Town of Little Mountain Meeting Minutes – July 9, 2024
The Little Mountain Town Council met in regular session on Tuesday, July 9 at 6:30 pm at the Derrick Community Center. Present for the meeting were Mayor Jana Jayroe, Council Member Marty Frick and Council Member Patrick Bowers.
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm by Mayor Jayroe. Council Member Frick gave the invocation. There were no public comments on agenda items.
The Council reviewed the meeting minutes of the June 2024 meeting. A motion to accept the minutes as presented was made by Frick and seconded by Bowers. The motion carried 3-0.
The Council reviewed the financial report ending June 2024. A motion to accept the report as information was made by Frick and seconded by Bowers. The motion carried 3-0.
The Council welcomed Brian Buntin to the meeting. Mr. Buntin offered to donate carpeting for the Section House. After a brief discussion, Council thanked Mr. Buntin for the offer and accepted the donation.
Mayor Jayroe welcomed guests to the meeting. Roxie Moore made a brief statement regarding the Rocky Branch Natural Area and introduced representatives from the South Carolina Wildlife Federation. Moore presented at the June meeting of council and requested council’s consideration to allow the South Carolina Wildlife Federation to acquire Rocky Branch. Sara Green, Executive Director, spoke about the vision for Rocky Branch to include conservation and education. Jay Heck, Industry Habitat Manager, discussed the many unique features of the area. Council Member Frick asked if the trail head would remain open to the public. The Federation intends on having the trail open to the public during daylight hours. Both the Council and members of the Federation agreed that the town was limited in maintaining all the maintenance needs of the trail. Mayor Jayroe expressed agreement with the proposal and informed the group that the town owns the property however, the area is in a conversation easement with the Upper Savannah Land Trust. Mayor Jayroe asked that the SC Wildlife Federation contact the Upper Savannah Land Trust to ensure that their plans are in line with easement guidelines and/or restrictions. Secondly, Mayor Jayroe informed the group that capital sales tax funds had been used at the trail head. Mayor Jayroe will contact the town attorney to see what impact this will have. Thirdly, Dominion Energy has a power line right of way on the trail. Mayor Jayroe suggested that they contact Dominion to see what this would entail in their plans.
In old business:
- The Reunion Committee will meet Thursday, July 11 at 6:30 pm. Council Members Bowers and Frick will broadcast fire ant treatment from the railroad crossing at Holy Trinity to Mill Street next to the railroad where parade goers gather.
- Painting at the Derrick Center and Reunion Park is scheduled to begin next week with no weather delays.
- There was no vote on the use of the siren at the Rural Fire Board meeting. The Board meets quarterly so the next meeting would take place in September. The Council discussed the issue at length including how the siren is impacting businesses and the wishes of some residents. The Council agreed to write a letter opposing the use of the siren. Mayor Jayroe will reach out to other municipalities to discuss their opinions of siren use.
- The search for a Section House tenant continues. One potential renter has looked at the property numerous times. She would like to ask questions and share her vision with Council. A possible Zoom call will be set up later.
- The council discussed numerous maintenance issues that need to be addressed. Bowers and Frick indicated that they would look at completing some of the list.
In new business:
- A request has been made to annex Newberry County Tax TMS 697-9 (Lindler Property) into the town. The request was made by the current landowners. The annexation would include the entire 16-acre track. After a brief discussion, a motion was made by Frick to hold a special meeting on July 23 to hold the first reading of the ordinance. The motion was seconded by Bowers and the motion was carried unanimously. A special meeting will be held on July 23 at 6:30 pm at the Derrick Center.
With no further business a motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 8 pm.
Respectfully submitted by:
Cindy Farr
Town Clerk