041425 Study Session Mins AdoptedPage 1 of 3
MINUTES OF APRIL 14, 2025
Briton S. Williams, Mayor
Jenafer F. McCauley, Councilmember – Mayor Pro Tem
David B. Buck, Councilmember
Pat C. Carpenter, Councilmember
David W. McGhee, Councilmember
Kevin W. Toole, Councilmember
ORDER OF BUSINESS
STUDY SESSION
The Study Session of April 14, 2025 for the City Council of the City of North Augusta, having been duly publicized,
was called to order by Mayor Williams at 6:00pm 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, and Toole.
Also in attendance were James S. Clifford, City Administrator; J.D. McCauley, Assistant Administrator; Kelly F.
Zier, City Attorney; Thomas C. Zeaser, Director of Engineering and Public Works; Chief Junior Johnson, Public
Safety Director; Tommy Paradise, Director of Planning & Development; James Sutton, Director of Public Services;
Rick Meyer, Director of Parks & Recreation, Karl Waldhauer, Manager of Tourism; Lynda Williamson, Director of
Finance; Kayla Ferguson, Manager of Human Resources; Jamie Paul, City Clerk; and Ricky Jones, Manager of
Information Technology.
Page 2 of 3
ITEM 1. CITY COUNCIL MEETING:
Administrator Clifford led Council’s discussion of items for the April 21, 2025 regular meeting. (See
Attachment #1)
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. Aiken Center – Update on Opioid Settlement Program (SCORF) and County’s Community
Action Plan
Margaret Key, Executive Director of the Aiken Center, provided an update on SCORF and stats. She added
that a Community Information & Listening Session will be held on April 28 from 6-8:00pm at the Belvedere
Elementary Cafeteria regarding the proposed Community Health Center which would serve the western
portion of Aiken County. (See Attachment #3Ai)
ii. Water Meter Upgrade Plan Presentation – Public Services
Public Services Director Sutton provided an update on Phase I of the Automated Meter Reading (AMR)
upgrade. (See Attachment #3Aii)
iii. Utility Billing Update – Finance
Administrator Clifford provided an update on the Utility Billing Software. He noted that there will be a
centralized number for Utility billing questions – 803-441-5717. (See Attachment #3Aiii)
iv. Update on Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts
Administrator Clifford presented an update on the Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts. (See Attachment
#3Aiv)
(B) Mayor Williams will share reflections and announcements related to current City events and
opportunities
Mayor Williams explained in detail on Riverside Village specific to the Quarterly Reports provided by the
Finance Department at Study Sessions. He noted that all of the information for these reports are located on
the City’s Website under the Financial Transparency Section:
• https://www.northaugustasc.gov/government/transparency-performance
In addition, he highlighted on the Riverside Village Debt Service Payment Process: From revenue streams to
payment issuance Flow Chart which is also under the Financial Transparency Section.
Mayor Williams also explained the general obligation bonds and how they are secured for municipalities.
For his complete explanation please visit the City’s YouTube page: “City of North Augusta Public Information”
- City of North Augusta Study Session 04/15/2025 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_sn91T4ubo), his
explanation begins at 1:19 of the meeting.
Page 1 of 2
PUBLIC POWER HOUR
April 21, 2025 – 5:30 p.m. - Municipal Center – 100 Georgia Avenue, 3rd Floor - Council Chambers
DRAFT AGENDA: CITY OF NORTH AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL MEETING
April 21, 2025 – 6:00 p.m. – Municipal Center – 100 Georgia Avenue, 3rd Floor - Council Chambers
The Public Power Hour and 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:
• Regular City Council Meeting minutes of March 17, 2025
• Study Session minutes of April 14, 2025
• Special Called City Council Meeting minutes of April 14, 2025
5. PROCLAMATION(S):
a. National Tennis Month – May 2025
b. National Travel and Tourism Week – May 4-10, 2025
c. Annual Professional Municipal Clerks Week – May 4-10, 2025
6. PERSONNEL:
a. Employee of the Quarter – January, February, and March 2025 – TBD
NEW BUSINESS
7. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT: Ordinance No. 2025-10 To Amend the Zoning Map of the City of North
Augusta, South Carolina by Rezoning ± 0.49 Acres of Land Owned by Christopher L. Allen Tax Parcel No.
