CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION - On Monday, March 1, 2010, at 7 P.M. City Council has called a special session to receive public comments concerning the next Local Option Sales Tax referendum.
The first sales tax referendum was approved by the voters in 2000. In 2004 the One Cent Sales Tax was renewed by the voters for the next seven years. The City started receiving these funds in 2006 and anticipates the last payment in 2012. Therefore, the City is beginning the process for the next seven year period. Assuming the voters approve the referendum later this year the City should begin to receive the new funds in 2012.
The first Local Option Sales Tax funding lasted for four years due to more funds being received than anticipated due to the growth within our county and other inflationary factors. In 2004 we anticipated a greater inflation factor in our calculation again due to continued growth within the county; however, it appears that instead of seven years the sales tax will be received in six years.
This process is controlled by the County of Aiken. By agreement each entity participating receives an agreed-on percentage of all funds raised. Aiken’s portion of the funds is 28.6%. Aiken County expects to receive $135 million in LOST funds. Accordingly, the City of Aiken will receive approximately $38,600,000 in this next referendum.
At the Aiken Horizons, we heard about the city projects from Public Safety, Planning, Public Works and Recreation. We also discussed that 30% of the total amount of the funds would be allocated for major transportation projects consisting of the widening of Hitchcock Parkway, the first phase of a new road from East Gate Drive to Powderhouse Road, and the widening of University Parkway. NOTE: The City of Aiken, the County of Aiken, and North Augusta agreed that 30% of all monies raised from the Local Option Sales Tax would be allocated to major transportation projects.
At the February 15, 2010, meeting, Council heard from five outside groups that would like to receive funding from the City through this process. Based on the information received from these two meetings, on Monday night Council will be holding a public hearing concerning these projects and to begin the process of determining what projects should be placed on the referendum later this year.
The five projects which have made funding request presentations to City Council are the SPCA, YMCA, Galaxy Youth Center, the Center for African American Center for History, Arts, and Culture, and a USCA Pedestrian Bridge.
We anticipate placing the proposed project list on the agenda at the March 22, 2010, meeting for a vote on the final listing of projects for submittal to the County.
DOWNTOWN PARKING – On Wednesday evening, the City Manager led a meeting of downtown business members and others to discuss parking concerns. Many feel that the current 2 hour limitation is not working and want it eliminated or changed. There was agreement that more disabled parking spots are needed and that there should be some parking reserved for short periods of time such as fifteen or thirty minutes. Beyond these agreements, however no final conclusions were reached. City Council will consider at least two alternatives options at a future meeting. One would change the existing restrictions from two hours to four hours. Another would eliminate all parking restrictions. Public input on this issue has been small so if you feel strongly about the downtown parking issue, please try to come to the Council meeting or alternatively notify members of the City Council about your feelings.
Please feel free to make comments on these issues on the Aiken Journal web site (www.aikenjournal.org).
Foxnews Ticker
Friday, February 26, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Poll: 86 percent say government 'broken' - Andy Barr - POLITICO.com
Interesting Poll taken by CNN. I continue to believe that the only way to fix the system is to establish term limits and get rid of professional pols. The argument against limits is that our elected officials would not have sufficient experience and they would be too dependent upon their staffs most of whom make it a career. The truth is that the pols become dependent on their staffs anyway. In fact too often they become the photogenic ( some exceptions here)megaphone for the staff.
Poll: 86 percent say government 'broken' - Andy Barr - POLITICO.com
Poll: 86 percent say government 'broken' - Andy Barr - POLITICO.com
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Nikki Haley for South Carolina Governor
For those of you who have not yet seen or learned about Nikki Haley I recommend that you check out her website and the several videos that can be found there.
Nikki Haley for South Carolina Governor
Nikki Haley for South Carolina Governor
Friday, February 19, 2010
City Council Update from Dick Dewar
HISTORIC BUILDING TOUR (CELEBRATE AIKEN!): Our next major event to celebrate our 175th is the downtown historic building tour from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Saturday, February 27, 2010. Please make plans to attend.
US CENSUS ROADSHOW will be Sunday, February 21, 2010 from noon to 2:00 p.m. In addition to their mobile display with interactive exhibits, it is strongly rumored that we might just be able to see the Hamburgular and Grimace McDonald’s characters who will hand out coupons, children rides on the No Baloney Pony, and other entertainment. Residents should expect to receive their Census forms in the next several weeks. Please complete these forms as they have significant financial implications for our State and City.
AIKEN’S TOMORROW: Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. at the URS Center for the Performing Arts is the debut of Aiken’s Tomorrow: Local Acts – Global Impacts. This 2010 update of strategic plan provides an interesting glimpse into how Aiken could look in the future, and what projects need to be priority.
