City of Aiken, SC City Council Meetings, 25 Jan 2021

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From YouTube: City Council Zoom Meeting January 25, 2021

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City Council Zoom Meeting
January 25, 2021
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 Regular Meeting of January 11, 2021.

II. OLD BUSINESS: Further Consideration of:
1) Approval of Appointments and Discussion of Appointees to Various City
Boards, Commissions, and Committees.
2) Second Reading and Public Hearing of an Ordinance to Annex Property
Known as Generations Park Owned by the City of Aiken Located on U. S.
Highway 1 North.
AN ORDINANCE TO ANNEX TO THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF
THE CITY OF AIKEN CERTAIN PROPERTY OWNED BY THE CITY
OF AIKEN AND KNOWN AS GENERATIONS PARK AND TO
APPROVE A CONCEPT PLAN.
3) Second Reading and Public Hearing of an Ordinance to Annex Property at
1929 Huntsman Drive and Zone it Residential Single-Family (RS-15).
AN ORDINANCE TO ANNEX PROPERTY LOATED AT 1929
HUNTSMAN DRIVE AND TO ZONE THE SAME RESIDENTIAL
SINGLE- FAMILY ( RS-15).

III. NEW BUSINESS: Consideration of:
1) First Reading of an Ordinance to Rezone Property on Aldrich Street owned
by Debra Grier from Residential Single Family to Residential Multifamily
Low Density ( RML).
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING OF REAL ESTATE
OWNED BY DEBRA GRIER FROM RESIDENTIAL SINGLE- FAMILY
RS-10) TO RESIDENTIAL MULTIFAMILY LOW-DENSITY (RML).
2) First Reading of an Ordinance to Rezone Property at 222 Williamsburg
Street SE from Light Industrial (LI) to Residential Single-Family (RS-10).
AN ORDINANCE TO REZONE CERTAIN PROPERTY OWNED BY
DOUG JONES FROM LIGHT INDUSTRIAL (LI) TO RESIDENTIAL
SINGLE- FAMILY ( RS- 10).
3) First Reading of an Ordinance Authorizing the City of Aiken to Grant an
Easement to William Russell Johnson and Janice Johnson.
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF AIKEN TO GRANT
AN EASEMENT TO WILLIAM RUSSELL JOHNSON AND JANICE
JOHNSON.
4) First Reading of an Ordinance to Amend the City Budget for Fiscal Year
2020- 21.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE BUDGET OF THE CITY OF
AIKEN FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2020, AND
ENDING JUNE 30, 2021, FOR HOSPITALITY TAX PROJECTS AND
PUBLIC SOLID WASTE RECYCLING FEES.
5) First Reading of an Ordinance Granting Towing Franchises for Involuntary
Towing in the City of Aiken.
AN ORDINANCE GRANTING NONEXCLUSIVE TOWING
FRANCHISES FOR INVOLUNTARY TOWING WITHIN THE CITY
OF AIKEN.

IV. PETITIONS AND REQUESTS:
1) Approval of a Resolution to Provide Water and Sewer Utilities to
Development on Edgefield Highway ( Highway 19) and Williams Lane.
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PROVISION OF WATER AND
SEWER UTILITY SERVICES TO PROPERTY LOCATED ON
EDGEFIELD HIGHWAY.

V. INFORMATION
a) Issues and Updates.
b) Recreation Commission Minutes for November 17, 2020.
c) Senior Commission Minutes for December 15, 2020.
d) Planning Commission Minutes for December 15, 2020.
e) Design Review Board Minutes for December 1, 2020.
f) Public Safety Department Report for November, 2020.
g) Parks, Recreation and Tourism Report for December, 2020.

VI. ADJOURNMENT

A

B

B

C

Good evening and welcome to the aitkin city council january 25th, regularly scheduled meeting uh tonight, we are meeting virtually try to keep our citizens and our staff safe and healthy. During this time of high covert cases, we appreciate those who are joining us uh through our live stream on youtube and through our app and our web page. I want to let you know that public comment is certainly important to us at this time and we encourage you if you, if you have an item or something that you would like to speak and feel strongly about.

C

Please reach out to us through email at public comment at cityofakinsc.gov. Is public comment at city of aikensc.gov and we'll be checking those as we go through the items for input. I know we've already received some stuff on asking us about following our covet and- and we are certainly encouraging and working with our state leaders- to try to get delivery on that uh and work with other government government entities to uh to make sure we get those shots and needles and arms.