006-12-12-024, 006-12-12-047, and 006-12-12-046 from GC, General Commercial to R-7, Small Lot, Single-
Family Residential – First Reading
ATTACHMENT #1 Page 1 of 2
Page 2 of 2
8. PARKS & RECREATION: Resolution No. 2025-10 Authorizing a Change of Equipment Purchase for the
Department of Parks & Recreation
9. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
a. Update on Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts
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 Page 2 of 2
FINANCE:
• Report will be covered on Focus Item #3aiii
HUMAN RESOURCES:
• Human Resources Dept. and CAT Team will be attending the Job Fair at the GreenJackets Game –
April 16
• See the following page for the Employment Opportunities list
ENGINEERING AND PUBLIC WORKS:
• Detention Pond Repair Progress
• SRP Park Leak Repair Update
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT:
• Planning Commission meeting – April 16
PUBLIC SERVICES:
• Water System Flow & Pressure Test
• Transfer Station Final Inspection
PUBLIC SAFETY:
• Public Safety worked 324 hours of special duty requests since March 31st related to the ANWA
and Masters.
• Public Safety is hosting Coffee with a Cop Wednesday April 16th 7:30am - 9:30am at Stone
Roastery.
• Public Safety will be participating in Chicken with a Cop on Wednesday April 23rd 5pm-7pm at
Chick-fil-A on Knox Ave.
PARKS AND RECREATION:
• Greeneway team is installing concrete pads for new benches this week.
• TKE Elevator Modernization work is in week 3 at the Riverview Park Activities Center.
• Creighton Park Playground installation and Riverview Park Tennis Courts resurfacing will begin
next week.
• Spring Sports resume play tonight.
• Riverview Park and Summerfield Park Splash Pads are open.
TOURISM:
• Upcoming Events:
o April 17: North Augusta Chamber of Commerce Power Lunch at the Palmetto Terrace.
Program starts at 11:30am and Laura Warren is the keynote speaker discussing the Meta
Data Center
o April 17: Third Thursday hosted by North Augusta Forward (Downtown) 5-8pm, featuring
a ribbon cutting for the Hanging Basket program at 6:00pm
o May 3: Kristal Mindingall Concert (Sharon Jones Amphitheater) at 7:00pm
o May 17: Goin’ South Concert (Sharon Jones Amphitheater) at 7:00pm
DEPARTMENT DETAILS
for April 14, 2025
ATTACHMENT #2 Page 1 of 2
Communications Technician I – Public Safety
Grade: 10
Salary/Pay Rate: $20.24 - $24.29/hour
Closing Date: Until Filled
Firefighter – Public Safety
Grade: 4
Salary/Pay Rate: $14.25 - $17.11/hour
Closing Date: Until Filled
Grounds Worker III – Property Maintenance
Grade: 7
Salary/Pay Rate: $17.25 – $20.70/hour
Closing Date: Until Filled
Meter Reader/Service Technician – Public Utilities
Grade: 9
Salary/Pay Rate: $19.24 - $23.09/hour
Closing Date: Until Filled
Public Safety Officer – Public Safety
Grade: 16
Salary/Pay Rate: $24.54 - $29.45/hour
Closing Date: Until Filled
Tree Care Technician – Property Maintenance
Grade: 13
Salary/Pay Rate: $23.24 - $27.88/hour
Closing Date: Until Filled
Utility Technician – Public Utilities
Grade: 9
Salary/Pay Rate: $19.24 - $23.09/hour Closing
Date: Until Filled
Vehicle Operator I – Sanitation
Grade: 6
Salary/Pay Rate: $16.25 - $19.50/hour
Closing Date: Until Filled
EMPLOYMENT
OPPORTUNITIES
ATTACHMENT #2 Page 2 of 2
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Department of Public Services
Automated Meter Reading Upgrade
Phase I
ATTACHMENT #3Aii Page 1 of 11
Automated Meter Upgrade
Funding Sources & Cost
State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF) $ 430,000
Contingent Fund $ 4,828
Total (1,791 Meters) $ 434,828
