City Council - Regular Meeting

Good afternoon. It is 4:00 on April 20th, 2026.

Good afternoon. It is 4:00 on April 20th, 2026 and I welcome you to this meeting of the Conway City Council. We are now um underway. Uh if you join me, please for an invocation and pledge of allegiance. Father, we thank you for this day, for our lives, and all the benefits that we enjoy. We ask that you be present with us as we make important decisions for the city of Conway and its residents. Thank you for all you've provided. Uh please guide us and keep us through this process. These things we ask in your name. Amen. To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

And if you would please allow me, we have a very lengthy meeting this afternoon. However, in the past eight or 10 days, the city of Conway lost an important part of our family. And uh Kevin David Chestnut, who was our coworker, a department head, a friend, and a brother, recently succumbed to ALS. And I ask that you join me in honoring him with a moment of silence. Thank you.

Relative to the con consent agenda. Is there a motion? Miss Waller, I make a motion to approve the consent agenda. Thank you. Is there a second? Mr. White, I second.

We have a properly seconded motion to approve the consent agenda. All in favor, please indicate so with the showing of your hand. Motion carries unanimously. Uh moving forward to item four. 4 A is a special presentation of employee of the month. Uh this person comes from public safety. I'm not sure which of the two chiefs. Chief Long, if you would please. Thank you so much. Thank you very much. He's like, "That's why I'm not a detective. I didn't figure it out." But I'll go ahead and give you this right here and tell you that uh John Brown is our employee of the month. Let me tell you why. uh back in January, he was actually recognized as the support services officer of the year for the city of Conway. And since that time, uh he is he's just unborn. Uh it is not uncommon for him in his role, um that when we're going to look to do things and hey, this needs to be done, this need to be done, you get there, like, hey, John's already done that. He already taken care of. His role as our animal patrol officer also has him doing school crossings um which go stand in the middle of 501 at rush hour in the morning and you'll realize how dauntless and and how how fearless he is doing his job there. But he's also picked up so much doing u traffic investigations, collisions, uh working speeding complaints in our neighborhoods. um he is on our emergency response team which is additional training hours that he picks up in addition to what he's uh so it is just uh amazing to see someone who really and truly um just embodies that

committed professional dedication with police department because like I said there are so many times that we're looking to have a task done and we find out he's already done so for that reason he was picked to be our public safety employee of the month and that comes with our vacation Thank you so much and congratulations. Item B is presentation of longevity awards for March 2026. And I'm not sure who the presenter is. ask to assist. About 20 years ago, our city council created a program to recognize milestones and longevity for our city employees. Every 5 years, we get to recognize them here at council and they get a small monetary token as well. Tonight, we're excited. Although we have five such employees, we're going to celebrate three here tonight that were able to join us. First is Zayn Jones from public utilities. Is Zay here? Come on, Zane. Zay was hired in 2021 as a trades worker. He was promoted in 2022 to trades worker one and in 2022 to great trades workers 2. He's been with us for 5 years. Congratulations on 5 years at the city of LA. 25 years celebration Lewis was hired as a community service officer in 2001 was promoted in 2005 to police officer was reclassified to community service officer in 2013. In 2019 the senior master police officer and to police detective in 2023. Congratulations on 25 years.

Congratulations and thank you. Item C will not be presented. We're actually going to try to do that in the month of May. However, items D, E, and FR proclamations. The first recognizing May 2026 as ALS awareness month. E is a presentation of a proclamation recognizing Ella Shepard as a 2026 South Carolina Girls Wrestling Champion of at 105 pounds and F is presentation of a proclamation recognizing Emma Shepard, her twin sister as the 2026 South Carolina Girls Wrestling Champion in the 110 lb category. So we'll begin with ALS. Is there anyone here representing that organization or anyone this proclamation comes from the office of mayor Conway South Carolina I'm not sure if it's amotrophic or amotrophic who knows amotrophic lateral sclerosis awareness month whereas amotrophic Lateral sclerosis, also commonly known as Lucaric's disease, is a progressive final, pardon me, progressive fatal neurodeenerative disease in which a person's brain loses connection with their muscles, slowly reducing a person's ability to walk, talk, eat, and eventually to breathe. And whereas thousands of new amotrophic lateral sclerosis cases are reported every year

and estimates show that every 90 minutes someone is diagnosed with ALS and someone passes away from ALS. And whereas on average patients diagnosed with ALS survive only 2 to 5 years from the time of diagnosis. And whereas the exact causes of ALS are unknown and there's no known cure for ALS. And whereas people who have served in the military are more likely to develop ALS and die from the disease than those with no history of military service. And whereas securing access to new therapies, durable medical equipment, and communication technologies is of vital importance to people living with ALS. And whereas clinical trials play a pivotal role in evaluating new treatments, enhancing quality of life, and fostering assistive technologies for those living with ALS. And whereas the ALS association is the largest philanthropic funer of ALS research globally and has committed more than 154 million to support more than 550 projects across the United States and in 18 other countries. And whereas the ALS and cure it for everyone everywhere. And whereas amotrophic lateral sclerosis awareness month provides an opportunity to increase public awareness of the dire circumstances of people living with ALS acknowledge the terrible impact this disease has on those individuals and their families and support research to eradicate this disease. Now therefore, by the power of this in me as mayor of city, I hereby proclaim the month of May 2026 as ALS awareness month in the city of Conway and call upon all residents to join in supporting ALS research, advocating for increased funding and standing in solidarity with those affected by this relentless disease and

witness whereof I've set my seat my hand and call seal the city of Conway, South Carolina to be a fixed this 20th day of April, 2026, signed by yours truly and attested to by the city clerk, Alicia Shelley. I'm going to ask both and Emma Shepard to join me, please. And their families can come along if you like. You can't look at these girls and guess why they're here except I read it already. So this proclamation they their frame proclamations were presented at at a recent event at Conway High School but I thought that this is the kind of thing that everybody needs to know about. Proclamation from the office of the mayor of Comey South Carolina in recognition of the 2026 South Carolina girls wrestling champion in the 105 lb division Ella Shepard. Now you Ella. All right, Ella. Thank you so much. Whereas Ella does not remember a time when martial arts were not a part of her life. She began competing while in 8th grade. In high school, she played soccer and ran cross country. Having supported her older siblings in wrestling, it became the sport that stole her heart. Whereas, as a freshman, Ella took first place in qualifiers and second place in competing for the state championship. The following year, she was second in

qualifiers and third place for state champion. But her day would come. On February 21st, 2026, Ella earned the South Carolina Championship in her weight class at the Florence Convention Center in Florence, South Carolina. And whereas Ella is academically inclined and plans to study premed in college as she continues competing as a division 1 college wrestler. There's no doubt her future will be bright. Therefore, by the powers vested in me as mayor of Conway, South Carolina, hereby proclaimed that well, we proclaimed that March 31st, 2026 was Ella Shepard Day. But we're going to do another one. We're going to also proclaim that April 20th, 2026 is Ella Shepard Day in the city of Conway. All are encouraged to celebrate her accomplishment and wish her every future success and witnesses whereof I've said my hand caused seal of the city of comedy South Carolina to be affixed and it was on the 31st of March attested to you by the city for it is more so in common that in one town, in one school, in one family, there would be two sisters who get almost the same award and they actually are twins. So this probably will go down in history for decades and decades. This proclamation from the office of the mayor, South Carolina is in recognition of the 2026 South Carolina girls wrestling champion in the 110 lbs division, Emma Shepard. Whereas following the path of two older siblings, Emma Shepard became interested in wrestling in her youth. Emma is a born athlete. She honed her physical prowess with I can never say this word.

Jiu-jitsu okay as a young child and has continued to develop her skills over 12 years. She's also mastered cross country and soccer along the way, but her true love has always been wrestling. And whereas a junior in high school and she maintains a competitive GPA. And whereas in Emma's first two years as a competitive wrestler, she placed third in state level competition, the winner inside her couldn't and wouldn't settle for being third best in South Carolina. And whereas Emma credits her success to God, a supportive family, and dedicated coaches, she especially appreciates the support and assistance she gained from Ben Collins, Kenneth Radford, and Kevin Radford of the Radford Train Wrestling Club. And whereas future plans Emma has for herself include one college president and the possibility of further competitive advancement, there's no limit to what she can do. Therefore, by the powers vested in me as mayor of Conway, South Carolina, I do hereby proclaim that today, April 20th, 2026 is also Emma Shepard Day in the city of Conway. All we're encouraged to also celebrate her accomplishments and wish her every future success and witness whereof, I've said my hand and cause seal of the city of Conway to be affixed. And this was attested to by the city clerk, Alicia Shield. Heat. Heat. Yeah.

Heat. Heat. Heat. And you know I should recommend that you take the elevator down instead of those stairs. Mr. Shepher Mr. Shepher Mr. Congratulations.

Oh, okay. Okay. Thank you. Congratulations, girls. Item G is a presentation by the Rotary Club of Conway. How do you do? Really good. Thank you. Uh there's one right here. You need to do it for those people online, please.

Hello, my name is Steve represent. We're a service organization been in Congress since 1945. Uh, every year we hold rain around the first week of December and city police always help us with that. And so this year we decided to spend some of our money uh to help them buy some equipment. So I'm here today to present a check for $1,500 to the chief employees here. And I got a good picture here. We appreciate their help here to secure the route and take care of all this, you know, all the safety and everything that that day. All the money we raised in that race, we spent here locally. Uh just this week, we spent uh about $17,000 or $19,000 on tennis shoes for all the middle schoolers in our area. been 460 years.

Thank you so much for your contribution and particularly what you did for those 400 and some odd students. Thank you. And um H is a presentation. And before I say this, I do want to just acknowledge that um Jerry Sheay is here from Congressman Fry's office. We're always so very happy to have you. Um item eight, traffic. Okay, we're going to hold off on item eight momentarily. Uh the people are on their way in, but they're stuck in traffic. Item five, second and final reading, award ZA 202260504D to reszone an approximate 7 and 4/10 acre portion of 8 and 76100s acres of property located at 247 Highway 501 from highway commercial and light industrial districts to light industrial. Miss Hux.

Yes. Um good evening. Uh first request um first reading of this request was approved at the March 16th meeting. However, it was not unanimous, which is why it's back up for discussion. Essentially, the resoning of the remaining portion that will be left once subdividing the 1.36 acre tract currently zoned how commercial eliminates the split zoning condition of the property consistent with current standards of the UDO, which does not allow for split zoning of parcels. Um, for reference on this illustration, although it's not exact, the yellow highlighted areas shows what is proposed to be reszoned to LI. The remainder contains a storm water pond in the driveway for the buildings. Any further development of the property would be nearly impossible short of several variances that would be required. The minimum lot width is 75 ft and minimum and meeting setbacks would be difficult. Also, the area contains their entrance way, which would have to be relocated if they ever propose to develop. And at this point, there is nowhere else on the property to re relocate that. I'm happy to answer any questions you have, but staff does recommend approval of second reading.

Thank you so much, Mr. Sucks. Mr. Gage,

thank you, Mayor. Um, can you and I've read through it and I've read through it and I've read through it and it's still not clicking in this head of my staff's logic behind and I'm not saying it's wrong. It's it's not right or wrong. I I just thought we were getting away from putting industrial on thorough affairs. You know, correct there's a proposed very similar concept that staff has been vehemently opposed on 378 home and and and it's not an apples to there's never an apples to apples comparison, but it's like a Granny Smith and a red delicious apple. It's pretty dag close. And I'm just wondering like what's your rationale behind making this recommendation? You know, when we make industrial on 501, you know, we talk about aesthetics. We talk about aesthetics on uh I'm sorry, I got distracted. Aesthetics coming through our gateway corridors. How is this any different? And I understand what I know what they're doing, but what about the next time

that is, you know, that's always going to be a concern, but the difference between this one and other properties is that the use already exists. it's already there. So, you're not establishing a use that doesn't already exist. Even if this particular establishment were to leave, it's already zone light industrial for the portion that they're actually operating on. So, they already have the ability to do something else that's permitted in the district and expand the existing use. Whereas, the other sites, they're not zoned that way. The future land use maps don't support that. So you would be establishing a use that's not otherwise allowed on those properties.

So how does that differentiate itself from spot zoning? If I come in and say, "Yeah, I want LI Light Industrial for this because this is what I'm going to use it for." And I get everybody on board and everybody's happy and everybody thinks it's pretty and it looks good. It's going to be a good use. then next week I can sell it to someone who's going to do something totally different as are these people. I'm not going to lose any sleep over it. I just don't think it's a consistent messaging. I know I'm the only one that voted against it last time. I intend to do the same today. Thank you.

If if I may, the pink area is already zone is already zoned highway commercial, but because it's not on its own parcel, it's sort of unusable. What differentiates this from the other is when this does develop, it will hide the like industrial behind it, assuming that something comes in when in the industrial section or in the highway commercial portion. I think what the what we're trying to do, what they're trying to do with this resoning request is make that front part parcel usable. It's a large track. If you ever notice that the front edge is is undeveloped, this will allow that frontage piece to develop and hide the light industrial behind it. Is that that? Yeah.

So what you're saying is we want to take a nice grassy field that could otherwise be not that it would a baseball field, soccer field, kickball field the park and turn it into something that they can now apply some type of industrial application to.

No, the what the pink piece um they are going to be subdividing that from the parent track. So, right now it's split zoned already. Highway commercial and limited industrial or light industrial. The purple portion and um a piece of the yellow portion is light industrial. They're basically trying to get rid of a split zoning situation. So, it's already split zoned. And the little pink piece, they're actually subdividing that out. It'll all be highway commercial. So this is just taking the remainder and making it consistent with the um existing light industrial and getting rid of the split zoning issue. So it's not

why can't we reszone it to highway commercial and just make it a non-conforming use. So if it were ever to be sold, you know, it has to conform with the highway commercial application instead of the potential for bringing in some type of industrial application. the light well the future land use map does support both the light industrial and the highway commercial district so rather than make um what's there non-conforming the idea is to prevent that um of course that is always an option but the existing zoning is light industrial we I appreciate you I appreciate the staff's work we're just going to agree to disagree on this thing

I think also if this was a new property we were annexing in and we could choose the zoning then that would be a good time to make that decision but this is already in the city. It's already zoned light industrial in the city. It's already split zoned in the city. And so we're trying to correct something that was done wrong years ago to make it usable. And you could not put I mean, no one's going to play kickball or baseball on the 501 frontage there. So it's not I mean, you could, but it'd be Yeah, it'd be Yeah, I'd love to see it used, but for what? Well, it's going to be highway commercial. that that piece that they're subdividing on. Somebody's going to open a landscaping business and McDonald's like the rest of McDonald's or something. No, it's going to be high commercial. Highway commercial.