WORKPLACE SAFETY IMPROVES: The City of Aiken had an exceptional 2009 year with respect to work place injuries. The City experienced only 18 OSHA recordable injuries in 2009. We averaged 41 OSHA recordable injuries per year over the previous 5 years. Our record has improved over 50%. Our significant improvements can be attributed to many factors. The City places a great emphasis on Safety Training; Work of our Safety Committee; Job Design; Wellness Program and our City Nurse; and the City Risk Management Program. Over the last 8 years, the City of Aiken has placed strong emphasis on our Risk Management Program. Our Risk Manager and Safety Committee members work with every City department to make sure required safety training is done, accidents and injuries are investigated, and any necessary corrections and adjustments are made to avoid similar incidents. We have many staffers who have helped us make the City of Aiken a safer place to work. The City is now saving approximately $490,000 a year from the cost of our Workers’ Compensation premium. This is part of our budget which generates a positive return to taxpayers on an annual basis.
TRAFFIC LIGHT AT EAST PINE LOG AND SOUTH AIKEN BLVD: The City has a letter from SCDOT District Engineering Administrator JoAnn Woodrum about its request for a ‘left turn’ signal at this intersection. SCDOT wants a revised signal plan. Our consultant, Roger Dyer, is preparing this plan, and we anticipate submitting his findings to SCDOT soon.
AGENDA ACCESS ONLINE: Our IT staff has also greatly streamlined access to the online agenda packet at the city website. At the homepage, visitors can simply look under Top Governmental Links and click “Agendas.” IT continues to work on keeping our city website as user friendly as possible.
COMMENDATIONS: Peninsula Homeowner Corporation President Richard D. Evans, Jr. has written a complimentary letter for installation of water at their subdivision entrance sign. Congratulations go to our Public Works Water, Streets, and Drains Division along with Finance for setting up this account.
FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE TO EXPAND THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN NORTH OF TOOLEBECK ROAD: One of the major items that City Council asked the Planning Commission to address on their last Action Agenda was to expand the Comprehensive Plan to the area north of Toolebeck Road. This area is located between Banks Mill Road and US 78 with East Pine Log as the northern boundary and Old Dibble Road approximately as the southern boundary. The area is currently primarily low density residential and the recommendation is to maintain this character. As shown on the future land use map there are a couple of pockets of industrial warehouses along Toolebeck and Woodward Drive and an area along Pine Log Road as commercial. There could be some other retail operations within this area. However, this development would be small in nature. The district is currently made up largely of undeveloped areas and in the future we would expect to see a steady growth with the typical neighborhood type development. The Planning Commission held a work session in December, 2009, with a public hearing in January, 2010. We have advertised that City Council would be receiving this information starting at their February 22, 2010, meeting. At the January, 2010 Planning Commission meeting, they unanimously recommended this Comprehensive Plan to City Council.
FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE TO ANNEX PROPERTY AT 371-373 JEHOSSEE DRIVE: The owners of a 0.18 acre lot at 371-373 Jehossee Drive are requesting annexation for their duplex. The parcel is contiguous to the City through the Governor Aiken Park neighborhood. The proposed RS-8 zoning is compatible with the other properties within this area although the lot is just slightly smaller than the minimum 8,000 square feet. However, it does exceed the 70 foot minimum lot width as proposed in the RS-8 zone. All other aspects within the proposed zone are consistent with the Comprehensive Land Use Plan which recommends low density residential. The Planning Commission also recommends that the right of way of Jehossee Drive be included in the annexation. At their February 9, 2010 meeting they unanimously recommended approval of the annexation of this property with no conditions.
COMMERCIAL GARBAGE: At the Horizons Retreat, City Council discussed the possibility of eliminating the city commercial garbage service. In 2008 the City began a three year plan to decrease the revenue shortfall by making it self funding. We have adjusted the rates by approximately $85,000 during each of the last two years, and we are recommending approximately the same increase this year. To complete this adjustment we are recommending keeping the rates at $48.27 for each service trip and raising the rate from $5.20 to $6.60 for each cubic yard collected. There are four private companies currently serving commercial garbage in the City of Aiken. These are Advanced Waste Disposal, Waste Management, Curry's Sanitation and Tyler's Sanitation. When the City of Aiken began its commercial garbage service over 40 years ago, there were essentially no local providers for commercial garbage. Currently our costs for garbage service for an 8 yard container once a week is the least expensive. However, as shown below after the proposed increase, the City will be more expensive than two of the current providers. As more individuals/companies seek alternate services, this will decrease the number of customers the City provides service to and would require more increases to maintain the service at a break-even level.
