MEETING MINUTES – May 13, 2025
The Little Mountain Town Council met on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at the Derrick Community Center. Present at the meeting were Mayor Jana Jayroe, Council Members Patrick Bowers, Mary Buntin, Marty Frick and Jillian Long. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm and the invocation was given by Council Member Long.
The council reviewed the meeting minutes of April 2025. A motion was made by Bowers and seconded by Long to accept the minutes as presented. The motion carried.
The council reviewed the financial report ending April 2025. A motion was made to accept the report as information by Frick and Buntin seconded the motion, and the motion carried.
A motion was made by Frick and seconded by Long to begin the public hearing on the Nuisance Properties, Debris Removal and Abandoned Properties Ordinance and the Limited and Temporary Moratorium on a Subdivision of a Tract of Land Ordinance. The public hearing began at 6:34 pm. Mayor Jayroe stated that the first reading of these ordinances was held and passed at the April 2025 meeting. A question was received from the public regarding the time frame for the ordinances to go into effect. Mayor Jayroe commented that the ordinances would be effective immediately. There was also an inquiry regarding the amount of time for the moratorium. The ordinance will be in effect for 270 days (approximately 9 months) with an option for an additional ninety (90) days. With no further questions or comments from the public, a motion was made by Frick and seconded by Bowers to end the public hearing at 6:37 pm.
A motion was made by Frick and seconded by Bowers to approve the second reading of the Nuisance Properties, Debris Removal and Abandoned Properties Ordinance. The motion was carried 5-0. A motion was made by Frick and seconded by Bowers to approve the Temporary Moratorium on a Subdivision of a Tract of Land Ordinance. The motion passed 5-0.
Mayor Jayroe discussed the proposed general operating budget for 2025-26. The town’s fiscal year begins July 1 and ends June 30. The current millage is 54.22 mills. The projected revenues and expenditure for 2025-26 are $180,822. To meet this operating budget, the town has set its tax levy for 2025-26 to 56.22 mills. A public hearing for the 2025-26 general operating budget will be held at the June meeting on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at the Derrick Community Center at 6:30 pm. A motion was made by Long to hold the first reading of the budget ordinance. A second to the motion was made by Buntin and the motion passed unanimously.
In other business:
- Regular business hours have started at the Section House (Town Clerk Office). Hours are from 10 am to 4 pm on Wednesdays. The bid process continues for the pathway, painting, repair of bathroom floor and front porch steps. The council reviewed the punch list of items that need to be completed. The repair of the bathroom floor and porch steps are the priority. Mayor Jayroe also asked that the drop box be installed as soon as possible. The council discussed a change to the pathway. The town clerk will contact the bidder with the suggested changes.
- Limbs and other debris have been removed from Reunion Park. The grass cutting should be completed by the end of the month for an official reopening of the park. The ball field is already being utilized on a regular basis. Mayor Jayroe shared the current plans for the renovation of Reunion Park. There is still no starting date for work to begin.
- Council Member Bowers gave an update on possible funding for the clean-up of Rocky Branch. The final decision on state funding will not be known until July 1. Mayor Jayroe stated that she did not think the old BBQ pit would be taken down before the reunion. The council agreed that an orange construction mesh would need to be placed around the pit to keep people out of the area until the structure is removed.
- Business Licenses for 2025 were due and payable as of May 1. Any businesses that have not yet submitted their applications and fees will be sent a letter. There is a five (5) percent late fee after May 1. That fee increases to ten (10) percent after June 1. The town clerk is working. Changes are coming to the business directory board due to new guidelines approved earlier this year. Some of the businesses will be removed and other businesses will be added. The town clerk is searching for a vendor to make the vinyl lettering.
- Mayor Jayroe and the Council discussed the Hwy 76/176 feasibility study that is being conducted. There will be a meeting on Thursday, May 22, from 12 noon until 2 pm at the Chapin Town Hall for citizens to provide feedback. Jayroe encouraged council members and citizens to attend the meeting. Information about the meeting is available on flyers around town, the town website and the town Facebook page.
- The council discussed needed repairs to the concession area at Reunion Park. Bowers said he would look at the area to determine what needs to be done prior to the Reunion.
- The council discussed the purchase of a battery powered blower for Reunion Park. Also discussed, purchasing permanent handicap parking signs for the Section House/Brady Park/Old Town Hall area and Reunion Park. The council approved these purchases and flags to decorate the town center for Memorial Day and July 4th.
- The Voter Registration Office newsletter was shared. Petitions for the upcoming municipal election were available.
- A request for reimbursement was received from the library manager for story time supplies. The reimbursement for $51.89 was approved.
With no further business, a motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Bowers and seconded by Long. The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 pm.
Respectfully submitted by
Cindy Farr
Town Clerk