[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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",[32,75,87,99],{"_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",6605167,"mediaKeyId","2987218-636b527b8041a91c17f7086412cc044f","parentId",2987218,"title","Aiken City Council approves annexations, rezonings, opioid funds and historic tax assessment update","audioSeconds",181,"startMs",6712000,"endMs",6893000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2987218-636b527b8041a91c17f7086412cc044f&start=6712&end=6893","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2987218-636b527b8041a91c17f7086412cc044f/thumbnail_6712000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6605167/Aiken-City/Aiken-County/South-Carolina/Aiken-City-Council-approves-annexations-rezonings-opioid-funds-and-historic-tax-assessment-update","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6605167-40df88311e163ca012a6c5a3d1d4a997/orig.mp4?Expires=1771207579&Signature=YJP9E-b8k76MGoi21I-huagkCQJ43Y7x8GBz~XsNt2WbXoT4WAK8Q5Ha-ve0THJgT7rx5TCKlqfJO5vbHMOvD~me60IbB2QyM8qaNrs0oYo38mnzfu8MMNasNmi9uVb5iEnktCjpX2qIEUviO7w8J9P1EX5RIz~MPlLixEwLnjJ3BBO-TomqLBAtiupfLlEezc6GqPua5IRqoCHGixkAhx0m6yMbnXYQIqpsl3ayoZy-gDyiySXcmSL9ouXW8hH14k8UM3MA-pC50p5WXKRsq0qnKsm8nUDv-qgkzn0M3xWGQSaM0emB-xRmpxvfYNjwdboAGHwkUKhsLD2lQRF3BQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Aiken","date","2025-04-15T01:10:44.023Z","article","The Aiken City Council on April 14 approved a series of ordinances and resolutions covering annexations and rezonings, a historic-property tax assessment amendment, a $396,170 opioid-recovery budget adjustment, and several routine permits and contracts.

The council held public hearings and took final votes on multiple land-use items, adopted a change to the city code governing special assessments for rehabilitated historic properties, approved the opioid-recovery budget increase to fund two non‑sworn response positions, authorized the city to apply for Safe Streets for All implementation funds, and selected an auditing firm for the next three fiscal years.

Why it matters: the land-use decisions reshape development options for multiple parcels in Aiken; the opioid funding adds staff capacity for outreach and prevention; and the tax-assessment change is intended to make the city's historic-rehab incentive align more closely with state programs.

Votes at a glance

- Annexation and zoning: 122 Vivian Drive — approved (second/final reading). The council approved annexation of approximately 0.6 acre at 122 Vivian Drive and zoned it RS-15, consistent with surrounding residential lots. (Transcript: ordinance introduced at 2981.63; action concluded at 3031.255.)

- Rezoning: 724 Richland Avenue West from Limited Professional (LP) to Office (O) — approved (second/final reading). The rezoning will allow office/institutional and retail/service uses; planning commission and council had recommended approval. (Transcript: ordinance introduced at 3064.891; action concluded with unanimous voice vote.)

- Rezoning: ~40.25 acres (Kershaw St / York St / Rudy Mason Pkwy / Buford St) from RS-10 to Planned Residential with an approved concept plan (202 lots) and an approved waiver of building-separation requirements for portions of the project — approved (second/final reading). Planning Commission recommended approval 3–1; council approved amended condition language at second reading. (Transcript: ordinance introduced at 3183.1301/3202.945; discussion and vote concluded at 3390.595–3398.4482.)

- Annexation and concept plan: ~51.61 acres on May Royal Drive and Osmond Drive, rezoned to Planned Residential with a concept plan (maximum density amended to allow up to 189 lots) — approved (second/final reading). Council amended paragraph 7 of the conditions to remove a requirement that a privacy fence be installed along entrance right-of-way; the final conditions retain perimeter buffers and other landscaping standards. (Transcript: ordinance introduced at 3802.2998–3814.1748; amendment and vote concluded at 4818.17–4896.91.)

- Historic rehabilitation tax assessment (City Code §38-8) — approved (second/final reading). Council expanded the special real-property tax assessment option for qualifying rehabilitated historic properties from a 10‑year freeze to a 20‑year special assessment in order to align local incentives with state historic‑preservation practices and support projects such as the Hotel Aiken and the old hospital redevelopment. (Transcript: item introduced at 6031.205; vote recorded at 6165.665–6185.)

