The regular meeting of December 20, 1999, having been duly publicized, was called to order at 7:00 P. M. by Mayor Jones.

Mayor Jones read the Christmas story and led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Members present were Mayor Jones and Councilmembers Carpenter, Mottel, Sullivan, and Smith. Councilmember McDowell was on vacation, and Councilmember Baggott was unable to attend.

Also in attendance were J. Robert Brooks, Director of Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Services; George M. Grkovic, Director of Economic and Community Development; John P. Potter, Jr., Director of Finance; T. Lee Wetherington, Director of Public Safety; Thomas C. Zeaser, Director of Engineering/Public Works; Kelly Zier, City Attorney; and Donna B. Young, City Clerk.

The minutes of the regular meeting of December 6, 1999 and the study session meeting of December 6, 1999 were approved as submitted by general consent.

WHEREAS, on December 6, 1999, the Central Savannah River Girl Scout Council requested of the City Council of North Augusta, South Carolina permission to erect a peace pole somewhere on city owned property in North Augusta, the purpose of which would be to show a dedication to peace throughout the world for the new century; and

WHEREAS, after reviewing alternative sites the Black Walnut Grove area at Riverview Park has been selected as an appropriate location for the purpose of erecting the peace pole.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and City Council for the City of North Augusta in meeting duly assembled and by the authority thereof that permission is hereby granted to the Central River Girl Scout Council for the purpose of erecting a peace pole at the Black Walnut Grove area at Riverview Park to show a dedication to peace throughout the world for the new century.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, the upkeep and maintenance of the peace pole shall be the responsibility of the Central Savannah River Girl Scout Council.

WHEREAS, in 1945, the City of North Augusta acquired eight acres of land located along East Buena Vista Avenue and Alta Vista Avenue for $1,500 from M. E. Peebles, Maria Tunstall Lingo, and John L. Tunstall. The purpose of the purchase was, "to be used as a park and designated as a living memorial in remembrance of the boys who have lost their lives in the armed forces of the Nation"; and

WHEREAS, the North Augusta Lions Club leased from the City for 99 years said eight acres of property for $1.00 on October 5, 1950, to improve, beautify, and use for recreational purposes; and

WHEREAS, having improved the land and operated the facilities thereon for 29 years, the North Augusta Lions Club abandoned said lease on October 4, 1979, subject to the City’s continued use of the property for recreational purposes; and

WHEREAS, the City of North Augusta has continued to use Lions Memorial Field for recreational purposes for 20 years; and

WHEREAS, Lions Memorial Field has become a vital recreational facility for the City of North Augusta providing the primary field for the City’s recreational football programs as well as being used for soccer; and

WHEREAS, Lions Memorial Field does not meet current standards for ADA and athletic program requirements; and

WHEREAS, Mayor and City Council have determined it to be in the best interest of the citizens of North Augusta and the athletic programs of the North Augusta Parks, Recreation & Leisure Services Department to rehabilitate Lions Memorial Field to meet current standards; and

WHEREAS, plans have been completed and bids have been received for the desired improvements to reconstruct Lions Memorial Field with the total of all successful bids being $1,403,427.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and City Council for the City of North Augusta in meeting duly assembled and by the authority thereof that Lions Memorial Field shall be refurbished to meet current ADA and athletic program requirements by rebuilding the existing playing field, constructing new restrooms, concession stands, bleachers, playground, paved walkways, perimeter walls, and paved parking.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the budget for Lions Memorial Field reconstruction shall be $1,438,888 as delineated within the 1999 and 2000 Capital Projects Fund budgets. Said budget shall include the project costs as bid of $1,403,427 and contingency of $35,461 (2.5 %).

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Administrator is duly authorized to execute construction documents, to make payments, and to sign all other documents related thereto.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Resolution No. 99-03 adopted on February 1, 1999, previously authorizing reconstruction of Lions Memorial Field is hereby nullified.

There being no further business, Council adjourned.

APPROVED THIS ______ DAY OF Respectfully submitted,

______________________, 1999.

Donna B. Young

City Clerk

_______________________________

Mayor Lark W. Jones