C

So uh we again, we want to welcome you we're going to go to our agenda at this time uh and we're going to start with an invocation and pledge. So if you're inclined, I will lead us in a notification which will be followed by a pledge father. We thank you for this day. We thank you for this time. We thank you for the ability to tend to the business of our city or through this virtual format.

C

We just pray that you would give wisdom to each person here participating.

C

We ask that everything we say and do would be pleasing in your sight, and we ask that your hand would be upon our city in our nation in our greater world, even as we uh are dealing with this covet and that you would just protect those uh who are sick and their families, and and that, uh as we move forward lord, that this uh inoculation would would move move quickly and so that we could get back to a place where we all uh you know before this is in your name.

C

We ask it amen and gary if this time, if you'll put the american flag, if not mr gerardo, has a flag over his shoulder. I know but perfect. If you would please join with me, as we say the pledge, I pledge allegiance to the flag of the united states of america and to the republic for which it stands.

C

One nation, under god, indivisible with liberty and justice.

C

Thank you, mr meadows. At this time we're going to read our guidelines for our meetings immediately. Public forums in which many opinions are expressed in the business of the city must be conducted as such. Disciplined honorable and professional decorum is paramount. Courteous and respectful communication is expected during the public hearing. All questions and statements from the public shall be directed to the chair. We, of course, are encouraging you to send your comments. If you have any to public comment at cityofakinsc.gov again, statements should deal with issues, uh not individuals, and we ask that everyone.

C

Please uh speak once about about an item. It would be the opportunity, because we want everybody to have a chance, and please limit the comments to the subject being discussed, and we appreciate you working with us through this format.

C

And with that, I would like to recognize our mayor pro tem councilwoman leslie price for additions or deletions to the agenda good evening. Councilwoman.

D

Good evening, mr mayor and good evening to everyone I swear, we have no additions or deletions to our january 25th 2021 agenda. Having said that, I moved that we approved the agenda as presented to council.

C

Thank you, councilwoman price. Is there a second? Thank you. Thank you. Councilman waltz. We have a motion and a second to approve the agenda as presented uh for the sake of recording, I'm asking of everyone to vote affirmative. Please raise your hand on the screen and that's unanimous. Thank you.

C

The minutes were giving out given out to council members for their review before our meeting at this time. I'd entertain a motion for the approval of the minutes.

E

I shall move.

C

All right, yeah, councilwoman, diggs and councilman gregory. I saw you raise your hand first, second, okay, so we have councilwoman diggs made the motion. Councilwoman gregory made the second all those in favor of the minutes as except in the minutes as are presented. Please raise your hand and that's unanimous. Thank you.

C

Moving down to old business, I'm number one: this is approval of appointments and discussions of appointees of various city boards, commissions and committees, and I will recognize our city manager this time. Mr bean boats uh good to see you good evening.

F

Good evening, mayor and council, we do have the following appointments for consideration. First, uh councilwoman gregory has recommended the appointment of pete messina to the planning commission. uh John rush to the general aviation commission.

F

Councilwoman price is recommending the reappointment of leela wolfe to the equine committee and councilman waltz has recommended the reappointment of bud coward to the board of zoning appeals and mike naples reappointment to the energy and environmental committee, and those appointments are before you this evening.

C

Very good, thank you, mr binbo. At this time, I'd entertain a motion to approve the appointments uh to the boards and commissions presented I'll move. Thank you, councilwoman brawl. Is there a second.

E

C

All right, councilwoman diggs, thank you for that. We have a motion a second all, those in favor. Please raise your hand and that's unanimous. Thank you.

C

Moving on I'm number two under old business. This is a second reading of public hearing of an ordinance to annex property, known as generations park owned by the city of april, located on.

F

Yes, excuse me: we need to ask if there are any appointments for the next meeting.

C

Thank you, mr beaton, but I appreciate that. Are there any appointments to be made at our next meeting.

C

All right hearing- none, that's an important part of business. So we're going to move to item number two now, which is a second reading and public hearing of an ordinance annex property known as generations park owned by the city of aitkin, located on u.s, highway, 1 north by title, an ordinance and next to the corporate limits of the city of aitkin, certain property owned by the city of aitkin and known as generations part and to approve a concept plan. Is there a motion.

