There was a significant interest last nights meeting so for that reason; I am sending this brief summary of what transpired. I also want make reader’s aware that some of these items were discussed and passed without any input from the public. We did have several comments from the public on the LOST allocations, but no input in the George’s Lake developers agreement, purchase of George’s Lake, the Newberry Street Fountain, the new medical complex at Woodside or the ordinance changes regarding accessory buildings. We make better decisions when the public is involved.
LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX FUNDING - Prior to last nights Council Meeting, I had nearly a dozen emails regarding the Local Options Sales Tax (LOST) allocations. This turned out to be more challenging than anticipated because of a misunderstanding on the part of Council. We were told that the County Tax Committee had voted to eliminate the money allocated to the African-American Center, the Teen Center, SPCA, and the YMCA. Our only task based on this information was to allocate the additional $6 million made available from Aiken County.
This turned out not to be the case. Wade Brodie, our appointee to the County Tax Committee told us that no vote to remove the four projects mentioned above had been taken and would not be taken until the Tax Committee met on July 6th. At this point we then allocated the $6M as follows:
1. $500 thousand to the Open Space Fund restoring this category to $1M.
2. $3.3 million for a Senior/Youth Center. The City Manager assures us that this enough to build the facility.
3. $1.0 million to be added to the Water/Sewer Infrastructure bring this item to a total of $8.095M. This is still not enough money to complete all needed projects in this category, but it will make a major effort in reducing the backlog.
4. $200 thousand for the Railroad Depot (4-3 Vote)
5. $500 thousand for the Powderhouse Road Connector.
6. $500K for new sidewalks (Schools). This is in addition to the $500 thousand that the City Manager had requested for this item.
If the County Tax Committee removes all non-government projects from the City list, we will need to reallocate a total of $2.45 million at our next Council meeting on July 12.
APPROVAL OF DEVELOPER’S AGREEMENT FOR REGIONAL RETENTION POND – This item passed on a 5-2 vote with Steve Homoki and me voting no. I still think this was too good a deal for the developer and would have preferred some changes in the agreement as well as an additional appraisal.
PURCHASE OF PROPERTY FOR A REGIONAL RETENTION POND – This also passed by a 5-2 vote for the same reasons mentioned above. It does not seem, in my opinion, a prudent use of taxpayer’s money to pay such a large sum for this kind of property.
DISCUSSION OF A COMMERCIAL GARBAGE EXIT STRATEGY – At our next Council meeting we will approve the elimination of commercial garbage service for most of the City.
APPROVAL OF WORK ON NEWBERRY STREET FOUNTAIN – This item was approved unanimously
FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE THE ANNEXATION AND CONCEPT PLAN FOR WOODSIDE PROFESSIONAL SUITES – This item was approved on a 6-1 vote. I voted against the proposal because of concerns about traffic entering this complex from Silver Bluff Road.
FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE CONCERNING ACCESSORY BUILDINGS – This item was approved on a 6-1 vote. I voted against passage, but may support the ordinance at second reading based on further research.
FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE REVISING RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR TRESPASS NOTICE – This item passed unanimously.
THE AIKEN JOURNAL-Covering Politics in Aiken, South Carolina,the Nation and sometimes the World.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
City Council Update from Dick Dewar
APPROVAL OF DEVELOPER’S AGREEMENT FOR REGIONAL RETENTION POND – In the early 1990s, local media covered the significant flooding experienced in the Powderhouse Road and College Acres area. Since that time, we have been exploring best practices to abate this storm water runoff. Over the last several months, we have been in negotiations with John and Ruth George about the City's potential purchase of a 5.35 acre tract of land they own in order to construct a regional detention pond. This pond would be expanded at its current location to meet all applicable stormwater standards. Since it is visible to Whiskey Road businesses, we will ensure a tasteful installation through the planting of appropriate material and a wood chip base walking trail.
We believe this installation, with a basic spray fountain feature, will alleviate storm water pooling on Whiskey Road and Powderhouse Roads. This regional pond is the best method to handle water runoff for the drainage basin area of approximately 300 acres.
As you will see in Larry's (Larry Morris, Public Works Director) attached memo, we anticipate future developers to reimburse the City for our costs on a prorata basis if their development will utilize this regional detention pond. The Georges are reserving the right to utilize this detention pond if they develop the remainder of their adjacent tract, which totals about 6.36 acres.
We have had this property appraised. The 5.35 acres was appraised for $321,000. The Georges have indicated they will accept this amount.
PURCHASE OF PROPERTY FOR A REGIONAL RETENTION POND – City Council previously approved the developer’s agreement covering the construction of a regional detention pond currently known as George's Pond. We request Council's approval of the attached purchase and sale agreement which allows the City to purchase this 5.35 acre property for the appraised price of $321,000.
DISCUSSION OF A COMMERCIAL GARBAGE EXIT STRATEGY – Last month City Council discussed possible scenarios concerning the ending of our commercial garbage service. Our Public Works Department has laid out three different strategies that we could utilize for this exit.
Strategy 1 involves the City maintaining some control of the garbage service in the downtown area.
Strategy 2 concerns the remaining 300 customers, their dumpsters, and the trucks that we are currently using to service these accounts. You had asked us to solicit requests for proposals for all of these accounts. If an acceptable proposal is not received the current customers could then be given a specified period of time to find a new hauler and our equipment would then be sold.
Strategy 3 involves the collection of our garbage at the various city buildings.
We would like to get Council's input on these three strategies as we continue to see a reduction in the number of commercial accounts within the city.
APPROVAL OF WORK ON NEWBERRY STREET FOUNTAIN – A couple of months ago, City Council heard a report from the Aiken Arts Commission concerning the fountain on Newberry Street. A sub-committee was developed and after receiving their recommendation the Arts Commission asked Commissioners Lattimore and Thomas to present a plan to City Council. This plan was presented at a work session on April 12, 2010. They have now developed renderings of the William Aiken statue seated on a bench near the fountain. Attached is the suggested wording that will appear on the plaque. Some other suggested improvements include:
1. Remove the pavers in the immediate area around the fountain to provide more green space.
2. Enhance plantings around the fountain and arbor and add irrigation to these plantings.
3. Stain the exterior of the fountain a darker color.
4. Add an inner tier so a planter could be established inside the outside wall of the fountain.
5. Add benches around the fountain, one for the William Aiken statue and others for patrons to rest upon.
6. As funding becomes available, we plan to up light the festival area.
The estimates for the renovations would be approximately $10,000. The cost of the statue of William Aiken is estimated at $25,000. A corporation has agreed to pay for the cost of the statue up to $25,000 and would soon be recognized through a news release if Council accepts their donation. At the proper time a plaque would be placed near the statue recognizing William Aiken and their contribution.
