Becky Banks

The meeting included two public hearings regarding proposed zoning ordinances for properties on NW Biarritz Court and 700 West Columbia Avenue, both concluding without citizen input. Key actions taken included the adoption of second readings for both rezoning ordinances. Under new business, the Council held a first reading for an ordinance to annex property at 408 Town Pond Road, a first reading update on the Business License Ordinance, and approved an H-Tax grant request from the South Carolina Poultry Festival. The Council also approved a contractor to paint the exterior of the Train Depot at Wilson Street Park and approved a subaward agreement with Central Midlands Council of Governments for the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant. The Manager's Report covered the retirement of Judy Edwards, presentations on new corn hole boards for Leesville College Park, and an update from the League of Women's Voters. Project updates highlighted progress on the water project, Pine Street Corner Parking, Park restrooms, and securing tree grants following Hurricane Helene. The session concluded with an executive session to discuss a contractual agreement with Vista Carolinas regarding roads in Woodlawn Subdivision, which was subsequently approved.

The meeting commenced with three public hearings regarding an ordinance to annex property at 408 Town Pond Road (to be zoned R-1), an ordinance to rezone property at 450, 452 Duncan Street (from R-1 to R-1A), and an update to the Business License Ordinance; no citizens provided input for these hearings. The regular meeting proceeded with the approval of the agenda. Unfinished Business included the second reading and adoption of the annexation ordinance, the rezoning ordinance, and the Business License Ordinance update, all of which passed. New Business featured the first reading of an ordinance to annex property on Line Street, which was tabled. Other actions included tabling the approval of a contractor for the Automated Metering Infrastructure project, approving the first reading of an ordinance to sell property on North Pine Street, and passing a resolution in support of an LWCF Grant. The council accepted the results of the November 4, 2025 election and recognized outgoing members while swearing in newly elected members. Committee reports noted that the Joint Municipal Water/Sewer Commission finalized a contract with the Town of Swansea and reported physical year 25 water growth at 3.16%. The Chamber of Commerce provided updates on recent and upcoming community events. The Manager's Report covered town holidays, a scheduled work session for new council members, and updates on the Water Project, Park restrooms, the Safe Streets For All grant, the comprehensive plan sections, the paused Eau Claire Cooperative Health Land Swap, and the Arbor Day Grant. Financial statements for various town funds as of November 1, 2025, were presented.

The Special Council Meeting included the acceptance of results from the November 18, 2025 Run-Off Election, recognition of the outgoing Mayor, and the swearing in of the newly elected Mayor. The subsequent Council Work Session featured an orientation presentation for newly elected council members by the Municipal Association of South Carolina, covering topics such as leadership roles, civility, FOIA basics, and ethics. Additionally, there was a presentation and discussion regarding a proposed smart meter (AMI) upgrade project with GRP Wegman, which has a projected cost of $2,792,318.00 and a projected 20-year net benefit of $11,799,999.00.

The proceedings began with a public hearing regarding the rezoning of 114 North Pine Street from C1 General Commercial to C2 Office and Institutional Commercial. The regular council meeting included the approval of the agenda and the adoption of minutes for the regular council meeting on May 14th and the work session on May 29th, 2018. Committee reports covered updates on the COG, environmental planning, and a detailed presentation on the Joint Municipal Water and Sewer Commission's budget and master plan for the water distribution system. Further discussion involved paving projects for local roads and Highway One, and concerns were raised regarding communication flow between the County Council, the Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Committee, and the Council concerning the industrial park infrastructure funding. The Council considered and failed to pass a second reading ordinance concerning the rezoning of 114 North Pine Street. A resolution was passed approving a Municipal State Highway Project Agreement related to a TAP grant for sidewalk projects, committing the town to remedy any impacts to water/sewer infrastructure. Finally, the council moved to approve recommended candidates for appointments to the Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Hospitality Tax Advisory Panel.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and pledge of allegiance. Key agenda items included the adoption of the agenda and minutes from previous meetings (April 9th Regular Council Meeting, April 23rd Special Council Meeting, and April 23rd Council Work Session). Council committee reports covered transportation issues, including discussions on public transit service levels, a dedicated shuttle from Town Hall, and ongoing problems with NPDES permits and water quality management plans, including the nomination of personnel for a technical subcommittee. The Water and Sewer Committee reported on budget work sessions, financial projections, and the quick resolution of a water main break. The Economic Development Committee provided updates following a meeting with the South Carolina Department of Transportation regarding intersection improvements and road widening projects, noting current constraints on funding for specific projects like Font Branch widening. Reports also noted the scheduling of future paving projects and the review of a neighborhood ordinance. Other discussions involved an operations budget increase, personnel appointments, and receiving significant donations for the visual and performing arts campuses, as well as planning for a spring celebration. Proclamations were passed recognizing Batesburg-Leesville Elementary School for receiving the Palmetto Finest Award, National Police Week 2018, and Poppy Day 2018. A resolution was adopted to waive yard sale permit fees for an event on Highway 23. The new business section focused heavily on the approval of contractor and funds for the replacement of existing sidewalks, reviewing bids received for the $40,000 project funded by county seed funds, prioritizing high-traffic areas along major highways.