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From YouTube: City Council Meeting May 9, 2022
Description
City Council Meeting
May 9, 2022
7 PM
CALL TO ORDER
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
GUIDELINES
ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA
I. MINUTES:
1) Consideration of the Minutes of the Work Session and Regular Meeting of April 25, 2022.
II. PRESENTATIONS:
1) Resolution for Mike Harvey Award for PSO Kevin Simmons.
III. OLD BUSINESS: Further Consideration of:
1) Approval of Appointments and Discussion of Appointees to Various
City Boards, Commissions, and Committees, Including but not Limited
to, the Recreation Commission.
2) Second Reading and Public Hearing of an Ordinance to Rezone Property at 2265 Whiskey Road and Approve a Concept Plan.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING OF REAL ESTATE
LOCATED AT 2265 WHISKEY ROAD FROM GENERAL
BUSINESS (GB) TO PLANNED COMMERCIAL (PC).
3) Second Reading and Public Hearing of an Ordinance to Annex 5.873 Acres on Jefferson Davis Highway, Zone it Planned Commercial ( PC) and Approve a Concept Plan.
AN ORDINANCE TO ANNEX PROPERTY LOCATED AT THE
INTERSECTION OF JEFFERSON DAVIS HIGHWAY AND
ROBERT M. BELL PARKWAY AND TO ZONE THE SAME
PLANNED COMMERCIAL (PC).
4) Second Reading and Public Hearing of an Ordinance to Annex Property on University Parkway, Zone it Single-Family Attached (RSA) and Approve a Concept Plan.
AN ORDINANCE TO ANNEX PROPERTY LOCATED ON
UNIVERSITY PARKWAY AND TO ZONE THE SAME SINGLE
FAMILY ATTACHED (RSA)
5) Second Reading and Public Hearing of an Ordinance to Convey a
Portion of the 100 Block of Newberry Street SW to RPM Development
Partners, LLC.
AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE CONVEYANCE OF A
PORTION OF THE 100 BLOCK OF NEWBERRY STREET SW TO
RPM DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS, LLC
IV. NEW BUSINESS: Consideration of:
1) First Reading and Public Hearing of an Ordinance to Establish New
Charges for Water and Sewer Service.
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING NEW CHARGES FOR WATER
AND SEWER SERVICE.
2) First Reading of an Ordinance to Set the FY 2022-23 Millage Rate.
AN ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR THE LEVY OF TAXES FOR
ORDINARY CITY PURPOSES IN THE CITY OF AIKEN FOR THE
FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2022, SET THE MILLAGE AT
SIXTY ( 60) MILLS AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE EXPENDITURES
THEREOF.
3) First Reading and Public Hearing of an Ordinance to Adopt the Fiscal Year 2022-23 Budget.
AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING A BUDGET PROPOSED BY THE
CITY MANAGER, CONTAINING ESTIMATES OF PROPOSED
REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES BY THE CITY OF AIKEN FOR
THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2022, AND ENDING
JUNE 30, 2023, AND DECLARING THAT IT SHALL CONSTITUTE
THE BUDGET OF THE CITY OF AIKEN.
V. PETITIONS AND REQUESTS:
1) Requests for Banners for Various Events.
2) Request to Approve a Fireworks Display on July 4, 2022, at The Reserve Club at Woodside.
VI. INFORMATION
a) Issues and Updates.
b) Community Development Committee Minutes for April 11, 2022.
c) Public Services Department Report for March, 2022
d) Human Resources Department Reports for March and April, 2022.
e) Airport Committee Minutes for January 11, 2022.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
A
A
Father
we're
thankful
for
this
day
we're
thankful
for
this
time.
We're
thankful
for
the
city
that
we
love,
or
we
just
ask
that
your
blessings
would
be
upon
it.
We
ask
that
your
blessings
will
be
upon
all
those
who
are
represented
here
and
their
families.
We
ask
for
wisdom
for
this
council
as
we
make
decisions
for
the
future
of
our
city.
We
pray
that
you
would
be
with
all
those
who
protect
us
all
those
who
serve
us
in
our
city
of
aiken
family.
In
your
name.
We
pray,
amen
chief
good
evening.
B
A
We'd
like
to
read
our
guidelines
for
our
meetings,
meetings
or
public
forums
in
which
many
opinions
are
expressed
in
the
business
of
the
city
must
be
conducted
as
such,
disciplined
and
honorable
and
professional
decorum
is
paramount,
courteous
and
respectful
communication.
As
expected
during
public
hearings,
all
questions
and
statements
from
the
public
shall
be
directed
to
the
chair.
A
If
you
wish
to
speak,
please
raise
your
hand
and
I'll
certainly
recognize
you.
Please
approach
the
podium
and
state
your
name
and
address
in
order
to
allow
an
opportunity
for
everyone
who
wishes
to
address
counsel.
Speakers
should
limit
their
comments
to
the
subject
being
discussed,
and
each
speaker
will
be
given
five
minutes
to
address
an
issue
and
may
only
address
an
issue
once
unless
questions
from
counsel
are
opposed
to
the
speaker
and
we'll
be
we'll
be
watching
a
five-minute
rule.
C
A
A
A
A
A
Whereas
kevin
d
simmons
was
employed
by
the
city
of
aitkins,
a
public
safety
officer
on
may
10
2021,
whereas
kevin
was
attending
a
joint
firefighter
ii
training
class
hosted
at
aiken
public
safety.
During
the
last
week
of
july
2021
and
during
this
class,
the
students
were
exposed
to
individuals
who
tested
positive
for
coat
in
19,
whereas
on
tuesday
august
3rd
2021
kevin
simmons
tested
positive
for
coveted
19.
A
week
later,
kevin
was
hospitalized
due
to
code
related
issues.
It
was
on
thursday
august
12.
A
A
All
right,
we'll
move
down
to
old
business
item
number
one
is
approval
of
appointments
and
discussion
of
appointees
to
various
city
boards,
commissions
and
committees,
including,
but
not
limited
to
the
recreation
commission.
So
with
that,
I
will
now
recognize
our
city
manager,
mr
beanville
good
evening,
good.
F
D
A
A
Number
two
under
old
business:
this
is
a
second
reading
and
public
hearing
of
an
ordinance
to
rezone
property
at
2265,
whiskey,
road
and
approve
a
concept
plan
by
title
and
ordinance
amending
the
zoning
of
real
estate
located
at
2265
whiskey,
road
from
general
business
gb
to
planned
commercial
pc.
Is
there
a
motion,
so
moved
councilman
jared?
Oh,
is
there
a
second.
G
F
You,
the
applicant,
is
requesting
the
zoning
to
plan
commercial
for
this
parcel
at
2265,
whiskey,
road,
the
look
it
is
the
location
of
the
former
golden
corral
restaurant
and
it
would
construct
an
olive
garden
italian
restaurant
on
the
parcel
the
existing
building
would
be
removed
and
the
lot
redeveloped
since
it
is
going
to
be
recommended
zone
plan
commercial.
A
concept
plan
must
be
reviewed
by
the
planning
commission
and
approved
by
city
council.
F
This
concept
would
have
a
7
805
square
feet:
235
seat,
olive
garden,
restaurant.
The
concept
plan
shows
adequate
parking.
Spaces
are
provided
with
three
ax.
Existing
access
points
currently
in
existence
will
be
maintained.
There
is
appropriate,
open
space,
no
traffic
study
required
since
the
proposed
project
does
not
change
the
existing
ingress
or
egress.
F
F
I
A
A
A
Moving
down
to
item
number
three,
this
is
a
second
reading
in
public
hearing.
An
ordinance
to
annex
5.873
acres
on
jefferson
davis
highway
is
under
planned
commercial
pc
and
approve
a
concept
plan
by
title.
This
is
an
annex
property
located
on
the
intersection
of
jefferson
davis,
highway
and
robert
in
belt
parkway
and
is
on
the
same
planned,
commercial
or
pc.
Is
there
a
motion.
F
F
The
applicant
is
requesting
annexation
and
concept
plan
approval
of
approximately
5.9
acres,
located
at
the
intersection
of
jefferson
davis
highway
and
robert
embell
parkway
to
construct
the
parker's
kitchen
store
with
eight
multiple
fuel
pumps
with
a
canopy
as
well
as
a
kitchen
and
indoor
seating.
For
16.
F
of
this
five,
approximately
5.9
acres,
parker's
kitchen
will
occupy
approximately
three
and
a
quarter
acres,
which
is
the
northern
portion
and
the
northern
portion
of
the
site.
Approximately
two
and
two-thirds
acres
will
be
an
out
parcel
available
for
sale
and
future
development.
All
existing
buildings
and
other
construction
on
the
site
will
be
demolished.
F
The
appropriate
buffers
will
be
and
planing
strips
will
be
installed
and
it
will
have
appropriate
open
space
developers
proposing
45
parking
spaces
to
monument
signs
and
a
traffic
impact
study
will
be
required
since
the
proposal
project
was
proposed
to
generate
100
or
more
car
trips
per
hour.
The
planning
commission
reviewed
this
request
at
their
april
12
meeting.
All
those
present
on
the
planning
commission
unanimously
recommended
the
annexation
and
concept
plan,
with
the
conditions
listed
that
were
read
into
the
record
at
the
first
reading,
and
it
is
before
you
tonight
for
second
reading.
J
I
J
A
A
Looking
at,
I
am
number
four
under
old
business.
This
is
a
second
reading
and
a
public
hearing
of
an
ordinance
to
annex
property
on
university
parkway,
so
single
family
attached
rsa
and
approve
a
concept
plan.
My
title
is
the
same:
an
ordinance
annex
property
located
on
university
parkway
and
is
on
the
same
single
family
attached
rsa.
Is
there
a
motion.
D
F
F
The
proposed
zoning
will
be
single
family
attached
phase.
One
will
consist
of
approximately
84
dwelling
units
and
will
have
access
from
university
parkway
with
floodplain
and
floodway.
Limiting
the
building
buildable
area
phase
2
will
have
approximately
76
dwelling
units
with
access
off
of
tennessee.
The
two
phases
will
not
be
connected:
each
building
will
have
four
or
fewer
attached
two-story
dwelling
units,
these
single-family
attached
developments
must
meet
the
requirements
of
section
4.2.1
of
our
attached
single-family
residential
projects
of
our
zoning
ordinance,
which
requires
a
concept
plan
submittal.
F
The
city
of
vacant,
water
and
sewer
specifications
must
be
met
and
the
existing
super
trunk
main
will
have
to
be
relocated.
The
developer's
expense.
The
planning
commission
has
reviewed
this
request
for
annexation
and
concept
plan
approval
at
their
april
11th
meeting
all
planning
commissioners
present
unanimously
voted
to
approve
it
with
the
conditions
that
were
noted
in
the
memo
and
read
it
first
reading
into
the
record,
and
it
is
before
you
tonight
at
first
reading
or
excuse
me
second
reading
is
before
you
this
evening.
A
A
It's
going
to
be
a
luxury
townhome
development,
which
will
include
clubhouse,
walking,
trails,
tennis
courts
as
well
as
a
dog
park
and
gated
community
on
the
first
half
of
that
university
parkway
entrance,
so
we're
trying
to
make
it
again:
fair,
relatively
nice
for
the
surrounding
neighborhood
as
well
just
bring
up
the
value
of
the
surrounding
community,
all
right,
very
good.
Are
there
any
questions
for
mr
jesse?
I.
