012626 Study Session Mins AdoptedPage 1 of 3
MINUTES OF JANUARY 26, 2026
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
STUDY SESSION
(Immediately Following the January 26, 2026 Special Called City Council meeting at 6:00 pm)
The Study Session of January 26, 2026 for the City Council of the City of North Augusta, having been duly
publicized, was called to order by Mayor Williams at 6:14pm and also streamed online for public viewing at the
City Facebook page: “City of North Augusta – Public Information” and City YouTube page: “City of North Augusta
Public Information.”
Per Section 30-4-80(e) notice of the meetings was sent out by email to the current maintained “Agenda Mailout”
list consisting of news media outlets and individuals or companies requesting notification. Notice of the
meetings 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, Briatico, Felak, Freitas, and Toole.
Member absent was Councilmember Carpenter.
Also in attendance were James S. Clifford, City Administrator; J.D. McCauley, Assistant Administrator; Thomas C.
Zeaser, Director of Engineering and Public Works; Chief Junior Johnson, Public Safety; Tommy Paradise, Director
of Planning & Development; James Sutton, Director of Public Services; Rick Meyer, Director of Parks &
Recreation, Karl Waldhauer, Manager of Tourism; Lynda Williamson, Director of Finance; Kayla Ferguson,
Manager of Human Resources; Jamie Paul, City Clerk; and Ricky Jones, Manager of Information Technology.
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ITEM 1. CITY COUNCIL MEETING:
Council will discuss and provide guidance on the proposed items for the February 2, 2026 City Council
meeting. (See Attachment #1)
Administrator Clifford provided slides for item #12 of the draft agenda to Council – Resolution No. 2026-05
Authorizing the City to Purchase Real Estate Located within Riverside Village, Specifically Parcels B and D.
(See Attachment #1 – ITEM #12)
Discussion ensued with Council and Staff on item #12 on the following items:
• Cyber building being marketable if approved
• Multi-story building, 1-story, or a hybrid
• Parking location
• Timeline, purchase date, and selling of property after purchase
• Master parking agreement and the amendment to the parking agreement
• RFQ on architect and budget approval of contractor
• Wetland parameters
• Sustainability of Parcel B with the Operations & Maintenance (O&M) costs
• Breaking ground timeframe
• Liability coverage – who covers
• Purchase of land and not building anything
• Bond referendum as a possible option
• Environmental study
Councilmember Briatico spoke on a petition regarding the Brick Pond area and Parcel D.
Administrator Clifford stated that there are to be three additional items added to the February 2, 2026
agenda and highlighted on each item:
• Ordinance to amend zoning for True North church from small lot residential R-7 and Office
Commercial, OC to General Commercial, GC – First Reading
• Resolution authorizing the City to provide consent to allow the Owner of Unit 4 of the Clubhouse at
Riverside Village Condominium Horizontal Property Regime to convert apartments to condominium
units
• Resolution authorizing the City to accept the low bid for the Riverview Park Athletic Fields Annual
Turf program services.
ITEM 2. DEPARTMENT DETAILS:
City department directors and managers provided departmental updates. (See Attachment #2)
ITEM 3. MAYOR’S MATTERS:
(A) FOCUS ITEM(S):
i. Economic Development – Riverside Village at Hammond’s Ferry - Council Update
Finance Director Lynda Williamson presented a financial update on the Riverside Village at Hammond’s
Ferry. (See Attachment #3Ai)
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PUBLIC POWER HOUR
February 2, 2026 – 5:30 p.m. - Municipal Center – 100 Georgia Avenue, 3rd Floor - Council Chambers
DRAFT AGENDA: CITY OF NORTH AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL MEETING
February 2, 2026 – 6:00 p.m. – Municipal Center – 100 Georgia Avenue, 3rd Floor - Council Chambers
The Public Power Hour and City Council meeting will be streamed for public viewing online at:
• “City of North Augusta – Public Information” on www.Facebook.com
• “City of North Augusta Public Information” on www.YouTube.com
CITIZEN COMMENTS: Citizens may speak to Mayor and City Council on each item listed on this agenda. The Mayor will call
for comments prior to Council’s discussion. Speakers shall give their name and address in an audible tone of voice. Speaker
Forms are provided on the credenza at the entrance for speakers desiring that the minutes indicate that they addressed Council
on a specific topic. The form will be included as part of the minutes of the meeting. Citizen comments are limited to five
minutes.
CITIZEN ASSISTANCE: Individuals needing special assistance or sign interpreter to participate in the meeting, please notify the
Administration Department 48 hours prior to the meeting.