Haulers Cost
Advance Waste $92.00
Tyler 95.00
City of Aiken 101.07
Curry 118.00
Waste Management 155.00
An alternative to providing commercial garbage would be the elimination of this service. If the City eliminated this service, the money which is currently in the Depreciation Fund could be used for other capital projects and equipment purchases. Personnel in the division would be reassigned to other positions through normal attrition. If the City ceases commercial garbage service, we recommend ending it in the next 90 to 180 days. If City Council would like to consider eliminating the service from next year's budget, we would recommend placing this on the March 8th agenda as first reading. Meanwhile we would notify by mail all of our current customers that Council is considering elimination of this service.
ACCESSORY BUILDINGS: At our last City Council meeting Councilmember Wells asked staff to review the current regulations concerning accessory buildings. In 2005 the Planning Commission over a several month period reviewed the then current accessory building regulations and recommended seven changes as follows:
1. An accessory building would be allowed in a rear yard as well as a side yard but can be no closer to the street right of way than the principal building on the lot.
2. In a residential zone or the LP and LB zones no accessory building could be closer to a street right of way than the plane of the front wall of the principal building on an adjacent lot. This provision would prevent an accessory building from being next to the front yard of a neighboring
lot, which becomes more likely if such buildings are allowed in the side yard.
3. An accessory building would be allowed three feet from the property line instead of the current 10 feet;
4. The height of the accessory building could be not greater than the principal building.
5. The floor area of all accessory buildings could not exceed 50% of the heated gross floor area of the principal building;
6. A swimming pool on a lot occupied by a single family dwelling would have to comply with the same setback and location provisions as accessory buildings where they do not now; also, a definition of swimming pool has been added.
7. Shipping containers cannot be used for storage except in the industrial zones.
All of the above were approved by Council at the October 24, 2005, meeting except for item
No. 3. As you will see from the minutes of those meetings, it was decided by Council not to allow an accessory building to be placed by right within 3 feet of the property line, but to keep it at10 feet.
We have two concerns about a blanket approval of buildings within 3 feet of the property lines. First, the International Building Code states that a building storing combustible material and over 6 feet in height should be at least 10 feet from the property line. Secondly, if less than 10 feet
from the property line we need to ascertain there are no buried utility lines.
RESOLUTION FOR NEW STRATEGY FOR NUCLEAR WASTE: As most of you are aware, the Federal Government has decided to abandon Yucca Mountain as the depository of defense nuclear waste and commercial spent nuclear fuel. Our community has supported the Savannah River Site for many years and will continue to do so in the future. Several years ago the Federal Government pledged that commercial spent nuclear fuel and high level defense waste would be permanently stored at Yucca Mountain in Nevada. We have attached a resolution, which the Savannah River Site Community Reuse Organization is asking all political entities to approve, strongly objecting to the government's decision to abandon Yucca Mountain. By abandoning Yucca Mountain, it means that the Savannah River Site may become a permanent repository for nuclear waste, and it is felt that permanent storage of nuclear waste is not compatible for our community. Through this resolution we are asking the Federal Government and the Department of Energy to continue development of Yucca Mountain for disposal of all nuclear waste.
US CENSUS ROADSHOW will be Sunday, February 21, 2010 from noon to 2:00 p.m. In addition to their mobile display with interactive exhibits, it is strongly rumored that we might just be able to see the Hamburgular and Grimace McDonald’s characters who will hand out coupons, children rides on the No Baloney Pony, and other entertainment. Residents should expect to receive their Census forms in the next several weeks. Please complete these forms as they have significant financial implications for our State and City.
AIKEN’S TOMORROW: Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. at the URS Center for the Performing Arts is the debut of Aiken’s Tomorrow: Local Acts – Global Impacts. This 2010 update of strategic plan provides an interesting glimpse into how Aiken could look in the future, and what projects need to be priority.
WORKPLACE SAFETY IMPROVES: The City of Aiken had an exceptional 2009 year with respect to work place injuries. The City experienced only 18 OSHA recordable injuries in 2009. We averaged 41 OSHA recordable injuries per year over the previous 5 years. Our record has improved over 50%. Our significant improvements can be attributed to many factors. The City places a great emphasis on Safety Training; Work of our Safety Committee; Job Design; Wellness Program and our City Nurse; and the City Risk Management Program. Over the last 8 years, the City of Aiken has placed strong emphasis on our Risk Management Program. Our Risk Manager and Safety Committee members work with every City department to make sure required safety training is done, accidents and injuries are investigated, and any necessary corrections and adjustments are made to avoid similar incidents. We have many staffers who have helped us make the City of Aiken a safer place to work. The City is now saving approximately $490,000 a year from the cost of our Workers’ Compensation premium. This is part of our budget which generates a positive return to taxpayers on an annual basis.
TRAFFIC LIGHT AT EAST PINE LOG AND SOUTH AIKEN BLVD: The City has a letter from SCDOT District Engineering Administrator JoAnn Woodrum about its request for a ‘left turn’ signal at this intersection. SCDOT wants a revised signal plan. Our consultant, Roger Dyer, is preparing this plan, and we anticipate submitting his findings to SCDOT soon.
