080524 Council Mtg Mins Adopted
Page 1 of 5
MINUTES OF AUGUST 5, 2024
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
The Public Power Hour was 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 August 5, 2024 Public Power Hour began at 5:30pm. Members present were Mayor Williams,
Councilmembers Buck, McCauley, Presnell, and Toole.
Members absent was Councilmember Carpenter and McGhee.
Also, in attendance were Ricky Jones, Manager of Information Technology and Jamie Paul, City Clerk.
1. Margaret M. Key, Representative from Aiken Center Substance Use Services, spoke on updates
on strategic planning for substance misuse abatement. (See Attachment PPH#1)
2. Angela Davis, North Augusta Cultural Arts Council, spoke on upcoming fall concert events. (See
Attachment PPH#2)
3. Milledge Murray, spoke on Historical Markers throughout the City.
4. Ed O’Neal, spoke on parking at the North Augusta High School.
The Public Power Hour concluded at 5:58pm.
Page 2 of 5
REGULAR MEETING
The Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of North Augusta of August 5, 2024 having been duly
publicized was called to order by Mayor Williams at 6:00pm and also streamed online for public viewing
at “City of North Augusta – Public Information” on www.Facebook.com and on the “City of North Augusta
Public Information” on www.YouTube.com. 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 Buck, McCauley, McGhee, Presnell, and Toole.
Member absent was Councilmember Carpenter.
Also in attendance were James S. Clifford, City Administrator; J.D. McCauley, Assistant Administrator;
Chief Junior Johnson, Director of Public Safety; Karl Waldhauer, Manager of Tourism; Ricky Jones,
Manager of Information Technology; and Jamie Paul, City Clerk.
ITEM 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
The minutes of the City Council Meeting of July 15, 2024, and Study Session of July 29, 2024, were
approved as submitted by general consent.
ITEM 5. PERSONNEL:
a. Employee of the Quarter – April, May, and June 2024 – Dottie Price
Mayor Williams stated that Public Safety Dispatcher Dottie Price has been a shining example of employee
dedication since 1998. Her determination to do what’s best for the agency and the city, rather than what’s
best for her, is a rare quality in the modern work force. Rarely calls out, keeps up morale, and never
complains without extreme cause. Mrs. Price is rarely seen behind her console but her calm voice has
helped soothe many thousands of citizens over her 26 years of service, many of whom are experiencing
the worst day of their life. Recently, with Public Safety being shorthanded in dispatch, Mrs. Price has more
than carried her weight picking up extra shifts to ensure that the citizens of this city receive the best public
service possible. Despite being a senior employee with Public Safety, she works her overtime shifts and
NEVER complains. Always with a polite smile on her face, Mrs. Price is the “golden egg” of employees and
The City of North Augusta is extremely lucky to have her on their side. For these reasons and many more,
Mrs. Price more than deserves to be recognized as the employee of the quarter.
b. Ginger Johnson, Retirement – Recognition of Service to the City of North Augusta
Mayor Williams recognized Ginger Johnson. He stated that Ginger Johnson began her career with North
Augusta in 1995. Over her 29+ years with the City, Ginger worked in 3 different offices, under 4 Mayors,
4 City Administrators, 3 Directors, and 5 Building Officials. Throughout all the changes, Ginger was a
consistent presence in the Building Standards office. Her organization and procedural knowledge of
contractor licensing, permitting, and purchasing kept the department running efficiently and was greatly
appreciated by supervisors and customers alike. Probably one of the greatest assets that Ginger brought
Page 3 of 5
to the office was her friendliness. Ginger always had kind words for her coworkers and greeted (most)
every customer with a smile and a pleasant attitude. Over the years Ginger developed relationships with
many contractors and provided a level of personal service that seems to be absent in many businesses
today.
Mayor Williams thanked Ginger Johnson for her many years of service to North Augusta.
NEW BUSINESS
ITEM 6. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT: Ordinance No. 2024-17 To Change the Corporate Limits of the
City of North Augusta by Accepting the Petition Requesting Annexation by the Landowners and
Annexing ± 21.87 Acres of Property Located on Five Notch Road and Owned by Charles T. Blackston –
First Reading
Mayor Williams recused himself from Item 6. He requested that Mayor Pro Tem McCauley cover the item.
No public comment.
