City Council - Regular Meeting

Good evening. Welcome to the April 13th meeting of the Aken City Council. If you're included, please rise for the invocation followed by the pledge. Almighty God, our heavenly father, send down upon those who hold office in the city of Aken the spirit of wisdom, charity, and justice that with steadfast purpose they may faithfully serve in their offices to promote the well-being of all people. In your name we pray. Amen. Chief, would you please lead us in the pledge?

Good evening, mayor, council. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. As the meeting begins, I will review the guidelines. meetings or public forums in which many opinions are expressed in the business of the city must be conducted. As such, discipline, honorable and professional decorum is paramount. Courteous and respectful communication is required. There should be no disruption from the floor while council members or members of the public are speaking. Anyone wishing to speak must be recognized so that we can retain order as we conduct the business of the city and all comments can be put into the record during public hearings. All questions and statements from the public shall be directed to the chair. If you wish to speak, raise your hand and I will recognize you. Please approach the podium and state your name and address. In order to allow an opportunity for everyone who wishes to address council, speakers should limit their comments to the subject being discussed. Each speaker will be given five minutes to address an issue and may only address an issue once unless questions from council are posed to the speaker. During the non-aggenda public comment section, each speaker has three minutes and can only speak once. We now move to additions and deletions to the agenda. I recognize Mayor Prom Kroll for this item. Thank you, Madame Mayor. Hello everyone. We're glad you're here this evening. Hope you had a good week. It was beautiful weather and it seems like it's going to be like that. Madame Mayor, there are no additions or deletions. So, I move to accept the agenda as it was printed. Thank you so much. Uh, do I have a

second, please? I second. Uh, Councilwoman Diggs made the second. Uh, all those in favor? Thank you. The minutes were provided to council for review prior to the meeting. Is there a motion for approval of those minutes? So, move. Madame Mayor,

Councilman, thank you. Councilman Waldo made the motion in a second from Councilwoman Diggs. Thank you. Any comments or changes? All those in favor? Thank you. There are four presentations tonight. The first is a proclamation for Child Advocacy Center for Child Abuse Awareness and Healing Day. Uh Councilwoman Diggs, will you read the proclamation, please? with pleasure. Whereas children are Aken County's most precious gifts, their tender spirits and boundless potential illuminating our community's future. And whereas the invisible wounds of child abuse and neglect, silent scars on young hearts and minds can fracture a child's sense of safety and wholeness. And compassion, coordinated healing restores what has been broken. And whereas the Child Advocacy Center of Aken County has tenderly guided 626 children and families through 2025 alone on their journey to wholeness. Offering forensic interviews in safe, playful rooms where children's voices are finally heard without fear or repetition. gentle medical exams that heal bodies while documenting truth and trauma focused cognitive behavior therapies that mends shattered emotions reduces PTSD

and helps children reclaim joy, laughter and trust. And whereas our multidisciplinary embraces brings new enforcement DSS, healthc care providers and mental health specialists together in one nurturing space, supporting nonoffending caregivers with skills to rebuild family bonds and walking alongside each child toward restoration. And whereas protective factors, loving relationships, resilient parenting, community connections, and practical support create the fertile ground where healing takes root and children flourish once more. And whereas April 21st, 2026 dons as child abuse awareness and healing day in Aken County, inviting us to honor resilient survivors, celebrate gentle protectors, plant pin wheels as symbols of reclaimed childhoods, and embrace healing centered events. education and advocacy. And whereas when we heal children, we heal our community, cultivating safe homes, thriving schools, and neighbors who listen, support, and nurture wholeness. Now therefore, I, Teddy Milner, mayor of the

city of Aken, do hereby proclaim April 21st, 20 26 as child abuse awareness and healing day throughout Aken, calling upon residents, businesses, schools, and faith communities to join the child advocacy center wearing blue planting. ing pin wheels and holding space for every child's healing journey back to wholeness. And this is signed by our mayor, Teddy Milner, and our entire city council. Is anyone here from the Child Advocacy Center? There is

where that comes from. Oh, I am a board member. The second proclamation designates April as fair housing month. Councilwoman Price, will you read the proclamation into the record, please?

Thank you, Mayor. This is a proclamation designating April as fair housing month. Whereas April 26 marks the 58th anniversary of the passage of the U. US Fair Housing Law Title 8 of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 as amended. And whereas the law enunciates a national policy of fair housing without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, sex, familial status, and handicap and encourages fair housing opportunities for all citizens. And whereas through the years we have made great strides in opening housing markets, giving all Americans an equal opportunity to live wherever they choose. And whereas housing discrimination, although less obvious and pervasive than in years past, still exists. And whereas the city of Aken as well as the Aken board of realtors are committed to highlighting the Fair Housing Law, Title 8 of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 by continuing to address discrimination in our community to support programs that will educate the public about the right to equal housing opportunities and to plan partnership efforts with other organizations

to help assure that every American have their rights to fair housing. Now therefore, our mayor Teddy Milner, mayor of the city of Aken, and the council, city council of the city of Aken, South Carolina, do hereby designate April as fair housing month in Aken, and ask that all of our citizens support this law to ensure fair housing for everyone. This is signed by our mayor of the city of Bacon, Mayor Ted Teddy Milner, and all six of our council members. Thank you. Sina Craig, will you come forward and be in the photograph? Nice, nice, nice.

Yeah, I got two club. The third presentation is the proclamation designating medical laboratory professionals recognition week. Mayor Prom roll, would you read this, please?