E

Isil move second, mr mayor.

C

All right, I think, councilwoman diggs made the motion and councilwoman price seconded comments from staff.

F

Yes, we have uh tonight this annexation; um it is about 120, acres and owned by the city um at columbia. Highway north. uh Currently we have about 30 acres of this property. Developed council adopted a policy in 2006 that requires any large tracts of land. uh There are four acres or more to be annexed and used primarily for residential services uh purposes. She'll be required to comply with planned residential zoning and the council.

F

Excuse me: the planning commission uh must review the concept plan uh and make a recommendation to city council for approval, and there must also be a minimum of 20 open space here um we do have uh before you tonight's second reading of this annexation.

F

The planning commission did unanimously recommend uh those present at the december meeting that it be annexed and council heard this at first reading january 11th for um for the annexation of generations park, as well as the 10-foot strip of land that connects to the city limits.

C

All right, thank you, mr binbo. um I I will look to staff. Are there any comments uh emailed to us at this time on this.

F

There are none.

C

Okay, very good um I'll, open up conversation or take comment from council at this time.

C

Okay, hearing, none all those in favor of second reading.

G

C

Ordinance to annex property is known as generations park into the city of aitkin. Please raise your hand and that's unanimous.

C

I want to congratulate staff for working through that and making that happen. Moving down old business item number three: this is a second reading and public hearing of an ordinance to annex property at 1929. Huntsman drive is under residential single family rs 15..

C

My title is the same: an ordinance property located in 1929 huntsman drive to zone the same residential single family rs-15. Is there a motion all right? Thank you, councilman jared oser. Second, second, okay. Thank you, councilwoman diggs. I recognize mr beanbow for comments from staff. Thank.

F

You, uh the owners of 1929 huntsman drive, have requested annexation. It is 61 hundredths of an acre and the recommended. Zoning is residential, single-family rs-15.

F

It is located just off of hitchcock parkway on huntsman drive at kegel circle and the planning commission all present at their december meeting unanimously recommended the annexation and zoning of rs-15 and council unanimously passed it at first reading uh january 11th.

C

Thank you, mr bo. Are there any comments? I direct this to staff. Are there any comments from my audience emailed in and and while I was doing this, let me just uh restate the email address is public comment at cityofakinsc.gov so have we received any on this issue? Mr binbo? None! Okay! Thank you. um I reckon I'll recognize uh council with any comment from council.

C

Okay, hearing none all those in favor of the second reading, annexing property of 1929, huntsman drive and zoning at residential rs15. Please raise your hand and that's unanimous. Thank you.

C

We're going to move down to new business, I'm number one. This is the first ring of an ordinance to rezone property on aldrich street, owned by deborah grier from residential single family to residential multi-family, low density rml by title and ordinance amending the zoning of real estate owned by deborah greer from residential single-family rs-10, the residential multi-family load density with that is there a motion.

C

Councilwoman diggs made the motion. Mr gerardo did you second, that.

B

C

Thank you uh comments from staff, mr beanbow.

F

Thank you. uh You may remember late last year we transferred a city-owned lot on aldrich street with ms greer, and this will allow the construction of some tiny homes there. In order for that to take place, the uh rezoning must occur and uh it is currently zoned residential, single-family rs-10.

F

This rezoning to our residential family, low density will allow uh greater flexibility for use of the property while maintaining consistency of land use. The planning commission did hear this at their january 12th meeting and all present unanimously recommended the rezoning request, and it is before you tonight for first reading.

F

C

Thank you, mr bienvent. Do we have any any uh emailed comments about this uh item.

F

No comments: okay,.

C

Thank you, mr beanville. Any comments from council.

D

This is a great project, mr mayor.

C

I agree. Thank you. Councilwoman price.

A

Mr mayor, I I I second that I think this is a really good good way to take care of that and fill those in and also hopefully provide some affordable housing for some people.

E

I think this would be our first tiny houses uh project in aitkin in the city. Am I correct.

F

I believe that is correct.

A

F

E

A

A uh how how how many they're going to be or any of that not.

D

A

E

I thought we discussed four or it was four to six. Maybe what did they decide? Stuart? Mr.

C

Bland, what what was the uh range on.

