Town of Little Mountain
Meeting Minutes – February 13, 2024
The Little Mountain Town Council met in regular session on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at the Derrick Center. Present for the meeting were Mayor Jana Jayroe, Council Members, Marty Frick, and Steve White. Mayor Jayroe called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm and the invocation was given by Council Member Frick.
Mayor Jayroe welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced the candidates running for Seat 1 and Seat 2 in the special election on March 26, 2024. Candidates Mary Buntin and Patrick Bowers were in attendance. Caroline Attaway was in attendance to represent her husband, Lane, who was out of town on business. The candidates gave a brief introduction, and the mayor and council wished them luck in the upcoming election.
The council reviewed the meeting minutes of January 2024. A motion to accept the minutes as presented was made by Council Member Frick and seconded by White. The motion carried 3-0.
The council reviewed the financial report ending January 2024. White motioned to accept the report as information. Frick seconded the motion and the motion carried 3-0.
A motion was made by Frick at 6:33 pm to open a public hearing for the purpose of discussion on the rezoning request to TMS No. 607-4-5-16. The motion was seconded by White and carried. The property owner, Laura Mcleod, spoke briefly and explained that presently the use of the property was unknown. McLeod stated that she is open to the home to be a low-profile commercial space such as an office or to a residential space for a family. She added that by rezoning to neighbor-commercial, both uses would be allowable. Charles Shealy, an adjacent property owner, voiced concern about the home becoming commercial property and asked if the request could be tabled until there was a clear identified use for the property. Council Member White commented that while he felt the neighbor-commercial was appropriate, he would agree to tabling the discussion until after the special election, giving the new council members a voice. Council Member Frick also agreed with the neighborhood -commercial zoning but did voice concern over there being no specific plan currently for the property. Mayor Jayroe stated that a neighborhood -commercial designation for the property would fit within the desired uses and other surrounding properties. Mayor Jayroe stated that the rezoning was at the request of the property owner and the council would move forward. The public hearing was closed at 6:51 pm. A motion was made by White to hold the first reading of the ordinance. The motion was seconded by White, and the motion passed unanimously. The town clerk read the ordinance. The second reading will be scheduled at the March 2024 meeting.
The council has reviewed and discussed a new business license ordinance in accordance with a tiered rate system and the NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) classifications. This ordinance will be in effect beginning January 1, 2025. A motion was made by Frick and seconded by White to approve the first reading of the ordinance. The motion passed.
The council reviewed a proposed new election ordinance. The new ordinance would give the Newberry County Election Commission the ability to conduct municipal elections for the town. The new ordinance also would include filing fees for candidates. The council will continue to review the ordinance to ensure compliance with election laws prior to scheduling the first reading.
The work on the town hall project is progressing. The council reviewed some options for tables and chairs. The town clerk will contact the fire marshal to determine the occupancy of the building and any other safety measures that need to be in place.
Everyone was reminded of the first planning meeting for the Reunion on February 22, 2024.
In new business:
The council discussed the creation of a business alliance. Businesses would manage the alliance while the town would partner with the alliance to offer various types of support. The town clerk will draft an invitation letter to businesses for setting up an initial meeting.
The council reviewed and approved a reimbursement for the library manager for $13.43 for story time supplies.
Mayor Jayroe reminded everyone that work will begin on railroad crossings in town next week. Information will be provided via the website and social media. Mayor Jayroe asked citizens and those traveling through the town to be patient during this time.
The town clerk reported that the library had thirty-seven (37) visitors in December and twenty-four (24) in January.
Mark and Terry Watkins announced that the Boland House would be hosting a Derby Day on May 4, 2024.
With no further business the meeting was adjourned at 7:23 pm.
Respectfully submitted by:
Cindy Farr, TOLM Town Clerk