AIKEN HORIZONS 2009 – Last week-end the City Council met for its annual seminar on city issues. I thought I might update residents on some of the issues we discussed. Of most importance is that the City of Aiken recognizes the need to conserve resources; no new programs such as the proposed City Hall expansion; delays in filling vacant positions; evaluating changes in trash/re-cycling schedules and a few more. Major revenues are on target for the first six months of the year, but will decrease thereafter. Revenues related to new growth (permits and planning) and police fines are about 75% of last year. Interest revenue is 35% of last year.
Kim Abney, our new Finance Director, is encouraging water users to pay their bills on-line. Bills can be sent by email and payments made by bank draft saving postage costs. You are notified by email before any withdrawals from you bank.
The Planning Department made an interesting presentation on Aging in Aiken – Enhancing Livability. The City of Aiken has a higher percentage of citizens who are 55 and older compared to the nation’s average (33.3% for Aiken vs. 21.3% nationwide). Our median age is 41.3. Council discussed the creation of an Advisory Committee which would help determine needs, develop plans of action, promote communication and coordination, and advise the City Council on senior issues. The issues would include mobility, pedestrian safety, accessibility to services, public safety, housing design, and recreation.
AIKEN WEBSITE UPDATE – The city’s web site (www.aiken.net) can be a valuable tool for residents needing information about the city. In 2008 there were over 400,000 visitors. Some were looking for jobs while others researched business information, zoning ordinances, and current events within the city. Check it out!
ADPS HIGHWAY ENFORCEMENT SUCCESSES – Public Safety Chief Pete Frommer’s special traffic enforcement officers, CPL Chris Carter and PSO Jason Griffin were very active in 2008. Their special units, Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic (HEAT) issued 3,963 traffic citations, 819 warning tickets, and made 126 criminal arrests. Not coincidentally, their work, with the rest of ADPS, saw zero fatal collisions – down from six traffic fatalities in 2007. Our HEAT term looks for alcohol impaired drivers, seat belt violations, and any aggressive driving behaviors that contribute to collisions. Their work especially in cooperation with out Patrol Division and the rest of ADPS has made out city streets much safer to drive.
RECOGNITION OF FORMER BOARD/COMMISSION MEMBERS – At our Council meeting, we will recognize four individuals who have served on various Boards and Commissions. Mary Ellen Kripner (Arts Commission), Bernice Sanders (Accommodations Tax Committee), Stephen Anaclerio (Design Review Board), and Michael McGhee (Community Development Board) deserve our thanks for a job well done.
CITY COUNCIL GOALS 2009-2010 – Council will adopt the goals we set during the Horizons Session, mentioned earlier in this message. There were fourteen goals only a few which will be mentioned:
1. Develop an overall strategy for solving the Sand River storm drainage problems in Hitchcock Woods. This would include development of a joint agreement with the Woods, SCDOT, and Aiken County concerning solutions and funding.
2. Begin construction of the Dougherty Road connector to Publix Center.
3. In Edgewood, begin construction of new homes, and continue purchasing property in Toole Hill and Pinecrest.
4. Identify and prioritize capital projects as a part of implementing the Aiken Parks Recreation and Tourism Master Plan.
5. Implement strategies to redevelop and stabilize Crosland Park.
6. Organize and prepare for the City’s 175th anniversary celebration in 2010.
7. Establish a citizen task force to study issues affecting Aiken’s seniors to determine what measures could be taken to improve and preserve their quality of life.
8. Identify capital improvement projects that would be appropriate for inclusion on the next Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) list, anticipated to be voted upon in November 2010.
9. Expand the City Wellness Initiative into the public domain through an educational program and encourage our citizens toward better public health in Aiken.
There are a few others dealing with such issues as a youth activity center, future missions of the Savannah River Site, the Character First Program, and an evaluation of sustainability-focused activities.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA – Our agenda is rather light this week with mostly routine items. We have Second and final reading on leasing property on Price Avenue for Aiken Compounding Pharmacy Building. First Readings on ordinances to modify loans to the Aiken Corporation, an Ordinance to Amend the York Street Water Tower Attachment Lease Agreement (cell towers), and a resolution supporting 175th Celebration Committee.
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA – Keep in mind that City Council agendas are available on line. The complete agenda includes supporting documents that we review to determine a course of action. The link for Monday’s City Council agenda is http://www.aiken.net/weblink7/docview.aspx?id=100059.
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