H

H

And I think see how the marketing goes from there and they would be roughly, I think they said about 600 square feet, so not a tiny, tiny home, but right in that realm.

F

Very good: they, I think the uh the they've got space to put up to six, but they are starting um from a marketing standpoint with the four and, if you remember, this is going to be a fenced and gated.

A

F

Facility or or development.

C

Right all right, very, very good. This is the first reading on this uh reason to re-zone the property on audrey street, from single family to residential multi-family, low density, all those in favor of first reading. Please raise your hand, and that looks to be unanimous. Thank you.

B

Before you start the next one mayor, I will recuse myself, I'm representing the buyer in this prop project.

C

Very good, mr gerardo, and uh so we just ask that you you'll mute that and step away, and so we'll text you uh me too, you too miss waltz. Okay. Thank you.

C

Sir, all right very good. The next item is a first ring of an ordinance, so we zoned property at 222, williamsburg street southeast, from light industrial li to residential single family, rs 10. by title an ordinance, a reason, certain property owned by doug jones from light industrial to residential single family rs10. At this time of clear motion.

C

Housewarming diggs made the motion councilwoman's price seconded uh without recognizing mr beatenbeau for comments from staff. Thank you. The.

F

um Applicants are requesting the rezoning of a parcel, approximately 61 hundredths, of an acre located at williams, 222 williamsburg street southeast, from light industrial to residential single-family rs-10.

F

The applicants plan to remove the existing abandoned commercial structure and subdivide the parcel into two parcels each with 75 feet of frontage. The plan is to relocate two historic structures onto the new parcels.

F

The property is currently adjacent to commercial uses in single-family homes, and currently the area is in transition with multiple land uses and zoning designations.

F

Existing adjacent to the area requested for the rezoning, this property being in the old airport overlay, must also receive a concurrent approval uh from the design review board and uh that is under drb review. As we speak. The planning commission at their january 12th meeting uh reviewed the request and all those present with one recusal unanimously recommended approval of the rezoning from light industrial to residential single-family rs-10, with the following condition that it be contingent upon the sale or transfer of property to the applicant within 120 days. So this is before you today for first.

F

C

Thank you, mr beth.

C

um Do we have anyone on with us to speak on on this issue? Mr speaker, I know we have several.

C

F

I know we have the applicants, uh mr mc, mr mcgee, uh I'm not aware of any public comments that we've received okay and we have not received I'm being told. There are no public comments.

C

Okay, so they're here in case there's any questions from council on correctly all right, very good. Thank you, sir. No, no, no comments from public again, our email is public comment at cityofakinsc.gov and this time I would, I would recognize, counsel any comments or questions.

E

Mr mcgee can do you have a date for the relocation of these uh homes.

C

Mr mcgee good good good evening are you with us tonight.

D

Mr mayor, while we're waiting, let me just uh say that the africa intends to reload relocate to historic homes, to this property, and that is very significant bill. Mcgee and beatrice mcgee yes been in the business of preserving homes throughout our uh uh area, especially our historic area, and so that is what was intended for these lots.

I

Very good, can you hear me now.

C

We can't hear you now, yes,.

C

C

I may have spoke too soon.

A

C

I think the problem is is on his phone and online, and so it's getting so maybe that question we can get that answer before.

E

That's fine. You know I could wait on that.

E

C

We're gonna eat that mr mcgee cause it's feeding back.

C

There we go all right, any other comments from council.

A

I'd just like to say I I do. I think this is for this piece of property. Is it's such a wonderful thing for mr mcgee to do I've seen the other work he's done and he's we all agree. He does a great job and this will be such an improvement for there and um I just hats off. You know, I'm sorry. He can't hear us because he.

C

Can probably hear us, I think he.

A

Actually can't hear us, I hope he can, because I think it's really a great thing.

E

It is it's a game changer for this area,.

A

E

A

You drive by there and then just like that for gosh, a.

C

Long, we'll make sure we'll make sure it's like a second reading, we'll make sure that mr mcgee has worked out so that uh we can ask any questions and let him know what will happen in high regard. We hold this project so with that all those in favor of first reading of the rezoning of property at 222 williamsburg street southeast from light industrial to residential single-family rs-10. Please raise your hand and that's unanimous, with councilman gerardo and councilman waltz recusing themselves that passes.

F

And I have uh informed them, they can return to the meeting. Mr mayor.

