After due notice to the press, Mayor and Council met in the Council Chambers of Town Hall. Mayor and all Council were present with the exception of Scott Ward who was absent by prior notice.
- PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Crenshaw led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
- COUNCIL UPDATES:
N/A – refer to reminders at the bottom of the agenda.
- APPROVAL OF MINUTES – December 1, 2014, Regular Session Meeting.
Bruce Kalley made a motion to accept the above minutes as presented. Sandra Gantt seconded. Unanimous.
- 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.
Ben Morton stated he felt the Public Safety survey was well done but he has a question about the amount the taxes could increase.
Dr. Ed Freeman stated he lives in Pendleton by choice and he’s had the opportunity to live in many places. He stated his experience shows that a minimal police department will not work and will not attract the type of officers the town needs. He is opposed to a small town police force. He personally does not feel unsafe in Pendleton.
Mike Brown stated the 13 officers that were taken away when the Town did away with the Police Department were great people that cared about this Town. He agrees with the previous speaker that a 4 officer department will not work for Pendleton. He further stated he felt the Town would get quality officers, they were here before.
Lou Robinson stated she would rather see a fee for police services versus taxes raised. She stated she believes the focus groups have been a good process.
- REPORTS:
- ANDERSON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE REPORT
Capt. Roland was present to give the ACSO report for month of January.
- ADMINISTRATORS UPDATE & BUDGET REPORT
Steve Miller, Administrator, updated Mayor, Council and citizens for the month of January. (updates attached)
- DISCUSSION ITEMS:
- REDISTRIBUTION OF WARDS
Bruce Kalley made a motion to table this item until all Council was present to discuss. Sandra Gantt seconded. Unanimous.
- SET DATE FOR COUNCIL/DEPARTMENT HEAD RETREAT
It was decided that Feb 28, 2015, 9 am would be the Retreat.
- ACTION ITEMS:
- RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH FRIENDS OF THE PARK WITH RESPECT TO FUNDING IMPROVEMENTS AT VETERANS PARK
Bruce Kalley made a motion to accept the Resolution. Denise Jackson seconded. Unanimous. The money will fund large scale maintenance projects at Veterans Park. The fencing and backstops will be replaced first. These funds will not be used to turn fields, only make improvements to existing infrastructure.
Steve Miller, Administrator, stated another agreement between the Town and PRA is forthcoming. PRA’s donation will be $16,000.
- PUBLIC COMMENTS & QUESTIONS:
Ben Morton stated behind his pasture there is a huge raven that the town has made arrangements with the property owner to fill in with debris. It appears that someone is hunting near the raven and they should not be.
Also, what recourse does Pendleton have to clean up the Pendleton Oil Mill property? Mayor Crenshaw stated the town is meeting with the property owner to discuss improvement options.
JR Barnes asked as far as the taxes for the police department, don’t we already pay for personal protection. Mayor Crenshaw stated you pay a tax levied on your property that is for General Fund purposes.
Dr. Ed Freeman stated he pays more in taxes here than he did in other parts of South Carolina. He further stated even though he chose to move back and live here he finds it difficult to pay to live here. Mayor Crenshaw stated the way the law is written, the newer home sales are paying more in taxes than “legacy homes” that have been on the tax books prior to 2008.
Shona Brown asked who was over litter control. She stated once a week she picks up trash in her area a lot and something has to be done. The Town will have Code Enforcement patrol this area.
- ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, at 7:43 pm Sandra Gantt made a motion to adjourn. Denise Jackson seconded. Unanimous.