091123 Study Session Mins AdoptedPage 1 of 3
MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2023
Briton S. Williams, Mayor
Jenafer F. McCauley, Councilmember – Mayor Pro Tem
David B. Buck, Councilmember
Pat C. Carpenter, Councilmember
David W. McGhee, Councilmember
Eric H. Presnell, Councilmember
Kevin W. Toole, Councilmember
ORDER OF BUSINESS
STUDY SESSION
The Study Session of September 11, 2023 for the City Council of the City of North Augusta, having been duly
publicized, was called to order by Mayor Briton S. Williams at 6:03 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.”
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 Buck, Carpenter, McCauley, McGhee, Presnell, and
Toole.
Also in attendance were James S. Clifford, City Administrator; Thomas C. Zeaser, Director of Engineering and
Public Works; James Sutton, Director of Public Services; Lt. Junior Johnson, Public Safety; Rick Meyer, Director
of Parks, Recreation & Tourism; Thomas L. Paradise, Director of Planning and Development; Lynda Williamson,
Director of Finance, Kayla Ferguson, Manager of Human Resources; Kevin Whaley, GIS Analyst; and Jamie Paul,
City Clerk.
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Mayor Williams stated that in the foyer on the first floor of the Municipal Building there is a Flag of
Honor displayed with the names who perished in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 and
February 26, 1993. He had a moment of silence in remembrance of the victims and families.
ITEM 1. CITY COUNCIL MEETING:
Administrator Clifford led Council’s discussion of items for the September 18, 2023 regular meeting. (See
Attachment #1)
Mr. Clifford stated that item numbers 6 and 7 on the Draft agenda will be removed and possibly item number
8.
ITEM 2. DEPARTMENT DETAILS:
City department directors and managers provided departmental updates. (See Attachment #2)
ITEM 3. MAYOR’S MATTERS:
(A) FOCUS ITEM(S):
i. Update from Engineering on Pole Branch Watershed
Stormwater Superintendent Strickland presented to Council an update on the Pole Branch Remediation
Project. She highlighted on the issues, grant, results, and current and future issues and areas of concern.
(See Attachment #3Ai)
ii. Update on Fiscal Year 2023
Administrator Clifford updated Council on Fiscal Year 2023 budget and other fiscal expenditures.
(See Attachment #3Aii)
(B) Mayor Williams will share reflections and announcements related to current City events and
opportunities
Mayor Williams asked for residents to join the following City Facebook Pages to stay up to date on
information throughout the City:
• City of North Augusta – Public Information
• North Augusta Parks Recreation and Tourism
• North Augusta Public Safety
• Briton Williams, Mayor of North Augusta, SC
Mayor Williams thanked everyone who participated in the 2023 Trash Bash at the Border on September
9, 2023.
Mayor Williams highlighted on the following:
• Border Bash, September 15th at SRP Park, gates open at 5:00pm
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PUBLIC POWER HOUR
September 18, 2023 – 5:30 p.m. - Municipal Center – 100 Georgia Avenue, 3rd Floor - Council Chambers
DRAFT AGENDA: CITY OF NORTH AUGUSTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
September 18, 2023 – 6:00 p.m. – Municipal Center – 100 Georgia Avenue, 3rd Floor - Council Chambers
The Public 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. Speaker
Forms are provided on the credenza at the entrance for speakers desiring that the minutes indicate that they addressed Council
on a specific topic. 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:
• City Council Meeting minutes of August 21, 2023
• Special Called City Council Meeting minutes of September 7, 2023
• Special Called City Council Public Hearing and Meeting minutes of September 11, 2023
• Study Session minutes of September 11, 2023
5. PROCLAMATIONS:
a. Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week, September 10-16, 2023
b. Constitution Week, September 17-23, 2023
c. Stormwater Awareness Week, September 24-30, 2023
d. Recognition of Don “Ramblin” Rhodes
OLD BUSINESS
6. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT: Ordinance No. 2023-15 Adopting 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 and Updating the City-Wide Zoning Map Accordingly – Second
Reading
ATTACHMENT #1
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NEW BUSINESS
7. ADMINISTRATION: Resolution No. 2023-32 Resolution Authorizing Expenditure of Coronavirus State
and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds – Expenditure Request 8
8. ADMINISTRATION: Resolution No. 2023-33 for Transfer Station
9. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
10. 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 for the records. Speaker Forms are provided on the
credenza for speakers desiring that the minutes indicate that they addressed Council on a specific topic. The
form will be included as part of the minutes of the meeting. Citizen comments are limited to five minutes.
