Council Update - April 27, 2009

AIKEN CORPORATION WORK SESSION – My last two emails mentioned a work session between the Council and the Aiken Corporation. Minutes of that session are now available and can be viewed at the City’s web site. http://www.cityofaikensc.gov/weblink7/docview.aspx?id=101878.

WORK SESSION TO DISCUSS 2009-2010 BUDGET AND FINANCIAL TRANSPARENCY – Our work session, which begins at 5:00 P.M., will focus on next year’s budget which begins on July 1, 2009. It should come at no surprise that city revenues have decreased significantly. While some programs will be reduced or delayed, we think we can structure a budget with no tax increase for the year. There might, however, be an increase in water rates, but that decision will be made later during the fiscal year.

I had previously asked to City Manager to investigate the possibility of putting more financial data on the City’s web site. This would include revenues we collect and money we spend. It appears we can post our Accounts Payable Check Register and the Electronic Funds Transfer Register for public scrutiny. At the work session, the City Manager will advise Council on the status of these plans and ask for Council approval.

FINANCIAL REPORTING AWARD – The Government Finance Officers Association has again awarded our Finance Department its Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. It is the highest recognition of sound governmental accounting practices. Our Finance Department is receiving this award for the 17th year in a row. There are many cities and towns in South Carolina which have never received this award.

SUMMER WATER USEAGE - Engineering and Public Works Director Larry Morris sent a letter to the Woodside Property Owners Association Manager Melanie Brock. In order to best meet water demands, Larry has suggested that residents voluntarily water their lawns on an odd/even basis. Even-numbered property addresses water on even-numbered days while odd-numbered property addresses water on odd-numbered days under this system. This approach allows the City to best meet demands for city water.

CITY EMS PROGRAM SUSPENSION – Public Safety Department Director Pete Frommer has recommended suspension of our city EMT operations. At one time, Aiken County experienced a shortage in staffing its EMS stations. That situation has improved and Director Frommer recommends this suspension as a result. In addition, the City never received medical authorization for its EMT personnel, not access to County medical supplies. We will, however, continue to monitor response times for EMS calls to make sure past problems do not happen again and will continue with our First Responder Program.

AIKEN PUBLIC SERVICE AUTHORITY/HORSE CREEK FEES – The business manager for the Horse Creek Sewer Treatment Facility has indicated that the usage fees the City must pay will be increased in Fiscal Year 2009-2010. Effective July 1, 2009 the City will have to pay $1.30 per 1,000 gallons, up from the present rate of $1.20 per 1,000 gallons. This will be an additional $150,000 cost to the City of Aiken.

SILVER BLUFF ROAD REZONING – We will have Second Reading of the proposal to rezone property from Residential Multi-Family Low Density to General Business. In exchange for rezoning one lot fronting on Silver Bluff Road, the developer would donate the green space behind the homes on Oriole and the commercial properties fronting on Silver Bluff Road. He would retain his property on Oriole along with a small portion of the other area to square off the back property line. Affected property owners have spent a great deal of time in recent months and years at Council meetings and Planning Commission meetings to fight what they consider a danger to their property values. At recent meetings, many residents seem to approve of this current plan. There is still some concern on the part of other residents who prefer to leave things as they are. This is the Second Reading of this issue.

APPROVAL OF ELECTION SCHEDULE – Last week several members of the Council met with a representative of the Aiken County School System to discuss their concerns about safety at schools on City election voting day. They agreed that for this year, Chukker Creek School would be used as the voting location for Precinct 53. We are very grateful for the efforts Mr. David Caver, Assistant Superintendent for the School District for his efforts to resolve this issue. By the time the next city election is held in 2011, the census will be completed and new voting locations will be identified to resolve school safety concerns. As currently proposed the opening date for filing is Aug 3 and closing date is Aug 10. The Primary election would be held on September 8 with September 22 selected as a run-off date. Election Day would be on November 3.

FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE TO REVISE CONCEPT PLAN TO ALLOW TRAILERS AT 1310 EAST PINE LOG ROAD – The Boot, Bridles, and Britches store would like to revise their Concept Plan drawing to allow storage of up to three trailers behind their building. The trailers would be used to store hay and wood chips and would be parked no closer than 20 feet from the building.

FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CONCEPT PLAN FOR UNIVERSITY HEALTH SERVICES, INC. – University Health Services is asking for approval to build one 17,000 one-story building on their property on Silver Bluff Road. The building would be located close to Silver Bluff road. Since they are asking to build only one building, most of the traffic concerns discussed during their prior application have been significantly reduced.