- Budget amendment: opioid-recovery funds ($396,170) — approved (second/final reading). The funds will add two non‑sworn response/prevention positions and pay training, vehicles, supplies and equipment for an expanded response program in partnership with the Aiken Center for Alcohol and Drug Abuse, the coroner and regional partners. (Transcript: item introduced at 6200.2847–6210.04; vote recorded at 6292.21–6313.85.)

- Budget amendment (first reading): amend FY2024–25 budget to cover increased sewer rates charged by Aiken County Public Service Authority — passed first reading. The PSA increased O&M and pretreatment rates effective July 1, 2024; council approved first reading of a fund adjustment for wastewater operations. (Transcript: item introduced at 6313.85–6320.41; discussion and first reading at 6320.41–6397.51.)

- Fireworks permit: Reserve Club of Woodside July 4 display — approved. State Fire Marshal rules and city code require council approval; the organizers agreed to provide additional public-safety support for traffic control. (Transcript: petition introduced at 6420.305–6432.5396; vote recorded at 6487.8896–6527.845.)

- Resolution: application for Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Implementation Grant — approved. Council authorized applying for up to $10 million with a required 20% local match to implement improvements outlined in the city's SS4A action plan. (Transcript: item introduced at 6541.1–6551.785; discussion and vote at 6551.785–6623.7.)

- Professional services: selection of auditing firm Malden & Jenkins for fiscal years 2025–2027 (three-year engagement, $192,000) — approved. The city received a single proposal and recommended awarding the contract based on experience with governmental audits and the city's GFOA reporting requirements. (Transcript: item introduced at 6654.5703–6665.105; discussion and vote at 6712.115–6793.19.)

Appointments and routine business

- Appointments approved: Lizzie Boyer to the Arts Commission; reappointments of Kenna Black to the Accommodations Tax Committee and Laura Thomas to the Senior Commission. (Transcript: appointments introduced at 2877.3801–2895.805; voice vote recorded.)

How the council voted: most items were approved by unanimous voice vote; where Planning Commission votes were referenced, that body's recommendation (including a 3–1 Planning Commission vote on one rezoning) was noted in staff reports. Council recorded amendments to several planning conditions during second readings (see May Royal/Osmond Drive amendment removing entrance‑fence language). The council did not adopt any item that failed final reading at this meeting.

What the council did not decide: no final relocation or long-term lease decision was made during public comment for a downtown restaurant (see separate article), and several public‑comment requests were referred to staff for follow-up.

Details and provenance (transcript evidence)

- Annexation 122 Vivian Drive — topic intro excerpt: \"The ordinance is entitled an ordinance to annex property located at 122 Vivian Drive and to zone the same residential single family, RS 15\" (transcript s=2981.63). Topic finish excerpt (vote): \"All those in favor? Unanimous.\" (motion second/voice vote recorded near s=3031.255–3059.2852).

- Rezoning 724 Richland Avenue West — topic intro excerpt: \"an ordinance to amending the zoning of real estate owned by Richland Office LLC from Limited Professional LP to Office O\" (transcript s=3064.891–3070.19). Topic finish excerpt (vote): \"All those in favor? Unanimous.\" (s=3171.2449–3183.1301).

- Planned-residential rezoning (Kershaw/York/Rudy Mason/Buford) — topic intro excerpt: \"an ordinance to rezone property located on Kershaw Street Northeast York Street Northeast Rudy Mason Parkway and Buford Street\" (transcript s=3183.1301–3202.945). Topic finish excerpt (vote and condition discussion): \"All those in favor? Motion passed.\" (s=3732.185–3760.735).

- May Royal/Osmond annexation & concept plan — topic intro excerpt: \"an ordinance to annex the corporate limits ... property located on May Royal Drive and Osmond Drive and to zone the same PR Plan Residential and approve the Proposed Concept Plan\" (transcript s=3802.2998–3814.1748). Topic finish excerpt (amendment and vote): discussion and amendment deleting part of condition 7, then unanimous approval (s=4818.17–4904.81).

- Historic-rehab special assessment — topic intro excerpt: \"an ordinance amending section 38 dash 8 of the Aiken City Code regarding special real property tax assessments for rehabilitated properties\" (transcript s=6031.205). Topic finish excerpt (vote): \"All those in favor? Motion passed, unanimously.\" (s=6165.665–6185).

- Opioid funds budget amendment ($396,170) — topic intro excerpt: \"We've recently received $396,170 of opioid money to add 2 non sworn response and prevention positions\" (transcript s=6200.2847–6210.04). Topic finish excerpt (vote): \"All those in favor? Motion passed unanimously.\" (s=6292.21–6313.85).

