City Council - Regular Meeting

Everyone else is burning. [snorts] Good afternoon. It is 4:00 on November 17th, 2025. I officially open this meeting of the Conway City Council. Uh before we move forward, I'd like to welcome a special group that's with us today. Um Jenny Haroldson is here with the life students from Coastal Carolina University. The Coastal Life program is a comprehensive 4-year non-deree certificate initiative designed for young adults with mild to moderate intellectual or developmental disabilities. Through a mix of specialized courses and audited CCU classes, participants build academic, employment, and independent living skills. They also engage in career development via job shadowing, volunteer roles, and internships, culminating in a full-time senior year placement. One of their classes, Life 211, is here today to observe and understand how you can participate in your local community. The instructor hopes to show how votes can be impactful and how cities function and to create an idea in what city councils accomplish. The life program kids or young adults are with us in this meeting today. Let please join me in welcoming them. [applause]

We're so very happy that you're here. I'm going to um ask Councilman Larry White if he will lead us in an invocation and the pledge of allegiance. Just let it be good. Amen. Heavenly Father, we just thank you for this day, Lord. We thank you for life, health, and strength. We thank you for being God all by yourself. And we thank you for this council, the citizens here of Conway, and all of those that come to visit as well. Give us grace, Lord, to do the things and understanding to do the things that you would have us to do. In Jesus name we ask it all. Amen.

Amen. I pledge algiance 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. Thank you so much, Mr. White. Is there a motion relative to our consent agenda? Mr. Goldfetch. So move. Uh, is there a second, Miss Butler?

I second his motion. have properly seconded motion to approve the consent agenda. All in favor, please indicate so with the showing of your hand. Motion carries unanimously. Item five, pardon me, item four is special presentations. Um I will present a proclamation recognizing pancreatic cancer day. And if there's anyone here that's involved in any way, please join me over in that corner. Uh there will also be a presentation of a resolution honoring coach James Pikney for his service to the Conway Parks and Recreation Department. And finally, there will be a presentation of employee of the month for November 2025 here. If not we are always acknled whereas November of each year is designated nationwide as pancreatic cancer month and November 20th 2025 as pancreatic cancer day both intended to raise awareness, fund research, and glean support for patients and family members affected by this devastating disease. And whereas pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive and deadly forms of cancer and is predicted to claim more than 800 South Carolina lives in the next year. And whereas risk factors for pancreatic cancer include obesity, smoking, alcohol intake, and family history. And whereas it is

predicted that 67,500 new diagnosis of and 52,000 deaths will occur in the United States this year. 90% of the newly diagnosed will die in the first year. And whereas there is hope. The 5-year survival rate has in the last 10 years risen from 2% to 12% today. And whereas November 20th, 2025 is World Pancreatic Cancer Day. And whereas Project Purple empowers the fight against pancreatic cancer, and all are encouraged to wear purple on November 20th. And whereas to avoid pancreatic cancer, no symptoms, make healthy food choices, live actively, limit alcohol consumption, avoid tobacco use, be mindful of our weight, learn our family history, and have annual checkups. Therefore, by the far me as mayor of the city of Conway, South Carolina, I do hereby proclaim that November 20th, 2025 is pancreatic cancer day in the city of Conway. All are encouraged to safeguard their health, to donate to pancreatic cancer research, and to be supportive of pancreatic cancer patients and their families. And witness whereof, I've set my hand and caused the seal of the city, South Carolina to be affixed the 17th day of November, 2025. It is attested to by our clerk, Alicia SH. And at this point, I would ask that Mr. James Actually, his family can come up here if you like.

Take a picture. State of South Carolina City Conway resolution honoring James Pinkney for his legacy of coaching, mentorship, and service to come parks and recreation. Whereas James Pinkney faithfully dedicated more than 30 years of his life to the comic parks and recreation department as a football coach, mentor, and leader of young men for 30 years. And whereas throughout his remarkable tenure, Coach Pikby used the game of football to teach discipline, character, teamwork, perseverance, and responsibility, instilling values that extended far beyond the field of play. And whereas he served not only as a coach but as a father favor, role model, motivator, and trusted mentor, shaping the lives of countless youth in the Kway community, many of whom carry the lessons he taught through adulthood. And whereas Coach Pinky built us built stronger athletes, stronger students, and stronger citizens through his unwavering commitment, patient guidance, and deep belief in the potential of every young person who led. And whereas his legacy is marked not by wins and losses on the scoreboard, but by the positive impact he made in the lives of families, athletes, colleagues, and the entire city of Conway. And whereas the Came Parks and Recreation Department, the city of Conway, and the generations of young men he mentored will forever be grateful for his leadership, his influence, and his heart for service. Now therefore, be it resolved that this resolution be presented as a symbol of appreciation, admiration, and respect that Coach James Pinkney's legacy continues to inspire future generations. In witness whereof, this resolution is hereby adopted and made a part of the

