MINUTES Town of Lexington Executive Sessions STATE OF THE TOWN and REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING February 6, 2017

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1 Town of Lexington Executive Sessions STATE OF THE TOWN and Town Council held an Executive Session at 5:30 p.m. followed by the State of the Town and the Regular Council meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers on February 6, The meetings were attended by: Mayor Steve MacDougall, Mayor Pro-Tem Hazel Livingston, Councilmembers Kathy Maness, Ted Stambolitis, Todd Carnes, Ron Williams and Steve Baker. Staff members present were: Town Administrator Britt Poole, Assistant Administrator Stuart Ford, Municipal Attorney Brad Cunningham, Transportation Director Randy Edwards, Police Chief Terrence Green, Director of Planning, Building and Technology John Hanson, Economic Development Johnny Jeffcoat, Utilities and Engineering Director Allen Lutz, Assistant Finance Director Laraine Wieder, Director of Parks and Sanitation Dan Walker, Assistant Director of Parks and Sanitation Johnny Dillard, Digital Media Coordinator Darrell Pritchard, Events and Media Coordinator Jennifer Dowden, Downtown Venue Promoter Walker Brewer, Assistant Municipal Clerk Karen Hanner, and Municipal Clerk Becky Hildebrand. There were approximately forty-five (45) citizens and Boy Scouts present and four (4) members of the news media. INVOCATION, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND CALL TO ORDER: Mayor MacDougall welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced the Council Members. Pastor Tim Brokaw, Midlands Christian Church, gave the invocation. Councilmember Stambolitis led in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor MacDougall called the meeting to order at 6:36 p.m. STATE OF THE TOWN ADDRESS Mayor MacDougall delivered his fourth State of the Town Address. (Complete copy attached.) He stated that he would highlight the Town s accomplishments in 2016 and address projects for this year. He thanked the Council and Staff for their dedication to the Town and for being the backbone of this outstanding community.. He gave a recap of the Town s 2015 accomplishments and issues that Council will focus on in 2016 summarized below: 2016 Top Achievements: 1. Icehouse Amphitheater opened in October, Police Department was awarded a Body Camera Grant, Traffic Safety Grant, the Security Industry Alarm Award, and Agency of the Year 3. Banner annexations Total Square Miles 4. Increase in Businesses - $1.9 billion in Gross Sales

2 5. Adaptive Computerized Signalization System launched with 12 Live Signals 6. Flood Recovery USDA Grant $720, Prescott Glen Pump Station Expanded 8. Finance Department Awarded Governmental Finance Officers Association Comprehensive Annual Finance Report Award (18 th year) and the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award (7 th year) 2017 Issues 1. Downtown Improvements and One-way Pairs 2. Ginny Lane Improvements and 2% Hospitality Tax 3. I-20 Westbound Ramp Improvements and Corley Mill at Sunset Blvd Interchange 4. Capital Improvement Projects 5. Cromer Road Pump Station and East Main St. Waterline 6. Sewer Rehab Project 7. New Town Maintenance Facility 8. Improvements to Virginia Hylton Park 9. New Gibson Pond Dam with FEMA and SCDHEC 10. More Events and Activities including Lexington Live Concert Series at the Icehouse Amphitheater Mayor MacDougall thanked Town Staff for all their contributions in making the community a place where people want to live, work, play and learn. He added that Lexington is his hometown and he was astonished to see the positive growth and strides that have been accomplished through the years. Mayor MacDougall called for a ten minute recess at 6:57 p.m. to allow for media questions. The Regular Council meeting reconvened at 7:12 p.m. EXECUTIVE SESSION REPORT Mayor MacDougall reported that the Executive Session was called to order at 5:30 p.m. after a motion was made by Councilmember Williams and seconded by Councilmember Maness to go into Executive Session. The motion was unanimously carried by all those present (6). (Councilmembers Baker and Stambolitis were not present for the vote.) Council adjourned from Executive Session at 6:22 p.m. after a motion was made by Councilmember Stambolitis and seconded by Councilmember Baker. The motion was unanimously carried. Mayor MacDougall reported that pursuant to SC Code (a)(1) and (2), Council met in Executive Session to discuss: one legal issue related to pending Water and Sewer Litigation and five contractual matters related to: (1) a professional services contract, (2) Issues related to a proposed sale of town property, (3) issue related to donations, (4) regarding multi-jurisdictional contact, and (5) a contract for service for Town event. Mayor MacDougall stated that Council would return to Executive Session following the regular Council meeting in order to finish the remaining 2