- Sewer-rate budget amendment (first reading) — topic intro excerpt: \"amend the budget to cover increased sewer rates from Aiken County Public Service Authority\" (transcript s=6313.85–6320.41). Topic finish excerpt (first reading vote): \"All those in favor? Motion passed unanimously.\" (s=6401.97–6417.825).

- Safe Streets for All grant application — topic intro excerpt: \"approval of a resolution approving application for the Safe Streets for All Implementation Grant\" (transcript s=6541.1–6551.785). Topic finish excerpt (vote): \"All those in favor? Motion passed.\" (s=6623.7–6635.5747).

- Auditing firm selection — topic intro excerpt: \"we received 1 proposal from Malden and Jenkins, and we recommend that we engage them\" (transcript s=6654.5703–6665.105). Topic finish excerpt (vote): \"All those in favor? Thank you. It's unanimous.\" (s=6766.0503–6793.19).

Speakers (selected, attribution whitelist)

- Teddy Milner, Mayor (government). First reference: \"Mayor Teddy Milner\" (transcript proclamation). Subsequent references: Milner.
- Ed Gerardo, Mayor Pro Tem / Council member (government). First referenced as \"Mayor Pro Tem Ed Gerardo\" (s=570.07495).
- Councilwoman Bridal (government).
- Councilwoman Diggs (government).
- Councilwoman Gregory (government).
- Councilman Waltz (government).
- Councilwoman Price (government).
- Mr. Biedenboe (staff member, government) — planning presentations.
- City Manager / staff (generic: \"City Manager\" or \"staff member\") where transcript did not give a full name.

Topics and tagging

Primary topic: city-government-decisions
Topics: [{\"name\":\"zoning\",\"justification\":\"Multiple annexations and rezonings decided; concept plans approved\",\"scoring\":{\"topic_relevance\":0.95,\"depth_score\":0.75,\"opinionatedness\":0.00,\"controversy\":0.40,\"civic_salience\":0.90,\"impactfulness\":0.85,\"geo_relevance\":1.00}},{\"name\":\"budget\",\"justification\":\"Opioid funds and sewer-rate budget amendments considered/approved\",\"scoring\":{\"topic_relevance\":0.85,\"depth_score\":0.65,\"opinionatedness\":0.00,\"controversy\":0.20,\"civic_salience\":0.80,\"impactfulness\":0.70,\"geo_relevance\":1.00}},{\"name\":\"public-safety\",\"justification\":\"Funding for opioid response positions; Safe Streets for All grant application\",\"scoring\":{\"topic_relevance\":0.75,\"depth_score\":0.55,\"opinionatedness\":0.00,\"controversy\":0.10,\"civic_salience\":0.80,\"impactfulness\":0.70,\"geo_relevance\":1.00}}]

Searchable tags: [\"annexation\",\"rezoning\",\"opioid-funds\",\"historic-tax-assessment\",\"safe-streets\",\"auditor-contract\",\"aiken-city-council\"]","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Aiken City Council Meeting April 14, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Aiken City Council on April 14 approved a package of land-use ordinances, a historic-property tax-assessment change, a $396,170 opioid-recovery budget adjustment, and several routine permits and contracts.","taxTitle","Aiken City, Aiken County, South Carolina","taxId",52307,"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},6605152,"Downtown restaurant owner asks Aiken City Council for five-year lease or purchase option amid redevelopment uncertainty",384,2386000,2770000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2987218-636b527b8041a91c17f7086412cc044f&start=2386&end=2770","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2987218-636b527b8041a91c17f7086412cc044f/thumbnail_2386000.jpg","/articles/6605152/Aiken-City/Aiken-County/South-Carolina/Downtown-restaurant-owner-asks-Aiken-City-Council-for-five-year-lease-or-purchase-option-amid-redevelopment-uncertainty","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6605152-fcc1dbacbe2b8416a71ecd3b6f5d86a1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771207579&Signature=L8ehM-lNuxWupHqImbKC8sRCz79zwRoSrHXtJr2zhZGlhxM~gwswVyKVVcSaUnzM-ojHq6dS0NIJQZjiuAJWmzLi-y3t2Cms6d0zUDCOXoHnK--5ulxofMNhJjzy9dVzHwUmkhHQEPDZTO~vHc4AFYdTFmOmABpNDxTXLTkjqhW2wItU2iCGfF-wBBe6X8IsOrMlJEr-URq0Rs6L85spA2kt65EXmL3umkHTv-iLyw5oPe2A0h4kC2vmQG8bpbXBQ7QmFY7DHTgPK2qfRlAcFYdcP-pNJ7uwI6la7D1wDWSA0nZu4hu4OZZI7UrRZYLEqAHsP9fAodyVoAMf03j0ow__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The owner of Tajikhan Indian Cuisine asked the Aiken City Council on April 14 for a five‑year lease or a chance to buy his downtown building after several rounds of redevelopment planning have left the restaurant's future uncertain.

