Town of Little Mountain
August 14, 2018 Meeting Minutes
The Little Mountain Town Council met in regular session on Tuesday, August 14, 2018. Present for the meeting were Council Members Melvin Bowers, Charles Shealy (returning from an out of town trip, arrived at 7:10 pm) Jeff Jefcoat, Marty Frick and Mayor Jana Jayroe.
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm and the welcome and invocation given by Mayor Jayroe.
Council reviewed the meeting minutes of July 2018. A typographical error was noted. A motion was made by Jefcoat and seconded by Bowers to accept the minutes as noted with the correction. The motion carried 4-0.
Council reviewed the financial report for July 2017. A motion to accept the report as information was made by Bowers and seconded by Frick. The motion carried 4-0.
Mayor Jayroe opened the conversation with Council regarding long term planning for the traffic issues in town. The proposed widening on Interstate 26 is projected to take eight (8) years to complete. Bowers commented that the traffic on Mountain Street between 6:30 and 7:15 am is heavy. Frick remarked about the potential subdivision growth in the Chapin area that would make the traffic on Mountain Street increase drastically. Jayroe commented that there is interest in developing a subdivision behind the Caldwell Construction building however due to the W. Church Street Extension not progressing, the subdivision development is not feasible. Jayroe stated that Council needs to be creative and come up with some ideas that can make the traffic situation better. She included suggestions such as one-way streets and double yellow lines in areas. She requested that Council give thought to these ideas and others and to come back to the September meeting ready to discuss possible options. Council Member Jefcoat noted that Highway Patrol had been monitoring Highway 202 and that traffic had slowed. Jefcoat commented that he would like to see the town purchase permanent flashing signs to monitor speed. Jayroe commented that Council may want to invite Representative Rick Martin to a meeting in the future to share ideas. Another suggestion was to place a NO THUR TRUCKS sign at the dental office considering the accident when the dental sign was destroyed by a truck making the turn. Jayroe would like to see islands placed down the middle of Hwy 202 and Frick commented that the traffic needs to be moved away from pedestrians walking on the sidewalks.
In other business, Jayroe will contract the electrician regarding the gas lanterns at the town center gazebo. Council would like to have them switched to electric with a flickering light. It was noted that if a solar option is available that would be preferred.
The Caldwell Construction Building has been sold and will be used as an event venue. Jayroe has spoken with the new owners and offered a welcome and assistance from the town.
Council Member Shealy noted that Bower’s Lawn Maintenance has requested to use chemicals in and around the areas that were strawed for the Reunion to keep them neat. Council approved of the spraying but does not want Round Up used. Jefcoat asked that the bushes on the town side of the railroad be sprayed. Council Member Frick noted that the growth regulator he has used on his bushes was working very well. He had had a conservation with Bowers regarding the chemical he used and said he would talk with Bowers again. The growth regulator could potentially be used on the shrubbery in town.
In old business, Jayroe stated that the Reunion was a success despite some rain. The crowds were larger than ever and fiscally the reunion is doing better. There is some damage to the ballfield due to the rain and rides. The county maintains the ballfield. Jayroe will speak to them to ensure that the field is repaired. The newly painted restroom floors at Reunion park also did not withstand the Reunion traffic. Frick commented that they will probably have to be painted with an epoxy paint.
Library construction has started and is progressing. There have been some issues with the fire system being activated mistake. Jayroe has informed the constructors that 911 should be called since the fire system has been deactivated under construction is completed. There is also an issue with some boards that have warped and will need to be replaced.
Jayroe spoke to Council regarding on-going issues at Rocky Branch. There is surface material at the site that needs to be spread on the trail head. There are on-going issues with cars parking and people in the shelter all night. Council agreed to barricade the entrance to Rocky Branch and place “under construction” signs at the road. The town clerk will contact prison industries to have the signs made. Frick suggested having gates placed at the entrance that could be opened and closed when the bathrooms are opened and closed. Council agreed.
Jayroe informed Council that she has requested Accommodations Tax for the Reunion. She is scheduled to attend a meeting for the request.
The Newberry County Museum has requested local citizens to assist with issues at the museum and provide information. After a brief discussion, council agreed that the two most knowledgeable persons would be Melvin Bowers and Margaret Jayroe.
The next scheduled meeting of the council is Sept. 11. The town clerk will be on vacation this week and out of town. Council agreed to move the meeting date in September to the 18th. The town clerk will send out a reminder.
With no further business the meeting was adjourned at 7:31 pm.
Respectfully submitted by:
Cindy Farr
Town Clerk