It can't because it's not on its own parcel. All right.

The pink piece is is highway commercial. It is. Now, that piece is going to be subdivided from the overall tract. It's one piece. The property owners, I'm assuming, are selling that. It's probably going to be commercially developed. anything that's in the highway commercial district. The yellow piece is what's left of the highway commercial which is going to re be on the same parcel as the existing light industrial and they're trying to clean that up making it all one zoning. It contains their entrance road and a storm water pond. So they there's nothing that they could do there anyway. there's no changes to what's there um that staff is aware of. Okay.

You know, Mr. Goldfinch does bring up a good point in the sense that I would rather leave one section of that parcel to be non-conforming and just make it highway commercial. It's already there. It's already wrong. rather than increase the I mean to make it do you have the current zoning is that one of the maps all right so that's what to zone it light industrial which does open up unless it's already zone light industrial though right well part of it is right so so which part are we changing we're we're changing how we commercial to light industrial level of frontage from industrial to commercial

no how I'm not getting that back. So, the driveway to get to Tyson Signs is going to zone with Tyson Signs. So, the to to to the the only way to get to the the developments there is to drive from 501 to the development. And right now, you'd be driving through the different zoning district to get there. So, they have to unparalle that out. This will fix the non-conformity. It'll fix the split zoning. And what's the worst that could happen as it remains splitly zoned illegally? It just doesn't match our ordinance. Now, if you choose to deny the the reasoning, nothing happens other than it stays exactly like it is. That's that's really it. But the idea is

is it troublesome for the for the property owner that it has the how is it? No, because everything that they're going to be subdividing out is all highway commercial. the first 300 ft of that entire tract, if you um look here on your left, see the red, the frontage, that's all highway commercial. What's purple is light industrial. What they're wanting to do is take a piece of the HC and they're going to that's going to be all highway commercial and I'm assuming they're selling it and that will be commercially developed. So, you couldn't do that on the same parcel. Go ahead, Mr. I just I was just going it just clicked.

It just clicked. I'm sorry. It's been a long tax season. Um it makes sense. Yeah. With that, I would move that we approve second reading of of this. Thank you, Miss Har. And and I think another way to look at it is it's simply a driveway off of 501 to a property a business that already exists and they're selling the other frontage. It's a pond and a driveway. I apologize, but this is why we have discussion because it just clicked and and I got y'all and staff and I apologize.

No, no. This is why we do this and it takes time. this is important to work through it. So, thank you for your patience. One more question. You don't envision a scenario where once all of this is light industrial that there will one day be a change of hands for the property and and it take on a light industrial use that would not fit into highway commercial. So it's already light industrial the pieces that it's already developed say let's say what's there they part is yes and they know because they have to have access that's where their access is their driveway and their storm water pond and you got setback requirements it's going to be very difficult I'm sorry is that the extent of what we were proposing to change it

yeah okay that's better yeah okay anybody else I'm Sorry, Miss I didn't know it was just the pond in the driveway. Okay, it's a right away. Anybody else? Yeah, they have to have the front entrance right away. Any other questions or comments? I made a move. I know you did. I'll second.

There's a probably seconded motion on the floor. Are there any other comments or questions? There being none, we'll call a vote. All in favor, please show your favor with the showing of your hand. Motion carries unanimously. We got through that one. Uh item six, first reading of Is the one? No. Um first reading of ordinance Z 202260504E to reszone approximately 7317 acre property at 424 Maplewood Circle from Ory County residential. No mobile homes allowed to city of Conway load to medium residential district um upon annexation. Miss

Yes. Um Nancy Alvarez, our assistant planner, is going to present this one. Thank you so much. The same one I thought might have been a student intern. Yeah. No, not Welcome back. Hi. Thank you. How are y'all? Good. Thank you.

All right. So, the first reading of this ordinance to annex the property was approved at the March 16th council meeting. The adding station was requested in accordance to the city requirements regarding new connections to the city utilities. Um the current zoning is Ory County SF40 which is single family residential on minimum lot sizes of 40,000 square ft and does not allow mobile homes. The request zoning upon annexation is the R1 district which is low to medium residential and there is currently one single family home and a detached garage on the property. The request is consistent with the zoning of adjacent parcels that have been annexed in recent years as well as the future land use map which designates the area as low to medium density residential or R1. Planning commission held the required public hearing on the proposed resoning of the property um at their April 2nd meeting and they recommended approval and staff recommends approval as well.

Thank you. I move that we uh annex I'm sorry that we um resone this property to R1. Is there a second? Move second.

Questions or comments if there are any? There being none, we'll call a vote. All in favor, please show such with your hand. Motion carries unanimously. Item C, first reading of ordinance ZA 20260504G to resolve on approximately 3 and 29100s of an acre property at 11:25 and 11:35 East Highway 501 from Ory County Highway commercial district to city of Conway. Mayor, I could be wrong, but I think we might have skipped B on the uh Okay, let's read B then. First reading of ordinance Z A 202260504F to reszone approximately 6317 acre property at 1121 East Highway 501 from Ory County Highway commercial district to city of Conway Highway commercial district so yes and this item along with the next item on the agenda they could be taken together um if you would like they're owned by the same person um but this ordinance is regarding request to to zone the properties um approxim 3.92 total acres. Uh first reading of the ordinance to annex the properties was approved at the March 16th council meeting. The annexation requirement was triggered when the applicant sought to reconnect a mobile home to city utilities, which has been disconnected since September of last year. Both properties included in this request are currently highway commercial in the county's jurisdiction. As mentioned at the last meeting, in addition to the commercial establishments, the property contains a mobile home, which is a non-conforming structure. However, it would have been considered non-conforming under the county's zoning as well because while the county's highway commercial district allows sitebuilt detached family dwellings, mobile homes are not permitted. Staff looked into the issue of whether or not the mobile home was legally established, and the county's position is that it was. However, until last month, the mobile home did not have its own address

apart from the address of a business that was once located on the property. Um, however, if therefore, if the property is annexed, the mobile home would be considered legal non-conforming. There are other existing issues that would become an enforcement matter once annexed. Um, a new business or proposed business, safe shield, a traffic control company. Um there are some materials for this property on the site and additionally Marcos Tires which is the 1121 East Highway 501. Um they do have some unsightly outdoor storage which will be addressed upon annexation because while uses and structures that were legally permitted would be legal non-conforming, uses and structures that were not permitted are not. Um the issues don't change the broader zoning analysis because the highway commercial district is consistent with the future land use map and the intent of the zoning district and the commercial character of the corridor. Um if annexed, the use of the properties will be subject to the non-conformity section of the UDO which deals directly with non-conforming uses. Additionally, these properties and surrounding properties will be a part of an area plan that staff is working on in conjunction with the comprehensive plan. The applicant has previously um expressed their desire not to be annexed. They also requested um a dollar amount of the annexation cost specifically pertaining to property taxes and business licensing fees. And the monthly cost for water service will decrease. There are other fees such as sanitation and storm water fees that will be assessed monthly once annexed. Um staff emailed the applicant and the applicant is present and from what I understand talking to him before the the meeting started that he is okay now with the annexation. Um planning commission held a public hearing on the proposed zoning at their

April 2nd meeting and recommended approval. And because it's within within the utility service area and part of a broader area plan, staff also recommends approval. Thank you so much, Miss Hooks. Mr. Gfinch. Mayor, I move that we approve uh first reading of item B is in Bravo. Item C is in Charlie for first reading. Thank you, Mr. White. Second. There probably seconded motion to um um follow staff's recommendation on this issue. Are there any questions or comments? Comment. Yes, sir. Mr. White,

I would like to thank staff for putting the um the signage or the landmarks there for me and for others as well. But this gives us an idea about where we are and what's surrounded that we're talking about. So, thank you very much for that. Anyone else? Call vote. All in favor, please indicate such for the showing of your hand. Motion carries unanimously. We're going to go back just a bit. Um I understand that um Stacy Davis has joined us. Uh we'll go back to item H. Uh presentation by Stacy Davis Films. Stacy Davis Hamilton. How are you?

Good afternoon. Mayor, thank you so much. Please forgive me for my tardiness. I know Councilman White is going to get me at the end, but all is well. Thank you for the opportunity for me letting me speak to you and everyone here. So, my name is Stacy Davis Hamilton and uh for me, Conway is not just a location, but it's part of my story. My grandfather, Wesley A. White, Senior, born and raised here in Conway and a graduate of Wenmore High. So, um it's just a full circle moment for me. Um I started a production company. I'm from Marian, South Carolina. started a production company and um you can so um 2019 we shot our first Christmas film and we came to the city of Conway and during that time I'm not sure if you all familiar with the TV show Family Matters um Kelly Williams and Daryus McCra Eddie and Laura Winslow was in your city and we they toured the boardwalk and or the riverwalk and you had at the time like the little train they roasted marshmallows So, we shot that on camera, right? Um, and that first movie went exclusively to the Roku channel. So, we decided, you know what? Let's keep going. Let's keep building. You can go to the next slide. Um, this lets lets you know a little bit about who we are. We develop and produce projects that are familyfriendly. Um, and like I said, Conway is very beautiful. You all are doing a fantastic job. You may not hear it often, but you are doing an amazing job in this area. The next slide, please. Why Conway? Um, we chose Conway because of its unique character and strong sense of community. I've been watching and following you guys on on social media and to see every month, every holiday is is geared towards that month. You don't find many

cities that do, you know, um, things of that nature. So recently, February 2019, 2026, we came back to the city of Conway to shoot another Christmas film and this time we had Sh um she played on the TV show with Brandy Norwood and um on Moisha. She was here and she was like, I love this city. And for us to be here for a whole week, um, we rented an Airbnb, the casting crew came down, we were downtown Conway eating, and just hearing the feedback from the cast and crew, and it was like, you know what, Conway makes sense because everything is here, what we need, airport, um, hotels, it's just so it's it it fits, you know. Um, like I said, you don't find many cities like the city of Conway. Um, you can go to the next slide. I'm asking um for a partnership with the city of Conway. We are continuing to um create more Christmas films and we do have outlets where our content goes to so it doesn't just sit on a shelf. And what can you do or why Conway? Um Conway, you know, I'm sure you all have already been on Hallmark in 2014, but continue that because of your visibility, what you do in the area. Um it should not go unnoticed. I mean, you're booming on social media. Your views and whoever's on your marketing team is doing a fantastic job and just creating opportunities for the youth and aspiring creators here in this area. I do know um the young people in my area that are saying that, hey, we appreciate you. Thank you. Because we have to travel so far to Atlanta or to New York just to get a background acting or just to get um experience on a film production set. So I try to stay in this area PD region and the um Grand Strand so that we can give those opportunities

to those that who are interested in the arts. Um so I'm just asking for access to your public locations. And I thought about it when you were here filming in February. I was like, you know what, Susan, you might want to talk to the city just to let them know as courtesy that, hey, you're in the area and you're shooting um in public spaces. And so that is why I'm here today just to ask um for your um support. I do know you all have your December events and I would love to come back and film that a part of the movie that we're shooting now. So that is why I'm here. Um we do have other films and you can go to the next slide of who I worked with in the past. Um that is Bernardet Sanders from the times and she was not here in the city of color but she has worked with me. So um we are striving to be better. We're doing our job and I just wanted to stay in this area because of the of the legacy that's here and what you all are offering to your residents. So, that is why I'm here. Thank you again. I don't want to take up too much of your time, but I just wanted to introduce myself to you all. Thank you so much. U you may or not may not have met our city administrator, Adam Me. I was going to hand you his card. Need you to have some conversation. Thank you. what you've already done here and thank you for your desire to come back and do more. Thank you. Thank you all.

Is my cousin.

Yes. He is my cousin. Yes. Thank you. Thank you all. Thank you so much. Item C. Uh item uh all right somehow we're at B. Item D refresh reading ordinance ZA 2026 0601A tax approximately 59100s of an acre property located at 5003 Converse Drive. Um this says Miss Hux and I know you're not Miss Hux unless you're another Hux and you told me you were a Hux. So your name please.

Uh Miss Peterson. Miss Peterson, thank you so much.

Okay. This property is located within the College Park subdivision and annexation is being required as a condition of receiving city utilities due to a change in property ownership and in accordance with restrictive covenants that were filed in December of 2014. This property contains a single family home and is surrounded by other single family homes. The neighboring property was annexed in 2024 and 17 other properties in this neighborhood have also been annexed. The current zoning of this property is Hy County SF10 and the requested zoning upon annexation is R1 low medium residential which is consistent with the city's future land use map. If annexation is approved, the request to reszone will be presented at planning commission on May 7th for their recommendation. Staff does recommend annexation of this property. This is one more property in an area that we've worked really hard on for decades. I'm really proud that they keep coming in. I move that we um accept this ordinance and asking this specific property. Miss Ell. All right, we have a property seconded motion. Are there questions or comments? There being neither call vote. All in favor, please show your hand. Motion carries unanimously. Item E is first reading of ordinance ZA2601B annex approximately 1 and 54100s acres of property located at 906 Covery Lane. Miss Hut.

Yes, ma'am. This annexation request is part of a larger request to zone the adjacent parcels a planned development district. This parcel which will be part of that PD is still in the county's jurisdiction. Currently splitzoned Ory County neighborhood commercial and SF20 residential no mobile homes allowed districts. The adjacent property currently zoned neighborhood commercial is proposed to be reszoned to a PD for which this property is a part of and which will be considered by planning commission at their May 7th meeting. Staff does recommend approval of first reading of the annexation. Thank you, Miss Hooks. Mr. Gfinch,

may I move we approve first reading of said ordinance. Mr. Jordan,

I will second. We got a properly seconded motion to approve annexation of this property. Are there questions or comments? There being none, we'll call vote. All in favor, please show your hand. Motion carries unanimously. Um item F includes 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 properties. Um uh they are all interrelated but we'll certainly have an opportunity to ask questions about any one of them individually. I'm going to give an abbreviated opening for these properties. First reading of ordinance Z 202260504H to reszone 42100s of an acre of property at 103 Aelia Drive from R1 to CP which is conservation preservation. The second is ordinance ZA 20260504 I to resone through 38100s of an acre of property at 1508 Little Street from R1 to CP the 3rd. First reading of ordinance ZA 20260504J to reszone approximately 8 acres of property on Freeman Drive and Godfrey Avenue at a number of of um adjacent addresses from low to medium density R1 to CP. Uh number four, first reading of ordinance ZA 202260504K to resone approximately 8 and 15100s of an acre of property at Hawthorne J Drive with uh several addresses on Hawthorne Drive from R1 to CP. Number five, first

reading ordinance ZA 2022605504 L to reszone approximately 83 and a half acres of property on or adjacent to Long Avenue and Sherwood Drive at a number of addresses on those streets from R1 to CP number six. First reading of ordinance ZA260504M to reszone approximately 3 and 29100s acres of property at various addresses on Long Avenue from R1 to CP. And finally, number seven, first reading of ordinance 2022605504N to resone approximately 61 and 210 of an acre property on or adjacent to Sherwood Drive at a number of Sherwood Drive addresses from R1 to CP. Miss Hu.

