080425 Council Mtg Mins Adopted
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MINUTES OF AUGUST 4, 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
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 4, 2025 Public Power Hour began at 5:30pm. Members present were Mayor Williams,
Councilmembers Briatico, Buck, Felak, Freitas, and Toole.
Member absent was Councilmember Carpenter.
Also, in attendance were Ricky Jones, Manager of Information Technology and Jamie Paul, City Clerk.
1. Janis Krauss, spoke on the East alley between Pine Grove and Spring Grove specifically on a vehicle
on a property and suggested for the alley be one way only. (See Attachment PPH#1)
2. Tyler Galles, representative of Friends of the North Augusta Animals, spoke on North Augusta
Animal Control Facility. (See Attachment PPH#2)
3. Tabitha Waldrop, spoke on a long-term idea for animal services and requested for volunteers to
have access to the animal facility early in the morning to assist with getting the dogs out, cleaning
of kennels, etc.
4. Linda Smith, spoke on improvements for the North Augusta Animal Control Facility. (See
Attachment PPH#4)
The Public Power Hour concluded at 6:00pm.
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REGULAR MEETING
The Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of North Augusta of August 4, 2025 having been duly
publicized was called to order by Mayor Williams at 6:04pm 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, Felak, Freitas, and Toole.
Member absent was Councilmember Carpenter.
Also in attendance were J.D. McCauley, Assistant Administrator; Kelly F. Zier, City Attorney; Chief Junior
Johnson, Public Safety Director; Jamie Paul, City Clerk; and Ricky Jones, Manager of Information
Technology.
ITEM 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
The minutes of the City Council Meeting of July 21, 2025, and Study Session of July 28, 2025, were
approved as submitted by general consent.
NEW BUSINESS
ITEM 5. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT: Ordinance No. 2025-12 Amending Article 9, Signs, of the North
Augusta Development Code, Chapter 18 of the City of North Augusta, South Carolina Code of
Ordinances – First Reading
No public comment.
It was moved by Councilmember Freitas, seconded by Councilmember Felak, to Approve Ordinance No.
2025-12 Amending Article 9, Signs, of the North Augusta Development Code, Chapter 18 of the City of
North Augusta, South Carolina Code of Ordinances – First Reading. Unanimously Approved. (See
Attachment #5)
ITEM 6. ADMINISTRATION: Resolution No. 2025-26 Authorizing the Donation of a Surplus Parks &
Recreation Vehicle to the Sertoma Club of North Augusta
No public comment.
Councilmember Felak recused himself from the vote.
It was moved by Councilmember Briatico, seconded by Councilmember Buck, to Approve Resolution No.
2025-26 Authorizing the Donation of a Surplus Parks & Recreation Vehicle to the Sertoma Club of North
Augusta. Vote: 5 – 0 Approved. Councilmember Felak was recused. (See Attachment #6)
East Alley Issue
Janis Krauss
There has been an abandoned car parked behind a business in the East Alley since before
Halloween 2024. I’ve spoken to Public Safety at both Jack O’Lantern Jubilee and Spring
Fest. They are aware and say it is a property owner’s problem. The vehicle is an eyesore
with its flat tire and broken passenger side door and I’d like to know what can be done to
have it removed. It sits behind the boundary of the chain-link fence of Olde South
Properties & Investments @ 527 Georgia Avenue.
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ORDINANCE NO. 2025-12
AMENDING ARTICLE 9, SIGNS, OF THE NORTH AUGUSTA DEVELOPMENT CODE,
CHAPTER 18 OF THE CITY OF NORTH AUGUSTA, SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF
ORDINANCES
WHEREAS, on December 18, 2023, by Ordinance 2023-32, the North Augusta
City Council adopted the North Augusta Development Code which is consistent with the City’s
Comprehensive Plan and which incorporates all City zoning and land development regulations;
and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 5.3.3.2 Text Amendments in Article 5, Approval
Procedures, of the North Augusta Development Code, any person, property owner, board,
commission, department or the City Council may apply for a change in zoning ordinance text; and
WHEREAS, during the May 21, 2025 meeting of the North Augusta Planning
Commission, the Commission requested that staff move forward with drafting a text amendment
for the Development Code to eliminate the use of neon tubing in the DTMU1 and DTMU2 zoning
districts and present it for a public hearing and recommendation at their next meeting; and
WHEREAS, the North Augusta Planning Commission, following a July 16, 2025,
public hearing, reviewed and considered a request to amend Article 9, Section 9.6.3.2.c of the
North Augusta Development Code to eliminate allowing signs in the DTMU1 & DTMU2 zoning
districts in which the letters or graphics are constructed of neon tubing. The Planning Commission
report has been provided to City Council for consideration; and
WHEREAS, The Mayor and City Council have reviewed the request as well as the
report from the Planning Commission and has determined that the change to the text of the
Development Code is appropriate.