AGENDA ACCESS ONLINE: Our IT staff has also greatly streamlined access to the online agenda packet at the city website. At the homepage, visitors can simply look under Top Governmental Links and click “Agendas.” IT continues to work on keeping our city website as user friendly as possible.
COMMENDATIONS: Peninsula Homeowner Corporation President Richard D. Evans, Jr. has written a complimentary letter for installation of water at their subdivision entrance sign. Congratulations go to our Public Works Water, Streets, and Drains Division along with Finance for setting up this account.
FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE TO EXPAND THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN NORTH OF TOOLEBECK ROAD: One of the major items that City Council asked the Planning Commission to address on their last Action Agenda was to expand the Comprehensive Plan to the area north of Toolebeck Road. This area is located between Banks Mill Road and US 78 with East Pine Log as the northern boundary and Old Dibble Road approximately as the southern boundary. The area is currently primarily low density residential and the recommendation is to maintain this character. As shown on the future land use map there are a couple of pockets of industrial warehouses along Toolebeck and Woodward Drive and an area along Pine Log Road as commercial. There could be some other retail operations within this area. However, this development would be small in nature. The district is currently made up largely of undeveloped areas and in the future we would expect to see a steady growth with the typical neighborhood type development. The Planning Commission held a work session in December, 2009, with a public hearing in January, 2010. We have advertised that City Council would be receiving this information starting at their February 22, 2010, meeting. At the January, 2010 Planning Commission meeting, they unanimously recommended this Comprehensive Plan to City Council.
FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE TO ANNEX PROPERTY AT 371-373 JEHOSSEE DRIVE: The owners of a 0.18 acre lot at 371-373 Jehossee Drive are requesting annexation for their duplex. The parcel is contiguous to the City through the Governor Aiken Park neighborhood. The proposed RS-8 zoning is compatible with the other properties within this area although the lot is just slightly smaller than the minimum 8,000 square feet. However, it does exceed the 70 foot minimum lot width as proposed in the RS-8 zone. All other aspects within the proposed zone are consistent with the Comprehensive Land Use Plan which recommends low density residential. The Planning Commission also recommends that the right of way of Jehossee Drive be included in the annexation. At their February 9, 2010 meeting they unanimously recommended approval of the annexation of this property with no conditions.
COMMERCIAL GARBAGE: At the Horizons Retreat, City Council discussed the possibility of eliminating the city commercial garbage service. In 2008 the City began a three year plan to decrease the revenue shortfall by making it self funding. We have adjusted the rates by approximately $85,000 during each of the last two years, and we are recommending approximately the same increase this year. To complete this adjustment we are recommending keeping the rates at $48.27 for each service trip and raising the rate from $5.20 to $6.60 for each cubic yard collected. There are four private companies currently serving commercial garbage in the City of Aiken. These are Advanced Waste Disposal, Waste Management, Curry's Sanitation and Tyler's Sanitation. When the City of Aiken began its commercial garbage service over 40 years ago, there were essentially no local providers for commercial garbage. Currently our costs for garbage service for an 8 yard container once a week is the least expensive. However, as shown below after the proposed increase, the City will be more expensive than two of the current providers. As more individuals/companies seek alternate services, this will decrease the number of customers the City provides service to and would require more increases to maintain the service at a break-even level.
Haulers Cost
Advance Waste $92.00
Tyler 95.00
City of Aiken 101.07
Curry 118.00
Waste Management 155.00
An alternative to providing commercial garbage would be the elimination of this service. If the City eliminated this service, the money which is currently in the Depreciation Fund could be used for other capital projects and equipment purchases. Personnel in the division would be reassigned to other positions through normal attrition. If the City ceases commercial garbage service, we recommend ending it in the next 90 to 180 days. If City Council would like to consider eliminating the service from next year's budget, we would recommend placing this on the March 8th agenda as first reading. Meanwhile we would notify by mail all of our current customers that Council is considering elimination of this service.
ACCESSORY BUILDINGS: At our last City Council meeting Councilmember Wells asked staff to review the current regulations concerning accessory buildings. In 2005 the Planning Commission over a several month period reviewed the then current accessory building regulations and recommended seven changes as follows:
1. An accessory building would be allowed in a rear yard as well as a side yard but can be no closer to the street right of way than the principal building on the lot.
2. In a residential zone or the LP and LB zones no accessory building could be closer to a street right of way than the plane of the front wall of the principal building on an adjacent lot. This provision would prevent an accessory building from being next to the front yard of a neighboring
lot, which becomes more likely if such buildings are allowed in the side yard.
