120125 Council Mtg Mins Adopted
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MINUTES OF DECEMBER 1, 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 December 1, 2025 Public Power Hour began at 5:30pm.
Members present were Mayor Williams, Councilmembers Briatico, Buck, Carpenter, Freitas, and Toole.
Member absent was Councilmember Felak.
Also, in attendance were Ricky Jones, Manager of Information Technology and Jamie Paul, City Clerk.
1. Dave Sam, spoke on parking near and up to stop signs specifically in Hammond’s Ferry and the
safety hazard it causes.
The Public Power Hour concluded at 5:45pm.
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REGULAR MEETING
The Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of North Augusta of December 1, 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.
Mayor Williams rendered the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Members present were Mayor Williams, Councilmembers Briatico, Buck, Carpenter, Freitas, and Toole.
Member absent was Councilmember 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; Jamie Paul, City Clerk; and Ricky Jones, Manager
of Information Technology.
ITEM 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
The minutes of the City Council Meeting of November 17, 2025 and Study Session minutes of November
24, 2025, were approved as submitted by general consent.
ITEM 5. PERSONNEL:
a. Employee of the Quarter – October, November, and December 2025 – Sergeant Justin
Aubuchon
Mayor Williams recognized Sgt. Justin Aubuchon for Employee of the Quarter. (See Attachment #5a)
Mayor Williams presented Sgt. Justin Aubuchon with a plaque for Employee of the Quarter – October –
December 2025.
NEW BUSINESS
ITEM 6. PUBLIC SAFETY: Ordinance No. 2025-30 To Regulate the Operation of Golf Carts within the City
of North Augusta Including Nighttime Use – First Reading
No public comment.
Administrator Clifford stated that the ordinance remains unchanged from the version presented during
the previous study session. He acknowledged the prior discussion regarding the inclusion of turn signals
but noted ongoing questions about whether the City has the authority to mandate them. He added that
staff recommends adopting the ordinance as presented, with the understanding that it can be updated at
a later date if needed.
Discussion ensued related to adding a requirement for seat belts above the age of twelve.
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Attorney Zier reviewed the statute governing golf cart regulations and provided his interpretation, noting
that the City’s authority to make changes is limited and does not include requiring turn signals or other
additional equipment such as seat belts.
It was moved by Councilmember Toole, seconded by Councilmember Carpenter, to approve Ordinance
No. 2025-30 To Regulate the Operation of Golf Carts within the City of North Augusta Including Nighttime
Use – First Reading. Unanimously Approved. (See Attachment #6)
ITEM 7. ADMINISTRATION: Resolution No. 2025-38 Authorizing the Entering into of a Contract with the
Public Defender of the Second Judicial Circuit for the Provision of Indigent Representation in the
Municipal Court
No public comment.
Administrator Clifford highlighted on the contract with the Public Defender of the Second Judicial Circuit
which a 3-year contract through December 31, 2028.
It was moved by Councilmember Carpenter, seconded by Councilmember Freitas, to approve Resolution
No. 2025-38 Authorizing the Entering into of a Contract with the Public Defender of the Second Judicial
Circuit for the Provision of Indigent Representation in the Municipal Court. Unanimously Approved. (See
Attachment #7)
ITEM 8. PARKS & RECREATION: Resolution No. 2025-39 Relating to the Department of Parks &
Recreation Department; Authorizing Grant Applications to the State of South Carolina Parks, Recreation
& Tourism Department for Federal Funding Assistance to Support Projects Submitted under the Land
and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Program as Provided in the LWCF Act Of 1965, As Amended
No public comment.
Assistant Administrator McCauley stated that there are two projects off of CPST V list for Parks and
Recreation and provided an overview of the grant process.
It was moved by Councilmember Buck, seconded by Councilmember Briatico, to approve Resolution No.
2025-39 Relating to the Department of Parks & Recreation Department; Authorizing Grant Applications
to the State of South Carolina Parks, Recreation & Tourism Department for Federal Funding Assistance to
Support Projects Submitted under the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Program as Provided in
the LWCF Act Of 1965, As Amended. Unanimously Approved. (See Attachment #8)
ITEM 9. CITY COUNCIL: City of North Augusta City Council Meeting Schedule and Notice for January 2026
through December 2026
Mayor Williams stated that the 2026 City of North Augusta City Council Meeting Schedule has been
provided to Council for their information and acknowledgment. (See Attachment #9)
ITEM 10. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
No report.