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 North Augusta Development Code, Article 9 of The City of North Augusta, South
Carolina Code of Ordinances, Providing for New Zoning and Land Development
Regulations for the City of North Augusta, South Carolina, is hereby amended and shall
read as described in the following section. The section of the Code affected by the
proposed amendment is identified by the section number.
A. The North Augusta Development Code Section 9.6.3.2.c is amended to read:
Externally illuminated signs are permitted.
B. Any other needed formatting will be edited to reflect new page numbers, titles or
item numbering associated with the text changes outlined herein.
ATTACHMENT #5 Page 1 of 2
II. All other Ordinances or parts of Ordinances in conflict herewith are, to the extent
of such conflict, hereby repealed.
III. This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its adoption on second
reading.
DONE, RATIFIED AND ADOPTED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF NORTH AUGUSTA, SOUTH CAROLINA, ON THIS ______ DAY OF AUGUST, 2025.
First Reading
Briton S. Williams, Mayor
Second Reading
ATTEST:
Jamie Paul, City Clerk
ATTACHMENT #5 Page 2 of 2
Department of Planning
and Development
Project Staff Report RZT25-001 Not allow Neon Tubing Signage in the DTMU1 & DTMU2 Prepared by: Tommy Paradise Meeting Date: June 18, 2025
Section 1
Project Name Amend NADC to not allow neon tubing signage in the DTMU1
& DTMU2 zoning District
Applicant City of North Augusta
Proposed Text Amendment A request from the City of North Augusta Planning Commission to amend the Development Code to not allow neon
tubing signage in the DTMU1 & DTMU2 districts
Section 2: General Description
In December 2023, a new North Augusta Development Code (NADC) was adopted. Section 9.6.3.2.c of the NADC states “Externally illuminated signs and signs in which the letters or graphics are constructed of neon tubing are permitted.” In their May 21, 2025 meeting, the
Planning Commission requested that staff bring back an application to amend the NADC so that
signs in which the letters or graphics are constructed of neon tubing would not be permitted. Section 3: Planning Commission Consideration
The Planning Commission is being asked to review the request for a text amendment based on
the following provisions of the North Augusta Development Code: 17.4.1 Authority Under This Article. The Planning Commission (Commission) shall have all the powers and duties as assigned by §6-29-340 of the South Carolina Local Government
Comprehensive Planning Enabling Act (Title 6) to be carried out in accordance with these
regulations as detailed in Article 17 and in the adopted Rules of Procedure for the Commission. In addition, the Commission shall have any other power or duty as assigned by the City Council in conformity with Title 6.
6-29-340 South Carolina Code of Laws. Functions, powers, and duties of local planning commissions. (B) In the discharge of its responsibilities, the local planning commission has the power and duty to:
(2) prepare and recommend for adoption to the appropriate governing authority or authorities as a means for implementing the plans and programs in its area: (a) zoning ordinances to include zoning district maps and appropriate revisions thereof, as
provided in this chapter;
ATTACHMENT #5 - P&D STAFF REPORT Page 1 of 4
Project Staff Report
RZT25-001 Not allow neon tubing signage in the DTMU1 & DTMU2
Prepared by: Tommy Paradise
Meeting Date: June 18, 2025
18.11 Rezoning and Text Amendments This section applies to any application for an amendment to the text of this Chapter or for an amendment to the Official Zoning Map, also known as a “rezoning.” Such amendments must be submitted to the Planning Commission for review and recommendation to City Council, who
may then vote to amend the Chapter or Official Zoning Map. Appropriate application forms for
text amendment or rezoning shall be provided by the Director of Planning or his designee. A pre-application conference is recommended before the application is submitted to discuss the procedures and requirements for the amendment request and identify the submittal requirements.