3. An accessory building would be allowed three feet from the property line instead of the current 10 feet;
4. The height of the accessory building could be not greater than the principal building.
5. The floor area of all accessory buildings could not exceed 50% of the heated gross floor area of the principal building;
6. A swimming pool on a lot occupied by a single family dwelling would have to comply with the same setback and location provisions as accessory buildings where they do not now; also, a definition of swimming pool has been added.
7. Shipping containers cannot be used for storage except in the industrial zones.
All of the above were approved by Council at the October 24, 2005, meeting except for item
No. 3. As you will see from the minutes of those meetings, it was decided by Council not to allow an accessory building to be placed by right within 3 feet of the property line, but to keep it at10 feet.
We have two concerns about a blanket approval of buildings within 3 feet of the property lines. First, the International Building Code states that a building storing combustible material and over 6 feet in height should be at least 10 feet from the property line. Secondly, if less than 10 feet
from the property line we need to ascertain there are no buried utility lines.
RESOLUTION FOR NEW STRATEGY FOR NUCLEAR WASTE: As most of you are aware, the Federal Government has decided to abandon Yucca Mountain as the depository of defense nuclear waste and commercial spent nuclear fuel. Our community has supported the Savannah River Site for many years and will continue to do so in the future. Several years ago the Federal Government pledged that commercial spent nuclear fuel and high level defense waste would be permanently stored at Yucca Mountain in Nevada. We have attached a resolution, which the Savannah River Site Community Reuse Organization is asking all political entities to approve, strongly objecting to the government's decision to abandon Yucca Mountain. By abandoning Yucca Mountain, it means that the Savannah River Site may become a permanent repository for nuclear waste, and it is felt that permanent storage of nuclear waste is not compatible for our community. Through this resolution we are asking the Federal Government and the Department of Energy to continue development of Yucca Mountain for disposal of all nuclear waste.
Monday, February 15, 2010
City Council Update from Dick Dewar
City Council will be holding a special meeting on Monday, February 15, 2010, starting at 5 P.M. to hear presentations from various entities who will be asking the City for funding through the next One Cents Sales Tax.
The Public is invited to attend and will have an opportunity to speak on any issue.
The first presentation on behalf of the Aiken Corporation Railroad Depot Project will be made by Tim Simmons and Wade Brodie. The second presentation on behalf of the SPCA New Building Project will be made by Barbara Nelson and Bob White. The third presentation on behalf of the USCA Pedestrian Bridge Project will be made by Chancellor Tom Hallman. The fourth presentation on behalf of the Family Y New Facility will be made by Danny McConnel. The fifth presentation on behalf of the Galaxi Youth Center will be made by Paster Bill Jefferson. The final presentation on behalf of the Center for Aftican American History, Art, and Culture will be made by Rev. Doug Slaughter and Executive Director JoAnne Saunders.
After completion of this part of the process, City Council will finalize our list of projects to be submitted to the appointed Commission for final review and approval.
The Public is invited to attend and will have an opportunity to speak on any issue.
The first presentation on behalf of the Aiken Corporation Railroad Depot Project will be made by Tim Simmons and Wade Brodie. The second presentation on behalf of the SPCA New Building Project will be made by Barbara Nelson and Bob White. The third presentation on behalf of the USCA Pedestrian Bridge Project will be made by Chancellor Tom Hallman. The fourth presentation on behalf of the Family Y New Facility will be made by Danny McConnel. The fifth presentation on behalf of the Galaxi Youth Center will be made by Paster Bill Jefferson. The final presentation on behalf of the Center for Aftican American History, Art, and Culture will be made by Rev. Doug Slaughter and Executive Director JoAnne Saunders.
After completion of this part of the process, City Council will finalize our list of projects to be submitted to the appointed Commission for final review and approval.
Friday, February 5, 2010
City Council Update from Dick Dewar
EQUINE COMMITTEE: has its follow up meeting on manure disposal issues Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. in Room 204 of City Hall.
THE PARKWAY BIORETENTION AND PROJECT RAIN GARDEN dedication is set for 10:30 a.m. Thursday, February 18, 2010 in the Conference Center. Dr. Gene Eidson, along with representatives from Clemson, EPA, DHEC and others will be on hand to hear about our parkway bioretention, bioswale, and rain garden project.
US CENSUS ROADSHOW will be Sunday, February 21, 2010 from noon to 2:00 p.m. In addition to their mobile display with interactive exhibits, it is strongly rumored that we might just be able to see the Hamburgular and Grimace McDonald’s characters who will hand out coupons, children rides on the No Baloney Pony, and other entertainment.
HISTORIC BUILDING TOUR (CELEBRATE AIKEN!) Our next major event to celebrate our 175th is the downtown historic building tour from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Saturday, February 27, 2010. Please make plans to attend.
