Laurie Starnes

The Town Council meetings addressed a variety of administrative, financial, and operational matters. Key topics included the adoption of a Cross Connection Control Program, the approval of School Resource Officer service agreements with the local school district, and various infrastructure and information technology contracts. Additionally, the Council finalized the budget for the upcoming fiscal year, adjusted development impact fees, reviewed property transfer authorizations, and managed road resurfacing project change orders. Other business involved zoning adjustments, municipal court appointments, accommodations tax funding applications, and updates to special event permit procedures.

The commission held a workshop to discuss updates to the town's sign ordinance, focusing on the regulation of window signage, including window clings, and permanent window signs. Participants discussed limiting window coverage by signage, potentially integrating window signage into the total allowable display area, and differentiating between temporary banners and permanent signs. Additionally, the commission addressed the regulation of bright LED-lit signs in windows and holiday or seasonal lighting on building exteriors, considering illumination standards to prevent driver distraction.

The Council held a work session to discuss several key items. Topics included potential property acquisitions, a legal briefing regarding a zoning matter, and a discussion on water litigation during an executive session. Public business items covered were an overview of the Scenic Corridor commercial development regulations, a request for annexation and zoning of property on Zenker Road, proposed updates to the Cross Connection Control Program, the payment of a pro rata share of street light bills for the Pilgrim Point neighborhood, a professional services agreement for GIS consulting and support, and a non-exclusive franchise agreement for fiberoptic cable infrastructure.

The council addressed several legislative and administrative items, including an executive session regarding pending litigation, proclamation for awareness, and updates on the town's vision plan and traffic status. Public hearings were held for ordinances related to the mid-year budget adjustment, the adoption of the fiscal year 2026-2027 budget, tax levies, development impact fee updates, and property transfer authorization. New business matters included approval of road resurfacing project change orders, signal maintenance agreement modifications with the SCDOT, a services agreement for the police department's off-duty program, accommodations tax applications, and a first reading for a facility fee ordinance for the amphitheater.

The Planning Commission discussed an annexation request for approximately 72 acres on Zincer Road, which was ultimately recommended for denial. Additionally, the commission reviewed a proposal from the American Leadership Academy for a gymnasium and sports complex expansion, including a traffic impact analysis and recommended infrastructure improvements to support an increased student capacity.