Town of Little Mountain
Meeting Minutes – March 14, 2023
The Little Mountain Town Council met in regular session at the Derrick Community Center on Tuesday, March 14, 2023. Present for the meeting were Mayor Jana Jayroe, Council Members Marty Frick, Laura McLeod, David Bowers, and Steve White, as well as numerous guests. Mayor Jayroe called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm and White gave the invocation.
Minutes of the February 2023 meeting was reviewed. A motion was made by Frick and seconded by Bowers to approve the minutes as presented. The motion carried.
Council reviewed the financial report for February 2023. A motion to accept the report as information was made by McLeod and seconded by White. The motion carried.
Council welcomed Mark and Terry Watkins to the meeting. The Watkins’ have a contract to purchase the property at 1098 Main Street, Little Mountain. Mark Watkins introduced others present at the meeting including realtor, Michael Bedenbaugh, bank representatives and owner of Little Mountain Flower Shoppe which is located next door to 1098 Main Street. The contract for purchase of the home is pending while home inspections are completed. The Watkins’ presentation included a slide show tour of the home and their ideas for using the home as an AirBnB and wine tasting venue. There is currently no timeline, however, the Watkins’ would like to be open by summer 2024. As a part of finalizing the sell of the property, the Watkins’ requested that the town change the current zoning to commercial. Members of council spoke in support of the project and commented that a change to commercial zoning would be consistent with the current use of the properties in the area. Council will present a letter of support regarding the zoning change to the Watkins’ to assist with closing the purchase of the property.
In old business:
- The work on the sewer connection for the community center has started. Weather is still an issue, but it is hopeful that the work will soon be completed.
- Council Member McLeod reported that the website development is moving forward. Currently the new web designer is converting and repairing issues with the existing website. It is hoped that both the town and reunion sites will be ready in April.
- Equipment for the ball field has been purchased and scheduling is running smoothly at this time.
- Mayor Jayroe has signed documentation for an environmental study of the parcels to be transferred to the Newberry County School District. She is optimistic that the agreement will be finalized by the end of June.
- Council continued the discussion of cleaning and trash pickup services. The town clerk will contact Well’s Sanitation to discuss locating commercial sized rolling dumpsters at town facilities.
- Mayor Jayroe continues to address concerns regarding the Little Mountain Post Office. She has spoken with numerous people and is compiling complaints from users.
- The town clerk is working with the insurance and the board design company to resolve and repair the town message board.
- The next Reunion meeting will be April 13, 2023, at 6:30 pm.
In new business:
- Local Girl Scout Troop 1836 would like to plant flowers for a community project. After some discussion, council members suggested either Brady Park or the library for planting. Council Member Bowers offered to cultivate one of the beds at the library and it was noted that it would be easier to water plants at the library. The town clerk will contact the troop leader and invite them to attend the meeting in April.
- Council Member McLeod requested the council consider the purchase of doggy waste stations to be located around town. She noted that there have been several occurrences of dog owners not cleaning up after their pets. This is a nuisance for the many walkers in town.
- It is time for the 2023-24 budget process. Council discussed reviewing a worksheet at the April meeting. A first reading will be held on May 9 with a second reading and public hearing on June 13.
- The LOL Studio has requested a ribbon cutting on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at 10 am.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:30 pm.
Respectfully submitted by:
Cindy Farr
TOLM Town Clerk