Yes, madame mayor. I'd be happy to. Whereas the health of all Americans depends on educated minds and trained hands. And whereas the practice of modern medicine at the high standards we now enjoy would be impossible without the scientific testing performed daily in the medical laboratory. And whereas these highly skilled professionals help ensure accurate diagnosis, effective treatments, and improved patient outcomes. And through this dedication, laboratory professionals of the United States have made a vital contribution to the quality of health care. Let me read that again, please. Whereas these highly skilled professionals help ensure accurate diagnosis, effective treatments and improve patient outcomes. And through this dedication, laboratory professionals of the United States have made a vital contribution to the quality of our health care. And whereas these highly trained and dedicated health professionals make an invaluable contribution to the quality of life and save countless lives each day by providing reliable laboratory results required for the prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. Whereas laboratory medicine is an honorable profession with dedicated practitioners who should be recognized by all individuals as vital to the high standards of health care we enjoy in the United States. Now, I therefore, Teddy Milner, mayor, and the entire council of the city of Aken, South Carolina, do hereby proclaim the

week of April 19th through 25th, 2026 as medical laboratory professionals recognition week in apprecion of in appreciation of the vital role laboratory professionals play in health care and urge all citizens to recognize and support the vital service provided by these professionals for the benefit of all our citizens.

Thank you. Is anyone here from the medical field that asks us to do this? Come up from do this in the middle.

Thank you. Okay. Holly Miller. Holly. Holly Miller would like to read something. Good evening, mayor and members of the council. My name is Holly Miller and I am a clinical laboratory scientist. Most days I work behind the scenes in healthcare, which is fitting because that's exactly where the laboratory lives, too. Behind every diagnosis, every hospital stay, and every life-saving decision, there is a clinical laboratory. Clinical laboratory professionals generate the data that drives an estimated 70 to 80% of all medical decisions, making their work one of the most influential forces in modern healthcare. From detecting infections and chronic diseases to guiding emergency treatments and mo monitoring patient progress, these highly skilled professionals deliver accurate, timely results when it matters most. And while you may not always see us, chances are you've been impacted by the laboratory more than you realize. Every blood test, every biopsy, every we're waiting on the results moment. That's where we come in. It's quiet work, but it carries a lot of weight. Here in the Achin and North Augusta community and all over the globe, clinical laboratory teams are working around the clock to support our hospitals, physician offices, and emergency departments. They are are an essential part of the care our families, friends, and neighbors rely on every

day. Whether it's a routine test or a life-threatening emergency, laboratory professionals are there ensuring results are accurate and ready when they are needed the most. As our community grows, so does the need for skilled laboratory professionals. And that's why awareness and education are so important, not just for our field, but for the future of healthcare right here at home. To support the future of the laboratory, I would like to invite everyone to attend or support the Mission Diagnostics 5K taking place on Sunday, April 19th at 9:30. This community-driven event is designed to raise awareness of the medical laboratory profession while promoting health and wellness. We would be honored to have your presence, your support, or even a donation to help this me event a success. Proceeds will benefit the medical laboratory technology program at Midland's Technical College, helping to educate and prepare the next generation of laboratory professionals who will serve communities like ours. The clinical laboratory may not always be visible, but its impact is felt in every corner of healthcare. We're the team you don't see, but the one you really don't want to go without. Thank you for your time and this opportunity to speak to you tonight.

Thank you. Thank you.

Uh tell where when is the run on Sunday. Um Boy Park. Okay. And what time? 9:30. All right. Thank you. I'll take note. I'll see you there. The final presentation is a proclamation for youth HIV and AIDS Awareness Day. Councilman Mththena, will you read this proclamation?

Yes. Good evening. Yes. Whereas the National Youth HIV AIDS Awareness Day is a national nationwide observance that calls on people to take action to invest in the health, education, and leadership of young people. And whereas more than 40 years into the epidemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates in the United States more than 1.2 million people are living with HIV. In 2022, youth aged 13 to 24 composed 20% of all new HIV diagnoses in the United States. And whereas the majority of young people living with HIV ages 13 to 24 are unaware of their HIV status, African-American youth are the most impacted by the epidemic, representing a majority of new transmissions in young people ages 13 to 24. Whereas the NA National HIV AIDS strategy recommends children and young adults who are living with HIV need tailored and often more intensive medical and support services to support them as they grow and become young adults. And whereas the nation's largest federal program dedicated to provide providing care and treatment for people living with HIV was named after Ryan White, a teenager from Indiana who helped educate a nation about HIV and AIDS in the 1980s. The Ryan White Part D program is one of the n national efforts to link young people with living with HIV to medical care and support services. And whereas the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act provides youth,

including those living with or impacted by HIV AIDS, with better access to health care coverage, more health care insurance options, and additional funding for sex education. a prohibition against denying health coverage to people living with HIV and expanded access to Medicaid which provides health care health coverage to low-income people living with HIV. Now therefore, Mayor Teddy Milner and this council of the city of Aken do hereby proclaim on behalf of the city of Aken and its residents Youth HIV and AIDS Awareness Day in the city of Aken and urge all citizens to recognize and support the goals and ideals of National Youth HIV AIDS Awareness Day.

Thank you. Thank you, Councilman. Now we open the floor to public comments on non-aggenda items. Comments that are limited to three minutes per speaker and for a total of 30 minutes. Yes. Good evening to you.