Quarter 4 – Justin Aubuchon
I would like to formally nominate Sergeant Justin Aubuchon of the Traffic Division for Employee
of the Quarter. Sergeant Aubuchon consistently demonstrates dedication, professionalism, and
selflessness in every aspect of his role, and his hard work truly does not go unnoticed.
As both a traffic sergeant and the K-9 handler for K-9 Lucia, Justin goes above and beyond—
both on duty and off. Even on his days off, he is always willing to answer phone calls and assist
with any traffic-related questions. He routinely sacrifices personal and family time to ensure
that traffic reports are properly reviewed, corrected, and submitted to the state in a timely
manner, preventing backlogs and keeping our operations running smoothly.
Justin’s commitment to others extends beyond his official responsibilities. He regularly assists
Tony, a Public Safety employee who works from home, ensuring he is supported both
personally and professionally. Justin and his family prepare meals for Tony throughout the
week and deliver them to his home. He also stops by to help with anything Tony may need,
offering not just assistance but genuine compassion and care.
Sergeant Aubuchon consistently puts the needs of others before his own. His work ethic,
reliability, and kindness set an example for everyone around him. For these reasons, I believe
he is exceptionally deserving of the Employee of the Quarter recognition.
ATTACHMENT #5 Page 1 of 1
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-30
AN ORDINANCE TO REGULATE THE OPERATION OF GOLF CARTS
WITHIN THE CITY OF NORTH AUGUSTA
INCLUDING NIGHTTIME USE
WHEREAS, Section 56-2-90 of the South Carolina Code of Laws authorizes municipalities to
regulate golf cart operation within their jurisdictions, including operation after sunset; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of North Augusta recognizes the increased use of golf carts as a mode
of personal and recreational transportation and desires to adopt clear, comprehensive guidelines for their
safe and lawful operation.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it ordained by the Mayor and City Council of the City of North Augusta,
South Carolina:
SECTION 1: GENERAL AUTHORIZATION FOR GOLF CART OPERATION
Golf carts may be operated within the municipal limits of North Augusta under the following general
provisions in accordance with South Carolina law 56-2-90:
1. The operator must be at least sixteen (16) years of age and hold a valid driver’s license.
2. The golf cart must be registered and permitted with the South Carolina Department of Motor
Vehicles and must display a valid DMV-issued golf cart permit decal.
3. The golf cart must be insured pursuant to South Carolina insurance requirements.
4. Operation is permitted only on secondary highways or streets where the posted speed limit is
thirty-five (35) miles per hour or less.
5. Golf carts may only be driven during daylight hours unless specifically authorized under
nighttime operation regulations.
6. Golf carts may cross streets or highways at intersections even if the cross street has a higher
speed limit.
7. Operation is only permitted within four (4) miles of the address on the DMV registration
certificate.
8. The operator must carry the registration certificate, proof of insurance, and a valid driver’s
license while operating the golf cart.
9. Children under the age of 12 are required to wear a seat belt when the golf cart is being driven
on public streets and highways.
SECTION 2: NIGHTTIME OPERATION OF GOLF CARTS
Golf carts may be operated after sunrise to 11:00 PM under the following conditions:
1. The golf cart must be equipped with all of the following functional safety features:
• Headlights (white, forward-facing)
• Taillights (red, rear-facing)
• Brake lights
• Reflectors on the front, rear, and sides
• Rear facing mirror
2. The golf cart must otherwise comply with all provisions of Section 1 of this ordinance.
ATTACHMENT #6 Page 1 of 2
3. Nighttime operation is prohibited during conditions of poor visibility unless the vehicle is
equipped with a functional windshield and wipers and functional safety features.
4. The City may restrict nighttime golf cart operation in specific areas through signage or future
ordinance amendments.
SECTION 3: PROHIBITED AREAS & CONDITIONS
1. Golf carts may not be operated on sidewalks, bike paths, greenways, or unpaved trails.
2. Golf carts may not be operated, except on paved roadways, in public parks or pedestrian malls
unless expressly permitted by city signage.