COMMENDATION: Public Safety Director Pete Frommer reports that Officer Matt Comer saved a citizen’s life recently at Applebee’s restaurant. When one of the customers fainted, Matt rendered aid and E911 was called. He was then assisted by Public Safety officers Moore and Spann as well as Driver Operator Willing administering CPR to this citizen. With these efforts this person regained a pulse and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit for observation. Our officers continue to render critical emergency aid to our citizens in all types of situations-- Just one of the very valuable community services they gladly provide.
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF DEED OF DEDICATION FOR WOODS END WAY: Woods End Way is a small development off the By-pass and just north of Fox Chase. The land was originally annexed into the city by the Aiken Preparatory School with the understanding that they would eventually build a new school at this location. As plans changed they decided not to relocate. Instead they sold this property, leaving a portion dedicated as open space adjoining Hitchcock Woods and the rest for development. The developer has completed the roads and other infrastructure and would like to deed this to the City of Aiken. We have reviewed the infrastructure in this development and are recommending its acceptance.
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF DEED OF DEDICATION FOR PAWNEE STREET EXTENSION AT HITCHCOCK PLAZA: As City Council is aware the City of Aiken is building a new roadway from Pawnee to Neilson. This will connect Pine Log Road to Dougherty Road as a cut through to several of the shopping areas in between. The owners of two of the properties have given us a portion of their property for this new roadway. This deed of dedication is the acceptance of this property for us to establish the roadway thereon.
APPROVAL OF NAMING RIGHTS FOR WASHINGTON CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS: In 2002 the City of Aiken completed the performing arts theater on Newberry. Due to a large donation from the Washington Company we allowed them to name the outside of the theater as the Washington Center for the Performing Arts. Since that time Washington has sold their interest to URS, and they in turn are asking that the building be renamed the URS Center for the Performing Arts. We have reviewed our agreements concerning the theater and see no reason why it cannot be named the URS Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets for this season's productions for both the Playhouse and Aiken Performing Arts Group have listings under the Washington Center for the Performing Arts. Therefore, if Council approves this name change, we ask that this be subject to working with these two groups through the end of their performance season.
APPROVAL OF USE OF TIF FUNDS: In 1995 City Council approved a TIF District which allowed for improvements to the downtown and surrounding areas. These improvements consist of new streetscape, economic development, Public Safety presence, lighting, land acquisition, and other items to improve the core area of our city. Earlier this year we paid off the remaining portion of that loan and will have approximately $800,000 remaining by the end of this year. We would like City Council to consider approval of a portion of this funding for the final land payment for the expansion of the Municipal Building at the corner of Newberry and The Alley and the transfer of $239,000 back to the Open Space account used to purchase the park at the northeast corner of York and Richland. The remaining $300,000 can be used for a variety of projects which we will bring back to City Council at a later date.
APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL GOALS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010-2011: At the recent Horizons Retreat on January 29 and 30, 2010, City Council selected various goals for the next fiscal year July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011. These goals are presented on the attached sheet and are separated into Short Terms Goals and Continuing Goals and will be included as part of our next budget.
CITY COUNCIL SHORT-TERM AND CONTINUING GOALS FOR 2010-2011
SHORT-TERM GOALS
1. Update the City strategic plan and develop new ideas to enhance our Historic, Family,
Business, and Green Cities.
2. Begin construction of the Dougherty Road connector to Publix Center.
3. Select capital improvement projects that are appropriate for the next Local Option
Sales Tax [LOST] City list. Finalize a date for them to be put on a ballot for public
vote.
4. Continue the City Succession Management program. Identify in-house talented staff
members who wish to advance their management career paths. Encourage program
participation by minority staffers.
5. Continue to provide public access to City information and documents.
6. Pursue establishing a youth activity center and establish a focus group to monitor its
progress.
7. Identify appropriate procedures and projects to strengthen the integrity of our utility
infrastructure. Develop a timeline for inspections, repair, maintenance, replacement,
and installation of new and improved utility infrastructure.
8. Develop workable strategies for preserving our equestrian areas, including larger
parcels held in trust.
CONTINUING GOALS
1. As part of developing an overall strategy for abating Sand River storm drainage
problems in Hitchcock Woods, pursue installations of bioretention, bioswale, rain
garden, and other stormwater-run-off containment measures. Also continue to study
other projects that will work in tandem with these installations.
2. In Edgewood Subdivision, begin construction of new homes. Seek opportunities for
purchasing property in Toole Hill, Pinecrest, and other Northside Revitalization target
areas.
3. Support current and future missions of the Savannah River Site through annual visits
to Washington and by receiving periodic updates on Site missions and plans.
4. Support and strengthen the continuing Character First program by encouraging employees to attend the monthly City Character meetings. Encourage local businesses to adopt and implement this program at their work places for their supervisors, employees, administrators, and other staff.