C

All right, very good, very good.

C

I'll give them a.

I

C

G

C

D

C

We're gonna move down to item number three. This is the first reading of an ordinance authorizing the sea of aiken to grant an easement to william russell johnson and janice johnson by thailand, ordinance authorization grant easement to william russell johnson and janice johnson. The same uh is there a motion.

A

I still move mr mayor all.

C

Right, thank you. Roll is there a second.

D

Second, cement.

C

Go ahead, andre gregory! Thank you for that uh and I think we do have the johnsons with us tonight and I will recognize mr beanbow right now for comments from staff. Mr b.

F

Yes, the uh uh the johnsons uh came to me uh late last year. uh They own property at 203, arbor court which, as you probably remember, the city was involved with, along with aiken corp and others to convert that area back there, which was a auto body shop into a nice downtown residential property, the city as part of the johnson's investments many years ago, granted them some parking spaces along the city maintained road, arbor court.

F

Now that the johnsons are seeking to sell the property, we need an updated easement to allow for those parking spaces to transfer along with the residential property uh the city attorney recommended. This was uh uh probably the most palatable approach to this, and uh we recommend that the easement be considered uh and and uh by council uh this, so this would allow them to uh transfer or sell their property easier, uh moving forward.

C

Very good, mr beanville, thank you for that. Do we have any comments in from the public at our email.

F

We are checking and.

F

No no comments about this issue, mr mayor and council.

C

Very good- and I know we have the johnsons here good good evening- appreciate you joining us today. Does council have any questions of the johnsons at this time.

C

Okay, all right hearing, no, no comments from council. We will vote on this for first reading of an ordinance authorizing the civ aiken to grant an easement to uh the johnsons on this property. All those in favor. Please raise your hand and that's unanimous. Thank you.

C

So we want to thank the johnsons for being with us tonight. Appreciate you guys.

D

Great to see you on the screen.

A

D

It's good to see you thank you.

F

J

A

B

It thank you. Thank you.

C

All right we're going to move down to item number four. This is the first ring of an ordinance to amend the city budget for fiscal year, 2020 by title and ordinance amending the budget of the city of aitkin for the fiscal year, beginning july, 1, 2020 and ending june 30th 2021 for hospitality, tax projects and public solid waste recycling fees.

C

uh Is there a motion.

K

C

Thank you, councilwoman gregory. Is there a second.

D

Second, mr mayor.

C

Thank you. Councilwoman price uh recognize our city manager, mr biedenbaum. Thank you.

F

um We, when we were doing our budget last year, we were very sensitive at councils, requests for revenues that might be impacted by coven 19 and the two that first came to mind were uh accommodations tax, which is uh revenue derived from hotel stays and uh hospitality tax.

F

We believe that, with our hospitality tax revenues uh running halfway through the year at 95 percent of where they were through december 2019, a modest increase in the uh budget for hospitality taxes needed because there were some things we forewent as part of our budget and those include several items for parks, recreation and tourism, specifically uh security, camera system at our new smith, hazel pool and and some amenities, some turf management for erosion issues at generations park.

F

uh Also some tournament fees to support weekend tournaments at citizens park basically spending some money to to generate some additional funds, as well as install installing aeds at our parks, and we also recommend that the public services buildings and grounds budget being increased to allow for painting of arbors in the public parking lot at arbor terrace, where we were just describing add some lighting to the newbury street festival area, harbors and repair.

F

Some brick pavers in our downtown central business district and our fund, our tree nourishment program that we work with a private benefactor on also uh we've begun, taking, as you know, our recyclables to north augusta. um After almost 10 years, we have had to begin paying for recycling again right now our fees are averaging about forty seven hundred dollars a month. So we want to balance the that expenditure with uh sales and surplus equipment and some salary under runs.

F

So we have before you tonight these uh budget adjustments uh after review of our budgets, I'm halfway through this fiscal year. Thank.

C

You, mr biedenbach, we appreciate that. uh Do we have any comments at our email at publiccomment at cityofakinsc.gov.

F

We have no comments. Okay,.

C

Thank you um I'll recognize, council any questions or comments from council this time.

I

I have one quick question: what's an aed.

F

uh um It is like a defibrillator for folks that are in cardiac distress.

I

All right, thank you.