3. Golf carts are prohibited on private property without permission from the property owner.
SECTION 4: PENALTIES
Any violation of this ordinance shall be deemed a misdemeanor and subject to a fine of not more than
$100.00 or imprisonment for not more than 30 days, or both, as determined by the Municipal Court. Each
separate incident or day of violation shall constitute a separate offense.
SECTION 5: EFFECTIVE DATE
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 DECEMBER, 2025.
First Reading
Briton S. Williams, Mayor
Second Reading
ATTEST:
Jamie Paul, City Clerk
ATTACHMENT #6 Page 2 of 2
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-38
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ENTERING INTO OF A CONTRACT
WITH THE PUBLIC DEFENDER OF THE SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT FOR THE
PROVISION OF INDIGENT REPRESENTATION IN THE MUNICIPAL COURT
WHEREAS, It is a requirement for indigent Defendants in the Municipal Court for the
City of North Augusta, that a Defense Attorney is provided for the benefit of indigent
Defendants; and
WHEREAS, The City commencing with January 1, 2023 entered into an Agreement
with the Public Defender of the Second Judicial Circuit for the purpose of providing of such
services; and
WHEREAS, The City has determined that such arrangement has been beneficial to the
City and has allowed the City to provide such services as required on an economical basis.; and
WHEREAS, The initial Contract with the Public Defender of the Second Judicial
Circuit ran from January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2025; and,
WHEREAS, The City needs to provide for such continuing services and the Public
Defender for the Second Judicial Circuit has agreed to continue such services.
NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Mayor and City Council of the City of North
Augusta, South Carolina, that:
The City Administrator is authorized to enter into a new Agreement with the
Public Defender of the Second Judicial Circuit for the continuation of such
services in accordance with the Agreement attached hereto, marked “Exhibit A”.
DONE, RATIFIED AND ADOPTED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF NORTH AUGUSTA, SOUTH CAROLINA, ON THIS ______ DAY OF NOVEMBER,
2025.
Briton S. Williams, Mayor
ATTEST:
Jamie Paul, City Clerk
ATTACHMENT #7 Page 1 of 3
AGREEMENT FOR SERVICES
THIS AGREEMENT FOR SERVICES (the "Agreement"), is entered into between the
CITY OF NORTH AUGUSTA (the "City") and THE SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT PUBLIC
DEFENDERS OFFICE (the "Public Defender"), and those parties hereby agree to the following
terms in consideration of the mutual benefits and promises to each party set forth hereinafter.
1. TERMS OF AGREEMENT
The initial term of this Agreement shall commence on January 1, 2026, and shall expire
on December 31, 2028, unless the parties mutually agree in writing to an extension of the term
of this Agreement.
2. DELIVERY OF SERVICES
The Public Defender shall provide legal representation to indigent defendants in the
City’s Municipal Court who apply for and are found qualified to receive such services by
the Aiken County Bond Court under the applicable laws and rules of court of the State of
South Carolina after screening by the Aiken County Bond Court and the Public Defender to
assess the applicant's qualifications for such services. The City's Municipal Court shall be
provided a copy of each order appointing counsel to a defendant in the City's Municipal Court.
The Public Defender and Judge of the City's Municipal Court shall consult with each other as
needed to discuss how the appointment process might be improved or how to address concerns
about appointments in specific cases.
3. BILLING AND PAYMENT
The Public Defender shall be compensated on a flat rate basis of Twenty Thousand
Dollars ($20,000.00) per year. This amount shall be paid in two (2) equal installments of Ten
Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) at the end of each six-months (June 30 and December 31).
Payments shall be made payable to Aiken County Government and mailed to: P.O.
Drawer 2247, Aiken, SC 29802; Attn: Tesa Culbertson. The Public Defender shall report
all payments received under this Agreement to the Aiken County Finance Department.
