James Clifford

During the regular meeting, the Council addressed Old Business by unanimously approving the second reading of Ordinance No. 2025-30, which regulates the operation of golf carts, including nighttime use, following legal counsel's update on state law interpretations. In New Business, the Council approved Resolution No. 2025-41, establishing rules for fishing access in public waterways, which limits fishing and boating in Brick Pond Park's west ponds while confirming that these activities are permitted in the Savannah River, Briggs Pond, and Beaufort Pond. Furthermore, Resolution No. 2025-42 was unanimously approved, authorizing a contract for the MASC Impact Grant-funded "4 Minute Community" Program, which involves deploying 50 AEDs throughout the City. Administrative reports included an update on three strategic locations for microchip scanning stations. Council also discussed upcoming community events and addressed public comments regarding a newsletter article and the Community Prayer Tree.

The agenda for the City Council meeting includes several key items following the Public Power Hour. New business items cover appointments to Boards and Commissions, the administration of the Oath of Office for the new Assistant Municipal Judge, acceptance of the 2026 Jury Box, and a first reading of an ordinance to amend the Zoning Map for approximately 4.93 acres from PD to GC. Additionally, the Council is scheduled to consider resolutions authorizing contracts for Towing and Vehicle Impoundment Services, and Valet Parking Services in Riverside Village, as well as accepting a Deed of Dedication for infrastructure improvements in Wrenfield at Chanticleer, Phase A. The meeting also includes a personnel recognition for the retirement of K-9 Lucia.

The City Council study session included a discussion of items for the upcoming regular meeting, specifically focusing on an ordinance regulating golf cart operation within the city, including nighttime use and use on streets with a 35mph speed limit. The agenda included discussion on accepting a deed of dedication for streets, sanitary sewer, stormwater collection, fire suppression systems, associated easements, and rights of way for Wrenfield at Chanticleer, Phase A. Also mentioned were resolutions for establishing fishing access and usage rules in the city's public waterways, and authorizing a contract for the MASC Impact Grant-Funded \"4 Minute Community\" Program. The council also discussed the River Side Village Property Acquisition and the financial model update.

The council discussed parking issues near stop signs in Hammond's Ferry. They approved an ordinance regulating golf cart operation within the city, including nighttime use. A resolution was approved to authorize a contract with the Public Defender of the Second Judicial Circuit for indigent representation in the Municipal Court. Additionally, a resolution was approved to authorize grant applications for federal funding assistance to support projects under the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Program, specifically for the Riverview Park Playground Shade Structure Project and the Summerfield Park Adaptive Playground Project. The council also acknowledged the City Council Meeting Schedule for January 2026 through December 2026.

The study session included discussions on items for the upcoming regular meeting, and a review of department details. Key topics included regulating the operation of golf carts within the city, authorizing a contract with the Public Defender for indigent representation in the Municipal Court, and authorizing grant applications for federal funding assistance to support projects under the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Program. Additional discussions covered the City Council meeting schedule for the following year, administrative reports, and presentations/communications, including citizen and council member comments. The department details included updates from Finance, Human Resources, Engineering and Public Works, Planning and Development, Public Services, Public Safety, Parks and Recreation, and Tourism.