North Augusta in meeting duly assembled and by the authority thereof that the City of North Augusta will receive an allocation of Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Funds from the State and will designate such allocation for expenditures in accordance with guidance as adopted by the U.S. Department of Treasury by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. DONE, RATIFIED AND ADOPTED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORTH AUGUSTA, SOUTH CAROLINA, ON THIS DAY OF JULY, 2021. ITEM 8 FINANCE: Resolution No. 2021-31—A Resolution Approving a Reprioritized Project • and Funding List for Capital Projects Sales Tax IV(CPST IV) S • On the motion of Councilmember McCauley, second of Councilmember McGhee, Council agreed to consider a resolution approving a reprioritized project and finding list for CPTS IV. There were no comments from citizens. Council voted to adopt the first reading of the ordinance with a 4-0 vote. Please see for a copy of the proposed resolution below: RESOLUTION NO. 2021-31 A RESOLUTION APPROVING A REPRIORITIZED PROJECT AND FUNDING LIST FOR CAPITAL PROJECT SALES TAX IV (CPST IV) WHEREAS, a referendum on the reimposition of the Capital Project Sales Tax in Aiken County was held on November 6, 2018 and resulted in the voters' approval of the ballot on reimposition of the tax and the Aiken County Council declared the results of the Referendum in Resolution Number 18-11-178 approved by Council on November 14, 2018; WHEREAS, the City of North Augusta included 19 projects totaling $30,700,000 in funding in the referendum which were approved by voters; WHEREAS, the City of North Augusta has elected to reprioritize certain projects in order of performance and reallocated funding among certain projects; • WHEREAS, the City of North Augusta City Council is required to approve all reprioritization of projects and funding and submit reprioritized project list to Aiken County; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of North Augusta projects and funding allocations are hereby prioritized as listed on the attached Exhibit A; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of North Augusta shall submit this reprioritized capital project and funding list to the Aiken County. DONE, RATIFIED, AND ADOPTED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORTH AUGUSTA, SOUTH CAROLINA, ON THIS DAY OF JULY 2021. ITEM 9 BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: Stadium Advisory Board — Appointment by Mayor (Receipt of Information by Council) The Mayor appointed the following individuals to the Stadium Advisory Board: Jim Clifford, City Administrator David McGhee, Councilmember Tom Zeaser, Director of Engineering and Public Works • 6 • As defined in the stadium license agreement the role of the advisory board is to maintain vigilant and cost effective management of the public-private partnership for the operations to the stadium and approve capital expenditures funded by the major capital maintenance fund. Missy Martin and Tom Denlinger have been appointed by Greenlackets Baseball LLC.Cammie Hayes,Chief Financial Officer, will serve as Staff Liaison for financial management of the major capital maintenance fund and procurement matters related to stadium expenditures. ITEM 30 EASEMENT: Ordinance No. 2021-08 — Granting Easements across City Property on Georgia and Carolina Avenues to Adjoining Property Owners Who Rely Upon Such Easements to Provide Access to Their Properties; Ordinance—First Reading On the motion of Councilmember Brooks, second of Councilmember McGhee, Council agreed to consider an ordinance on first reading granting easements across City property on Georgia and Carolina Avenues to adjoining property owners who rely upon such easements to provide access to their properties. With no comments from citizens, Council adopted the ordinance on first reading with a vote of 4-0. Please see a copy of the proposed ordinance below: ORDINANCE NO. 2021-08 • GRANTING EASEMENTS ACROSS CITY PROPERTY LOCATED ON GEORGIA AND CAROLINA AVENUES TO ADJOINING PROPERTY OWNERS WHO RELY UPON SUCH EASEMENTS TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO THEIR PROPERTIES. WHEREAS, originally what is now known as Calhoun Park was a Square bordered by West Forest Avenue on the North and Jackson Avenue on the South with residential properties on the East and West; and WHEREAS, with the construction of Georgia Avenue and Carolina Avenue, what was previously a Square known as Calhoun Place was divided into three (3) parcels; and WHEREAS, the parcel between Georgia and Carolina Avenue became known as Calhoun Park and the remaining parcels on each side of Georgia and Carolina Avenue that were originally a part of Calhoun Place are unnamed but are properties that are titled to the City; and WHEREAS, the adjoining properties on Carolina and Georgia Avenue have always utilized these parcels to have ingress and egress to their property; and • 7 • WHEREAS, it is common that when real estate is being purchased or mortgaged, that a requirement is that ingress and egress access be confirmed; and WHEREAS, currently there are five (5) properties,four (4)on the Georgia Avenue side and one (1) on the Carolina Avenue side that require an ingress and egress easement across the City Property to verify and confirm that there is access to either Georgia Avenue or Carolina Avenue; and WHEREAS,the Mayor and City Council have determined that it is appropriate to formally confirm and grant ingress and egress easements across City Property to the parcels in question. 