Town of Little Mountain
November 2022 – Meeting Minutes
The Little Mountain Town Council met in regular session on Wednesday, November 9, 2022. The regular meeting schedule was changed due to mid-term elections being held at the Derrick Center. Present for the meeting was Mayor Jana Jayroe, Council Members Steve White, Marty Frick, Laura McLeod, and David Bowers.
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm by Mayor Jayroe. Mayor Jayroe welcomed all to the meeting. The invocation was given by Council Member Frick.
An anonymous letter signed as a concerned citizen of Little Mountain was received. While Mayor Jayroe stated that it was not the policy of council to consider unsigned letters, council members did review the concerns. The unnamed person commented that some of the sidewalks in town needed attention due to debris and overgrown grass that impaired walkers. The letter also complained about cats being fed on sidewalks. No further action was taken.
Council reviewed the meeting minutes of the October 10, 2022, special called meeting. A motion was made by Frick and seconded by McLeod to approve the minutes as presented. The motion carried 5-0. The meeting minutes of the regular session October 11, 2022, meeting was reviewed. A motion was made by Frick and seconded by Bowers to approve as presented. The motion carried 5-0.
The financial report for October 2022 was reviewed. Frick motioned to accept the report as information. The motion was seconded by White, and the motion carried.
In other business and updates, the following was discussed:
- County Transportation Committee – After a brief discussion, council added potential sidewalk construction for Highway 202 within the town limits and from Mt. Zion Church to Rocky Branch Trail Head. Council Member Frick noted that the bank at the corner of Hwy 76 and Hwy 202 had been repaired and seeded by Patrick Bowers. The repairs will keep water and mud from washing into the road. Frick asked the town clerk to send a thank you note to Mr. Bowers in appreciation. Frick also commented on the repairs needed at the railroad crossings. Frick spoke to one of the CSX workers and was told that the rough crossings would need to be reported via the 800-phone number. The town clerk will follow up.
- An online Facebook survey is available for residents to respond to the trash collection survey. Council Member McLeod is working on a mailer as well. A drop box will be placed at the Derrick Center for the return of the mailers.
- Plans are set for the Christmas Tree Lighting on December 4, 2022, from 4:30 – 6:30 pm at the Brady Park. Nanette White has been working with the seniors at the Derrick Center to make wreaths and they are completed. The chorus from Little Mountain Elementary will be performing Christmas songs and a visit from Santa is planned. The Masonic Lodge will be providing cookies and hot chocolate. The Maintenance Contractor is working to upgrade some of the electrical at Brady Park as well as some minor repairs at town hall. The lawn maintenance crew has been trimming some of the crepe myrtles. Council reviewed bids from 2 contactors to add pine straw and other enhancements to Brady Park. After some discussion it was decided that the existing lawn crew would add pine straw and the other enhancements would be on hold until further renovations at the town hall are completed. McLeod is working to get a draft design for Christmas banners. The cost of the banners will be separate from the Christmas event budget.
- Mayor Jayroe discussed the use of the American Rescue Plan funds. The sewer connection to Derrick Center will be paid through the ARP funds. The remaining ARP funds has been received. Mayor Jayroe also stated that the capital sales referendum was passed on November 8. Other projects will include an additional restroom at Reunion Park.
- The bids for cleaning services are due by Nov. 21. An ad for bids was placed in the Newberry Observer and on the town Facebook page.
- McLeod is working with potential vendors to revamp the websites for the town and reunion.
- Mayor Jayroe commented on the parcels that will be given to the Newberry County School District for a new driveway. The parcels will be used so that traffic will no longer go through Reunion Park. This will eliminate expenses of maintaining the lots in addition to the wear on the road through the park. In return for the contribution of the lots the school district will allow the town to have a voice in the signage and landscaping.
- Council member White and Bowers reported that the ball field committee has not met.
- The new guidelines for using town facilities and user fees goes into effect on January 1, 2023. The council reviewed the last recommendations for user fees. After some discussion, a motion was made by Frick and seconded by McLeod to change the deposit for Reunion Park to one hundred dollars. Council will review any further changes when necessary.
- In new business:
- Council reviewed bids to install the grinder pump septic system at the Derrick Center. Council awarded the bid to Metts Construction for $8,900.00. There will be electrical work to be completed. The town clerk will contact Michael Frick to compete the electrical prior to install of the grinder pump.
- Mayor Jayroe congratulated Council Member Frick and Council Member White for their re-election to council.
- Council reviewed invoices from MPI that included an additional and final invoice for the Brady Park gazebo ($3350) and invoices for the large shelter ($2900) and stage ($3240) at Reunion Park. After some discussion council agreed to pay the additional invoice for the gazebo, and the invoice for the shelter. Council would like to look at the stage to ensure the scope of the work (painting) was completed prior to paying the invoice.
- Council Member White made a recommendation to increase council member salaries. His recommendation was based on a three-year plan and salaries from surrounding municipalities Mayor Jayroe noted that any increase would be an item for the FY 2023-24 budget. Council agreed to consider possible increases with the next budget.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted by:
Cindy Farr
Town Clerk
