Council Update by Dick Dewar

AIKEN CORPORATION WORK SESSION – My last email mentioned a work session between the Council and the Aiken Corporation. Minutes of that session are now available and can be viewed at the City’s web site. That portion of the web site, however, is temporarily off-line for maintenance. I will post the link when it is available

WORK SESSION WITH RESIDENTS OF ORIOLE AND WREN PLACE – Council recently rejected on a 4-3 vote a proposal to rezone property on Silver Bluff Road from residential multi-family to General Business. The owner now has asked Council to consider a new offer for the property. In exchange for the City rezoning and permitting construction of a new commercial building on Silver Bluff Road, the owner would give most of the property to the City. The developer would keep a portion of land fronting Cardinal Drive for further use. The purpose of the work session is to receive input from the residents on their views of this proposal.

EQUINE COMMITTEE – The Equine Committee met for its annual meeting on Thursday, March 5, 2009. They discussed a number of topics, including accessory structures in the residential stable (RSS) and horse district (HD) zones. They are reviewing a potential revision to the Zoning Ordinance that would determine how much ‘hardscape’ could be installed on any given lot. They will meet again on March 31, and we anticipate additional information in April.

UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL DOCTORS’ OFFICE BULDING – The Planning Department has received a revised application for a Planned Commercial Concept Plan for its Silver Bluff Property. They now propose a single 17,000 square foot building. This revised application is on the April 14, 2009 Planning Commission agenda.

CITIZEN PARK HOURS - In order to limit our expenses in a tight budget year, the City is turning off all lights at Citizens Park at the conclusion of each evening event. It will close the gates to the park and prohibit any use of the park after it closes. The gates will be opened about 8 A.M. the next day.

CONVEYING LOTS TO HABITAT – We will have second reading of an Ordinance to convey lots to Habitat. They hope to build three homes each year. The first will be built cooperatively by the Aiken Rotary Club and First Baptist Church.

AMENDMENTS TO LIMITED BUSINESS (LB) ZONE - The Planning Commission has recommended that the Zoning Ordinance be amended for Limited Business zone so that other retail sales or service, which are currently permitted by right, be allowed in the future by Special Exception through the Board of Zoning Appeals. They based this decision on the premise that some retail sales or services may not be appropriate in the LB. zone. Letters were sent to property owners and no responses have been received.

$1.5 MILLION LOAN FOR CROSLAND PARK - We will have first reading of an Ordinance for a $1.5 million loan for Crosland Park. The City plans on acquiring approximately twenty homes in Crosland Park and totally rehabbing those for future purchase by non-profit corporations and the CDIC. This would permit the City to get started on the Crosland Park project immediately and for certain improvements to be made that could not be made under the normal grant process. The intent is to make these homes as energy efficient as possible, completing all normal renovations that would occur in an older home, plus installing irrigation systems for new grass and shrubbery in the yards. Kim Abney, our Finance Director, and Ben Moore, our Staff Attorney, have developed a short term loan which should be paid back this fall for the $1.5 million. The loan note in our packet authorizes repayment within a five year period, however. I expect the discussion tonight will clarify the disparity.

There is also a Resolution in Support of Crosland Park and Approval to establish a $1.5 million Line of Credit.

APPROVAL OF ACCOMMODATIONS TAX COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS – The Accommodations Tax Committee recently met to review applications for the upcoming awards cycle. There were 15 applications this year requesting $483,187.40 in funds. The funds available this year will be $129,100 not including a $5,000 contingency. The Committee decided to fund 13 of the 15 events as follows:

1. Citizens Park Bid Fees $4,500
2. Antiques in the Heart of Aiken – Aiken Center for the Arts $12,750
3. Exhibition and Arts Center Marketing – Aiken Center for the Arts $12,750
4. Battle of Aiken – Sons of Confederate Veterans $26,250
5. Promotions of Downtown Aiken – Aiken Downtown Development Assoc. $7,500
6 Aiken’s Makin – Aiken Chamber of Commerce $7,500
7. 302 Polo USPA Silver Cup/USPA Aiken Ladies Invitational $7,500
8. Ford Trucks Equestrian Balloon Festival – Aiken Land Conservancy $1,000
9. Aiken Horse Show – Hitchcock Woods Foundation $7,500
10. Aiken Polo Club Promotions & Magazine – Aiken Polo Club $18,750
11. Aiken Spring Classic – Aiken Land Conservancy $7,500
12. Aiken Trials – Aiken Land Conservancy $7,500
13. Aiken Fall Steeplechase – Aiken Steeplechase Association $7,500

Not funded were Weeks Tennis Center and Aiken Marti Gras.

PERSONAL FROM DICK DEWAR – This past week, two of my colleagues announced their decision to fulfill their promise to constituents to abide by their promise to serve only two terms on the Council. Dick Smith and Jane Vaughters have made enormous contributions to the City of Aiken in their nearly eight years of service. Their efforts to manage the growth of our City incurred the wrath of many in our community, (sometimes over the top in their personal attacks), to label them as anti-growth. They have showed during their eight years that the City’s growth can be managed. A look at the new businesses during their terms is proof. It is now common that nearly every candidate for City Council will identify with the need to manage growth even when they are financially supported by developers, the Chamber of Commerce, and other businesses who do not want to pay for the infrastructure costs their projects cause. Dick and Jane led the way and I earnestly hope that like-minded citizens will join me on the Council to continue to manage the growth of our City. Dick represents the Woodside area (District 4) and Jane is a member at-large representing the entire city. With the current turmoil in Washington, I have spoken to many citizens who now feel energized to get involved. If government is to work effectively, everyone must do their part. If you believe in the type of government that Dick, Jane and I do, please consider running for City Council.

Council Member Lessie Price has announced her intent to run for re-election. She now has 20 years of service on City Council and represents District 2. Don Wells is the other at-large member of the Council and has announced his intent to run for his second term.