Town of Little Mountain
Meeting Minutes – November 13, 2018
The Little Mountain Town Council met in regular session on Tuesday, November 13, 2018. Present for the meeting were Mayor Jana Jayroe, Council Members Jeff Jefcoat, Marty Frick, Charles Shealy and Melvin Bowers. Mayor Jayroe called the meeting to order at 6:27 pm and gave the invocation.
Council reviewed the meeting minutes of October 18, 2018. A typographical error was noted. A motion to accept the minutes with the correction was made by Shealy and seconded by Jefcoat.
Council reviewed the financial report for October 2018. A motion to accept the report as information was made by Jefcoat and seconded by Frick. The motion carried.
Mayor Jayroe welcomed several guests to the meeting. First was Heather Hawkins. Heather was representing the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street Exhibit. The exhibit takes place on December 16 at 4 pm at the Opera House. The Newberry area was chosen for the exhibit and provides a chance to envision growth and development in small rural towns. Heather encouraged members of council to attend the ribbon cutting along with a keynote speaker and short movie.
The next speaker was Meg Muir representing the Newberry County Museum. The construction and renovation of the museum is targeted for completion in February 2019. Meg was joined by Peggy West who encouraged council members to be involved in the project. It was decided that Council Member Bowers would be a good contact person to represent the Council.
Finally, Council welcomed Glynis Abraham from the Little Mountain Elementary School. Glynis discussed the Business Partner in Education Program from LME. The goal of the partnership is to raise money for classroom items instead of the teachers paying for items out of their own pockets. The program has been able to partner with numerous businesses already and has purchased various items for the classrooms.
In other business, Mayor Jayroe welcomed Rick McMackin to the meeting. McCackin is working on a master plan for improvements and renovations to Reunion Park. Mayor Jayroe stated that although the town did not receive the grant to have the master plan developed, she felt that the town should move forward. McCackin explained that the plan would be conducted in two (2) phases. Phase 1 would include a base mapping and public meeting to gather information and probable cost estimates. Phase 2 would include the completed plan and revisions. After a discussion, Shealy motioned to proceed with Phase 1 of the project. The motion was seconded by Bowers and the motion carried.
Mayor Jayroe completed a walkthrough of the Community Center/Library with the contractor this morning. A punch list of items that need to be completed was developed. Additionally, the Fire Marshal inspection is still outstanding. There are some monies left in the project. Jayroe commented that these monies would be used for furnishings, lighting etc. There is potential for the donation of computer desk that Jayroe will follow up on. Also, it was noted that computers can be purchased through TECHSOUP at reasonable costs. Mayor Jayroe has not heard anything recently from the Newberry County Council on Aging regarding their desire to come back to the center. Earlier the NCCOA had requested a large chest freezer and CresCor Warming Oven.
Council discussed plans for the Rocky Branch Trail Head. Gates have been installed however reflective tape along with signs need to be placed on the gates prior to locking. After a discussion, council agreed to put combination locks on the gates. Signs will be ordered from Prison Industries to indicate that gates will be locked at dusk. The current plan is to open the gates daily once the signs, reflective tape and locks can be placed. Council Member Frick will investigate the purchase of small security cameras as well. A motion was made by Frick to proceed with purchasing the needed items. The motion was seconded by Jefcoat and the motion carried. Council Member Bowers reported that the surface material is being moved. He will check to see what the cost of fuel is to complete the job.
Mayor and Council Members reported that they have received no negative comments regarding the LIFENET helicopter. Jayroe asked the members speak to citizens and continue to get feedback.
A request from Little Mountain Elementary School was received to sponsor a child to participate in the annual Washington DC trip. The cost for each child is $480. Council Member Jefcoat motion to sponsor two (2) children. The motion was seconded by Frick and the motion carried.
Mayor Jayroe will contact Jean Barnes regarding the swearing in ceremony in January 2019.
Little Mountain is scheduled to host the Governmental Association Meeting in July 2019. Mayor Jayroe will check to see if another municipality will switch dates since planning for the Reunion will be priority at that time.
Council discussed the nomination of Frank Batson to the Zoning and Planning Commission. Jayroe will forward the nomination to the county.
Council discussed a letter received from Mary Latif requesting the possible rezoning of property on Highway 76. Due to a conflict of interest, Council Member Frick recused himself from the discussion. After some conversation a motion was made by Bowers and seconded by Jefcoat to consider the rezoning in the future to neighbor commercial should the property be sold. The motion carried 4-0. A letter will be sent to Latif stating the action.
Council spoke with Members of The Dutch Fork Genealogy Society regarding a possible usage agreement now that the community center is completed. The members present indicated they will meet with the membership at large to develop an agreement and possible schedule for staffing the center.
Mayor Jayroe shared that the Girl Scouts from Mt. Tabor would like to visit the meeting in January or February. Also, a representative from the Comet Bus Services will be coming in January.
Council Member Shealy reported that the Eagle Project to clean/paint the gazebo at the entrance to Reunion Park had started.
With no further business, Council adjourned at 8:10 pm. The next meeting is scheduled for December 11, 2018.
Respectfully submitted by:
Cindy Farr
Town Clerk