Yes. So, these requests are city initiated resonings of 57 city-owned parcels totaling approximately 165 acres um from the low medium density residential district to conservation preservation. Many of these properties are those that were acquired by the city through the FEMA buyout program for properties that experienced repetitive flooding. Other parcels in this request were either already owned by the city or acquired by the city for storm water improvement projects. These properties essentially function as passive open space or storm water management areas and reszoning the properties to conservation preservation ensures that the zoning of the property accurately reflects their long-term use and purpose. The action is consistent with the city's broader efforts to protect environmentally sensitive areas, reduce flood risk, and improve storm water management. Similar actions have been taken in recent years with the resoning of Lake Busby and other city-owned tracks to the conservation preservation district. Additional tracks owned by the city are under consideration for resoning as well, which will be reviewed by planning commission next month. Planning commission held the required public hearing on these properties and recommended approval and staff also recommends approval.

Thank you so much, Miss Hux. Miss Helms. change all those just all seven of them. Is there a second? Miss um hardwood. Yes. Thank you. Probably seconded motion to uh uh adjust the um zoning for each of these properties to conservation preservation. Are there any comments or questions?

Yes, ma'am. Mayor. Mayor, I would just like to say I think it is a great day in the city of Conway when we are reszoning 165 acres into conservation preservation land for our city and I want to make sure everybody hears that number. It's 165 acres. I agree. It's quite an accomplishment and necessary. We'll call vote. All in favor, please indicate such showing of your hand. Motion carries unanimously. Thank you so much. Um item G has three related properties. Uh first reading of ordinance ZA 202260504. No, these aren't properties at all. But these ordinances now, do we need to do them in sync or

Yes, they're all related.

They're all related. Uh the first is to amend article two definitions, article four use tables and article five specific use regulations of the city of common unified development ordinance regarding pro revisions to permitted and conditional uses in various zoning districts. Uh the second has to do with amending article 2 definitions, article 4 use tables and article 14 boards and procedures of the city of common unified development ordinance regarding the adoption of a special exception process and uses in which that exception will be required. And third, first reading ordinance ZA 202604Q to amend article 12 nonconformities of the city of Conway univer unified development ordinance regarding the reestablishment of certain uses that require special exception approval. Miss Hux,

yes, these amendments have been discussed with council at prior workshops as well as your budget retreat. So, I'm going to be as brief as possible. I'm happy to answer any questions on the details that are included in the amendments. The three amendments, they work together. They update how certain commercial uses are defined, regulated, and reviewed within the UDO. They are the result of a broader effort by staff over the past year. The process was initiated following a reasonzoning request for property zoned highway commercial located adjacent to an established single family neighborhood. While that request was ultimately denied, it highlighted broader concerns with how certain high impact higher impact commercial uses are currently regulated, particularly when located near residential areas. In response, staff conducted a comprehensive review of the UDO to determine whether additional tools were needed to better address compatibility moving forward. The First Amendment focuses on how uses are defined, classified, and regulated. It updates definitions to reflect modern business operations. Clarifies the use table so that only listed uses are permitted. Apply supplemental standards rather than conditional designations for high impact uses and additional restrictions for other high impact uses such as vape smoke tobacco shops. alternative financial services such as payday loans, check cashing and title loan establishments, gas and service stations with or without convenience stores, and a new use outdoor event facilities or spaces which will include standards for event size, event frequency, frequency, noise, and location along with the requirement for the special exception review to ensure compatibility with surrounding properties. The second amendment establishes the special exception review process through the board of zoning appeals. This applies in limited situations where a use may be

appropriate within a zoning district, but its location or surrounding contexts warrants additional review. A special exception is not a variance or a resoning. The use remains permitted, but the board of zoning appeals evaluates sight specific impacts and applies reasonable conditions when necessary. Amendment three for non-conform nonconformities addresses how these regulations apply to existing uses. Existing lawful uses can continue. However, if discontinued, uses that are subject to separation requirements or special exception requirements must comply with current standards of the UDO before the use can be reestablished. This ensures that non-conforming situations are reduced over time. These amendments also include housekeeping provisions and the addition of uses not previously defined or listed in the use table. The updates improve clarity, consistency, and alignment across the UDO. These amendments do not prohibit uses, but instead they clarify how they're classified. They apply targeted standards based on impacts, introduce limited additional review where appropriate, and provide a long-term framework for compatibility. The goal is a more predictable and balanced system that supports development while protecting established neighborhoods. Planning Commission held public hearings on the proposed amendments. This went through several meetings at planning commission. There were several amendments along the way. They did recommend approval at their April 2nd meeting with minor revisions. Um, but those revisions were incorporated and provided to council and staff gladly recommends approval of the amendments.

Thank you so much, Mr. Golden.

Just a comment, mayor. Um, you looks like y'all spent a lot of time on this and y'all know better than us. I I I would just add I I think when you really break this down, look at it, it's less about the use and more about what it looks like. And and I'll hearken back a few years ago, former member on this council, no longer here, prominent defense attorney in town, I thought made an excellent point. We were talking about uh bail bonds offices and, you know, sort of falls into this group of vape shops and or tattoo parlors or you know, things of that nature. and and he made a I thought a very well uh articulated argument that you know he has more criminal at the time had more criminals walking in and out of his office on Third Avenue in front of the courthouse than most places in Conway. It wasn't a function of what it was. It was a function of what it looks like. if you could walk into a a doctor's office for example and and buy your vape materials, whatever those are on vape, nobody would really care. And I and I just I I just I thought I was thinking about that as you were sharing that. It's about what it looks like. Nobody wants to see all of the um you know what these buildings look like when it comes to a lot of these seemingly CD operations. And I think that that should perhaps factor into

Yes, it's to help prevent a proliferation of these establishments within the same area. For instance, there's one strip center on Rivertown Boulevard that has five or six alternative financial service establishments in the same strip center. Yeah, it's a little much. I have a question sort of unrelated, but in in your in the packet for tonight's uh meeting, there were several charts that were presented um with a myriad of uses in in various places and I think I saw that in neighborhood commercial that bars and nightclubs are allowed. That's right. Is that what we have now?

Yes. So that chart um what I did was I listed all the uses that are currently permitted that are um outright permitted that are supplemental uses which were previously called conditional uses and then accessory uses. And anything in red are new uses um or uses that weren't previously listed in the use table. If they're highlighted in yellow, they were originally changed from being permitted to being supplemental uses. Um, and if they're highlighted in blue, those are uses that are proposed to be removed from that specific zoning district. Um, I think one of the ones that I had questioned was whether or not you wanted to allow u vape smoke shops in the neighborhood commercial district, but I did not um do the same for bars.

I cannot imagine a vape shop being as detrimental as a bar or nightclub in a neighborhood. I mean, I don't understand that. There are some um uh jurisdictions that require those to also get special exception approval um if they're within a certain distance of residential. Yeah. I'm just thinking specifically about things like noise, like traffic, like all those things that people complain about when a commercial business is going to be near their residence. Um that's that's my surprise. Does your hand off?

Yes. I I just want to congratulate you in dealing with the bank shops. Um because we had one on just about every other corner on Main Street 501 and 540 to 46. So that was a big pet peeve for mine to try to eliminate where they're located. Yes, they are predator of them, but to eliminate where they're located. They are predatory in nature. So yes, we were happy to do that, too.

Thank you, Mr. Go. I I'm just going to point out an obvious comment, Mayor. I I agree with y'all. I agree with staff. Um although I'll say again, I don't think it's the use, it's what it's what it looks like. I mean, we you can spot a vape store flying into Beach Airport. Okay. In the daytime, much less at night. So, you know, that's the problem. It's not what they sell. Well, okay, that's a different argument. It's what they look like and what it looks like in your neighborhood. But if this is a vendor issue and it goes back to the four or five check cash in or title loan places that fill up a cheap strip, that's what we're allowing to come here. I mean, we're allowing I mean, there's obviously it exists because there's demand,

right? So, if we want to curb that demand, then we need to look it's a broader zoom out 30,000 ft and look at what we're allowing to come here. And you know what I mean? Yes. Yeah. And this is what this addresses. That's correct. There's certain situations where there'll be administrative approval. There's certain situations where they just will not be allowed. And then there's others where they'll have to get special exception review where the board could place additional conditions depending on how far they are to residential areas. Um I move then that we approve first reading of these three ordinances. Is there a second, Mr. White?

A second. A properly seconded motion to move forward. Are there any final questions or comments? There being none, call a vote. All in favor, please show your hand. Motion carries unanimously. Item H is first reading of ordinance ZA 202260504R to amend article 2 definitions, article 6 design standards, article 7 street design and circulation, article 10 subdivision and land development, and article 12 nonconformities of the city of Conway unified development ordinance to establish standards for private roadway and city limits. The amendments proposed are intended to address existing lots by record that lack adequate frontage on a public street except for maintenance by the city, county, or state, and to establish regulations for development proposed on roads not constructed to city standards, Miss Hooks. So, this amendment addresses a growing issue that we're seeing with properties that were legally created or annexed into the city, but do not have required frontage on a public street that's constructed to city standards. Under the current ordinance, every lot must front a public street accepted for maintenance, whether that is county, state, or city. And this requirement works well for new subdivisions, but for older lots or annex properties, it creates a situation where even if a road exists, the property cannot be built on unless that street is constructed to full city standards. In many cases, that's simply not practical due to cost, ownership, or existing conditions. This slide shows um the city's rightway in new major subdivisions. That's what it has to look like. You've got 24 ft pavement width, 18inch carbon gutter each side, a 5ft planning strip, and a 5ft sidewalk, and then a few feet left on either side for um public utilities. Um on the road on the right is a proposed road pile of a typical paved

private street. The private road profile is actually more representative of the roads that we are dealing with. Although in many cases these roads are even more limited, some are paper roads, narrower in some cases, and many lack curb or gutter or an unpaved or privately maintained under the current ordinance. Lots served by roads like these cannot be developed. And I'll skip forward on this slide. On the left is a street that meets current city standards um that resembles the road profile. On the right is an example of a street within the city limits that serves as frontage for multiple properties but does not include sidewalks, curb or gutter or street trees. And these are conditions that already exist throughout the city, particularly in older areas that were developed under previous standards. So today, if a lot doesn't front a public street, it simply cannot be developed even if access is there. Council had discussed these situations several times over the last year. And the question has been, how do we address cases where a lot is served by a road like this today, but under our current ordinance cannot be developed? And this amendment creates a limited and controlled framework to address these situations. It allows access through private roads, substandard roads, but only when access is safe and adequate, fire requirements are met, and the city can require improvements or deny development if needed. This amendment does not change standards for new development. Private roads are not allowed for major subdivisions. Public streets are still the standard and the city will not maintain private roads. to give some real world examples. In this case, the road exists, but it's not paved and it's not a public road. Because ownership of the road is unclear, it can never be accepted by the

city. Regardless of any improvements made and under the current ordinance, certificates of occupancy cannot be issued for any homes being built or that will be built in the future. With the proposed amendment and with the required improvements to meet private road standards, these properties would have a path forward. And this is an example of what that same road would look like under the private road standards. Probably not exact, but um gives you a good idea. In this example, this is a street that was never platted and was never constructed. Um it is a city street. Um, even one lot being developed would require the road to be constructed to city standards. In many of these areas, often involving property that is inherited, development is unlikely to occur under the current requirements. And here, this is another this is actually a city street here. Um, these examples, they're not isolated. There's probably 50 or so that I can think of that are within the same area that face these same circumstances. This is Woodmore Street. This is an idea of what Woodmore Street could look like under um a private road. As the city continues to annex property, particularly in rural areas, we are seeing more of these situations. Even where design modifications could be granted, it doesn't resolve the issue if the road is not public or cannot be dedicated. This amendment provides a path forward where today there isn't one. It allows reasonable use of property, maintains public um safety, um prevents the city from having long-term maintenance obligations without changing requirements for major subdivisions. Planning Commission held the public hearing at their April 2nd meeting and recommended approval of the amendments

of the of the um proposed amendment. Staff also recommends approval. Mr. Cage, thank you. M question, why does some of these neighborhoods, particularly some of the newer ones or the ones that we move into that we annex, um why do they have to be public streets? Why can't they be private and they just give us an easement? That is definitely a great question. One that I think would be better answered by um maybe somebody in public works or or Adam. But I would tell you some discuss it's messy. It's messy at best. I can tell.

I know we've got folks from two neighborhoods here tonight who want things in and rightly so who want things in their neighborhoods fixed and we ain't got the money. We don't have the staff for it. Yeah. We just don't. I think a lot of it has to do with the interconnectivity. if they're public than anybody in the public. You know, a lot of times if it's a private road, people put that it's posted, they put no trespassing and things like that. And having that interconnectivity for public safety purposes is a great is a great thing.

And and there's a lot of value in connectivity and public access and public roads. And I'm not discounting that one bit, but there are a lot of examples and I could spend the next 3 hours going through neighborhoods where there is no public benefit for that being a public road. It is for the sole benefit of the individuals that live in that neighborhood. Correct. And it is a it's a cost to the city. You know, it is borne by every citizen and every person that that shares in that. And I'm just I've thrown it out there. I think that discussion will warrant a lot of looking by staff to research before we brought back a suggestion for you. Thank you.

My question is are we essentially trying to make it easier for a property owner that for a property that does not face a public street to be able to use their property to build a residence or or to build on. So, I'm assuming it that street, that pave street, um that we're not requiring curb and gutter, that we're not requiring a sidewalk, that it's wide enough that a city uh fire truck or police officer or mail and all everybody else can access that road. But essentially, the difference is the maintenance would remain the requirement of the owner. That's right.

