Shawna Wood Cortez

The council held a strategic retreat to discuss various topics and strategic objectives for the city.

The council considered the approval of an amendment to the facility use agreement with Flatwater Fitness & Fun, providing for contingency use of Augusta City Lake. Zoning reclassifications were addressed, including the approval of Ordinance No. 2263 for a property at 529 N Walnut to change from C-3 General Commercial to I-1 Industrial, and Ordinance No. 2264, which authorized a conditional-use permit for 9975 SW Eugene Street. Additionally, the council conducted a public hearing to establish a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District and adopt a development plan for Redbud Ridge, and reviewed an appropriation ordinance. The City Manager also provided a reminder regarding a upcoming strategic retreat work session.

The council addressed several items, including an annual update from the Augusta Model Railroad Club and public input regarding light relocation. The council approved an amendment to a facility use agreement with Flatwater Fitness & Fun LLC, a zoning reclassification from C-3 to I-1, and a conditional use permit for a residential property. A public hearing was held regarding the establishment of a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District and approval of a development plan for Redbud Ridge. Additionally, the council discussed upcoming strategic retreat planning, panhandling policies, and the status of the Code Enforcement Officer recruitment. The meeting concluded after an executive session concerning potential litigation, during which no action was taken.

This document outlines the City of Augusta's Strategic Retreat, which focuses on identifying vulnerabilities and opportunities for community advancement and building consensus on goals. Key discussion points include the impact of state property tax legislation, updates on significant capital projects (e.g., Santa Fe Lake Spillway, Walnut Street, CDBG Sidewalk, Redbud Phase II Bridge, N. Ohio Street improvements, and Electric Bond Issue for low voltage grid replacement and M-4 engine upgrade), and proposed rate changes for water and solid waste. The retreat also covers governing body roles, political values, and effective community engagement strategies. A core component is a corridor analysis of Ohio Street, recommending a transition to a 3-lane section with a Two-Way Left-Turn Lane, pedestrian curbwalks, and a new traffic signal at Kansas Avenue to enhance safety and traffic flow. The plan is designed to guide the city's direction for the coming year and beyond.

The council discussed and approved appropriation ordinance number 4A and authorized the addition of a KDH consent decree to the agenda. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing plans for financing infrastructure improvements to the city's electric grid, specifically a control system at the generating facility and upgrades to the low-voltage grid. Legal and financial strategies were presented regarding the issuance of general obligation bonds versus electric utility system revenue bonds to fund these projects, with a focus on achieving the most cost-effective financing terms and ensuring long-term resiliency.