B. Council Comments:
11. ADJOURNMENT
ATTACHMENT #1
FINANCE:
•Cycle 1 Disconnect Dates – September 19th and 20th
•Cycle 2 Due Date – September 18th
•Certified Letters for delinquent City taxes were sent out last week
•Property postings are planned for October 2nd and 3rd
PUBLIC SERVICES:
•Monticello Estates – Wastewater Line Testing
•Bluff Avenue Streetscape – Utility Improvements
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT:
•Planning Commission meeting September 20th
•2005 Arch Drive clean up completed
PUBLIC SAFETY:
•Still in the process of accepting letters from wreckers for the rotation for next year, cutoff is
October 1st
•In the transition phase of the new software SmartCop
PARKS, RECREATION, AND TOURISM:
•Aluminum bridge to Villages at Riverview project is scheduled for fabrication and installation in
October
•Destination Augusta’s economic impact for the 2023 Nike Peach Jam totaled $14,646,013
•PRT had 6 staff members participate in the trash bash on Saturday
ENGINEERING AND PUBLIC WORKS:
•Cypress Drive/Greeneway Restroom Sidewalk
•Knobcone Avenue Sidewalk
•Waterworks Greeneway Bridge
•Bluegrass/Mealing Storm Drainage
HUMAN RESOURCES:
•See the following page for the Employment Opportunities list
DEPARTMENT DETAILS
for September 11, 2023
ATTACHMENT #2 Page 1 of 2
To apply and to see full job descriptions please visit www.northaugustasc.gov/jobs. You may also contact Human Resources
for more information at 803-442-5710 or kferguson@northaugustasc.gov.
The City of North Augusta is an Equal Opportunity Employer
EMPLOYMENT
OPPORTUNITIES
Firefighter – Public Safety
Grade: 4
Salary/Pay Rate: $13.31 - $15.97/hour
Closing Date: Until Filled
Heavy Equipment Operator I – Streets & Drains
Grade: 9
Salary/Pay Rate: $17.96 - $21.56
Closing Date: Until Filled
Laborer – Streets and Drains
Grade: 4
Salary/Pay Rate: $13.31 - $15.97/hour
Closing Date: Until Filled
Maintenance Technician – PRT
Grade: 12
Salary/Pay Rate: $20.76 - $24.91/hour
Closing Date: Until Filled
Meter Reader/Service Technician – Utilities
Grade: 9
Salary/Pay Rate: $17.96 - $21.56
Closing Date: Until Filled
Public Safety Officer – Public Safety
Grade: 15
Salary/Pay Rate: $22.04 - $26.45/hour
Closing Date: Until Filled
Utility Technician – Public Utilities
Grade: 9
Salary/Pay Rate: $17.96 - $21.56
Closing Date: Until Filled
ATTACHMENT #2 Page 2 of 2
Engineering and Stormwater Management
Pole Branch Remediation
Project
Presented to Council -City Council Study Session
09/11/2023
As always -Michaela for Scale
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Project Overview to Council
1.Pole Branch Watershed
2.Pole Branch Issues (Upper reach)
3.Project –Emergency Watershed Protection Grant
4.Results of this project -video
5.Current and Future issues and areas of concern
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Project area
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Austin Heights
Whatley Place
Brandenburg
Detention
Pole Branch Remediation Area
SRP Credit
Union
Quick
Trip
Aiken County
Neighborhoods
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Future Road Crossing (Rushing
Waters II to III)
Austin Heights Detention Area –
Crossing under I-20 (top of spur)
Brandendburg Detention Area –
Crossing under I-20 Exit 5 (to Pole Branch)
Pole Branch Remediation Basin
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A River Runs Through IT
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Sally Rainfall Events
09/16/2020 ~6.4”
09/17/2020 ~4”
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Pole Branch Watershed Problems Revealed
Hurricane Sally 09/17/2020 Hurricane Sally 09/17/2020
Sewer trunk line
ruptured in lower
reach causing spill.
Sediment laden water
entered trunk line.
Easement was
severely eroded and
impassable.
DAMAGES
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Emergency Actions
September 2020 -Public Utilities
•Emergency repair of drainage way and utility
easement (restored easement with rock and fill
dirt) for access.
•Emergency repair of sewer line in lower reach to
stop spill
•Continued Repairs to reinforce failing sewer line
(major repairs)
•SWMD -Find emergency funding to stabilize
easement that is continuing to erode during this
time
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Major Storm 5.3” 09/08/2021 Brandenburg Pond
HEAVY STORMS CONTINUED –Volume of rainfall excessive
Brandenburg Regional Detention Pond at Exit 5 -Restoration
Detention Pond is approximately 15’ deep at lowest point (where
person is standing) to top of dam.
