Daniel R. Hughes

The council meeting addressed the approval of FEMA funds for the Fire Department to purchase a service truck as a replacement for the existing vehicle. Other discussions included citizen comments regarding police community involvement and public relations, as well as concerns raised by a local business owner regarding parking regulations on Court Street.

The council convened in an executive session to address allegations of criminal misconduct and personal disciplinary matters regarding an employee, student, or regulated person. Following the session, the Mayor addressed public concerns regarding fabricated claims of bribery related to an annexation process and clarified that a council member had been fully exonerated regarding false accusations. The council committed to focusing on city business in future sessions.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and pledge of allegiance, followed by comments recognizing Veterans Day and congratulating the Pickens High School volleyball team on their 18th state championship. The Administrator's report noted an upcoming tour of the Atkins plant and provided an update on the postponed public hearing regarding road improvements and restriping for state highways through the city, coordinated with the South Carolina Department of Transportation. Key discussions included the approval of Resolution 2025-R3, adopting written beneficiary and/or tenant selection procedures for participation in South Carolina Housing Trust Fund programs, intended to promote attainable housing and repairs. The council also discussed the significant revenue loss trend, estimated at $300,000 year-over-year, associated with issues in both old and new water meters, and the dilemma of attempting to collect past undercharges versus improving future reading accuracy. The council plans for one meeting in December for the swearing-in of newly elected members, with contract renewals scheduled for January.

The regular session commenced after an invocation and pledge of allegiance. Key discussions included the Administrator's report, which detailed the city's ongoing efforts to catch up on overdue fiscal year 2023-2024 audits, with expectations to be fully compliant by the end of the fiscal year. The report also covered updates on garbage truck maintenance, including assistance received from the City of Easley, and upcoming legislative training dates. Council members discussed the annual budget calendar preparation, aiming to advance the timeline due to the audit backlog. Procedural inquiries were raised regarding the placement of Council Comments at the end of the agenda. The council approved prior meeting minutes from November 10, 2025, December 8, 2025, and December 18, 2025. Ally Winters was elected as the new Mayor Pro Tem. Additionally, the council reviewed and approved the 2026 city calendar and initiated the procurement process for on-call engineering and professional services, selecting 51 LLC, whose principal is a former Public Works Director, over two other firms to ensure compliance with competitive solicitation requirements, especially concerning federal grant administration.

The meeting included the oath of office for Councilman James Cameron Rivers, Councilman elect Jonathan Baker, and Council elect Daniel Brooks Adams Jr. Council members thanked their supporters and wished everyone a Merry Christmas. Discussions included acting with integrity, transparency, and accountability, and working together to make improvements for Pickens. Council also discussed items for the new business agenda in January.