After due notice to the press, Mayor and Town Council met in the Council Chambers of Town Hall. Mayor and all Council were present.
- PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Crenshaw led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Crenshaw stated that item 9a has been removed from the Agenda. The applicant withdrew their request for the rezoning earlier this morning.
- PUBLIC HEARING – TO RECEIVE PUBLIC INPUT REGARDING UPDATING TOWN OF PENDLETON WARD BOUNDARIES MAP:
Mayor Crenshaw opened the Public Hearing for public comments and provided information regarding the Ward Boundaries Map.
There were no public comments and Mayor Crenshaw closed the Public Hearing.
- COUNCIL UPDATES:
Mayor Crenshaw stated he did not have any updates and reminded everyone about the reminders at the bottom of the agenda.
- APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PRIOR MEETINGS: (February 28, 9 AM Called Meeting; March 2, 6:30 PM Called Meeting, March 2, 7 PM Regular Session; March 2, Called Meeting immediately following Regular Session; March 18, 10 AM Called Meeting)
Bruce Kalley made a motion to accept the minutes as presented. Denise Jackson seconded. Unanimous.
- REVIEW AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE JUNE 30, 2014, AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE TOWN OF PENDLETON:
McKinley, Cooper & Co., LLC representative was present to review the June 30, 2014, audited financial statements for the town. The town received a clean audit.
- PUBLIC COMMENTS – Comments only – no questions will be taken at this time – questions will be taken at the end of the meeting. 3 minute limit. No action will be taken on these items.
Bill Kester thanked the members of Council for serving and congratulated the town on another great Spring Jubilee. He further stated so much excellent work went into Pendleton’s Comprehensive Plan by so many of the knowledgeable citizens in town and he sees no reason to change the plan. Mr. Kester stated personally he would rather pay more taxes to protect our quality of life than to get revenue for sources that may negatively impact our quality of life. He stated the only way he found out about recent issues taking place within the town was by reading the Anderson Independent. Town leader should always keep their citizens informed when making decisions for the town.
Paul Reed stated the neighborhood he lives in is primarily senior citizens and they are all terribly concerned about the proposed gun range near their neighborhood. He thanked Council for the opportunity to speak and is happy to hear the applicant has withdrawn their request for the gun range.
Powell Hickman stated listening to the comments we really do live in a great place. He further stated he believes there is a bigger threat to Pendleton than Public Safety and that is the dilapidated Pendleton Oil Mill property.
Ron Mcaulley stated his concern is the same as the speaker prior. He stated he has personally talked to the Mayor about the property stating there is diesel and fertilizer all over the property and it’s an eyesore and needs to be cleaned up.
Tom Schurch stated he is pleased at the transformation of the Doghouse and he would like to echo the previous comments regarding the Sitton Property (Pendleton Oil Mill) and would like to see the property get the attention it needs to be cleaned up.
Kater Heine stated he shares the concerns with the Pendleton Oil Mill and lives nearby the property. He hopes this threat can be turned into an opportunity.
Ovalyn Williams stated we have lost two wonderful firefighters and she understands the Fire Dept. cannot get grants and they need work done to their building or a new facility. She thinks funds need to be raised to help them.
Jim Smith stated today was like Christmas for him when he received the call that the rezoning application has been withdrawn for the proposed gun range. He, along with the citizens he has worked with, doesn’t feel that Pendleton needs a gun range, period, indoor or outdoor.
- REPORTS:
- ANDERSON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE REPORT:
Capt. Roland was present to give the ACSO report for the month of March.
- ADMINISTRATORS UPDATE & BUDGET REPORT:
Steve Miller, Administrator, updated Mayor, Council and citizens for the month of March.
- DISCUSSION ITEMS:
- SCHEDULING OF A BUDGET WORK SESSION – PROPOSED DATE: APRIL 27, 2015.
All were in agreement to schedule the Work Session for 5:30 pm April 28, 2015, due to Leadership Pendleton’s Graduation being held April 27th.
- ACTION ITEMS:
- RECOMMENDATION FROM THE PENDLETON PLANNING COMMISSION:
The applicant made a written request to withdraw their rezoning request earlier this morning.
- APPOINTMENT TO THE HUMAN RELATIONS COUNCIL:
Sandra Gantt made a motion to appoint Helen Patterson to represent Pendleton on Anderson County’s Human Relations Council. Denise Jackson seconded. Unanimous.
- REQUEST FOR STREET LIGHT ON MICASA DRIVE:
Scott Ward stated he feels Micasa is well lit and believes Council should stick with their original policy to only light intersections. All were in agreement. Scott Ward made a motion to deny the request. Denise Jackson seconded. Unanimous.
- PUBLIC COMMENTS & QUESTIONS:
John Morse stated he reiterates the concerns with the Oil Mill Property. He also stated he thanks Council for extending the sidewalk on South Mechanic Street. He further asked If the zoning change had been made for the gun range, would there be a need to resend or amend the ordinance the town has regarding discharging a fire arm within town limits. Would the nuisance ordinance also have to be amended? He said the questions came up during the Planning Commission meeting and there seems to be a little confusion. Scott Ward stated he does not believe a PUD can supersede other Town Ordinances.
Ben Morton stated the town has a land use plan and in order to change a zone, you need to reference the land use plan. He further stated he thought the fear was that Council would go against the Planning Commission and grant the rezoning request for the proposed gun range. He asked if Council would adhere to recommendations from the Planning Commission if the recommendation was just not completely ridiculous. Mayor Crenshaw stated that about 99 percent of the time that is correct. Mr. Morton further asked what about the Comprehensive Plan. He said a gun range is nowhere in the plan and asked if Council ignores that plan? Scott Ward stated the Comprehensive Plan does use the word “Recreation” and a rifle range could be considered recreation.
Mike Brown asked if anyone has talked to DHEC, EPA or any other governmental agency to inspect the property. Steve Miller, Administrator, stated DHEC has looked at the property and there are no offsite contaminates. Mike Brown further stated with all the concern with storm water run-off, there must be a lot coming from the property.
- ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, Denise Jackson made a motion to adjourn. Bruce Kalley seconded. Unanimous.