Good evening madame chair and the members of the council. My name is Lammenia Nven. I'm a resident of Graniteville, South Carolina. I live at 134 Church Street in Graniteville, South Carolina. And the reason for um me and other members of my community organization for our attendance here this evening um is because we saw an article in the um paper stating that um the intention of the housing authority is to use funds from selling the properties out of Graniteville for the rebuilding of Han Village. And we think this is greatly unfair. members of our community and former members of our organization were the catalyst for getting the grant money to have the properties installed in our community. Um the the grant funds that came from the federal government built the projects in our in our uh community as well as made improvements from different properties and also allowed some of the uh community people to be able to sell their properties uh to the housing authority. We understand that um the funds were given to the city to be allocated through the housing authority because we did not have a municipality or or any other type organization that could um actually receive those funds and therefore the housing authority has operated these apartments for the last almost 50 years. However, it's a big plight to our community. Um we have all these abandoned houses. Uh the broken windows, the broken down doors, um the trash just being compiled from

people um just staying in the and trespassing on the properties. And it's also been uh terrible to the people that of like myself that live in the community because none of our properties are safe um because of the fact that so much abandonment there. Uh and we just think that it's very unfair to our community to use these funds to um flourish another community instead of um dedicating them back to our community. There's so many things that can be done in our community to help improve it even if these properties are sold and we just want the that to be on the council's mind before they make any type of decision. Thank you.

Thank you for your comment. Anyone else? Do you want to say anything about um do we have any say so over

the um I I will say um first I know the city does not get any money from the uh related to the this um what is being asked of the city uh is that a the council consider a resolution to allow that um that is not going to take place that until the delegation uh our members of the delegation meet with the housing authority. I know Senator Young has questions and I do not know yet when that's going to take place. So, um it's somewhat up in the air. Um so, that's really uh where things stand. Uh but the city um doesn't receive receipts or revenues. Um the city does appoint board members uh who are on the housing authority board but uh they are their own autonomous entity otherwise.

Thank you for that. Yes ma'am. Sorry. Uh in the Burgundy did you raise your hand? Yes. Good evening. My name is Annette Leat Gilchrist and um is the meeting that you're discussing is it open to the public the one with the delegates in HUD housing authority?

I I don't know. I'm not the the delegation is setting that meeting up and I would encourage you to phone the delegation office uh and I can give you the phone number and they can provide that information to you. I'm not I'm not sure even what day or time yet that's been scheduled. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Did you Yes. Hi. Good evening.

Good evening, mayor and and council members. My name is Mary Anton and I reside at two 212 Box Elder Drive in Aken. I have been the chair of the Aken County Homeless Coalition for the past three years. As many of you already know, the Salvation Army recently commissioned an extensive survey, data collection, mission planning study. It was run by an independent company to evaluate the needs of the community and to identify possible solutions for any unmet needs that might they might find. I want to share with you one set of statistics that while I was not totally surprised about it, I was still shocked to see it on paper. In the city of Aken, 18% of the total households fall below the poverty level. With the recent steep rises in just about everything, especially housing costs, these households are finding it more and more difficult to avoid homelessness. If this wasn't a wake-up call by itself, the study also identified another group of residents in our community that are finding it particularly difficult to keep up with the bare minimum costs of housing, food, child care, transportation, healthcare, technology, and taxes. This category is called the asset limited income constrained employed or Alice for short. These households earn above the federal poverty level but do not make enough to afford basic living expenses in our community. Alice includes people who work full-time or have multiple jobs, pay taxes, do not qualify for many assistance programs and still cannot cover basic essentials. While Alice households may not be at any immediate risk of homelessness, they could be one crisis away from it. If you combine households with incomes below the federal poverty level with those below

the Alice threshold, the total number of households is 46% of all households in Aken. Think about that. 46% of all households in Aken. To give you an idea of the yearly incomes I am talking about, federal poverty level for a household of two was about $20,000 in 2024. And for a Alice household of one adult and one child, the yearly income must be at least about $46,000 to meet basic living expenses. This statistic does not only give one pause. It also identifies that something must be done now. In the private sector, the Salvation Army is leading the charge for action. They will be debuting the plans for a new resource center soon. We at the Aken County Homeless Coalition have had such a center on our wish list for over 10 years. I am calling this proposed effort by the Salvation Army our shining light and I and a real hope for the future of Aken as a beautiful place to live for all. The support it will provide for those in greatest need in our community is a step function forward from where we are today. If everyone in our community would help a little, I would not have to be here imploring people to help.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much,

Mary. I'm sorry. Go ahead. Um, you re realize the city of Aken gave uh $400,000 toward that effort for the shelter. And I think we gave the homeless commission. Did we give y'all $25,000? 25,000. Okay. All right. And 75,000 to the um um neighborhoods. Okay. Council of neighborhoods. Yep. Okay. Thank you, darling. Thanks for the information, Kirk. Good evening,

Kurt Johnson. Hello everybody. I hope you had a good week from the Masters. Kurt Johnson, 114, Brewster Way, Aken. Um, some of the things I want to talk about tonight, we can always paint a rosy picture around everything that we do. We can talk about the Salvation Army. They are an excellent, excellent program. But even when they get the money for that, it's still going to take it two or three years down the line before the before the facility gets built. Right now is is the time that we need to start making the changes here in in the town. Um, we are still having our some people that are really striving and and making progress. In fact, I had a gentleman today that we put in um to assisted living almost eight months ago. He's he is thriving. And that's that's the kind of things that we want. Yes, I go out on the streets every day and I can say, "Yeah, we've got this many people out here, but it's still doesn't help when we have no place to put them." Okay, like Mary said, you know, we've got people that are working two, three jobs, living in hotels. Last week was bad for them because they got kicked out of the hotels. So, we have to come up with a better plan for next year. Lex and I and the churches are going to to work on this, but we just we just want you to know that we've got things coming down the line and we're expecting the help of this of the community, the city, which you've all done good for, but we can't pat ourselves on the back yet. We haven't gotten we have not put a dent into the situations that we're in. We're

coming up on hotter months. That means that we're going to need more water, more cooling stations and things like that. Um, well, let's see, what else can I talk about for 40 seconds? Um, the the community is really starting to step up. They're they're starting to see what we have seen all along and their eyes are being open. and they're not just looking this way, they're looking out. So, we are getting phone calls because they're seeing people sitting on the part on the sidewalk or something and they're calling us so that we can go out and start working with them. So, that's pretty much what I've got to say. I'm going to give you guys a break. Have a blessed night.