city records the 17th day of November, 2025. It is signed by all members of our city council. uh yours truly included and attested to by our clerk Alicia Shelley. We're so very grateful to you for what you've done. [applause] This is so [applause] [applause] crazy. Item 5 A is first reading of ordinance ZA 202512. Um you see there is another presentation item C present pres presentation of

employee of the month for November 20125 public works Mr. Dudley getting ready. [snorts] It is my pleasure to nominate Jamie Gibbons for employee of the month for public utility department. Jane is an outstanding asset to our department and a true example of leadership, dedication, and professional. Although Jane has served as the construction supervisor, his contributions extend far beyond his job title. He consistently takes to oversee multiple aspects of departmental operations and ensure that projects run smoothly from start to finish. Jamie coordinates jobs not only within the utilities department but also across other city departments for promoting teamwork, efficiency, and communication at every level. Jen is well respected co-workers, city staff, contractors, and customers we serve. He represents our department with integrity, professionalism in every interaction. One of Jamie's greatest strength is his mentorship. He takes the time to train new employees, offering patience, guidance, encouragement. His support helps them build confidence and succeed as they're growing their roles. No matter the challenges of the day, J approaches every situation with a positive attitude, and infectious smile children. Thank you for sele truly reflects the values and spirit of utilities.

[applause]

Jamie, thank you so much for your service in the way you serve. And now item 5A. First reading of ordinance ZA 2025 1201C to reszone approximately 39100s of an acre of property located at 4 Clemson Road from Ory County residential no mobile homes allowed district to the city of Conley low to medium density residential district upon annexation. Miss Huts.

Yes. Good evening. Council approved first reading of the annexation of this property at their October 6th meeting. This property is within the Coastal Heights subdivision at the corner of Singleton Ridge Road. Several lots within this development have been annexed over the years as a result of the exist existing homes being sold and new accounts having to be set up for city utility services. The future land use map identifies the property as low medium density residential. Planning Commission held a public hearing on the request to reszone to the R1 district which is lowmedium density residential at their November 6th meeting and recommended approval and staff also recommends approval of the request.

Thank you, Miss Hooks. What is the will of the council? Mayor, I move we approve uh first reading of set orders. Is there a second, Miss Helms? I second. There probably seconded motion to approve first reading of this annexation. Are there any questions or comments? Question. Yes, sir. Mr. White, um I think you said at the beginning this we we um did our first reading at our last meeting. Yes. So the annexations and the actual zoning are done separately now. So annexation occurred. So at the next meeting, they'll both be back for final reading.

I'm good. Thank you, ma'am. Thank you. Uh I'll call a vote. All in favor, please indicate so with the showing of your hand. Motion carries unanimously. Item B is first reading of ordinance ZA 20225201D to reszone approximately 35100s of an acre of property located at 1328 Cottage Lane and 1636 Church Street from City of Conway low to medium density residential district to city of Conway highway commercial district. Miss Hudson.

Yes. Uh this is a request to reszone two parcels located at the corner of Church Street and Cottage Lane. Both of the parcels are currently zoned low to medium density residential or R1. One of the parcels is where a title loan business have been located for several years and the other um between the title loan place and Burger King is vacant with the exception of a billboard. Um the future land use map identifies the properties as highway commercial and the requested zoning is also highway commercial um for purposes of commercial development. Planning commission held the public hearing at their November 6th meeting and recommended approval to reszone to highway commercial and staff also recommends approval. Thank you so much Miss Hucks. Mr. White,

may I move that we approve first reading? Thank you. Is there a second? Uh Mr. Join, I will second Mr. Wise motion. We have a properly seconded motion to approve this first reading. Are there any questions or comments? There being none, we'll call a vote. All in favor, please indicate such with showing your hand. Motion carries unanimously. Thank you. Item C is first reading of ordinance ZA 20226120C to annex approximately 4/10en of an acre of property located at 5007 Presbyterian Drive. Miss Rux,