APPROVAL AND MODIFICATION OF LOCAL SALES TAX MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING – At the April 26, 2010 City Council meeting, Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding that listed projects for the One Cent Sales Tax totaling $38.6 million. On June 14, 2010, the County appointed Local Option Sales Tax Committee voted not to include any LOST projects for agencies that are not a part of the City or the County. At that meeting they voted not to include the non-city projects originally in the City of Aiken’s Local Option Sales Tax Memorandum of Understanding. These included the SPCA ($1,000,000), the African-American Arts, History, and Cultural Center ($350,000), the Galaxi Teen Center ($500,000), and the YMCA ($400,000). Since they did not approve these projects, the City needs to re-allocate the funding from these projects by increasing the funding for projects already approved, adding new projects, or reconsidering some of the projects that you did not originally approve.
I have attached the original request for funding, what you approved at the April 26, 2010, meeting and a proposed budget for your consideration. The only new project that was added to this list was for a City Animal Control Shelter since the SPCA will be discontinuing operations at their current location. Additionally, the committee also stated that the City of Aiken will receive approximately $6 million in supplemental funding from the proposed Local Option Sales Tax. Therefore, we need to consider how these supplemental funds will be utilized. I would suggest that the City consider adding funding in the amount of $3.5 million for a recreational center originally proposed for Eustis Park. This center can be used for seniors during the day and allow for community and youth activities during the late afternoon and evening hours. The additional $2.5 million can be used to increase the funding for Priority 10 Water/Sewer Infrastructure, No. 19 Hitchcock Woods Storm Drainage, or No. 31 Powderhouse Road Connector.
SPECIAL NOTE: If you want a copy of the chart which reflects the amounts originally requested, subsequently approved by City Council in April, and the new amounts recommended by Staff, please email me (Dick Dewar) at fastwalk1@gforcecable.com and I will send it to you and add you to my periodic City Council updates.
FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE THE ANNEXATION AND CONCEPT PLAN FOR WOODSIDE PROFESSIONAL SUITES – Woodside Development, LP is requesting annexation of 2.25 acres of a total 3.88 acre tract, , 350 feet north of the Woodside entrance on Silver Bluff Road. In addition, they are requesting approval of a Concept Plan which would allow a maximum of four professional/medical buildings totaling 16,000 square feet to be built on the 3.88 acre property. The 1.63 acre portion which is already in the City was annexed as part of the first phase of Woodside in 1985 and is zoned as part of the Planned Residential zoning for the entire Woodside development. Under the PR zone 5% of this property can be used for commercial development of which only slightly over 3% has been used for this portion to date. The area just to the north of this development is currently occupied by Harbor Chase Assisted Living Center (formerly Eden Gardens) and a cross easement with this development is one of the conditions for approval of this annexation and Concept Plan.
Silver Bluff Road is planned to be widened in the next couple of years to a three lane section in front of this location which will provide some additional capacity and safety for individuals entering and leaving this location. For this reason a single access driveway is provided and turn lanes are not warranted due to the continuous center lane which will serve as the southbound left turn lane.
The Planning Commission unanimously approved the annexation and Concept Plan with the following conditions:
1. that the development comply with the submitted concept plan, building elevations, signage plan, and narrative;
2. that prior to annexation becoming effective, a plat combining the lots be approved by the City and recorded at the RMC office;
3. that minor changes to the buildings and site, including tree preservation, be approved by the Planning Director;
4. that the proposed driveway access to Silver Bluff Road be allowed;
5. that prior to approval of the site/landscape plan, an easement be granted and recorded with the RMC to allow the property to the north occupied by a nursing home to connect to the subject property;
6. that there be a note added to the Concept Plan that the project will comply with the Planned Commercial provisions at 4.3.8 which includes the lighting provisions;
7. that the signage comply with the signage plan submitted as part of the Concept Plan and that the Planning Director have the authority to approve minor changes in the signage;
8. that the owner execute an agreement listing the conditions of approval and that the agreement be recorded by the City at the RMC office within 90 days of approval by City Council
FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE CONCERNING ACCESSORY BUILDINGS – This past spring, City Council discussed the current side and rear yard setbacks for accessory buildings. In 2005 the Planning Commission reviewed the then current accessory building regulations and recommended that accessory buildings could be allowed 3 feet from the property line instead of the current 10 feet. However, after several meetings Council voted not to approve the 3 foot side and rear yard setbacks but to leave it at 10 feet. Two of the concerns brought to Council by staff this past spring concerned reducing the side and rear yard setbacks for buildings that could store combustible materials and locations where buried utility lines were located. We feel that each of these concerns could be dealt with on a staff level should Council decide to reduce the setback distance.
At the March 8, 2010, City Council meeting Council asked the Planning Commission to develop amendments to the Zoning Ordinance that would allow the Planning Director to waive the requirements for an accessory building to be at least 10 feet from the side and rear property line. There already are precedents in the Zoning Ordinance which allows the City Engineer, the Planning Director, or City Manager to allow administrative waivers. The proposed changes to the Zoning Ordinance regarding accessory building setbacks would allow the Planning Director the ability to have an administrative waiver to reduce the setback.
When an application is filed prior to receiving any waivers, the Planning Department will mail a letter to the owners of each of the lots directly contiguous to the subject lot. Once the letters have been mailed, the request cannot be approved for at least 15 days to allow time for the neighbors to comment should they desire. In addition the Planning Director will also receive input prior to approval from the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Public Works/Engineering to address their concerns.
At the June 15, 2010, Planning Commission meeting, they unanimously approved amending the Zoning Ordinance which allows the Planning Director to reduce the side and rear yard setback for an accessory building if the applicant can demonstrate that there is no other reasonable place for the building that would meet the required setback and can justify the request based on one or more of the following:
1. The size, shape and/or topography of the property would make it difficult to comply.
2. Compliance would substantially affect the usability of the property.
3. The location of other structures on the property would make it difficult to comply.
4. The location of vegetation would make it difficult to comply.
5. The proposed location would allow preservation of valuable vegetation.
6. The area of the reduced setback is adjacent to land that will not be developed.
When an application is filed prior to receiving any waivers, the Planning Department will mail a letter to the owners of each of the lots directly contiguous to the subject lot. Once the letters have been mailed the request cannot be approved for at least 15 days to allow time for the neighbors to comment should they desire. In addition the Planning Director will also receive input prior to approval from the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Public Works/Engineering to address their concerns.
FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE REVISING RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR TRESPASS NOTICE – Unfortunately due to the behavior of certain individuals, the City has had to place them on trespass notice, therefore restricting them from certain city buildings or certain properties. These notices could involve individuals who had acted unruly, made threats or gotten into altercations with the public or city staff. Trespass notices have been issued by Public Safety in the past for H. O. Weeks, Virginia Acres, Smith-Hazel, Municipal Building, Public Safety, etc. Most of the time the trespass notice is for a set period of time and when that time expires, the individual is allowed back on the property if they follow the rules and regulations and conduct themselves in a proper manner. We have attached the Building Rules which our Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department use for their facilities. This is one of the tools that helps us maintain a safe environment at their facilities.
