Eric Harrod

The February 24, 2026 meeting agenda included reports from staff and officers covering legal, law enforcement, financial updates, and planning/code enforcement activities. The Facilities & Maintenance Manager reported on ongoing town projects, including the Old E.B. Ellington Demolition/Renovation Project and various road resurfacing initiatives. Reports from the Sewer Advisory Board, Planning & Zoning Commission (noting a recent tie vote on a map amendment request), and Board of Zoning Appeals were presented. New Business featured discussion and approval of Resolution 2026-02, which aimed to clarify intent regarding the May 2024 sewer rate study and subsequent rate increases. Council also discussed an employee compensation matter in Executive Session.

The meeting addressed two public hearings concerning map amendments. The first, related to 5821 Old Jacksonboro Road, involved a request to rezone from Residential One (R-1) to Residential Three (R-3) to facilitate future lot subdivision, resulting in a tie vote and no recommendation from the Commission. The second public hearing concerned a request to rezone 6023 Postell Drive from Agricultural Residential (AR) to General Business (GB), during which staff recommended Neighborhood Commercial (NC) zoning instead; the Commission ultimately voted unanimously to recommend denial for this request. During the regular session, Commissioners reappointed Laurie Infinger as Chairperson and Eric Grant as Vice-Chairperson. New business focused on a site plan review for the Tea Farm Subdivision, Phase III, for which staff recommended approval.

The meeting included the Mayor congratulating reelected Councilmembers and welcoming the newly elected Councilmember Ashton Singleton. The annual Goal Setting Meeting date was updated to February 18, 2026. Updates were provided on SCDOT sidewalk repairs along Savannah Highway and the success of the 7th Annual Depot Christmas Tree Lighting and the Christmas Farmers Market. Staff reports included updates from the Sheriff's Office regarding recent arrests and thefts, and the Clerk-Treasurer noting that financial statements are forthcoming and a Special Council Meeting might be needed after the CPA bid process closes. The Planning and Zoning Commission's approval of a Site Plan Review for 4465 Savannah Highway, which requires subsequent review by the Board of Zoning Appeals, was noted, along with the reappointment of Eric Grant to the Commission and the reappointment of Priscilla Burbage, Jonathan D. Walker, and Jason R. Wells to the Board of Zoning Appeals. Old Business involved the approval of the 2nd Reading for three separate Ordinance amendments related to rezoning requests (Ordinance 15-25, 16-25, and 17-25). New Business focused on awarding the bid for the demolition of the old E.B. Ellington School to Complete Demolition Services, Inc. for $261,000, with the approval of Resolution 2025-06, which includes saving 5,000 bricks for a future Town Hall walkway. Public comments included a request for a sponsorship donation of $1,550 for a Girl Scout troop's gymnastics clinics, which the Council approved. An Executive Session was held to discuss employee compensation.

The agenda for the meeting included a discussion on a proposed Sewer Rate Increase. Reports from staff and officers were anticipated from the Town Attorney, Sheriff's Office, Clerk-Treasurer, Planning & Zoning Director, and Code Enforcement/Facilities Manager. The meeting included reports from the Planning & Zoning Commission, which reviewed two map amendments (2026-01 resulting in a tie vote, and 2026-02 with a recommendation to deny), and the Board of Zoning Appeals, which unanimously approved a Special Exception Request for countertop fabrication. New Business items included the Mayor Pro Tempore Appointment, the first reading of Ordinances 01-26 and 02-26 corresponding to the map amendments discussed by the Planning Commission, and Resolution 2026-01 regarding a Certified Public Accountant. The Council also set its annual Goal Setting Meeting for February 18, 2026.

The meeting included a public hearing portion concerning two map amendments. Map Amendment 2026-01 proposed rezoning a residential lot (R1 to R3) located at 5821 Old Jackson Road. Residents expressed opposition, citing concerns about infrastructure strain and neighborhood character degradation. Map Amendment 2026-02 involved a proposed rezoning from AR to General Business for 6023 Postel Drive, which the applicant later proposed to change to the more restrictive Neighborhood Commercial zoning in a subsequent meeting. Public testimony focused heavily on opposing any commercial zoning change in the interior residential area, citing impacts on property values, traffic, noise, and safety, especially concerning large vehicles and potential contamination of private wells.