Alokumar (\"Kumar\") Aksay said Tajikhan, at 213 Richland Avenue, employs 12 people and has operated since February 2017. He told council that the city acquired the property in late 2021 for a project that was later canceled (\"Project Pascallis\"), and that subsequent redevelopment proposals (including a Savannah River Laboratory project) created uncertainty about the restaurant's location. Aksay said other downtown businesses were given five‑year leases in February 2024 and asked that Tajikhan receive similar treatment or the opportunity to purchase the corner parcel so he could continue operations and provide stability for his staff.

Jacob Ellis and other speakers urged the council to support the owner, describing the restaurant as an \"Aiken institution\" and noting its history and community contributions. Councilmembers responded that staff would follow up and that they understood the proprietor's need for certainty; staff asked for time to confirm options and told Aksay, \"as soon as we know, you will know.\" No formal lease or sale decision was made during the meeting.

Why it matters: the business owner says his restaurant provides jobs and civic support; the property sits within areas the city has been planning as part of downtown redevelopment, so any long-term tenancy or sale has implications for workers, customers and that city block.

Speakers (attribution whitelist)

- Alokumar Aksay, owner, Tajikhan Indian Cuisine (business owner). First reference: \"I'm the owner at Tajikhan Indian Cuisine at 213 Richland Avenue\" (transcript s=2386.0798–2395.7449).
- Jacob Ellis, resident/supporter (community advocate). First reference: \"Good evening, madam mayor, council Jacob Ellis, Aiken, South Carolina.\" (transcript s=2695.2249–2725.875).

Clarifying details from the record

- Business details: Tajikhan has operated since February 2017 and employs 12 workers (owner statement).
- Timeline of city acquisition and projects: owner said the city bought the property in November 2021; Project Pascallis was later canceled; the Savannah River Laboratory project was then proposed and involved portions of nearby parcels. The owner said other nearby tenants (Vampir Penguin and Ginger Bee) received five‑year leases in Feb. 2024.
- Requested relief: a five‑year lease or opportunity to purchase the corner parcel so the restaurant can remain downtown and provide stable employment.

Council response and next steps

Councilmembers and city staff did not make a decision at the meeting; a councilmember said staff would follow up and provide information about relocation or lease options. Supporters in the public record urged council to expedite a long‑term solution.

No formal action recorded: the transcript shows public comment and council acknowledgement; no motion or vote on a lease or sale occurred during the April 14 meeting.

Proper names and local context

Tajikhan Indian Cuisine (213 Richland Avenue) — owner request for lease or purchase; supporters described the restaurant's civic role and historic placement on the block.

Searchable tags: [\"downtown-business\",\"commercial-lease\",\"redevelopment\",\"tajikhan\"]","The owner of Tajikhan Indian Cuisine requested a five-year lease or the opportunity to buy his building after the city acquired nearby property for development; supporters urged the council to provide stability for the longtime downtown business.",{"_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},6605157,"Local ministries report progress on outreach and transitional housing; council praises partnerships",1109,1259000,2368000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2987218-636b527b8041a91c17f7086412cc044f&start=1259&end=2368","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2987218-636b527b8041a91c17f7086412cc044f/thumbnail_1259000.jpg","/articles/6605157/Aiken-City/Aiken-County/South-Carolina/Local-ministries-report-progress-on-outreach-and-transitional-housing-council-praises-partnerships","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6605157-97cd36712049bf153c01e8b3b716f0dc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771207579&Signature=nYEdDG7FrPT-nEYIpUM0VEpbD189tYxc2FKJHa0UfF3V8F2G4-4tMrD2Ep-eyiggKWyvUZOirwkSOQypLyxZvB5ag1rvjCldD8LKDD6qPpLYwwuNjXfha7wuzkyaZ6LWOcDsD-CGHLK89Dt7vg1fIfo-QV1k9kdzqN8Bc7HJvDxXUaEEh48X2jGmbjEx6SOAmyYLhi6dD~oFTmMxagfwaWr0iADkrGLjw8LjPLvEkj5qgb8eszZufJZcDlFf-ZAVtpSbp2CFuhb1T8EJY7knGFwJAfZe-da7qzKqJaj7jqoHGFEkwClXkSR4YFCZmAEpXHSbWYB6tTCfwoYo2~uGcg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Multiple speakers at the Aiken City Council's April 14 meeting described ongoing outreach efforts to people experiencing homelessness and an expanding set of transitional housing services organized by local ministries.