We recently discovered that the South Carolina Trespassing statute that the City has used over the years may not apply to public places. In order for the City to place individuals on trespass notice for city facilities, it is necessary to revise our City Code concerning rules and regulations for public parks and public facilities. Therefore, to assist us in maintaining the preservation of health, peace, and safety in our public facilities, we recommend that Council approve the attached trespass ordinance.
SECOND READING AND PUBLIC READING OF AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF AIKEN TO CONVEY CERTAIN PROPERTY IN CROSLAND PARK TO THE AIKEN CORPORATION – As part of our ongoing Northside Revitalization Project, we are continuing to renovate homes in Crosland Park. As you are aware, the Award-Winning Crosland Park work represents a coalition of public, private, and nonprofit organizations coming together to make this neighborhood a better place to live.
NAME THE PARK- Assistant City Manager Richard Pearce has provided a list of names suggested for the green space area beside the Center for African American History, Art, and Culture at the corner of York Street and Richland Avenue. These names were submitted by citizens at our city website as part of the on-line survey you requested us to conduct. The results are completely unscientific.
Names Suggested for Green Space at Corner of York Street and Richland Avenue
Aiken at Play
Aiken Adventure Park
Aiken’s Heart Park
Aiken United Park
Alfred Holmes Park
Celebrate Aiken! Park
Cleve Walker Park
Commerce Park
Equine Memorial Park
Equestrian Way Park
Giddy Up Park
Heritage Park
King Pin Park
Juan Valdez Park
Lillie Belle Allen Memorial Park
Little Village Park
Metropolis Park
Ola Hit Park
Palmetto Park
Park of Aiken
Steeplechase Park
The Courtyard
York Street Park
Yorrich Park
BUSINESS INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY EXPO - Saturday, July 17 is the Business Innovation and Technology Expo at the USCA Convocation Center from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. This Expo is part of our Celebrate Aiken Third Quarter: Business, Innovation, and Technology. Many local companies have signed up for table space at this free event. We will share a complete list with you once the registration period is completed
We believe this installation, with a basic spray fountain feature, will alleviate storm water pooling on Whiskey Road and Powderhouse Roads. This regional pond is the best method to handle water runoff for the drainage basin area of approximately 300 acres.
As you will see in Larry's (Larry Morris, Public Works Director) attached memo, we anticipate future developers to reimburse the City for our costs on a prorata basis if their development will utilize this regional detention pond. The Georges are reserving the right to utilize this detention pond if they develop the remainder of their adjacent tract, which totals about 6.36 acres.
We have had this property appraised. The 5.35 acres was appraised for $321,000. The Georges have indicated they will accept this amount.
PURCHASE OF PROPERTY FOR A REGIONAL RETENTION POND – City Council previously approved the developer’s agreement covering the construction of a regional detention pond currently known as George's Pond. We request Council's approval of the attached purchase and sale agreement which allows the City to purchase this 5.35 acre property for the appraised price of $321,000.
DISCUSSION OF A COMMERCIAL GARBAGE EXIT STRATEGY – Last month City Council discussed possible scenarios concerning the ending of our commercial garbage service. Our Public Works Department has laid out three different strategies that we could utilize for this exit.
Strategy 1 involves the City maintaining some control of the garbage service in the downtown area.
Strategy 2 concerns the remaining 300 customers, their dumpsters, and the trucks that we are currently using to service these accounts. You had asked us to solicit requests for proposals for all of these accounts. If an acceptable proposal is not received the current customers could then be given a specified period of time to find a new hauler and our equipment would then be sold.
Strategy 3 involves the collection of our garbage at the various city buildings.
We would like to get Council's input on these three strategies as we continue to see a reduction in the number of commercial accounts within the city.
APPROVAL OF WORK ON NEWBERRY STREET FOUNTAIN – A couple of months ago, City Council heard a report from the Aiken Arts Commission concerning the fountain on Newberry Street. A sub-committee was developed and after receiving their recommendation the Arts Commission asked Commissioners Lattimore and Thomas to present a plan to City Council. This plan was presented at a work session on April 12, 2010. They have now developed renderings of the William Aiken statue seated on a bench near the fountain. Attached is the suggested wording that will appear on the plaque. Some other suggested improvements include:
1. Remove the pavers in the immediate area around the fountain to provide more green space.
2. Enhance plantings around the fountain and arbor and add irrigation to these plantings.
3. Stain the exterior of the fountain a darker color.
4. Add an inner tier so a planter could be established inside the outside wall of the fountain.
5. Add benches around the fountain, one for the William Aiken statue and others for patrons to rest upon.
6. As funding becomes available, we plan to up light the festival area.
The estimates for the renovations would be approximately $10,000. The cost of the statue of William Aiken is estimated at $25,000. A corporation has agreed to pay for the cost of the statue up to $25,000 and would soon be recognized through a news release if Council accepts their donation. At the proper time a plaque would be placed near the statue recognizing William Aiken and their contribution.
APPROVAL AND MODIFICATION OF LOCAL SALES TAX MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING – At the April 26, 2010 City Council meeting, Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding that listed projects for the One Cent Sales Tax totaling $38.6 million. On June 14, 2010, the County appointed Local Option Sales Tax Committee voted not to include any LOST projects for agencies that are not a part of the City or the County. At that meeting they voted not to include the non-city projects originally in the City of Aiken’s Local Option Sales Tax Memorandum of Understanding. These included the SPCA ($1,000,000), the African-American Arts, History, and Cultural Center ($350,000), the Galaxi Teen Center ($500,000), and the YMCA ($400,000). Since they did not approve these projects, the City needs to re-allocate the funding from these projects by increasing the funding for projects already approved, adding new projects, or reconsidering some of the projects that you did not originally approve.
I have attached the original request for funding, what you approved at the April 26, 2010, meeting and a proposed budget for your consideration. The only new project that was added to this list was for a City Animal Control Shelter since the SPCA will be discontinuing operations at their current location. Additionally, the committee also stated that the City of Aiken will receive approximately $6 million in supplemental funding from the proposed Local Option Sales Tax. Therefore, we need to consider how these supplemental funds will be utilized. I would suggest that the City consider adding funding in the amount of $3.5 million for a recreational center originally proposed for Eustis Park. This center can be used for seniors during the day and allow for community and youth activities during the late afternoon and evening hours. The additional $2.5 million can be used to increase the funding for Priority 10 Water/Sewer Infrastructure, No. 19 Hitchcock Woods Storm Drainage, or No. 31 Powderhouse Road Connector.
SPECIAL NOTE: If you want a copy of the chart which reflects the amounts originally requested, subsequently approved by City Council in April, and the new amounts recommended by Staff, please email me (Dick Dewar) at fastwalk1@gforcecable.com and I will send it to you and add you to my periodic City Council updates.
FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE THE ANNEXATION AND CONCEPT PLAN FOR WOODSIDE PROFESSIONAL SUITES – Woodside Development, LP is requesting annexation of 2.25 acres of a total 3.88 acre tract, , 350 feet north of the Woodside entrance on Silver Bluff Road. In addition, they are requesting approval of a Concept Plan which would allow a maximum of four professional/medical buildings totaling 16,000 square feet to be built on the 3.88 acre property. The 1.63 acre portion which is already in the City was annexed as part of the first phase of Woodside in 1985 and is zoned as part of the Planned Residential zoning for the entire Woodside development. Under the PR zone 5% of this property can be used for commercial development of which only slightly over 3% has been used for this portion to date. The area just to the north of this development is currently occupied by Harbor Chase Assisted Living Center (formerly Eden Gardens) and a cross easement with this development is one of the conditions for approval of this annexation and Concept Plan.
Silver Bluff Road is planned to be widened in the next couple of years to a three lane section in front of this location which will provide some additional capacity and safety for individuals entering and leaving this location. For this reason a single access driveway is provided and turn lanes are not warranted due to the continuous center lane which will serve as the southbound left turn lane.
The Planning Commission unanimously approved the annexation and Concept Plan with the following conditions:
1. that the development comply with the submitted concept plan, building elevations, signage plan, and narrative;
2. that prior to annexation becoming effective, a plat combining the lots be approved by the City and recorded at the RMC office;
3. that minor changes to the buildings and site, including tree preservation, be approved by the Planning Director;
4. that the proposed driveway access to Silver Bluff Road be allowed;
5. that prior to approval of the site/landscape plan, an easement be granted and recorded with the RMC to allow the property to the north occupied by a nursing home to connect to the subject property;
6. that there be a note added to the Concept Plan that the project will comply with the Planned Commercial provisions at 4.3.8 which includes the lighting provisions;
7. that the signage comply with the signage plan submitted as part of the Concept Plan and that the Planning Director have the authority to approve minor changes in the signage;
8. that the owner execute an agreement listing the conditions of approval and that the agreement be recorded by the City at the RMC office within 90 days of approval by City Council
FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE CONCERNING ACCESSORY BUILDINGS – This past spring, City Council discussed the current side and rear yard setbacks for accessory buildings. In 2005 the Planning Commission reviewed the then current accessory building regulations and recommended that accessory buildings could be allowed 3 feet from the property line instead of the current 10 feet. However, after several meetings Council voted not to approve the 3 foot side and rear yard setbacks but to leave it at 10 feet. Two of the concerns brought to Council by staff this past spring concerned reducing the side and rear yard setbacks for buildings that could store combustible materials and locations where buried utility lines were located. We feel that each of these concerns could be dealt with on a staff level should Council decide to reduce the setback distance.
At the March 8, 2010, City Council meeting Council asked the Planning Commission to develop amendments to the Zoning Ordinance that would allow the Planning Director to waive the requirements for an accessory building to be at least 10 feet from the side and rear property line. There already are precedents in the Zoning Ordinance which allows the City Engineer, the Planning Director, or City Manager to allow administrative waivers. The proposed changes to the Zoning Ordinance regarding accessory building setbacks would allow the Planning Director the ability to have an administrative waiver to reduce the setback.
When an application is filed prior to receiving any waivers, the Planning Department will mail a letter to the owners of each of the lots directly contiguous to the subject lot. Once the letters have been mailed, the request cannot be approved for at least 15 days to allow time for the neighbors to comment should they desire. In addition the Planning Director will also receive input prior to approval from the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Public Works/Engineering to address their concerns.
At the June 15, 2010, Planning Commission meeting, they unanimously approved amending the Zoning Ordinance which allows the Planning Director to reduce the side and rear yard setback for an accessory building if the applicant can demonstrate that there is no other reasonable place for the building that would meet the required setback and can justify the request based on one or more of the following:
1. The size, shape and/or topography of the property would make it difficult to comply.
2. Compliance would substantially affect the usability of the property.
3. The location of other structures on the property would make it difficult to comply.
4. The location of vegetation would make it difficult to comply.
5. The proposed location would allow preservation of valuable vegetation.
6. The area of the reduced setback is adjacent to land that will not be developed.
When an application is filed prior to receiving any waivers, the Planning Department will mail a letter to the owners of each of the lots directly contiguous to the subject lot. Once the letters have been mailed the request cannot be approved for at least 15 days to allow time for the neighbors to comment should they desire. In addition the Planning Director will also receive input prior to approval from the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Public Works/Engineering to address their concerns.
FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE REVISING RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR TRESPASS NOTICE – Unfortunately due to the behavior of certain individuals, the City has had to place them on trespass notice, therefore restricting them from certain city buildings or certain properties. These notices could involve individuals who had acted unruly, made threats or gotten into altercations with the public or city staff. Trespass notices have been issued by Public Safety in the past for H. O. Weeks, Virginia Acres, Smith-Hazel, Municipal Building, Public Safety, etc. Most of the time the trespass notice is for a set period of time and when that time expires, the individual is allowed back on the property if they follow the rules and regulations and conduct themselves in a proper manner. We have attached the Building Rules which our Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department use for their facilities. This is one of the tools that helps us maintain a safe environment at their facilities.
We recently discovered that the South Carolina Trespassing statute that the City has used over the years may not apply to public places. In order for the City to place individuals on trespass notice for city facilities, it is necessary to revise our City Code concerning rules and regulations for public parks and public facilities. Therefore, to assist us in maintaining the preservation of health, peace, and safety in our public facilities, we recommend that Council approve the attached trespass ordinance.
SECOND READING AND PUBLIC READING OF AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF AIKEN TO CONVEY CERTAIN PROPERTY IN CROSLAND PARK TO THE AIKEN CORPORATION – As part of our ongoing Northside Revitalization Project, we are continuing to renovate homes in Crosland Park. As you are aware, the Award-Winning Crosland Park work represents a coalition of public, private, and nonprofit organizations coming together to make this neighborhood a better place to live.
NAME THE PARK- Assistant City Manager Richard Pearce has provided a list of names suggested for the green space area beside the Center for African American History, Art, and Culture at the corner of York Street and Richland Avenue. These names were submitted by citizens at our city website as part of the on-line survey you requested us to conduct. The results are completely unscientific.
