MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE WALHALLA CITY COUNCIL
October 15, 2019
5:30 pm.
Present: Mayor Danny Edwards, Councilman David Underwood, Councilman Robbie Burrell, Councilman Dennis Owens, Councilman Tjay Bagwell, Danny Woodward, Josh Roberts, and City Administrator Brent Taylor.
Absent:
Guest:
Mayor Edwards called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm. Councilman Roberts led the pledge of allegiance.
The Mayor and Councilman Roberts recognized the Walhalla Elementary School Student Council.
Public Input: Mr. Henry Brown spoke in opposition to the Chestnut St. rezoning. He gave copies of the zoning regulation along with some other documents to Council. He asked, “Does the zoning comply with the Comprehensive Plan?” Mr. Brown stated, “He heard the 2-bedroom homes were going to sell in the $150,000 to $200,000 range. As a real estate agent his experience has been that homes in that price range are going to need more acreage in order to sell.” Mr. Brown asked, ” Is the parcel of land Mr. Pace is getting included in the re-zoning? He stated rezoning to General Residential could allow for 20 houses to be built in the space.”
Mr. Keith Pace expressed concern about too much development could put pressure on the water and sewer infrastructure in the area. Also, stated there are no subdivision regulations in place and the City needs to adopt some.
Mr. Brown presented a deed showing Mr. Head knew the zoning before he purchased it and he should have to comply with the current zoning. He stated, “Once the zoning is changed nothing could prevent him from building more than 12 houses. This could start a precedence of rezoning more R-15 to General Residential.”
Mr. Pace stated, “He had a legal binding document from Mr. Head stating he is only going to build 12 homes.”
Mayor stated, “We aren’t going to vote on the matter at this time. We want to compile more information to make the most informed decision.”
Approval of Minutes: On a motion by Mr. Bagwell, seconded by Mr. Burrell and unanimously carried, the minutes for the regular meeting on September 17, 2019, were approved.
On a motion by Mr. Burrell and seconded Mr. Owens to approve the amended minutes of the September 24, 2019 meeting.
Discussion: The minutes indicated Mr. Bagwell was at the meeting, but he was not. The minutes were amended to reflect the change.
Reading of Resolutions and Ordinances:
Mr. Woodward made a motion to adopt Ordinance 2019-13, AN ORDINANCE TO REPEAL ORDINANCE 2019-10. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bagwell and unanimously carried.
Discussion: The Administrator reported the current title of the City’s ordinance was causing confusion between it and the state statue when officers entered the charge into the system. This will eliminate the confusion. The easiest way to resolve the issue is to repeal this ordinance and approve another ordinance.
Mr. Woodward made a motion to adopt Ordinance 2019-14, AN ORDINANCE MAKING IT UNLAWFUL TO REFUSE TO ACCOMPANY A POLICE OFFICER, INTERFERRING WITH A POLICE OFFICER IN PERFORMANCE OF THEIR DUTIES, ESTABLISHING PENALTIES AND OTHER MATTERS RELEATED THERETO. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bagwell and unanimously carried.
Ordinance 2019-15, AN ORDINANCE TO AMMEND ORDINANCE 1989-1 CREATING THE POSITION OF PURCHASING AGENT AND ESTABLISHING PURCHASING PROCEDURES FOR THE TOWN OF WALHALLA.
Discussion: Mr. Bagwell asked this ordinance be tabled so other adjustments can be made to it and bring it back before committee at the next meeting.
Mr. Bagwell made a motion to approve Resolution 2019-14 A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE CITY POLICIY AND PROCEDURES MANUAL
The motion was seconded by Mr. Burrell and unanimously carried.
Discussion: Mr. Bagwell stated based on the advice of the labor attorney from the Municipal Association, it would be best if the all disciplinary actions went through the City Administrator. Suspensions, demotions and terminations need to be approved by the Administrator.
Mr. Underwood made a motion to approve Resolution 2019- 15 A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING SEWER LINE INTO THE CITY OF WALHALLA SYSTEM. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bagwell and unanimously carried.
Mr. Underwood made a motion to approve Resolution 2019-16 A RESOLUTION TO ENTER INTO AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN OCONEE JOINT REGIONAL SEWER AUTHORITY AND THE CITIES OF SENECA, WALHALLA, WESTMINSTER AND WEST UNION ADOPTING OCONEE JOINT REGIONAL SEWER AUTHORITY’S SEWER USAGE REGULATION(S) AND ACKNOWLEDGING EACH CITY’S DUTY TO MONITOR AND ENFORCE SAME WITHIN EACH CITY’S RESPECTIVE SEWER COLLECTION SYSTEMS. The motion was seconded by Mr. Roberts and approved unanimously.
Discussion: The Administrator reported this is typical when SCDHEC changes regulations for sewer operations. The sewer authority adopts it and we subsequently adopt them. Mr. Owens asked, “Is this for a designated area?” The Administrator replied, “This is for the entire system.”
