[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6562481,"mediaKeyId","3275527-4ed90f8eeafbbdd9b0f68ebb2a1982dc","parentId",3275527,"title","Public urges traffic calming as council reviews Georgia Avenue study","audioSeconds",2121,"startMs",401000,"endMs",2522000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3275527-4ed90f8eeafbbdd9b0f68ebb2a1982dc&start=401&end=2522","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3275527-4ed90f8eeafbbdd9b0f68ebb2a1982dc/thumbnail_401000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6562481/North-Augusta/Aiken-County/South-Carolina/Public-urges-traffic-calming-as-council-reviews-Georgia-Avenue-study","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6562481-6507e0d3824e0831aabafcf786a00059/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437465&Signature=NBBMUGyxUCEYcwuEE~n1M3Z5AD~Vib7LPD7DeKK665MmJ~FiLfYDmtZBPwGEgjkSOGqSr7hPmNv52sQ4q~qdIKEc~-noag~fSzL5J~eFkzPVAOU1CsXsqG~FkkrYGPdLZjpL1oTLxZWF4aTmCiJH9Ks45S08cES5kMJIRLuHUJW3K3EozITVvlFsLfgNaF857ITtadLA5MSa9OmcBJor2BJ2b7NpjuJ9-PeDeau9KjBibCE~G4GMDnYUWQaOysaDl5IivS0emki8RqQX9AIhWTX3zKKb9cE-FvUKyCWHjsP6zFlYWFTIVfzmlx7t1elHLjf8whrjI096SqaulvdXQQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of North Augusta Public Information, SC","date","2025-05-12T21:46:18Z","article","Residents, business owners and city staff on Monday spoke at length about traffic calming and pedestrian safety in downtown North Augusta as city officials prepared to consider a traffic study for Georgia Avenue.

City Administrator Jim Clifford told the public the study, prepared by the consultant identified in the agenda packet, is organized in two phases: “Phase 1 is every change to Georgia Avenue from Minneapolis Avenue, Carolina Avenue, and Jackson Avenue,” and is the portion staff expects the council to consider next week. Clifford said phase 2 — the traffic circle or roundabout at the Carolina/Georgia intersection — has no identified funding and “in practical terms, I would not view this moving forward during this council's elected term.” He added that adopting the study would allow engineering for phase 1 to proceed but “in no way obligates the city to a traffic circle or any other changes to that intersection.”

Why this matters: Georgia Avenue is the downtown spine for pedestrians, businesses and emergency access. Speakers said the corridor’s angled parking, vehicle speeds and limited pedestrian crossings depress foot traffic, create safety risks for people with disabilities, and affect storefront viability.

Public comments were mixed. Several long‑time residents and business owners supported traffic calming and changes to parking. Tia Harville, owner of Grove Gourmet Market at 509 Georgia Avenue, said her store has lost customers who “never noticed our store because they're focused on literally just making it down Georgia Avenue without hitting a parked car” and that traffic calming “will increase the longevity of my storefront and other businesses coming to downtown.” Pam Stickler, who said she owns a business at 516 Georgia Avenue, said she is “really concerned about the parallel parking” and emphasized the need to preserve or relocate handicap parking close to storefronts because her programs serve people with disabilities.

Several speakers recommended roundabouts as a long‑term calming tool. One resident who said he has lived in North Augusta for decades called roundabouts “a way to slow the traffic down and control the traffic” and suggested using a roundabout as a beautification feature around the statue of James U. Jackson. Other commenters opposed a roundabout on practical grounds: concerns included maneuvering by tractor‑trailers and delivery vehicles, the unfamiliarity of some drivers with roundabouts, potential backups on the downhill approach and impacts on emergency vehicles.

A commenter who identified themselves as a resident of North Augusta raised emergency response concerns, saying, “You put a circle in the middle of that straight line. You just impeded that traffic… We're not just talking about safe passage across a road. We're talking about a life saved.” Several others emphasized speed enforcement and signage as near‑term measures.

Staff and engineering responses: Tom Caesar, director of engineering and public works, and other staff said the corridor includes sections under South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) jurisdiction and that some suggested treatments would need to meet SCDOT rules. Clifford and staff also flagged timing constraints: if the city moves forward with construction it should be scheduled to avoid overlap with the Thirteenth Street bridge project; staff said construction is not expected to begin until well into 2026 under current timelines.

