042125 Council Mtg Mins Adopted
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MINUTES OF APRIL 21, 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
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 April 21, 2025 Public Power Hour began at 5:30pm. Members present were Mayor Williams,
Councilmembers Buck, Carpenter, McCauley, McGhee, and Toole.
Also, in attendance were Kevin Whaley, GIS Analyst and Jamie Paul, City Clerk.
1. Jason Whinghter spoke on construction work hours and asked for Council to bring back the
Ordinance to a future Council meeting to discuss Saturday hours to be added to the City
Municipal Code.
2. Bridget Keener spoke on small/mobile business within the City and having accurate
information on the City’s website. (See Attachment PPH #2)
3. Margaret Jernberg spoke on accurate information for the small businesses as well.
The Public Power Hour concluded at 5:48pm.
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REGULAR MEETING
The Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of North Augusta of April 21, 2025 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.
Members present were Mayor Williams, Councilmembers Buck, Carpenter, McCauley, McGhee, and
Toole.
Also in attendance were James S. Clifford, Administrator; J.D. McCauley, Assistant Administrator; Lt. Luke
Sherman, Public Safety; Kevin Whaley, GIS Analyst; and Jamie Paul, City Clerk.
ITEM 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
The minutes of the City Council Meeting of March 17, 2025, Study Session of April 14, 2025, and Special
Called City Council Meeting of April 14, 2025, were approved as submitted by general consent.
ITEM 5. PROCLAMATION(S):
a. National Tennis Month – May 2025
Mayor Williams read the National Tennis Month – May 2025 proclamation and presented the
proclamation to Karen Fralick. (See Attachment #5a)
b. National Travel and Tourism Week – May 4-10, 2025
Mayor Williams read the National Travel and Tourism Week – May 4-10, 2025 proclamation and presented
the proclamation to Tourism Manager Waldhauer. (See Attachment #5a)
c. Annual Professional Municipal Clerks Week – May 4-10, 2025
Mayor Williams read the Annual Professional Municipal Clerks Week – May 4-10, 2025 proclamation and
presented the proclamation to Clerk Paul. (See Attachment #5c)
ITEM 6. PERSONNEL:
a. Employee of the Quarter – January, February, and March 2025 – Juan Carlos Padilla
Mayor Williams recognized Juan Carlos Padilla for Employee of the Quarter. He stated that Juan works at
the Material Recovery Facility which his duties include hauling solid waste loads to Three Rivers Landfill
and hauling various recycling commodities for sale to end markets users. Juan has demonstrated a high
value work ethic and his willingness to go above and beyond while maintaining a superb attitude as well
as the cleanest trash truck in the State of South Carolina. Juan has had praise from both city staff and
citizens alike regarding his willingness to go above and beyond the scope of his duties. This was most
evident during the Hurricane Helene cleanup effort, as Juan has worked 7 days a week since the cleanup
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effort began only to take a one week off to take his family to Disney. Juan’s sacrificing his time away from
his family and working long hours was a huge part in the success in the City’s debris cleanup effort post
Hurricane Helene. This dedication and others like his were a key component in our cleanup efforts.
NEW BUSINESS
ITEM 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
Public Comment:
Cliff Russell, Georgia resident, representing his business partner Chris Allen and is requesting approval of
the rezone.
Administrator Clifford stated that staff recommended approval for the Duplex Unit.
It was moved by Councilmember Carpenter, seconded by Councilmember McGhee, to approve 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.
Unanimously Approved. (See Attachment #7)
ITEM 8. PARKS & RECREATION: Resolution No. 2025-10 Authorizing a Change of Equipment Purchase
for the Department of Parks & Recreation
No public comment.
Assistant Administrator McCauley explained the change of the equipment from a sweeper to a turf tank
robot painter.
It was moved by Councilmember McCauley, seconded by Councilmember Buck, to Approve Resolution
No. 2025-10 Authorizing a Change of Equipment Purchase for the Department of Parks & Recreation.
