061625 Council Mtg Mins Adopted
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MINUTES OF JUNE 16, 2025
Briton S. Williams, Mayor
Kevin W. Toole, Councilmember - Mayor Pro Tem
Dennis C. Briatico, Councilmember
David B. Buck, Councilmember
Pat C. Carpenter, Councilmember
John M. Felak, Councilmember
Robert L. Freitas, Councilmember
ORDER OF BUSINESS
REGULAR MEETING
The Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of North Augusta of June 16, 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 Briatico, Buck, Carpenter, Felak, Freitas, and
Toole.
Also in attendance were James S. Clifford, City Administrator; Kelly F. Zier, City Attorney; Chief Junior
Johnson, Public Safety Director; Kayla Ferguson, Human Resources Manager; and Ricky Jones, Manager of
Information Technology.
Mayor Williams recognized the Chamber of Commerce’s Junior Leadership Academy (JLA) that was in the
audience. Each of the students introduced themselves and provided a reason as to why they joined JLA.
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ITEM 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
The minutes of the City Council Meeting of June 2, 2025, and Study Session of June 9, 2025, were approved
as submitted by general consent.
ITEM 5. PROCLAMATION(S):
a. Parks and Recreation Month – July
Mayor Williams read the Parks and Recreation Month – July proclamation and presented to Rick Meyer,
Director of Parks & Recreation. (See Attachment #5a)
OLD BUSINESS
ITEM 6. ADMINISTRATION: Ordinance No. 2025-11 Amending Section 12-21(9) Related to Hours for
Construction Work – Second Reading
No public comment.
Administrator Clifford stated that the ordinance adds Saturday construction work hours from 9:00am –
5:00pm.
It was moved by Councilmember Buck, seconded by Councilmember Carpenter, to Approve Ordinance
No. 2025-11 Amending Section 12-21(9) Related to Hours for Construction Work – Second Reading.
Unanimously Approved. (See Attachment #6)
NEW BUSINESS
ITEM 7. ENGINEERING & PUBLIC WORKS: Resolution No. 2025-20 Authorizing a Professional
Engineering Services Contract for the Willow Wick Creek Stabilization
No public comment.
Administrator Clifford explained that this resolution will be one of many actions regarding the effects on
the City creeks from Hurricane Helene and detailed the process and funding and clarified the no match
grant awarded to the City.
It was moved by Councilmember Toole, seconded by Councilmember Freitas, to Approve Resolution No.
2025-20 Authorizing a Professional Engineering Services Contract for the Willow Wick Creek Stabilization.
Unanimously Approved. (See Attachment #7)
ITEM 8. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT: Resolution No. 2025-21 Accepting a Deed of Dedication for the
Water and Sanitary Sewer, Along with a Maintenance Guarantee and Cash Deposit, for Parker’s Kitchen
No public comment.
Administrator Clifford stated that this item is a routine action which is for Parker’s Kitchen located on
Route 25 just south of interstate 20, exit 5.
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It was moved by Councilmember Carpenter, seconded by Councilmember Freitas, to Approve Resolution
No. 025-21 Accepting a Deed of Dedication for the Water and Sanitary Sewer, Along with a Maintenance
Guarantee and Cash Deposit, for Parker’s Kitchen. Unanimously Approved. (See Attachment #8)
ITEM 9. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
a. Update on Utility Billing System Transition
Administrator Clifford presented an update on the Utility Billing System Transition. (See Attachment #9a)
Administrator Clifford highlighted on the following items to Mayor and Council:
• Public Works Department are adding concrete barriers in the City parking lot at the trailhead of
the Palmetto Parkway to discourage commercial truck traffic from parking overnight.
• Constituent complaint regarding repainting of yellow painted curbs in downtown and clarified
that should occur in early 2026.
• The City’s Business Guide is currently being updated and potentially posted by end of the summer.
• City Attorney and Public Safety Director will be providing some input to the Council regarding
animal control prior to Citizen Comments.
o He stated that the City requires volunteers to sign liability waivers for their personal
interactions with the animals that are resident in a City facility. He noted that it has been
brought to their attention that volunteers were taking animals out of the City facility while
animal was still the City’s responsibility. He added if a citizen would be injured by the
animal removed the City and taxpayers would be at high risk of litigation. He pointed out
that the City at this time has temporarily suspended noted practice.