And I like that. They'd have to have a recorded maintenance agreement by everybody who would access that road um on who is going to um be responsible for maintenance and the city would not have any long-term obligation. If they ever wanted to make it public, they would have to build it to full city standards before it could be. So, we're not leaving it to chance either. We are we're requiring that they show us how that road will be maintained over time. Correct. Awesome. Mr. W. No. No.

Okay. I'm sorry, Mrs. Howard. Just for clarification, could we go back to the the slide that has the um wooden more tracks? That it? Yes. Now, my understanding is there is no road. This would allow this passing this ordinance would allow those lots to be built on if they wanted to put a private driveway there. This is giving them access. This would allow a lot of roads like this in the city to be developed if they can meet the requirements of the ordinance for a private road. Yes. Thank you very much for the clarification. Anyone else?

I move that uh we u approve first reading of this ordinance. Mr. Dwight a properly seconded motion to uh approve first reading. Any other comments or questions? Mr. I was going to vote yes.

Oh, okay. I'm sorry before you all in favor, please show your hand. Motion carries unanimously. Thank you all. Uh I believe that was H. I'm getting confused. Was that H? Thank you so much. Item item I, first reading ordinance 2026 0504S, an ordinance granting a distribution of right away easement to South Carolina Public Service Authority, in this case Santi Cooper across property of City Conway adjacent to Park View Road known as BG Collins Memorial Park consisting of 8.9 acres. Mr. Harlson, U. Mayor, we can combine uh item J. Just read it also. Item J is first reading of uh 2026 0504T an ordinance granting a rideway easement or telephone property inc cross property of the city of countyw road known as BG college memorial park consisting of 8.9 acres. Thank you Mr. Harelson for bringing that to my attention. Yes ma'am. Thank you. Um as Park V Road improvements come to a uh close we're finally getting there. Um, part of that project is to install street lights. Um, for that to happen, we have to kind of do a small mini underground conversion because of where the the light wires are. Santi Cooper and Ory Telephone are asking for rightway easements within our rideway. So that that's what this is. It would be 10 ft on both sides of where those lines fall in the rightway. Of

course, I I move we approve both, Mr. White. Thank you. We got a lot to get through. Um, we have a properly seconded motion to approve um items I and J. Um, all in favor, please show your hand. I'm sorry I didn't ask if there are questions or comments. Anybody want to say anything before we move forward? Now, show your hand. Motion carries unanimously. Thank you, Mr. Harelson. Item seven, these items are for consideration. consideration of acceptance of a bid for the Laurel Street storm water upgrades construction contract. Mr. Harlson.

Um yes, we received grant funding from South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority um to upgrade storm water along Laurel Street between 3rd and 4th Avenue. Um that consists of increasing some pipe to 24 in 30in pipe to um help with the flash flooding that we see on the afternoon thunderstorms. Um, we put it out for bids. We received five bids and we make a recommendation to go with Hardy Construction Services LLC as they were the most responsible lowest bidder and that would be upon the South Carolina Royal Infrastructure Authorities approval.

Wonderful. I've got one quick question. Is is there any way for us to understand the the disparity in the figures? I mean, I think this went from less than a million dollars to five. It went from with the with the total alternates and everything 1.5 million roughly to 5.9 I think.

Yes ma'am. So there's been a lot of grant money going out for water and sewer and storm water over the past well since the harbor funds. And I mean no disrespect to no contractor here but they're throwing numbers at a lot of them are throwing numbers at walls and if it sticks if you're crazy enough to pay it we'll do it. Um there's just so much work out there now. If we were back in 2008, you know, these numbers probably would reach a meeting. So, but that's kind of what we're seeing on all the projects. Thank you so much. Somebody else's hand was up.

I thought ask a similar question, but I guess it was R. I it was along the same line. I mean, does it make sense? Is it to prioritize the projects and versus, you know, what has to be done versus things that we want to even collude with our um partners across the county to to coordinate this kind of stuff to say, you know, cuz you're absolutely right. I mean, you can't fault the man for making a dollar and that's well, they're making a lot of dollars right now. But, you know, it makes sense. I mean does it in this actual number the 1.5 million our engineer um Brian Hayes with ACOM who designed this um part of his job per se um with designing this is coming up with an cost estimate and his total uh for the base project was $1.5 million. So, this contractor is within reason and Ryan has our engineer has since reviewed his bid sheet and kind of gone through it to make sure everything is good. But, but yeah, I understand your concern.

Thank you so much. Is any other comments? Is there a motion? It was. Is there a motion already made? I don't think so. Mr. Thank you, sir. Is there a second? Um, Miss Weller, I second motion. We have probably seconded motion to approve this bid for the Laurel Street storm water upgrades. Uh, all in favor, please show your hand. Motion carries unanimously, but you can't leave yet. Item B, consideration of approval of purchase of of remov removable ballards on McCrae Alley.

Yes, ma'am. So years ago, the public works department was asked to install what they call jersey barrier, which is a massive 10t roughly long 8 to 10 ft long um concrete barricade. They're not pretty um but they kind of serve the purpose because of the vehicular crime going through that area. Um it is our understanding that that barricade has decreased crime, but what it's caused is residents to go around it and walk through people's yards. Um, so it was brought to our attention um about installing removable boers. So they wouldn't be permanent. We could take them in and out if anybody, you know, fire department needs to access the alley, police, or if you guys decided to ever open the alley back up for vehicular traffic. Um, we recommend installing the ballers. We think it would be a better look. Um, they look nice. We have them all around town. Um, I think it would please the residents as well. Would they sink like I've seen at the White House or um would we have to physically move them?

The ballers we have to physically Okay. for the same price. If we can get them for the same price. 5.9 million. Yeah. Of course. Of course. Mr. White. May I move that we approve this purchase of the removable files, please? Thank you, sir. Is there a second? Miss Helms, I'll second the motion. We've got a properly seconded motion to not have sinkable ballards, but still removable ballards um at uh sort of waste path and Highland Avenue between the two. Um all in favor, show your hand.

Motion carries unanimously. U Thank you. You don't want to stand for Mr. Dudley? Item C is consideration of acceptance of a bid for an advanced metering infrastructure system. Mr. Medley, on March 3rd, 2026, the public utilities department conducted a bid opening for the implementation of advanced metering infrastructure or AMI system for the metering of the water. A total of six vendors submitted proposals. These proposals were evaluated by city staff based on established criteria, including cost, system capabilities, compatibility with existing operations, and overall long-term value. Based on this evaluation, staff recommends Ferguson Waterworks with Census meters for advanced metering infrastructure. This project will modernize our meter system by providing real-time data, improving leak detection, enhancing customer service, and it will also allow remote service capabilities, reducing fieldwork, improvement overall fish.

Thank you, sir. I move we approve, Mr. Jordan. Second. We have a properly seconded motion, but we'll hear any comments or questions. Mr. White comment um a question rather, would this help to reduce individuals bills? should be able to find leads faster. Yes. So therefore, we should be able to contact people like it should have. Thank you. And it should reduce staff time. Um with with this new system, we'll be able to shut off and all the reports. It'll take us a while to get there systemwide. Of course, we'll be able to shut them off in the shop.

Thank you. Any other comments or questions? There being none, we'll call a vote. All in favor, please show your hand. Motion carries unanimously. Thank you, Mr. Dudley. Uh we are now at item item D consideration of approval for purchase of LED video wall for the terrace. Mr. Emerick

at budget retreat. Casman White asked that we look into purchasing an LED video wall for the terrace downtown to be able to advertise events that are coming up and and uh which also could be used for actual events. We can show movies on them and things like that. Um, we have money in the hospitality fund left over in the current year's budget that will not be used. We would recommend then that we go ahead and purchase this LED wall. Now, that way we can show uh movies over the summer on the new wall um and be able to procure and build and have it plenty of time for fall. It is not budgeted, but it is there is money in the budget. Thank you, sir. Mr. White, I move that we accept this purchase. Mr. Goldfinch,

I'll second Mr. White's motion, please. Uh that con that makes it a complete motion. Uh are there any questions? Miss Yardwick, what's the price? Um the one that we're looking at, we've looked at several of them. It is a 16 ft by 9.6 9 1/2 ft wall. Um it is $32,000. It will be visible in daylight and at night time, so we can use it at all times. How many knits is that? Nits. It's measured more in time. So, you did say it will be you we can use it during the day and during the day time. Yeah. Yeah. You'll need more nets for day to time.

Yeah, we will. And somebody's going to be counting the count. Anyone who wants to count the nets. Yeah. Okay. You can have a knit counting contest. That's a great idea. Hardy. Yeah. That would be good. Yes. One more one more question. Um I assume the size you said 16 by9. Yes. Um, is that is that going to look? Yeah. So, the aspect ratio ideal is 16 by9. So, you can go up in increments, but as you go wider, you either need to go higher with the wall at the same time or you end up letter boxing whatever you show on the screen. So, 16x9 is the the ideal aspect ratio, which is why this is the size that it and it fits perfectly. It fits perfectly. Yeah.

Perfect. I didn't want us to short change. If we're going to invest in this project, we add it 22t wide, but that would have to be like 14 ft wide and it just wasn't. So, so we Perfect. This is the right size. I assumed it was the right size, but I I didn't want us to miss the mark because we didn't spend enough money or or overspend. So, thank y'all very much. I think it's going to be a great idea, Larry. Oh, thank you. Yes. I think we're at maneuver.

Yes. All in favor, please show your hand. Motion carries unanimously. Uh item eight is public input. We have five people signed up and I will give you the order now. Uh Patricia Martinez, Sue Taylor, Robin Doyle, Renee Ruff, and Diane Pringle. Um each of you will come in that order. Of course, you you have three minutes to make your presentation. Uh I ask that you speak directly into the microphone. We already have your address. Um uh D I will try not to stop you in mids sentence but you know we got to sort of stay within the the standard. Um also I just have to repeat each time that um public input is not interactive. We won't answer questions or go back and forth but um somebody on our staff may in fact pass you a a card if there's a specific person that you need to talk to. We welcome all of you and we'll start with Miss Martinez. Martinez.

Martinez, I'm so sorry. How are you today? I'm doing pretty good. I'm here in my chicken apron outfit. Are the pockets for eggs? The pockets are for eggs.

Yes, I would like to, but I don't have chickens. That's what I'm here for is backyard chickens. I do understand the general public, you know. Um, I had a neighbor that apparently attempted to have chickens and she had two hens and a rooster in city limits and she had them in an upside down shopping cart which is cruel and unusual. Um, I sent you this morning my copy of my uh license that I had. I was actually licensed to sell eggs in the state of Washington. Um, you have to keep your eggs egg areas clean. Happy chickens produces eggs. Miserable chickens will not and they get sick and they can get cause disease. I mean sickly chickens will make you sick. Bottom line. But I have had my own backyard chickens forever. In fact, my neighbors in Spokane, they go, "You have chickens?" And I'm, "Yeah, I have chickens." Cuz if you take care of them, then they won't make noise. And when they're unhappy, they will cry. I mean, these chickens have emotions, believe it or not. Um, the last flock I had, um, I lived in Padre County in Washington State up by, um, Canada and Idaho order. And I had a flock of 25. And I had a rooster cuz we lived in the wilderness and predators and whatnot. and I gave away eggs to clients of the food bank that I volunteered at. Um, I couldn't do it on their property because I was licensed to sell eggs, but I can only do it at farmers markets and private sales. I couldn't sell them in the store. You have to get agriculturally and that's like just for the inspection is 800 bucks. I'm like, well, I'm not going to do that. I'll just do my dirty one dozen and leave it that. I wanted to call it

the dirty dozen, but it's trademarked and I can't use it. So, um, but I do understand, um, your reluctance, but I am a responsible egg piece of hay cuz you don't want to use wood chips cuz it'll give chickens bumble feet, which they get little slivers in their feet and then they swell up and it hurts their feet and then they get all crippled. But anyhow, um, yeah. Um I would like to be given a probation period um to be able to have chickens and produce chickens. Um we are facing in the next 2 to 3 months a 6% increase in inflation. By the end of August it could be all the way up to 15 to possibly 20. Um, producing your own own chicken eggs is actually the initial building the coupe, the initial investment pays for itself down the road because in the city limits, you can't have over six chickens and whatnot. So, I would just like special permission if I could to be on a probation period because Conway, you know, they're part of the Chamber of Commerce and I'm sure they would appreciate that.

Please get Mr. Emerick's card. Thank you, ma'am. We appreciate you coming. Yes, M. We did several years ago have a pretty pretty extensive plan pulled up for Maybe we can revisit that. the chicken. I volunteer to give free classes because they do have to have diet change. I mean, there's things you got to make sure they have a place to take dirt so they can wipe off them. But where my property is, I have like from here to here is the city limits. And then right behind that guy right there where that desk thing is is a 2acre swamp. Wow. There's uh cotton mills all the time. Chickens would keep them out of

Yes, ma'am. Thank you. Thank you so much, Miss Martinez. Miss Taylor, do you need my address? We have it. Yes, ma'am. If is it still 10:49 Macall Loop? Yes. In Midtown Village.

Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you once again. having a little bit of trouble understanding all these act annexations growing like Conway's doing. I live in a community that was essentially started in 2008. Since then, many boards have passed. I happen to be the president currently and for the past 3 years, but I've um I've been kind of reluctant to contact the people that I'm supposed to be contacting anymore because nothing seems to get done. I sent a letter to a city council member, an email with pictures and everything of my frustration. April of 2025, I called personally for my property in the backyard. I purchased that house earlier in the year in September and a third of the property is underwater most of the time, like 4 to 6 in. There's not proper drainage. So, I contacted on my own behalf, not as part of the community. And a couple weeks later, there was a representative came out. His name was Theo. He said, "Yes, you need the drain fixed in here. It was supposed to be here. I don't know if it's here, but it's obviously not working." As of today, there's been no contact. Nobody come to my property or the community property which I have listed the addresses here of the comm community that I took a representative of the water management with me on a hike an hour and 45 minutes walked him on every bit of it showed him

he agreed it was drainage problems that the city is responsible for um again nothing has happened. So uh we're having the development behind this and I'm very thankful that Yan annexed it into the city cuz if left county it would have caused a lot more problems. So thank you very much for that. Um there is a covert that runs from one of our uh ponds to the other. I believe it was broke during construction when they were developing the land straight across on Medlin. They were using us as a turnaround point. Tore up the road, kept on going. Now, who's going to fix that road? It's cracked. But underneath the surface of the road is the real problem that CO is broken. It's affecting five residents. can't use their property, even showing mold in their flow boards of their home. I ran out of time because I wanted to discuss with you the uh open sewer that was there from the building of the town homes 3 and 1/2 years ago. Well, I may have to stop you now. Um, we're interested in knowing more about that. Um, please Start with Adam out of memory, please.

