The Little Mountain Town Council met in regular session on Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at 6:30 pm via ZOOM Video Conferencing. Present for the meeting were Mayor Jana Jayroe, Council Members Marty Frick, Steve White, David Bowers and Laura McLeod.
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm by Mayor Jayroe. Council Member Laura McLeod gave the invocation. Council expressed their sympathy to Mayor Jayroe for the passing of her mother-in-law, Margaret Jayroe. Margaret Jayroe has been recognized as the historian for the town for many years contributing stories for the Little Mountain Reunion. Margaret was also supporter of the Derrick Center Library.
Council reviewed the meeting minutes of March 2021. A motion was made by Frick to accept the minutes as presented. White made a second, and the motion was passed 5-0.
Council reviewed the financial report of March 2021. A motion was made by Frick and seconded by White to accept the report as information. The motion carried 5-0.
In old business:
- There was nothing to report on the sewer line. Th town clerk requested an update from the plumber, but no update was received.
- Council Member Bowers reported that he expected to have the storage room shelves installed within the week.
- The Highway 202 bridge is scheduled to close on April 26. Council discussed having all the new pavement markings completed while the bridge is closed to take advantage of less traffic. Council Member White will contact contractors to get estimates for the markings. The new markings will include crosswalks, parallel parking, and double yellow lines. The goal is to narrow the road in some areas and reduce speeding. Council Member Frick reported that the boy scouts are still planning to paint lines in the parking areas. This task should be completed soon.
- Council Member Frick is working with the business directory board vendor to have additional panels added. The response to the board has been very positive and currently there are not enough spaces to accommodate all the businesses.
- Council Member Frick has also been reaching out to vendors for an estimate on the gazebo roof. He has been unable to any responses.
- Council Member McLeod has been working on the “Talk of the Town” Newsletter. She reported that Paper Pro will be printing and mailing out the newsletters.
- Council continued to look at the Business License Standardization Act. A draft letter was reviewed, and council agreed to go ahead and mail the letter out to businesses.
- The town clerk reported that Tim Cornelison had reported that the 2019-2020 Financial Audit was still in review.
- Council Member Frick has been in contact with the Sheriff’s Department regarding trash dumped at Rocky Branch. Council agreed to purchase two (2) cameras for observation of the area.
In new business:
The group that plays cards at Derrick Center has requested to return. Ms. Myrtie Wessinger has reported that all the players have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Council agreed that the players can begin using the center on Wednesday afternoons.
Council reviewed a request from the American Business Women’s Association for use of the Derrick Center for meetings. The group requested the use pro bono and would be using the center one to two times per month. Council members agreed that due to the cost of cleaning and utilities, pro bono use would not be appropriate. After some discussion, Council asked that the town clerk contact the group and negotiate an appropriate fee. The town clerk will report back to council.
Council reviewed the FY 21-22 Worksheet in preparation of the new fiscal year operating budget. The first reading of the 21-22 budget will be held at the May meeting. A public hearing will be held at the June meeting.
Council discussed the Municipal Election Day Ordinances. Per the Election Commission the town will no longer be able to hold elections as a part of the General Election. Municipal elections will be held on odd years and all municipalities would share in the cost of the election. Mayor Jayroe has been in touch with the commission and had numerous questions related to the legality and rational for the change. Council reviewed election ordinances from the Town of Prosperity and the Town of Silverstreet. After review, council agreed that the ordinance from Silverstreet was more in line and appropriate.
Frick and Bowers have been in contact with the lawn care vendor about various changes going forward. A cost report from the vendor was received. Council discussed the crepe myrtles along Main Street. Alternatives to the crepe myrtles were discussed including adding large planters. McLeod also discussed the low hanging limbs in front of the Owens property. Another ongoing issue has been the mud running into the road at the corner of Highway 76 and 202. Bowers indicated that he would look at that and come up with a solution. The annual lawn care contract will be discussed for renewal at the May meeting.
Council Member McLeod will meet the insurance representative on Thursday to look at town properties including the Section house, Derrick Center, town hall and Dutch Fork Radio Building.
Council Member Frick discussed having a key box in a central location with a set of all keys available for backup purposes.
Council Member White encouraged council to think about a corn hole tournament for the fall.
Council Member Bowers encouraged the creation of a Farmer’s Market for Reunion Park. Council members were excited about this and agreed to discuss further.
The town clerk will check on bank signatures and ensure that all accounts have appropriate signatures on file.
With no further business, Council will meet the third week of May at 6:30 pm in person at the Derrick Center.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:13 pm.
Respectfully submitted by:
Cindy Farr
Town Clerk