Thank you, Kirk. Yes. Excuse me if you don't mind. um almost every and thank you for your remarks. We thank you for what you're doing. But as I listen to you and others speak about the issues we're having uh with our homelessness in Aken and surrounding areas, right? The first and I'm I'm I'm a straightup girl, okay? And I'm going to ask straight up questions. Mhm.

Uh my first inclination comes with who else are we talking to? Are we writing letters? Are we calling now? No. Let me let me finish.

Yes, ma'am. our county council, our state, our federal folks and letting them know are writing letters uh to let them know what we are do what are we trying to do but most of all I want to hear from you don't want this is not a meeting okay because I know we we've got time here but I just want to know three things you think that we should be doing as a city council that we're not doing. Well, it's not so much just what first we got people that are walking the streets. Okay. Okay.

Um they trespass, they go to jail for 15 days, they get out. Maybe if we had a a court toward the homeless people, the drug courts and things like that

where they're not so easily getting out of the out of the situation that they put themselves in by trespassing on somebody's property and leaving all their garbage there for somebody else to have to take care of when they go to jail. Something like that. I'm talking to the to the public defender and the judges about that. That's one thing that we can do. Um, another thing is just like tomorrow we are starting the clean up Aken thing which Lex will talk about and that's a good thing. Um, if you see people out there, like I said, if you see them, contact us. That's what we're here for. That's why with the city's help, we are able to start working some of the some things into making them more responsible for what they're doing.

We don't want this just to be about the homeless. This is about our community. And that's why I always come up here. We are not advocating for more homeless people or unhoused people or whatever you want to call them. We are here for Achen. And I want to be responsible enough not just to say you know poor people because you you got bad situation first. We got to find we got to find what the root cause is in that as well. So what can the city do? Just keep on backing us up. When we come up with something we need to be able to know that you're going you got our backs because we got your backs. Like you said you're a straightup girl. I'm a straightup guy. I will not throw punches. I'll say it right as it is. So, the thing that we need from the city is just to have our backs and let us let us take care of the things that we can. You just back us up.

Kirk, one one of the things that you said to me some time ago, and this all deals with funding, that the bottom line is money. whether it's money to have uh improvements on those dwellings that are unoccupied or those things of that nature and how can you network with companies or whatever to bring you've asked me that question and that is how we need to uh start helping in a way if we know of someone that can and I know there are others that have already uh provided some help but in other ways as well we need to share that to a key source. Yeah, that's that's a big thing. And you know, I can find jobs for just about anything,

right?

But transportation, we run into the transportation situation. Um, once we I know there's things going on here with the transportation and it I'm praying it gets better, but that's one of the big things that we have right now. How are we going to take these people from point A to point B when their job is for say 5:00 in the morning to 4:00 in the afternoon? You know, you're not running taxi services. You're not, you know, the buses aren't running. How are we going to do that? We're going to have to figure out a way to get these people to do the jobs that are available. We got a big data center coming up. That's going to take a lot of people. We can get these people there. They could be laborers or maybe some of them are very intelligent and could do other things, but we can get them to jobs.

Okay. Anything else? Thank you. Thank you for your response. Thank you. Yes, Lex. Evening to you. Good evening, council. Mayor Lex Ferry, pastor C4 impact, 1526 Southboundary Avenue Southeast. I just want to update you on a couple of things and uh answer some of your questions. Uh Councilwoman Price, uh regarding to the things that we're doing.

Um first of all, we're thankful that this month in April uh marked the one year that we've had our location at 316 um Greenville Street that has been open for one year um housing people since then. Um, we also celebrate this month because we did open up an additional house that we were able to negotiate with u a property owner. Um, so we were able to open up three more bids

um for that and we've already got that house full. Uh, so it doesn't take very long. And to your point, we are asking and working um deals with land owners, property owners, and so forth saying, "Hey, can we negotiate it where you we become the the tenant? the C4 is the tenant and that way we pay the security deposits and so the individuals then that that obstacle is removed and of course then we hold the accountability the training and so forth in the support those individuals need in order to get out of the cycle that they're in. So we're continuing to look for that space. We also have one that's being currently renovated that will probably open by midsummer that we will be able to add more and that's going to be a house for u females that we're going to be put there and possibly um mothers with with a child as well. Um, so the space will allow for that. Um, and the house that we just opened, we have three men there, uh, which is suitable there, and that's at on Summer Avenue. Um, again, we continue to look for these places that will, um, suit with the budget that we have.

Um, tomorrow we will be collaborating with um, um, uh, cleanup Akin uh, to clean up from, uh, um, I think it's is it Troy? What is trail is 78? I I I don't know the areas as well. I've been Charleston Highway.