Names Suggested for Green Space at Corner of York Street and Richland Avenue
Aiken at Play
Aiken Adventure Park
Aiken’s Heart Park
Aiken United Park
Alfred Holmes Park
Celebrate Aiken! Park
Cleve Walker Park
Commerce Park
Equine Memorial Park
Equestrian Way Park
Giddy Up Park
Heritage Park
King Pin Park
Juan Valdez Park
Lillie Belle Allen Memorial Park
Little Village Park
Metropolis Park
Ola Hit Park
Palmetto Park
Park of Aiken
Steeplechase Park
The Courtyard
York Street Park
Yorrich Park
BUSINESS INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY EXPO - Saturday, July 17 is the Business Innovation and Technology Expo at the USCA Convocation Center from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. This Expo is part of our Celebrate Aiken Third Quarter: Business, Innovation, and Technology. Many local companies have signed up for table space at this free event. We will share a complete list with you once the registration period is completed
Monday, June 21, 2010
REPUBLICAN PRIMARY RUNOFF TOMORROW June 22nd
Yes- this very important election will take place tomorrow June 22nd from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Pundits are predicting a very low turnout of 10% which is less than half of the turnout we had for the Primary on June 8th.
This election will most likely decide who will be the next Governor of South Carolina. We must not let 10% of the electorate decide such an important question. Please make sure your preferences are registered by voting tomorrow. If you voted in the Republican primary you must vote again to ensure that your candidates are elected. If you voted in the Democrat primary you cannot vote in the runoff but if you did not vote at all on June 8th in either primary you are eligible.
I am still being asked who I endorse so once again I give you Dick’s Picks.
GOVERNOR NIKKI HALEY
LT.GOVERNOR KEN ARD
ATTORNEY GEN. ALAN WILSON
EDUCATION SUPT. MICK ZAIS
3RD CONG. DIST. JEFF DUNCAN
PLEASE VOTE AND CALL YOUR FRIENDS TO REMIND THEM TO VOTE!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Republican Rally in the Alley
UPDATE: Congressman Joe Wilson was the moderator of the program and gave a stellar performance and in an unexpected appearance Attorney General Henry McMasters announced his support for Nikki Haley and introduced her to an enthusiastic audience.
A straw poll was taken and 115 voted. The results are as follows:
GOVERNOR Gresham Barrett 27 23%
Nikki Haley 88 77%
LT. GOVERNOR Ken Ard 59 51%
Bill Connor 56 49%
EDUCATION SUPT. Elizabeth Moffly 27 23%
Mick Zais 88 77%
ATTORNEY GEN. Leighton Lord 22 19%
Alan Wilson 94 81%
3RD CONG. DIST. Richard Cash 11 11%
Jeff Duncan 93 89%
For those of you who have yet voted in the Primary run-off absentee voting will be available on Monday June 21 at the County Elections Commission from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The run-off election will be on Tuesday June 22 from 7:00 am to 7:00 PM.
PLEASE NOTE Voters who did not vote in either the Republican or the Democrat Primary on June 8th are eligible to vote in the run-off.
WE URGE EVERYONE TO VOTE IN THIS VERY IMPORTANT ELECTION.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Barrett, Haley have final scheduled SC gov debates -
There will be two debates between Nikki Haley and Gresaham Barrett this evening. It should be very interesting.Follow the link to get the details for hearing and watching the debates.
South Carolina GOP breaks ranks on Nikki Haley
Interesting story by Kasie Hunt of Politico.com on the sickening antics of the Barrett campaign and the Good Old Boy faction in the Republican Party. For them it is business as usual and they are as good at Sanford/Haley bashing as some Democrats are at Bush bashing. The ruling establishment of good old boys and the many RINOS amongst them are scared to death of Nikki Haley. My goodness they might actually have to change their ways!
Monday, June 14, 2010
Election 2010: South Carolina Governor
Here is the latest poll from RASMUSSEN REPORTS on the Governor's race. As expected Nikki Haley does much better than Gresham Barrett against the Democrat candidate.
There is an interesting story about Nikki Haley and South Carolina politics in Time Magazine that is well worth reading.
The New York Times also has a very informative article today.
PLEASE READ the following press release and plan on being at the rally this coming Sunday. It will be informative and a lot of fun!
For Immediate Release
Ice Cream Social &
Run-Off Candidate Rally
Sunday, June 20th from 2 – 4pm in The Alley
City of Aiken Municipal Building (Indoors incase of rain)
Salute the Founding Fathers by attending a Founding Fathers - Father’s Day Ice Cream Social and Candidate Rally with US Representative
Joe Wilson as the Master of Ceremonies, a Father’s Day tribute from US Senator Jim DeMint and hear stump speeches and meet the candidates.
As of Monday, June 13th at 4pm the following candidates will be present:
Nikki Haley for Governor
Ken Ard for Lt. Governor
Bill Connor for Lt. Governor
Leighton Lord for Attorney General
Alan Wilson for Attorney General
Elizabeth Moffly for Superintendent of Education
Mick Zais for Superintendent of Education
Jeff Duncan for US Congress, 3rd District
… others have yet to confirm.
Bring your whole family, your appetite and your chair, to The Alley for an Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social and Political Candidate Rally on
Father’s Day June 20th from 2 until 4pm.
Kids can treat Dad to some free Ice Cream and meet the future leaders of our State, photo opportunities will abound!
Free Public Event
For more information contact:
Sunny & Claude O’Donovan: 803-641-2085 or
Aiken County Republican Women: 803-215-8232
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Transparency in Goverment
There is a shocking lack of transparency practiced by our lawmakers in Washington. SC lawmakers are just as bad. Nikki Haley has made progress in requiring roll call votes at some cost to her committee assignments. We haven't heard anything from Gresham Barrett on this subject. Perhaps because the good old boy establishment that supports him doesn't want transparency. It would seriously cramp their style.
Senator Jim DeMint did a YouTube video on the subject last week and The American Thinker made some excellent comments. Follow this link:American Thinker Blog: DeMint On The Senate's 'Secret Bills'
Senator Jim DeMint did a YouTube video on the subject last week and The American Thinker made some excellent comments. Follow this link:American Thinker Blog: DeMint On The Senate's 'Secret Bills'
Saturday, June 12, 2010
GRESHAM BARRETT’S “DIFFERENCE” NUMBER 2
This will be the last time we respond to the Barrett campaign’s “honest differences” emails unless they send out something that really differentiates the candidates. The charge that Nikki Haley voted to accept the Obama stimulus was first made by the Barrett campaign last month. The misleading accusation was thoroughly debunked with the following letter from Marianne Pecoraro published June 1, 2010 in the Aiken Standard:
"Earlier this month, I attended the Aiken County Republican debate, which three of the gubernatorial candidates attended. I was happy to see that the mood among them was congenial and respectful. Each candidate explained his/her positions, and in the end it was clear that voters have very distinct choices.
Unfortunately, that positive feeling was not to last. As Nikki Haley has risen in the polls and become more of a threat to her opponents, so have the attacks against her. This week, one of her opponents launched a media campaign claiming that Nikki Haley voted for South Carolina to accept Obama stimulus funds.
I support Nikki Haley’s campaign and think she is the best candidate for governor, but was concerned. Yesterday I poured through SC House journals, a laborious and confusing task. I was finally able to conclude that the vote on which her opponent based his accusation was a procedural vote when the issue was first brought to the floor in March and which was inconsequential to any outcome.