And I'm sorry I took so long. Uh I do have a copy of this letter. In fact, I've got several I'd like to and I do have the pictures to support what this letter states. If you may give us the letters. Yes, ma'am.

It is um Yes, I'll be glad to give it to you. It is 10:49 Macall Loop. It's in Midtown Village. Please don't come. I did just do that publicly, didn't I? Is this Do I have this in my email? Okay. Thank you so much. I appreciate it. Yes, ma'am. Thank you so much. Yes, ma'am. Uh, Miss Robin Doyle.

Good afternoon. Yes. Good afternoon.

Good afternoon. Um, I I think most of you know who I am, but for those who don't, um, I'm Robin Doyle. I'm a member of the board of directors over at Wildwood Plantation and a resident of Conway for the past almost six years now. So, um, I'm here to request that our requests to several of you for ADA compliant sidewalks within our community. And this request, by the way, is being made on behalf of the board of directors that you all consider this request and work with us to achieve it. We have um several people within the community, which consists of 533 properties um who have mobility issues, and it's more than several. There are plenty and it's become very dangerous within the community with the increase in commercial traffic and golf traffic and all of that. I would like to read a letter into the record that has been sent if that's okay. Is that okay?

Yes, ma'am. Please on the I'm sorry I know you don't answer me but

Oh, yeah. I will I will answer that kind of question. Of course. On behalf of Wildwood Plantation Property Owners Association, we are writing to formally request a meeting with the appropriate representatives from the city of Conway to address the urgent pedestrian safety concern along Wildman Boulevard. Wild Plantation is experiencing a significant and sustained increase in traffic. Commercial trucks from adjacent businesses, including King Asphalt, SNW Concrete, and Bluemax Trucking, regularly travel through our community. In addition, Wild Boulevard has become a common bypass route for drivers boarding congestion on Highway 501, which I'm sure you can all sympathize with because I'm sure you all experienced it as well. Ongoing construction along Highway 501 has further intensified traffic volume and speeding within our neighborhood. The result is an increasingly hazardous environment for pedestrians, cyclists, golf cart passengers, and pet owners who currently have no dedicated protected walking path along a heavily used pedestrian section of Wildland Boulevard. The risk of a serious accident is not speculative. It's bound to happen. Therefore, we believe proactive action is necessary to mitigate the safety risks and potential liability exposure associated with known hazardous conditions on the city- owned right of ways. Installation of an ADA compliant sidewalk spanning less than 3/4 of a mile from Daer Drive along Wilding Boulevard to its intersection with Godwit Way is urgently needed. Because of the changes described to the usage along this route, we are seeking the city of Conway's partnership in prioritizing this project. Our community is eager to work collaborative collaboratively with the city to move this project forward. We respectfully request a meeting at your earliest convenience to discuss how to prioritize this project, possible timelines,

funding considerations, and the steps required to expedite it. Thank you so much, Mr. I have a copy of this that I'd like to give to each of you. I've already given it to Adam and to uh of course and to Alicia.

It's good to see you. I'll pass this. Well, I have two.

Thank you for your time. Yeah, absolutely. Miss Renee Ruff.

Good afternoon, council. Um, thank you for letting us speak today and kudos on the preservation district. Love that. Um, I am here today to advocate for ADA compliant sidewalks and Wildwing Plantation to provide safe passage for residents to access schools and businesses in the surrounding area. The excess of traffic in this area is creating a dangerous situation for WildWing residents trying to bike, exercise, and commute without using a vehicle. I request on behalf of my husband Michael who has neuropathy in his feet and my neighbor Marian Wilson uh who has mobility issues and are unable to navigate the uneven terrain in order to access amenities or founders golf course or businesses in the area. I ask that council please review and seek monies that may be available through grants, through uh department of transportation, maybe with the school or some safe passage of sidewalks through this area. The area that we are referring to is on Dow Drive in our area, but it could potentially even go longer if you could get grants. So something for you guys to potentially look into and I hope we do and we look forward to further conversation on this. Thank you.

Thank you so much Miss Dian Pringle.

Sorry. Not at all. Not at all.

Thank you. I'm here to speak about the traffic problems in Wildwood. Um, most of us bike riders, walkers, moms with baby carriages, um, you can't walk on the streets there on Wilding Boulevard. We are forced to use the golf path from the golf course. That creates a problem because the golfers don't like that. They feel we're interfering with them on the ninth hole trying to finish their game and here comes me on my tricycle or a mom with a baby carriage. Very upsetting to them. I stay back. I let them play through. We're going to go through as fast as they can. But some people don't. I have um sent messages to the manager of the golf course asking if they could possibly put a sidewalk. Doesn't even have to be paved. gravel as long as it's off the road and off their golf path. Crickets fell on deaf ears twice. Oh, gave up on that. It's gotten so bad that comments were made on our Facebook page by golfers saying, "Play through. Play through. Maybe if they get hit in the head with a golf ball, they'll not use the path any longer."

Not that's not the right solution. um the um management of the golf course, their position is it's private property. You are trespassing. We can call or someone can notify the police and you'll be arrested for trespassing. So, this is another reason we need a sidewalk. We don't want someone hitting the head with a golf ball. You don't want someone run over by a car or a dump truck coming in a mile winding boulevard. That's all I had to say. So hopefully we can get some sidewalks. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Fringo. Save your life.

I move that we close public input at this time. Is there a second? Second, girlfriend. Second. All in favor, show your hand. Motion carries unanimously. I will now have the city administrators report. Let's say I'm ready. I'm going to ruin everyone's fun. There are 4,000 nets in the TV by 4,000. 4,000. No need to count. Do you remember the You shouldn't have told it. I know, but I you know,

nobody's watching it. Anyway, the jar. We'll say that in a minute. Um, as I mentioned at the last meeting, the Department of Environmental Services were here last month to do an assessment of the plants at Lake Busby to determine if any invasive species were present and to what extent. Um, the good news is that there are there are some invasive species, but only to a very small amount. U, what is proliferating in there is the the trees and plants that were planted by by Sandy Hooper as part of the closure plan. So they're not doing anything that is non-native invasive things. So I think the the duck um the duck preservationist folks wanted more than water and I think uh that might be a different path to work on beyond what the uh DDS was able to do.

Is that why we were looking for invasive that was it was reported that there was a proliferation of invasive species in Lake Busby that was taking over the

but it was not um the mayor's youth council has been working on their mural in Riverfront Park. they hope to finish before the next council meeting and the youth council is scheduled to be here for that council meeting to have their council meeting before yours as they did last year. Um assuming that everybody is able to be here for that meeting. Applicants for the next year's youth council will be opened up this week. So if you know anyone who's interested in participating next year um start looking for that application later this week. Second class at the citizens academy started on March 25th. So we're halfway through that process. There are approximately 15 residents learning more about the operation of city departments. Uh but we hope that this continues on. It seems to be very well received by the folks that come. Uh I think the department head has enjoyed giving their presentations as well. You know, sharing to an audience of people that are really interested in what's going on. Um that what really is going on instead of what you might read on social media. Um we announced a few weeks ago that we are one of 20 cities named named as finalists for the Allameric City Award through the National Civic League. It is considered the nation's most prestigious community accolade. At the end of June, a small group will present our story to a national jury of experts in civic engagement, local government, business, philanthropy, and community development. And from there, 10 cities will be selected to be all American cities from that field of 20. So, something we're working on. It is a very involved process. And uh it's going to be a lot of we're going to come back with the glory. Um, coffee with a clock is the 29th at Bojangles. So, if you're interested in that, put that on your calendar. The ribbon cutting for Coastal Center Mall is May 6th at 300 p.m. Um, that is going to be a lot of fun to celebrate. So, make sure that's on your calendar as well. The Great American Community Cleanup event that we do every year is May 9th at 8:00 a.m. starting at Ladybug Park. It's a chance to be able to clean up our city from litter and other things that are not supposed to be there. And if you are not following the

Coastal Carolina baseball team this year, you're missing out on another fantastic season. We've been ranked as high as seven in the country right now. We're somewhere between 9 and 11 depending on which pool you're looking at. Uh if we continue as we have been so far this season, it seems pretty certain that we're going to host one of the regional tournaments again, which is fantastic for our economy and to showcase the city. Um and if we stay ranked about where we are, we have a chance of hosting a super regional, which would be an enormous feather in our cap. Um, keep in mind that these events are the highest level of of D1 baseball and we're excelling at it. So, um, it's right here in our our yard, so we should all take advantage of that. And we play Clemson at home on May 5th. So, more teal, not orange or orange that day if you're coming. Um, obviously our agenda was long. We still have a ways to go. I wanted um, we have a workshop tonight. We're going to be discussing wetland buffers. We also have two lovely folks from MASC coming um to give council some safety training and we have a short executive session on that as outlined in the agenda as well. What I would recommend is when we move to we have a council conference room we have the what the buckle workshop we do the executive session and then we do the MASC and that concludes my report.

Thank you so much. Any questions for Mr. Emmer?

Yes sir. Mr. comment. Uh Adam, uh while back, not long ago, we approved a special event permit for uh the folks that run that now run the marina store to have this festival that they had Saturday. Um busy day Saturday. Obviously, unlike yesterday, Saturday was a really nice day. Um I want to congratulate them on their success. The the the band was fantastic. The music was great. It looked like they had some vendors. I don't know how the vendors did. Um, but here's what I'm going to say about this. That can't happen again there during that time. We call ourselves a river city and we have one boat launch and granted it was open. It was extremely dangerous and and I won't I I'm happy to get into it. I was down there for quite a bit of time. Nothing happened. Knock on wood, fortunately. But that was a dangerous situation and I wouldn't want to be putting my boat in or taking my boat out and trying to communicate with all just it's dangerous and somebody could have gotten hurt.

That was a conservative staff before it was approved.

I I love what they're wanting to do but you know we we look when we open this up the first time we went through this and we said first and foremost it's a marina. it's a marina and then it's a boat launch and all of the other stuff, the ancillary things that that accompany that are fantastic, but they can't impede that. And and that happens one day a year on Riverfest, but like when you've got a really nice Saturday in April, you know, if it were a decent Saturday in March, okay, or February, certainly, but not you can't it's it's not that that was a cluster. I do have Miss Hard and I'm sorry, Miss Helms, you have already started and then Miss Helms,

can you explain the grant money and the storm order that we have grant money to complete? All over the place. Yeah. So, everybody's want to know when the road's going to get fixed. My answer was we have to make sure that it works properly before we pave roads. Is that correct? That's part of it. Part of it also is if you pay it too soon, before things have a chance to settle, you'll end up with the singles and the divots that come in. So, but our our grant money we got to use before June 30th is the absolute deadline. Obviously, we'd like to finish sooner. Yeah.

Um part of it has already been reserviced the the area by the middle school where the the intersection torn up. Um I think as soon as that they could get that to the point where they felt that it was stabilized and I think they waited until spring break to do it to minimize some of the impact. I know seven of the storm. I know some of the stuff on the the 12th Avenue lakes sides over there torn up. Um all of it will be resurfaced. All of it will be done right. Um a lot of it is waiting on the the settlement to be done to make sure the construction is done. There also be a little bit of efficiency in the scale too. If you got multiple passes in the same area, you don't want to bring the asphalt truck out at 6:30 time. So estimated time. It'll all be done by June 30. That's the extent. So we we can't pay past June 30,

right? The grant closes June 30th. Everything must be done. That is just completing the paving also completely close out by June. All right. Thank you. That's all hard. And so far thank you. U this is back Mr. Goldfinch and the festival when you spoke of it being dangerous. Was it the noise level that they couldn't hear? Was it Could you elaborate a little bit? Absolutely. Be happy to. Um, and again, I I I do want to congrat a party and a festival and music and and and all that good fellowship and all that good stuff.

But, you know, you're either going to have a safe marina or you're not. And when it was lined with people, it was lined with cars. You know, there is protocol. And I don't I mean I know launching a boat it's not a big deal but it can be a big deal

when you can't communicate to your boater or the boater can't communicate to the person back in the boat because there's a band right there. Um and there's a lot of music and there's a lot of distractions and there's a lot of move and there's kids running underneath trailers. I mean it was a cluster F as I've ever seen in my life. And and I said and and and I had I did have an incident. I did report that. It was something else but that's fine. that that was my issue. It's a dangerous situation and and and and and I love a good time, but they need to be separated. So, number one is the the volume of the band next to the boat ramp made it impossible or difficult for and I'm so happy for what they're doing. That's the issue, right?

Like, let's just do it another day or a different time of year or or even in the in the tennis court lot across the old tennis courts would have been fine. But you had a really nice day and you had everybody and their mama down there with their boat and their boat trailer and there was nowhere to park. You have people that pay monthly rentals to you and I'm not one of them. Full disclosure, I am not one of them. But to use the to rent a space at the marina and they had no vehicle, again, I just

first and foremost, it's a marina. I mean, we established that before we rented it to to to Matt the first time. And so I I just unless we're going to go back on that, you know, I think that that's the core function of that space, number one. Number two, all the other ancillary fun things that go with it are fantastic, but just and that's my opinion. Someone else might feel differently, but that those are that's my observation. That's an anecdotal observation, but still I I do know that they plan to do new events, more events. Um we are coordinating with them on the next one. I believe they are using the tennis center a lot for that. Um, obviously that the first the first go around was a little too close to October to make it work, but I think they got one in August planned and we will have them back here today to to the council.

And I'll add, you know, a weekend in August is less sign it's still it's still a summertime, but it's less significant than a really nice Saturday in April. Anyone else? Thanks.

Thank you so much, P. We'll now have council input and this evening we will start with Miss Harwick. Thank you, mayor. Uh I just we've got a long agenda and we've still got a we're halfway through and so I just want to thank all the staff and thank the folks. Um it is an exciting time to be a resident of Conway. It's exciting to see the accomplishments um of everything that's happening and uh I just uh I'm very excited about the 165 acres that of land that we have now put into preservation conservation. That is something that members of this staff and community and council previous council members have worked to make happen and I just think that's a it's a glorious thing to celebrate. Thank you.

