Town Council Minutes January 5, 2015

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.

 

  • COUNCIL UPDATES:

Mayor Crenshaw reminded everyone of the 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. Denise Jackson 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.

Bill Kester commented about Public Safety and read his email that was emailed to Town Council January 1, 2015 – attached.

 

Amber Barnes, read comments submitted from Howard Bleuel regarding Law enforcement in Pendleton – attached.

 

Laura Jamison stated she was frustrated due to the lack of work that appears to be going into the policing problem. Stating Town Council needs to be receptive to their comments, not only on this matter, but others. She further stated the Sheriff’s Office has problems and they need more patrols but it is wrong for this Town to seed over the duties to the Sheriff and then turn around and blame them. She stated the Town needs local cops patrolling its streets who know the people and the area. She further asked where is the money the town saved by dissolving the contract. If there is no money, what was it spent on.

 

Doris Miller stated she had her windows shot out about 11 pm the other night and it took ACSO 35 minutes to get to her house. She submitted a petition to the Mayor for police protection. She further stated police protection is needed for the apartments near Magnolia Point.

 

  • REPORTS:
    1. ANDERSON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE REPORT

Capt. Roland was present to give the ACSO report for the month of December. Mayor Crenshaw asked what was the status of the response times being included on the reports. Capt. Roland stated he believes IT almost has everything worked out. Scott Ward asked for a little more on the recent arrests. Capt. Roland stated there are 19 incidents the individuals are being charged with. Capt. Roland will bring more detailed information to Town Hall in the morning.

 

  1. ADMINISTRATORS UPDATE & BUDGET REPORT

Steve Miller, Administrator, updated Mayor, Council and citizens for the month of December (updates attached).

 

  • ACTION ITEMS:
    • A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE LOCAL MATCH FOR THE CDBG COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT APPLICATION.

    Scott Ward made a motion to accept the above resolution. Denise Jackson seconded. Unanimous.

     

    • A RESOLUTION TO APPOINT A VOTING DELEGATE AND AN ALTERNATE VOTING DELEGATE TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA RURAL WATER ASSOCIATION.

    Denise Jackson made a motion to accept the above resolution. Bruce Kalley seconded. Unanimous.

     

    • A PROCLAMATION TO ADOPT THE MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION 2015 ADVOCACY INITIATIVES.

    Sandra Gantt made a motion to accept the proclamation. Scott Ward seconded. Unanimous.

     

  • PUBLIC COMMENTS & QUESTIONS.

Barbara Ham stated she has been frightened and would like to feel safe in her own home.

 

Bill Kester stated back in April of last year, there was a meeting at the local firehouse about Public Safety issues and asked where is the Town with deliberations and do we have the money to increase our police protection or must taxes be raised to increase police protection. Mayor Crenshaw stated data including funding options is being collected to assist Council with their decision. Mr. Kester asked when a decision will be made. Mayor Crenshaw stated he’d like to wait until the Public Safety study is turned in. Steve Miller stated it would be about another 2 months before the study is presented to Council.

 

Cindy Long asked in reference to the focus groups, who composed the groups? Steve Miller stated they are composed of interest groups. Ms. Long stated she is on the Board for her Homeowners Association and she knows of no one on a focus group. She hopes Homeowners Associations in subdivisions are invited.

 

Caroline Jamison stated she has experienced many incidents with the Sheriff’s Office.

 

Barbara Hamburg stated she doesn’t think anyone can say they are not being affected by having a police dept. What is the short term solution?

 

Bill Kester stated his personal recommendation would be to hire ACSO back on an interim basis while the Council and the focus groups determine what to do. The people of Pendleton don’t want to sit back for another 13 to 16 months for a decision to be made.

 

Barbara Ham stated she observes people and people’s facial expressions and she believes there is someone on Council who does not feel like what the people are saying is important and did not come across respectful to the citizens commenting.

 

Jessica Whitfield stated they were ones vandalized and she hopes Councils will take the people into consideration.

 

Mayor Crenshaw stated that citizens do not have to wait until a meeting to come and talk to us. Emails and numbers are posted for the public’s convenience.

 

  • ADJOURNMENT.

There being no further business, at 7:54 pm Denise Jackson made a motion to adjourn. Scott Ward seconded. Unanimous.