this property is within the College Park subdivision and annexation is now being required due to a change of name and ownership of the property in accordance with restrictive covenants that were recorded in 1998 as well as a condition of receiving city utilities. The property contains a single family dwelling. Several other properties have been annexed over the last several years with 16 other properties within College Park being annexed as low to medium density residential. The applicant didn't disclose whether the residence was owner occupied or rental. However, the property owner's legal residence is different from this um property address. If first reading of annexation is approved, planning commission will hold a public hearing on the request to zone the property low to medium density residential upon annexation at their December 11th meeting. But staff does recommend approval of first reading to annex the subject property.

Thank you so much, Miss Hux. Is there a motion, Miss Hardwood? Um, I so move to uh approve this ordinance. Thank you. Is there a second? Miss Ba, I second motion.

We have a properly seconded motion to also approve first reading of this ordinance. Is there any discussion? There being none, all in favor, please indicate such for the showing of your hand. Motion carries unanimously. Item D is first reading of ordinance ZA 202260120D to annex approximately 16 and 610 acres of property located at on Alustin Avenue. Miss Hutz, the property is currently vacant, but annexation is being requested in accordance with the city's requirements to connect to city utilities as there is likely pending development of the property. There have been two previous requests for annexation on Old Austin Avenue since 2022. both of which were disapproved by council due to the condition of the roadway. The existing roadway is an unimproved county road which dead ends shortly past the subject property. So there would not be an appropriate location for sanitation or emergency emergency vehicles to turn around, nor does the road meet the minimum city standards for roadways. For this reason and because previous requests for annexation were denied, staff recommends disapproval of annexation.

Thank you, Miss Hux. I move we disapprove this annexation request. Is there a second, Miss Helms? I second your motion. We have a properly seconded nation. Second, [laughter] we have a properly seconded motion to disapprove this annexation request. Is there any discussion? Mr. Go question. And this [clears throat] is just simply it's come up because it's contiguous. That's the only reason why. No other reason. Yes. Yes. Well, they're likely have plans that are pending for development. In order for them to have the plans reviewed and approved through the county, they have to go through the request. So, they're just as happy calling the county home as they are us.

Correct. Anyone else? Call a vote. All in favor of denying this annexation request, please indicate so with showing your hand. Motion carries unanimously. Item E, first reading of ordinance ZA 202260120E to annex 37100s of an acre of property located at 801 Donald Street. Miss Hugs, annexation of this property is being requested due to a change in ownership and a new utility account in the name of the property's personal representative. According to probate documentation that was submitted in conjunction with the annexation request, restrictive covenants have been on file for this property since 1987. The property contains a single family residence. There have been 11 other properties within the neighborhood that have been annexed with the neighboring property annexed in 2023. Should first reading of the annexation be approved, planning commission will hold a public hearing on the proposed zoning of the property at their December 11th meeting. Um staff does recommend approval of first reading.

Thank you, Miss Hux. Is there a motion, Mr. Jordan? May I move we approve first reading? Thank you, sir. Is there a second, Miss August? And I'll second that motion. Have a properly seconded motion to approve this annexation request. Is there any discussion? There being none, all in favor, please indicate such showing your hand. Motion carries unanimously. We're going to wait just a second and um let some people get settled. Thank you so much for being with us. Antonio. Antonio.

Item F, first reading of ordinance 2025 1201E, amending the business license ordinance of the city of Conway to update the class schedule as required by act 176 of 2020. Mr. Rogers. Good afternoon. This is just a housekeeping matter. Every year the council is required to update its ordinance with the uh list of updates that we get from the municipal association in order to continue collecting business license next year. And this is that update. Thank you so much. I move we approve uh the recommendation of staff. Is there a second pitch? I'll second your motion.

Uh is there any discussion? In that case, all in favor, please indicate so with the show of your hand. Motion carries unanimously. [clears throat] Item six is consideration of an award of the 20 202526 economic development grant. Mr. Rogers, on April 8th, city launched its 6th annual economic development grant program to support local growth through innovative programs, events, and vendors. Applications closed May 12th with $150,000 budgeted. On June 16th, council awarded $17,530 to three recipients, leaving a balance of $42,470. And as we have done in the past, council directed us to just keep an eye out for any future applications that could come forward for the remainder of the budget year. Coastal Carolina University is requesting $42,000 of the remaining amount to support its Banana Bowl event, a two-day program scheduled for March 28th and 29th, 2026 at Springs Brooks Stadium in partnership with the city of Conway.