Funding and next steps: Clifford and staff said the study was paid for with a mix of state and local funds and that adoption of the study does not commit construction dollars. Several speakers asked about using state funding or the 1¢ sales tax list referenced in the staff presentation; staff said phase 1 is expected to rely on a different mix of funding and that detailed cost estimates will follow design and bidding. Council members asked staff to redraft the resolution to make clear that phase 1 is the priority; council members indicated a consensus to move the adoption vote to the June meeting to allow further outreach to churches and other stakeholders and to clarify funding language.

Ending: City staff will carry the revised resolution back to the council for a formal vote. No ordinance or funding appropriation was adopted during the public input session; staff emphasized that specific construction or funding decisions will return to the council for approval after engineering, cost estimates and any required approvals from SCDOT.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of North Augusta Council Study Session 5/12/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Residents, business owners and city staff on Monday spoke at length about traffic calming and pedestrian safety in downtown North Augusta as city officials prepared to consider a traffic study for Georgia Avenue.","taxTitle","North Augusta, Aiken County, South Carolina","taxId",56877,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6562472,"City updates: utility billing delays, debris removal after Hurricane Helene",198,2769000,2967000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3275527-4ed90f8eeafbbdd9b0f68ebb2a1982dc&start=2769&end=2967","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3275527-4ed90f8eeafbbdd9b0f68ebb2a1982dc/thumbnail_2769000.jpg","/articles/6562472/North-Augusta/Aiken-County/South-Carolina/City-updates-utility-billing-delays-debris-removal-after-Hurricane-Helene","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6562472-26f8549be7747a6c5f65a04404cde4a4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437465&Signature=hW05aig6cWGxwQQHOMT6dwq5tecd6wQoY-o2h5bOUXSJ0HoiPDFa3k8S79SHZzBpu6G43hi4niGzmCOWJyVJBMmxeTLOyWe6Vqrv~AzObNMYXdnDk2kyPhN31SWnY1Q5IJcjXpk~yuAZa4nu8rTebAZJJYFI-NwMjceijjGoizSooiICf5GcLij9sn75ii8cIaCmnxqX7t7pM5pJkxH6s89V9dWII9OWf4Pab0g9zFjEiIQSxAHuBYZRvfmcFPmddgMWJqX9DIqoC3G04SO~w2LbFLisUBh40LL9OAI5H0yQ6ncLJRqBL~do-LKPww~6owqNDqcZ3HGIFkS6LHlFrw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Administrator Jim Clifford and department directors briefed the council on two operational topics: ongoing utility billing system issues and continuing Hurricane Helene debris removal.

Utility billing: Clifford and Finance Director Linda (last name not provided in remarks) said the city’s new billing system implementation has produced errors and schedule delays. Staff reported there have been no utility shutoffs since December 2024 and no late fees charged since Feb. 6, 2025, while the city corrects billing cycles. Clifford said a customer service phone line is staffed by live operators (or routed to voicemail with a guaranteed callback) and that staff from other departments have been temporarily reassigned to help with intake. The city’s calendar for billing and collections remains fluid while GovSense fixes are implemented.

Debris and hurricane recovery: Public works and parks staff reported ongoing debris grinding, backhaul and cleanup at several sites, including a large contractor operation on a property near Granville Lake Road. Rick Meyer, parks director, said Leroy Hammond Park is back in service and Creighton Park playground installation is expected in June pending foundation work. Clifford said contractors have moved into grinding and backhaul operations; the city’s goal is to complete remaining debris removal and reach a green status on recreational areas and parks, but weather and contractor availability will affect timing.

Other operational notes: Engineering director Tom Caesar noted SCDOT‑administered resurfacing work on several city roads. Public works said mosquito spraying will begin next week and continue through October; staff will provide online opt‑out links for property owners. Clifford also said he will move debris and FEMA/insurance updates to a monthly cadence as the recovery progresses.