Chief Johnson and Attorney Zier spoke on the Animal Control facility. Chief Johnson assured the citizens
that no level of service is being dropped for the animals. Attorney Zier highlighted on two documents he
reviewed, the waiver of an assumption of risk for volunteers at the facility and the holiday form where
animals are taken home for the weekend during those times. He emphasized that the liability of the City
is the main concern and making sure the coverage is correct to limit the City’s labiality.
Discussion ensued relative to turnaround time on paperwork for the volunteers, whether volunteers
should be allowed in the facility, and liability coverage to be confirmed accurate for the City.
ITEM 10. PRESENTATIONS/COMMUNICATIONS/RECOGNITION OF VISITORS:
A. Citizen Comments:
No public comment.
B. Council Comments:
Mayor Williams highlighted on the following:
• Next meeting will be held on June 30, 2025 – Study Session, 6:00pm.
• South Carolina Office of Resilience (SCOR) speaking at the July 14, 2025 Study Session, 6:00pm
• Ribbon Cutting for Creighton Park, June 17 at 11:00am
• Ribbon Cutting for New City Trolley, June 19 at 4:00pm – Corner of Carolina Ave & Butler Ave
• Hometown Highlights Newsletter will be in the upcoming Utility Billings
PROCLAMATION
PARKS AND RECREATION MONTH
WHEREAS, parks and recreation programs are an integral part of communities throughout this
country, including North Augusta, South Carolina; and
WHEREAS, our parks and recreation are vitally important to establishing and maintaining the quality
of life in our communities, ensuring the health of all citizens, and contributing to the economic and
environmental well-being of a community and region; and
WHEREAS, parks and recreation programs build healthy, active communities that aid in the
prevention of chronic disease, provide therapeutic recreation services for those who are mentally or
physically disabled, and also improve the mental and emotional health of all citizens; and
WHEREAS, parks and recreation programs increase a community’s economic prosperity through
increased property values, expansion of the local tax base, increased tourism, the attraction and
retention of businesses, and crime reduction; and
WHEREAS, the City of North Augusta Parks and Recreation Department laid the foundation of
fundamentals and sportsmanship in our youth who joined thirteen North Augusta High School Varsity
sports teams- Boys Football, Girls Basketball, Boys Basketball, Girls Softball, Boys Baseball, Girls
Soccer, Boys Soccer, Girls Volleyball, Girls Golf, Boys Golf, Girls Tennis, Boys Tennis,Wrestling, -
to compete in 2024-25 Class 4A State Playoffs; and the Football team won the Region Championship
and made it to the Lower State Finals, the Wrestling team won the Region Championship, Boys
Basketball team won the Region Championship and finished as the 4A State Runner-up, The Girls
Basketball team won the Region and the 4A State Championship, and Boys Golf team finished 4th in
the 4A State golf tournament; and
WHEREAS, the City of North Augusta recognizes the many benefits derived from parks and recreation
resources.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY the Mayor and City Council of the City of North
Augusta, South Carolina that July 2025 is recognized as Park and Recreation Month in the city of
North Augusta.
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 16th day of June, 2025.
Briton S. Williams, Mayor
City of North Augusta
ATTACHMENT #5a Page 1 of 1
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-11
AMENDING SECTION 12-21(9) RELATED
TO HOURS FOR CONSTRUCTION WORK
WHEREAS, The City Ordinance currently restricts construction work between the hours
of 7:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. and only on weekdays; and
WHEREAS, The City has determined that this restriction is overly broad and impacts
businesses within the community in a manner that does not seem to be necessary at this time; and
WHEREAS, The City, responding to requests from the construction industry while fully
considering the rights of the general citizenry, has determined that it would be appropriate to allow
such construction work during the same hours but also to include Saturday.
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:
1. Section 12-21(9) is hereby amended to provide for work to take place between
7:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. on weekdays and 9:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. on
Saturdays.
2. That such Section when amended shall read as follows:
(9): CONSTRUCTION WORK: The erection including, excavation,
demolition, alteration or repair work on any building is allowed only between
the hours of 7:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. Monday through Friday and 9:00 A.M.
and 5:00 P.M. Saturday, except in the case of urgent necessity in the interest of
public safety and convenience, and then only by permit from the City
Administrator or Assistant City Administrator with specific designation as to
the hours and dates allowed.
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 JUNE, 2025.