3 three Executive Session items. No vote was taken. A motion was made by Mayor Pro- Tem Livingston and seconded by Councilmember Maness to ratify Mayor MacDougall s Executive Session report. The motion was unanimously carried. DELETIONS ON AGENDA: None APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A motion was made by Councilmember Maness and seconded by Councilmember Williams to approve the minutes as submitted for Council s Work Session held on January 23, The motion was unanimously carried. PRESENTATIONS 1. School Counselor Advocate of the Year Award Presented to Councilmember Ron Williams from the Palmetto State School Counselor Association Dr. Gregory D. Little, Superintendent of Lexington County School District One: Dr. Little thanked Councilmember Williams for being a shining example of volunteerism. He stated that Ron does a tremendous job and he is at Lexington Elementary School early in the morning where he is either making copies or assisting with car duty. Also present were Mrs. Catherine Williams, LEM Counselor Michelle Privette, and LES Principal James H. Hamby. Mayor MacDougall congratulated Councilmember Williams and added that it was a great honor. He called on Councilmember Williams to say a few words. Councilmember Williams thanked everyone and challenged other Councilmembers to become volunteers at local schools. He stated that it is a great way to start the day and to influence the children s lives. He thanked Mr. Hamby for allowing him the opportunity to volunteer at LES. Councilmember Maness congratulated Councilmember Williams and stated that he did a good job. She added that she recently spoke at LES last week and all the students talked about Mr. Ron and how much they enjoyed seeing him at their school. Councilmember Maness also congratulated Ms. Michelle Privette, who won the South Carolina Counselor of the Year. 2. Follow Up Brief, Fort Jackson Centennial Park, Gateway to the Army Association Command Sergeant Major (Retired) Marty Wells, Major General (Retired) George Goldsmith, and Mr. Dan Hennigan: CSM (ret) Wells presented an update on the progress of Fort Jackson s Centennial Park. He stated that approximately one year ago, he introduced the $2.7 million project to Town Council and he wished to update them and to request a Town sponsorship in the amount of $75,000. He added that Fort Jackson is the largest Initial Entry Training site in the Army training over 72,000 personnel per year. He stated that the South Carolina Military has a substantial economic impact on the Midlands 3

4 and the Centennial Park will provide a gathering place for 3,000 to 5,000 visitors weekly. The Gateway To The Army (GTTA) is a 501-C3 and more information is located on their website CSM (ret) Wells announced several large sponsors including in-kind donations of $460,000; monetary donations including Wells Fargo, USAA, Allsouth and SC Legislative bodies totaling $780,000. Other pending donations include Columbia City Council $300,000; Forest Acres City Council $50,000; and Richland County Council $300,000. He added that they have a great story to tell and people want to be a part of it. He thanked the Mayor and Council for their consideration. (Copy of presentation attached.) Councilmember Stambolitis stated that he was somewhat involved with this project and he asked what type recognition the Town would receive if they were a sponsor. CSM (ret) Wells stated that most sponsors are not concerned with recognition, but they do have a policy to recognize different levels. Councilmember Stambolitis stating that by being in the retail business, he sees a lot of people that work at Fort Jackson but live here in Lexington. He stated that the impact for the area is without question and he would like to see the Town contribute $75,000, more or less, to show appreciation. He would also like to see the Town help promote the project on the Town s water bill, Channel 2 and/or website. He asked if there was a deadline for the sponsorship. CSM (ret) Wells stated that they hope to unveil the park in phases so they would like to have commitments by June 1 st. Mayor MacDougall thanked CSM (ret) Wells and asked that he send the sponsorship information to Town Administrator Poole so he could distribute it to the Councilmembers. 3. Presentation of Donation from Lexington County Chili Cookoff to Town of Lexington Adopt-A-Cop Mr. John Clinger and Mr. Bill Shanahan: Mr. Shanahan introduced John and Kelly Clinger who started the Chili Cookoff. Mr. Shanahan and his wife partnered with the Clingers and held the first event at the Lexington County Blowfish stadium which was attended by 500 people and raised $1,000 for LICS. This year they moved the event to the Town s new Icehouse Amphitheater which was attended by 1,200 and raised $10,000 for First Responders Families in need and $1,500 for the Town s Adopt-A-Cop program. They thanked the Town Staff for all their help with the event. Mr. Clinger stated that they were blessed to have the Town involved in the event and they hope to have it there again next year. They presented Chief Green with a Chili Cookoff shirt and a check for $1,500. Mr. Shanahan also announced the 2 nd Annual St. Patrick s Day Parade to be held on March 12 th in downtown Lexington. Councilmember Maness stated that she attended the Chili Cookoff and it was a great event. She was proud to announce that a Town employee came in second at the Chili Cookoff. 4