B
K
A
A
A
A
D
A
So
we
don't
have
any
idea
or
notation
on
when
they're
going
to
actually
develop
their
role
to
pave
it.
So
what
we
did
or
what
we're
going
to
do
is
actually
have
two
points
or
what
you
call
colder
sats,
that
that
is
both
sides
from
the
university
parkway
as
well
as,
and
I
believe
we
have
the
concept
plan
too
as
well,
but
it
deadens
both
sides
of
that.
Once
there
is
in
question
that
aitkin
county
will
possibly
develop
their
role,
then
we
possibly
open
it
up
at
that
time.
So.
D
A
B
A
L
L
L
Several
neighbors
in
the
surrounding
area
and
most
of
all,
haven't
even
been
informed
of
this
construction.
That's
going
on.
I
would
like
to
ask
if,
if
it
could
be
postponed,
they
allow
the
neighbors
the
neighborhood
to
have
more
opportunity
to
come
and
address
their
issues
because
there's
concerns
about
safety.
L
We've
recently
had
a
increase
in
crime
in
the
area,
and
so
I
think
it
will
be
in
the
best
interest
of
the
neighbors
in
the
surrounding
area
to
have
an
opportunity
to
come
up
here
and
speak
and
address
these
issues,
because
the
the
posting
for
this
hearing
was
on
lincoln
avenue.
Even
though
that's
not
gonna
be
an
entrance
point.
L
E
L
E
L
L
D
I've
got
some
comments
from
there
too
to
share
with
mr
clark
squad.
I
do
want
to
thank
you
for
being
here
and
thank
you
for
sharing
the
interests
of
the
neighborhood.
I
just
wanted
to
get
involved.
I
I
personally
appreciate
your
your
wanting
to
ask
those
questions
of
which
people
that
you're
representing
cannot
get
here
and
and
you're
serving
as
a
voice
for
them.
D
D
D
A
And
I'll
I'll
give
you
some
time
it's
like
I'm
not
trying
to,
but
let
me
let
me
just
ask
you
this:
if,
if
this
has
continued,
does
it
does
it
change
you?
I
mean
since
you're,
looking
at
first
quarter,
23,
so
that
we
could
have
maybe
council
one
price
myself
and
you
could
get
together
with
some
residents
over
there,
because
I
would
I
I
made
the
gesture
and
provided
my
number
to
mr
clark.
This
was
way
before
the
first
reading.
Okay,
to
give
it
my
number
to
any
other
residents
within
the
area.
A
C
A
A
So
if
it
is
continue
further
along,
you
know,
that'd
be
no
problem,
but
in
a
reasonable
amount,
I'm
not
trying
to
postpone
something,
but
I
would
like
to
if,
if
you're
agreeable
to-
and
it
doesn't
mess
you
up
with
financing
or
moving
something
forward.
If
we
could
push
this,
I
think
so
that
we
could
have
a
meeting
with
with
the
community.
It
might
be.
That
is
correct.
Yeah.
Would
you
be
amenable
to
that?
Absolutely
again.
Would
that
be
for
both
sides
or
just
for
the
tennessee
avenue.
G
M
A
Comes-
and
I
know
we
have
a
part
that
we've
gotten
together
at
several
times
right
right
there
in
the
neighborhood,
so
we'll
get
that
set
up
with
a
time
that
works
for
you
as
well
as
ours,
and
you
know
we
certainly
would
like
mr
clark-
and
you
know
your
mom
and
dad
too
so
to
have
a
chance
to
ask
questions
and
see.
I
think
it's
a
great
project.
Okay
and.
D
It
is-
and
let
me
just
add
to
mr
clark
and
to
others
as
well.
This
area
has
seen
little
growth
in
terms
of
housing
and
development,
and
this
is
a
plus
for
the
community
to
see
this
project
and
other
projects
that
are
coming
on
board.
So
this
is
good,
but
we
want
to
make
sure
that
the
safety
concerns
of
the
communities
has
addressed
the
lighting
that
they're
concerned
with
and
them
understanding
too.
D
A
F
A
Yep,
so
all
right,
we
will
be
in
touch
with
you
this
week
to
try
to
find
a
time
that
works
for
everybody,
okay,
okay
and
I'm
sorry.
So
are
we
voting
to
we're
just
I'm
going
to
ask
council
to
continue
this
tonight
until
we
have
that
community
meeting
and
then
we'll
put
it
back
on
our
agenda?
Okay,
okay,
all
right!
Thank
you.
A
A
All
right,
moving
down
old
business
item
number
five.
This
is
a
second
reading
and
public
hearing
of
an
ordinance
to
convey
a
portion
of
the
100
block
of
newberry
street
southwest
to
rpm
development
partners.
Llc
by
tyler
norton
is
approving
the
conveyance
of
a
portion
of
the
100
block
of
new
base
street
southwest
to
rpm
development
partners.
Llc.
Is
there
a
motion
so
moved
all
right?
Thank
you,
councilman
jared.
I
was
there
a
second.
N
F
A
A
F
We
wanted
to
ask
the
developer
to
stay
within
the
confines
of
their
property
line
and
consider
constructing
buildings
greater
than
55
feet,
provided
a
variance
from
the
bca
could
be
received.
The
developers
did
not
believe
this
was
the
best
course
because
they
believe
the
project
fits
in
better
with
the
existing
downtown
buildings,
height
limit
of
55
feet
or
under
reduce
the
density
within
the
project
footprint.
F
As
a
result,
the
amount
of
newbury
street
that
is
needed
for
this
project,
the
100
block
southwest
southbound
lane
is
now
26,
78
26
hundredths
of
an
acre,
almost
27
hundredths
of
an
acre,
which
is
about
a
56
reduction
in
the
area
needed.
This
would
result
in
the
southbound
lane
of
newberry
being
closed.
The
traffic
lane
in
the
northbound
section
would
still
be
open
to
motor
vehicle
traffic
with
vehicle
traffic
moving
from
park
to
richland.
Only
the
parking
would
continue.
F
The
conveyance
would
only
take
place
if
a
master
development
agreement
is
in
place
between
the
aitkin
municipal
development,
commission
and
rpm
development
partners.
What
this
would
mean
is
that
should
council
pass
this,
there
would
still
need
to
be
a
master
development
agreement
between
those
two
entities,
which
is
not
something
that
would
occur
in
within
the
short
period
of
time
in
the
next
several
weeks.
F
So
there
would
be
still
a
lot
of
things
that
need
to
be
done
as
part
of
the
project.
I
think
there
were
multiple
public
information
sessions
where
feedback
was
received
and
also
just
comments
from
the
public
since
first
reading.
So
I
think
we've
seen
some
of
the
scope
reduced
this
project
again,
it's
many
little
steps
have
to
be
obtained
and
and
granted
before
any
work
can
begun
begin,
and
this
is
one
item
of
that
process.
A
O
This
is
so
disappointing.
I
don't
want
to
be
here,
but
I
don't
know
why
you
know
like
at
the
march
28th
meeting
it
was
a
hundred
percent.
Their
citizens
were
against
this
and
y'all
vote
unanimously
for
it.
This
happens
with
city
councils.
I've
been
to
several
things
like
this.
Where
that
happens,
but
even
worse
is
you
know
the
attorney
smith
was
at
that
meeting
and
conducted
that
meeting,
which
is.
A
O
Record
at
other
meetings
that
he
was
involved
in
that
and
and
y'all
voted
that
evening
to
convey
property
to
his
business
partner.
It's
I
can
there's
just
tons
of
stuff,
I
mean
rpm
was
not
created
until
november
after
I
was
told
he
recused
himself
there's.
I
did
a
foia
request
last
week
for
his
recusal
and
writing.
There
is
none.
O
This
is
this
pascal
is
destroying
our
trust
and
our
public
officials.
You
know
and
y'all
aren't
listening
and
and
why
wasn't
I
given
the
opportunity
to
be
given
a
million
dollar
project?
I
mean
his
business
partner,
has
no
construction
or
development.
He
just
created
this
business
in
march,
just
or
in
november.
Just
so
he
can
get
this
free
gift
from
you
guys.
Why
didn't
y'all
offer
that
to
me.
P
P
O
Crazy
and
I'm
right
everything
that
I'm
saying
is
public
record
right
and
if
y'all
vote
for
this
tonight,
I
will
be
filing
a
lawsuit
tomorrow.
Okay,
because
I
have
plenty
of
grounds
this
is,
I
mean
I've
watched
the
video
three
times
of
the
march
28th
meeting.
You
know
this
is
crazy
and
then,
at
that
april,
20th
meeting
that
gentleman
and
this
gentleman
sat
there
and
tried
to
say
that
he
re
he
he
recused
himself
early
in
the
process.
That's
that's
not
true.
O
O
O
O
Okay
and
that's
clearly
what
he
did:
okay
and
anyone
else
that
was
working
with
him
on
that
is
also
included
in
that,
and-
and
this
is
just
crazy-
you
know-
and
it's
it's
public
record-
it's
everyone
knows
about
it.
You
know
and-
and
they
only
brought
up
the
recusal
thing
at
that
april.
20Th
meeting
after
this
started,
hitting
facebook
and
so
forth,.
O
R
All
sir
john
davis
107
periwinkle
court.
Thank
you
I
think
about
a
month
ago.
Maybe
someone
came
up
with
a
great
idea
that
the
old
town
hall
could
be
used
as
a
conference
center.
I
think
it
was
about
a
month
ago.
I'm
correct
and
I
think
that's
a
great
idea
by
the
way,
but
it
indicated
to
me
that
this
plan
is
not
really
a
plan.
R
Q
R
S
S
S
S
S
We
were
hoping
for
better,
I
suppose,
but
this
is
absolutely
ludicrous.
We
have
been
through
the
renaissance
we've
been
through
the
first
reading
for
this.
Everyone
came
in
locked
step,
voted
for
it
done
deal,
and
here
we're
about
to
see
it
again-
probably,
I
hope
not,
but
I
suspect
we're
going
to
see
it
again,
probably
unanimous
this.
S
There
is
no
way
to
get
any
meaningful
input
in
I.
This
is
horrendous
for
aitkin.
It
is
too
tall
too
big,
too
intense,
and
just
too
goofy
that
you're
trying
we
are
a
nice
relaxed
little
village
and
you're,
trying
to
put
one
intense
little
carbuncle
in
the
middle
and
make
it
so
large
that
everything
else
will
just
be
in
awe
of
it.
It
is
going
to
be
horrible.
S
We
are
the
historic
downtown
guidelines,
suggest
sort
of
two
and
three
stories
and
55
feet
is
stupid.
55
feet
is
too
damn
much.
We
walk
downtown.
Look
around
two
stories,
mostly
occasionally.
Three,
your
new
headquarters
is
three:
should
anything
be
higher
than
that
we
are
promised
a
five-story,
something
or
other
with
a
bar
on
top
well
whoopee.
S
P
T
T
That
lesson
is
something
I
think
we
need
here.
I
understand
the
developer
would
like
more
space.
I
get
it.
I'm
not
opposed
to
development.
I
truly
am
not.
We
have
rules,
you
all
are
the
parent
in
this
situation.
You
are
the
one
that
needs
to
tell
them.
No,
they
don't
need
newberry
and
if
they
do,
the
plan
is
wrong.
T
T
We
do
what
we
don't
support.
Is
you
all
making
aiken?
What's
not
aiken?
Keep
it
to
the
limits,
keep
the
development
to
what
it
needs
to
be,
and
that
means
not
giving
up.