Administrator Clifford stated that the parcel of land is south of Mossey Creek Elementary on Five Notch
Road and that Mr. Blackston is seeking to place a development in that area. He highlighted on the wetland
areas as well. (See Attachment #6a)
It was moved by Councilmember Presnell, seconded by Councilmember McGhee, to approve Ordinance
No. 2024-17 To Change the Corporate Limits of the City of North Augusta by Accepting the Petition
Requesting Annexation by the Landowners and Annexing ± 21.87 Acres of Property Located on Five Notch
Road and Owned by Charles T. Blackston – First Reading. Vote: 5 – 0 Approved. Mayor Williams was
recused. (See Attachment #6)
ITEM 7. FINANCE: Resolution No. 2024-31 Authorizing a Change of Request on the Funding Purpose of
the 2024 Community Promotion Fund for the Disbursement of Revenues from the Budget Tax Year 2024
No public comment.
Administrator Clifford stated that the request is for change of funding purpose from books to furniture
due to the renovation of the Nancy Carson Library. (See Attachment #7a)
It was moved by Councilmember McCauley, seconded by Councilmember Buck, to approve Resolution No.
2024-31 Authorizing a Change of Request on the Funding Purpose of the 2024 Community Promotion
Fund for the Disbursement of Revenues from the Budget Tax Year 2024. Unanimously Approved. (See
Attachment #7)
Page 4 of 5
ITEM 8. TOURISM: Resolution No. 2024-32 Authorizing the City of North Augusta to Purchase and
Install Outdoor Decorative Lighting in the Downtown Area
No public comment.
Assistant Administrator McCauley stated that the outdoor decorative lighting will go from Calhoun Park
down to Clifton Avenue. Mr. McCauley clarified that the lights can be adjusted to different trees.
It was moved by Councilmember McCauley, seconded by Councilmember Presnell, to approve Resolution
No. 2024-32 Authorizing the City of North Augusta to Purchase and Install Outdoor Decorative Lighting in
the Downtown Area. Unanimously Approved. (See Attachment #8)
ITEM 9. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Administrator Clifford highlighted on Governor Henry McMaster’s issued Executive Order 2024-16,
declaring a State of Emergency in preparation for the potential effects of Tropical Storm Debby. He added
that staff and Public Safety are prepared to respond when needed.
Mr. Clifford added that the National Night Out will be rescheduled to August 20, 2024.
ITEM 10. PRESENTATIONS/COMMUNICATIONS/RECOGNITION OF VISITORS:
A. Citizen Comments:
Lee Byrd, resident, stated that on behalf of the City of North Augusta Chamber the following are upcoming
events:
• Connect for Happy Hour at Town Square Olive Oil and Wine – August 7 starting at 5:00pm
• Good Morning North Augusta: SC Chamber Grassroots Tour – August 8 in the North Augusta
Palmetto Terrace starting at 7:30am
B. Council Comments:
Mayor Williams highlighted on the following:
• Third Thursday Downtown – August 15 from 5:00pm-8:00pm
• Rescheduled Cody Webb Concert – August 17 at Sharon Jones Amphitheater at 3:30pm
Mayor Williams stated that the Public Safety Foundation was presented a $5,000 donation check from
Miracle Nissan of North Augusta on August 5. He highlighted on both of the independent of the City of
North Augusta 501c(3) foundations; Public Safety and Beautification Foundations.
Councilman Presnell announced that he and his wife will be pursuing career opportunities which will take
them out of the City of North Augusta and unfortunately, he will not be able to finish his term. He added
that he not stepping down until later, he just wanted the public to hear from him.
You’re Invited to An
Informational Meeting
& Listening Session
Featuring partnerships between Aiken
Center, Aiken Barnwell Mental Health,
and Aiken County Department of Public
Health (DPH), the former Belvedere
United Methodist Church (202 Rhomboid
Place, North Augusta) would become a
Community Health Center to serve
citizens in the western portion of Aiken
County.
