Jessica Campbell

The Design Review Board meeting, held on March 3rd, focused on reviewing applications for certificates of appropriateness within the historic district. Key discussions included the final certification for the special tax assessment for renovated historic properties at 522 Coker Springs Road, where the board determined the rehabilitation work exceeded required standards. The board also addressed an amendment request for application CER26-017 concerning property at 726 Southboundary Avenue Southeast, involving modifications to window sizes, porch materials (from woodlap to Hardy Plank shiplap siding), and the installation of new garage windows and shutters. Finally, the board reviewed an application (CER H26-040) for replacing roofing at 1018 Hayne Avenue Southwest, specifically approving the use of EPDM material for the low-slope porch roof due to manufacturer requirements.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and the pledge of allegiance, followed by a review of public speaking guidelines. Key agenda items discussed included the acceptance of the consent agenda, which involved granting a quick claim deed, accepting deeds of dedication, and accepting a waterline easement agreement. The council also approved appointments to various city boards, committees, and commissions, noting recusals due to conflicts of interest. Old business featured a second reading and public hearing for an ordinance amending the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget to account for legal fees, mortgage payoff, funding for the Center for African-American History, Art, and Culture, and allocations from the South Carolina opioid recovery fund. New business included first readings for development agreements related to water infrastructure for a new hotel development, annexation and zoning of properties at 104 Small Ridge Street and One Partridge Court. During public comments, community members addressed issues concerning homelessness, potential pricing out of temporary housing during Masters season, and proposals for intervention strategies modeled after San Francisco's 'RESET' program.

The board convened for its regular session meeting after running late from a previous session. The primary purpose discussed was reviewing certificates of appropriateness for construction, alteration, demolition, or relocation within Aken's historic districts. The meeting included announcements regarding a forthcoming special call session by WLA Studios concerning survey work, and immediate tree removal and trenching due to diseased water oaks on Charleston Street. The board unanimously approved the minutes from the December 2nd work session and regular meeting. Agenda adjustments were necessary, including postponing an item (CERD26-001020) due to posting issues and another item (259 Lancaster Street Southwest) at the applicant's request. Officer elections were conducted, resulting in the incumbent chairman being re-elected, and new elections for Vice Chair (John McMichael) and Secretary (Rebecca Seymour). The board then reviewed and approved Application CER26-021 from the Thallers for extensive alterations at 510 Highland Park Terrace Southwest, including a rear addition, chimney removal, landscaping changes, and converting the garage to a cabana garden structure, noting that the changes maintain the street appearance. The board also reviewed Application CH26-023 for window replacements and garage door conversion at 431 Dupri Place Southwest, noting the applicant removed proposals for a carport and barn rebuild from this application.

The meeting began with the reading of guidelines for public decorum and speaking procedures during public hearings. The commissioners unanimously approved the minutes of the previous session. New business primarily focused on annexation requests, including one for property partial number 106-12-09-077 transitioning from its current zoning to RS10, and another for property partial number 089-16-01-023 transitioning from RC to RS15 zoning, which was moved to city council for approval. A third annexation request for 116 Conger Drive was also unanimously approved to be sent to city council. The commission also addressed a request for a non-contributing historic designation for property associated with William and Anne Goldmith. Discussions ensued regarding the prioritization list for capital improvements, specifically concerning the budget allocation for the city street pavement preservation program, including noting a likely typographical error in the submitted documentation, and a significant expenditure request related to the airport, prompting a request for departmental representation at the city council meeting for clarification on justification and revenues.

The executive session concluded, and the council voted to move back into regular session following discussions related to a mediation conference concerning the matter of David W. Blake et al versus City of Aiken et al. The City Attorney presented a settlement proposal for the council's adoption. Key terms of the proposal included the plaintiffs agreeing to dismiss the case with prejudice, the city agreeing to pay a portion of the plaintiffs' legal fees, and the city council agreeing to engage expert services to review and recommend improvements for governance, procurement, conflict of interest disclosure, FOIA, and DRB procedures. The council also agreed to schedule refresher training on fiscal responsibility, governance, transparency, and ethics. Representatives from the plaintiffs, the Aiken Design Review Board (DRB), and the Aken Municipal Development Corporation (AMDC) all expressed acceptance of the proposed settlement terms. The motion to adopt the settlement was passed unanimously by the council.