5 4. South Carolina United Teal and White Day Proclamation Mayor Pro-Tem Hazel Livingston: Mayor Pro-Tem Livingston read a Proclamation declaring January 18 th as United Teal and White Day in Lexington which recognizes a partnership in the fight against cervical cancer. PUBLIC HEARINGS Mayor MacDougall called the Public Hearing to order and requested that those wishing to speak limit their comments to five minutes. 1. Final Reading of an Ordinance Annexing Lexington County Tax Map # located at 235 Barr Road. 2. Final Reading of an Ordinance Annexing Lexington County Tax Map # located at the corner of Chariot Street and West Main Street. 3. Final Reading of an Ordinance Annexing Lexington County Tax Map # located at the corner of Chariot Street and West Main Street. There being no comments or questions, Mayor MacDougall declared the Public Hearings closed. OLD BUSINESS 1. A motion was made by Mayor Pro-Tem Livingston and seconded by Councilmember Williams for Final Reading of an Ordinance Annexing Lexington County Tax Map # located at 235 Barr Road. (Copy attached.) The motion was unanimously carried. 2. A motion was made by Councilmember Maness and seconded by Councilmember Baker for Final Reading of an Ordinance Annexing Lexington County Tax Map # located at the corner of Chariot Street and West Main Street. (Copy attached.) The motion was unanimously carried. 3. A motion was made by Councilmember Stambolitis and seconded by Councilmember Williams for Final Reading of an Ordinance Annexing Lexington County Tax Map # located at the corner of Chariot Street and West Main Street. (Copy attached.) Councilmember Carnes asked if the properties were on both sides of Chariot Lane. Councilmember Williams confirmed that there are two strips of property on the same side. The motion was unanimously carried. NEW BUSINESS 1. First Reading of an Ordinance Annexing Lexington County Tax Map # located at 208 Tom Corley Place: MWK Properties, LLC owns 5

6 .62 acres located at 108 Tom Corley Place and has petitioned to annex the property. An office building is located on the property. Properties in Town near this one are zoned General Commercial and Tom Corley Place is classified as a Local Road. The Planning Commission will review this annexation during their February meeting to recommend a zoning and road classification for this property. A motion was made by Councilmember Carnes and seconded by Councilmember Baker to approve First Reading of an Ordinance Annexing Lexington County Tax Map # as stated. Councilmember Stambolitis confirmed with Mr. Poole that the property would remain an office building. The motion was unanimously carried. 2. First Reading of an Ordinance for a Mid-Year Budget Adjustment: The following budget adjustment was requested for the current year. No increase in appropriations occurs as a result of this change. (1) Increase PB&T Operating Expense $ 18,000 (maintenance new flooring) (2) Decrease Capital Outlay ( 18,000) (chiller came in under budget) NET 0 A motion was made by Councilmember Williams and seconded by Councilmember Stambolitis to approve a Mid-Year Budget Adjustment as stated. Councilmember Williams confirmed that the money was being used for upkeep of the building. The motion was unanimously carried. 3. First Reading of an Ordinance Annexing Lexington County Tax Map # located at 5326 Sunset Boulevard: Bryce Wesley Lever owns.44 acres located at 5326 Sunset Boulevard and petitioned to annex the property. The property will be used for a portion of a Commercial Center that is being planned at this location. Properties in Town near this property are zoned General Commercial (GC) and Protected Residential (PR) and Sunset Boulevard is classified as an Arterial road. The Planning Commission reviewed this annexation during their January meeting and recommended General Commercial (GC) zoning for the property and Arterial road classification for Sunset Boulevard. A motion was made by Councilmember Stambolitis and seconded by Councilmember Williams to approve First Reading of an Ordinance Annexing Lexington County Tax Map # located at 5326 Sunset Boulevard as stated. The motion was unanimously carried. 4. First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Mutual Aid Agreements: The Lexington Police Department entered into Mutual Aid Agreements with the 6

7 Gaston Police Department and Pine Ridge Police Department in order to provide additional manpower as needed. Amended agreements are required due to personnel changes. A motion was made by Councilmember Shevchik and seconded by Councilmember Williams to approve First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Mutual Aid Agreements as requested. The motion was unanimously carried. 5. Pilgrim Point Streetlights: Historically the Town has paid a portion of the street light bill for Pilgrim Point residents. In accordance with the Town s Residential Street Light Ordinance, the Pilgrim Point Homeowner s Association requested that the Town again pay a pro rata share of their streetlight bill. (A copy of the request letter is attached.) There are 48 lots in Pilgrim Point and the Town Ordinance states that the Town would be responsible for one (1) street light per six (6) lots, which equals eight (8) lights. The total requested is $1, Funds would come from the Transportation budget, # A motion was made by Councilmember Carnes and seconded by Councilmember Maness to approve a portion of Pilgrim Point streetlights in the amount of $1, as stated. Mayor MacDougall requested that the Town Administrator explain the Town s Ordinance. Town Administrator Poole stated that most subdivisions in the Town have public roads and the Town pays for streetlights using the formula. He stated that Pilgrim Point has private roads and is a gated community; therefore, they must petition each year for the Town to pay a portion of their streetlight bill. The motion was unanimously carried. 6. Lease Purchase Resolution: As part of the Fiscal 2016 budget, the Town elected to pursue lease purchase financing for selected Capital items in the General Fund. Proposals were received on January 29, 2016 and the funding date is expected to be on or about February 15, 2016, with payments to start in July (Copy of Resolution attached.) A motion was made by Councilmember Williams and seconded by Councilmember Stambolitis to approve a Resolution for Lease Purchase financing. The motion was unanimously carried. 7. Capital Projects Sales Tax Commission Appointment: Lexington County is creating a Capital Projects Sales Tax Commission and is advising the Town of Lexington that it may appoint one member to the Commission. According to State Law, the Commission must be composed of six members. Three of those members are selected by the County and three by the municipalities. Those selected by the municipalities must be residents of an incorporated municipality in Lexington County. The text of the Capital Projects Sales Tax statute is attached. Mr. Sammy Hendrix, who serves on the Town s Planning 7