COMMUNITYHEALTHCENTER
About The ProposedCommunity Health Center
Thursday,
August 22, 2024
6:00pm - 7:30 pm
Belridge Baptist
Church’s Social Hall
108 Monterey Avenue, North Augusta, SC(Parking available onNewcastle Ave.)
Meeting Sponsored By
Hon. Sandy Haskell,Aiken County Council
Aiken Barnwell MentalHealth Center
Aiken Center
Aiken County Dept. ofPublic Health
ATTACHMENT PPH#1 Page 1 of 1
ATTACHMENT PPH#2 Page 1 of 1
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-17
TO CHANGE THE CORPORATE LIMITS
OF THE CITY OF NORTH AUGUSTA
BY ACCEPTING THE PETITION REQUESTING ANNEXATION BY THE LANDOWNERS
AND ANNEXING ± 21.87 ACRES OF PROPERTY LOCATED
ON FIVE NOTCH ROAD AND OWNED BY CHARLES T. BLACKSTON
WHEREAS, Section 5-3-150(3) of the Code of Laws of the State of South Carolina
provides that: "Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (1) and (2) of this section, any area
or property which is contiguous to a municipality may be annexed to the municipality by filing
with the municipal governing body a petition signed by all persons owning real estate in the area
requesting annexation. Upon the agreement of the governing body to accept the petition and annex
the area, and the enactment of an ordinance declaring the area annexed to the municipality, the
annexation is complete"; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council of the City of North Augusta, have
reviewed the petition of the landowners requesting that their property be annexed into the City and
determined that such Petition should be accepted and the property annexed into the City; and
WHEREAS, the property is situated within the area of the North Augusta 2021
Comprehensive Plan and recommended for Commercial Retail by that plan as specified in the
Land Use Element.
WHEREAS, the annexation request and zoning classification has been reviewed by
the Planning Commission which has recommended annexation of the property with + 21.87 acres
to be zoned R-7, Small Lot Single-Family Residential .
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 Petition of the landowners is accepted and the following described property
shall be annexed into the City of North Augusta:
Tract B:
All those certain pieces, parcel or tracts of land, with any and all improvement thereon,
situate, lying and being in the County of Aiken, State of South Carolina, being known and
designated as Tract B, containing 18.40 acres, more or less as shown on plat prepared for
Barbara Andrews Ross and Connie E. Sansom by William H. McKie, III, P.L.S., dated
February 5, 2021 and recoded in Plat Book 63, at page 940 in the Office of the RMC for
Aiken County, South Carolina. Reference being made to said plat for a more complete and
accurate description of said property.
ATTACHMENT #6 Page 1 of 2
Tract D
All that certain piece, parcel or tract of land, with all improvements thereon, situate, lying
and being in the County of Aiken, State of South Carolina, being known and designated as
Tract D, containing 3.62 acres, more or less as shown on plat prepared for Barbara Andrews
Ross and by William H. McKie, III, P.L.S., dated February 5, 1999 and recoded in Plat
Book 64, at page 960 in the Office of the RMC for Aiken County, South Carolina.
Reference being made to said plat for a more complete and accurate description of said
property.
The two tracts have been combined into one parcel, tax parcel number 005-19-02-001
II. The zoning classification shall be +21.87 acres as R-7, Small Lot Single-Family
Residential.
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
AUGUST, 2024.
First Reading
Briton Williams, Mayor
Second Reading
ATTEST:
Jamie Paul, City Clerk
ATTACHMENT #6 Page 2 of 2
Department of Planning
and Development
Project Staff Report
ANX24-003 West Five Notch Road
Prepared by: La’Stacia Reese
Meeting Date: July 17, 2024
Page 1 of 4
SECTION 1: ANNEXATION REQUEST SUMMARY
Address/Location West Five Notch Road
Parcel Numbers 005-19-02-001
Total Development Size ± 21.87 acres
Zoning Requested R-7, Small Lot, Single-Family Residential
Future Land Use Residential Single-Family
SECTION 2: PLANNING COMMISSION CONSIDERATION
Charles Blackston, the property owner, has requested to annex parcel 05-19-02-001,
approximately 21.87 acres, located at West Five Notch in Aiken County. The request is for the
parcel to be zoned R-7, Small Lot, Single-Family Residential at the time of annexation.
NADC Additional Reviews
4.7 Annexation – All territory which may hereafter be granted or annexed to the City of North
Augusta shall be classified automatically in the R-14 District, except that at the time the
application for annexation is filed the applicant my request a zoning classification that is similar
to surrounding zoning and in accord with the city’s Comprehensive Plan. Proposed annexations
where the requested zoning is inconsistent with the Land Use Element of the Comprehensive
Plan or differs from zoning on adjacent properties shall be reviewed by the Planning Commission
in accordance with Article 18, Administration and Enforcement. The Planning Commission shall
recommend to the City Council the appropriate zoning for the property to be annexed,
modification to the Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan, or both.
