Laurin Barnes

The work session began with the recognition of Eli Franklin for his outstanding achievements in wrestling, including being the 6U National Champion and Most Outstanding Wrestler. Following this, a presentation was given on the 2025 audit and financial statements report, noting that the town received an unmodified (clean) opinion and an increase in net position of approximately $28 million, primarily due to increases in water/sewer revenue, property taxes, and business licenses. The session also included a presentation on the development impact fee report, detailing balances and projected revenue for transportation, parks and recreation, and municipal facilities/equipment. New business included placing an application for the Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee on the March 2nd agenda, and an authorization request to enter into a temporary parking agreement with BPS Holdings LLC due to planned construction of a new municipal parking lot. Finally, the council considered an approval for a Memorandum of Agreement with the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice regarding securing detention services for fiscal year 2025-2026.

The meeting began with calling the board of directors meeting to order. Key discussions involved approving the minutes from a previous meeting (February 10th, 2025 meeting). The main agenda item addressed resolutions authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds and bond anticipation notes for the Corley Mill redevelopment project area and the downtown TIF projects, including the ice house amphitheater and old mill trail. Board members questioned the structure of using a corporate entity versus a municipal framework for financing, specifically regarding TIF bonds and bond anticipation notes, and the associated risks compared to general obligation bonds. The board ultimately approved the resolutions for both the downtown TIF and Corley Mill TIF financing rollbacks.

The special called council meeting involved ratification of discussions held in a preceding executive session, which included a discussion of a proposed memorandum of agreement with Jim Hudson Ford and discussion of a proposed vision plan agreement. New business focused on adopting a resolution authorizing bond anticipation notes for the Corley Mill TIFF and the Ice House TIFF, which requires a resolution for the refunding rollover of the Corley Mill TIFF bonds. Additionally, the council approved a motion to enter into a memorandum of understanding with Jim Hudson Ford related to construction permits for a heavy truck service building, traffic mitigation requirements, driveway relocation, and right-of-way dedication.

The meeting concerned a variance request (26 2026-1V) by Barry and Donna Stamy for a non-portable shed at 100 Kelway Circle. The applicants sought to place the 8x6 shed 1 foot 3 inches from the property line, deviating from the required 5-foot setback. The applicants detailed their property's topography, specifically a 45-degree drop-off in the backyard, which restricts placement options. They noted prior verbal approval from their neighbor, Carol Brantley, whose written consent was provided, confirming no issue with the placement or necessary access across her property for installation. The HOA board also confirmed their approval of the shed's placement and specifications, which match what was submitted. A former association president spoke against the variance, raising concerns about the setback requirement violation and general placement relative to the subdivision covenants that emphasize building concealment from the street.

The Town Council meeting addressed several items, including personnel matters such as the unanimous election of Todd KS as Mayor Pro Tem, succeeding Ron Williams, following a discussion regarding rotation procedures. The council unanimously ratified the executive session report which included discussions on a potential property purchase, West Colombia water litigation, a memorandum of agreement for Hudson Ford, and a potential community event. The council also approved the final reading and ordinance annexing the Royal Creek subdivision and discussed infrastructure implications. Further actions included the appointment of Jennifer Morgan to the traffic committee and Brad Cunningham to the board of zoning appeals, and a detailed process was outlined for appointing 10 members to the Vision Plan Advisory Committee, though a procedural vote division was raised.