Kurt Johnson, pastor of Lost Sheep Ministries, told the council his outreach has helped people move into rehab and obtain identification documents. Johnson said his ministry began with 40 cases of MREs (meals ready to eat) distributed over the past months and that three people had entered rehabilitation in the prior four weeks. He announced a next outreach event planned for April 26 at Aiken Ebenezer Church, 1114 Richland Avenue, and asked community members and staff to refer people in need to his team.

Lex (Alex) Perry reported on a transitional-home project with four apartments open and five current residents. Perry described partnerships with Law Street Ministries and the Overflow Foundation to provide behavioral-health services and supportive services aimed at moving residents to independent housing. \"This is going to assist us to get people to be self sufficient on their feet,\" Perry said, and invited council and the public to tour the site.

Council members thanked the ministries and volunteers, noting collaboration among churches, nonprofits and city efforts. The mayor and council praised the \"HOPE team\" approach cited by speakers and encouraged continued coordination among agencies and law-enforcement partners.

Why it matters: speakers described concrete, small-scale housing units already in use and emphasized coordination among community providers and the city. No formal funding decision or city contract was made during the meeting; council expressed gratitude and referred follow-up coordination to staff where needed.

Speakers (attribution whitelist)

- Kurt Johnson, Pastor, Lost Sheep Ministries (community nonprofit outreach). First reference: \"My name is Kurt Johnson. 1 1 4 Brewster Way Aiken. ... I am pastor of lost sheep ministries\" (transcript s=1259.9–1260.0).
- Lex (Alex) Perry, transitional-housing organizer/resident (community organizer). First reference: \"Good evening. Mayor city council. My name is Lex Perry, 15 26 South boundary avenue. I just want to give you a quick update.\" (transcript s=2181.42–2196.7751).

Clarifying details from the record

- Lost Sheep Ministries reported that three people entered rehab in the last four weeks and that they began distribution with about 40 cases of MREs and had roughly 10 cases remaining (Johnson). Johnson gave an outreach date of April 26 at Aiken Ebenezer Church, 1114 Richland Avenue.
- Perry said the transitional-home project currently has four apartments open with five residents participating; partners include Law Street Ministries and Overflow Foundation.
- No new city funding, leases or formal agreements were approved at the meeting for these projects; council comments were expressions of thanks and offers to coordinate.

Community relevance

Geography: Aiken neighborhoods where outreach occurs and where temporary apartments are located.
Impact groups: people experiencing homelessness, volunteers, partner nonprofits.
Funding sources: not specified in council action; Perry described community donations of household items and in-kind support.

Meeting context

Council used public comments to recognize community partners and to encourage continued collaboration. Councilmembers thanked the speakers and emphasized the need for partnerships rather than sole-city responsibility.

Searchable tags: [\"homelessness\",\"transitional-housing\",\"nonprofit-outreach\",\"lost-sheep-ministries\"]","Several community speakers described recent outreach to people experiencing homelessness and an open transitional housing project already housing five residents. City council members thanked volunteers and noted cross-agency coordination.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6605162,"Principals urge Aiken City Council to consider zoning limits on vape shops near schools",165,1563000,1728000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2987218-636b527b8041a91c17f7086412cc044f&start=1563&end=1728","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2987218-636b527b8041a91c17f7086412cc044f/thumbnail_1563000.jpg","/articles/6605162/Aiken-City/Aiken-County/South-Carolina/Principals-urge-Aiken-City-Council-to-consider-zoning-limits-on-vape-shops-near-schools","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6605162-d206bc9b2c5cf491d15d8791b4232801/orig.mp4?Expires=1771207579&Signature=nfINKXSCIZLaGU2YJRNnEQt4iGO~BCwibrdTMUArFZN-Eo6Vr5CrkZ9aHS3jOj-ObDi7cn-dbVpxjvqEP0s-g53Bbh3qD4jvLeiA8aecPZC672ZI~dCw3xn8SoS4S4iWo3L8s5CxqZnP-rWm2RoU-sg~j6c902-qyqh3dPmexeIYW~VBSxmLQcMtc6bFMS83OAfdnYKAaW--q6HSmgdWOuxvNU4xJNVGsHKXbN1J7qejNbQ4aUecrfS-YSvcBUfYTXo1cbluNjDbEiz~xHwUbJQUJfo00X8~F7nUf0qbvSQoUOoifE5X6LaNMXCjJUlsliKlbznq3ZVG7fHmYd8nSQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Principals at two Aiken high schools brought evidence of widespread student vaping to the Aiken City Council on April 14 and asked the city to consider local strategies—including a zoning buffer like the one that currently applies to liquor stores—to limit youth access to tobacco-style vaping products.