The Planning Commission is being asked to make a recommendation regarding the zoning
classification of this property prior to annexation. The subject parcel Future Land Use is
Residential Single-Family.
ATTACHMENT #6 - P&D STAFF REPORT Page 1 of 15
Project Staff Report
ANX24-003 West Five Notch Road
Prepared by: La’Stacia Reese
Meeting Date: July 17, 2024
Page 2 of 4
SECTION 3: EXISTING SITE CONDITIONS
Existing Land
Use
Future
Land Use
Zoning
Subject
Parcel
Residential
(Vacant)
Residential Single-
Family
RD, Residential Development (Aiken
County)
North Vacant Residential Single-
Family
RD, Residential Development (Aiken
County)
South Vacant Residential Single
Family
CR, Critical Reserve/R-7, Small Lot,
Single-Family Residential
East Vacant Residential Single
Family
CR, Critical Reserve/R-10, Medium Lot,
Single-Family Residential
West School Public P, Public Use
SECTION 4: STAFF EVALUATION AND ANALYSIS
The parcel proposed for annexation currently is heavily wooded in the rear of the property, with
a dilapidated house in the middle of the property. Road frontage for the property is through an
unpaved driveway through a parcel in front of the subject property, which has frontage to West
Five Notch Road. The applicant has requested the R-7, Small Lot, Single-Family Residential zoning
district at the time of annexation. The Planning Commission is being asked to make a
recommendation regarding the compatibility of the zoning classification of this property prior to
annexation because the subject parcel’s future land use is Residential Single-Family.
The R-7, Small Lot, Single-Family Residential zoning district is described as the following:
4.12.3 R-7, Small Lot Single-Family Residential District – The purpose of this district is to provide
for a variety of single-family housing types on small lots to meet market demands for smaller lot
developments. It is also the intent of this district to balance higher densities with common open
space.
The following uses are allowed in an R-7 zoning district per NADC 5.1 Use Matrix:
ATTACHMENT #6 - P&D STAFF REPORT Page 2 of 15
Project Staff Report
ANX24-003 West Five Notch Road
Prepared by: La’Stacia Reese
Meeting Date: July 17, 2024
Page 3 of 4
Primary Uses
• Accessory Dwelling
• Bus Shelter
• Storage of Construction Equipment, Outdoor, Incidental to Construction Activities
• Single-Family Detached Dwelling
• Tourist Home
• Place of Assembly, Small
• Swimming Pool
• Cemetery
• Primary or Secondary School
• Essential Public Services
Accessory Uses
• Studio for Creative or Expressive Art
• Parking, Structured
• Parking, Surface
• Home Occupation
Conditional Uses
• Child/Adult Care Home
• Farmers and Produce Markets
• Food Trucks
• Home Occupation
• Real Estate Sales and Construction Offices and Equipment Sheds
• Group Homes, Non-Exempt
• Marina
• Telecommunications, Small Cell
Special Exception Uses:
• Home Occupation
• Bed and Breakfast
• Private Non-profit Clubs and Organizations
• Energy Generation, Small Scale
• Telecommunication Tower and Antennae
• Agriculture, Excluding Livestock
Section 6.2 of the Comprehensive Plan promotes providing a more varied housing stock to attract
and retain a more diverse population, especially in downtown and near employment centers.
ATTACHMENT #6 - P&D STAFF REPORT Page 3 of 15
Project Staff Report
ANX24-003 West Five Notch Road
Prepared by: La’Stacia Reese
Meeting Date: July 17, 2024
Page 4 of 4
Section 6.2.2 of the Comprehensive Plan encourages revising the zoning ordinance and map to
incentivize a variety of housing types at higher densities. This is further supported by Section
4.2.4 to support the priorities and principles of the Aiken, Edgefield, and Saluda Counties
Economic Development Partnership by providing housing in an area that is expanding with new
industries.
Based on these descriptions and similarly zoned properties within the city limits, staff believes
allowing R-7, Small Lot, Single Family Residential zoning is appropriate for the property.