18.11.2 Text Amendment.
Any person, property owner, board, commission, department, or the City Council may apply for a change in the zoning ordinance text. Such amendment may be initiated by filing an application per the requirements of the City’s Administrative Manual with the Department. The application shall be signed by the applicant and shall include the language of the proposed amendment to the
text of this Chapter and the justification for the proposed change. 18.11.3 Application Review. The Department shall complete a review of the application and determine if the application is complete. If the application is incomplete, it will be returned to the applicant. If the application
is complete, the Planning Director shall review the request and create a written recommendation
for Planning Commission and Council consideration. The Director may forward the request to the Technical Review Committee for additional review and information. 8.11.4 Decision. The Director shall transmit the application for zoning amendment or rezoning to
the Planning Commission at its next regularly scheduled monthly meeting, provided the
complete application is submitted at least 30 calendar days prior to the meeting. The Planning Commission shall approve or deny the zoning amendment in accordance with the procedures for a legislative hearing as provided in the City’s Administrative Manual and the S.C. Code §6-29-760.
1. The Planning Commission shall submit its recommendation to City Council
within 30 calendar days after the initial hearing date (S.C. Code §6-29760(A). A majority vote is required for the Planning Commission to approve, approve with conditions (if applicable), or deny a rezoning or text amendment application. 2. The City Council shall consider the recommendation of the Planning
Commission and staff on each proposed rezoning and text amendment within 30
days of receipt of the Planning Commission recommendation. The City Council must consider, but is not bound by, the Planning Commission recommendation in making a final decision and may call for additional information or public hearing(s).
3. No challenge to the adequacy of notice or to the validity of a rezoning or text amendment may be made 60 days after the decision of the City Council if there has been substantial compliance with the notice requirements of this section, with the established procedures of the City Council and Planning Commission, and with S.C. Code §6-29.
ATTACHMENT #5 - P&D STAFF REPORT Page 2 of 4
Project Staff Report
RZT25-001 Not allow neon tubing signage in the DTMU1 & DTMU2
Prepared by: Tommy Paradise
Meeting Date: June 18, 2025
The Planning Commission is being asked to review the proposed text changes and provide a recommendation of approval or denial, which will be forwarded to the City Council. Section 18.11 does not require additional standards for analysis to address in this staff report.
Section 4: Public notice
A public notice of the text amendment request and scheduled date of the Planning Commission public hearing was published in the Augusta Chronicle and on the City’s website www.northaugustasc.gov on May 28, 2025.
Section 5: History
The North Augusta Development Code that was adopted by City Council December 17, 2007, effective January 1, 2008 was repealed and replaced by the North Augusta Development Code adopted by City Council on December 18, 2023. The 2023 Development Code is consistent with
the Comprehensive Plan Update of 2022. Public comments were solicited through formal public
hearing and informal communication throughout the multiyear development of the code. The North Augusta Planning Commission recommended approval of a draft Development Code and referred to City council on June 6, 2023. City Council, in accordance with Section 6-29-760
of the South Carolina Code of Laws held a public hearing on September 11, 2023. Based on
information from the public hearing the Development Code draft was referred back to the Planning Commission for further recommendations. At the October 18, 2023 Planning Commission meeting the Commission heard public input and
reviewed issues that were heard in Council’s public hearing. At the November 15, 2023 meeting
of the Planning Commission, the Commission recommended a revised draft for adoption by City Council. City Council adopted this draft at their December 18, 2023 meeting. Section 6: Summary of Changes and Proposed Amendments
The NADC does not allow internally illuminated signage in the DTMU1 & DTMU2 zoning district by §9.6.3.2.b , but externally illuminated signs and signs in which the letters or graphics are constructed of neon tubing are permitted by §9.6.3.2.c. The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) approved two recent requests to allow internally illuminated signage by “halo illumination” in
the DTMU2 district. Halo signs are a form of internal sign illumination in which neon tubing,
LED, or similar lights are mounted within the sign or individual letter to illuminate the mounting surface (rear), causing a halo of light around the sign or individual letter. Lighting is not allowed to project toward the front of the sign.
At the BZA’s May 6, 2025 meeting they unanimously requested that the Planning Commission review “halo illuminated” signage for the DTMU1 & DTMU2 districts. The item was placed on the Planning Commission’s May 21, 2025 meeting agenda for discussion.