Unanimously Approved. (See Attachment #8)
ITEM 9. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
a. Update on Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts
Administrator Clifford presented an update on the Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts. (See Attachment
#9a)
b. Update on Utility Billing System Transition
Administrator Clifford presented an update on the Utility Billing System Transition. (See Attachment #9b)
Administrator Clifford added announced that Public Safety is hosting a truck push-in ceremony for the
new Air & Light Truck at Fire Station 1 (Martintown Rd) on April 25 at 2:00pm.
PROCLAMATION
NATIONAL TENNIS MONTH
WHEREAS, On May 21, 1881, the USTA, originally known as the United States National Lawn Tennis
Association, was founded in New York City, New York, to create rules and standards for the emerging game
of lawn tennis; and
WHEREAS, The USTA is the nonprofit, national governing body for tennis in the United States, and leads
the promotion and growth of the sport at every level of play, from beginners to professionals at the US
Open; and
WHEREAS, The USTA is the largest tennis organization in the world, with over 729,000 members from
every corner of the country; and
WHEREAS, The USTA proudly partners with local tennis programs to showcase the important health,
social, and educational benefits of tennis, and make the sport available to everyone, regardless of age,
environment, condition, or ability, through its USTA Adaptive grants; and
WHEREAS, The latest research by the Physical Activity Council shows that more than 25.7 million
Americans played tennis in 2024, an unprecedented 27 percent increase in participation over 2020 and the
highest number of players since the PAC study began in 2007; and
WHEREAS, By increasing the accessibility of tennis for citizens of North Augusta, South Carolina of all
ages and ability, the USTA has contributed to making our community happier and healthier; and
WHEREAS, USTA has declared the month of May as National Tennis Month to encourage players,
organizations, facilities, retailers, tennis manufacturers and more to promote local programs and activities,
at parks and facilities to showcase tennis and spread the word about the sport and its benefits, and to help
players and non-players alike find courts and play opportunities in their communities.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Briton S. Williams, Mayor of the great city of North Augusta, do hereby proclaim
May 2025 as
NATIONAL TENNIS MONTH
and hereby urge the citizens of North Augusta to become aware of and support National Tennis Month.
______________________________
Briton S. Williams, Mayor
City of North Augusta
ATTACHMENT #5a Page 1 of 1
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, the travel industry fuels every industry and will continue to be an essential part of North
Augusta, South Carolina’s economy, development and workforce, and
WHEREAS travel is an economic powerhouse for every state and destination across the country, with an
economic output of $3.2 trillion, supporting 15 million American jobs, and
WHEREAS, travel spending supports vibrant and safe communities in South Carolina and across the
United States by generating $97 billion in state and local tax revenue in 2024 to support essential services,
such as education, emergency response, public safety and more, and
WHEREAS, travel enables success for all industries—including manufacturing, agriculture, defense,
healthcare and more—by driving sales growth, innovation, education and operations that power our
economy, our nation and North Augusta, South Carolina forward; and
WHEREAS, America’s travel industry cannot be globally competitive without maximizing growth in
leisure, business, and international inbound travelers; increasing travel to and within the United States
drives our economy to a more prosperous future and connects America; and
WHEREAS, Small businesses account for more than 60% of leisure and hospitality employment, and
WHEREAS, travel is an essential industry, and we must continue to communicate that growing travel leads
to economic growth, benefits businesses and fosters mutual understanding, and connects the nation.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Briton Williams, Mayor of the City of North Augusta, South Carolina, do hereby
proclaim May 4-10, 2025 as
National Travel and Tourism Week
and urge the citizens of North Augusta to join me in recognizing the essential role this industry plays in
South Carolina.
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 21st day of April, 2025.
_________________________________
Briton S. Williams, Mayor
City of North Augusta
ATTACHMENT #5b Page 1 of 1
PROCLAMATION
56TH ANNUAL PROFESSIONAL MUNICIPAL CLERKS WEEK
May 4 – May 10, 2025
WHEREAS, The Office of the Professional Municipal Clerk, a time honored and vital part of local
government exists throughout the world, and
WHEREAS, The Office of the Professional Municipal Clerk is the oldest among public servants who serves
as the information center on functions of local government and community, and
WHEREAS, The Office of the Professional Municipal Clerk provides the professional link between the
citizens, the local governing bodies and agencies of government at other levels, and
WHEREAS, Professional Municipal Clerks have pledged to be ever mindful of their neutrality and
impartiality, rendering equal service to all, and
WHEREAS, Professional Municipal Clerks continually strive to improve the administration of the affairs
of the Office of the Professional Municipal Clerk through participation in education programs, seminars,
workshops and the annual meetings of their state, provincial, county and international professional
organizations.