The actual vote to accept the stimulus came to the floor on May 12 and Nikki Haley voted against it. Subsequently, the SC House voted on the state budget which included acceptance of the stimulus funds. Nikki Haley also voted against the budget, in essence a second vote against the stimulus. She was in favor of the alternative budget proposed by Sens. Tom Davis and Greg Ryberg, which totally funded state government with no stimulus dollars. Even further, the budget bill came to the floor only two hours before it was to be voted on, and Nikki Haley proposed a 24-hour waiting period before the vote so legislators could understand what was in it, although this proposal failed.
This accusation is being made by an experienced legislator. Did he misunderstand the events logged in the House Journal, or more likely think that voters would not understand the arcane and complex legislative rules and could be misled? This itself is a reason voters are tired of political games, career politicians and political insiders. Instead we need to elect people who will fight for openness and transparency in government. Nikki Haley is one of these people, and I urge people to vote for her on June 8."
As I read Marianne's letter again I realized that there was a real difference between the two candidates on the stimulus issue. Gresham's vote was an easy call. He was voting the way House leadership directed, and it was also the right thing to do. However, when the stimulus came to the state, the SC GOP leadership was determined to use it for current expenses rather than debt reduction, which was the wrong thing to do. Nikki displayed her unfailing courage and will to do the right thing by voting against the stimulus and the budget in opposition to her leadership.
Please pass this email on to your friends and encourage them to vote for Nikki Haley in the June 22nd Primary.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Gresham Barrett Highlights Honest Differences
The Gresham Barrett Press Office has announced:
Beginning today, our campaign will highlight an honest issue difference each morning between Gresham Barrett and Nikki Haley. Today’s issue is: Protecting Life.
If today's "difference" is the best they can do we the people will not learn very much. The first morning release contains links from prolife groups that rate his prolife record in Congress at 100% and then compares that to two votes Nikki Haley made on a very arcane issue concerning an amendment to an SC law requiring 24 hour notification before an abortion. Somehow they forgot to mention that LIFEPAC which is the SC Citizens for Life PAC said:
“In the statewide Republican Primary Elections, LIFEPAC, the statewide political action committee of South Carolina Citizens for Life, is pleased with the contenders’ pro-life surveys, voting records, and other credentials. If you want more information about the candidates on other issues, to link to their websites, or for contact information, see www.scvotes.org”.
Presumably this is only the first of many misleading or out of context charges that will be made under the heading of honest differences by the Barrett campaign. These pathetic claims are not worthy of a man that most of us including myself have supported and voted for during the years he has been in congress.
I chose to support Nikki Haley from the very beginning of this campaign. She has demonstrated her leadership abilities and backbone in bucking the too long entrenched establishment in the South Carolina House and Senate. South Carolina government desperately needs changing and I believe she is the only candidate who can bring it about.
Please vote for Nikki Haley in the runoff on June 22nd.
City Council Update from Dick Dewar
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING - Tuesday, June 15, 2010 the Planning Commission meets at 5:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers to conduct a public meeting regarding tree pruning. Liz Galland and Frances Waite from the South Carolina Forestry Commission are scheduled to talk. Also to be discussed are proposed amendments regarding accessory building setbacks.
SMALL BUSINESS MEETING - Monday, June 21, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. City Council will hold the special meeting scheduled by Council continuing to address issues affecting small businesses in Aiken.
BUSINESS INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY EXPO - Saturday, July 17 is the Business Innovation and Technology Expo at the USCA Convocation Center from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. This Expo is part of our Celebrate Aiken Third Quarter: Business, Innovation, and Technology. Many local companies have signed up for table space at this free event. We will share a complete list with you once the registration period is completed.
BIO-RETENTION PROJECT UPDATE - Work continues in the parkways and their adjacent parking spaces with our stormwater abatement project. The next phase of construction will see the installation of engineered soil [reconditioned soil made from the dirt previously removed] to refill the existing bioswales within 6” to 12” of their rim. After this engineered soil is put in place, native plant material will then be installed. We anticipate this work will be done by the end of August.
BIO-RETENTION PROJECT RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION - The Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES) has recognized our city bio-retention project – The Sand River Headwaters Green Infrastructure Project – for inclusion in a pilot program to develop an international rating system for sustainable landscape installations, whether done with or without buildings. This recognition could be potentially helpful as we see other grant money to expand our stormwater abatement infrastructure.
AIKEN’S TOMORROW PROJECT - The public meetings and online survey segments of our Strategic Plan Update – Aiken’s Tomorrow: Local Acts/Global Impacts is completed. Over the summer, the data obtained so far will be analyzed. We anticipate providing you with a preliminary report after the Labor Day holiday.
APPROVAL OF WORK ON NEWBERRY STREET FOUNTAIN – A couple of months ago, City Council heard a report from the Aiken Arts Commission concerning the fountain on Newberry Street. A sub-committee was developed and after receiving their recommendation the Arts Commission asked Commissioners Lattimore and Thomas to present a plan to City Council. This plan was presented at a work session on April 12, 2010. They have now developed renderings of the William Aiken statue seated on a bench near the fountain. Attached is the suggested wording that will appear on the plaque. Some other suggested improvements include:
1. Remove the pavers in the immediate area around the fountain to provide more green space.
2. Enhance plantings around the fountain and arbor and add irrigation to these plantings.
3. Stain the exterior of the fountain a darker color.
4. Add an inner tier so a planter could be established inside the outside wall of the fountain.
5. Add benches around the fountain, one for the William Aiken statue and others for patrons to rest upon.
6. As funding becomes available, we plan to up light the festival area.
The estimates for the renovations would be approximately $10,000. The cost of the statue of William Aiken is estimated at $25,000. A corporation has agreed to pay for the cost of the statue up to $25,000 and would soon be recognized through a news release if Council accepts their donation. At the proper time a plaque would be placed near the statue recognizing William Aiken and their contribution.
ESTABLISHMENT OF SENIOR TASK FORCE – At our last City Council meeting, Scott Murphy, Director of the Council on Aging, discussed with City Council several financial concerns they are facing in serving the seniors within our community.
Council asked staff to develop a list of possible agencies that could meet and determine whether an umbrella organization for seniors is needed. A few years ago, Council developed a similar organization, the Arts Commission, based on recommendations from a Task Force headed by Bill Reynolds. They solicited information from several organizations and then developed a mission statement for the organization. I have attached the Aiken Arts Task Force's mission, task, and suggested process for City Council's review.
We suggest possible representatives for the Task Force from organizations like the Lower Savannah Council of Governments, Council on Aging, United Way, County of Aiken, USC Aiken, AARP, City of Aiken, Aiken Regional Medical Centers, and someone representing the assisted living facilities in our community. There may also be others that you would like to consider for the Task Force to begin this process.
We also suggest that the Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department oversee the Task Force during this initial process.