Other Business:
Approval of Hospitality Tax funds for Chicopee Ballfield
Mr. Roberts made a motion that Council approve $4,900 for fencing at the Chicopee Ball field. Mr. Burrell seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously.
Discussion: The Administrator reported the total cost of the project is $24,900. PARD will be paying $15,000 and the Recreation Advisory Board will pay an additional $5,000.
Approval to purchase of Audio-Visual Equipment for City Hall
Mr. Underwood made a motion to spend $3,300.54 for audio visual equipment. It was seconded by Mr. Owens and approved unanimously.
Discussion: It was recommended by Mr. Scott Parris. Mr. Roberts asked, “How long will it take?” Mr. Parris replied as soon as we can get the equipment. Mr. Bagwell inquired about the range of the camera. Mr. Underwood replied, “It could be incorporated with existing cameras.” Mr. Burrell asked about a camera at the possible drive thru. Mr. Underwood stated, “There is one there now and other cameras could be added.”
Approval of expenditure of funds for the Study of the Sewer System
Mr. Underwood made a motion to spend $19,520 for a man-hole survey. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bagwell and carried unanimously.
Discussion: Mr. Bagwell asked, “Is this for the North or South side of the City?” The Administrator replied, “This would complete the study of the entire sewer system.” Mr. Bagwell inquired about the credentials of H&M Services. Mr. Parris said, “Our engineer GMC has had success with them and recommends we use them.” Mr. Roberts asked, “If we went back to Edwards to try and lower the price?” The Administrator stated, “We didn’t.” The Mayor stated, “We would like to stay local, but this was too much of a price difference.” The study will examine the line, elevations, flow direction, GPS plotting of manholes. The study includes 370 man holes on the North Side of the City and 270 on the south side.
The Administrator informed Council of a request from the Oconee Joint Regional Sewer Authority to change their regular meeting time from 6p.m. to 4p.m. Mr. Underwood asked, “Why?” The Administrator responded, “We weren’t given a reason.” Mr. Roberts stated, “It will be tough for general public to get to it.’ Mr. Bagwell stated, “They should make accommodations for the public.” Mr. Bagwell made a motion and seconded by Mr. Roberts encouraging the Sewer Authority not to change the meeting time. The motion was unanimously approved.
Committee Reports:
Fire/Codes:
Mr. Owens reported the department ran 105 calls for the month of August. Forty-three (43) were fire calls and sixty-two (62) were medical calls. They were on mutual aid 11% of the time and on scene for an average of 30 minutes. 51 Calls were inside the city while 54 were outside the city. The Fire Marshall performed 25 business inspections, 4 residential inspections 25 pre-fire plans. The codes department had 19 contacts, performed 6 zoning verifications. The Planning Commission recommended two zoning changes and two sign ordinance changes. The staff participated in the 911 challenge at Westminster High School. The department performed a fire sprinkler inspection at the Hamilton Career Center. The Staff was involved in 662 hours of training. Cole Davenport was named fire fighter of the year. For the year the department ran 951 calls and trained 4,306 hours. The average time on scene was 5:14 minutes and 3:08 minutes inside the city.
General Govt/Finance:
Mr. Bagwell reported Craftoberfest was successful and thanked City staff for their support. Octoberfest on Sertoma field and Main Street is October 18,19 and 20. Second Phase of Stumphouse Mountain Bike Park is October 24 at 4:00 p.m. City Council forums are scheduled for October 22 at the Depot sponsored by Partners for Progress and October 30 at the Performing Arts Center.
Public Works:
Mr. Burrell reported the department collected for the year 859 tons of residential garbage and 645 tons of commercial garbage, 41 tons of mattress, 730 gallons or recycled oil, 691 of recycled brush. The department received a $2,000 safety grant from the Municipal Association. The department is down 2 CDL drivers and we should consider raising the salary for CDL drivers.
Recreation:
Mr. Roberts reported the department has been researching options for three pickle ball courts. Should have some direction by the next committee meeting. Football playoffs start October 7. The soccer playoffs start October 21. Winter Sports registration is October 7-18.
Police:
Mr. Woodward reported Officer Bennett was named Officer of the Year. Officer Carmichael graduated from the Academy. Lt. Underwood attended Detective Training. Sgt. Mize attended mid-level management training. Captain Tim Rice joined the department. He has extensive experience in investigations. Paul Harris retired. The department participated in the 911 challenge at Westminster High School and the Homecoming parade.
Utilities:
Mr. Underwood reported the department installed the collection system for the new water meters. 48 of the 300 meters have been installed in the Mill Hill area. The committee was given an update on the Hwy. 11 and 183 water line breaks. The city accepted 376 feet of new sewer line in the Industrial Park. Staff is getting pricing for audio visual equipment and Duck Pond road infrastructure improvements. Had to repair two pumps at the water plant. Discussed improving billing process.
Mayor’s Comments: He stated would like for the planning commission to review the sign ordinance as it relates to political campaign signs.
Council agreed to move the committee meeting back to November 12, 2019 due to election day on November 5.
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Brent Taylor, City Administrator