WHEREAS, It is most appropriate that we recognize the accomplishments of the Office of the Professional
Municipal Clerk.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Briton S. Williams, Mayor of the City of North Augusta, hereby recognize the
week of May 4 through May 10, 2025 as Professional Municipal Clerks Week, and further extend
appreciation to the City of North Augusta’s professional municipal Clerk, Jamie Paul and to all
professional municipal clerks for the vital services they perform and their exemplary dedication to the
communities they represent.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the City of North Augusta,
South Carolina, to be affixed 21st day of April, 2025.
______________________________
Briton S. Williams, Mayor
City of North Augusta
ATTACHMENT #5c Page 1 of 1
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
WHEREAS, on December 18, 2023, by Ordinance 2023-32, the North Augusta
City Council adopted the North Augusta Development Code and a citywide Zoning Map which is
consistent with the City’s North Augusta 2021 Comprehensive Plan; and
WHEREAS, the property owner, Christopher L. Allen has requested the property
be rezoned from GC, General Commercial to R-7, Small Lot, Single-Family Residential.
WHEREAS, the North Augusta Planning Commission, following a March 19, 2025
public hearing, reviewed and considered a request by Christopher L. Allen to amend the Official
Zoning Map of North Augusta from GC, General Commercial to R-7, Small Lot, Single-Family
Residential for approximately +0.49 acres consisting of Tax Parcels 006-12-12-024, 006-12-12-
047, and 006-12-12-046 and has issued their recommendation. The staff reports and the
recommendation of the Planning Commission have been provided to City Council.
WHEREAS, City Council has reviewed the request and considered the staff reports
and recommendation of the Planning Commission. Following such review Council has determined
it is appropriate to grant zoning change as requested.
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. Three parcels consisting of +0.49 acres owned by Christopher L. Allen, are hereby
rezoned from GC, General Commercial to R-7, Small Lot, Single-Family Residential.
Said property is Aiken County tax map parcel # 006-12-12-024, 006-12-12-047, and
006-12-12-046 and specifically identified as Exhibit “A” attached hereto.
II The Official Zoning Map for the City of North Augusta is hereby amended to reflect
this rezoning.
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.
ATTACHMENT #7 Page 1 of 3
DONE, RATIFIED AND ADOPTED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF NORTH AUGUSTA, SOUTH CAROLINA, ON THIS ______ DAY OF
MAY, 2025.
