Kyler Blose

The special called meeting focused on several key agenda items and citizen comments. Citizens addressed concerns regarding communication, revisiting the AUP, funding for a playground parking lot, accessibility, previous funding approvals, and transparency in holding special-called meetings. New business included the first reading of Ordinance 2026-08 to rescind an ordinance authorizing IT equipment purchase for the police department; extensive discussion was held with the Police Chief regarding the necessity of in-house IT upgrades, data security, and potential duplication of services with Pickens County dispatch, resulting in the motion to table the motion to hear from County representatives. The second item involved Ordinance 2026-09 to repeal the approval of $130,000 for a parking lot, with objections raised regarding the use of Transportation Impact Fees; this item was referred to the Work Session for further review. Council discussion covered a drafted social media policy and clarification regarding the city's long-term inclement weather plan, including proactive efforts for the unhoused population and de-icing downtown sidewalks.

The regular meeting included reports from all six wards, indicating few complaints and anticipation for the new council members. The Mayor's Message highlighted upcoming events and plans to share a two-year summary. Citizens addressed the Council regarding various issues, including concerns about aggressive annexation tactics, the potential impact of new residential development on property values, disputes over mandatory electrical code upgrades for minor repairs, support for a whole health program at The Dream Center, a proposed land swap with Rock Springs Baptist Church to ease access and improve traffic flow, and severe recurring property flooding issues related to a proposed annexation. Key resolutions included the election of Donna Rainey as Mayor Pro-Tempore over Tom O'Shields. Unfinished business involved the second reading and subsequent denial of an ordinance to rezone property on Hamilton Street due to significant drainage concerns, and the unanimous approval of an ordinance allowing limited educational use of hens by non-profits for one year. New business featured multiple failed motions to annex properties related to WFLP, LLC, and Rock Springs Baptist Church. An ordinance amending the Unified Development Ordinance to correct errors and clarify parking regulations was approved after an amendment was added to include a historical change record. Finally, an ordinance to accept SC Opioid Recovery Fund money to hire a coordinator and renovate office space was unanimously approved. The Council entered and exited Executive Session to discuss Project X and potential litigation.

The City Council meeting agenda included several key actions. Under Unfinished Business, the second reading of Ordinance 2026-06 to amend the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) covering scrivener's errors, parking standards, and fee calculations was scheduled. Also under Unfinished Business was Ordinance 2026-07, proposing budget amendments to accept SC Opioid Recovery Funds, hire a coordinator, and renovate office space. New Business featured first readings of several ordinances: Ordinance 2026-08 to rescind a previous ordinance due to duplicated services; Ordinance 2026-09 to repeal a capital expenditure for a parking lot; Ordinance 2026-10 to establish a new Parks (PK) Zoning District within the UDO; Ordinance 2026-11 to adopt a tree and plant list; and Ordinance 2026-12 to accept a US Department of Transportation Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant. Resolutions included appointing Ginny McJunkin to the Planning Commission, reaffirming commitment to the 2022 Comprehensive Plan, accepting roads from Olive Street, LLC, and amending the Acceptable Use Policy for Elected Officials. An Executive Session was scheduled to discuss a matter related to the proposed location or expansion of industries ("Project X").

Key discussions during the Work Session included the second reading of an ordinance authorizing the conveyance of real property located at 201 S. 5th Street and 205 S. 5th Street, with deliberations on the appraisal process and sale price. The first reading of an ordinance regarding the rezoning of approximately 1.97 acres on Hamilton Street from General Commercial (GC) to General Residential (GR-1) was reviewed, specifically concerning access and development intent. The council also considered the first reading of an ordinance to amend the City Code to allow limited educational and programmatic use of hens by certain nonprofit organizations, which raised concerns about precedent and logistics like predator control. Furthermore, there was a reading of a resolution to adopt an Acceptable Use Policy for City of Easley Elected Officials concerning City Information Systems, involving discussion about potentially disparaging comments. Other items included the reading of resolutions to accept certain roads into the City's road network and appointments to the Planning Commission, with attendant discussions about term dates and potential expansion of the commission size. The session concluded with an Executive Session to discuss legal advice pertaining to impact fees.

The regular City Council meeting covered reports from council members, a message from the Mayor regarding the Christmas Tree Lighting event, and several public comments, primarily in support of The Dream Center's new educational program involving hens, which required an ordinance amendment. Unfinished business included the second reading and approval of Ordinance 2025-14 authorizing the conveyance of real property located at 201 S. 5th Street and 205 S. 5th Street. New business featured the first reading and unanimous approval of Ordinance 2025-15 to rezone property on Hamilton Street and the first reading and unanimous approval of Ordinance 2025-16 to amend the City Code regarding farm animals to permit limited educational use of hens by organizations like The Dream Center. New resolutions addressed the adoption of an Acceptable Use Policy for City Elected Officials, the acceptance of certain roads from JBDY1 LLC into the city network, and the appointment of Jim Walker and Hilary Koster to the Planning Commission.