050525 Council Mtg Mins Adopted
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MINUTES OF MAY 5, 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 May 5, 2025 Public Power Hour began at 5:30pm. Members present were Mayor Williams,
Councilmembers Buck, Carpenter, McCauley, and McGhee (arrived at 5:34pm).
Member absent was Toole.
Also, in attendance were Ricky Jones, Manager of Information Technology and Jamie Paul, City Clerk.
There were no speakers for the Public Power hour.
The Public Power Hour concluded at 5:40pm.
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REGULAR MEETING
The Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of North Augusta of May 5, 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.
Items on the agenda were discussed out of order, but for the purpose of clarity will remain as listed on
the agenda.
Members present were Mayor Williams, Councilmembers Buck, Carpenter, McCauley, McGhee, and
Toole.
Newly Elected Members present were Councilmembers Briatico, Freitas, and Felak.
Also in attendance were James S. Clifford, City Administrator; J.D. McCauley, Assistant Administrator; Kelly
F. Zier, City Attorney; Chief Junior Johnson, Public Safety Director; Rick Meyer, Director of Parks &
Recreation, Karl Waldhauer, Manager of Tourism; Kayla Ferguson, Manager of Human Resources; Jamie
Paul, City Clerk; and Ricky Jones, Manager of Information Technology.
ITEM 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
The minutes of the City Council Meeting of April 21, 2025 and Study Session of April 28, 2025, were
approved as submitted by general consent.
ITEM 5. PROCLAMATION(S):
a. Law Enforcement Week – May 11-17, 2025
Mayor Williams read the Law Enforcement Week – May 11-17, 2025 proclamation and presented the
proclamation to Chief Johnson. (See Attachment #5a)
b. Public Works Week – May 18-24, 2025
Mayor Williams read the Public Works Week – May 18-24, 2025 proclamation into the record. (See
Attachment #5b)
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OLD BUSINESS
ITEM 6. 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 – Second Reading
No public comment.
Administrator Clifford stated that the rezone is to move from General Commercial (GC) to R-7, Small Lot
and is not an annexation and this would be for a small housing development.
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 – Second Reading.
Unanimously Approved. (See Attachment #6)
NEW BUSINESS
ITEM 7. ELECTION: 2025 Municipal General Election – Certification of Official Results from the
Municipal Election Commission
Mayor Williams accepted the certification of the April 29, 2025 Municipal Election from the MEC. (See
Attachment #7)
ITEM 8. CITY COUNCIL:
a. Recognition of Councilmember David W. McGhee
Mayor Williams recognized Councilmember McGhee’s service to the City since 2013 and presented a
plaque to honor his time on Council.
Councilmember McGhee thanked Council and highlighted on his history with the City.
b. Recognition of Councilmember Jenafer F. McCauley
Mayor Williams recognized Councilmember McCauley service to the City since 2021 and presented a
plaque to honor her time on Council.
Councilmember McCauley thanked Council and highlighted on her history with the City.
ITEM 9. CITY COUNCIL: Oath of Office of Newly Elected Mayor and Councilmembers Administered by
Judge Thomas Murphy
Municipal Judge Thomas Murphy administered the Oath of Office to Councilmember John Felak, who will
serve a term ending May 2027. He administered the Oath of Office to Mayor Briton Williams and
Councilmembers Dennis Briatico, Pat Carpenter, and Robert Freitas; who will serve terms ending May
2029.
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, in 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial
Day and the calendar week in which May 15th falls as National Police Week; and
WHEREAS, established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special
recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety
and protection of others, and
WHEREAS, the members of the law enforcement agencies in the City of North Augusta play an
essential role in safeguarding the rights and freedoms of the citizens of North Augusta; and
WHEREAS, it is important that all citizens know and understand the duties, responsibilities, hazards
and sacrifices of their law enforcement officers, and that law enforcement officers recognize their duty
to serve the people of this community, by protecting them against violence and disorder; and
WHEREAS, the law enforcement officers of the City of North Augusta unceasingly provide a public
service.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Briton S. Williams, Mayor of the City of North Augusta, South Carolina,
proclaim the week of May 11-17, 2025 as
NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT WEEK
and call upon all citizens in this community to especially honor and show our sincere appreciation for
the officers of the City by our thanking the men and women who make it possible for us to leave our
homes safely each day and return knowing we are protected by men and women willing to sacrifice
their lives if necessary to guard our loved ones, property and government against all who would violate
the law.
