Meeting Minutes December 3, 2024
The Little Mountain Town Council met in regular session on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at the Derrick Community Center. A call to order was given at 6:27 pm by Mayor Jana Jayroe with Council Members Patrick Bowers, Marty Frick, Mary Buntin and Jillian Long in attendance. Mayor Jayroe welcomed guests to the meeting. An invocation was given by Long.
Council Members reviewed the minutes of the regular meeting of November 2024. A motion was made by Frick and seconded by Bowers to accept the minutes as presented, the motion carried.
The financial report ending November 2024 was reviewed. Frick made a motion to accept the report as information, the motion was seconded by Long. The motion carried.
In old business:
- Mayor Jayroe updated the Council on the renovations for Reunion Park. While the process is moving forward there are still a few items regarding infrastructure that need to be addressed before the actual work begins. At this time the plan includes the following improvements: – traffic will not be permitted in the park – the wooden gazebo will be removed – a new playground will be located behind the red roof gazebo- there will be upgrades made to the red roof gazebo to improve drainage- a new entrance sign- the flagpoles will be moved- a paved pedestrian walkway will be added- there will be a paved area for handicap parking and accessibility to the park- bollards will be placed around the ballfield- stages will be upgraded- electrical will be upgraded- there will be a handicap balcony at the restroom shelter- a new bathroom will be added to the lower level of the park- a walking trail- and if possible, upgrades will be made to the BBQ/concession area. Jayroe stated that there would be another meeting of the CSTP in January and she would have a better idea of a timeline and how the construction will affect the 2025 Reunion planning.
- Mayor Jayroe, Council Member Frick and the town clerk met with the insurance adjustor regarding damage to Reunion Park and Rocky Branch. The clerk will forward all estimates to the adjustor. The speed monitor will not be covered. The town clerk is ensuring that the monitors are included on the town’s covered property in the future.
- The council reviewed bids for the removal of the tree in Reunion Park that fell on the BBQ shed. Three bids were received. After some discussion, Bowers made a motion to accept the bid from Foster Tree Care. The motion was seconded by Long and the motion was carried unanimously. Foster Tree Care completed all the necessary documentation including proof of insurance.
- The council discussed the usage of the Section House. There is a great need for storage space to house town records. Additionally, municipal office space is needed. The council agreed to move forward with moving files to the Section House and setting up an office for the town clerk.
- Council thanked Nanette White for organizing the annual Christmas Tree Lighting. The event was held on December 1 and was a great success. White thanked the many volunteers, businesses and organizations that assisted with the event.
- The town clerk met with Bowers Lawn Care to discuss winter lawn maintenance. Trimming the crepe myrtle trees from Depot Street to the crossing at the Cotton Press will begin in January. The town clerk will contact tree services for a quote on trimming the trees along the railroad.
- Council briefly discussed the pole on the mountain that is used for Christmas lights. Council Member Frick had reported that the pole was damaged. The town clerk will follow up with ETV regarding the damage.
- Mayor Jayroe stated that she had been in contact with the town’s Dominion Energy Representative. There are no plans to clear the tree damage at Rocky Branch. Jayroe pointed out that it is a nature area and that the town would need to have the trail only cleared.
- Council Member Bowers checked off several general maintenance needs to include installing the key box, door chimes and message board at the Derrick Center. The town clerk contacted a lock smith to rekey the kitchen door and repair the genealogy library door.
- The town clerk is waiting for a quote from Prison Industries on the sign for the road at the helipad.
- The town clerk reached out to Newberry Emergency Management regarding the FEMS Flood Insurance Program. She is waiting for information.
- The Reunion Park and Rocky Branch have been winterized for the season.
- Columbia Fire and Safety conducted an inspection at the Derrick Center. Back up safety lighting on the exit signs need new batteries.
- In new business:
- Council Member Bowers reported that the town street banners need replacing. Many of the banners are damaged by the weather. The town clerk will contact the vendor for replacements. Mayor Jayroe asked that a new, more colorful design be considered.
- Council reviewed a request for reimbursement for the Christmas Tree Lighting in the amount of $ 686.65. A motion was made by Frick to approve the reimbursement and seconded by Bowers; the motion carried.
- Council reviewed the following contracts – Lawn Maintenance; the current contract will be considered for renewal in April 2025. The contract can be renewed through 2026. After some discussion, Council would like to meet with Bowers Lawn Care in February 2025 to discuss any trouble spots. Dutch Fork Radio Use of Building- council reviewed the contract and agreed that no changes were needed at this time.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:40 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Farr, TOLM Town Clerk