SECTION 5: ATTACHMENTS
Exhibit A Map
Exhibit B Map
Application Documents
cc Charles Blackston, via email
ATTACHMENT #6 - P&D STAFF REPORT Page 4 of 15
ATTACHMENT #6 - P&D STAFF REPORT Page 5 of 15
ATTACHMENT #6 - P&D STAFF REPORT Page 6 of 15
ATTACHMENT #6 - P&D STAFF REPORT Page 7 of 15
AT
T
A
C
H
M
E
N
T
#6
-
P&
D
ST
A
F
F
RE
P
O
R
T
Pa
g
e
8
of
15
A m y Ci r N A-0
W Five Notch Rd S
200ft200ft200ft200ft200ft
-81.960 33.538 Degrees
+
–
Parcel Information Map City of North Augusta GIS City of North Augusta Aiken County GIS Edgefield County GIS
All rights reserved
Find address or place
ATTACHMENT #6 - P&D STAFF REPORT Page 9 of 15
ATTACHMENT #6 - P&D STAFF REPORT Page 10 of 15
ATTACHMENT #6 - P&D STAFF REPORT Page 11 of 15
ATTACHMENT #6 - P&D STAFF REPORT Page 12 of 15
ATTACHMENT #6 - P&D STAFF REPORT Page 13 of 15
ATTACHMENT #6 - P&D STAFF REPORT Page 14 of 15
ATTACHMENT #6 - P&D STAFF REPORT Page 15 of 15
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-31
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CHANGE OF REQUEST ON THE FUNDING
PURPOSE OF THE 2024 COMMUNITY PROMOTION FUND FOR THE DISBURSEMENT
OF REVENUES FROM THE BUDGET TAX YEAR 2024
WHEREAS, the City adopted Ordinance No. 2023-19 with funding allocations for
the disbursement of revenues from the Community Promotion Fund, Budget Tax Year 2024; and
WHEREAS, the Friends of Nancy Carson Library Foundation was awarded $5,000
from the North Augusta Community Promotion Grant; and
WHEREAS, the City is able to authorize the change of request of the use of the
Community Promotion Fund with City Council approval; and
WHEREAS, the Friends of Nancy Carson Library Foundation has identified the
need to change the request from Collection Development materials to Furnishings due to the recent
renovation of the Nancy Carson Library in North Augusta.
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 2024
Community Promotion Fund purpose change request be awarded to the Friends of Nancy Carson
Library Foundation from the budget tax year 2024 and is authorized to be used for furnishings.
DONE, RATIFIED AND ADOPTED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF NORTH AUGUSTA, SOUTH CAROLINA, ON THIS ______ DAY OF
AUGUST, 2024.
Briton Williams, Mayor
ATTEST:
Jamie Paul, City Clerk
ATTACHMENT #7 Page 1 of 1
AT
T
A
C
H
M
E
N
T
#7
-
Re
q
u
e
s
t
Le
t
t
e
r
fo
r
Ch
a
n
g
e
in
Pu
r
p
o
s
e
Pa
g
e
1
of
1
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-32
AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF NORTH AUGUSTA TO PURCHASE AND INSTALL
OUTDOOR DECORATIVE LIGHTING IN THE DOWNTOWN AREA
WHEREAS the Tourism Department solicited sealed bids for the purchase and installation of
outdoor decorative lighting in downtown North Augusta in accordance with the City’s procurement
policies; and
WHEREAS the bids were publicly opened and read at 02:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 23, 2024,
in the presence of all interested parties; and
WHEREAS the Manager of Tourism, Mr. Karl Waldhauer, and his team have thoroughly
reviewed and evaluated all proposals received; and
WHEREAS the bid from Midlands Trimlight was the lowest bid, meeting all the specifications
and requirements set forth in the invitation for bids at the bid amount of $77,483.09; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and City Council of the City of North
Augusta, South Carolina, in a meeting duly assembled and by the authority thereof that:
1. Midlands Trimlight shall be awarded the contract for the purchase and installation of
Outdoor Decorative lighting in Downtown North Augusta at the bid amount of
$77,483.09.
2. The Council authorizes total expenditures up to $85,000 for materials, contract
services, and any other related incidentals and/or contingencies
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this purchase shall be funded within SLFRF Expenditure
Request #12 – “Downtown Improvements”.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Administrator is authorized to execute such
documents as necessary to facilitate this purchase in accordance with the City’s procurement
guidelines.
DONE, RATIFIED AND ADOPTED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF NORTH AUGUSTA, SOUTH CAROLINA, ON THIS ______ DAY OF AUGUST, 2024.
Briton Williams, Mayor
ATTEST:
Jamie Paul, City Clerk
ATTACHMENT #8 Page 1 of 1