At the January 9 Pelzer Town Council meeting, re-elected Councilman Eddie Waits was sworn in by Town Attorney Richard Thompson. New councilmember Cruz West was absent due to illness and was sworn in at the February meeting of Council. Councilmember Donna Ide was elected Mayor Pro Tempore. Two agenda items were tabled and another did not pass due to a split vote.
There was no old business.
Under new business Council unanimously approved a resolution to accept 2023 PARD Grant Award. The Anderson County Legislative Delegation approved a $35,360 grant in December for new HVAC system for the Pelzer Gym.
Discussion on the location for the Pelzer Heritage Commission (PHC) Veterans Memorial continued.
The PHC originally proposed it be located near the flagpole on the lower mill property. After concerns of vandalism, the PHC asked the town to consider allowing it to be placed at Wardlaw Park. Mayor Will Ragland stated he was not in favor of Wardlaw Park and has said he has other plans for the area.
More recently, Coker asked the Town to allow it to be placed at the Monkey Park on Hwy. 20.
After some discussion on the Hwy. 20 location, there was a 2-2 vote on Coker’s proposal for the Hwy. 20 location and it did not pass. Mayor Ragland and Councilman Mike Matthews were in favor, Councilmembers Waits and Ide were opposed.
There was discussion about additional requirements for applicants to Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals. Councilmember Ide stated that she would like applicants to live within the town for a full year and then made a motion to table the item.
There was discussion about rental of the Gym. Suggested rental fees were presented to Council . They were $30.00/hr., $200/day (8 hr.), plus $50.00 cleaning fee and $50 refundable deposit. Fee for Kimberly Majors’ exercise class $200/month and Business License. Councilmember Ide stated she approved of the new rates for the rental of the gym but wanted the exercise class fee separate and a new agreement made for rental of the property. Mayor Ragland stated that Council needed to vote on the rental rates that night. Councilman Waits questioned the monthly rate and the annual lease agreement. There was no motion to approve and the item was tabled.
Pelzer Police Report for December 2023 – There were 51 Traffic Stops, 49 Contacts, 12 Calls for Service and 2 arrests.