C

All right hearing in all those in favor of first reading of the ordinance to amend the city budget for the fiscal year 2021, please raise your hand and that's unanimous. Thank you.

C

Moving down to item number five new businesses is the first ring of an ordinance granting towing franchises for involuntary towing in the city of aitkin uh by title and ordinance, granting non-exclusive towing franchises for involuntary towing within the city of aitkin. Is there a motion?

C

No move all right. Thank you, councilman waltz is there a second.

A

C

All right, thank you. Councilwoman bro uh comments from staff.

F

um Yes, bud's towing, llc of uh 727 richland avenue east submitted an application to be added to the towing list. The owner had been on the rotation list as aiken collision, but decided to separate the auto body repair operation from the towing operation and create buds towing the public safety department.

F

Because of this, we must make an amendment to our towing list, which does require council approval, so we have removed aiken collision and added buds towing. The proposed ordinance does include an exhibit a which lists the approved rotation for wrecker services for conventional and heavy duty towing, and we have this before you for first reading this evening.

C

Thank you, mr beanville. Are there any um emails or comments sent to us prior or during our meeting there's.

F

No comments uh uh from the public.

C

Thank you, um I'll open it up with comments from from council. Obviously we're glad to see them as a vendor, but but I I would have to say I I feel like this is something that should be able to be handled administratively. I don't know why we would have to vote on an ordinance every time we had somebody. This just seems like it would be something that would almost run through the city manager's office. I wonder if that might be a consideration in the future that we might change our ordinance. Mr smith, thank you.

J

Mr mayor, if I may, you are granting a franchise to this corporation and these state laws specifically provides that council must approve the granting of franchises by way of an ordinance. So that's why it's coming. The city cannot do this administratively and be in compliance with state law. Well,.

C

I guess we better keep it as it is then haven't we yes,.

J

C

I

Comments one question, mr mayor:.

B

I

Talked about towing, I asked why we wouldn't always call a city owned city resident business. First, before we called out of city towing companies. We talked about that. Doesn't look like this rotation. Does that now are? Are we making progress on that, or is that just one of those things that we just have to wait a couple years to get done or something I'll.

F

Have the chief in the room with me if he wants to make some comments, I'm going to step away and let him uh take possession of the camera.

C

Good evening, chief good evening.

G

How are you good um just to answer mr waltz's question? There has not been any uh progress made on that we're happy to revisit that, to bring back some solutions for you.

I

Yeah I mean it just seems like city-owned businesses who reside in the city should get the first call. I mean that's they're, paying us they're, paying taxes they're paying business licenses.

I

It's only fair that we take care of them first. So if you could get back, I would appreciate that. Yes, sir.

J

Thanks, thank you. Chief.

C

Good point: councilman any other comments from council.

C

Hearing none all those in favor of first reading, of an ordinance towing granting towing franchise for an involuntary towing in the city of aitkin. Please raise your hand and that's unanimous. Thank you.

C

We moved down to petitions and requests. I'm number one.

C

This is an approval of a resolution to provide water and sewer utilities to development on the development on edgefield highway, highway, 19 and williams, lane by tyler resolution authorizing the provision of water and sewer utility services to property located on edgefield highway.

C

You'll recall this was an item that we continued at our last meeting to to have an opportunity to speak to a concerned property owner, and with that I would look for a motion from council.

C

Thank you, councilman jaredo comments from staff.

F

Thank you. um We do have this before council uh this uh this, this blue sky properties and investments, is requesting city, water and sewer for a proposed 230 lot subdivision on edgefield highway water and sanitary sewer service is available for this site.

F

There is a 14-inch water main that runs across the site and will need to be relocated as part of the policy for provision of water and sanitary sewer service for unincorporated areas.

F

There are conditions for city services to developments outside the city limits, so requests for city services must be outside the city. Limits must be reviewed by the planning commission approved by council.

F

The planning commission reviewed the request for water and sanitary sewer service at the december 15 2020 meeting and um all those present unanimously recommended approval, and I read the conditions into the record at the last meeting. So I'll dispense from that, uh we did continue the item from the january 11 2021 meeting in order to contact an adjacent property owner who had no objections to this type of development.

F

So it is before you tonight for consideration. We do have, I believe, the engineer, deanie rickabaugh here for um for this project, and we have seen the public comment. Mr mayor, since uh the meeting began regarding this issue,.