First Reading
Briton S. Williams, Mayor
Second Reading
ATTEST:
Jamie Paul, City Clerk
ATTACHMENT #6 Page 1 of 1
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-20
AUTHORIZING A PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES CONTRACT FOR THE WILLOW
WICK CREEK STABILIZATION
WHEREAS, Resolution 2024-55 authorized the City Administrator the execute an Agreement
with the Natural Resources Conservation Service for a grant to perform repairs to waterways damaged by
Hurricane Helene; and
WHEREAS, the grant scope includes a Technical Assistance element for project design to
prepare construction drawings and specifications, project permitting, quality assurance during construction,
and other related administrative services; and
WHEREAS, the grant budget includes up to $63,234.37 for Technical Assistance; and
WHEREAS, per Resolution No. 2025-03, the City entered into an on-call professional
engineering services contract for storm drainage capital projects with Cranston Engineering, P.C.
(Cranston); and
WHEREAS, Cranston has submitted a Scope of Services and Fee Proposal in the amount of
$64,810.00 for engineering services and an estimated $40,360 for environmental permitting services; and
WHEREAS, the Director of Engineering & Public Works recommends that issuance of a Work
Authorization to Cranston to be in the best interest of the City.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and City Council of the City of North
Augusta, South Carolina, in meeting duly assembled and by the authority thereof that, Cranston shall be
authorized to perform Professional Engineering Services for the Willow Wick Creek Stabilization for the
total amount of $105,170.00.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that funding for this Work Authorization shall be as follows:
General Fund – “Disaster Relief Efforts” $63,234.37
Stormwater Utility Fund $41,935.63
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that reimbursement received from NRCS shall be deposited into
the General Fund.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Administrator is authorized to execute any
documents required for the entering into of this contract.
DONE, RATIFIED AND ADOPTED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF NORTH AUGUSTA, SOUTH CAROLINA, ON THIS ______ DAY OF JUNE, 2025.
Briton S. Williams, Mayor
ATTEST:
Jamie Paul, City Clerk
ATTACHMENT #7 Page 1 of 1
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-21
ACCEPTING A DEED OF DEDICATION FOR THE WATER AND
SANITARY SEWER, ALONG WITH A MAINTENANCE GUARANTEE AND CASH
DEPOSIT, FOR PARKER’S KITCHEN
WHEREAS, Drayton Parker Companies, LLC constructed a Parker’s Kitchen
convenience store with gasoline sales at 893 Edgefield Road according to the requirements of the
North Augusta Development Code and the City, and including utility lines and associated
easements; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to §5.6.5 of the North Augusta Development Code, the Director of
Planning and Development and the City Engineer approved the minor site plan for Parker’s
Kitchen on May 22, 2024; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the City that, upon completion of the improvements
associated with an approved minor site plan, the City will, following inspection by the City's
Engineering Department, accept a deed of dedication for the streets, utilities, etc. for the purpose
of ownership and maintenance when said deed is accompanied by a maintenance guarantee; and
WHEREAS, a maintenance guarantee and cash deposit accompany the deed, the City
Engineer has made final inspection of the subject improvements, and these improvements meet
City standards.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Council of the City of
North Augusta, South Carolina, in meeting duly assembled and by the authority thereof, do
hereby accept a deed of dedication for:
A non-exclusive easement in perpetuity for the use, repair, and maintenance of
underground sewer lines on and under that property designated and described as
“New 20’ Sanitary Sewer Easement” on that certain “Easement Plat for
Dedication of Sanitary Sewer Easement to the City of North Augusta” prepared
for the City of North Augusta, South Carolina by J.D. Langford, Jr., dated January
17, 2025 and recorded in the Aiken County RMC Office in Plat Book 66, Page
889 (hereinafter “Dedication Plat”); subject to the encroachment of Grantor’s
grease trap into said New 20’ Sanitary Sewer Easement.
TOGETHER WITH fee simple title to all sanitary sewer lines and apparatus
located in, upon and under said New 20’ Sanitary Sewer Easement.
AND TOGETHER WITH fee simple title to all water lines and apparatus
constructed by Grantor in, upon and under that certain 40’ Access Easement,
which easement is shown on said Dedication Plat.
ATTACHMENT #8 Page 1 of 2
This being the same property conveyed to the Grantor by deed of Drayton Parker
Companies, LLC dated April 15, 2025, recorded in the Aiken County RMC Office
in Record Book 66 at page 904-904.
Tax Parcel Number 011-07-02-001
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a Maintenance Guarantee and Cash Deposit in the
amount of $28,000.00 are hereby accepted.
DONE, RATIFIED AND ADOPTED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF NORTH AUGUSTA, SOUTH CAROLINA, ON THIS ______ DAY OF JUNE,
2025.