The Task Force would meet one to two times a month over the next several months and report back to City Council on how we can best represent the interests of the entire senior community.
DEEDS FOR CROSLAND PARK LOTS TO AIKEN CORPORATION – As part of our ongoing Northside Revitalization Project, we are continuing to renovate homes in Crosland Park. As you are aware, the Award-Winning Crosland Park work represents a coalition of public, private, and nonprofit organizations coming together to make this neighborhood a better place to live.
Aiken Corporation was provided funds for the City to option dozens of houses in this neighborhood. Our goal is to renovate these optioned homes in the next phases of this effort.
In addition, the Executive Board of Aiken Corporation has voted to renovate four houses in Crosland Park. After our Neighborhood Division staff's review of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and its Home Investment Partnerships Program funding opportunities to best leverage grant money and have an impact throughout this subdivision, it will be best for us to convey four houses to Aiken Corporation so that they are titled in the nonprofit's name. In addition, under ARRA funding parameters, it will also be beneficial for the city to accept back three properties that were previously conveyed to Aiken Corporation. This conveyance will allow Workplace Investment Act, Community Development Block Grant, and ARRA funds to be used when renovating these homes.
Staff Attorney Ben Moore has prepared the necessary deeds, ordinance, and resolution to accomplish this land swap. We believe this exchange will result in the maximum return on the grant funds awarded to the City of Aiken and the Aiken Corporation for these houses.
GEORGE’S POND PROPERTY PURCHASE – In the early 1990s, local media covered the significant flooding experienced in the Powderhouse Road and College Acres area. Since that time, we have been exploring best practices to abate this storm water runoff. Since last fall, we have been in discussions with John and Ruth George about the City's potential purchase of a 5.35 acre parcel from a tract of land they own in order to construct a detention pond. This detention pond would be built at the George's Pond location to applicable standards. Since it is visible to Whiskey Road businesses, we will ensure a tasteful installation through the planting of appropriate material and a wood chip base walking trail.
We believe this installation, with a basic spray fountain feature, will alleviate storm water pooling on Whiskey Road and Powderhouse Roads and ensure that College Acres will not be flooded again. Our investigation of this situation points to this regional detention pond as the best method to handle water runoff in this area. It will provide a drainage basin area of approximately 300 acres.
As you will see in Larry's (Larry Morris, Public Works Director) attached memo, we anticipate future developers to reimburse the City for our costs on a prorata basis if their development will utilize this regional detention pond. The Georges are reserving the right to utilize this detention pond if they develop the remainder of their adjacent tract, which totals about 6.36 acres.
We have had this property appraised. The 5.35 acres was appraised for $321,000. The Georges have indicated they will accept this amount.
REQUEST FROM RUSS FERRARA TO DISCUSS WHISKEY ROAD – At the last meeting, Russ Ferrara gave City Council a memo raising concerns about our annexation of Whiskey Road several years ago. As many of you will recall, Public Safety had several concerns about the traffic management and traffic enforcement on Whiskey Road which was in the County from Pine Log Road South to Talatha Church Road.
Council then asked staff to proceed with the annexation of this portion of Whiskey Road. After the second reading and approval of this annexation, paper work concerning Council's action was sent to several different agencies as per the state law. Several months later the South Carolina Department of Transportation challenged the annexation. However, the statutory time had passed and Judge Early ordered the annexation as formally binding. We have attached a copy of this order from Judge Early.
Ben Moore should be able to answer any questions concerning this order. Gary Smith and Richard Pearce are also very familiar with this action should you desire their input.
SCHEDULE FOR COUNCIL MEETINGS IN JULY AND AUGUST 2010 – As we approach summer, Council typically does not schedule a second meeting in July and August so individuals can plan vacations. We are again suggesting that we cancel these meetings and hold Council meetings on Monday, July 12 and August 9 only. If some important issue comes up, we can always schedule a second meeting during this time.
SMALL BUSINESS MEETING - Monday, June 21, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. City Council will hold the special meeting scheduled by Council continuing to address issues affecting small businesses in Aiken.
BUSINESS INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY EXPO - Saturday, July 17 is the Business Innovation and Technology Expo at the USCA Convocation Center from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. This Expo is part of our Celebrate Aiken Third Quarter: Business, Innovation, and Technology. Many local companies have signed up for table space at this free event. We will share a complete list with you once the registration period is completed.
BIO-RETENTION PROJECT UPDATE - Work continues in the parkways and their adjacent parking spaces with our stormwater abatement project. The next phase of construction will see the installation of engineered soil [reconditioned soil made from the dirt previously removed] to refill the existing bioswales within 6” to 12” of their rim. After this engineered soil is put in place, native plant material will then be installed. We anticipate this work will be done by the end of August.
BIO-RETENTION PROJECT RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION - The Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES) has recognized our city bio-retention project – The Sand River Headwaters Green Infrastructure Project – for inclusion in a pilot program to develop an international rating system for sustainable landscape installations, whether done with or without buildings. This recognition could be potentially helpful as we see other grant money to expand our stormwater abatement infrastructure.
AIKEN’S TOMORROW PROJECT - The public meetings and online survey segments of our Strategic Plan Update – Aiken’s Tomorrow: Local Acts/Global Impacts is completed. Over the summer, the data obtained so far will be analyzed. We anticipate providing you with a preliminary report after the Labor Day holiday.
APPROVAL OF WORK ON NEWBERRY STREET FOUNTAIN – A couple of months ago, City Council heard a report from the Aiken Arts Commission concerning the fountain on Newberry Street. A sub-committee was developed and after receiving their recommendation the Arts Commission asked Commissioners Lattimore and Thomas to present a plan to City Council. This plan was presented at a work session on April 12, 2010. They have now developed renderings of the William Aiken statue seated on a bench near the fountain. Attached is the suggested wording that will appear on the plaque. Some other suggested improvements include:
1. Remove the pavers in the immediate area around the fountain to provide more green space.
2. Enhance plantings around the fountain and arbor and add irrigation to these plantings.
3. Stain the exterior of the fountain a darker color.
4. Add an inner tier so a planter could be established inside the outside wall of the fountain.
5. Add benches around the fountain, one for the William Aiken statue and others for patrons to rest upon.
6. As funding becomes available, we plan to up light the festival area.
The estimates for the renovations would be approximately $10,000. The cost of the statue of William Aiken is estimated at $25,000. A corporation has agreed to pay for the cost of the statue up to $25,000 and would soon be recognized through a news release if Council accepts their donation. At the proper time a plaque would be placed near the statue recognizing William Aiken and their contribution.
ESTABLISHMENT OF SENIOR TASK FORCE – At our last City Council meeting, Scott Murphy, Director of the Council on Aging, discussed with City Council several financial concerns they are facing in serving the seniors within our community.