C

Very good, thank thank you for that, uh mr rickobel. Thank you for joining us this evening.

C

We certainly appreciate you. Yes,.

L

C

Here, um thank you for joining us. um There were some questions at the last meeting. Video is blocked for some reason. I think uh the questions that we had at our last meeting were were um answered. We we appreciate that. uh I will say I think we all received a an email that came in prior to the meeting, just as stated of of a resident who's a neighbor who was concerned about uh the rising prices of her taxes. I guess, as as.

J

C

Add value to her property, so I just want to acknowledge that we did receive that email uh before before our meeting. uh I think it came to um our city clerk so uh with hearing no other comments uh from the public. I'd like to certainly turn it over to our council members. If there's any comments or questions at this time.

E

um Mr mayor, I think leslie and I received a phone call from one of the property owners that was concerned about the impact on her taxes and also she wanted to speak to the developers um in hopes of, I think, trying to convince them to reduce the prices of the homes to make it more affordable, and I of course explained to her that we have nothing to do with that, and um I don't think they've seen the homes. The homes are very nice and um I think it's a good.

E

I think it's a good fit for that area, but um she did want to meet with the developers and have um a conversation with them in reference to that. But I did explain to her because she asked if we could table this item- and I told all we were doing- was voting on the water and sewer services and that the property is actually located in the county and uh our job is just to to vote on the water and sewer services.

E

So, but but she was concerned about it, she is she has. She has some reservations about this uh development. Coming to um this particular neighborhood leslie. Would you like to share some of the conversation you have with her well.

D

It's it's almost identical, uh just sharing that we don't control uh the tax increase, because this is a city decision to uh that that we had no reason to deny the developer water and sewer and that we had uh the the tax issue, because this property is an attack. It is in the county and they're in the county. That is not something that we would be working with in terms of determining what her taxes would be because of the uh the fact that this property is, it is in the county.

K

L

If I can interject here, uh the developer is stated: I'm with the developer. Now: um blue sky properties is dave and stuart thompson and they have emailed um the ones miss hightower that had the concern and addressed, you know want to address her issues, also their development, um because you know our firm is doing the design they're doing a section called patio homes that are much smaller, to provide a lower, a price point and then give a range.

L

So there's a smaller uh house or square footage and then there's the medium price and then a little bit larger. But.

G

L

The lots are in the small to medium range, so I think it's.

E

Going to be very.

L

Affordable and I don't I don't see it being a tax issue.

E

Okay, what was that the pictures of the patio homes um were they.

D

In our packet they were, they were not, but based on what you just described, I.

H

D

That would help to reach a happy medium. Yes, I don't know whether mrs uh miss hightower shared that information with you or not, but I I suggest that uh again. This is just my suggestion uh that you you talk with her and share what those photographs look and what those patio homes patio homes look like in addition to the other homes as well, uh but this is a this is. This is an important development, especially in this area of town, uh that I would say that is quite needed for economic uh development and growth. Well,.

C

K

C

K

um I resonate with councilwoman, diggs and councilwoman uh price. Just said. uh Miss hightier got to me as well, and um I think the key is is is what it appears the contractor has already reached out to her.

K

The key is to just she just diff. She does want to dialogue, and it would also provide her just a clear understanding as to your project and and the goals behind. I think it's a great project. I do think for that areas. It's phenomenal and and and just that communication with miss hightower really go a long way, and I, I think, we've all answered all her questions on this call. So thank you so much.

D

All right- and let me just say thank you all for being on this uh this this this uh zoom meeting as well. Yes,.

I

B

Just just comment on values in real estate and being a real estate expert and take, for instance, trolley run when trolley run was developed. The houses on trolley, trolley line road or the houses on block clutch road. The values didn't go up that that's not how values work.

B

It's a it's a process, but the county can't make your property worth more just because a new development went in and that's something that happens over time, and it also is dependent upon the marketing and through the market and values going up that people will pay more they're, not necessarily going to pay more for your house. Just because there's a new house in the neighborhood it.

E

B

The tax values at.

K

All right right.

C

Thank you, mr jared. um I'm going to recognize stuart. I see you raise your hand. Is there another comment that came in yeah we've.

F

Received I've received multiple comments since this item, but came under discussion from tequila.