5. Continue strategies to redevelop and stabilize Crosland Park.
6. Expand the City Wellness Initiative with appropriate public initiatives. Encourage
our citizens toward better health.
SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE TO ANNEX PROPERTY AT 119 SMALLRIDGE STREET: The owner of the property at 119 Smallridge Street consisting of a .25 acre lot and a single family home would like to annex to the city under the RS-10 zoning. The property is contiguous to the City of Aiken on two sides and is near our Fire Station No. 2. Several properties in this area have annexed in the past decade. The owners of this property are seeking city services in the future. The Planning Commission at their January 12, 2010, meeting unanimously approved this annexation.
SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE TO REZONE PROPERTY AND TO APPROVE A CONCEPT PLAN FOR THE SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH ON DUPONT DRIVE: The Second Baptist Church owns a 40 acre tract of which 16.71 acres behind Aiken High School is zoned RS-8 Residential Single Family. Last month City Council approved a plan to construct a Senior Citizen Apartment building along with an Adult Care Facility in this area. In order to accommodate these units the property needs to be rezoned from RS-8 to Planned Residential. Under the Planned Residential zone City Council can require whatever details they would like and in turn allows the developer to have a higher number of dwelling units. The apartment building will have a maximum of 50 units for seniors and a 3,600 square foot adult day care facility. The two developments are consistent with our Planned Residential zone, and the City will be constructing a regional detention pond in this area not only for this property but for the property to the north and east of this area. A traffic study is not needed because of the current level of service on Dupont Drive and the amount of traffic to be generated by this development.
AGENDA FOR FEB 8, 2010 CITY COUNCIL MEETING: http://www.cityofaikensc.gov/WebLink8/DocView.aspx?id=117204.
THE PARKWAY BIORETENTION AND PROJECT RAIN GARDEN dedication is set for 10:30 a.m. Thursday, February 18, 2010 in the Conference Center. Dr. Gene Eidson, along with representatives from Clemson, EPA, DHEC and others will be on hand to hear about our parkway bioretention, bioswale, and rain garden project.
US CENSUS ROADSHOW will be Sunday, February 21, 2010 from noon to 2:00 p.m. In addition to their mobile display with interactive exhibits, it is strongly rumored that we might just be able to see the Hamburgular and Grimace McDonald’s characters who will hand out coupons, children rides on the No Baloney Pony, and other entertainment.
HISTORIC BUILDING TOUR (CELEBRATE AIKEN!) Our next major event to celebrate our 175th is the downtown historic building tour from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Saturday, February 27, 2010. Please make plans to attend.
COMMENDATION: Public Safety Director Pete Frommer reports that Officer Matt Comer saved a citizen’s life recently at Applebee’s restaurant. When one of the customers fainted, Matt rendered aid and E911 was called. He was then assisted by Public Safety officers Moore and Spann as well as Driver Operator Willing administering CPR to this citizen. With these efforts this person regained a pulse and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit for observation. Our officers continue to render critical emergency aid to our citizens in all types of situations-- Just one of the very valuable community services they gladly provide.
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF DEED OF DEDICATION FOR WOODS END WAY: Woods End Way is a small development off the By-pass and just north of Fox Chase. The land was originally annexed into the city by the Aiken Preparatory School with the understanding that they would eventually build a new school at this location. As plans changed they decided not to relocate. Instead they sold this property, leaving a portion dedicated as open space adjoining Hitchcock Woods and the rest for development. The developer has completed the roads and other infrastructure and would like to deed this to the City of Aiken. We have reviewed the infrastructure in this development and are recommending its acceptance.
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF DEED OF DEDICATION FOR PAWNEE STREET EXTENSION AT HITCHCOCK PLAZA: As City Council is aware the City of Aiken is building a new roadway from Pawnee to Neilson. This will connect Pine Log Road to Dougherty Road as a cut through to several of the shopping areas in between. The owners of two of the properties have given us a portion of their property for this new roadway. This deed of dedication is the acceptance of this property for us to establish the roadway thereon.
APPROVAL OF NAMING RIGHTS FOR WASHINGTON CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS: In 2002 the City of Aiken completed the performing arts theater on Newberry. Due to a large donation from the Washington Company we allowed them to name the outside of the theater as the Washington Center for the Performing Arts. Since that time Washington has sold their interest to URS, and they in turn are asking that the building be renamed the URS Center for the Performing Arts. We have reviewed our agreements concerning the theater and see no reason why it cannot be named the URS Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets for this season's productions for both the Playhouse and Aiken Performing Arts Group have listings under the Washington Center for the Performing Arts. Therefore, if Council approves this name change, we ask that this be subject to working with these two groups through the end of their performance season.