Charleston Highway. Yes, we're going Charleston Highway. Uh so we'll be doing that tomorrow morning. Uh we're bringing a crew of 10 people uh 10 individuals from C4 uh to that um been a mix of folks who are housed and unhoused uh that will be part of our team that we will uh supervise uh to do the cleanup. And then we have another cleanup on Greg Highway of a visible encampment that's an eyesore, but we'll be going there on Saturday and we'll be collaborating with New Spring Church to get that cleaned up. Uh, so we're actively looking for these places that that we can clean up. Again, as Kurt said, this is about the community. This is not about um, you know, pointing the finger at this, that, and the other. We're here for the community. These are the things that we're actively doing. I also um called the checkered yellow cab. Um, I hope they don't mind me mentioning that, but I've worked on a deal with them where I have an account so that for specific things when I can't transport somebody in our van personally. Um, I will be able to call them up and we set up an account so that we can get the individuals there to their appointments and so forth. Uh, where that bill will then be brought to C4. Uh, of course, as Kurt said, it does take funding. I thank you for the blessings that uh, the churches have come around us uh, to give us support. Um, again, we we're still looking to write more grants in order to get more funding, but the community has stepped up in a lot of ways to help us out. Um, we haven't been recipients of those funds that you talked about earlier, but we do uh appreciate what has been given from the community and we do appreciate the fact you have our backs. So, we we come up with these new ideas and we bring them to you. We really want your support. Uh because what you say carry a lot of weight in the community and if they know that we have your support and that we can be move forward,

I think that we can get really creative and uh we can do a lot. We really can. Thank you. So, how many bands do you have? I have one and I need two. You know, I can definitely and I I don't mind saying I'm very transparent about our finances. I just spent $1,400 getting the one we have repaired, but you know, we own it. So, praise God that we have the funds to do that. But, you know, those type of things is what it will help us, you know, move forward. It's a 20-y old van, but it moves smooth as silk now. So, thank you to Auto Tech for helping us with that, you know. So, hey, you know, we we'll take it. It's a win. Okay. That's it. Thank you. All right. Thank you very much.

Anyone else like to speak? Okay. Uh, thank you. We'll now move to approval of the consent agenda. Mr. Bebo, will you please read the titles of the items on the consent agenda into the record?

Thank you, mayor. Yes, we have no uh we received no comments from the public to remove these items uh off of the consent agenda for individual discussion. We have three items. First is an ordinance to annex certain property located at 1620 Richland Avenue East and zone the same general business GB. Second is an ordinance to annex property located at 1886 Huckleberry Drive and to zone the same residential single family RS-15. And the final one is an ordinance to annex property located at 1125 Conger Drive and zone the same RS15 residential single family. Those are the consent agenda items for this evening. Madame Mayor,

thank thank you. Is there a motion to um Madame Mayor, I move to uh approve the consent agenda items that m Mr. Beenb just read. Thank you. Second, Madame Mayor. Um a first from Councilwoman Br and a second from Councilwoman Dig. I mean uh Price, sorry. Price. Price. Uh there is no no comment on the consent agenda. So we will go straight to a vote. All those in favor please. It's unanimous. Thank you. We now have approval and discussion of appointees to various city boards, committees, and commissions. Mr. Be.

Thank you. you have up for uh consideration this evening is the reappointment of Lizzie Ber to the Arts Commission and the public comment and appointment of Megan Morgan Adams to the planning commission. That's it, Madame Mayor, for consideration this evening. Is there a motion to accept these nominations? I so move. Councilwoman Diggs made the motion. Second.

A second from uh Councilman Waldo. Comments from the public, comments from councel. All those in favor? Thank you. The next item under old business is second reading and public hearing of an ordinance to reszone. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I always miss that. Maybe I should put it in writing. Uh are there nominations for our next meeting, please? Madame Mayor, I'd like to reappoint Nancy J. Rob to the Arts Commission. Thank you. Anyone else?

Uh, yes, Madame Mayor. I'd like to appoint to the aviation committee Bill Hall, who has an incredible amount of experience in the aviation industry. Wonderful. Is that it? Okay. Thank you. Uh, now we will go to old business. Second reading and public hearing of an ordinance to reszone property at 1,35 Silverluff Road from plan residential to residential single family. Mr. Be.

Thank you. This is an ordinance amending the zoning of property located at 1305 Silverluff Road from PR Plan Residential to RS10 residential single family. The applicant has requested the reszoning of this property approximately 9900s of an acre on the east side of Silverluff between Town Creek Road and Hidden Haven Drive. It is currently zoned PR plan residential and was part of the original Melrose Place development uh in uh in 1993. Uh this at the time the owner of the property decided not to include it in his town in the town home development. Uh it was redesigned to omit the parcel, but the PR zoning remained on the undeveloped lot. This lot, due to limited road frontage and lack of sanitary sewer access, is limited to one single family residence. It has city water service available, but no sanitary sewer. The applicant has requested an easement from the HOA in Melrose Place. Uh but it was denied. Um do we have some updated information? I believe today I'm going to defer for a moment to the planning director, Miss Moltry.

Um I I believe the developer is still in conversations with the U homeowners for Mel Melrose Place. Um not sure exactly where that stands. I think they're just still in conversation.

Thank you. Uh that being said, uh it it can always be served with a septic system should sewer not be uh uh practical. And those present at the planning commission's March 10th meeting unanimously voted the reasonzoning to RS10 residential single family. Council heard this and approved it at first reading March the 23rd. Thank you. and it's before you for second reading this evening. Thank you so much. Is there a motion to accept this? I so move, Madame Mayor.

