Meeting Minutes – April 9, 2024
The Little Mountain Town Council met in regular session on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at the Old Town Hall. The location of the meeting was changed due to the special election voting at the Derrick Center. Present for the meeting were Mayor Jana Jayroe, Council Members, Marty Frick, and Steve White. Also present was newly elected candidate Patrick Bowers and several members of the community. Mayor Jayroe called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm and the invocation was given by Council Member Steve White.
Mayor Jayroe and Council welcomed and congratulated Patrick Bowers on winning his election. Cindy Farr, Town Clerk, administered the Oath of Office to Mr. Bowers.
The council reviewed the meeting minutes of March 2024. A typographical error was noted in the minutes. A motion to accept the minutes with the correction was made by Council Member Frick and seconded by White. The motion carried 4-0.
The council reviewed the financial report ending March 2024. It was noted that the cost of the tables and chairs for the town hall project should be paid from the ARP account ($3314.34). Frick motioned to accept the report as information. Bowers seconded the motion and the motion carried 4-0.
The council continued to review a draft for a new election ordinance. The new ordinance would give the Newberry County Election Commission the ability to conduct municipal elections for the town. The town clerk met with the interim director of the Newberry County Voter and Registration Office on Wednesday, March 13 to discuss the ordinance. The ordinance will maintain the petition process, include filing fees for offices and move elections to the municipal election day in odd years. The council agreed to move forward with the first reading of the ordinance at the May meeting.
There are still some items to be completed at the town hall such as installation of smoke detectors. The metal address sign has been received. There are two windows that need to be replaced. The town clerk will contact a vendor for possible onsite replacement.
The audit process for FY 2022-23 has started. Mayor Jayroe signed the engagement letter for the auditors.
Everyone was reminded of the first planning meeting for the Reunion on April 18, 2024.
The council discussed the hours of operation for the Derrick Center Library. After some discussion, Council Member White motioned to change the hours for May- July to Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am – 4 pm. The motion was seconded by Frick and passed 4-0. The council would like to see some special projects planned for the summer months to encourage more visitors to the library.
In new business:
The Section House will be available May 1 for a new renter. Council agreed that the space is most suitable for professional office space. The town clerk will place the sign in the yard to attract potential interest.
The council reviewed the budget worksheet to prepare the 2024-25 operating budget. After some discussion, the council scheduled a budget work meeting on April 23, 2024.
Council reviewed the current lawn maintenance contract with Bowers Lawn Service. The current contract was started in 2022 and extended to 2023. The contract can be extended annually for a period of five (5) years. The council discussed the closing of Reunion Park for renovations and the impact, if any, on the contract. Council would like to invite Tyler Bowers to the May meeting to discuss. A motion was made by Frick and seconded by White to extend the current contract. The motion carried 4-0.
Jon Paul requested to purchase a field rake for the ball field. He indicated that the rake could be stored at Little Mountain Elementary. Currently $1126.31 remains in the donation for the ball field. Council member Frick motioned to approve the purchase of the rake, the motion was seconded by White and carried unanimously.
Mayor Jayroe reported that the chairs discussed at the last meeting, belonging to the town, could be sold. A date, time and cost would need to be determined. After some discussion, council decided to sell the wooden chairs but not the blue stackable chairs at this time. No discussion was made on the wooden pews. The wooden chairs will be sold for $5 each.
The council reviewed and prioritized the projects lists. Caulking and painting the columns at the Derrick Center, painting the stairs at the Reunion Park stage, and repairing screens at the Reunion Park pit before the Reunion were highlighted.
Mayor Jayroe stated that after much discussion in council meetings and after hearing from citizens she would like for council to consider a resolution regarding the use of the county siren for tornado warnings only. Many citizens have voiced their opinions and the troubles associated with the siren being used for fire and rescue calls. The council agreed and a resolution will be presented at the May meeting.
The council discussed the opening of the new Little Mountain Elementary School driveway. It is expected to be in use within the next two weeks.
The renovations to Reunion Park are expected to begin in November 2024. The areas for renovation will depend on the specifics on the ballot. Mayor Jayroe expects the focus to be on the entrance, stage, and restrooms. It is not known at this time how this will affect the Reunion in 2025.
Mayor Jayroe reminded the council that beginning April 15 wide loads will be routed through Little Mountain due to one lane closure with the interstate construction She asked that everyone use caution during this time.
Council Member Frick noted that many citizens are concerned about communication from the town. Council discussed ways to direct the public to the town website. It was decided to include the town’s website address on entrance signs and the town business directory board. The town clerk will have vinyl lettering made for these locations.
Mayor Jayroe announced that the polls were closed for the special election and Mary Buntin was elected to Seat 1.
With no further business the meeting was adjourned at 7:39 pm
Respectfully submitted by:
Cindy Farr, TOLM Town Clerk