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. Parcel No. 007-10-07-001 known as 708 Carolina Avenue is hereby granted the right of ingress and egress across the property belonging to the City known as Tax Map and Parcel No. 007-10-09-002 in accordance with the Exhibit attached hereto marked Exhibit A and incorporated by reference. • B. That Parcel No. 007-10-07-001; 715 Georgia Avenue; Parcel No. 007-10-07-006; 713 Georgia Avenue; Parcel No. 007-10-07-005 711 Georgia Avenue and Parcel No. 007-10- 07-004 709 Georgia Avenue are specifically granted ingress and egress to Georgia Avenue across property belonging to the City known as Tax Map and Parcel No. 007-10-07-007, in accordance with the attachment hereto marked Exhibit "B" and incorporated by reference. C. That the walkway/sidewalk in front of 715 Georgia Avenue across the City's property is also granted an easement. D. All easements granted are non-exclusive but shall be considered appurtenant to the properties indemnified. E. That the City Administrator is specifically authorized to execute any further deeds or documents necessary to carry out the intent of this Ordinance. F. This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its adoption on the second and final reading. G. All Ordinances or parts of Ordinances in conflict herewith are to the extent of such conflict hereby repealed. DONE, RATIFIED AND ADOPTED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORTH AUGUSTA, SOUTH CAROLINA, ON THIS DAY OF 12021. • R . ITEM 11. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: Jim Clifford, City Administrator, reported to Council he presented a sketch plan of the proposed Public Safety Headquarters at the July 15, 2021 Planning Commission meeting. More information will be forthcoming following the approval of minutes from the meeting. ITEM 12. PRESENTATIONS/COMMUNICATIONS/RECOGNITION OF VISITORS: A. Citizen Comments: None B. Council Comments: • Councilmember Brooks requested an update on the status of the proposed traffic signal at Bergen Road and Martintown Road. Jim Clifford will provide an update at the next Study Session or City Council meeting. • Mayor Williams announced the next "Meet the Mayor" event will take place on Tuesday, Augusta 3 at SRP Credit Union located at 1070 Edgefield Road/Exit 5 at 6:00 p.m. All • citizens are welcome to attend. • Mayor Williams shared the Optimist Club will host Rep. Bill Hixon on Tuesday, July 20 at 6:30 p.m. at the North Augusta Community Center. All are welcome to attend. • Mayor Williams reminded citizens to look for past and future Public Power Hour comments and follow up at www.northaugusta.net/mayor. ITEM 13. ADJOURNMENT APPROVED THIS And DAY OF Respectfully submitted, 14u 2021. Sharon Lamar BrittS14ifiiams City Clerk Mayor 9 ATTACHMENT PPH/Douglas • Good evening, my name is Ross Douglas. This evening I'd like to discuss my concerns about the development that is going on in N.Augusta and the Knollwood project. I feel as though the leadership of the city should know why we are concerned about this project other than thinking many of us just don't want it.. From the beginning the attitude that has been directed toward us has been disrespectful and at times information provided, incorrect. When we are told that"the people of Knollwood don't know what's good for them" or"Knollwood needs an economic boost", how would you feel if it was your neighborhood? We take great pride in our neighborhood and feel it is a jewel in the city, so these type of comments are uncalled for and really set a sour tone with the residents. We have been told things happen a certain way and then we end up with a bulldozer knocking down trees as fast as it can with no supervision from the developer and no permits from the city. What kind of supervision can we count on in the future? If you haven't been by, please drive to the end of Green Forest or Bobbye and take a look for yourself. It's an eyesore, but unfortunately a sign of what things will be like. The whole area except the wetland will be clear cut and the land left barren like that behind Flowing Waters or off Austin Graybill. How is this a compliment to Knollwood and the surrounding area? Even once the houses are built, which will take several years to build 190 houses, it will stand out like a sore thumb because there will be sapplings planted in the place of trees and these will take many years for them to replace what was there. We moved to Knollwood because it's a quiet peaceful neighborhood, with mature trees, great reputation and a