Councilwoman Brol made the first motion and a second. Second from Councilman Waldo. Uh comments from the public. Yes. Would you like to come up? Good evening,

mayor and council members. Um, my name is Brenda Conway. I live at 204 Sonoma Place. Um, that's in Melrose 3 HOA. Um, we would like to have in writing um indemnification from liability if we grant the developer access to the sewer and the sewer either gets damage during construction or proves inadequate for the added um volume. then we do not want to be held liable either as an organization, the HOA or individual homeowners. And to be candid, a verbal commitment or a handshake, neither of those is enforcable. So, we would be grateful if we could get in writing from the city that if something goes wrong, we will not be held liable. And there is precedent in um Aken County for an HOA being held liable for damage to a sewer from new development, new construction. Um so um when we came to the planning commission meeting um going back Lichfield the developer of Melrose Place originally planned to build on that lot. He scaled back his plans and that's why that lot was left

empty. Um, the sewer was constructed after Lichfield scaled back his plans. So, it's logical to believe that the city did not build a larger sewer than what Lichfield intended to build. They they built for what Lichfield said he then intended to actually construct. And that's why we are concerned about adding um even one new home because these are two tiny little streets. There are eight homes on Rutherford Place and 11 on Sonoma. So, even one new large home can have an impact. Thank you.

Thank you.

Any other comments from the public? Comments from council. Madame Mayor, excuse me, I beg your pardon. I was at that planning commission meeting and I was like, uh, Mr. Beenbo, I thought after the last first reading of this that maybe something could be worked out because it's really to the existing homeowners benefit that this man built only one building there. He ch the housing the zoning will only allow one building whereas what the what it was zoned before it would have been multiple buildings. In addition to that because of landscape issues he won't and not having to put in a septic tank. He doesn't have to clear out all those trees that give you privacy. I would want that also and I you know there's no guarantees in life. I don't know if we have the authority to do that, but certainly one tap in for one single family home is not going to have an impact as if it were developed under the previous zoning. So, uh, no matter what he wants to do once the zoning's been changed, he can only have one house put on that. Correct me if I'm wrong, Mr. Beenbo. I would well I would want to defer to the city attorney and the planning department to confirm that but I believe with the current zoning uh for RS if it's zoned RS10 it would limit it to one residential structure.

That's correct. And and I see that Mari is agreeing but Yep. So, one one structure for residential use would be allowed on this one acre almost 1acre lot.

If I might add, Madame Mayor, I'm I'm not I'm not quite sure I understand what the homeowners association concern would be. Um, if they were to grant an easement to the developer to allow him, excuse me, to tap into their sewer line. um any um construction that would occur on that sewer line would be made by the builder himself. And so if there was some kind of instance of liability, that liability would go to the the builder, not to the city or the homeowners association. And so I'm not exactly sure why that's a concern of theirs. to address the indemnification. All of council has been briefed before, but state law prohibits city council from indemnifying anybody. Um, it creates an opportunity for there to be an a unlimited liability against the citizens of the city of Aken and our state constitution does not allow you to do that.

Thank you, Mr. Smith. Uh, any other comments from councel? All those in favor? Uh, it's motion's passed. Thank you. The final item under old business is second reading and public hearing of an ordinance to amend the fiscal year 2025 2026 budget. Mr. Been Bill.

Thank you. Thank you. This is an ordinance amending the budget of the city of Aken for the fiscal year beginning July 1st, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026 for the water and sewer utilities fund and general fund. It's two items. Uh council approved uh capacity purchase uh with the county and we need to account for that up to $800,000 is the estimate and we need to uh uh we're using capital project sales tax 3 funding for a camera security camera system. Uh the balance would come from depreciation funds uh thus necessitating this budget adjustment. These two items are before you for second reading this evening, madame mayor and councel.

Thank you. Is there a motion to uh accept these amendments? So move, madame mayor. Thank you. Councilwoman Price. Second. I second. I heard him first. Oh, thank you. Council Waldo. Second. Uh comments from the public, comments from council. All those in favor? Thank you. We now move to new business. The first item is first reading and public hearing of an ordinance to approve the assignment of the vampire penguin lease agreement to Sierra Swales. Mr.

Thank you. This is Madame Mayor and council. This is an ordinance authorizing the city of Aken to consent to a lease assignment and assumption agreement for property located at 108 Lauren Street Southwest. I had the pleasure to chat with uh the current proprietor uh Miss Mosley recently. Uh this is a lease that council approved in March of 24. It is assignable. Uh the uh developer of the hotel has been notified and they're fine. I mean I know they've already had discussions I believe with the owner. I see Miss Mosley back there. uh and the and the soon-to-be owner. Uh because ultimately there'll be some shuffling uh of this. The lease assignment does transfer all the existing rights, title, and interest in the lease agreement from the current tenant to the proposed tenant and the staff has reviewed or the attorney and city attorney and staff have reviewed this and it's before council for consideration this evening for first reading with this assumption. Again, it's not a new lease or uh redoing the lease. It's just transferring the lease holder. Rent will still be continued to be paid at the current rate to the current owner, which is the city. At some point, it will be Oliver Hospitality in the uh prop midyear, which is rapidly approaching. And um that's what we have this evening, Madame Mayor and Council.

Thank you for that. Um, do I have a motion to accept the public hearing of the ordinance or to approve the assignment of the vampire penguin lease agreement? I so move, madame mayor. Second, madame mayor. Councilwoman Br and a second from Councilwoman Price. Any comments from the public?