Newberry
it's
before
you
and
I'm
asking
you
all
to
make
the
difficult
decision
that
I
make
to
teach
my
children.
Sometimes
they
don't
get
what
they
want.
P
U
I'm
norman
dunnigan.
I
live
at
324
summerwind
court.
First.
I
want
to
thank
you
for
the
opportunity
to
stand
in
front
of
you
tonight
and
I
want
to
say
how
much
I
enjoy
living
in
a
country
where
we
all
get
the
opportunity
to
say
what
we
think
and
feel
publicly
I'm
here
on
behalf
of
the
chamber,
to
ask
you
to
pass
the
second
reading
of
the
conveyance,
and
I
want
to
talk
a
little
bit
about
about
downtown.
Many
of
you
are
aware
that
that
I'm
really
involved
downtown.
U
We
even
started
a
business
called
freeloader
to
try
to
address
what
we
thought
were
some
traffic
issues
for
downtown
and
during
that
time,
that
we
ran
freeloader.
We
stopped
it
during
covid,
but
before
that
we
were
getting
between
two
to
350
people
a
day
who
were
looking
for
alternatives
to
to
parking.
So
we
definitely
have
a
parking
problem
during
certain
time
frames,
and
that
was
addressed
during
one
of
the
the
meetings
before,
and
I
also
want
to
talk
a
little
bit
about
the
conveyance
to
change
newbury
street.
U
V
V
V
V
In
addition,
we
all
know
that
downtown
living
is
high
demand
and
we
also
know
that
project
proscalis
will
generate
the
tax
revenue
many
times
over,
the
investment
which
will
sustain
aitkin
well
into
the
future,
and
we
need
that.
I
mean
we're
in
a
good
spot
right
now,
but
five
years
from
now,
I
don't
know
by
bringing
in
more
people
downtown
to
live,
visit
and
attend
events.
We
will
help
our
local
shops
and
restaurants
thrive
despite
online
competition,
which
threatens
many
of
them.
V
Q
W
My
name
is
laura
lance,
I'm
a
lifelong
resident
of
aitkin.
Yesterday,
some
I'm
going
to
read
this
because
I
wouldn't
be
able
to
remember
it.
Yesterday,
someone
sent
me
a
short
film
on
the
story
of
medina
ohio,
a
small
town
about
the
same
age
as
aiken,
but
with
only
about
two-thirds
of
the
population
of
our
city.
It
was
inspiring
to
see
what
is
possible
when
a
town
and
its
citizens,
along
with
well-chosen
consultants
and
private
investment,
work
together
on
future
development
and
growth.
The
result
of
medina's
excuse
me.
W
Medina's
efforts
is
an
utterly
charming
town
where
people
like
to
live
and
visit.
They
did
not
take
a
wrecking
ball
and
a
cookie
cutter
to
the
town
they
knew
they
didn't
want
medina
to
look
like
so
many
other
revitalized
towns
in
america
that
looked
like
reasonable
facsimiles
facsimiles
of
a
21st
century
developers,
idea
of
what
small
town
america
should
look
like.
W
Instead,
the
pertinent
parties
came
together
to
make
thoughtful,
deliberate,
transparent
decisions
on
what
to
restore
what
to
preserve
and
what
to
renovate
this
process
was
not
mere
months,
but
years
decades
in
the
making
medina
described
their
stages
along
this
path.
As
stepping
stones
to
economic
vitality
today,
when
people
visit
medina,
they
know
they
are
visiting
medina
a
place,
unlike
any
other
in
the
country,
and
this
is
what
I
and
clearly
a
lot
of
other
people
in
aitkin
wish
for
our
town,
but
the
opposite
is
happening.
W
The
plans
for
project
pascalis
continue
a
pace
sans
meaningful
public
participation
and
despite
strong
opposition
to
it.
In
that
vein,
there
are
a
lot
of
people
who
would
be
here
tonight,
but
can't
a
few
of
these
people
asked
if
I
would
pose
some
questions
for
them.
There
are
six
questions
in
all
each
pertinent
to
newberry
street
number
one.
W
Why
weren't
aiken
taxpayers
allowed
input
on
the
conveyance
of
city
property
to
a
private
developer,
and
I'm
not
asking
for
answers.
I'm
just
putting
these
out
there
for
thought
number
two:
why
does
the
city's
ordinance
describe
this
conveyance
of
newberry
street
as
essential
to
the
general
health,
safety,
welfare
and
economic
stability?
W
That's
just
strange
and
besides
aiken
is
not
suffering
economically
number.
Three.
Why
weren't
aiken
taxpayers
asked
if
they
approved
this
investment
of
their
tax
dollars?
Number
four:
why
does
an
experienced
developer
need
half
of
a
street
to
build
an
apartment?
Complex
number
five?
Is
the
newberry
street
conveyance,
actually
just
about
creating
access
for
the
demolition
work
number
six.
If
demolition
up
is
removed
from
the
equation,
does
this
remove
the
impetus
to
give
away
the
southbound
lane
of
newbury
street?
W
Lastly,
I'll
offer
some
food
for
thought.
As
long
as
the
till
the
time
runs
out,
project
piscalis
doesn't
exist
in
a
vacuum.
It's
not
immune
to
what's
plaguing
so
many
other
construction
projects
around
the
country,
the
extreme
shortages
of
labor
and
construction
materials,
the
supply
line
disruptions
the
high
energy
cost
and
inflation.
W
These
issues
didn't
begin
with
the
pandemic
and
other
factors
on
the
world
stage,
but
they've
sure
been
worsened
by
them
and
made
all
the
more
unpredictable
stir
into
this.
The
runaway
prices
for
most
any
construction
material.
You
could
name
steel,
concrete
lumber.
Pvc
steel
alone
has
risen,
127
percent,
just
over
the
past
six
months.
W
The
american
landscape
is
peppered
with
stalled
and
abandoned
development
projects,
many
of
them
hotels,
apartment
complexes
and
conference
centers
that
started
out
much
like
project
pascalis,
but
were
waylaid
due
to
market
conditions,
financing
struggles
and
unanticipated
events.
Some
have
been
resurrected
with
loan
hikes.
Others
lie
fallow.
W
It's
one
thing
to
stare
at
stalled,
half-finished
finished
projects
in
large
cities
like
kalamazoo,
tallahassee,
nashville,
detroit
or
charlotte,
it's
another
to
stare
for
years
at
a
cratered-out
lot
or
a
half-built
apartment
complex
in
a
small
town
like
aitkin.
Against
this
backdrop,
I'll
raise
this
last
point.
The
hotel
and
other
buildings
on
richland
slated
for
the
wrecking
ball
were
made
from
materials
produced
from
the
very
earth
right
here
in
aitkin,
south
carolina
consider
the
longleaf
pine
and
the
oak
for
the
framing
and
woodwork
consider
the
brick
that
was
likely
made
from
local
clay.
P
P
P
C
X
So
it
came
up
at
the
end.
It
came
up
towards
the
end,
so
at
that
time
you
all
were
going
to
people
asked
well.
Has
there
been
a
an
environmental
protection
report
done
and
apparently
it
was
in
the
works,
but
it
it
hadn't
been
presented
yet
so
I'm
wondering
how
can
you
go
to
cast
a
second
vote
on
proceeding
with
this
project
without
that
essential
peace
too?
X
X
X
X
Y
Y
It
says
that
it
must
be
put
into
the
record,
it
must
be
put
into
the
minutes,
and
that
has
not
occurred
and
I
still
haven't
heard
it
occur.
So
I
looked
up
rpm
when
I
watched
this
on
the
first
reading
when
it
was
on
a
replay,
and
it
was
easy
for
me
to
see
that
it
was,
and
the
agent
was
mr
massey,
this
very
same
address
as
the
city
attorney
and
the
city
attorney
was
here.
He
was
being
asked
questions
I
asked:
what
did
this
council
know?
Y
Why
didn't
anyone
else
ask
who
is
rpm
and
the
response
I
got
from
my
four-year
request
was
a
link
to
the
agenda
items.
So
I
looked
up
the
agenda
item
and
there
was
nothing
in
there
to
say
who
they
were.
I
had
to
to
find
that
information
on
my
own,
I,
but
I
did
see
a
roster
of
a
meeting
that
occurred.
Y
Y
When
was
this
meeting
noticed
because
I
just
found
out
yesterday
and
I
looked
up
in
the
munico
which
is
6.14
and
that's
a
public
hearing
for
public
projects,
I
would
consider
this
a
public
project
and
it
says
20
days
noticed
published
posted
and
mailed.
So
was
this
meeting
itself
for
this
second
reading?
How
was
that
notice?
Because
first
I
heard
it
was
going
to
be
on
the
25th.
I
asked
about
that
during
the
project
pascal's
input.
He
said.
No,
it's
not
going
to
be
on
the
25th
there'll
be
a
notice.
I
never
saw
a
notice.
Y
P
Z
Y
Z
C
Z
That
section
of
the
code-
so
yes
that
does
apply
to
zoning.
This
is
not
a
zoning
matter.
What
would
apply
here
is
the
city
code
incorporates
state
law,
and
so,
unless
there
is
a
specific
state
law
that
requires
a
public
hearing,
then
the
city
can
do
it
in
accordance
with
this
typical
custom
and
practice,
and
so.
Z
Q
P
P
Y
At
your
offices
that
you
just
moved
into
they're
beautiful,
I
think
we
wouldn't
have
even
thought
to
call
you
on
this
or
to
look
this
up.
If
you
had
presented
something
worthy,
we
would
have
said
beautiful.
Thank
you
thanks
for
making
aiken
even
better,
but
because
this
is
so
atrocious,
it
was
easy
to
find
the
mistakes
and
it
was
motivating
to
look
for
them
and
we
can
do
better.
We
deserve
better,
and
I
would
say
that
you
need
to
do
a
lot
more
than
scale
this
back.
You
need
to
stop
it
completely.
Y
Q
AA
Good
evening
my
name
is
diana
carroll.
I
am
an
attorney
here
in
town.
My
office
is
at
107
pendleton
street
northwest,
and
I
previously
presented
on
the
first
reading
of
this
ordinance
and
I
presented
to
you
a
letter
at
that
time
and
I
presented
a
second
letter
tonight,
which
I
believe
the
clerk
has
circulated
and
and
I
the
the
nature
of
well.
The
first
letter
was
much
more
comprehensive
than
the
second
and
it
went
to
largely
what
we
don't
know
about
this
project.
AA
M
AA
We're
talking
about
the
street,
I
hear
that,
but
mr
biedenbaum
has
has
advised
us
that
this
decision
will
not
come
to
you
again
and
it's
my
understanding
that
that
master
plan
that
agreement
that
has
to
come
between
and
if
someone
wants
to
correct
me,
I
would
be
very
pleased
to
hear
it
that
that
won't
come
back
to
you.
So
this
represents
to
me
not
in
your
best
interest,
to
vote
for
this
right
now,
because
you
are
you're
by
inches
giving
away
and
abdicating
your
power.
AA
You
are
elected
officials,
you
have
a
responsibility
and
I
know
you
to
be
generally
very
engaged
and
interested
in
the
best
interests
of
aitkin.
But
when
you
abdicate
your
power
and
you
walk
away
and
you
let
some
administrative
staff
make
those
decisions
for
you,
you
lose
your
ability
to
make
sure
that
this
is
done
properly.
AA
AA
There
was
a
lot
of
talk
about
that.
It's
really
in
the
nature
of
a
parking
study,
and
we
are
we
are.