APPROVAL OF WATER FOR AIKEN ESTATES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION – The City has an established policy to provide a water tap and meter and pay for water at an entrance into recognized subdivisions. Mr. Phil Lockhard, President of the Greater Aiken Estates Neighborhood Association has asked the City to provide a meter and tap and pay for the water to irrigate two additional entrances to Aiken Estates.

AIKEN JOURNAL WEB SITE – A reminder to check the Aiken Journal web site, if you are interested in keeping abreast of current local, state, and national political issues. With the current serious economic and social issues facing our state and national government and the changes being proposed in Columbia and Washington, it is more important than ever for citizens to know how these changes will affect them.

MISCELLANEOUS – If you know someone who would like to receive this email, please ask them to send their email address to me at fastwalk1@gforcecable.com.

CITY WEB SITE LINK FOR MONDAY’S CITY COUNCIL AGENDA CAN BE FOUND AT http://www.cityofaikensc.gov/weblink7/docview.aspx?id=103858.

Aiken Equine Charities Cup

Aiken Equine Charities Cup

30 Goal Polo Match

Kentucky Derby Party

Organized by:

To Benefit

New Bridge Polo & Country Club

862 New Bridge Road, Aiken SC

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Game time at 3:00 pm

Gates open at 2:00 pm

Tailgate Parking Passes include wristbands for up to six vehicle passengers.

Additional Wristbands $10 (available in advance and at the gate.)

Wristband admissions include:

Kentucky Derby Party at the Clubhouse

Immediately following the trophy presentation

With complimentary hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer, and soft drinks

Make Your Own Party!

Hitchcock Woods Foundation will present two prizes:

1- Best Turned Out Tailgating Party

2- Most Spirited Tailgaters

Parking Pass Levels

Front Row Clubhouse $150

Front Row Southside $100

Back Row Clubhouse $50

Back Row Southside $50

General Admission Parking $10

(does not include admission to Kentucky Derby Party)

Three ways to purchase:

1. Visit 302polo.com

2. Call 803-642-0528 with your credit card information

3. Send a check specifying location to:

Hitchcock Woods Foundation

P.O. Box 1702

Aiken, SC 29802

www.hitchcockwoods.org | Subscription Preferences

Hitchcock Woods Foundation

P.O. Box 1702

Aiken, SC 29802

(803) 642-0528

City Council Update

AIKEN CORPORATION WORK SESSION – My last two emails mentioned a work session between the Council and the Aiken Corporation. Minutes of that session are now available and can be viewed at the City’s web site. That portion of the web site, however, is temporarily off-line for maintenance. I will post the link on the next Council Update.

WORK SESSION TO CONSIDER REQUEST BY ST. JOHN’S METHODIST CHURCH FOR PARKWAY CUTS – The church has requested cut-throughs in the parkways on Chesterfield Street and Newberry to resolve some safety issues. The Park Commission reviewed the request and unanimously denied the two cut-throughs. It has been several decades since the City has approved any cut through. In fact, the City has closed several of them.

175th CELEBRATION UPDATE – All subcommittees have met and elected their leadership. There are many volunteers working to plan a year of celebrating the 175th birthday of Aiken. Plans are underway to announce a calendar of 2010 events this fall.

UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL DOCTORS’ OFFICE BULDING – The Planning Department will consider this issue at its meeting on Tuesday, April 14.

ADPS REACCREDITED - The Aiken Department of Public Safety has been reaccredited. Over 460 professional standards had to be met for this event to occur. Congratulations to Chief Pete Frommer and his department. There are very few police departments of the size of Aiken that have been accredited. It is a very unusual award which should make us proud of our public safety department.

VOLUNTEER LUNCHEON – On Thursday, April 23, the City will hold the annual luncheon recognizing our board, commission, and committee volunteers. Including those involved with the 175th Celebration, the number of volunteers is in the hundreds. They provide valuable services at no cost to the City and represent a high level of community service to the community.

2009 DUI ENFORCEMENT AWARD – The Office of Highway Safety in Columbia recently presented the City of Aiken, the Agency of the Year Award due to our 100% reduction in fatalities from 6 to 0 from the previous year and our 100% reduction in alcohol related fatalities from 3 to 0 over the previous year. During that time the Department of Public Safety also increased their DUI arrest and conducted over 20 DUI Awareness and Traffic Safety presentations. Congratulations to Corporal Chris Carter, PSO Ronald Griffin and PSO Christopher Hammell. They will be recognized during our Council meeting on Monday night.