Good evening. I just wanted to remind you that just because I sold the store doesn't mean you are rid of me. This just gives me the opportunity to grow the brand throughout the state. I don't know if y'all have been watching, but we have recently opened two more locations. Goose Creek is just signed a lease, so we'll be going to help them open another location. Rock Hill just opened and this is giving Ryan and I some exhale time so we can put together a vampire penguin food trailer for Aken. So we will be rolling around with a trailer and we are also now partners in Langley Tavern. So these these um Pete and Sierra who bought the store are amazing amazing people. We prayed about it. We asked the Lord to bring us the right people. We went through probably 15 people that were interested in purchasing the store. And I just didn't feel right until they came. And when they showed up, I mean, they're just they're so easy to get along with. They they just slid right in. Um they have four teenage children, so please pray for them. Um, yeah. And they're just really, really good, patient people. Um, and I think they're going to be able to take the store and grow it even further than what Ryan and I was able to do. So, you're you've got a really good group that's moving in. But I appreciate it.

Thank you. But I will still be around because the spa is still mine. Thank you. All good news. Um, any comments from council?

I have a comment. I just want to say to you that when you look at where you started and how you've managed to really grow a small business that's turning into extremely extreme success. Just wish you well as you continue to grow. And obviously you're praying to the higher power saying enlarge my territory and that is what is being done. Good best of luck to you. Blessings

madame mayor. If I may add on to what councilwoman Price said. Thank you for all you've done. I know you love Aken. I know that uh you are will be very successful in everything that you put your hand to. So I'm glad you're we're not going to be saying goodbye to you. you'll still be around. Thank you. Um, with that, all those in favor? Thank you. Unanimous. Congratulations. The next item under new business is first reading of an ordinance to certify property located on the 10,00 block of Richland Avenue East as a textile mill site. Mr. Bebo.

Thank you. It is an ordinance to certify certain property located at the northeast intersection of Richland Avenue East and Marboro Street northeast and bound on the north by Barnwall Street and on the east by Orangeburg Street uh northeast and further identified below as a textile mill site under the South Carolina textiles communities revitalization act title 12 chapter 65 of the South Carolina code of laws 1976 is amended for the purpose of allowing the owner and/or developer to qualify ify for state income tax credits. This uh is the property that uh the Richland Avenue Partners owns and it is uh um expected to be approximately $40 million investment upon completion since textile related endeavors occurred on site. The development may be eligible for income tax credits from the state of South Carolina under this act. Part of their potential eligibility includes council consideration of passage of a certifying ordinance. We've received documentation from Lower Savannah Council of Governments and attorney Rick Reams of uh a law firm in Colombia and about their potential eligibility. And this is for council's consideration this evening, Madame Mayor and Council.

Thank you again. Is there a motion to accept this? I so move. Councilwoman Diggs made the motion. Second from Second. Councilman Waldo. Comments from the public. Comments from council. All those in favor? Thank you. It's unanimous. The final item under new business this evening is first reading of an ordinance amending the loan agreement with the US Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Pinerest Sewer Project. Mr. Beenville.

Thank you. This is an ordinance authorizing the city of Aken to accept an amended loan agreement from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for funding of the Pinerest Sewer Project 2025. Uh this would take some of the funds uh from the initial loan from 2022 to uh we will still be doing some uh upgraded work along the farmers market corridor, but uh some of this money um we've amended the loan application to do this sewer project and do some um uh improve the housing stock along Pinerest uh near the uh resource center, the old Pinerest uh school and it does meet LMI and uh the LMI criteria that HUD requires and uh we need to uh consider this ordinance so that work can take place um and it is before you for consideration this evening.

Thank you. Is there a motion to accept this? So move madame mayor. I second.

Thank you. Thank you, Councilwoman Price. And was a first and the second from Councilwoman Diggs. Comments from the public, comments from council. I'm just going to say uh that this is long awaited. And Teresa's looking at me smiling, so she's ready to shout, but we we're so happy that this is is coming on both uh uh district one and district two. Gil, you agree with me there? very much needed and all those in favor. Thank you very much. We now move on to petitions and requests. The first item is approval of a resolution acknowledging the real allocation of sewer capacity between the MLAN family and the George family. Mr. Be. Thank you. This is a resolution authorizing the city of Aken to enter into a development agreement regarding certain property owned by the Mlan family and the George family. This dates back to a resolution from two years ago that authorizes the city to enter into u this amended agreement uh for sewer. At the time, the uh under the initial agreement from two years ago, the city agreed to reserve capacity of 199,600 gallons per day to serve the MLAN track. And this is located, by the way, behind Cracker Barrel directly off Tribute Parkway. The city also acknowledged an additional 62,000 gallons per day in reserve capacity. uh city sewer collection system capacity for the George track which is directly adjacent to it. In addition, the city acknowledged that to the extent the owners of the George track do not require the entirety of the 62,000

gallons per day, the MLAN track may use the excess. Under this new agreement, it reflects an arrangement between the two families in which the George family will assign this uh sewer of it 40,000 gallons per day of its allotted sewer capacity to the MLAN family. Our role is simply to acknowledge and consent to this reallocation. Importantly, we affirm that this adjustment will not result in any forfeite, reduction, or modification of the total sewer capacity originally allocated. With this uh development regarding sewer capacity following this 2024 agreement, it is important to note that sewer capacity that is being referenced is simply the city of Aken sewer collection system capacity. That means that our infrastructure's ability to transport the sanitary sewer within the collection system and it is not related at all to capacity at the public service authority, the county uh plant at uh Horse Creek and the confluence of Horse Creek and the Savannah River and Beach Island. Uh all associated projects remain subject to PSA approval and any related fees. And this is for your consideration this evening, Madame Mayor and Council. Thank you. Is there a motion to

I so move, Madame Mayor? Second. Councilwoman Br and Councilman Waldo made the second motion. Comments from the public, comments from council. All those in favor? Thank you. The next item is approval and of agreement with the USGS South Atlantic Water Science Center for Water Resources Investigations. Mr. Beville,

thank you. Uh, we do have a joint funding agreement for consideration with USGS uh for a an updated uh water resource um investigation. Um, this is a follow-up to our 2019 groundwater study uh to analyze additional an additional seven wells that were not studied at the time and re-evaluate the well at Town Creek. The data will add additional details to our groundwater flow model to help our staff understand better how groundwater flow pathways uh and recharge. And uh we recommend this uh leveraged funded approval. Madame Mayor and council is before you this evening.