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
• Regular City Council Meeting minutes of January 5, 2026
• Special Called City Council Meeting minutes of January 26, 2026
• Study Session minutes of January 26, 2026
5. PERSONNEL:
a. Assistant Municipal Judge Belton Weeks, Retirement – Recognition of Service to the City of
North Augusta
OLD BUSINESS
6. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT: Ordinance No. 2026-01 To Amend the Zoning Map of the City of North
Augusta, South Carolina by Rezoning ± 4.93 Acres of Land Owned by Henbell McDonough HFT, LLC, Tax
Parcel No. 007-11-05-049, 007-11-05-165, and 007-12-12-010 from PD, Planned Development to GC,
General Commercial – Second Reading
7. ELECTION: Ordinance No. 2026-02 To Amend Section 10-2 of the Current Code of Laws for the City of
North Augusta Specifically, the Amendment will Add Nomination and Election Schedule – Second
Reading
ATTACHMENT #1 Page 1 of 2
Page 2 of 2
8.ELECTION: Ordinance No. 2026-03 To Amend Section 2-21(b) of the Current Code of Laws for the City of
North Augusta Specifically, the Amendment will Change the Day the Newly Elected Officers Take Office
–Second Reading
9.ELECTION: Ordinance No. 2026-04 To Partner with the Aiken County Board of Registration and Elections
to Conduct a Portion of the 2026 City of North Augusta Municipal General Election – Second Reading
NEW BUSINESS
10.PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT: Ordinance No. 2026-05 To Approve the Revised General Development Plan
of the 195.39± Acre Hammond’s Ferry Planned Development Located on the West Side of Georgia
Avenue Between the North Augusta Greeneway and the Savannah River (Revisions Relating Solely to
Phase B of such Revised General Development Plan) – First Reading
11.PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT: Ordinance No. 2026-06 Authorizing and Approving the Execution and
Delivery of a Fifth Amendment to Master Development Agreement and a Development Inducement
Agreement; and Other Matters Relating Thereto – First Reading
12.ADMINISTRATION: Resolution No. 2026-05 Authorizing the City to Purchase Real Estate Located within
Riverside Village, Specifically Parcels B and D
13.ADMINISTRATION: Resolution No. 2026-06 Establishing Fishing Access and Other Usage Rules in the City
of North Augusta Public Waterways
14.ADMINISTRATION: Resolution No. 2026-07 Authorizing Extensions of Awarded Allocation of the
Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee for the Disbursement of Revenues from the Accommodations
Tax Year 2023-2024
15.FINANCE: Resolution No. 2026-08 Approving the Annual Assessment Report and Amendment of the
Assessment Roll for the Ballpark Village Municipal Improvement District and Confirming the Collection
of Annual Assessments Therein for the 2025-2026 Assessment Year
16.ELECTION: 2026 Municipal General Election – Filing Deadlines for City Council from Municipal Election
Commission; Receipt of Information by Council
17.ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
18.PRESENTATIONS/COMMUNICATIONS/RECOGNITION OF VISITORS:
A.Citizen Comments: At this time, citizens may speak to Mayor and City Council regarding matters not
listed on the agenda. Speakers shall give their name and address for the records. Speaker Forms are
provided on the credenza for speakers desiring that the minutes indicate that they addressed Council
on a specific topic. The form will be included as part of the minutes of the meeting. Citizen comments
are limited to five minutes.
B.Council Comments
19.ADJOURNMENT
ATTACHMENT #1 Page 2 of 2
Riverside Village Property Acquisition Discussion
26 January 2026
ATTACHMENT #1 - ITEM #12 - Riverside Village Property Acquisition Discusion Page 1 of 9
DOE Funds
$2M Transfer Station Ongoing –all tasks to be completed in 2026
$15M Cyber Infrastructure Proposed 8 December 2025
$20M New Savannah Bluff Lock & Dam Pending mediation/litigation with Corps of Engineers
ATTACHMENT #1 - ITEM #12 - Riverside Village Property Acquisition Discusion Page 2 of 9
Parcel B
Parcel D
ATTACHMENT #1 - ITEM #12 - Riverside Village Property Acquisition Discusion Page 3 of 9
ATTACHMENT #1 - ITEM #12 - Riverside Village Property Acquisition Discusion Page 4 of 9
Guidance Requested
Staff recommendation: Allow for staff to coordinate actions for Council actions to purchase
Riverside Village Parcels B (stadium deck) & D (vacant land)
ATTACHMENT #1 - ITEM #12 - Riverside Village Property Acquisition Discusion Page 5 of 9
ATTACHMENT #1 - ITEM #12 - Riverside Village Property Acquisition Discusion Page 6 of 9
ATTACHMENT #1 - ITEM #12 - Riverside Village Property Acquisition Discusion Page 7 of 9
USC-Beaufort
ATTACHMENT #1 - ITEM #12 - Riverside Village Property Acquisition Discusion Page 8 of 9
Riverside Village Property Acquisition Discussion
26 January 2026
ATTACHMENT #1 - ITEM #12 - Riverside Village Property Acquisition Discusion Page 9 of 9
FINANCE:
• Cycle 1 Customers
o January 10 bill due February 2
▪ Late fees will be assessed on February 3
▪ Disconnection is scheduled to begin February 24
• Cycle 2 Customers
o January 25 bill due February 19
▪ Late fees will be asses on February 20
▪ Disconnection is scheduled to begin March 3
• Residential Customers more than 90 days past due are able to sign up for a payment plan until January 31
o Forms are available in the Finance Office and on the City's website
• Winter Base billing is currently in effect
o Irrigation use and leaks will increase sewer cost for customers during this period
o Customers affected by leaks can contact the finance office for a leak adjustment form
• Tax Bills are being prepared and are expected to be mailed by the first week of February
• Business License renewals will be mailed mid-February
• Council allotted Utilities Finance Department with 2 new employees in the 2026 budget
o Those positions were advertised and filled
o One position started on January 14 and the second begins January 28
HUMAN RESOURCES:
• Workforce update
• 3% COLA went into effect 01/14/2026
• See the last page for the Employment Opportunities list
ENGINEERING AND PUBLIC WORKS:
• Riverside Village Bollard Project
• Riverside Village Towing Enforcement Signs
• NRCS EWP Contract Services Bids
• Brick Pond Park Clean-Up
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT:
• BZA meeting on Tuesday, February 3
PUBLIC SERVICES:
• Sanitation Collection Schedule
• Crestlyn & Lynnhurst Wastewater Pipe & Manhole Rehabilitation
PUBLIC SAFETY:
• The South Carolina Opioid Recovery Fund board approved the funding in the amount of $183,055. This is for drug
prevention and recovery specialists staffed through the Aiken Center as well as opioid related promotions through
Public Safety.