BUDGET WORK SESSION – On March 23 Council had the first of several sessions on next year’s budget. The proposed budget will be $1.8 million less that it was last year. It appears that we can meet our fiscal needs for next year without a tax increase, but there may be some increased in city services. Final details will be formulated as we get closer to budget approval time. Minutes of the work session are on line and are included in the Agenda for the April 13 meeting.

SILVER BLUFF ROAD REZONING – There was a work session prior to our last Council meeting at the request of the owner of property on Silver Bluff Road. This was the project to rezone property on Silver Bluff Road to permit construction of a Tae Kwan Do facility. Nearby property owners strongly objected and the project was defeated on a 4-3 vote with Mayor Cavanaugh, and Council members Smith, Vaughters and Dewar against approval. The work session was held to determine interest in approving the project if the developer donated a large portion of the land to the City as open space. Those owners, present at the work session, again objected to the project although one neighbor seemed willing to consider the project. According to Council rules the project could not be considered without a motion and two seconds by Council. When Councilman Wells made a motion to place the item on the agenda, it was seconded by Council members Price and Clyburn. Hence, the item will be on our Agenda for First Reading on Monday’s meeting. It is possible that the Developer will not have a tenant for the proposed building which means that any type of business that meets the zoning requirements can build at the site. There will be, however, a restriction as to the number of trips per day that will be allowed so that will ensure there will not be a high-volume business built.

CONVEYING LOTS TO HABITAT – We will have second reading of an Ordinance to convey lots to Habitat. They hope to build three homes each year. The first will be built cooperatively by the Aiken Rotary Club and First Baptist Church.

AMENDMENTS TO LIMITED BUSINESS (LB) ZONE - The Planning Commission has recommended that the Zoning Ordinance be amended for Limited Business zone so that other retail sales or service, which are currently permitted by right, be allowed in the future by Special Exception through the Board of Zoning Appeals. They based this decision on the premise that some retail sales or services may not be appropriate in the LB. zone. Letters were sent to property owners and no responses have been received. We will have Second Reading of this item on Monday night.

$1.5 MILLION LOAN FOR CROSLAND PARK - We will have Second Reading of an Ordinance for a $1.5 million loan for Crosland Park. The City plans on acquiring approximately twenty homes in Crosland Park and totally rehabbing those for future purchase by non-profit corporations and the CDIC. This would permit the City to get started on the Crosland Park project immediately and for certain improvements to be made that could not be made under the normal grant process. The intent is to make these homes as energy efficient as possible, completing all normal renovations that would occur in an older home, plus installing irrigation systems for new grass and shrubbery in the yards. Kim Abney, our Finance Director, and Ben Moore, our Staff Attorney, have developed a short term loan which should be paid back this fall for the $1.5 million. The loan note in our packet authorizes repayment within a five year period, however. I expect the discussion tonight will clarify the disparity.

SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CITY OF AIKEN’S COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE AND TRANSPORTATION PLAN AND TO ADOPT THE 10 YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS ELEMENT. – In 2007 the State Priority Investment Act required that a 10 year Capital Element be adopted as part of our Comprehensive Plan. This plan looks at potential funding for public infrastructure and facilities during the next 10 years and recommends the projects for expenditure for facilities such as water, sewer, and roads. Once this plan is adopted, it would then be coordinated with adjacent and relevant jurisdictions and agencies.

APPROVAL OF ELECTION SCHEDULE – At last Council meeting, the City Election Commission presented a proposed schedule for the City Council election later this year. They also asked at the request of the Aiken County School System that we move the voting location for Precinct 53. Precinct 53 (Hollow Creek) currently votes at Chukker Creek Elementary School and the school has complained about voting traffic during school hours. The proposed location advocated by the City Elections Commission may not be suitable if it places too great a burden on the voter. We also discussed the law regarding the location of precincts relative to where the voters live. Our City Attorney has prepared a paper for our consideration. As currently proposed the opening date for filing is Aug 3 and closing date is Aug 10. The Primary election would be held on September 8 with September 22 selected as a run-off date. Election Day would be on November 3.