ATTACHMENT #3Aii Page 2 of 11
Data is transmitted wirelessly
from meter to the mobile unit
Data is transferred from mobile
unit to City Data Server
AMR Water Meter
Automated Meter Reading (AMR)
Mobile Data Collection
ATTACHMENT #3Aii Page 3 of 11
Benefits of Automated Technology
•Improved meter reader safety -confined space entry & traffic
•Improved efficiency of meter reading and water billing
•Provides staff more time to assist with customer service
•Minimizes the need for additional labor
•Reduces fuel & vehicle expenses
Average Meters Read per Hour
•253 AMR
•59 Manual
ATTACHMENT #3Aii Page 4 of 11
•9,403 Manual Read Meters
•23 Meter Routes
•292 to 590 Meters per Route
•Average Read Time per Route
(4.90 to 7.45 Hours)
Manual Read Meters
Manual Read Meter
Tablet –Meter Readings
ATTACHMENT #3Aii Page 5 of 11
Existing Automated Meters
•2,490 Automated Meters
•2 Routes
•954 & 1,536 Meters per Route
•Average Read Time per Route
(4.50 to 6.05 Hours)
New Developments
Confined Space Entry -Safety
ATTACHMENT #3Aii Page 6 of 11
9,403 Manual Read Meters
2,490 Automated Meters
Current Water Meter Inventory
ATTACHMENT #3Aii Page 7 of 11
984 Hammond Hills Subdivision
807 Primary Roads –Safety
➢Buena Vista Avenue
➢Edgefield Road
➢Georgia Avenue
➢Knox Avenue
➢Martintown Road
➢Old Edgefield Road
Meter Upgrade Locations
ATTACHMENT #3Aii Page 8 of 11
Projected Schedule for Meter Upgrades
•May 2025 -Meter Delivery
•June 2025 –Customer Notices & Meter Installation Begins
•December 2026 –Meter Installation Completed
ATTACHMENT #3Aii Page 9 of 11
Capital Sales Tax V $ 2,988,586
SLFRF & Contingent Fund $ (434,828)
Total $ 2,553,758
•AMR New Developments
•Replace Aged Manual Meters to AMR
•Multi-Year Installation to Balance 20 Year Meter Replacement
•Upgrade all Manual Meters to AMR by 2032
What’s Next ?
ATTACHMENT #3Aii Page 10 of 11
Questions?
ATTACHMENT #3Aii Page 11 of 11
City of North Augusta
Utility Billing System Transition Update
14 April 2025
ATTACHMENT #3Aiii Page 1 of 7
•Utility billing late fees have been suspended as have cut-offs until we have 100% accuracy on billing
•Large numbers of utility bills for 2/25 and 3/10 had errors
•Utility bills will be late for the 3/25, 4/10, and 4/25 cycles, but will be accurate
•Finance department has a new centralized customer service line: 803-442-5717
Bottom Line for Citizens ATTACHMENT #3Aiii Page 2 of 7
System Launch & Billing Timeline
•January 1, 2025 –System officially launched
•January 10, 2025 –Bills sent on time and correct (Billed & Printed via CSI)
•January 25, 2025 –Bills sent on time and correct (Billed & Printed via CSI)
•February 10, 2025 –Bills sent on time and correct (Billed & Printed via CSI)
•February 25, 2025 –Bills mailed March 19; correct charges, but incorrect balance fields
(Billed via CSI, Printed via GovSense)
•March 10, 2025 –Bills mailed March 26; correct charges, but incorrect balance fields
(Billed via CSI, Printed via GovSense)
2025 Actions ATTACHMENT #3Aiii Page 3 of 7
City Administrator bumped Hurricane Response as #1 priority to utility billing as new #1
City administrator guidance: late bills are preferable to inaccurate bills. No billing until internal audits verify billing
information
Late Fees and Water Cut-Offs Suspended
•Last Shut-Off: December 17, 2024
•Last Late Fee: February 6, 2025
Every Utility Account Under Review
•1,100 accounts actively corrected
Steps Taken:
•All known incorrect/missing payments reconciled
•Credit rollovers from 2024 now reflected in current balances
•Auto-draft status now clearly printed on bills
•Final transition away from dual systems underway