Sam Fuller, principal of South Aiken High School, told council members that schools are confiscating large quantities of tobacco vapes. Fuller displayed a bin collected at South Aiken and other county high schools that contained vapes confiscated since Sept. 9, 2024; he said the exhibit excluded THC vapes, which law enforcement handles separately. \"Vape usage has dramatically changed the dynamics of access and prevention,\" Fuller said, adding that flavored products and devices marketed to youth make prevention harder.

Fuller requested two actions from the council: adopt zoning rules to treat retail outlets whose primary business is vapes, CBDs and loose tobacco like liquor stores are treated under S.C. law (a 300‑foot distance restriction from schools, churches or playgrounds), and advocate at the state level for stronger legal and financial penalties for sales to underage customers. He said there is currently a vape shop within about 100 feet of one campus and five such shops within roughly a half‑mile walk.

Council members and staff noted limits on the city's authority. The principals acknowledged that statewide legislation and enforcement are central to controlling youth sales; Fuller said he had contacted DHEC and law‑enforcement partners to explore sting operations but described state-level measures as stalled. Councilmembers offered to gather information and consider local zoning approaches and a possible council resolution expressing community concern to state legislators.

Why it matters: principals said the products and retail practices are targeted toward young people and that easy local access undermines school prevention efforts. The requests, if enacted, would change local land‑use regulations and likely require coordination with county and state enforcement.

Speakers (attribution whitelist)

- Sam Fuller, Principal, South Aiken High School (education). First reference: \"My name is Sam Fuller. I'm the principal at South Dakin High School\" (transcript s=1563.1–1563.1). Fuller also identified the timeline of confiscations and requested zoning changes.
- Angela Moore, Principal, Aiken High School (education). Present with Fuller and referenced in his remarks (s=1563.1–1563.1).
- Council members (Mayor Teddy Milner; council questions from various members) and staff (DHEC and law-enforcement contacts referenced by Fuller) are included as part of the discussion.

Authorities cited in testimony

- South Carolina Code §61-6-120 — referenced by Fuller as the statute that currently prohibits liquor stores within 300 feet of schools, churches or playgrounds; Fuller asked the council to consider similar distance restrictions for vape shops.

Clarifying details from the record

- Evidence presented: a bin of tobacco vapes confiscated from Aiken County high schools collected since Sept. 9, 2024 (Fuller). The bin did not include THC vapes, which are processed by law enforcement.
- Local proximity: Fuller said one vape shop is within about 100 feet of a campus and approximately five vape shops are within a half‑mile walk of that campus.
- Enforcement status: Fuller said he had contacted DHEC, SLED and other state entities about sting buys; he described state-level legislation as stalled at the time of his remarks.

Meeting context and next steps

Fuller asked the council to consider zoning changes and advocacy at the state level. Council members asked staff to gather more information and said a council resolution or local zoning changes could be considered; no formal ordinance or vote on zoning was taken at the April 14 meeting. Fuller explicitly disclaimed that he was assigning blame to the council for the state of vaping legislation.

Community relevance

Geography: concerns centered on Aiken high schools and nearby commercial corridors.
Impact groups: students and families; school staff; retailers.
Funding/enforcement: any zoning change would be a local land‑use action; Fuller also requested advocacy for strengthened penalties at the state level.

Topic tags: [\"vaping\",\"youth-health\",\"zoning\",\"schools\"]","Principals from two Aiken high schools told the council that youth-targeted flavored vapes and nearby vape shops are increasing student access; they asked the council to explore distance limits and to advocate for stronger legal consequences for underage sales.","actionData","errors"]

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