Thank you Mr. Jordan. Thank you, mayor. Uh just real quickly want to commend our um public safety uh and medical staff uh for the 5K that was downtown Saturday. I think a young man had a uh medical emergency um sustaining a heart attack um during the middle of the race and you know quick quick response by all of our staff um you know to get him get him stabilized into the hospital and uh I think he's he's still in the hospital now but um but doing well on the road to recovery. So, just want to thank um Jason, you guys um you know for for all y'all do for that. So, that's it. Mayor, thank you. Mr. B,

two things real quick. Number one, mayor, thank you for for mentioning Kevin and doing the moment of silence. I wasn't particularly close with Kevin, but of course, we were we were part of that group that hired him when um when Jerry Barnhill retired. And he was a really good dude. And I told his his his mother right before I left the church the other day at his service. I said, you know, one of the things that I admired about Kevin was this. You know, Kevin, of course, was a department head for the city of Conway, but you know, Kevin knew what Kevin knew, and he he he didn't I've been thinking about how I wanted to articulate this, and and I I don't have a good way, so I'm just going to say it. Kevin knew how to put me in my place. And he wasn't afraid to tell me, "William, you're wrong." He did it respectfully. Uh, and he did it with constructive

He did it with all of us. It was awesome.

He He Yeah. And and and and I'm And I've just So we, you know, Kevin, um, for all the staff, if you want to honor Kevin, don't just live like Kevin, but work like Kevin. Kevin knew what he was talking about, and he wasn't afraid to put William in his place. He again did it respectfully, but I respected that. I really did. And and I'll never forget him and and I know we won't we won't either. Um the other thing real quick, I know at least two neighborhoods were represented. The lady that spoke from uh the the the um Midtown Village neighborhood, she's 100% correct. That I've been out there five time, no, three times. Three and a half times. Um I had to leave early, so three and a half time. Four times. But anyway, uh, a lot of design issues there. I'm convinced thoroughly that there were issues that date back 15, 20 years. And we're dealing with this stuff now. It's why I brought up what I brought up then. We cannot afford to do every single thing that every person I get it. And if I lived in their neighborhood, I would want it. If I lived in WildWing, I would want a sidewalk. I get it. Um, but there's some of the most expensive property in this city are roads that are unimproved that have not a single sidewalk on either side of them. And we got a lot of that and I think we just have to remind people that's that's what we're dealing with. Thank you, Mayor.

Absolutely, Mr. White. Well, since you brought up the sidewalk thing on 501 where they're building this new medical facility right back off of Mil Pond going towards the um the center. I don't know the name of the place, but anyway, a lot of people walk that road now trying to and now that they're building that hospital, medical center there, um there's a need for sidewalks there. Um I think we could probably they might get more business. um as a result of people having accidents walking into the streets etc. Also the sidewalks on Oak Street between 16th and Mil Pond um that's a very heavily walked area also that needs um some attention to whenever necess

we have a uh funding for the Elm Street completion to get to Mil Pond. We just are having some issues with DOT on it. So hopefully we can get those resolved. Okay, good. And the last thing is the um the the event with the dogs and the pool right here on the on the green. What's that called again, please? May I ask? The Walk uh Wildlife Expo. Okay. Now, we build a dog park. And why can't that event be taken there? I know it's about making money for everybody else, but just a suggestion. I think if it was done at the dog park, it wouldn't be done. It wouldn't meet the mission for Conway Downtown Alive to do it at the dog park since downtown is what their focus is on.

Thank you. You're welcome. Anything else? I'm good. That's it. Miss Butler. Uh, nothing for me, madam, ma'am. Thank you, Miss Elms. I've just got a couple things. We hadn't had a meeting in a month, and I hate that minute, but I actually missed all y'all. So, um, bless you.

I am at a point in my life where I am either working, doing city council stuff, or taking care of my mother. So, being a caregiver is a hard thing that I wouldn't trade for anything, but I do miss y'all's face. And I do want to commend Jessica's staff. you did great with all the highlighting and catching our eyes to what we need to see and what we're taking out and the maps and what you did for Larry. Um, all our staff is great. I know that storm water, y'all catch it, but y'all, you know, we're we're just trying to do things to make Conway better in, you know, it's hard to see right now. You're a little inconvenience, but in the long run for the next flood or whatever, you're really going to be happy to be this. And Ashley got voted the best wreck, so I got to give him a little kudos. So, his staff does make him look good. But again, I I do appreciate this job and and and what we get the kudos for, but we do have a good staff and I appreciate everything they do. And I commend those two ladies for the wrestling because I didn't even know Conway had a female wrestling team till this year. So, that's an awesome thing they do. Yeah, it is.

That's all I have. Thank you, ma'am. Uh, I'll be brief. I just want to mention a couple of events that uh blew me away over the last month. On March 18th, the Conway Chambers Salute to Excellence um brought forward the top students from all the high schools in Conway. This year, it was limited to Conway as opposed to the entire county. And the scholarship is given by the Conway Chamber of Commerce, $1,000 scholarship. And this year the uh recipient, the welldeserved recipient was none other than the daughter of our own Justin Jordan, Riley Jordan. I was very proud to be there to see her receive that scholarship. On March 20th, um there was a Chris Ray legacy celebration. Um I want to commend Chief Parzan Perszan. I say Parzan Chief Perszanne and Jarrett Wallace. It was an absolutely well done fitting event on that evening and I think um it uh it really was appropriate and and again done very very well. On March 25th we hosted the citizens academy here in city hall. people. Some people were born here, some people have been here 20 years, some have been here 2 months, but people interested in understanding um how uh the city and the department, various departments work, how to get things taken care of. Um a real lively, interested group that I know um understand us better than they did before they started that that event. Um on March 31st, uh Conway High School had an excellent celebration for those two girls, Ella and Emma Shepard. Um I mean band stand. It was like wonderful.

They they ran through a tunnel. They had the entire they had every student athlete of every kind um march out. They had a band. They had uh anyway, it was just beautiful and it was a gorgeous day. I felt really good that these state champions had their day at their own school. Uh and on April 11th, uh just a weekend ago, we had the sports jamboree. I mean, literally dozens on dozens of teams of little kids who look like they could barely walk. Um all the way up to uh teens for the sports jamboree put on by our our recreation center. Uh these teams represent baseball, softball, and soccer. And these kids are just adorable. Um, I'm afraid a few of your city council members took part in that event. I don't I didn't watch so closely to see how successful anybody else was. I'm I'm tossing a softball to this really cute little girl and missed her by three yards um to the left. Um

I missed. How did you do? I missed I'm 0 and two. Okay. I can't hit anything. And Justin, how'd your baseball man been? So, nobody wants us on their team. I'm sorry, Beth and Amanda and I were out of town.

But these are these are just the the kinds of things that that are happening around us that are endearing and make us proud to be a part of this community community. Um, I heard a couple of um of things said today that just make a lot of sense to me. I just want to repeat them. Um, pride in your community is infectious and vocal pessimists overpower non-vocal optimists all day long. Um, you can join whichever group you will, but just remember that please. We are now going to go into a workshop. Uh, the workshop is what you just said,

wetland buffers and then training for council.

That's right. We're going to do that first. Uh we will also then go into executive session. The purposes for which are to discuss the employment of an employee in the fire department pursuant to South Carolina code section 3470A1. B consideration of appointments to boards, commissions, and committees pursuant to South Carolina code section 347A1. and to discuss negotiations regarding a contractual matter pursuant to South Carolina code section 347A2. We will reconvene after the executive session and before we take any possible action before we adjourn, we will have training that is being put on by the Municipal Association of South Carolina. After which time about 7:30, 8:00, we don't even know yet. We'll all get to go home. join us if you will for the workshop that I assume we're going to do in the in the conference room.

Yes. Yes. Please come along. Thank you so much.

Once we get my brother home and so we we noticed something and I was like I got to go. My brother Jason, he came home for some break

and we noticed something here. No, you can put it back. Well, just it was He could have been on college. Oh, no. He was at the mayor's youth council meeting for who else got something and I'm like, what? They should be here.

He was at school, but he was at the mayor's whipp. So, they miss getting recognized, honorable to be there. I figured I might be the only

I was trying to figure out why it cost so much to cut. I guess the bus driver for free. It'll be like, "Well, can you drive to Kentucky is what'll happen or something. It'll it'll it'll be something like that. Bless you, William. You better." But we are having a spaghetti dinner fundraiser on Sunday. And yours truly is sorry

food has to communicate with them. Where's the stand? Our church. Hold on. That'll be disastrous. I just need to do it. I'm sorry. But you know, when you think about the outpost, they plan to build where they're going to put their vans right next to the ramp. I'm not sure if anybody had ever thought about that. They're coming on the May 4th agenda, new plans. So, it'll be on the agenda May 4th. understanding. I'm listening.

All right. Um, we have one quick thing on the workshop from Jennifer Brand. Okay. This is his baby. All right. Talk about wetland buffers and whether we want to protect them. Good afternoon. Thank you. Allow me to speak here. Um whether you know it or not, there was EPA got sued.

Uh did a while back versus EPA. Sacket won. So May 25 of 2023 jurisdictional wetlands are still under Army Corps and EPA. Nonjurisdictional is not and the definition has separated the two. Army Corps has lost 63% there. It is now on municipalities and states and

they're not they're not open. They have nothing they have nothing to do with them. and the definition change from adjacent to where it has to be continuous flow for it to be a judiciary's wetland. So if you take 63% of our weapons in the city away from armory core right now, those are sitting there with no law, no guidance, no nothing on them. So and South Carolina does not really have anything to protect weapons. They they were strictly relying on EPA and Army Corp. So right now there is nothing, like I said, nothing protecting our weapons here in this city. So actually somebody could actually go in and there's nothing we could do. So what we're proposing is a 50ft buffer. Now the minimum is 30 foot and that's why army cord has a 30ft buffer but I just go with the minimum. We're recommending a 50ft buffer because in some aspects we need a 50ft because as far as flash flooding and it's better water quality. The further we get away from the buffer, the better it is for that wet. Now, we have worked with uh Jessica's staff a little bit kind of, you know, seeing which way to kind of go with this and figured that we would need a waiver. You know, some aspects they don't need the 50ft buffer. We can go back to the 30 foot. I I wouldn't go less than 30 foot. I mean, that's just it would not help our cause none whatsoever. So what we're proposing is that y'all recommend us that we take on the 50ft buffer to protect our wetlands because if we don't do something like say right now we have no nothing no jurisdiction on open

pardon me would that mean that the outside of the actual wetlands nothing can be built outside of 50 ft yes ma'am with the rightway to be able to maintain them to clean them Um, and actually we here's me and another guy we're doing some post construction classes right now and uh there's a lot more to the wetlands and and everything that we really didn't consider that we're actually having we going to have to start looking at anyway. So that will give us more way know more range to work and keep things clean. Yeah.

So and like I said with the river city we try and make the river as clean as possible. That's all help keeping our wetlands clean. And because of the loss of authority that EPA has experienced and you're saying that there's no protection on anything. Well, they still have their protection over over navigable waters, waters of the state. But if there's not a continuous flow in between this wetland and what their waters are, then they have no jurisdiction over these. It will be strictly left up to us,

which is all that we have in the city. Well, we have a lot that's still under jurisdiction, but as as the city grows and we're getting further out, some of these wetlands that are out because you can pull up the the EPA map and just see the wetlands just in our area is just is massive. And so, and then saying what was what right now we have some plan reviews that has non-jurisdictional wetlands on and we don't have any say. I mean, they're still going with which I had one that didn't uh they didn't list how wide their buffer was, and that was one of my comments on they put on there, you know, what the buffer was.

You know, we can't I can't hold them to anything, but you know, like I say, I would do less than 50, but we're going to recommend or less than 30, but we're going to recommend 50. That way, it gives us some room to play with. M. So, would this be a legal binding um uh proclamation of if I could use that term that we could force somebody off if necessary? Well, you mean off to if they're already there? Yeah. If they did it if if they're already there, that would be hard to do. Okay. I say I don't support this. This would be for new stuff.

Yeah. It be for new stuff. Um, town of Belutton has already implemented this and we have been in contact with us and have had a couple meetings with them. Um, actually have their ordinances that they have in place and uh, like I said, me and Jess and we've kind of kicked through it a little bit. What's going to benefit us and what's not going to be, you know, cuz they're a little bit different from us, but Georgetown County is actually looking at doing the 50 foot buffer. Uh, Mount Pleasant, Colly Beach, there's actually several other municipalities looking at doing the 50 that way they have room to play with. Not going below 30. I can pay I paid a buffer fee and LOOT $2,000 $2,000. Yes.

Before that court ruling, was there a was there an Army Corp buffer in place? 30 foot. 30 foot. Army Corp is 30 foot. But they were before the ruling. The reason they was a lawsuit, they went into people were building a house and they went into the wetlands and army court come in and said, "Hey, look, you can't build there. You know, it's protected." And they fought against it and actually won stating that, you know, there's a fine line in there and the Supreme Court kind of uh went with the sackets on it as far as because it wasn't a continuous flow to the waters of the state saying, "Hey, you know, that you you can't regulate that." So, it strictly goes on to municipalities. That's hard.

I just want to clarify this. Uh, let's just say down like at bonfire. Mhm. Just where bonfire is, not pickle bonfire, but um that is not considered a wetland, right? It's next to the river, but it's not a wetland, but it's not a wetland. It's not a wetland. So, we're talking swampy. We're talking Yes, ma'am. And so then if this is our crab tree swamp, we're then 50 ft beyond that buffer. Well, crab tree would be jurisdictional. That would be Army Corp. Okay. But say you say you go 200 yd in the woods. Mhm. And there's a swamp and there's non-ontinuous flow in between that swamp and crab tree, then that swamp is nonjurisdictional and we have say over it. That's right.

So then we're going to say from that point 50 ft. 50 ft. I'm I'm all in favor of this. I just wanted to clarify that. I thought I was right, but I just wanted to make sure. But like I said, we we would be working with Jessica on getting the ordinance and getting everything. Uh well, the concern really is that wetlands do change over time. And that has happened with Colin Strawley. You know, they have new wetland delineation. So then what do you do when they do change, you know, or they no longer exist? Hopefully that's where we're gone. But of course, you will put those you'll put those conditions in and that's and you'll add those conditions to the ordinance structure

cuz you're so good at that. So you're good at that. But no, that's a good point because you know it's like earlier building some of these neighborhoods and and I know for a fact they didn't do what they should have done and this was years ago. Somebody else's problem and now we're dealing with it. I'm running those problems every day where I get a phone call and a lot of it's like the lady just up here today. Stuff was built 20 25 years ago. There's nothing I can do to help because behind her is actually private. So you know what are we to theore don't want you to contact them. They don't want you to send people. They are permitting agency. Mhm.