•Meter readings verified and imported directly into the new system
City Response & Corrective Actions ATTACHMENT #3Aiii Page 4 of 7
Billing Schedule:
•Cycle 1 (3/25/25) and Cycle 2 (4/10/25) bills will be delayed but accurate
•Goal is for 3/25 bills to be mailed early next week
•No late fees or shut-offs will be applied until further notice
Customer Communication:
•Enhanced transparency and updates via website, social media, and bill inserts
•Dedicated staff assigned to resolve individual billing issues promptly
System Stability & Training:
•Continued vendor support and internal training to ensure long-term success
•Evaluation of contract and vendor performance underway
What’s Next ATTACHMENT #3Aiii Page 5 of 7
•Utility billing late fees have been suspended as have cut-offs until we have 100% accuracy on billing
•Large numbers of utility bills for 2/25 and 3/10 had errors
•Utility bills will be late for the 3/25, 4/10, and 4/25 cycles, but will be accurate
•Finance department has a new centralized customer service line: 803-442-5717
Bottom Line for Citizens ATTACHMENT #3Aiii Page 6 of 7
Questions?
ATTACHMENT #3Aiii Page 7 of 7
City of North Augusta
Hurricane Helene
Recovery Update
14 April 2025
ATTACHMENT #3Aiv Page 1 of 7
Actions since last update
•City Crews continued work in neighborhoods along the W. Martintown Road
corridor
•Partial removal of debris from the soccer complex
•Contractors consolidating city dump sites to contractor dump sites -ongoing
•Limited backhaul operations to final destination sites –ongoing
•Wastewater line easements clearing by city crews
•Contractor started work on stormwater detention pond clearing
ATTACHMENT #3Aiv Page 2 of 7
Debris Consolidation
Site consolidated and closed
Site consolidated and closed
ATTACHMENT #3Aiv Page 3 of 7
Actions planned
•Cleanup of mixed SCDOT/City road neighborhoods
•Consolidation of city debris sites to contractor sites
•ongoing
•Contract for fencing repair around stormwater ponds and lift stations
•Request for proposals to be published soon
•Demolition of Maude Edenfield Park structure
•Date TBD
ATTACHMENT #3Aiv Page 4 of 7
Limited Yard Waste Operations
•Effective immediately, yard waste operations will resume for Yard Waste carts
and up to 4 bags of yard waste per week –no loose yard waste
•Full yard waste service not likely until after Masters Tournament
ATTACHMENT #3Aiv Page 5 of 7
Limited Yard Waste Operations
The majority of our sanitation crews are still working on storm debris
throughout the City. To date, all city-maintained roads have received two passes by
either City crews or contract personnel. City crews have now moved into
neighborhoods that are a mixture of SCDOT and City roads, and cleaning up gaps in
pickup areas. City crews are also actively picking up stumps off roads and right-of-
ways. To date, sanitation crews have exclusively focused on storm debris. Up until
recently, the City suspended all yard debris pickup to focus exclusively on storm
cleanup activities.
We’ve recently been able to re-assign one crew to pick up yard debris on a
limited basis, in this case 4 yard bags or a City-issued yard roll cart. We will continue
this policy until such time as we have completed storm cleanup. We hope to
resume our normal yard debris pickup in the near future. In the meantime, citizens
are always free to self-haul to the Belvedere convenience center, or the Barden
C&D landfill. For clarification, yard debris is non-storm related, and items such as
grass clippings or trimmed hedges would fall into that category.
ATTACHMENT #3Aiv Page 6 of 7
Questions?
ATTACHMENT #3Aiv Page 7 of 7