APPROVAL OF PUBLIC SAFETY GRANT – Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the City of Aiken is receiving $62,119.82 requiring no matching funds. This funding helps us purchase equipment that we cannot afford through the normal budgetary process. This money comes from the Stimulus Law Enforcement Grant from the Department of Justice.

FIRST READING OF A LEASE AGREEMENT FOR CITY RENTAL PROGRAM – Over the next several weeks, the City of Aiken will be purchasing several homes in Crosland Park that are currently occupied. We need to approve a lease agreement that we could use for renting our property.

SALE OF CONFISCATED WEAPONS – Council will discuss sale of confiscated weapons to registered gun dealers which could net the City from $15,000 to $20,000. Sale of these weapons will comply with all existing laws. Our local Solicitor has stated that we have the authority to sell such weapons.

Brilliant Commentary on Change by Jack DeVine

Thanks to the Aiken Standard for publishing the following brilliant comments.Those who hunger for change should especially heed the advice contained in the last paragraph. To read the column and comment on it go to Aiken Standard


Quote


What's in a word? Political rhetoric changes definitions
4/1/2009 4:23 PM
By JACK DeVINE

Guest columnist

Words are important. They are the foundation and framework of ideas, opinions, judgments, decisions and actions. There may be nothing new about politicians twisting words to make a point, but in this day of blitz communications, it seems to be becoming a fine art, one executed to great effect.

In George Orwell's nightmarish novel "1984," the government used language, called "Newspeak," with words and labels selected to evoke emotions and to prompt desired public reactions. Maybe I'm paranoid, but that seems to be exactly what's going on today.

Here's an example: Fair. During the campaign, candidate Obama patiently explained again and again that it wasn't redistribution of wealth he had in mind, but simply a matter of giving everyone his or her fair share. It's hard to argue with fair. We all like fair - fair play, fair ball, fair weather. Fair is the opposite of foul, or worse unfair, which only evil people want to be.

Many of us wondered at the time how far this could or should go. In tax space, for example, it is simple fact that 5 percent of the people (the wealthy, another touchy new word) already pay 60 percent of the nation's income taxes - and that's after President Bush's detestable "tax cuts for the rich" - while 40 percent of our citizens pay nothing at all. I'm not sure where the foul line is, and I fully support our progressive tax code that calls for people to pay in accord with their ability, but I'm hard pressed to accept the premise that the current split is unfair to the folks whose way is already being paid by others, or that fairness alone dictates that even more be taken from those who already carry most of the load.

As an entirely separate point, it is well established economic principle (and common sense) that an increase in taxes changes the spending and investment behavior of those taxed - and at some point decreases rather than increases tax revenue, which presumably was the whole idea behind raising taxes in the first place. Or maybe it was just to punish the wealthy for being unfair?

The political success of this semantic twist is catching on. Congress is now considering the so-called "Fairness Doctrine," legislation that would have the practical effect - and is intended solely for the purpose of - silencing conservative talk radio because it's just not fair. (Aside from the absurd label, I'm having a tough time sorting out how that squares with the free speech constitutionally protected by the First Amendment.)

An even more incendiary word that we now hear every day is Greed. Greed is a very ugly word. Since kindergarten we've learned to despise greedy people, the ones who take all the candy, who won't share, who hoard, who grab more than their fair share. We are told now that our economic problems are the direct consequence of greedy people, primarily Wall Street types, and that we are now emerging from an Era of Greed and are striving to move to an Era of Responsibility.

I have no doubt that there are greedy characters around who have amassed fortunes at others' expense, and I'm all for applying sensible regulation and enforcement to attack that problem, just as we do with all other brands of criminal or harmful behavior. A problem to be fixed? Certainly. An indictment of our entire economic system? Of capitalism? Of course not.

To be fair, the president's prepared speeches generally include the appropriate qualifiers, as in his inaugural address reference to the "greed and irresponsibility of some." But that constant refrain, hammered again and again by the president and his spokespersons and cheerfully amplified by the media, cements the overall impression that greed and irresponsibility have been the central characteristics, the hallmarks, of our society and that our decades of prosperity have been undeserved and unhealthy. Perhaps President Obama feels it necessary to create that impression in order to tee up the sweeping social and economic changes he wants, but that doesn't make it true.

On the contrary, I believe we are a uniquely responsible and principled nation, fair and extraordinarily generous to our citizens and to the world. That should be our starting point in choosing what to change, what to fix and what to keep.

The writer is a businessman and resident of Aiken.