Danna J. Leaphart

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.

The meeting addressed public hearings concerning two budget amendments: one to remove section six related to council training and travel from the FY 2017-2018 budget ordinance, and another to add a new position in the fire department for FY 2017-2018, funded by a four-year grant aimed at recruiting and retaining volunteer firefighters. Council also approved the adoption of the minutes from the December 11, 2017 regular meeting. Committee reports covered council attendance, lack of meeting for the Environmental Planning Advisory Committee, and updates on the Joint Municipal Water Sewer Commission. Economic development updates included county approval of a grant for a pump station and planned solar farm investments. New business included the appointment of a representative to the Joint Municipal Water and Sewer Commission. Administrative matters covered Town Hall closures for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday and reminders regarding the annual filing deadline for Statements of Economic Interest. The session concluded with recognizing award winners, including the Employee of the Year and Supervisor of the Year.

The regular council meeting commenced with an invocation. Key agenda items included the approval of the agenda and the adoption of the minutes from the September 12, 2022 meeting. Council committee reports were provided, noting discussions on the previous year's physical budget and food security efforts by Central Midlands COG, and updates from EPAC and the County Advisory Committee. The Chamber of Commerce update highlighted upcoming community events such as the Fall Festival, the anniversary celebration of First Baptist of Batesburg, the Arts Festival, the annual banquet, a Thanksgiving community service event, and the Christmas parade. New business focused on the first reading of an ordinance to amend Title 5, Chapter 2 of the General Code of Ordinances concerning building regulations and code enforcement, specifically adopting the 2021 International Building Code with South Carolina modifications, and voluntarily adopting the International Property Maintenance Code. There was also discussion regarding approving contractor and funds for the replacement of damaged sidewalks along Summerlin Avenue, referencing the $30,000 allocation available from the county and potential supplementary funds from SCDOT. A proclamation declaring October 2022 as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month was also adopted.

The council meeting commenced with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. The agenda and minutes from previous meetings, including the Regular Council Meeting of April 8th and the Council Work Session of April 29th, were adopted. Committee reports were given for the Central Midlands commission, environmental planning advisory committee, and the Joint Municipal Water and Sewer Commission, noting budget passage and construction updates. The Chamber of Commerce provided updates on several community events, including the Poultry Festival, the Kelly Miller Circus ticket distribution, and the grand opening of Palmetto Crest Sun. The council adopted proclamations honoring Police Officers Memorial Day and the 71st anniversary of the Order of the Eastern Star Twin City Chapter 243. A resolution was adopted to waive permit fees for the Peachtree 23 Yard Sale event. The council accepted the first reading of an ordinance regarding the addition of real property to the Multi County Industrial Park, involving Lexington and Calhoun Counties. A discussion occurred regarding funding for a council member to attend the National League of Cities Small Cities Conference. The manager's report introduced and recognized new town employees, including the new Code Enforcement Officer, and provided updates on the successful Poultry Festival and upcoming circus events. Discussions also covered future considerations for street resurfacing.