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 5th day of May, 2025.
Briton S. Williams, Mayor
City of North Augusta
ATTACHMENT #5a Page 1 of 1
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, public works professionals focus on infrastructure, facilities and services that are of
vital importance to sustainable and resilient communities and to the public health, high quality of
life and well-being of the people of North Augusta; and,
WHEREAS, these infrastructure, facilities and services could not be provided without the
dedicated efforts of public works professionals, who are engineers, managers and employees at
all levels of government and the private sector, who are responsible for rebuilding, improving and
protecting our city’s transportation, water supply, water treatment, sanitary and storm water
sewerage, and solid waste systems, public buildings, and other structures and facilities essential
for our citizens; and,
WHEREAS, it is in the public interest for the citizens, civic leaders and children in North Augusta
to gain knowledge of and maintain an ongoing interest and understanding of the importance of
public works and public works programs in this community; and,
WHEREAS, the year 2025 marks the 66th annual National Public Works Week sponsored by the
American Public Works Association,
NOW THEREFORE, I, Briton S. Williams, Mayor of the City of North Augusta, South Carolina,
do hereby proclaim the week May 18-24, 2025, as
Public Works Week
in the City of North Augusta and I urge all citizens to pay tribute to our public works professionals
and to recognize the substantial contributions they make protecting our health, safety, comfort,
and quality of life.
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 5th day of May, 2025.
Briton S. Williams, Mayor
City of North Augusta
ATTACHMENT #5b 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 #6 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 #6 Page 2 of 3
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0408012016020
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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 #6 Page 3 of 3
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City of North Augusta
Hurricane Helene
Recovery Update
28 April 2025
ATTACHMENT #10a Page 1 of 11
Multiple Road Owners ATTACHMENT #10a Page 2 of 11
Contracted Plan for City Roads
North of I-20
2
1
3
Priorities
1: Bergen Place
2: Oak Creek
3: Walnut Lane
ATTACHMENT #10a Page 3 of 11
Contracted Plan for City Roads South of I-20 ATTACHMENT #10a Page 4 of 11
City Road Status ATTACHMENT #10a Page 5 of 11
Actions since last update
•City Crews continued work in neighborhoods along the W. Martintown Road
corridor
•Partial removal of debris from the soccer complex (100% complete)
•Grinder arrived at Country Club Property
•Limited backhaul operations to final destination sites –ongoing
•Wastewater line easements clearing by city crews
•Contractor continued work on stormwater detention pond clearing
•SCDOT sites continuing with grinding and backhauling
ATTACHMENT #10a Page 6 of 11
Actions planned
•Cleanup of mixed SCDOT/City road neighborhoods
•Grinding operations and backhaul from Country Club property and E. Buena
Vista sites
•Contract for fencing repair around stormwater ponds and lift stations
•Request for proposals to be published this week
•Demolition of Maude Edenfield Park structure
•Demolition slated to start o/a 10 May 2025
•Close out all FEMA-reimbursable work by 1 July 2025
ATTACHMENT #10a Page 7 of 11
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 #10a Page 8 of 11
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 #10a Page 9 of 11
•Enable power restoration to 100% of our citizens
•Road hazards fully identified and removed
•Road debris cleared, all roads to pre-Hurricane status
•Recreational Facilities & City Parks opened to the extent possible
•Plan to repair city facilities presented to Council
•City of North Augusta has the highest level of local government insurance claims in the SC
•Greeneway passable from end to end
Operation End State:ATTACHMENT #10a Page 10 of 11
Questions?
ATTACHMENT #10a Page 11 of 11
City of North Augusta
Utility Billing System Transition Update
5 May 2025
ATTACHMENT #10b 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 #10b 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 #10b 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 #10b Page 4 of 9
Billing Schedule:
•Cycle 1 (4/25/25) and Cycle 2 (5/10/25) bills will be delayed but accurate
•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 #10b Page 5 of 9
What’s Next ATTACHMENT #10b 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 #10b 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 delayed 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 #10b Page 8 of 9
Questions?
ATTACHMENT #10b Page 9 of 9