low traffic. Now,this area will have no trees,we'll have all the noise from the neighborhood behind us (e of July was a clear sign of that with the little that has been cut down) and • way more traffic. In the BZA meeting, we were told the variance was approved pending the outcome of a traffic study which the BZA had to review. Neighbors are now being told that was incorrect, the city did the traffic study, box checked, BZA doesn't have to review,we're moving on.. There are many concerns about the traffic study. The study makes no reference from what I can tell about how the increase in traffic will address the safety of the streets in Knollwood. Will residents who live there be able to still walk safely to the Greeneway,can we let our kids ride their bikes to friend houses with out worry about them being run over. These are legit concerns,we have kids that walk to and from school each day,will they still be safe? Was a risk survey done to look at these issues? What about the Greeneway crossing that goes through our neighborhood? There are many close calls there as it is now, how will adding more traffic not affect this area? These are the issues we have and reasons we feel as though we do. Now I haven't seen any new plans since the last copy I received before Ms. Hodges left, so in all honesty, I have no idea what the new plans will look like, but felt you should know why most of us feel like we do. On the other side of the coin is that we aren't alone in these concerns as other neighborhoods are dealing with the same issues and feel the same way. We just want to know that our city leadership is looking out for us the citizens, not just for the growth of the city. le:we want things done like they are supposed to be done, by the book. When neighborhoods are developed,why is the developer allowed to wipe the canvas clean. Many municipalities make the developer leave a certain percentage of trees,we have been told the only thing • that will be left is a little buffer(which 1 hope isn't the existing trees taken down and shrubs planted in their space) and the wetland area. What would be the harm in making developers leave some trees. • Many of the trees behind us are 50+years old, in other words,this won't go back to looking natural any time soon, at least most likely not in my lifetime. Another concern is speed control devices not being allowed like speed tables. The developer has stated he would gladly put them in, but the city doesn't allow such. Many neighborhoods in Columbia Cty use them including West Lake. They work. I'll admit, I don't want them and don't think anyone in our neighborhood does, but how else can we help to protect our residents? Relationship building. Now many don't care about this, but I think it is important to have developers work with the existing residents or at least make an attempt. Yes, not everyone will be happy, but this just shows good will. The developers need to understand the impact they are having on the area. They often think their plans for the area are the greatest thing since sliced bread, but have no idea how the long term impact will affect the existing residents. le: the traffic at Paul Knox, Mossy Creek is already a mess, how is adding 190 more residents going to help. Maybe they adjust their numbers back so not as big of an impact is felt. These are just thoughts, I know developers,they will put anything anywhere, that's what they do, but why not show some compassion to those who will be left with whatever they leave behind. I hope whatever is built is as nice as they say it is, I surely don't want something that is going to be a drag on our neighborhood. North Augusta is growing at a rapid rate. I'm sure you guys feel like there's a five alarm fire every day and there is always something that needs to be done. One of the things mentioned in the traffic study was the lack of a left turning lane off of Five Notch. It seems like a left turn light at the intersection of Ga Ave and Five Notch would really make things a lot smoother, but I know the state often time has • control over it's roads and its difficult to get things done. My concern is will our infrastructure be able to keep up with growth. It seems no matter where you turn there is construction of some type, but can our existing systems handle this uptick in population. Our schools are a concern, most if not all are busting at the seems and it takes much longer to build a school than to build a house. While I'm glad to see Hammond Hills expanding,what about the existing middle schools, I know when Ian was there several years ago Paul Knox was packed. 1 hope that these things are being addressed and a sense of urgency is placed on them. In closing, I ask that you,the leaders of N. Augusta, put the residents who elected you and trust you, first and will look out for us. I'd also like to remind you (and I often need this myself),the decisions you make for our city today are not just for today, but will impact the community in which we live for years to come. Thank you for your time and service. •