Approximately 50 people attended the Pelzer Town Council meeting Tuesday after postings on social media last week regarding fees paid for use of the Pelzer gym turned into a controversy.
The issue has been the source of contention between three members of Town Council and Mayor Will Ragland for several weeks.
The issue involves a fitness class being offered at the gym by Kimberly Major.
The issue came up during budget discussions in May as to whether rental fees should be included as a line item and whether the fee should be raised.
When the issue was raised by Councilmember Donna Ide in a later meeting, Mayor Ragland suggested Ide take on the issue as a project.
Apparently Ide contacted Major by email about raising the rent and indicated to her that council had “unanimously voted” to increase the rent to $50.
According to discussions Tuesday, during a work session, Council discussed raising the fitness class rent to $50 per session and agreed it should be increased, however no official vote can take place during a work session.
According to Councilman Mike Matthews, the fitness class is only paying $10 per evening, while the town charges anywhere from $125 to $250 to rent the gym for parties or other events. The Town also pays someone to clean the gym after it has been used.
Major’s sister, Amber Chaney, spoke for Major during public comments portion of the Council meeting Tuesday. Chaney accused Councilmember Donna Ide of not being honest about the issue and called for her resignation.
A member of the dance class spoke and alleged that Ide’s actions were unethical and also said Ide should resign.
At the end of the meeting, Ide responded with a long statement explaining her side of the issue.
Mayor Ragland also responded.
There was also an issue with the minutes from the last council meeting being approved.
Councilwoman Ide disagreed with the official minutes presented but did not offer alternative wording for the minutes. Approval of the minutes were tabled.
Later in the meeting, Town Attorney Richard Thompson advised that at least two members of council should get together on wording that can be placed in the minutes for approval at the next meeting.
