Thomas Hite

The council addressed several legislative items, including ordinances regarding bicycle use, ethical communication boundaries for council members, code of ethics updates, business license fees, and the establishment of criminal conduct prejudice regulations. Appointments were made to the Housing Authority Board of Commissioners and the Strategic Plan Steering Committee. The council authorized the City Manager to search for a site for a future park and to apply for grant funding for park improvements. Additionally, they approved designating a City-Wide Cleanup Day and coordinated a project to hang historical flags in the court square area. An executive session was held to discuss legal matters concerning adversary situations.

The council meeting addressed several legislative matters, including the passage of resolutions regarding public records requests, public statements by the mayor, and directives for the city manager and attorney. Several ordinances were reviewed and approved for first or second readings, involving historic district parcel inclusion, street abandonment, and ethics proceedings for elected officials. The council approved multiple bid selections for infrastructure and park projects, including construction at Faye Thomas Park, a waterline project, and First Street Park. Additionally, the council discussed and approved flag selections, the Yard of the Month, and the appointment of a Municipal Judge. Executive sessions were conducted to discuss legal matters, investigative proceedings, and personnel issues.

The regular City Council meeting involved several key legislative actions, primarily focused on ordinances. The council approved the second reading of several ordinances, including those establishing Chapter 22 (Code Enforcement), repealing the Beautification Commission division, repealing Section 18-60 regarding Square Parking District, and amending sections related to city administration concerning employee vacancies, running for office, solicitation of funds, and former Council members seeking employment. Additionally, ordinances establishing a Capital Improvement Fund for the Electric System and updating budget definitions were approved on their second reading. First readings were approved for ordinances regulating bicycles/electric bicycles, establishing ethical parameters for electronic communication, updating the Code of Ethics, and adjusting the fee schedule for delinquent business license payments. Furthermore, resolutions were adopted concerning the acceptance of loan assistance monies from the South Carolina Water Quality Revolving Fund Authority and adopting the Municipal Association of South Carolina Civility Initiative Resolution. City Manager Reports covered updates on ACTS Apartment Construction, approval of a Cultural Resources Survey, and an update on the Faye Thomas Park Corrective Action Plan. New business discussions included honoring Mr. Henry Green, considering options for a homeless/warming shelter, addressing exclusivity of Livery Stable restroom access, considering an ordinance addressing criminal conduct motivated by prejudice, discussing retaining Christmas lights year-round, and making decisions regarding the 2026 Christmas Parade timing and Council participation, as well as issuing proclamations for a championship youth football team and considering a city-wide cleanup day. During Executive Session, discussions involved contractual arrangements, property transactions, legal claims, and negotiations. Actions following Executive Session included a motion, later rescinded, to change the regular meeting date and time, ultimately setting future meetings for the second Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and the opening prayer. A declaration of potential conflicts of interest was conducted, noting none were present. The agenda for the session was approved. The primary discussion point was the Elected Officials Ethics Training, presented by Robert Wolfe, MASC Field Service Representative. Following this, the public comment period occurred with no comments registered. The meeting was subsequently adjourned.

The City Council Workshop included a review of the agenda, which was subsequently approved. Due to unsafe weather conditions, a planned tour of the Opera House Jail Cells was replaced with a presentation of photographs by the City Manager. A primary discussion focused on code compliance requirements, suitable locations, and other items related to establishing a warming or homeless shelter. Following the discussion, the Council authorized the City Manager to partner and remain engaged with Abbeville County and other local aid organizations. The meeting concluded with adjournment.