ATTACHMENT #5 - P&D STAFF REPORT Page 3 of 4
Project Staff Report
RZT25-001 Not allow neon tubing signage in the DTMU1 & DTMU2
Prepared by: Tommy Paradise
Meeting Date: June 18, 2025
The Planning Commission discussed the request and requested additional information
concerning “halo illuminated” signage by staff. The Commission also requested that staff move forward with providing the Commission a text amendment application that would not allow neon signage in the DTMU1 & DTMU2 zoning districts.
Applicant Request:
Applicant requests a text amendment to the NADC §9.6.3.2.c to read: Externally illuminated signs and signs in which the letters or graphics are
constructed of neon tubing are permitted. (stricken words are deleted)
ATTACHMENT #5 - P&D STAFF REPORT Page 4 of 4
North Augusta - DTMU1 District
ATTACHMENT #5 - Sign Pictures Page 1 of 2
Charleston, SC – Neon
Florence, SC – Neon
ATTACHMENT #5 - Sign Pictures Page 2 of 2
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-26
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE DONATION OF A SURPLUS PARKS & RECREATION
VEHICLE TO THE SERTOMA CLUB OF NORTH AUGUSTA
WHEREAS, the City of North Augusta is the current owner of a surplus 2002 Thomas GMC 14-
passenger bus, VIN 1GDHG31RX21102752, which was initially purchased on March 5, 2002, at a price of
$37,000; and
WHEREAS, the vehicle was previously utilized by the City’s Parks & Recreation Department and
is no longer required for municipal operations, having been deemed surplus to the needs of the City; and
WHEREAS, the vehicle’s mileage is currently 27,889 and is valued by Kelley Blue Book at $9,865;
and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of Section 5-7-40 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the
City Council may dispose of surplus property in a manner that serves the public interest; and
WHEREAS, in recent years, the Sertoma Club of North Augusta has been the primary user of this
vehicle, using it to transport local children to Camp Sertoma, a summer camp program located in Pendleton,
SC, designed to enrich the lives of youth with hearing or speech impairments and other special needs; and
WHEREAS, the Sertoma Club of North Augusta is a local nonprofit civic organization dedicated to
community service and youth outreach, and has requested the formal donation of the surplus vehicle so that
they may continue using it to transport area youth to Camp Sertoma and similar community-based
programs; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the donation of the surplus vehicle to the Sertoma Club of
North Augusta will benefit the community, support youth development, and serve a valid public purpose.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and City Council of the City of North Augusta,
South Carolina, in meeting duly assembled, that:
1. The City Council hereby authorizes the donation of one surplus 2002 Thomas GMC 14-passenger
bus (VIN: 1GDHG31RX21102752) to the Sertoma Club of North Augusta, in “as-is” condition,
with no warranty expressed or implied.
2. The City Administrator, or his designee, is authorized to execute any documents necessary to
facilitate the transfer of ownership, including a bill of sale and title transfer.
3. The donation shall be made with the understanding that the Sertoma Club of North Augusta will
assume all future responsibility for maintenance, insurance, storage, and operation of the vehicle.
4. The City shall not provide insurance coverage, storage, or any future financial or logistical support
for the vehicle after the transfer is complete.
5. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its adoption.
DONE, RATIFIED, AND ADOPTED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
NORTH AUGUSTA, SOUTH CAROLINA, ON THIS ___ DAY OF AUGUST, 2025.
Briton S. Williams, Mayor
ATTEST:
Jamie Paul, City Clerk
ATTACHMENT #6 Page 1 of 1
City of North Augusta
Utility Billing System Transition Update
4 August 2025
ATTACHMENT #7a Page 1 of 4
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 #7a Page 2 of 4
•Finance department has a new centralized customer service line: 803-442-5717
•6/25 bills were mailed 7/11/2025 with due date of 8/1/2025
•7/10 bills were mailed by 7/22/2025 with a due date of 8/11/2025
•7/25 bills were mailed on 7/30/2025 with a due date 8/22/2025
•Next utility bill should go out on time – 8/8/2025 with a due date of 9/18/2025 (normal due date)
•Billing cycles should be back to normal in August
Bottom Line for Citizens ATTACHMENT #7a Page 3 of 4
Questions?
ATTACHMENT #7a Page 4 of 4