Ending: Staff did not request council action on these items at the study session but committed to updated timelines and to return with revised billing calendars and debris removal milestones.","City staff updated council on ongoing GovSense utility billing issues and post‑Hurricane Helene debris removal. Staff said no utility shutoffs have occurred since December 2024 and late fees have been suspended; debris grinding and backhaul continue and some park repairs remain underway.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6562477,"Council briefed on multi‑year fire apparatus purchases; staff seeks contract authority pending sales‑tax disbursements",509,2302000,2811000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3275527-4ed90f8eeafbbdd9b0f68ebb2a1982dc&start=2302&end=2811","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3275527-4ed90f8eeafbbdd9b0f68ebb2a1982dc/thumbnail_2302000.jpg","/articles/6562477/North-Augusta/Aiken-County/South-Carolina/Council-briefed-on-multiyear-fire-apparatus-purchases-staff-seeks-contract-authority-pending-salestax-disbursements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6562477-d3ce2f22112211278e80f3dfa635f1cf/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437465&Signature=FVHohxURcwW3hS4fgkmKEty9e9WlQfrSLqgjot~bFQezJBrpB4qERkt~wwWJkqwwuc4B~RvKJuioE8J99178Xjq744bSu59-6I53Ad5g8bQSu-pINBWhL8ASo2xy83P6itcm9oN5IGPYMynJgbjdMAUYMUCp6w4IbW1y5RqN-VhZUhHC4lwRmrV~vWYPiRcuQtYAqvm8h8~aQCMkzEMTGHNjJyv3IIWQjGI9W-NY6O7fu55R4YwXIdrD7aGiuSbQQ88rp~QK-O-BPptkhAxVY-p4~9GbShLvMbK2l7tSOfaDGrt-B25-9yn4cq93p-imrSRaKLS01jCcchWqOHh6kw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City public safety leaders on Monday outlined a multi‑year plan to replace aging fire apparatus and asked council members to authorize contracts so manufacturing and delivery schedules can begin.

Fire Chief Eugene Johnson told the council the department is seeking approval to purchase a used aerial ladder truck as an interim unit for up to $145,000 and to place orders for new apparatus that will have multi‑year lead times. Johnson described the used vehicle as a 1981 American LaFrance 75‑foot ladder that his staff inspected and tested; he said the city would either keep it as a reserve truck or sell it later to recoup funds. “We raised the ladder. We flowed water through it. We test drove it, to check it out,” Johnson said.

Longer term, staff presented a plan to replace older ladder trucks with modern aerials: a 107‑foot aerial priced at about $1.9 million and a second aerial (platform) at about $1.3 million. Johnson said lead times from order to delivery on new aerials are four to five years; if the city orders now those units would not enter service until about 2029–2030.

Funding: Jim Clifford and Johnson said voters approved a dedicated capital sales tax (CPST5) in November that will generate $5,970,000 to replace two ladder trucks, one engine and one support vehicle. Staff explained that CPST5 collections do not begin until 2026 and North Augusta’s disbursements are not expected until roughly 2027, so the city may sign contracts now but cannot make final payments until the tax funds are received.

Council questions and staff responses: Council members asked whether purchases should be staggered to avoid placing large replacement costs on a single future year; staff replied that unit prices are rising and that ordering now helps lock a price and delivery slot, but also noted the council can spread payments across years once CPST5 receipts begin. Staff also described procurement options: cooperative purchasing agreements such as HGAC were used for previous apparatus purchases and are available instead of a three‑bid local process.

Risk and procurement safeguards: Councilmembers asked about vendor bankruptcy and condition of used vehicles. Staff said they rely on interagency checks, vendor references and in‑person inspections; the department declined other used‑truck offers after checking maintenance histories. Clifford said the city intends to place contracts but will only expend funds when CPST5 receipts allow.

Ending: No binding purchase was completed during the study session; staff requested authority to proceed to contract negotiation and return to council with final payment schedules tied to CPST5 disbursement timing. The apparatus resolutions appear on the next council agenda for formal action.","City fire leadership asked the council to authorize ordering new ladder trucks and a used aerial as a stopgap. Staff said voter‑approved sales tax (CPST5) will fund purchases but disbursements do not begin until 2026–2027, so contracts can be signed now but payments will follow later.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Public urges traffic calming as council reviews Georgia Avenue study

City updates: utility billing delays, debris removal after Hurricane Helene

Council briefed on multi‑year fire apparatus purchases; staff seeks contract authority pending sales‑tax disbursements