They want to issue permits for wetland disturbance or take money for, you know, wetland mitigation. And and the state's kind of the same way. You know, you you kind of just out out on your own when it comes to to wetlands. And we already don't allow wetlands to be part of any residential lot, you know, but having that buffer could restrict residential lots further. Yeah. It's it's not going to be able to cost contractor, but it is going to upset the developer a little bit because he's he ain't going to have as big a lot or he ain't going to have as many lots, but you know, that's to me is his problem. I mean, that's that's his problem, not ours. So, we're looking out for citizens and and what we need to do.

Thanks. Does our ordinance relative to wetlands or anything related um allow us any difference as changes do occur? I mean, no, not when it comes to wetlands. The only time it's addressed is when you talk about not the lots not being part of wetlands, but we don't regulate wetlands, right? So, that's done through the state or, you know, through Army Corps and but I know the county is looking at doing this too. Okay, Jeeoff, with the non-jurisdictional of a 50 foot and the jurisdictional of a 30 foot. Yes, the jurisdiction would be strictly Army Corp. Shouldn't they match to make it? Not necessarily. So the nonjurisdiction will give more protection.

We would give we as a city would give more protection because if it's if it's jurisdiction, we don't have and we don't really have any say in it at all. Jeff, what about developers that fill in wetlands and then they have a new wetland relocation done 5 years later and now what was wetlands is no longer wetlands. This has happened in um Carson's Ferry. This has happened in WildWing. what was wetlands when it was brought into the city is no longer wetlands because they get filled in. So that's you know that's that's a tough question. I mean because is that not an act of God? I mean what are these people up in the Outer Banks saying when their beach house gets washed away? I mean things change. I mean it is what it is.

But we're talking about they're filling it in. What should they do? What should they do before they Well, it's in the county like cutting out the trees. Yeah. They found a way to cheat my system. Yeah. So, I don't think there's any way that storm water fell works could or even planning could. Yeah. I mean, it's like she said, cutting all trees down before you annex.

It's Well, I think this is something we're interested interesting. Bring it back. Same. Bring it back before us.

Yeah. Is there any way and I want to know um when these properties are people who intentionally clear wet lots, they fill in the wetlands in the county and then they come and say we're here to join the city. Do we not are we not at the point with technology that we can go back and look at what their land looked like 12 months, 24 months before they come to annex and if we see the it has been clearcut or it has been wetlands filled in that there not be some type of penalty at some point but they didn't violate the law under those rules. That's not fair. I agree with you but it's not fair. But we did talk about whether or not we could put an ordinance in place that says that they could only develop that land if it comes into the city if it hadn't been clearcut within a certain amount of time. And we thought that was legal. All right. Let me let you play devil's advocate.

Okay. That's what we want because we don't want them to do to cut the trees to fill in or whatever it is. But once they have and we're in a situation where like we so many times said before, we'd rather this be developed under our rules than the less recent county rules. I mean, yeah, I don't know how you I mean, I agree with you, but you can't punish someone for playing by the rules in a different universe. That's right. You know, I mean,

there is something about silver culture permits that if you know, there is if it's a tree a true uh tree farming property and they didn't get a silver culture permit, then you can restrict development for 3 years, you know, that's something we could look into to see how how we would implement that, be more strict about that. I'm not sure of the exact ins and outs when it comes to that because we've never nobody's ever gotten a single culture permit, but technically they're supposed to get one if it's in the city limits for the ones in the county. Their rules are a little bit different. What's worth discovering. If you look into that, please

thank you for your time. I guess I'm done. Somebody else. Mhm. Um, are we ready? Yes. Executive session first. I believe we go to executive session for purposes just close it in the meeting. So, we got a second. All in favor? Show your hand. It's unanimously accept. Yes. Okay. Thank you so much.

It was, you know, they did their songs and, you know, it was like, but it was it was uh it was all Yeah. We're back. Hey.

Yeah, mayor. I move that we uh exceed uh executive session at this time. At this point, is there a second? I'll second. All in favor, show your hand. Motion carries unanimously. There are three things on which decisions should be made from executive session. The first has to do with naming Jason Perszan as our official and permanent as it were fire chief. Uh is there a motion? Mayor, I move that we uh make Jason Perszanne our permanent fire chief. And Mr. Jordan, I will second that motion.

Probably seconded motion to make Jason Perszanne our fire chief. Permanent. All in favor, please show your hand. Carries unanimously. Uh we also um discussed uh uh selections for boards and commissions and uh I would move that uh we uh name the folk that will be discussed uh in those respective roles. Uh is there a second? Is that clear enough? Is that specific enough? I remember the names. Okay. Okay. I'm sorry. when I think I think it's fine. We'll find out if it's fine. Okay, carry on.

Very good. So, um for those there were two positions and um All right. So, um is there a motion to Yes, you got a mayor. You've already Okay, wonderful. All in favor show. Motion carries unanimously. The third item has to do with the contracts. Oh, yeah. Yeah. We also discussed a contractual um matter uh that uh we need to make a determination on. Is there a motion?

Uh mayor, I move that we join the county and other municipalities in said contract. I'll second Mr. Ginchin's motion. Um, and I I know there's no further discussion cuz we did it at Nauseium. All in favor, please show your hand. Motion carries unanimously. Uh, and at this point, return to the workshop. Yes. Introduce our guest.

Our second level, no, I shouldn't say second level. Our primary level workshop is coming from none other than the greatest members of the Municipal Association of South Carolina. We welcome you, Conway, and uh so look forward to all that you've learned from us today. Please uh make yourselves at home. Can we get water? Where's I guess let's come over here cuz I don't want to turn around.

You want my seat? There's a podium. We don't want y'all to um mad mayor, members of council, Charlie Baro with the municipal association, the field service manager. Click you'll see field service manager uh from the area. With me is Bethany Pinley. Bethany is our claims manager with the risk management uh services, your insurance uh side that provides your uh workers compensation and general liability coverage. Uh we've been tasked tonight to talk about public official liability. I I we've been here I see all that y'all going on and logistics. I can imagine y'all pretty exhausted. So I don't want to just ramble on. I want to hit some highlights. and have any discussion. Um, Bethy's got a few uh items. I don't know if you've ever seen these. Uh, the risk management services puts together a public officials uh liability toolkit. When I I'll never forget, I don't know if Adam felt this way. The first thing, for those of you that don't remember, I was city manager for 9 years. The first time that I saw my name in a lawsuit, I was like, "Oh, thank you." And so, uh, y'all y'all may, uh, y'all may have experienced that because each of you could be named in a in a lawsuit. Um,

but but it's good to have when elected officials in particular call me, I say, "Hey, read this toolkit cuz this this helps to explain. Um, and you know, uh, a lot of what the slides and you'll be given a copy of this." I am not going to go into this in detail. This is some of Eric Shel, our general counsel's legal guidance. I'm not an attorney. Uh but I am going over in my 25 plus years. If if you act as a reasonable, conscientious person, you you're going to be fine. So, um you you have coverage. It's when you do squirrely things that uh you're going to get yourself in trouble. And so, uh just just that's just Charlie's common sense. But, you know, y'all talking about in your meeting tonight, contracts, uh, a tors, and we'll go over that quickly. Certainly, you have zoning and other matters. You have a police department. There are chances that you could, you know, impact someone's, uh, federal um, uh, uh, violate their federal um, guidance. And, you know, those are things that that that you just need to be aware of. Certainly, the city's a defendant. uh potentially you or defendant individual your employees. Um a tort is just a French term and many of you may have seen this before. These are our um elected uh officials liability slides but but basically it's just French word for doing something wrong. Used to be the government was uh immune. We had sovereign immunity um from the English principles. Don't have that anymore. um was removed um into the uh 50s. And so now we follow through a case uh that is listed there. We now follow the South Carolina TOR Claims Act. And so um that uh claims act uh says that the state and local

governments can be liable uh just like private businesses. But there are many many many exceptions uh upwards of 40 exceptions. Again, not going to go all o over those today, but just making you aware. Um, but you know, uh, I I get calls from council members that say, "Well, can can we get soon over we're just discussing stuff?" And they're exemptions for that if you're just going through, you know, discussing a zoning ordinance and, you know, that's a part of your job. Um, so again, you know, there's there's the possibility that somebody could bring action, but there's coverage for that. Uh, rest assured, I think these hypothetical scenarios are are good. Um, this is one that Eric uh shares. Um, I can't remember what county this was out of. This is legitimate. Um, where the county, and y'all probably do this too, if y'all take on any private roads, you require a bond that they have to put up. And you know how these developers do a lot. Lower that bond. Lower that bond. And so here the community lowered the bond less than the value of the infrastructure and what the developer do went bankrupt and ultimately the there was an exemption and the the county or city in this case was not held responsible. So uh realize that the um claims act can protect you. Um again uh just just be mindful. Um I I mentioned the exceptions. There are ranges. Certainly there's limits under the coverage. Uh $300 $300,000. Yeah. $300. 300,000 per person and 600,000 per incident. Uh for a number of years now, the general assembly has been trying to increase that and it has just not happened. So we still are under those uh claim amounts. Um

I'm going to go through again. I don't want I I'm going to hit uh some of the stories that I think and the things that I experienced as a city manager. You know, you as an individual um your heartstrings are pulled all the time, right? You you probably have employees that are calling you. You talk about employees in executive session. It it's it's emotional. and always remember that that you took an oath to this city and the business of this city, not necessarily that individual. And so some of our council members, unfortunately, I've had council members literally when the executive session was over get on the phone with the employee that was just talked about and tell them everything that was said in executive session. Um,

we've seen that movie. Yeah. Don't don't don't do that. Um don't do that. Um certainly then if you share certain things that have been shared in executive session and those things defame potentially allegedly an individual, I hate to tell you, but there may not be coverage for you as an individual. So again, just just good reminders. Um y'all y'all know this better than I do. I've never been elected. I've been appointed You got to have thick skin. Y'all going to get called names. Um just just have thick skin um as a public figure and they they get to do that because you are a public figure.

Unfortunately, um I may it may hit the news. Um it's not too far. I was about to say it's in this county. It's in your neighboring county. You know, we're seeing these First Amendment auditors just pushing the envelope. Um, one first amendment auditor, his latest uh, stunt is to take his golf cart in the middle of the night and stand in front of elected officials houses and go live um, on Facebook, you know, and I think there's a way that you can deal with that, but I just try to I I know it's he's going to get arrested for driving a golf cart after my point does right right just don't lower yourself to that certainly um uh there are foya and record requirements um we we're seeing and I don't think this would occur here in Conway but in in some of our large uh smaller communities where literally the council members are heavily involved in the day-to-day operations there's a law that you shouldn't remove a document from the city I mean is a public record that should be maintained and unfortunately we're seeing some of our smaller communities, the elected officials, you know, take don't do that. Um, contracts, I'm not going to go just you can't indemnify. Um, not going to get into that. Um, but you can indemnify. I'm not going to get in deep into the weeds on 1983. Um, there was one point that I wanted, where's the back there? There was one point that I wanted to make with a claim that we had and y'all may have had these claims. I don't know. Where was that slide?

Yeah. Thank you. Um, so and you all experienced this too. You get the citizen that calls and says, "The city's back up in my house. You know what?" And and your your heartstring goes, "Oh my gosh, I am so sorry. We're we'll get people out there. It is our fault. Well, we're going to take care of that immediately. I know that's what you're feeling, but don't do that. Don't say that.

You've got to say, "Hey, I will contact the equipment authority." We again, don't say anything that then takes the city with that risk on. This is a scenario and and you know, um, y'all are probably similar to Greenwood was. There were lines everywhere. There were lines that were put in hundreds of years ago that went under people's homes and um you know maybe we had some liability but then let's I'm I'm sure some of your people don't do this. I mean citizens don't get permits when they add on additions. Did that ever happen? and they put a fireplace on top of that pipe that you know and so um that scenario happened in Greenwood uh where a an addition was built over a drainage pipe in which the city had no easement

and but the city had touched it and maintained it and ultimately the city became responsible for it. But my point to that story was simply just to remind you when you get these emotional phone calls from citizens or you see misinformation on social media, be careful. Don't It's our responsibility. It's our fault. Please don't do that. And jump in, please. I I would just add to that the outcome may be that we do indeed owe for it, but we want to investigate it on the city's behalf to see who is responsible. And so, um if if we give the homeowner the uh the okay to go ahead and repair and to give them the idea that that they will be reimbured or the damage will be paid for, then we may be what we call a stopped into going ahead and affording that coverage. and and so our main our main goal is to protect the city's interest and pay what we owe on your behalf. So, um you know, we want to empathize, tell the customer or tell the resident, you know, we know that this is a heartache. We'll report it to the proper staff to get it to the insurance program and an investigation will will be completed. So,

and and many of you may or may not know this. I mean, you you're a member of a pool. So certainly the claims impact Conway's ratio and it's just like your homeowner's insurance or your car insurance. The more claims you file, the more your cost goes up. I mean, same thing happens here. But as a member of a pool, you you join in with about, I don't know, 165, 170 other municipalities. And so whatever we allow to happen to here, it impacts Marion. It impacts. So just we're a team to keep these uh claims down. Um,

hey, I would like to say that probably does an excellent job of um, keeping we have sewer backup toolkits of keeping those in your commercial vehicles so that it educates there's some information in there that educates employees about what to tell customers or what not to not what not to say. And so, um, typically historically the previous loss control contact always called to keep those stocked up in the commercial vehicle. So kudos for that.

Um I do want to mention with with the 1983 um and the civil rights um you can get into zoning issues obviously uh uh land use issues, fair housing issues, ADA compliance issues, but if you're following the policy that you adopted, you should generally refine the problems that we see in cities. Can we skirt around this not to allow this housing development to come in? Can we So, if you ever find yourself getting off track of your own policy, you you're going to have a problem probably. So, um just just pointing that out. Um uh so generally uh again 1983 actions, employee discrimination, defamation um acts outside the scope of the employment and misappropriation of funds. We haven't talked about that. Um uh again uh y'all uh and I sent you in prison.