Top of riser is shown –13’ to bottom
Pond area is approximately 8 acres
Riser
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Pole Branch Watershed -Continues to Erode
September 9, 2021After storm blows out repairs –August 2021 11
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Pole Branch Watershed Erosion
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Pole Branch Watershed Problems Deeper & Wider
Photo: March 10, 2022
Another major storm
March 3, 2022
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Correcting the Problem:
Move the channel back
to its historical location
and away from Critical
Infrastructure.
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Pole Branch Remediation Project Funding
USDA-NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Grant Awarded
City Council Resolution No 2022-02 January 3, 2022 accepted
Grant Budget Actual
•Construction $2,730,000 $1,485,986
•Grant Funded 75% $2,047,500 $1,099,714
•City Match 25%$ 682,500 (SLRFF Funds $400K)$ 366,846
•Technical Assistance (100%) $ 204,750 $ 204,750
•TOTALS:$2,934,750 $1,690,736
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USDA NRCS Engineers meet with
Project Engineer & Staff to go over
plans in March 17, 2022 16
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Result of Project
Play Results Video
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NA Pole Branch Remediation Ditch – Video
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1--U5_8T06Kdt9YIA9I6XX3Ks-jvkbgUJ/view?usp=sharing
ATTACHMENT #3Ai Page 18 of 21
Photo: March 10, 2022
Same Sewer
Manhole After
Sewer
Manhole
Before
Pole Branch Watershed Before and After –Channel Moved Away from Existing Trunk Line Sewer
Drainage from
Exit 1 Area
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More repairs needed:
Upstream of project area
Pole Branch Watershed Current and Future
Downstream –“Willow Wick”
Erosive Flows
Downstream -below Bergen Road
Failing infrastructure
Substantial Development Pressure at both –Exit 1 & Exit 5
Much of the Pole Branch basin is not within the City Limits.
Sewer
manhole
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The key to reducing erosive flows in our watershed
Develop with resiliency in mind, reduce runoff!
•Pole Branch Examples -SRPFCU Headquarters, Starbucks, Bentley Place Pond,
Carolina Bay preservation
Reducing flows is achievable with requirements to:
•Increase infiltration in residential/commercial development (infiltration areas, greenspace)
•Increase stream/wetland buffers to; preserve tree canopy, provide infiltration, and reduce
erosion along them
currently ~50 ft. from stream bank in most SC communities (ex., Aiken, Richland, Greenville, Lexington (is
100 ft.), and Anderson counties)
Costs of stormwater repairs
•Costs to citizens = $ millions
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SEPTEMBER 11, 2023
North Augusta City Council
Fiscal Year 2023 Update
ATTACHMENT #3Aii Page 1 of 8
Purpose:
To update the public and city council on Fiscal Year 2023 budget and other fiscal
expenditures
ATTACHMENT #3Aii Page 2 of 8
Personnel:
Code enforcement position added 1 July and filled internally
DPW Erosion Control Inspector
PRT Part Time Center Coordinator –Activities Center
Fire Fighter positions Grade 3 to Grade 4
Public Safety Dispatchers updated to a Senior and Junior Dispatcher
Utility Worker II grade increase from 6 to 9 (Utility O&M Fund)
ATTACHMENT #3Aii Page 3 of 8
Facilities Improvements:
Ground mounted flagpoles
Elevator flooring replacement
Palmetto Terrace A/V replacement
Lobby Improvements (working)
Fire Station 2 QOL improvements (T)
ATTACHMENT #3Aii Page 4 of 8
CPST I: Waterworks Bridge Project
Bridge is open to pedestrians
Greeneway paving is out for bid
(closes 14 Sep)
Work remains on safety railings to approaches
(awaiting materials)
CPST I fund will close by 1 October 2023
ATTACHMENT #3Aii Page 5 of 8
CPST II: SmartCop 9-11 Software
Training & Implementation occurred in August
System is fully online and in-use by Public Safety
Allowed for removal of dedicated T-1 data line to SLED
Purchased via HGACBuy
CPST II fund will close by 1 October 2023
ATTACHMENT #3Aii Page 6 of 8
CPST III:
All invoices for Fire Station 1 received
Awaiting materials to fully install
warning signals
Remaining funds will be recommended
For use with amphitheater project
and obligated in 2023 –anticipated closeout by 1 July 2024
ATTACHMENT #3Aii Page 7 of 8
SEPTEMBER 11, 2023
North Augusta City Council
Discussion
ATTACHMENT #3Aii Page 8 of 8