We
are
talking
about
removing
a
large
portion
of
newbury
street.
It
will
no
longer
function
in
any
resemblance
of
the
way
that
it
functions
at
this
time
and
without
a
transportation
study.
I
just
think
it's
irresponsible
to
make
a
decision
on
that.
You
need
to
know
whether
we're
going
to
be
able
to
drive
up
and
down
newbury
street
or
not,
or
you
are
not
doing
the
job
that
you
were
elected
to
do
so.
AA
We
we
still
don't
have
that
information.
There
was
a
lot
of
talk,
but
but
we've
not
got
to
the
end,
because
it
is
such
a
huge
and
important
decision
which
you
can
see
because
there's
so
many
people
here,
it's
obviously
an
important
decision.
You
should
know
it.
You
should
know
the
answers
inside
and
out.
If
it's
not
going
to
come
back
to
you,
you
should
not
be
letting
a
lower
level
person
deal
with
it.
This
is
your
decision.
It
is
your
power.
Is
your
caring.
AA
It
is
your
city,
it
is
our
city
and
we
want
you
invested
in
it
and
involved
in
it.
Now.
I
would
add
that
my
second
letter
tonight
it
goes
to
procedural
issues
I
I
would
have
to
circle
back
and
and
and
consider
mr
pope's
opinion
on
whether
or
not
the
provision
that
miss
cornelius
addressed
is
applicable
or
not,
but
there
are
some
other
provisions
that
are
definitely
applicable
that
have
not
been
met.
AA
One
of
them,
for
example,
is
there
the
provision
of
your
municipal
code
that
applies
to
closing
roads
in
that
instance.
You
needed
to
have
noticed
this
for
three
successive
weeks
each
one
week
apart
and
I
have
to
speak
to
you
now
in
a
very
pragmatic
way,
and
I
cite
another
so
many
notice
requirements
in
the
land.
I
mean.
I
admit
it
can
be
dizzying
sometimes,
but
you
are
the
city,
you
should
know
you're
required
to
know
and
if
you
were
closing
the
street.
AA
AA
There
will
be
as
many
foia
requests
as
it
takes
to
find
out
if
the
procedure
was
accomplished
properly,
and
I
would
submit
to
you
that
it
was
not.
So
I
would
suggest
that
you
need
to
step
up
be
the
responsible
people.
I
believe
you
can
be
hold
on
to
this
decision
and
make
sure
that
you
know
that
what's
happening
to
your
city
has
been
done
procedurally
correctly
and
is
in
substance.
What.
O
P
AB
First,
on
transparency,
pre-approving,
the
pascalis
project
in
small
segments
denies
citizens
vital
information.
We
heard
we've
made
many
requests
for
information,
that's
not
available
pre-approving.
The
project
in
small
segments
denies
citizens
vital
information
needed
on
the
project
as
a
whole
in
order
to
make
informed
decisions.
Second,
you
have
not
provided
any
financial
information
or
analysis.
AB
AB
AB
AB
AB
The
right
answer
in
these
circumstances
is
to
slow
things
down
and
get
yourselves
and
get
us
the
residents
full
answers
on
all
these
questions,
we're
not
against
development,
I'm
not
against
development
pro
development.
I
want
to
see
that
portion
of
that
block
rebuilt
and
rebuilt
beautifully.
I
want
this
project
to
succeed.
AB
P
AB
AC
AC
You
know
when
shaw
came
in
front
of
you
to
rebuild
the
hotel
aiken
he
had
to
go
through
leaps
and
bounds
came
in
front
of
you
with
a
yardstick
saying.
I
need
this
much
more
in
order
to
get
that
project
done,
and
you
all
said:
okay,
we'll
give
you
that,
so
you
can
rebuild
that
hotel
and
then,
unfortunately,
that
didn't
go
anywhere
now
you're
just
giving
that
to
this
developer.
AC
AC
I
just
don't
understand
it
really!
Don't
you
know
when
I
was
a
kid
on
long
island
growing
up
in
the
horse
business,
and
I
would
hear
my
friends
coming
back.
The
olders
coming
back,
who
spent
so
much
time
down
here
in
aitkin
and
then
I
got
a
chance
to
come
down
here,
late
80s
and
stayed
at
what
was
the
hotel
aiken.
It
was
really
nice
at
that
point,
and
I
was
amazed
at
what
was
here.
AC
Then
I
had
a
chance
to
keep
coming
back
and
now
I
moved
here
and
best
thing
I
ever
did
really
was
moving
down
here
and
love.
So
much
of
what
is
here,
newberry
street
the
alley,
with
normally
everything
that
you've
done
to
help
help
you
the
alley
and
make
that
very
special
and
now
you're
going
to
take
that
it
seems
along.
Q
AC
All
these
issues
and
try
to
turn
this
part
of
aitkin
into
something
that
looks
like
greenville
looks
like
spartanburg
looks
like
some
areas
of
charleston,
which
is
now
by
the
way
one
of
the
most
expensive
places
in
the
country
to
live,
and
I
just
don't
understand
it
and
I'm
just
not
hearing
why,
right
and
and
I'm
sorry
norm.
But
I've
got
to
do
this
because
you
did
it.
Mr.
AD
Q
K
AE
Much
controversy
over
where
I
live,
so
we
won't
go
there,
but
I
do
own
an
ownership
chair
at
140
pi
needle,
so
I
may
not
sleep
there
at
night,
but
I'm
going
to
rent
a
house
in
the
city,
so
I
can.
Mr
donegan
did
something
earlier
I'd
like
to
redo
again,
if
you
all
don't
mind,
mr
donegan
asks
everybody
who
was
for
this
project
to
stand
up.
AE
P
AE
AE
They
love
our
streets,
the
way
they
are-
and
I
think
it
begs
the
question:
what
developer
isn't
going
to
now
come
back
and
say:
hey,
you
know
I
really
need
half
of
newberry
or
hey.
I
need
half
a
park
or
hey.
I
need
you
know
as
we
go
further
and
further
out
of
the
precious
blocks
that
are
our
downtown,
because
our
downtown
isn't
just
lawrence
and
richland
y'all.
It's
about
28
blocks
right,
mr
wademo.
It
goes
down
to
beaufort
street.
It
goes
up
to
hampton
avenue.
It
goes
over
to
ball
clues.
AE
It
goes
down
hayne
and
we've
got
parkways
in
a
lot
of
those
places
and
as
economic
development
grows
and
radiates
out
how
many
more
developers
are
going
to
come,
say
hey.
I
want
my
part
of
the
parkway,
you
did
it
for
them.
How
many
more
developers
aren't
going
to
come
to
you
and
go
hey?
You
gave
them
a
million
like
you
did
for
southeastern
or,
like
you
did,
for
project
pascales
where's,
my
million
to
do
my
project.
AE
AE
So
there's
a
problem
here
and
that
is
that
we're
a
small
town
and
yes,
gary
smith's
business
partners
ray
massey.
Yes,
they're,
a
law
firm!
There
can
be
a
chinese
wall
whatever
it
is,
but
let's
be
honest
with
each
other
on
may
21st
of
2021
may
19th.
Sorry,
I'm
reading
this
as
a
public
document
tim
o'brien
confirmed
it
earlier.
AE
AE
Now,
why
wasn't
there
public
hearing
before
may
19
2021
to
determine
whether
or
not
that
statement
should
have
been
included
in
a
public
document,
because
it
was
a
foregone
conclusion
then?
So
whether
it
is
right
looks
right,
you
know
what
should
be
right
and
our
city
street
shouldn't
be
a
quid
pro
quo
given
way
for
free.
AE
The
city
has,
in
the
past
not
been
very
good
stewards
of
the
taxpayers
money.
Mr
mayor,
you
and
I
went
through
a
list.
We
don't
need
to
talk
about
george's
pond.
We
don't
need
to
talk
about
willow
run
business
park.
We
don't
talk
about
a
lot
of
those
things,
but
we
are
talking
about
half
a
newbury
street
or
a
quarter
of
dewberry
street.
AE
AE
AE
What
I'm
not
for
is
back
door
deals
secret
meetings,
meetings
where
disclosures
aren't
made
and
I'm
not
for
doing
one
thing
for
one
developer
and
not
doing
it
for
everybody
else,
because
you're
setting
a
dangerous
precedent.
If
you
vote
yes
tonight
without
having
a
hundred
percent
of
the
story.
Thank
you.
AF
I'm
sorry
lucy
knowles
1141,
two
notch
road
in
aitkin,
so
I
actually
sent
you
all
a
long
email
with
legal
sites
about
the
overlay
district,
but
newbury
street
is
subject
to
an
overlay
district
and
the
overlay
district
has
its
own
height
or
size
limit,
which
is
three
stories,
not
two
stories.
So
the
55
foot
height
limit
does
not
apply
or
does
not
overrule
the
overlay,
because
the
overlay
takes
precedence
over
the
55-foot
height
limit.
AF
So,
therefore,
the
plans
for
the
five-story
garage
and
apartment
are
inappropriate
and
contrary
to
your
own
guidelines
and
your
own
overlay
ordinance
also.
What
the
overlay
ordinance
provides
is
that
the
historic
grid
should
be
maintained
and
again
you're
attempting
to
go
against
your
own
ordinance
and
guidelines
tonight.
AF
By
doing
this,
and
I'd
like
to
conclude
by
saying
that
aiken
claims
to
be
a
city
of
character
and
to
me
one
of
the
most
important
characteristics
is
respect,
and
I'd
like
you
to
show
respect
for
the
citizens
who
have
come
here
tonight
and
who
really
have
felt
very
disrespected,
have
respect
for
your
own
rules
and
ordinances
and,
above
all,
have
respect
for
our
great
historic
city
and
do
not
do
this.
Please
do
it
right
and
not
this.
Thank
you.
Y
AG
I'm
dianna
floyd,
I'm
diana
floyd.
I
live
at
120,
quaker
ridge,
road
in
aitkin,
and
I
understand
that
this
is
a
very
emotional
issue,
but
what
I
want
to
talk
about
for
just
a
minute
are
some
of
the
facts
related
to
this
project
and
how
project
pascalis
does
in
fact
help
us
accomplish
some
of
the
things
that
aiken
needs.
AG
AG
AG
AG
P
AH
Hey
good
evening,
lisa
smith,
I
live
downtown,
just
I
don't
know
where
she
went,
but
just
to
answer
one
point
that
she
was
just
making
that
I
didn't
really
want
to
talk
about,
but
my
husband
and
I
did
a
deep
dive
into
that.
Hvs
hospitality
conference
center
study
and
we
wrote
a
summary,
a
two-page
summary
that
was
really
informative
and
I
sent
that
to
all
of
you,
but
I
didn't
get
a
response
back
from
anyone,
so
I
wondered:
did
you
receive
it?
AH
More
than
200
people,
only
1.5
of
the
time,
most
groups
that
they
project
will
be
small
groups
and
almost
all
of
the
groups
will
be.
This
is
detailed
more,
but
it's
not
really
one.
I
wanted
to
talk
about,
but
almost
all
the
groups
will
live
within
almost
all
of
the
people.
I
think
it's
85
percent
of
the
people
who
are
expected
to
come
to
our
conference
center
will
come
from
within
30
miles
of
downtown
aitkin.
AH
AH
Okay-
and
this
is
0.25,
so
we've
got
what
eight
nine,
so
that's
about
a
million
dollars
worth
of
land
there.