Exhibit A
ATTACHMENT #7 Page 2 of 3
4. COORDINATION OF SERVICES
The person responsible for coordinating the services under this Agreement for the Public
Defender is:
Name:
Title:
Phone
Email:
Grant Gibbons
Circuit Defender for 2nd Judicial Circuit
803-642-1732
ggibbons@aikenpd.com
The person responsible for coordinating the services under this Agreement for the City is:
Name:
Title:
Phone:
Email :
5. INSURANCE
Donna Costello
North Augusta Public Safety
Administrative Assistant
803-441-4251
DCostello@northaugusta.net
At all times during every term of this Agreement, the Public Defender will be responsible
for providing insurance coverages for its employees or agents providing the services that are
the subject of this Agreement.
6. AMENDMENTS
This Agreement shall not be amended, altered, or changed except by a written agreement
signed by both parties.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each party to this Agreement has caused it to be executed
on its behalf by its authorized representative as of the date entered in the first paragraph on
page 1 hereof.
Public Defender of the Second
Judicial Circuit
By: _________________________
Name: __Grant Gibbons_________
Title: _____Circuit Defender_____
Date: ________________________
City of North Augusta, South
Carolina
By: ___________________________
Name: ________________________
Title: _____City Administrator_____
Date: _________________________
Exhibit A
ATTACHMENT #7 Page 3 of 3
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-39
RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT;
AUTHORIZING GRANT APPLICATIONS TO THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
PARKS, RECREATION & TOURISM DEPARTMENT FOR FEDERAL FUNDING
ASSISTANCE TO SUPPORT PROJECTS SUBMITTED UNDER THE LAND AND WATER
CONSERVATION FUND (LWCF) PROGRAM AS PROVIDED IN THE LWCF ACT OF
1965, AS AMENDED
WHEREAS, under the provisions of LWCF, federal funding assistance is requested to aid
in financing the cost of the Riverview Park Playground Shade Structure Project and the
Summerfield Park Adaptive Playground Project; and
WHEREAS, Parks & Recreation believes that these projects meet the stated criteria for
grant funding under the terms established by the State of South Carolina Parks, Recreation &
Tourism Department (SCPRT), and any funding received from SCPRT will be used for the
implementation of the referenced project; and
WHEREAS, the City of North Augusta acknowledges that SCPRT grants, if approved,
will be paid on a reimbursement basis, meaning that the City may request payment only after
eligible and allowable costs have already been paid and remitted to vendors; and
WHEREAS, the City of North Augusta’s funding source for the projects shall be Capital
Sales Tax Project V; and
WHEREAS, the City owns the site and intends to develop or improve them for
recreational purposes; and
WHEREAS, any funds received from the SCPRT will be used for the sole purpose stated
in the City's grant applications to SCPRT; and
WHEREAS, the City assures that any facility developed with financial aid from the
LWCF program must be placed in use for the funded purpose, and be retained in such use in
perpetuity unless otherwise provided and agreed to by the City, SCPRT, and the National Park
Service (NPS); and
WHEREAS, the City acknowledge that LWCF grants are federal funds and, as such, the
City must comply with all applicable federal laws; and
WHEREAS, this Resolution becomes a part of a formal application to SCPRT and NPS.
ATTACHMENT #8 Page 1 of 2
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of North
Augusta, South Carolina, that:
The Director of Parks & Recreation or his designee, is hereby authorized to submit applications
for and on behalf of the City of North Augusta, in such counterparts as are necessary, to the State
of South Carolina Parks, Recreation & Tourism Department, for financial assistance in the
amount set forth in the "Grant Request" column below:
Proposed Project SCPRT
Program
Category
Grant
Request
City Match
Sales Tax V Funds
Total
Riverview Park
Playground
Shade Structure
LWCF $100,000 $100,000 $200,000
Proposed Project SCPRT
Program
Category
Grant
Request
City Match
Sales Tax V Funds
Total
Summerfield Park
Adaptive Playground
LWCF $200,000 $200,000 $400,000
Each SCPRT grant requires a dollar for dollar match.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of North Augusta’s funding source for the up-
front costs of the SCPRT grants will be from the Capital Projects Fund. These funds will be
refunded by the SCPRT grants to the Capital Projects Fund.
DONE, RATIFIED AND ADOPTED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF NORTH AUGUSTA, SOUTH CAROLINA, ON THIS ______ DAY OF
DECEMBER, 2025.
