Copy of City Council Meeting March 11, 2024

The City of Aiken City Council meeting on March 11, 2024, focused heavily on procurement and contracting matters related to city-owned properties and development projects. Council approved a resolution to purchase property from LAEN Incorporated using plutonium settlement funds for a mixed-use office facility to house the Savannah River National Laboratory. They also discussed and approved first reading of a water and sewer agreement with Project Sunny, a potential industry bringing significant investment and jobs to the community, including discounted utility rates as incentives. Additionally, the council reviewed and approved recommendations for real estate marketing services to assist in selling several city-owned downtown parcels, selecting Colliers for their expertise. Budget amendments were made to allocate remaining plutonium settlement funds toward various infrastructure and community projects, including a $750,000 allocation to the Kershaw demonstration project focused on historic preservation and housing. Public comments emphasized concerns about infrastructure issues such as brown water and the importance of supporting local businesses and historic preservation. The meeting also included discussions on lease extensions for small businesses in downtown Aiken, with council members expressing support for maintaining affordable and stable leases to aid business sustainability.