I
know
that
that's
not
improved
land,
but
the
other
land
you're
planning
to
just
to
demolish
the
buildings,
and
I'm
guessing
that'll
be
what
another.
How
much
will
it
cost
to
demolish
the
buildings
that
you're
planning
to
demolish.
AH
AH
Guys
do
real
estate
different
than
regular
people.
I've
worked
in
mortgage
lending
and
I
don't
understand
the
waste
municipalities
float
bonds
and
have
debt,
but
most
people
get
land
appraised
and
most
people
when
they
want
to
have
something
built
in
their
town
or
on
their
land.
They
tell
the
builder
what
they
want,
rather
than
saying.
Okay,
we'll
we'll
we'll
give
you
whatever
you
need
to
build
what
you
want
to
build.
I
know
when
I
built
my
homes.
I
I
tell
the
builders
what
we
need
and
what
I
want
for
my
money.
AH
AH
I
think
something
that
everyone
is
underestimating.
I
asked
this
question
to
you,
mr
osborne.
Last
time
last
city
council
meeting.
I
believe
how
long
was
the
term
of
demolition
and
construction,
and
I
think
you
told
me
it
would
be
two
years
and
then
I
asked
it
again
to
the
developer
when
they
were
here-
and
he
told
me
four
years
and
I
asked
how
many
dump
trucks
it
will
take
to
take
out
the
the
garbage
that
will
come
from
the
demolition
and
everyone
laughed
at
me.
AH
So
my
husband
is
a
the
kind
of
engineer
who
can
figure
this
out
right
yeah.
He
figures,
it'll,
be
960,
dump
trucks
coming
in
to
haul
out
the
garbage
and
that
it
will
be
major,
a
major
issue
because
you're
going
to
run
into
so
many
environmental
things.
As
you
take
down
those
old
buildings,
you
know
there'll
be
a
lot
of
stops
and
snafu.
So
I
would
say
four
years
is
probably
an
optimistic
number
from
the
developer.
I
was
surprised
at
the
difference
between
what
you
guys
think.
P
AH
And
what
they
think
also,
I
also
asked
about
the
parking
garage.
I
think
right
now,
you're
going
to
get
about
30
parking
new
spots
for
us,
I've
done
all
the
math
on
this
and
the
rest
will
be
lost
spots
or
spots
that
are
given
to
the
hotel
and
the
conference
center
and
so
we'll
have
30
new
spots.
And
then
you
think
you
have
600
people
coming
for
conferences,
so
I
that's
going
to
be
very
competitive.
I
think.
AH
AH
AH
P
AJ
Bill
tucker,
I
live
at
704,
pin
oak
drive
here
in
aitkin,
and
I've
had
a
professional
practice
around
the
corner
on
park
avenue
for
42
years
come
january
june,
the
1st
and
I'm
a
trustee
of
the
whitney
trustees
that
own
the
aiken
tennis
club
across
the
street
from
where
we're
talking
about.
So
I'm
not
here
to
speak
on
behalf
of
the
other
trustees,
but
I'm
setting
the
stage,
I'm
glad
della
made
the
clarification
she
did,
because
there
are
a
lot
of
us
and
I'm
included
in
that.
We
are
not
against
this
project.
AJ
AJ
I
just
think
that's
a
cruel
irony,
but
the
the
idea
that
we've
shrunk,
that
footprint
is
meaningless.
As
long
as
you
are
not
going
to
allow
southbound
traffic
on
newbury
street,
it's
going
to
disrupt
the
traffic
flow.
You've
got
the
issues
of
the
parking
garage
and
traffic
coming
out
of
there
and
only
being
able
to
go
northbound
on
newbury
street,
and
I
think,
there's
been
a
lot
of
good
comments
made
tonight.
AJ
AD
AD
AD
Prior
to
living
in
aegon,
I
lived
in
burlington
vermont
and
they
went
through
a
very
similar
time
when
they
were
having
new
development
come
into
the
city
and
they
actually
put
a
big
hotel
down
on
the
waterfront,
which
I
worked
at
for
many
many
years.
They
had
a
nice
convention
center
there,
which
was
small.
We
were
able
to
accommodate
500
people
and
it
was
great.
AD
They
then
built
further
big
areas
and
it
was
not
so
great.
The
reason
being
is
it's
very,
very
competitive
and
I'm
very
surprised.
I
love
our
chamber
of
commerce.
I
think
they're
all
great,
but
I'm
very,
very
surprised
that
they
are
behind
this
project
with
a
25
000
to
30
000
foot
convention
center.
AD
It
is
a
major
major
business.
We
had
at
the
hotel
that
I
worked
at.
We
had
six
or
seven
people
living
working
in
our
sales
department.
We
had
a
convention
center
in
aitkin
in
burlington
vermont
that
probably
had
another
six
or
seven
people
and
every
hotel
that
was
in
the
community
had
the
same
amount
of
people
just
to
bring
conventions
to
our
city.
AD
I
think
we
should
talk
to
the
people
in
augusta
and
find
out
how
many
nights,
those
lights,
are
on
probably
very,
very
small
percentage
of
the
nights
in
augustus
project
and
there
are
so
many
other
com
competitions
in
every
city
in
the
world
that
has
a
conference
center.
I
used
to
go
to
con
conferences
all
over
the
country
to
try
to
sell
our
convention
center
and
it
was
very,
very
competitive.
There'd
be
people
from
the
islands
from
the
west
coast
everywhere
and
we
had
major
hotels.
AD
We
had
hiltons
that
I
worked
for
marriott
hotels,
I
worked
for,
and
it
was
a
very,
very
hard
sell
because
it's
so
competitive
we
talk
about
a
600
person,
dining
room.
Yes,
that
would
really
be
nice,
but
you
don't
need
30
000
square
feet
for
that
for
600
person,
dining
room,
you
need
maybe
6
000
square
feet.
If
we
had
a
10,
000
square
foot
convention
center,
which
we
had
rooms,
small
rooms
for
meetings
would
be
fabulous.
AD
So
I
think
the
scope
is
so
out
of
sight
for
here
we
need
to
scale
this
down
and
if
we
scale
it
down,
we
can
keep
newbury
street.
We
don't
want
to
change
newbury
street.
We
also
does
anybody
know
what
is
average
hotel
room
sizes?
Did
anybody
design
a
hotel
with?
Did
they
tell
you
how
many
square
feet
we're
in
the
hotels
rooms?
Does
anybody
know
that
the
average
hotel
room
is
350
square
feet?
AD
You
may
get
some
suites
that
are
maybe
a
little
bit
bigger,
but
you
certainly
don't
even
need
100
rooms
in
this
hotel
scale.
The
hotel
down
to
a
boutique
hotel,
a
75
or
80
80
room
hotel
would
be
really
very
nice
in
that
spot.
Keep
it
to
three
stories.
Maybe
you
want
to
put
a
bar
up
on
top
of
the
third
story,
but
certainly
not
a
five-story
hotel,
it's
just
as
out
of
scope
and
probably
not
as
even
needed.
The
woman
before
mentioned
a
place
of
30
people
with
the
dining
room.
AD
P
P
P
AK
How
are
you
doing
tonight?
My
name
is
donald
montiac.
I've
lived
in
aitkin
county
for
22
years
and
I'd
like
to
ask
a
question:
to
start
on
your
amended
ordinance
and
in
the
memo
from
the
city
manager
to
the
city
council.
It
states
0.0276
acres,
not
0.2.
Now
it's
just
a
decimal
mistake
but
hasn't
been
corrected.
AK
AK
P
AK
AK
AK
AK
AK
AK
AK
AK
AK
AL
P
AL
I
think
we've
been
characterized
as
we
were
resistant
to
change
that
just
that's
just
blatantly,
not
true
we're
all
on
the
same
page
something's
got
to
happen
over
there.
We
know
that
and
at
least
you're
you're
trying
to
do
something.
I
got
to
say
that,
but
I
got
to
tell
you
that
when
I
first
looked
at
the
current
designs,
it's
just
a
mismatch.
AL
AL
AL
It's
it's
out
of
control
the
history,
the
personality
of
the
town.
It's
like
whoever
did
those
plans,
I'm
not
saying
we
don't
need
plans.
Now
we
got
to
do
something,
but
it's
like
they
spent
an
afternoon,
walking
around
aiken
and
had
never
been
here.
You
know
they
weren't
cognizant
of
the
history.
That's
the
reason
people
come
here
so
looking
into
the
future.
AL
AL
AL
M
Evening,
my
name
is
mandy
drumming.
I
live
on
412
pendleton
street
northwest.
Most
people
here
tonight
have
kind
of
noted
a
lot
of
things
that
have
already
been.
You
know
that
have
been
discussed
for
me.
You
know
I
just
wanted
to
say
that
as
far
as
newberry
street,
the
issue
here
is
mostly
not
about
how
much
you're
giving
away
but
again
the
privatization
of
it
I
live.
I
don't
know
how
many
people
here
have
a
parkway
in
front.
M
I
live
parkway
is
in
front
of
my
house,
it's
part
of
my
neighborhood
and
my
being,
we
moved
my
husband
and
I
were
young
in
our
30s.
I
wanted
a
piece
of
vacant.
I
wanted
a
historic
house,
I
wanted
to
live
in
the
grid
system
and
I
wanted
to
be
close
to
walk
downtown
and
we
were
able
to
do
that
on
the
northwest
side.
There's
a
lot
of
homes
out
there
that
have
been
actually
being
revitalized
right
now.
M
There's
that
my
mom
lives
next
to
us
that
house
revitalized
now
the
house
next
to
her
is
being
revitalized.
The
house
behind
us
being
revitalized,
there's
also
a
lot
of
vacant
lots
out
there
for
growth.
You
know,
as
far
as
you
know,
you
can
be
close
and
live
in
aitkin
and
have
and
have
aiken
rather
than
having
destroy
it
use
it.
I
think
the
parkway
grid
system
should
be.
M
That's
you
know
one
of
the
best
things
that
I
get
to
experience
in
aitkin
and
I
don't
know
if
everyone
who
lives
again
on
the
north,
south
east
west
of
the
grid
within
the
gridway
system
of
aitkin,
has
been
notified
of
this
and
that,
if
you
do
privatize
this,
what's
going
to
keep
the
next
person
from
doing
it,
and
I
just
hope
you
know
you're
considering
that-
and
I
hope
all
the
citizens
within
the
prick
parkway
system
are
aware
of
this
decision,
because
in
the
long
run
it
could
affect
them
moving
forward.
Thank
you.
AM
AM
It's
nice
to
see
a
board
that
actually
looks
at
some
of
these
reports
and
tries
to
fix
some
of
these
things.
Every
time
you
say
well,
I
want
to
put
it
on
hold.
You
end
up
with
something
like
the
hospital
which
is
still
sitting
there,
decaying
nice
thing
about
the
hospital
it's
all
over
there
all
by
itself.
The
hotel
is
sitting
right
in
downtown
aiken,
where
everybody
sees
it
as
to
the
historical
district.
We
still
have
many
many
historical
buildings
in
this
community
that
everybody
enjoys.
AM
You
cannot
recreate
history
anytime.
You
build
a
new
building,
it's
a
new
building,
so
there's
new
materials,
there's
new
new
building
scenarios
and
and
so
you're
not
going
to
be
able
to
recreate
it.
It
needs
to
be
kept
in
in
the
spirit
of
the
community,
but
we
have
a
wonderful
community
here
and
I
think
I'm
excited
about
seeing
this
project
move
forward.