Briton Williams, Mayor
ATTEST:
Jamie Paul, City Clerk
ATTACHMENT #8 Page 2 of 2
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City of North Augusta City Council
PUBLIC NOTICE
Meeting Schedule and Notice
January 2026 through December 2026
__________________________________________________________
Pursuant to the South Carolina Code of Laws §30-4-80(a), notice is hereby given to the members of the North Augusta City Council
and to the general public that the North Augusta City Council will hold meetings open to the public on the following dates and
times. A copy of the agenda for each meeting will be available at least 24 hours in advance in the City Clerk’s Office, at 100
Georgia Avenue, North Augusta, South Carolina. A notice of each meeting will be sent by email to the current maintained “Agenda
Mail Out” list consisting of news media outlets and individuals or companies requesting notification. Notice of the meetings will
also be posted by the outside doors of the Municipal Center, on the main bulletin board located on the first floor of the Municipal
Center, and on the website at www.northaugustasc.gov/government/council-meetings-agendas. For questions or further
information, please contact the City Clerk at (803) 441-4202 or email to jpaul@northaugustasc.gov.
Unless otherwise noted, regular City Council meetings listed below are to be held the first and third Mondays of each month on
the third floor of the Municipal Center at 100 Georgia Avenue, North Augusta, South Carolina.
January 2026
05 Public Power Hour at 5:30 pm and Council Meeting at 6:00 pm
19 (No meeting will be held in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)
26 Study Session at 6:00 pm
February 2026
02 Public Power Hour at 5:30 pm and Council Meeting at 6:00 pm
16 (No meeting will be held in observance of Presidents’ Day)
23 Study Session at 6:00 pm
March 2026
02 Public Power Hour at 5:30 pm and Council Meeting at 6:00 pm
09 Study Session at 6:00 pm
16 Council Meeting at 6:00 pm
April 2026
06 (No meeting will be held due to Masters Golf Tournament)
13 Study Session at 6:00 pm
20 Public Power Hour at 5:30 pm and Council Meeting at 6:00 pm
27 Study Session at 6:00 pm
May 2026
04 Public Power Hour at 5:30 pm and Council Meeting at 6:00 pm
11 Study Session at 6:00 pm
18 Council Meeting at 6:00 pm
25 (No meeting will be held in observance of Memorial Day)
26 Special Called Study Session at 6:00 pm
ATTACHMENT #9 Page 1 of 2
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June 2026
01 Public Power Hour at 5:30 pm and Council Meeting at 6:00 pm
08 Study Session at 6:00 pm
15 Council Meeting at 6:00 pm
29 Study Session at 6:00 pm
July 2026
06 Public Power Hour at 5:30 pm and Council Meeting at 6:00 pm
13 Study Session at 6:00 pm
20 Council Meeting at 6:00 pm
27 Study Session at 6:00 pm
August 2026
03 Public Power Hour at 5:30 pm and Council Meeting at 6:00 pm
10 Study Session at 6:00 pm
17 Council Meeting at 6:00 pm
September 2026
07 (No meeting will be held in observance of the Labor Day)
14 Study Session at 6:00 pm
21 Public Power Hour at 5:30 pm and Council Meeting at 6:00 pm
28 Study Session at 6:00 pm
October 2026
05 Public Power Hour at 5:30 pm and Council Meeting at 6:00 pm
12 Study Session at 6:00 pm
19 Council Meeting at 6:00 pm
26 Study Session at 6:00 pm
November 2026
02 Public Power Hour at 5:30 pm and Council Meeting at 6:00 pm
09 Study Session at 6:00 pm
16 Council Meeting at 6:00 pm
30 Study Session at 6:00 pm
December 2026
07 Public Power Hour at 5:30 pm and Council Meeting at 6:00 pm
14 Study Session at 6:00 pm
21 Council Meeting at 6:00 pm
Please note: Meeting dates and times are subject to change. Special Called Meeting notices will be given in the same
manner as regular meetings. To verify meeting dates and times, contact the City Clerk’s Office at (803) 441-4202 or
visit www.northaugustasc.gov/government/council-meetings-agendas.
ATTACHMENT #9 Page 2 of 2