First Reading
Briton S. Williams, Mayor
Second Reading
ATTEST:
Jamie Paul, City Clerk
ATTACHMENT #7 Page 2 of 3
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0408012016020
Feet
Map Key
Zoning
ZONING
No Current Zoning
R-7 - Small Lot, Single-Family Residential
GC - GeneralCommercial
Allen Parcels
Allen Parcels
3/20/2025
Path: H:\kbaker\ArcGIS\Rezonings\RZM25-001 Georgia Ave Parcel Combination\RZM25-001 Georgia Ave Parcel Combination.aprx
Exhibit A
Application Number RZM25-001
Tax Parcel Numbers
006-12-12-024, 006-12-12-047,
and 006-12-12-046
A request to rezone approx. 0.49 ac from
GC, General Commercial /no zoning
to R-7, Small Lot, Single-Family Residential ±
Subject Parcels
approx. 0.49 ac to be rezoned
R-7, Small Lot, Single-Family Residential
TPN 006-12-12-024
TPN 006-12-12-046
TPN 006-12-12-047
EXHIBIT A
ATTACHMENT #7 Page 3 of 3
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-10
AUTHORIZING A CHANGE OF EQUIPMENT PURCHASE FOR
THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS & RECREATION
WHEREAS, in accordance with the Laws of South Carolina, and the Ordinance of the City of North
Augusta, the City Administrator prepared and submitted to the City Council a Balanced Budget for the
budget year beginning on January 1, 2025, and ending on December 31, 2025, which was adopted on
December 16, 2024; and
WHEREAS, the City has determined that a change in equipment purchase for the Department of
Parks & Recreation is beneficial in the maintenance efficiency of the department; and
WHERAS, the City in accordance with its procurement code is authorized to conduct purchases
through cooperative purchasing agreements, to include TIPS USA; and
WHEREAS, this change is to be done within the authorized total appropriations for machines and
equipment expenses of the Department of Parks & Recreation as adopted by City Council on December 16,
2024; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of the proposed Parks & Recreation Department change of equipment
purchase from a sweeper to a robot painter will provide the Parks Maintenance team with significant field
painting savings from a labor perspective, reduction of field paint, and increase in accuracy of painted lines;
and
WHEREAS, such purchase will allow Parks & Recreation Maintenance employees to focus on
other important tasks while the robot painter takes care of field painting; and
WHERAS, Parks & Recreation team selected Turf Tank II based on familiarity, demonstration,
and professional references; and
WHEREAS, the change of equipment will not create any negative impact on the 2025 Budget and
will decrease the need going forward for additional Parks & Recreation maintenance employees for Athletic
field purposes.
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:
Section 1. The City Council hereby authorizes a change of equipment purchase for the Department of
Parks & Recreation as follows:
Division- Parks Current Current Budget Proposed Equipment
Change
Proposed Cost
4310 Machines/Equipment Pro Force Blower $12,000 $10,786.15
John Deere Golf Cart $16,000 New Greeneway Golf Cart $26,780.40
EZ Go Golf Cart $20,000 Delete
Sweep All $14,000 Delete
John Deere Reel
Mower
$85,000 $87,077.76
New Request Turf Tank II Robot Painter $19,116.00
TOTAL: $147,000 $143,760.31
ATTACHMENT #8 Page 1 of 2
DONE, RATIFIED AND ADOPTED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF NORTH AUGUSTA, SOUTH CAROLINA, ON THIS ______ DAY OF APRIL, 2025.
Briton S. Williams, Mayor
ATTEST:
Jamie Paul, City Clerk
ATTACHMENT #8 Page 2 of 2
City of North Augusta
Hurricane Helene
Recovery Update
21 April 2025
ATTACHMENT #9a Page 1 of 6
Actions since last update
•City Crews continued work in neighborhoods along the W. Martintown Road
corridor
•Partial removal of debris from the soccer complex
•Limited backhaul operations to final destination sites –ongoing
•Wastewater line easements clearing by city crews
•Contractor started work on stormwater detention pond clearing
ATTACHMENT #9a Page 2 of 6
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 #9a Page 3 of 6
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 #9a Page 4 of 6
Full Yard Waste Operations
•Effective 2 June, 2025 City of North Augusta will be moving back to standard
yard debris pickup
•Bags encouraged, but not required
ATTACHMENT #9a Page 5 of 6
Questions?
ATTACHMENT #9a Page 6 of 6
City of North Augusta
Utility Billing System Transition Update
21 April 2025
ATTACHMENT #9b Page 1 of 9
•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
•Published 3 business day response, currently responding within 1 business day
Utility Billing Update ATTACHMENT #9b Page 2 of 9
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 #9b Page 3 of 9
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 #9b Page 4 of 9
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 #9b Page 5 of 9
What’s Next
High lobby volume expected
ATTACHMENT #9b Page 6 of 9
•Customer bills paid online from April 9 –April 14 were received by Clover but not transmitted
to North Augusta
•City working to get those payments moved to our system
•Payments made online on those dates will not be reflected in customers water bill yet
•Customers will not be penalized with late fees or water cutoffs
Clover online payments ATTACHMENT #9b Page 7 of 9
•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 #9b Page 8 of 9
Questions?
ATTACHMENT #9b Page 9 of 9