Marty Kinard

The City Council meeting included a retirement resolution recognizing 25 years of service by an employee from the Parks and Recreation department. The council heard a community request regarding the restoration of electrical services to the historic Bull Swamp Community Center, which involves ongoing discussions and legal considerations. Additionally, a resident presented concerns regarding a proposed animal ordinance, advocating for a trap, neuter, and release program for feral cats instead of euthanasia, and questioned the current animal control policies and budget allocations.

The meeting included public hearings on two proposed ordinances. The first ordinance focused on amending and replacing the city code for animal control, where residents discussed concerns about feral cat populations, public health risks, and potential management solutions. The second ordinance addressed public smoking, with testimony emphasizing the health risks associated with secondhand smoke and the benefits of establishing smoke-free public spaces.

The council meeting addressed several significant matters. Presentations included discussions on the preservation of a historic building on Russell Street, the implementation of a model ordinance for small cell wireless facilities, and updates from the Downtown Orangeburg Revitalization Association (DORA) on their programs and planned events. The council approved the Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee’s funding recommendations, a resolution supporting the Municipal Association’s legislative agenda, and a grant for the Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, the council discussed a cancellation for a future meeting due to legislative events and authorized an executive session to address legal matters related to fire tax districts and department investigations.

The City Council meeting covered several community concerns, including reports on a hazardous pothole at a state-owned road intersection, issues with illegal parking on Green Street, the poor condition of the Adden Street baseball field, the theft and improper disposal of shopping carts, and the need for an awning at the DPU walk-up window. A presentation from the Fire Squad regarding their youth advocacy work and research on predatory tobacco and vape marketing in the city was also discussed.

The meeting commenced with a prayer and the consideration and approval of the February 17, 2026, City Council minutes. The council discussed the community character trait for March, which is curiosity. A significant portion of the meeting involved an appearance by a resident, Miss Laura Moore, detailing ongoing issues with a large colony of feral cats trespassing and causing property damage, including to an air conditioning unit. City officials reported on previous attempts to address the situation, including using repellents and working with neighbors on spaying/neutering, and stated they are developing a Trap, Neuter, and Release (TNR) proposal but require a designated release location. The council expressed empathy and urged the city staff to expedite a resolution. Following this, the council conducted the second reading and approved an ordinance granting a two-year license agreement to WF Media Group for the use of the Stevenson Auditorium, which includes financial terms regarding ticket sales and responsibility for utilities and maintenance, in exchange for hosting various programming like comedy performances and festivals. Finally, the council adopted a resolution honoring the life and legacy of Reverend Jesse Lewis Jackson, Senior, acknowledging his contributions to civil rights and justice.