APPROVAL OF USE OF TIF FUNDS: In 1995 City Council approved a TIF District which allowed for improvements to the downtown and surrounding areas. These improvements consist of new streetscape, economic development, Public Safety presence, lighting, land acquisition, and other items to improve the core area of our city. Earlier this year we paid off the remaining portion of that loan and will have approximately $800,000 remaining by the end of this year. We would like City Council to consider approval of a portion of this funding for the final land payment for the expansion of the Municipal Building at the corner of Newberry and The Alley and the transfer of $239,000 back to the Open Space account used to purchase the park at the northeast corner of York and Richland. The remaining $300,000 can be used for a variety of projects which we will bring back to City Council at a later date.
APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL GOALS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010-2011: At the recent Horizons Retreat on January 29 and 30, 2010, City Council selected various goals for the next fiscal year July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011. These goals are presented on the attached sheet and are separated into Short Terms Goals and Continuing Goals and will be included as part of our next budget.
CITY COUNCIL SHORT-TERM AND CONTINUING GOALS FOR 2010-2011
SHORT-TERM GOALS
1. Update the City strategic plan and develop new ideas to enhance our Historic, Family,
Business, and Green Cities.
2. Begin construction of the Dougherty Road connector to Publix Center.
3. Select capital improvement projects that are appropriate for the next Local Option
Sales Tax [LOST] City list. Finalize a date for them to be put on a ballot for public
vote.
4. Continue the City Succession Management program. Identify in-house talented staff
members who wish to advance their management career paths. Encourage program
participation by minority staffers.
5. Continue to provide public access to City information and documents.
6. Pursue establishing a youth activity center and establish a focus group to monitor its
progress.
7. Identify appropriate procedures and projects to strengthen the integrity of our utility
infrastructure. Develop a timeline for inspections, repair, maintenance, replacement,
and installation of new and improved utility infrastructure.
8. Develop workable strategies for preserving our equestrian areas, including larger
parcels held in trust.
CONTINUING GOALS
1. As part of developing an overall strategy for abating Sand River storm drainage
problems in Hitchcock Woods, pursue installations of bioretention, bioswale, rain
garden, and other stormwater-run-off containment measures. Also continue to study
other projects that will work in tandem with these installations.
2. In Edgewood Subdivision, begin construction of new homes. Seek opportunities for
purchasing property in Toole Hill, Pinecrest, and other Northside Revitalization target
areas.
3. Support current and future missions of the Savannah River Site through annual visits
to Washington and by receiving periodic updates on Site missions and plans.
4. Support and strengthen the continuing Character First program by encouraging employees to attend the monthly City Character meetings. Encourage local businesses to adopt and implement this program at their work places for their supervisors, employees, administrators, and other staff.
5. Continue strategies to redevelop and stabilize Crosland Park.
6. Expand the City Wellness Initiative with appropriate public initiatives. Encourage
our citizens toward better health.
SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE TO ANNEX PROPERTY AT 119 SMALLRIDGE STREET: The owner of the property at 119 Smallridge Street consisting of a .25 acre lot and a single family home would like to annex to the city under the RS-10 zoning. The property is contiguous to the City of Aiken on two sides and is near our Fire Station No. 2. Several properties in this area have annexed in the past decade. The owners of this property are seeking city services in the future. The Planning Commission at their January 12, 2010, meeting unanimously approved this annexation.
SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE TO REZONE PROPERTY AND TO APPROVE A CONCEPT PLAN FOR THE SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH ON DUPONT DRIVE: The Second Baptist Church owns a 40 acre tract of which 16.71 acres behind Aiken High School is zoned RS-8 Residential Single Family. Last month City Council approved a plan to construct a Senior Citizen Apartment building along with an Adult Care Facility in this area. In order to accommodate these units the property needs to be rezoned from RS-8 to Planned Residential. Under the Planned Residential zone City Council can require whatever details they would like and in turn allows the developer to have a higher number of dwelling units. The apartment building will have a maximum of 50 units for seniors and a 3,600 square foot adult day care facility. The two developments are consistent with our Planned Residential zone, and the City will be constructing a regional detention pond in this area not only for this property but for the property to the north and east of this area. A traffic study is not needed because of the current level of service on Dupont Drive and the amount of traffic to be generated by this development.
AGENDA FOR FEB 8, 2010 CITY COUNCIL MEETING: http://www.cityofaikensc.gov/WebLink8/DocView.aspx?id=117204.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Nikki Haley for Governor
Just in case you were not able to watch the Debate here are Nikki's opening remarks on why she is running. In my opinion she won this debate as well as the one in Aiken. For more information about Nikki Haley go to http://www.nikkihaley.com/
Monday, February 1, 2010
Statehouse Representative Tom Young
SC District 81 Representative Tom Young is doing a very good job of keeping his constituents informed. He does frequent updates by email and on his website. To read the latest news go here. It would be very useful for us if all members of the Aiken delegation followed Tom's example.
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