H

F

Very brief, but um I'm going to read them chronologically. The council should consider tabling the item number four petitions and requests number one of blue sky properties and investments requests for city services. First reading for tpn number 119 1701019. The community was not given adequate notice and information on the details of the development.

F

The developer needs to collaborate with the community to resolve significant concerns, so it may become a mixed income subdivision in some degree otherwise low and moderate income families will bear the imminent and long-term economic and social repercussions, but be excluded from participating in reaping immediate and long-term benefits. The only possible long-term benefit comes from displacement.

F

She noted she's obtained 18, signed letters with 20 signatures and has said the developer has not been forthcoming with details on pricing, except that the range would be 200 000 and up. The developer is being misleading about their one email response to me and the developer stated to me in one email that the value would increase for surrounding properties.

F

So those are one two three four five comments from tequila hightower that have been received in the last uh 14 minutes. All right.

C

Thank you. No other comments from anyone else. No other comments. Okay, thank you. We've already had comment from the audience. We've had comments from council at this time. I'd like to bring for consideration and promote approval of a resolution to provide water and sewer utilities to development on nashville, highway, highway, 19 and williams lane all those in favor. Please raise your hand.

C

And that's unanimous. Thank you, mr richard. Thank you for your time of being with us this evening.

L

Okay, thank you.

C

All right, we moved it down to uh item five information uh issues and updates uh anything uh for the good. We.

F

Will be um uh rescheduling the um new horizons planning new horizons? uh What uh I need to get with the municipal development commission so when they've had their full report ready uh we'll get that scheduled in the next few weeks, and also I want to just make a brief moment of personal comment. um This is kim abney's last meeting as assistant city manager, so she's just been a tremendous asset to the city uh over the last 28 years. So uh we appreciate that and you didn't have to wipe anything down today, kim.

A

Thank you for your service.

E

We're gonna miss you. We really are.

K

Thank you kim, and we appreciate everything you've done for the city of aiken.

B

And you were a great city manager last week.

H

Good job, that's a great building.

A

Care of a couple things for me.

D

Kim, thank you so much enjoy.

E

Your grandchildren.

C

Well, kim, as you can hear from council, there's no lack of appreciation for uh you and for what you've done for our city. Thank you uh for your commitment to the city of aitkin and the people of it. You've served well and you've really made a difference and an impact, so I think on behalf of all of council. We we appreciate your time here and it's not like not like.

C

We won't see you and uh you'll still be be around and we I'm sure we'll be calling and and and asking for your opinion on expertise, but we appreciate all the time for us. Thank you so much, and uh the city is certainly blessed and lucky to have had you as an employee for for this amount of time and and much luck and success in in your next chapter of your life,.

D

Mr did you stay in her years of service? She had with us.

C

Stewart how many years has kim been with us 28.

F

Years, two months.

E

B

A

Only 40. she.

B

Started when she was 12. yeah.

F

That's for sure she was 13 actually.

C

All right hearing hearing nothing else.

E

Mr mayor, yes and I'm sure.

K

It's not important, I was going to say kim now that you're retired. Let me know if you want to pick up tennis.

E

I'm sure all of you are are aware of the that um district one lost one of its most beloved.

G

A

Better giles.

E

I will be coming before you very soon to discuss um some um possible ways to honor her legacy, so just wanted to.

E

Let you know that up front lovely lady.

A

D

And let me just add that betty just didn't represent district one. She represented.

E

D

E

D

A

K

Big heart, yes,.

E

K

E

Yes, she will beautiful service too. Well, we were able to go out to the graveside services uh on saturday, so some of our former co-workers lisa hall and some of the other people from parks and recreation. So.

D

We had a nice contingency of city employees, there.

E

Yes, we did, we did. We did so just wanted to know that.

C

I appreciate that. I appreciate you mentioning that, um because it's important and um while while we will miss her, her impact can be seen every day.

E

Oh yeah, everywhere everywhere.

C

What an amazing legacy! Thank you to uh end on with that, I will look for a motion to adjourn.

A

C

A

Had a question, let us know uh our retreat that was scheduled for friday, we'll be rescheduling. You we'll get back.

C

It will be rescheduled, yes,.

A

Okay, thank you very much.

C

Sure councilwoman price has made the motion to adjourn. Is there a second.

A

E

C

Councilwoman diggs made the second all those in favor, please log off of uh please thank you.

A

K

Bye guys have a great night.

I