Town Council Meeting
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
The Little Mountain Town Council Meeting for March 11, 2025, was held at the Derrick Community Center. Present for the meeting were Mayor Jana Jayroe, Council Members Marty Frick, Patrick Bowers, Mary Buntin and Jillian Long. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm by Mayor Jayroe and Council Member Frick gave the invocation. Mayor Jayroe welcomed guests to the meeting which included Boy Scout Troop 61 and Pack 111. Griffin Wright was also present to discuss the Rocky Branch Trail Head.
The Council reviewed the meeting minutes of February 2025. A motion to approve was made by Frick and seconded by Long, the motion carried.
The council reviewed the financial statement ending February 2025. A motion to accept the financial report as information was made by Frick and seconded by Bowers, the motion carried 5-0.
Mr. Griffin Wright spoke to the council about his love for the Rocky Branch Trail Head. He and his family use the trail often. Mr. Wright has been through the trail a few times since the devastation of Hurricane Helene. He described the area as “close to destroyed.” Mr. Wright has also taken drone footage of the area. He has estimated that there are approximately three to five hundred trees down in the area and more than 122 over the trail. Mr. Wright explained that to get through parts of the trail, you must crawl “through, over and under”. Mr. Wright is an employee of Carolina Property Services, and he estimates that it will take 2.5 to 3 weeks, depending on the weather and other obstacles, to cut and move trees to make the trail passable. Wright is working with a team, and he is working on a written plan and estimate of work for the council. The council thanked Mr. Wright and looks forward to seeing the scope of work and cost estimate.
In old business:
- The Town Clerk has been moving to the town office to the Section House office. A list of tasks and needed items was shared with the council. The clerk will be meeting with CNNGA and Spectrum on Thursday to have the gas turned on and the internet installed.
- Mayor Jayroe stated that the BBQ shed at Reunion Park has been deemed unsafe. The pit area will have to be demolished. Jayroe stated that the county will dismantle the pit area. The concrete pad will be left and can be used as a picnic area until a decision is made. The concession area did not receive damage from the tree and is safe to use. The town clerk has spoken with Bowers Lawn Care regarding the limbs and leaves in the park. They are developing a plan to clean up all the remaining debris. An electrician is checking all the electricity to ensure safety. Once this is completed, the park will reopen. There is no timeline for the demolition of the pit. Jayroe stated this area will have to be secured until the county completes the job. Charles Shealy asked about the use of the ball field. Mayor Jayroe stated that once we are sure the area is secure, all areas of the park will reopen.
- The new town banners have been received and were shared with the council. The new banners have three (3) different designs and will be staggered on the poles. The council was pleased with the designs.
- The town webmaster is working on the new business license program for the website which will feature a fee calculator. In the meantime, letters have been sent to local businesses and businesses that renew. The town clerk will be available by appointment to assist.
- The Town Clerk reminded the council that Statement of Economic Interest forms are due by March 30.
In new business:
- Mayor Jayroe encouraged Council Members to continue to review the comprehensive plan for Little Mountain. The council will continue to discuss it at the next meeting.
- The council reviewed the Newberry County Ordinance No. 03-01-2025, for a limited and temporary moratorium on subdivisions. After a brief discussion, the council agreed to adopt the ordinance for the town. The first reading will be scheduled for the April meeting.
- The council also reviewed and discussed an ordinance for nuisance properties, properties requiring debris removal and abandoned properties. Mayor Jayroe stated that should the council pass such an ordinance; the county would enforce the ordinance. After some discussion, the council agreed to move forward with a first reading at the April meeting.
- Given the update on the status of Reunion Park and the park renovations, the council agreed that the Reunion Planning Committee should move forward with the 2025 Reunion. A meeting will be scheduled for March 20, 2025, at 6:30 pm for the committee.
- The town clerk has a meeting next with a representative from Palmetto Creek Property Management to discuss solar lighting options for the town entrance signs.
- The council briefly reviewed the budget worksheet. Jayroe asked the members to study the information for further discussion at the April meeting. A first reading of the budget and public hearing will be scheduled for the May meeting.
- The Council reviewed a list of things to do and maintenance needs. Bowers and Frick commented that they will work on the list as time allows.
- A copy of the Newberry County Voter Registration and Election Office newsletter was shared with the council.
- A request for reimbursement for library supplies was submitted. The reimbursement total was $44.65. The reimbursement was approved.
With no further business, a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:15 pm was made by Bowers and seconded by Long. The meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted by:
Cindy Farr