8 Commission, served in this capacity in It was recommended that Mr. Hendrix be appointed to serve again. ANNOUNCEMENTS A motion was made by Mayor Pro-Tem Livingston and seconded by Councilmember Maness to appoint Mr. Sammy Hendrix to represent the Town of Lexington on the Lexington County Capital Projects Sales Tax Commission. Mayor MacDougall thanked Mr. Hendrix for his willingness to serve on this Commission again and to make sure that the Town is at the table when this discussion happens. The motion was unanimously carried. Councilmember Shevchik made the following announcements: (1) Congratulations to Mayor MacDougall for delivering his third successful State of the Town address. He also thanked the Council and stated that he enjoyed serving with them. He added that serving on Council is like being the Head Coach for the Yankees because Staff makes it a joy to be on Council. (2) Condolences to Mr. Chuck Corley in the recent loss of his father, Mr. Charles Bitsy Corley. (3) Happy Birthday to Councilmember Stambolitis. Councilmember Shevchik announced free cookies for the Boy Scouts at Flight Deck tomorrow in honor of Councilmember Stambolitis birthday! (4) Congratulations to the Officer of the Year Inspector Missy Silcox. (5) Congratulations to The Needler for 40 years. He added that a lot of residents have gone there to occupy themselves with crafts. (6) Town Hall will be closed on February 15, 2016 in honor of President s Day. (7) He encouraged everyone to come to Council s next Work Session on Tuesday, February 16, 2016, which is a less formal meeting where you get to see more personalities of Council and Staff. (8) The Planning Commission will meet on February 17, 2016 at 8:00 a.m. Councilmember Shevchik stated that it is chaired by Mr. Keith Frost and they deal with zoning issues. He thanked Mr. Frost for attending the Council meeting tonight. (9) The Traffic Committee will meet on February 23, 2016 at 8:00 a.m. in the third floor conference room. Councilmember Shevchik stated that the committee deals with all the Town s traffic issues and state of the art equipment. He added that the Town s Transportation Director, Randy Edwards, plays a big part in helping to alleviate traffic problems. (10) He wished a Happy Valentine s Day to everyone on February 14 th, including his wife. (11) He reminded everyone that the Super Bowl is this weekend Go Panthers! (12) Councilmember Shevchik stated that this past weekend he attended the funeral of his college roommate in Philadelphia. He wished to say a prayer in memory of his friend. (13) Councilmember Shevchik thanked everyone for being part of the Town and for coming to Council s meeting. He introduced Lexington County Councilmember Kent Collins and recognized Boy Scout Troop 340 and thanked them for attending the meeting. Mayor MacDougall announced that the first St. Patrick s Day Parade would be held in Lexington on Saturday, March 12, He added that the parade would be hosted by the Lexington County Blowfish, Lexington Jaycees, Lexington Chamber and the Town of Lexington. More information can be found on 8

9 Mayor MacDougall welcomed Mr. Sherrill Harris, President of the local NAACP. He added that he also enjoyed seeing him at the recent Martin Luther King banquet. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None. NEWS MEDIA QUESTIONS: None. ADJOURNMENT Mayor MacDougall thanked the Council Members and citizens for attending the Council meeting. He thanked those at home for viewing the Council meeting on Channel 2 and it will also be replayed several times during the week. Mayor MacDougall called for a motion to adjourn. A motion was made by Mayor Pro- Tem Livingston and seconded by Councilmember Shevchik to adjourn the Council meeting. The Regular Council meeting was adjourned at 7:26 p.m. Respectfully submitted, APPROVED: Becky P. Hildebrand, CMC Municipal Clerk Steve MacDougall Mayor 9

10 FOIA COMPLIANCE Public notification of this meeting was published, posted and mailed in compliance with the Freedom of Information Act and the Town of Lexington requirements. 10