Briton Williams, Mayor
ATTEST:
Jamie Paul, City Clerk
ATTACHMENT #8 Page 2 of 2
PREPARED BY AND RETURN TO:
Drayton-Parker Companies, LLC
171 Crossroads Parkway
Savannah, GA 31407
Attn: Scottie Hendrix, Esq.
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
COUNTY OF AIKEN
DEED OF DEDICATION
AND EASEMENT
(Water and Sanitary Sewer Lines)
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that DRAYTON-PARKER
COMPANIES, LLC, a Georgia limited liability company ("Grantor"), for and in consideration
of the payment of ONE AND NO/100 DOLLAR ($1.00), paid by THE CITY OF NORTH
AUGUSTA, SOUTH CAROLINA ("Grantee"), with an address of 100 Georgia Avenue, North
Augusta, South Carolina 29841, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, has granted,
bargained, sold, and released and by these presents does grant, bargain, sell, and release unto
Grantee the following described easement property:
See Exhibit "A" attached hereto.
TO HAVE AND TO HOLD all and singular the easement property before
mentioned unto Grantee forever.
The terms "Grantor and "Grantee" to include the plural as well as the singular, and heirs,
legal representatives, successors and assigns, where the context so requires or admits. Any
reference to one gender shall include the others, including the neuter. Such words of
inheritance shall be applicable as are required by the gender of the Grantor and Grantee.
ATTACHMENT #8 - P&D INFORMATION Page 1 of 14
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SIGNED, SEALED and DELIVERED
IN THE PRESENCE OF:
____________________________________
Witness No. 1 signature
Printed Name: _______________________
____________________________________
Witness No. 2 signature
Printed Name: _______________________
The City of North Augusta, South Carolina
By: ____________________________________
James S Clifford, City Administrator
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA )
) ACKNOWLEDGMENT
COUNTY OF AIKEN )
I ____________________, a Notary Public for the State and County aforesaid, do hereby certify that
____________________, on behalf of The City of North Augusta, South Carolina, personally appeared
before me this day and acknowledged before me the due execution of the foregoing instrument.
Witness my hand and official seal
this _______ day of May, 2025
Printed Name:
Notary Public for
[NOTARY SEAL]
My Commission Expires:
ATTACHMENT #8 - P&D INFORMATION Page 3 of 14
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STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
COUNTY OF AIKEN
AFFIDAVIT FOR EXEMPT TRANSFERS
PERSONALLY appeared before me the undersigned, who being duly sworn, deposes and
says:
1. I have read the information on this affidavit and I understand such information.
2. The property being transferred is known as “15’ UTILITY EASEMENT (TO BE
DEDICATED TO THE CITY OF NORTH AUGUSTA), 0.065 ACRES, 2,822 S.F.” and
“15’ UTILITY EASEMENT (TO BE DEDICATED TO THE CITY OF NORTH
AUGUSTA), 0.208 ACRES, 9,064 S.F.” on that certain “EASEMENT PLAT”, in Aiken
County, South Carolina, being transferred by Drayton-Parker Companies, LLC to the City
of North Augusta, South Carolina on May ___, 2025.
3. The deed is exempt from the deed recording fee because (Information Section of
Affidavit): See #2.
4. If exempt under exemption #14 as described in the Information section of this affidavit,
did the agent and principal relationship exist at the time of the original sale and was the
purpose of this relationship to purchase the realty? Check Yes or No X
5. As required by Code Section 12-24-70, I state that I am a responsible person who was
connected with the transaction as: Grantor
6. I understand that a person required to furnish this affidavit who willfully furnishes a false
or fraudulent affidavit is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon, conviction, must be fined not
more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.
[Signature Page to Follow]
ATTACHMENT #8 - P&D INFORMATION Page 5 of 14
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City of North Augusta
Utility Billing System Transition Update
16 June 2025
ATTACHMENT #9a Page 1 of 5
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 ActionsATTACHMENT #9a Page 2 of 5
•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
•Meeting with FISERV/CLOVER leadership 14 May –agreed to joint meeting with GOVSENSE
•All online payments reconciled
Clover online paymentsATTACHMENT #9a Page 3 of 5
•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
•5/10 Bills will be mailed by Wednesday with due date of 7/11/2025
Bottom Line for CitizensATTACHMENT #9a Page 4 of 5
Questions?
ATTACHMENT #9a Page 5 of 5