PARKS AND RECREATION:
• Senior Chair Volleyball Program on Tuesday mornings 9am-12pm. Begins tomorrow.
• Interviewing candidates for Grounds Worker III positions.
• Spring Sports Registration January 26 – February 9.
• Recreation Trails Grant for Palmetto Parkway Trailhead was submitted on Friday, January 23.
TOURISM:
• Winter Whirl Program
• North Augusta Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting & Awards Banquet (Thursday, January 29 at the Community
Center)
• North Augusta Arts & Heritage Center “Paint Your Palate” event (Saturday, January 31 at the Palmetto Terrace)
• Visit Explore North Augusta’s Website or download the Explore North Augusta App for more details and upcoming
events:
o https://explorenorthaugusta.com
DEPARTMENT DETAILS
for January 26, 2026
ATTACHMENT #2 Page 1 of 2
To apply and to see full job descriptions please visit www.northaugustasc.gov/jobs. You may also contact Human Resources
for more information at 803-442-5712 or sking@northaugustasc.gov.
The City of North Augusta is an Equal Opportunity Employer
EMPLOYMENT
OPPORTUNITIES
Communications Technician I – Public Safety
Grade: 10
Salary/Pay Rate: $20.84 - $25.01/hour
Closing Date: Until Filled
Environmental Systems Operator III – Water Production
Grade: 13
Salary/Pay Rate: $23.93 - $28.72/hour
Closing Date: Until Filled
Environmental Systems Oper. Trainee – Water Production
Grade: 7
Salary/Pay Rate: $17.76 - $21.31/hour
Closing Date: Until Filled
Firefighter – Public Safety
Grade: 4
Salary/Pay Rate: $14.68 - $17.61/hour
Closing Date: Until Filled
Grounds Worker III – Parks & Recreation
Grade: 7
Salary/Pay Rate: $17.76 - $21.31/hour
Closing Date: Until Filled
Maintenance Technician – Parks & Recreation
Grade: 12
Salary/Pay Rate: $22.90 - $27.48/hour
Closing Date: Until Filled
Meter Reader/Service Technician - Utilities Administration
Grade: 9
Salary/Pay Rate: $19.82 – $23.78/hour
Closing Date: 01/19/2026
Public Safety Officer – Public Safety
Grade: 16
Salary/Pay Rate: $25.27 - $30.33/hour
Closing Date: Until Filled
Vehicle Operator I – Sanitation
Grade: 6
Salary/Pay Rate: $16.73 – 20.08/hour
Closing Date: Until Filled
ATTACHMENT #2 Page 2 of 2
ATTACHMENT #3Ai Page 1 of 3
Annual Payment Calculation-1st Step
Calculate Annual Revenue Requirement and Compare to Annual
Assessment
Annual Revenue Requirement = Debt Service Expenses (TIF Obligation) +
Administrative Expenses –Other Available Funds –Other Ballpark Village Revenues
(Year 8)
Annual Assessment = Projected TIF Revenues per Financing Model
IF Annual Revenue Requirement > Annual Assessment = Move to Second Step
IF Annual Assessment > Annual Revenue Requirement = Reduce Parcel Assessment Pro
Rata
* 2025-2026 Annual Revenue Requirement $2,638,660 > Annual Assessment $1,686,753
= Move to Second Step
ATTACHMENT #3Ai Page 2 of 3
Annual Payment Calculation-2nd Step
Compare Sum of Tax Revenues to Annual Assessment
Tax Revenues = Estimated Real Property Tax to be Collected
Annual Assessment = Projected TIF Revenues per Financing Model
IF Tax Revenues > Annual Assessment = Potential for Annual Payment for all Parcels
to be $0.
IF Annual Assessment > Tax Revenues = Move to Third Step
* 2025-2026 Annual Assessment $1,686,753 < Tax Revenues $1,871,363
= Annual Payment to be $0
ATTACHMENT #3Ai Page 3 of 3