I
think
it
will
be
good
for
the
community
in
general
and
I
think
it
will
be
good
for
the
businesses
downtown
and
I
hope
that
we
move
forward
with
it.
Thank
you
thank.
AN
Good
evening,
everyone
I'm
philip
murray,
215
homestead
lane.
This
is
hard
and
I
want
to
tell
y'all
all
how
much
I
appreciate
and
understand
how
agonizing
this
is
for
each
of
you.
I
know
how
much
you
respect
the
contributions
that
everybody
in
this
audience
is
making
for
or
against
it's
hard.
It
ought
to
be
hard,
and
so
you
know
you
deserve
some
credit
for
for
the
for
the
work
that
you've
done
in
putting
this
together
and
getting
this.
AN
As
far
as
you
have
I
too
initially,
when
seeing
the
suggestion
of
closing
part
of
newberry
street,
I
too
had
concerns,
and
I
s
and
I
basically
took
a
step
back
to
get
a
historical
perspective.
Now
let
me
point
out
that
first
off
I've
been
a
resident
of
again
for
almost
50
years.
I,
my
family,
are
the
hollies
and
the
cross
on
on
right
on
lawrence
street.
There's
a
holley
building,
there's
a
cross
building
hotel.
AN
AN
AN
The
the
argument
in
favor
was
that
it
would
be
safer.
It
would
allow
for
having
restoring
those
parks
for
a
more
pastoral
type
setting,
but
at
the
time
that
the
counter
argument
was
no,
we
don't
want
to
lose
this
wonderful,
green
space.
We
don't
want
to
lose
these
trees.
We
don't
want
to
lose
the
atmosphere.
That's
been
created
on
south
boundaries,
so,
ultimately
the
decision
was
made
simply
to
pave
the
road
in
the
center
of
the
right-of-way.
AN
The
grid
was
forsaken
in
that
case,
and,
incidentally,
if
you
look
just
at
the
north
south
streets
within
the
old
aiken
grid,
you
know
the
streets
named
after
counties.
There
are
none
that
haven't
been
compromised
in
some
way,
including
newbury
street.
There
are
none
that
haven't
been
compromised
from
the
original
designs
of
dexter
and
pascal's
in
some
way.
AN
Newbury
street
is
a
parking
lot
what's
being
proposed.
As
I
understand
it
is,
while
it
will
close
one
side
of
newberry
street,
it's
going
to
landscape
that
side
of
newbury
street.
It's
going
to
create
some
green
spaces.
What
is
now
not
much
different
than
a
than
two
lanes
of
parking
at
a
mall
which
I
can
see
out
of
my
window
every
day.
I
know
exactly
what
it's
like.
I
have
almost
dreams
about
it,
but
it's
gonna
be
instead
made
into
a
a
more
natural
type
amenity,
with
green
space,
with
trees
with
flowers.
AN
It's
kind
of
the
counter
argument
of
what
happened
south
boundary
at
south
boundary.
We
didn't
want
to
restore
the
grid
because
we
wanted
the
natural
we
wanted.
The
trees
we
wanted,
the
green
here
we'll
be
able
to
get
some
of
that
back
now.
The
last
point
I
mentioned
that
the
grid's
been
interrupted
everywhere,
that
every
street
in
the
grid
has
been
interrupted
at
some
point
or
another.
In
virtually
every
case,
it
was
for
some
sort
of
developed
land.
AN
AN
AI
AI
AI
Newberry
street
has
an
opportunity
to
be
much
more
than
it
currently
is,
and
a
greater
purpose
than
it
is
currently
serving.
The
proposed
changes
for
newberry
street
will
allow
for
expansion
of
the
alleys,
occasional
events
and
festival
offerings,
and
it
can
expand
into
that
space
on
newbury
street.
There
is
a
need
for
more
hotel
rooms
in
aitkin.
AI
AO
I
said
you
don't
have
to
rush,
I
do
I'm
in
the
back.
I
have
to
rush
okay,
I'm
haley
knight.
I
live
here
in
aitkin
and
I
am
the
executive
director
for
aiken
downtown
development
right
here
on
lawrence
street.
So
as
the
executive
director
of
aiken
downtown
development
association,
I
stand
before
you
and
state
for
the
record
that
the
vast
majority
of
the
downtown
business
community
is
in
favor
of
project
pascalis.
In
addition,
the
apda
board
of
directors
is
also
in
favor
of
this
project.
AO
With
that
being
said,
I
want
to
focus
on
tonight's
topic
of
the
conveyance
of
newbury
street
and
why
I
support
this
professionally
and
personally,
as
the
person
that
hosts
the
majority
of
the
events
through
ada
on
newberry
street
and
or
is
involved
in
the
logistics
and
activities
in
some
manner.
On
that
stretch,
I
see
no
issues
with
conveying
a
portion
of
newberry
street,
especially
if
that
is
what
takes
this
to
move
forward
for
the
project.
AO
AO
I
noticed
that
at
the
first
reading
of
this
item
and
ordinance
that
a
lot
of
people
stood
up
and
stated
that
they
love
newberry
street
and
they
don't
want
to
see
change.
I
personally
was
very
shocked
by
that,
because
I
grew
up
here.
I
work
in
the
downtown
I
frequent
downtown
to
shop
and
dine.
I
visit
newberry
street
and
mostly
that's
when
an
event
is
going
on
or
if
I'm
parking
on
newbury
street
to
enter
the
alley
other
than
an
event
happening
on
newbury
street.
I
don't
see
people
out
enjoying
that
space.
AO
As
mandy
mentioned,
we
love
our
parkways
in
downtown,
and
this
project
is
adding
green
space
to
newbury
street.
It's
going
in
that
direction
that
we
want.
So
I
do
want
to
point
out
we're
not
losing
a
parkway
we're
not
losing
green
space.
We're
adding
that
newbery
street
could
have
continuous
activity.
Newberry
street
could
be
how
we
grow
the
alley
and
continue
that
vibrancy
newberry
street
could
be
safer.
Newbury
street
could
be
more
family
friendly.
We
all
know
that
we
want
to
attract
more
younger
generations.
AO
I
am
that
I
have
a
family.
I
grew
up
here.
I
want
my
son
to
stay
here
and
want
to
be
here,
but
overall,
I'm
very
thankful
that
the
city
of
aiken,
the
amdc
and
the
development
team
have
listened
to
our
feedback
up
to
this
point
and
they're
moving
forward
with
that,
and
we
can
see
that
in
every
public
input
session
that
we
we
get
to
attend.
This
project
is
constantly
evolving,
there's
a
lot
of
information
to
digest
at
all
times,
but
that
means
we're
getting
somewhere
and
we're
getting
closer
and
that's
what
we
want.
AO
AO
I
could
go
on
and
on
about
the
project,
the
facts
and
the
positive
impact
that
it's
already
had
and
will
continue
to
have
on
downtown
that
I
see
every
day
through
my
position
at
ada
and
the
small
businesses,
but
this
is
what
I
want
to
leave
you
with
passing
this
ordinance
tonight
is
the
next
step
in
moving
forward
and
moving
this
project
along.
Let's
not
kick
the
can
down
the
road,
let's
speed
up.
Thank
you.
P
AP
AP
Great
job,
I
thank
them
for
it.
Tim
o'brien's
worked
very
hard.
A
lot
of
people
worked
hard
and
I
really
appreciate
what
they've
done
and
I'm
amazed
here
that
even
the
people
that
spoke
against
it
or
speaking
against
it
for
the
most
part,
for
maybe
the
size
of
it
and
haven't
been
given
an
opportunity
to
get
a
different
design.
AP
We've
seen
one
picture
and
that
picture
even
I
know
the
people
who
want
it.
They
aren't
real
happy
with
it.
So
I
I
have
problems
with
that.
I
will
say
the
majority
of
people.
I've
spoken
to
have
told
me:
you
know
we're
not
totally
against
the
project,
we're
totally
against
the
size,
the
scope
of
it
and
and
we're
not
offering
an
alternative
to
it.
AP
We
haven't
given
a
second
look.
We
haven't
had
anything
seconded,
so
I
have
a
little
problem
with
that.
We
don't
have
any
comeback
this.
If
I
read
this
writing.
Mr
spoke,
please
credit.
If
I'm
wrong
once
we
approve
this,
the
master
development
agreement
has
to
be
worked
out
between
the
economic
development,
commission
and
the
builders.
It
does
not
come
back
to
council
for
anything.
AP
AP
So
what
are
some
of
the
problems
I
have
with
bet?
I
don't
want
the
project.
I
want
the
project.
I
just
want
to
make
sure
everybody's
happy
and
the
gentleman
that
got
up
and
spoke
said
you
know,
let's,
let's
take
another,
look
at
something
else,
I'd
like
to
see
another
work
personally
or
something
else,
I'd
like
to
have
a
meeting
with
the
builders
who
are
doing
this.
The
council
as
a
whole
has
not
done
that.
I
know
some
people
individually
have.
AP
AP
I
I
I
I
was
a
planning,
commissioner,
for
seven
years
that
was
about
15
years
ago,
I'm
just
now
seeing
some
of
the
things
that
we
worked
so
diligently
to
try
to
get
happening
and
get
going.
They're
just
now
coming
to
fruition,
and
so
many
of
you
and
my
fellow
council
members
contributed
to
what
we
now
call
aitkin.
I
I
I
The
community
playhouse
that
became
the
momentum.
Theater
citizens
park
the
alley.
Oh,
my
goodness,
when
we
closed
the
alley,
there
was
a
terrible
uproar,
but
I
have
to
say-
and
I
think
most
of
you
would
say
that
the
alley
is
a
great
asset
now,
but
it
was
not
viewed
as
that
at
the
time
now,
these
that
I've
mentioned
and
many
others
generations
park
were
slowly.
Adding
to
these
things
were
all
very
controversial.
I
I
I
Z
Mr
waltz,
to
your
point,
strictly
speaking
legally,
it
does
not
need
to
come
back
from
a
practical
sense.
It
absolutely
has
to
come
back
because
the
public
infrastructure
is
likely
to
be
paid
for
by
city
council
and
the
money
will
need
to
be
appropriate
and
the
plan
of
finance
will
need
to
be
finalized
and
that
will
need
to
happen
before
the
mda
or
the
master
development
agreement
is
finalized.
So
in
a
very
real
practical
sense
it
will
have
to
come
back,
but
speaking
from
a
very
narrow
legal
sense.
Z
I
Put
that
in
writing
there
is
this.
They
will
not
be
paid,
no
we're
not
going
to
be
left
holding
the
bag
because
it
is
not
paid,
if
I'm
not
mistaken,
until
we're
not
settling
up
till
everything's.
The
way
we
want
it.
This
is
not
like
north
augusta.
This
is
not
a
tiff.
This
gives
us
until
things
are
done
correctly.
They
don't
get
any
money.
Z
Z
AR
AR
I
thought
I'd
share
my
vision
of
newberry
street,
of
what
we
were
talking
about
doing
here.
It's
not
so
much
the
building
the
building
does
encroach
out
to
the
sidewalk
and
in
to
the
street,
but
most
of
it's
going
to
be
in
green
space.
It's
really
a
continuation
of
the
alley
of
what's
been
so
successful
right
here
for
downtown,
and
so
many
people
are
attracted
to
that
and
it'd
be
more
of
it
and
as
far
as
a
festival
area
and
nobody's
been
more
involved
than
I
have.
AR
I've
been
the
voice
of
the
lobsters
for
god's
sake
and
sat
there
in
the
middle
of
the
street.