Thank you. Is there a motion to accept this? So move madame mayor. Councilman Waldo made the motion. Sec. Go ahead Pete. And a second from Councilman Msina. Comments from the public. Comments from council. All those in favor? Thank you. The next item is a resolution authorizing amendment of the water and sewer service area boundary and transfer of territory from the beach island water and sewer district to the city of Aken. Mr. Beenville.

Thank you. This is a resolution authorizing the city of Aken to enter into an agreement with the beach island rural community water and sewer district for the purpose of amending the service area boundaries for the provision of water and sewer services. What this entails is a uh a small potential transfer uh uh on the western edge of Woodside Plantation to the city of Aken. Uh Beach Island currently has zero water or sewer infrastructure within this area and has no plans to extend service there. Incorporating this area into the city of Aken system would enable the connection of existing dead-end lines on Silver Bluff Road near Beaver Creek with those on Steeplechase Road within Woodside Plantation. Establishing this connection would allow us to loop our continue our continuous improvement of our system to loop existing lines which reduce dead ends which improves water quality and uh enhances fire protection reliability and increases overall system resilience. This is before council for um your consideration and approval. Thank you.

Thank you. Do I have a motion for this, please? So move, Madam Mayor. Councilman Waldo. Second, Madame Mayor. Second from Councilwoman Price. Uh, any comments from the public? Comments from council. Just one question. Water service. Portable water service. Yes, sir. Yep. Once it No, no, it's it's water only, not sanitary sewer. Um and this would help uh again as you know the having systems looped uh reduces pressure on the lines and uh eliminates the chance that residue can build up. Um yes sir.

Thank you. But no no it is not sanitary sewer. But if if I may it it would allow the city of Aken to serve sewer in that area if there was going to be sewer served in that area. That is correct. But you're not doing it now. That is correct. Thank you for your question. Um then all those in favor hold on. So I'm going for the vote. All those in favor? Yes.

Okay. Thank you. Thank you so much. Uh the final item is acceptance of a grant with uh the United States Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration for the safe streets and roads for all demonstration grant. Mr. Beenville,

thank you. Um this is acceptance of this grant. Um we, as you know, received the safe streets for all uh grant that was after we adopted the action plan in March of 2025. The grant was uh $800,000 and required our match of 200,000 funded by plutonium settlement funds. This grant will fund demonstration activities to establish safer spaces and higher visibility for pedestrians and reduce traffic speeds while maintaining capacity for traffic. Examples of this may be completed include high visibility crosswalks, pedestrian countdown signal heads, and other potential DOT approved modifications within the following corridors. Whiskey Road between Pine Log and Chucker Creek, York Street Northeast and Lawrence Street Northwest as they appoint approach Rutland Drive and Aken High School and a 12b block area of our downtown identified as a high injury network. And this is before you this evening.

Is there a motion for this, please? So move, madame mayor, that we adopt this. Councilwoman Price, and I'll second that motion, Madame Mayor. Second from Councilwoman Br. Comments from the public. Comments from council. I'm just shouting because Maria, we we're so fortunate to have individuals that can go after grants to help with the community and she has put that to work. Great job, Mario. All those in favor? Thank you.

We will now open the floor to public comments on non-aggenda items. Comments are limited to three minutes per speaker and for a total of 30 minutes. No takers. Okay, we will move on to your items from um Mr. Beenbo this evening.

Thank you. I just want to thank uh the staff for chipping in or or for uh stepping in when I was absent last meeting and that was very much appreciated. illustrates our own staff resiliency that they are. Uh thank you. We'll now move into an executive session. The executive session notice reads as follows. On Monday, April 13, 2026, Aken City Council will go into executive session after the regular meeting pursuant to section 30-4-70 Princess A Princess 2 for discussion of negotiations incident to propose contractual arrangement and proposed sale of purchase of property specifically. Number one, council will receive information regarding the potential conveyance of property owned by the city of Aken in Vines industrial park. Number two, council will receive information regarding the potential conveyance of property owned by the city of Aken near Mason Branch Road. And number three, council will receive information regarding the potential conveyance of property owned by the city of Aken on Columbia Highway North, that is US1. And four, council will receive information regarding the potential conveyance of property on Thoroughbred Run. The executive session will be held in room 315 over yonder in the municipal building at 111 Chesterfield Street after the regular meeting. Is there a motion to go into our executive session at this time?

I so move, Madame Mayor. Councilwoman Brol made the motion. I second. And a second from Councilwoman Diggs. All those in favor, please. Thank you. We will now move into executive session in room 315.

They're on. Are we on? Is there a motion to come out of executive session? So move, Madam Mayor, that we come out. Councilwoman Price made the motion. I'll second, Madame Mayor. And Councilman Councilwoman Brol second the motion. All in favor. Amen. Thank you.