Council asked staff to develop a list of possible agencies that could meet and determine whether an umbrella organization for seniors is needed. A few years ago, Council developed a similar organization, the Arts Commission, based on recommendations from a Task Force headed by Bill Reynolds. They solicited information from several organizations and then developed a mission statement for the organization. I have attached the Aiken Arts Task Force's mission, task, and suggested process for City Council's review.
We suggest possible representatives for the Task Force from organizations like the Lower Savannah Council of Governments, Council on Aging, United Way, County of Aiken, USC Aiken, AARP, City of Aiken, Aiken Regional Medical Centers, and someone representing the assisted living facilities in our community. There may also be others that you would like to consider for the Task Force to begin this process.
We also suggest that the Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department oversee the Task Force during this initial process.
The Task Force would meet one to two times a month over the next several months and report back to City Council on how we can best represent the interests of the entire senior community.
DEEDS FOR CROSLAND PARK LOTS TO AIKEN CORPORATION – As part of our ongoing Northside Revitalization Project, we are continuing to renovate homes in Crosland Park. As you are aware, the Award-Winning Crosland Park work represents a coalition of public, private, and nonprofit organizations coming together to make this neighborhood a better place to live.
Aiken Corporation was provided funds for the City to option dozens of houses in this neighborhood. Our goal is to renovate these optioned homes in the next phases of this effort.
In addition, the Executive Board of Aiken Corporation has voted to renovate four houses in Crosland Park. After our Neighborhood Division staff's review of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and its Home Investment Partnerships Program funding opportunities to best leverage grant money and have an impact throughout this subdivision, it will be best for us to convey four houses to Aiken Corporation so that they are titled in the nonprofit's name. In addition, under ARRA funding parameters, it will also be beneficial for the city to accept back three properties that were previously conveyed to Aiken Corporation. This conveyance will allow Workplace Investment Act, Community Development Block Grant, and ARRA funds to be used when renovating these homes.
Staff Attorney Ben Moore has prepared the necessary deeds, ordinance, and resolution to accomplish this land swap. We believe this exchange will result in the maximum return on the grant funds awarded to the City of Aiken and the Aiken Corporation for these houses.
GEORGE’S POND PROPERTY PURCHASE – In the early 1990s, local media covered the significant flooding experienced in the Powderhouse Road and College Acres area. Since that time, we have been exploring best practices to abate this storm water runoff. Since last fall, we have been in discussions with John and Ruth George about the City's potential purchase of a 5.35 acre parcel from a tract of land they own in order to construct a detention pond. This detention pond would be built at the George's Pond location to applicable standards. Since it is visible to Whiskey Road businesses, we will ensure a tasteful installation through the planting of appropriate material and a wood chip base walking trail.
We believe this installation, with a basic spray fountain feature, will alleviate storm water pooling on Whiskey Road and Powderhouse Roads and ensure that College Acres will not be flooded again. Our investigation of this situation points to this regional detention pond as the best method to handle water runoff in this area. It will provide a drainage basin area of approximately 300 acres.
As you will see in Larry's (Larry Morris, Public Works Director) attached memo, we anticipate future developers to reimburse the City for our costs on a prorata basis if their development will utilize this regional detention pond. The Georges are reserving the right to utilize this detention pond if they develop the remainder of their adjacent tract, which totals about 6.36 acres.
We have had this property appraised. The 5.35 acres was appraised for $321,000. The Georges have indicated they will accept this amount.
REQUEST FROM RUSS FERRARA TO DISCUSS WHISKEY ROAD – At the last meeting, Russ Ferrara gave City Council a memo raising concerns about our annexation of Whiskey Road several years ago. As many of you will recall, Public Safety had several concerns about the traffic management and traffic enforcement on Whiskey Road which was in the County from Pine Log Road South to Talatha Church Road.
Council then asked staff to proceed with the annexation of this portion of Whiskey Road. After the second reading and approval of this annexation, paper work concerning Council's action was sent to several different agencies as per the state law. Several months later the South Carolina Department of Transportation challenged the annexation. However, the statutory time had passed and Judge Early ordered the annexation as formally binding. We have attached a copy of this order from Judge Early.
Ben Moore should be able to answer any questions concerning this order. Gary Smith and Richard Pearce are also very familiar with this action should you desire their input.
SCHEDULE FOR COUNCIL MEETINGS IN JULY AND AUGUST 2010 – As we approach summer, Council typically does not schedule a second meeting in July and August so individuals can plan vacations. We are again suggesting that we cancel these meetings and hold Council meetings on Monday, July 12 and August 9 only. If some important issue comes up, we can always schedule a second meeting during this time.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
REPUBLICAN PRIMARY RUN-OFF IN GOVERNOR’S RACE-
Nikki Haley was supported by 49% of the voters in Tuesday primary. She was just one point short of an outright win. Gresham Barrett received only 22% and came in as a distant second in a field of four. As a consequence of this we are headed to a run-off on June 22nd.
The Augusta Chronicle has an interesting editorial concerning Nikki Haley’s race so far and the Washington Post gives us an interesting observation concerning Gresham Barrett’s efforts for the run-off. Please take the time to read both.
Traditionally, run-off elections have a lower turnout than occurs in the original election.
I urge everyone to vote their choices again in the run-off election on June 22nd and to remind their friends and neighbors to do the same.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Public Policy Poll before The Primary
Public Policy Polling has released it's latest poll and it certainly contains good news for Nikki Haley. Please be sure to vote tomorrow. The following is from the Public Policy Polling website:
Nikki Haley hasn't suffered any damage whatsoever after accusations of multiple extramarital affairs and is headed for an easy first place finish in Tuesday's Republican primary for Governor of South Carolina.. Haley has a 20 point lead, getting 43% of the vote. Gresham Barrett looks like the favorite for the second runoff spot. He's at 23%, followed by Henry McMaster at 16%, and Andre Bauer at 12%. More
PLEASE VOTE FOR NIKKI HALEY ON JUNE 8th AND IN THE RUN-OFF ON JUNE 22nd .
Friday, June 4, 2010
Men Behaving Badly
Marianne Pecoraro said:
Having met Nikki Haley, I cannot help but think of Andrew Jackson's wise observation that“One man with courage makes a majority.” The recent antics in the gubernatorial campaign are so far outside the scope of normal or acceptable behavior that it is heard to believe we let our "leaders" get away with this. If these people get away with using their lies to deprive us of our right to choose our government, then we all lose. In the midst of this mess, we observe one woman with courage. Let us help her make that majority by voting for her, and making sure all our friends do.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
RALLY IN THE ALLEY FOR NIKKI HALEY
YOU ARE INVITED
Saturday, June 5th
THE ALLEY
11:30am – 12:30pm
to meet
NIKKI HALEY
Leading Candidate for Governor
Proven fiscal conservative
Friend to business and champion of small business
Leader for accountability and transparency
Committed to reforming education
Free BBQ and Drink
Dirty Politics Carolina Style
I could say a lot but Nikki Haley has said it better. Watch the video.
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