Yes. I meant to start out that um I came here with and Adam knows this with our families. Y'all are doing tremendous things in Conway. And so we're we at the association are tremendously proud of everything that you're doing. We just sit back in admiration. Um so I know misappropriation funds is not happening here, but yes, unfortunately we have members across the state where it is occurring. So, and you can get in trouble quickly. Um, social media, uh, I I get calls on social media just about daily. Uh, again, uh, don't need your, uh, don't post stuff that y'all are part of a team and your voice is official. And so when you post things, even if it doesn't have anything to do with Conway, it's going to get associated with Conway. So, uh just be mindful. Don't get in discussions post on planning topics on let you you have staff. Let your uh public information staff be the official city of Conway go here to get the statements. Try not to um be the leader of that that process. Um realize that just because it's said on social media, and y'all should know this, doesn't mean it's fact. Um, I shouldn't have to. And it's getting worse certainly with AI. I mean, everything we read now. I'm having to So, so just just be mindful of that. Uh, executive sessions and and not necessarily the the stuff that's talked about certainly and y'all did it right where you you have to state why we're going in and you have to give a specific purpose and then no votes taken all that. The key with executive sessions and more and more particularly new people are running on the concept of transparency and it's a good concept. I

think we all want open government where you know we're we're but transparency does not mean sharing information out of executive session. That is not transparency. and and I get that constituents voted you here and constituents have a right, but at the same time remember that the city of Conway is also an incorporated business. Um there and and if you let certain things out of executive session, you you're impacting the business that you took an oath to protect and it is so hard. Um there's there's really little that can be done when executive uh when elected officials don't follow that rule. It's kind of it's kind of a a team rule, right? It if you spill the beans of what was said in executive session, you've let your team down. And so when you start losing faith of team members, then your ability to get stuff done is very difficult.

And sometimes it's worse than lost trust. Oh, sometimes the city loses opportunities. Uh, yeah, that property. So, I I get,

but you took an oath to protect the business. So, just just remember that. Uh, ethics. I did want to mention the these violations that I see from time to time. Uh, remember um you should not appear before your bodies that you appoint. So, the planning commission, the board of zoning appeals, uh, historical over will see some of our elections, but they're not ruling right. I'm going to go tell them you can't do that. You can't appear before a body. And then somebody will ask me, well, I have what if I have property and I need to, well, you certainly have a right to protect your own. Now, we would recommend that you have an agent speak on your behalf, and we would not recommend you as an individual appear, but just know that if you appear on somebody's behalf, the ethics commission may be sending you a notice of investigation.

And Charlie, just to be clear, when you say appear, you mean speaking to that group, being in their presence of them is fine. It's it's the going to the meeting and sitting in the back row to watch the meeting.

I personally Yeah. If you if I was here tonight providing training to either you or to the planning commission, I would encourage you not to attend. I just that but that's me. That's Charlie Lear. That's not in the book because your presence just says to people again human nature. Is he trying to get he or she trying to get me to vote some way as well? You know, so again, y'all have hired the most competent staff around. Let your staff handle it. Let them facilitate it, do their job, keep you, keep you updated. Um, let the process work and nine times out of 10 it will be fine. Um, but in this case, um, there was a case out of Surfside actually. Um the council member may met the mayor. This was about 10 years ago. Um didn't even know the individual that was asking for the uh variance before the BCA, but the elect official just stood up and said, "Y'all don't know what you're doing and you didn't." And he was fine. So and should um Adam John what what else? Yeah, I've got something

if you don't mind me saying um we've experienced a little frustration about um defense of some tort claims made against the city. Um uh those that we think are defendable and um could you say something about how you decide what to defend and what not to defend? Um uh there are a couple of cases we could be specific about if if that would help any. But um if we laid out and play dead, which is I think is essentially how I would describe um just awarding somebody a huge amount of money when we believe that the defenses sit in in our favor. Sure.

Um it's just kind of hard to swallow. So um decisions have to be made but you know sometimes it's really difficult for us to agree with those decisions because understand we think they're dependable. Yeah. So I can speak a little to this. So when Charlie introduced me Charlie you actually he called me the claims manager but I am lost control.

So it's all right. I just want to cuz you would think well the claims manager should know how to answer this question but um being from loss control I don't know any of the specifics about any claims that are with Conway because my team prevents claims but I prior to joining the association I have 23 plus years of doing insurance claims for a personal lines insurance company. I will tell you generally when defense council looks at a claim and they look at the pieces of investigation, they will typically put a dollar amount on the claim based on how confident they feel if they if that case gets put in front of the jury of course

and so not being able to speak to it. I mean there are claims that we smirk defense and there are claims that um their adjusters are successful with those defenses or you know they'll they'll offer a very very low amount and they will go away because of the investigation is solid. The defense documents are solid. Yeah. And see, I I get that that there might be some discretion in determining what is worth defending because that's costly, too. But um if I don't I don't I don't know how to get any deeper into this without

and without without actually looking at the pieces of the investigation and understanding the the holes in the case, um it's hard to speak to a to a question like that. I think and and I don't know if this is where you were going, but it was where I was going. I think what frustrates a lot of people is, and I call it the Walmart slip and fall concept,

where it's cheap, you know, you slip on a grape in Walmart and they've got a dollar amount already in their head. And if you're asking for that or less, it's cheaper to just go ahead and, you know, now I call BS on that because that's not how I run my business. It's not how I run my household. But like you just said, Charlie, we're an incorporated city with 300 plus employees knocking on 30,000 city residents in theor. So it's a it's it's hard for me who runs a small and a small mom and pop business. Mhm.

For my day job to then put on my nighttime job hat and think like that because it pisses me off. I'll just be honest with you. hit their people and I want to fight them. And I know that's not necessarily Oh, not that. What's that? No, no, no. You know what I mean? But I want to fight them. I want to fight their claim because you know, if it's a legitimate claim and we screw it up, then we need to do do right by our people. But, you know, you see it, the people that manipulate, take advantage of the system. And then on top of that, you got these trial lawyers that just see, oh my god, it's a game. I mean, it is a game. And cities and school districts, deep pockets.

Same thing. I don't know. It's frustrating cuz I want to tell them to fly.

But certainly, um, mayor, um, we we will listen. I mean, our director, uh, will listen. Um, I would encourage all I mean, as a city manager, I that um drainage pipe collapse, I can tell you we had negotiations that, you know, that they wanted and there's sometimes and and and Bethany mentioned this um when we were talking outside. I mean, sometimes the city has to put more skin in to get a certain action outside of RMS. So you have a right to ask questions, but yes, sometimes you have to settle.

Like one of the one example I can think of just currently is the last issue of Uptown had a whole thing about uh recreational facilities being immune. And we're we got a lawsuit right now where Tri Bell on a piece of section of Riverwalk and they're suing us for the max and and the recommendation from our adjuster was settled the max. If it's Max, why bother? We should fight it. That's right. I don't understand that. We can we can take all. We can you give me that going up the ladder right now. We can take it back.

I I mean I can probably name a dozen suits that happened in recreational facilities that until we saw that issue uptown, we didn't know that was an exemption that we've settled all those. And it sounds like it's it's a standard immunity. We should just be sending back into Iowa for that bad in my opinion.

Well, first of immigration is a little bit different. So, we have actual notice and constructive notice. You know, actual notice is where someone calls you up and says, "Hey, there's a defect in your sidewalk. You need to do something about it." Constructive notice is if it's in an area and parks and recreation are not included. So, there is no constructive notice in parks, only in public areas. And so what that article may be referencing is in part if there is an open and obvious hazard, you have a duty to to warn any visitors of that open and obvious hazard. And so if plaintiffs council is able to show that that open and obvious hazard was there for a prolonged period of time and what they're doing is they're going back to Google maps and they're looking at those previous 2012 2010 photographs where that image shows that same hazard 20 years ago

a slide board's too hot burnt. That's not gross negligence. and I tripped over a nail and we check our nails with some frequency, but uh this nail had to have raised its head literally um in a short time and we're going to give him $300,000 and we're on the same page with that one case, right? Yeah. So, I mean, I I just don't understand why there's not more effort in defending because what that does, what that I'll write you a check for $200,000 does is I'm going to trip and and everybody else wants to go look for right now. That's right. Exactly.

I know a spot. That's right. I could use $300,000 into a tree well to go around someone that fell in the tree well and then sued us cuz she tripped in the tree well. So I'll tell you the the cities and towns that are able that the adjuster is able to defend that position is when you can show practice that you do especially in public areas routine inspection and hazard mitigation. So if you can show the practice um anytime that something is reported or we do routine inspections and we fix any hazards that exist and you can show that practice over time, then you can show that um because a couple of years ago

had had trouble being able to show that practice, but I know some things have been put in place in the last couple of years here in Conway where you guys are doing a really good job of that now. And so we think so. I don't know if any recent slip and fall, slip, trip or falls have happened, but you should be able to show that documentation that you guys because I know you had implemented some inspection processes. And I promise I'm not attacking, but I am attacking the the practice of what appears to be just sort of like laying down and playing dead and passing out dollars that affect all of us ultimately. Yeah.

I'm sure y'all do this. There's a lawyer in town. They're big operations. In fact, they're all over the state. It's based out of town. They do mock trials and they do the where where they'll bring in they'll get regular people to volunteer to go up there at night and hear a case. Okay. And they take that data, they extrapolate that data, and the feedback they get from these regular ordinary folks. Yeah.

And that helps steer their decision-m going forward. And they've gotten so dagone good at it that other law firms from around the state, it's the Derek law firm, are hiring them to do to work their cases. And I'm just I'm sure y'all do, but it just burns me up. Sorry. People that don't care about this place and they see a dollar and it just it it when I look at like our people that work their behinds off and and so I get it. It's a business and it's a balance, but it's just like like I want to go get that person. I want to go get them. Introducing some of my old friends. There you go.

And I'm not. I'm not. But it just Well, I think too people were so concerned that we spent $5,000 to plant a tree, you know, but then they'll turn right around and see you. So, and they were I'm like, where do you think the money came from? handle your taxes. Charlie, can you talk a little bit more about social media and resisting the urge to comment on comments? You know, uh you're not going TO consider public speech at that point.

Yeah, I guess I mean it is. Is it um is it uh certainly if you're if you're if you're on your personal page or somebody's else's page and it becomes a public forum. Um right you're representing yourself not the city that case laws prove that. I don't know. Not got not not if it's your page and I mean and you and you have identified yourself in ways that you're on city council and Conway and I mean it's it's a public forum and that

but a council form of government can't operate autonomously. I mean it's a group. It's not. So, so William's voice is not I hear what you're saying and this hearkens back to what you said a minute ago and like yes, we have a PIO officer who delivers the facts and she does a great job. What she can't do or the next PO PIO or the one after that can't do is they can't tell the news media what how they feel, what their vision is, what they hope to see. And that's where that's where and know people want information and that's where council comes in or staff comes in to deliver those types of things that the PO can't do.

Again, debating, but but I think again the better method and I heard y'all talking about this too. I can't remember if y'all just implemented this or you've had this is building your um uh the uh public citizens academy. Yeah, I think that's the better long-term tool. Long-term tool that you build advocates for Conway and then you let them do that comment.

Yeah. And I've seen that work. And that's why we're doing it. I mean, that's exactly I brought it up and that's exactly why we're doing it cuz I got so sick and tired. But unfortunately, and you know this, Charlie, those people don't come. They don't. It's it's the sweet little old lady that would never talk crap anyway that's going to come to the um citizens academy to learn why we zigg instead of zach. It's not that tail hole that the keyboard. Yeah, but we're but you're wanting people over time. You're wanting people that are engaged post positive. I I just You're not going to win. I don't let them get your blood stirred up for no reason. I just got rid of it. So I

And you're a better And you're a better person for me, man. I'm a healthier person. A healthier because of it. Yeah. Other questions, comments. And I'm a crook. You're a crook. Me and German are crooks. I'm like, where's my check? We're all on the table. Well, you know what Blaine's think? We're all getting paid under the table. The old entertainer. Somebody show. Yeah. Tell me about we we will take back the comments to u the uh risk management director and she certainly will share with the boards but um regarding the selling tubes. No I please no I'm with Barber. Please do

I mean you got to have a little bit of backbone or everybody and their mom was going to sue you for everything.

There was one specific one that I had to go to mediation for and I think I went to had a council meeting beforehand. I was told not one day I'm dying is what we're settling for. And we went into the mediation. We were told obviously if we negotiate in good faith and our adjuster was there and she said well you can take that position but then you're on the hook for anything and you know we have the authority to settle. And I said you don't understand this case is not what you think it is. We presented to the mediator. Mediator went and did the little things back and forth. He came back in the room. He goes you don't need to settle this one. And it was dismissed the next day. But had we taken the advice of the adjuster when we went into that room, we would have given money to something that had absolutely no merit at all. And I think a lot of it is sometimes we have rosecolored glasses, but sometimes we have accurate vision and understanding of what the case is more so than maybe our adjuster does. And the personality of the people we're going that are suing us sometimes has not come across on paper. And and maybe that was the one exception that I can think of, but that was a that was a good one to So Charlie, the former council member that I was talking about earlier, the attorney,

he'll tell you and he's not he's still an attorney, but he's in a judge role now that you know sometimes you can't he's talking about, you know, taking cases, his criminal cases to trial. He's like, "William, sometimes you got to go to trial to show that prosecutor you'll go to trial, you know, and and and those are the ones that get the best deals because they know if they don't get a good deal, this guy's or the gal is willing to take it to trial where the the rest of them, they fold." Yeah. I I don't know. It It's tough business. All right. I'm shut the hell up. Thank you. Thank y'all. And thank you for sending me those other links. Oh, yeah. Yeah. Is there anything in our meeting that you thought we should have done better for everyone? Okay. But you would tell us, right?

I would. Okay. I mean, I I can tell it appears to me. I mean, the key is team and I think y'all got a good working team. We are team. Not I don't say agree team. You may disagree. It's okay. But do it respectfully. Conway's got Y'all got so much good going on. Yeah. No doubt. Are you guys driving back to Columbia this evening? Oh, what you think? I had children. Someone needs to make a motion to adios. Thank you, Charlie. Um, I'm going to rejourn. Hey, can I just warn real quick? Thank you. Cuz he got me some information. Sure.

I really do want to do this and I don't know how to do it, but Charlie put me on to it. We need to enough people love this town. I'm talking about the foundation. We need to we need to look into that. I think there's no downside. So y'all remember me talking about my cat my cat lady wanted to leave all the air. Yeah. Do you know you know we're not exact. That was second. That was second mayor.

Oh, yeah. Yeah. I'm sorry. Okay. Yeah. All in favor? Uh, it's it's unanimous.