You
know
performing
with
all
of
that,
and
it's
really
a
glorified
parking
lot,
that
we
sometimes
block
it
off
and
have
a
festival.
This
would
be
a
designated
area
that
would
be
a
festival
area
with
stage
and
all
that
type
of
practicality
and
it
and
it
sounded
great
in
the
overall
process.
AR
Downtown
is
the
center
of
all
of
akin,
especially
for
downtown
it's
going
to
create
it's.
These
retail
stores,
in
particular,
are
dependent
upon
foot
traffic.
It's
hard.
I
had
a
retail
store
on
park
avenue
and
it
was
very,
very
hard
to
make
ends
meet
and
at
the
end
I
was
fortunate
enough
to
pass
it
on
to
somebody
else,
because.
AR
It
wasn't
making
a
whole
lot
of
money.
I
can
tell
you
that
it
was
fun.
I
I
enjoyed
it.
That
was
the
music
store
for
those
of
you
who
didn't
know,
but
at
any
rate
it's
going
to
help
just
the
foot
traffic
of
having
more
people
involved
and
that's
why
most
of
the
people,
I'm
in
contact
with
downtown
merchants,
are
for
this.
AR
But
even
beyond
that,
it's
the
residence
of
out
here
of
the
houses,
especially
on
the
north
side,
when
you
go
and
mandy
was
talking
about
being
on
pendleton
street
and
pendleton
street's
part
of
it
greenville
street
to
the
west
of
that.
But
coming
back
to
the
east,
you
come
back
and
you've
got
newberry
street
to
the
north
side
and
york,
street
and
chesterfield
street
and
union
street
and
fairfield
street
and
barnville
street
and
abbeville
street
and
edgefield
street.
AR
All
of
those
are
going
to
and
we
see
that
bill
mcgee
has
been
instrumental
in
getting
that
thing
going
and
those
houses
coming
along
he's
done
a
great
job
and
we're
seeing
that
we're
seeing
new
houses
built
out
there,
we're
seeing
houses
restored
and
that'll
expedite
and
when
I'm
talking
not
talking
about
million
dollar
houses,
we're
talking
about
150,
200
000
when
it's
all
said
and
done,
maybe
250.
But
it's
it's
going
to
be
great.
AR
D
I
don't
know
of
anyone
that
have
told
me
that
downtown
aiken
does
not
need
anything
done
that
downtown
aiken
should
stay,
as
is
I've
been
here
for
a
long
time.
My
husband
is
a
native
of
the
city
of
aiken
have
five
sons.
Unfortunately,
four
of
them
have
left
young
kids.
Kids,
young
adults
have
left,
but
we
want
to
sustain
people
and
they
can
sustain
the
growth.
D
Given
that
I
recognize
personally
that
we
must
need,
we
must
move
forward.
I've
listened
to
you.
Yes,
the
plan
is
not
perfect.
We
will
make
those
modifications.
We've
talked
with
some
of
the
the
developers
they've
agreed,
someone
mentioned
cosmetic
and
how
things
did
not
appear
to
look
like
aiken.
We've
got
to
work
to
make
this
make
sure
that
it
looks
like
aiken.
D
P
AQ
Sorry,
andre,
that's!
Okay!
Thank
you,
mr
mayor.
I
think
everybody
has
covered
everything
on
council.
I
I
really
want
to
take
this
opportunity
to
thank
a
few
people.
Staff
has
worked
diligently
in
guiding
us
informing
us
and
putting
everything
before
us
amdc.
I
think
we
have
a
great
team
and
you
guys
I'm
grateful
that
you
guys
put
your
heads
together.
AQ
AQ
We
have
a
great
team
on
council,
we
work
well
together.
We
don't
always
agree
and
that's
okay,
we're
very
civil
about
it.
We
we
know
what
we
want
in
our
beautiful
city.
We
all
are
vested
in
our
beautiful
city
and
we
all
love
our
beautiful
city,
and
so
I
wanted
to
mention
that
haley.
I
I
just
appreciate
your
comments
and,
and
the
fact
that
you
mentioned
you
know
the
pro
proactive
nature
of
the
communication
that
has
come
from
the
city.
I
think
everybody
views
communication
in
different
ways.
Some
people
read
the
paper.
AQ
AQ
AQ
AQ
That's
what
we're
doing
economic
development
pushing
the
city
forward,
so
we
can
afford
to
maintain
our
city,
our
recreation,
our
water,
our
sewer,
storm
water
infrastructure,
and
I
have
to
throw
public
safety
in
there,
because
those
are
the
three
main
things
that
we
need
to
focus
on
as
a
city,
public
safety,
infrastructure
parks
and
recreation
and
economic
development
is
what
drives
that
I
will
support
this
project
again.
I
appreciate
everybody
coming
out
your
comments,
your
concerns,
I
hope
to
have
conversations
with
the
developers.
They've
brought
two
visions
before
us.
AQ
I
think
that's
a
work
in
pro
in
progress.
We
do
want
to
make
it
more
akin
I've
heard
you
warm
it
up,
make
it
give
it
more
character.
I
think
those
are
fair
assessments
and
conversations
we
plan
to
have
with
with
the
team
of
developers,
and
I
think,
they're
willing
to
listen
so
we'll
work
on
that.
I
will
also
be
supporting
this
project
mayor.
AQ
P
All
right
so
she's
called
the
question,
and
this
is
second
reading
and
public
hearing
of
an
ordinance
to
convey
a
portion
of
the
100
block
of
newberry
street
southwest
to
rpm
development
partners
llc
by
title
and
ordinance
approving
the
conveyance
of
a
portion
of
the
100
block
of
newberry
street
southwest
to
our
pm
development
partners.
Llc.
P
P
P
We're
going
to
take
a
five-minute
recess
and
then
come
in
and
knock
out
the
new
business
we're
going
to
reconvene
our
meeting
up
first,
a
new
business.
This
is
a
first
reading
and
public
hearing
of
an
ordinance
to
establish
new
charges
for
water
and
sewer
service
by
filing
an
ordinance
establishing
new
charges
for
water
and
sewer
service.
AK
F
A
ordinance
for
establishing
increases
to
our
water
and
sewer
rates.
We
do
operate
the
system
as
a
util
as
a
enterprise
fund
and
as
efficiently
as
possible.
Over
the
years,
council
has
assisted
staff
enabling
us
to
operate
efficiently,
but
there
has
been
acknowledgement
in
the
last
five
to
seven
years
that
our
aging
infrastructure
needs
investment
to
adequately
serve
our
citizens,
and
one
of
the
main
things
is
just
rehabilitating
our
existing
infrastructure,
but
also
begin
looking
at
constructing
a
new
water
plant
to
replace
the
one
built
in
1954..
F
We
have
done
additional
upgrades
and
equipment
replacement
through
various
funding
sources,
but
fundamentally
the
water
and
sewer
rates
are
just
kind
of
the
foundation
of
this.
We
have
periodically
examined
our
rates.
Did
a
rate
study
in
2017,
updated
the
study
in
2020,
and
we
are
recommending
a
rate
increase
based
on
the
study
and
the
needs
that
we
know
that
we
have
in
the
very
short
term.
F
F
F
Users
who
live
by
themselves,
or
maybe
on
fixed
incomes
and
closely
monitor
their
usage
and
use,
for
example,
200
cubic
feet
a
month
would
see
their
bills
rise,
67
cents
per
month
with
water,
the
corresponding
increases
would
be
for
800
cubic
feet
of
water
78
cents
a
month,
400
cubic
feet
of
water
is
51
cents
a
month,
and
200
is
33
cents
a
month.
The
total
increase
for
the
800
cubic
feet.
User
is
246
a
month.
F
AE
Yes,
james
thompson,
mr
biedenball,
you
know
you
and
I
have
had
a
conversation
about
the
fixed
fee
on
the
sewer
capacity
charge
to
a
new
resident
for
that
first
year
and
in
this
rate,
hike
is
that
going
to
be
considered
to
be
dropped
down
to
a
quarter
of
to
establish
that
usage?
Are
you
all
still
going
to
bill
out
that
first
year,
at
that
high
800
cubic
feet
of
sewer
and
then
drop
it
down
as
you
determine
whether
or
not
that
person
uses
the
sewer
to
that
capacity
or
not.
F
That
was
done
using
800
cubic
feet
as
a
baseline
for
new
customer
residential
customers
is
based
on
and
I'm
familiar
with
your
the
person
you're
speaking
of
this
is
something
that
has
been
a
city
policy
since
1979
related
to
soon
after
the
sewer
treatment
plant
was
put
in
so
it
has
been.
You
know
a
policy
on
the
books
for
quite
a
while.
So.
AE
So
you
can
imagine
for
people
that
are
on
fixed
incomes
like
the
people
that
we
try
to
recruit
to
come
here
for
where
to
retire,
like
those
young
families
that
councilwoman
gregory
wants
to
see
come
into
our
downtown
they're
going
to
be
impacted
for
the
first
year.
They
live
here
with
the
higher
sewer
rate
than
they
actually
use,
and
then
you'll
see
it
drop
down.
AE
AR
F
F
Well,
actually,
it
would
be
pretty
high
then,
because
for
a
lot
of
folks
that
have
irrigation,
because
the
reason
why
we
measure
the
rates
in
the
winter
time
is
people
don't
use
their
water.
And
you
know
that's.
We
don't
have
sewer
meters,
it's
a
water
meter,
but
we
can
do
some
research
and
get
these
back
to
council
for
second
reading
in
terms
of
the
where's
and
why
force?
F
But
I
know
the
way
we
charge
for
sewer
is
again
well,
it's
based
initially
on
a
rate
or
on
a
formula
that
also
the
the
winner
rate,
the
the
billing
period
dates
back
to
1996
an
ordinance
passed
by
the
council.
I
don't
know
the
last
time
it's
been
amended
off
the
top
of
my
head,
but
we
can
research
and
get
some
additional
information
out
in
time
for
second
reading.
P
D
P
Item
number
two:
this
is
the
first
reading
of
an
ordinance
to
set
the
fy
20
2223
millage
rate
by
title
and
ordinance
to
provide
for
the
levy
of
taxes
for
ordinary
city
purposes
in
the
city
of
aitkin.
For
the
fiscal
year
beginning
july,
1
2022
set
the
millage
at
60
meals
and
to
provide
for
the
expenditures
thereof.
P
I
P
F
It
and
I
could
dispense
with
reading
if
you
so
desire.
I
mean
it's
just
more
of
a
tradition
than
a
than
a
requirement
mission
on
the
second
one
right
right,
yeah,
you
can
be
traditional,
then
we
can
be
traditional
then.
The
only
thing
I
want
to
say
is
the
value
of
a
mill
is
two
hundred
and
two
thousand
six
hundred
dollars,
which
is
I'm
higher
than
nine
point
three
percent
higher
than
last
fiscal
year.
I
F
F
P
P
Going
to
move
down
to
new
business
numbers
item
number
three:
this
is
first
reading
and
public
hearing
of
an
ordinance
to
adopt
the
fiscal
year
2022-23
budget
by
title
and
ordinance
adopting
a
budget
proposed
by
the
city
manager,
containing
estimates
of
proposed
revenues
and
expenditures
by
the
city
of
vacant
for
the
fiscal
year,
beginning
july,
1,
2022
and
ending
june
30th
2023,
and
declaring
that
it
shall
constitute
the
budget
of
the
city
of
aitkin.
Is
there
a
motion?
That's.
P
B
AS
Weeks
and
then
speak,
but
I
don't
know
if
I'm
coming
a
couple
weeks
so
anyway,
I'm
john
pettigrew.
I
live
at
120
basswood
drive
here
in
aitkin,
and
I
want
to
talk
about
something
very
different
from
what
you've
been
talking
about
tonight.
But
it
is
a
revenue
item
in
in
the
budget,
so
I've
been
told
that
it
is
germaine,
and
this
is
the
fees
that
are
charged
at
odell
weeks
and
more
specifically,
the
fees
that
were
changed
on
april.
AS
The
first
and
I've
done
a
little
research
on
this
and
understand
that
these
fees
were
changed
by
the
recreation
commission,
who
you
all
appoint
and
were
not
changed
or
voted
on
by
you.
Is
that
right?
Exactly?
Is
that
correct?
But
I
certainly
think,
as
elected
officials,
that
if
some
fees
or
decisions
were
made
by
one
of
the
boards
and
commissions
in
in
the
city
that
were
not
in
the
public
interest
and
that
you
had
concerns
with
that,
you
could
step
in
and
do
something
about
it.
AS
AK
AS
Q
M
AS
Okay,
so
when
I
were
inquired
about
this
and
by
the
way,
everybody
that
I
inquired
at
odell
weeks
and
with
miss
jessica
campbell
was
very
courteous,
very
professional,
very
helpful
and
very
patient.
With
my
questions,
I
was
trying
to
figure
this
out
because
my
wife
was
a
little
upset
about
it,
so
that
meant
I
was
upset.
You
know
how
that
is,
mr
gerardo.
So
anyway,
thanks
for.
AS
M
AS
AS
Everybody
pays
the
same
whether
you
live
in
aitkin,
whether
you
live
in
augusta
atlanta
columbia,
whatever
you
pay,
this
pay
the
same
rate,
whether
it's
for
an
individual
day
or
whether
it's
for
a
month,
three
months
annual
whatever.
So,
even
though
we
pay
property
taxes
on
our
home
and
on
vehicle
taxes
on
our
cars
that
go
to
the
city,
we
we
pay
the
same
amount
when
we
go
to
odell
weeks
now
after
april.
First,
so
you
know
it
brings
a
few
questions
up.
Well,
why?
AS
Why
are
we
having
these
fee
increases
and-
and
why
does
the
ins
in
city
lower
rate
go
away,
and
why
don't
we
continue
to
allow
the
aiken
residents
to
pay
the
lower
rate?
And
you
know
if,
if
these
rates
are
out
of
line,
what
we
were
charging,
then
maybe
we
do
need
some
increase,
but
I
believe
the
the
way
it's
been
structured
is
is
not
in
the
best
interest
of
the
people
that
live
in
the
city
and
that
want
to
use
these
facilities,
and
I
did
a
little
bit
of
research
today.
AS
I
said
well,
I'm
going
to
check.
Maybe
a
bad
word
with
north
augusta.
See
what
see
what
they
do
over
there
riverview
park,
they
got
a
nice
facility,
that's
certainly
comparable
to
odell
weeks
and
offer
a
number
of
things.
So,
just
I'll
throw
you
out
a
couple
for
instances
for
a
three
month
pass
the
odell
weeks.
The
new
rate
now
is
75
dollars
a
person
north
augusta.
AS
If
you
live
in
the
city
for
three
months,
your
rate
is
30
dollars.
If
you
don't
live
in
the
city,
it's
forty
five
dollars
again,
aikens.
Seventy
five
dollars,
no
matter
where
you
live
all
right.
Let's
look
at
the
annual
rate
that
for
riverview
park
annual
rate.
Excuse
me:
let's
go
first
odell
weeks,
two
hundred
dollars,
because
when
I
called
they
said
well,
you
just
can
join
a
membership
six
months
a
year.
It's
a
better
deal
than
paying
ten
dollars
a
day.
AS
It
is,
but
the
annual
membership
at
odell
weeks
is
two
hundred
dollars.
Okay
for
an
individual,
it's
400
for
a
family
of
four,
but
anyway,
the
200
individual
at
odell,
at
riverview
park
in
north
augusta
for
an
individual
is
75.
If
you
live
in
the
city,
it's
125,
if
you
live
anywhere
else.
So,
actually,
you
could
go
over
to
north
augusta,
but
gas
is
going
to
eat
you
up
for
125
versus
two
hundred
dollars
here
here
in
aitkin.
They
do
allow
a
individual
sport
per
day.
AS
AS
So
so
so
I
would
just
ask
you
know
before
the
second
and
final
reading
of
this
budget
that
you
try
to
come
up
with
something
a
little
better,
a
little
fairer
to
the
citizens
of
aitkin.
I
think
you
can
find
the
dollars
in
here.
I
don't
know
how
much
extra
revenue
this
was
designed
to
bring
in
it
might
even
bring
in
less
revenue,
because
some
people
may
find
it
a
little
difficult
to
pay
these
higher
fees
across
the
board,
and
you
know
I
would
just
urge
you.
AS
Q
AR
AE
AE
P
AR
AQ
I
thank
you
for
coming.
Mr
pettigrew.
I
actually
was
in
conversations
with
mrs
pettigrew
in
the
last
couple
days
about
the
fee
structure
and
I've
been
working
with
staff
to
get
a
full
understanding
and
really
understand.
You
know
how
we
went
about
it
so
forth
and
so
on.
I
will
say
the
one
point
that
resonates
is.
I
do
believe
that
aiken
city
of
bacon
residents
should
pay
a
a
better
price
than
people
from
outside
of
aitkin.
I
think
that
just
it
just
makes
sense
and
and
don't
shoot
me
jessica,
but
anyways.
AQ
I
do
feel
like
they.
They
they
expect
that
I've
heard
it
from
more
than
one
person
actually
about
a
dozen
they're
like
we.
We
really
aren't
even
complaining
about
how
much
you're
charging
us.
We
just
feel
that
we
should
pay
a
little
bit
less
than
everybody
else
coming
from
outside
the
city,
but
mr
pedigree,
I
do
want
to
share
shed
a
little
light
on
on
the
differences
in
facilities.
AQ
AQ
We
have
clay
courts,
we
have
an
in
under
court
irrigation
system.
We
have
a
full
pro
shop
with
full
restrooms
facilities.
We
have
a
full
staff
solely
dedicated
to
the
tennis
program
at
in
the
city
of
aitkin.
North
augusta
does
not
have
any
of
that.
They
have
hard
courts
that
are
crumbling,
that
are
cracked
and
it's
hard
to
maintain,
not
credit
size
in
north
augusta.
I
play
tennis
there
all
the
time,
but
there's
a
very
big
difference,
so
the
fees
are
a
little
bit
higher.
AQ
As
far
as
pickleball,
we
do
have
indoor
and
outdoor
pickleball
courts,
and
we
are
now
offering
a
full
pickleball
program
outside
in
in
in
the
facility
right
off
of
virginia
woods.
In
addition
to
indoor
pickleball
programmation,
I
can't
recall
what
is
there
a
monthly
membership?
So
I
know
that's
the
date.
We
keep
talking
about
the
daily
fees
for
the
pickleball.
AS
F
F
P
N
N
We
don't
we've
never
charged
non-resident
fees
for
rentals
of
our
facilities,
and
so
we
really
are
trying
to
have
again
efficiency
and
consistency
and
how
our
staff
manages
customer
interactions
and
pricing
structure.
Our
software
recreation
reservation,
software
for
programs,
activities,
events
and
rentals,
and
so
yes,
we
have
users.
N
On
that
so
trying
to
increase
our
athletic
numbers
right
now,
someone
could
come
and
rent
the
athletic
facility
and
have
an
entire
sports
league
of
non-residents
and
we're
getting
a
very
tiny,
athletic
rental
fee
for
that,
because
they're
not
coming
to
our
programs,
because
we
did
have
this
large
65
per
person
non-resident
fee
on
those.
So
that
is
something
that
we
did
look
at
when
we
did
this
fee
adjustment
that
of
course
impacted
tennis
center
and
wheat
center.
AQ
I
think
the
biggest
feedback
is
just
they,
even
if
it's
eight
dollars
or
I
think
they
just
feel
like
the
majority
of
the
comments,
is
they
just
feel
like
hey,
I'm
a
citizen
of
the
city
of
aiken.
I
just
want
to
play
a
little
bit
less
and
that's
just
been
consistent
across
the
board.
So
I
just
want
to
share
that
with
you,
but
and.
N
I
do
think
you're
right.
It
impacted
some
more
so
than
others,
because
there
was
pickleball
was
a
cheaper
rate.
Someone
that
was
using
the
fitness
room
was
paying
15
a
month
right.
They
now
can
buy
an
annual
membership
that
comes
out
cheaper
than
15
a
month
if
they're
a
senior
adult.
So
we
know
we're,
not
everyone
didn't
come
out
with
the
savings
and-
and
I
guess
you
know-
people
certainly
came
out
with
having
to
pay
more.
If
they're
gonna
choose
it.
AQ
Certainly
is
if
people
sign
up
for
the
monthly
memberships
or
the
annual
memberships,
it
is
a
lot
more
conducive
financially,
you
know
not.
Everybody
can
dish
out
that
money,
monthly
or
whatever.
So
I
I
I
appreciate
all
the
work
you
and
team
have
done
jessica
and
I
have
promised
you.
I
beat
that
drum.
AQ
We
get,
we
obviously
have
to
feel
the
questions
and
so
forth,
and
so
on.
So
absolutely
I
appreciate
we
have
our
tennis
facilities,
guys
I
they're
amazing
and
that
doesn't
even
count
the
free
courts.
We
have
a
bunch
of
free
courts
where
we
don't
charge
at
all.
We
have
how
many
free
courts
do
we
have
for
tennis.
I.
AQ
P
AR
AR
AR
N
AR
I
guess
that's
a
youth
right
and
I
I
grew
up
playing
on
those
courts
and
playing
pickup
games
and
we
didn't
pay
anything
to
go.
Do
that.
So
this
is
all
kind
of
news
to
me.
It's
I
was
gonna
say
if
they
had
to
pay
ten
dollars,
you
must
not
have
any
children
at
all
playing
basketball
because
we
wouldn't
have
paid
it.
I
mean,
of
course,
two
dollars
would
have
been
a
lot
for
us
back
and
then
I
guess
two
dollars
for
kids.
Today
I
mean
they
come
and
they
play
and
they're.
Okay
with
that.
N
N
AR
A
V
P
N
P
P
AR
F
F
P
All
right,
any
other
comments,
questions
from
council
hearing
none
before
us
is
the
first
reading
of
an
ordinance
to
provide
for
the
levy
of
texas
for
the
ordinary
city
purposes
of
the
city
of
aitkin.
For
the
fiscal
year
beginning
july,
1
2022
set
the
millage
at
60
meals
and
to
provide
for
the
expenses
thereof.
Is
that
right
or
am
I
reading
the
wrong
thing?.
Y
P
G
P
F
P
Very
good:
is
there
a
motion,
all
right,
councilwoman,
gregory,
councilman
waltz
may,
the
second
any
comments
from
the
audience
comments,
questions
from
counsel
all
those
in
favor.
Please
raise
your
hand
and
that's
unanimous,
moving
down
to
petitions
and
requests
eye
number
two.
This
is
a
request
to
approve
a
fireworks
display
on
july
4th
2022
at
the
reserve
club
at
woodside.