Thank you so much, sir. Miss Helms, I move we accept this bid. Thank you. I second Miss Helms's motion. Uh, are there any questions or comments? Yes, ma'am. I see some excitement in the audience. Yes, sir. Mr. White, excuse me. Excuse me. Um, my question is simply that um, since we're given this money, will be will we be privy to getting tickets to this event? [laughter] Don't answer that. I just want to know. Thank you. Question. Yes, Mr. Goz. What's the funding mechanism for this grant? Again, uh, this is, uh, just budgeted each year uh, through the hospitality tax, right?

It's general. Oh, it's general fun $150,000 general fund that's been budgeted each of the last six years. Can we find that in hospitality?

That's awesome. Sure. Is this urgent? Um I mean this is you raised my property taxes for a baseball game. I'm not against it, but this is different than you ate at Chick-fil-A and you pay hospitality tax to fund it. That's this is this is getting a little bit bothersome. We can find it in hospitality. Exciting. We can find it in hospitality. Would you entertain Would you entertain a motion to bring this back in two weeks and to fund it out of that bucket and then maybe we could

you could do Could we just could we just move today that it come out of another budget? Does that would that work? In that case, Beth, would you mind just adding that to your motion that come out of I just have one quick question? Of course. If I may, before you make your motion, when I read this, it says economic development grant. Is that a grant or is that general funds? That's why I asked the question. I I just I want to hear that one more time. So, it's a grant that we offer pulling that money from the general. So, we offer the grant. Yes. Okay.

I think it's money well spent. I just think it's better that it comes from a very specific source that has to be used for that thing instead of wait a minute, I'm sorry, you did what you you know where I mean I Yeah, I I feel more comfortable with that. I can't disagree. I I move that we approve this grant. would have come out in the hospitality. Thank you. And I'll second that motion. Any any other any further discussion? There being none, we'll call a vote. All in favor of our expending $42,000 out of hospitality funds for the purpose of it's called the banana ball. Mhm.

Okay. Thank you so much. Um in the spring, all in favor, please indicate so with showing of your hand. Motion carries. unanimously. Thank you. I'll withdraw my question now then. I'm sorry. Did you have a question? The one I asked previously about the ticket soon. Oh, okay. I'm right. We going to get tickets.

I know that, but I just wanted them better than uh item seven is public input. Uh we have two people who have signed up to speak this afternoon. Um, I just need to make a couple of housekeeping um statements. Uh, ask you to speak directly into the mic so that people not only in the rear of the the auditorium, but people online can hear you. Um, you're limited to 3 minutes. Um, if you're in the middle of a sentence, we'll probably give you a couple seconds to finish. Uh, public input is not interactive. There won't be a discussion back and forth, but you will be heard. oftentimes staff will hand you the business card of of a specific staff member who is the most appropriate person to discuss your matter with. Uh Mr. Jimmy Hammond, if you would begin with giving us your full name and your address, please.

Jimmy Hammond, 1515 Church Hill Drive.

I live in Conway. um an old person and some some people in Conway people always known they've come up to me several times in my life and told me that uh uh if you're going to do something other do it right and give it 100%. And u I think I've gave 100% and in my deed right here trying to get something and get counsel to talk to me. But I've come up against a brick wall and I'm conceding to y'all. Okay. I'm not going to come back up here no more. And I hope y'all not mad at me for not coming back up here. But I'm not coming back up here no more to ask a question and don't get no answer. I'm I'm I'm tired. And I got some other things to do. I got to go on with my life because the people that I kind of represent, Chapman and Jane and all that, they weren't ready for this. Y'all waited 17 years, then y'all pulled pulled a hat trick or somebody pulled a hat trick. They're not ready for it. And I hope by bringing this to y'all that it's going to let all the other city employees that are here, let somebody from HR or insurance or finance or administration is going to tell them about their insurance prior to waiting 17 years. I've been into been into the y'all paid me 3 years more than what you should have. Okay. And several other people they not they they're financially strapped. I'll probably get by with it, but I'm conceding to y'all. Okay? I'm man enough to stand up here and say I've done everything I can and I just so happy to see something general session

session tonight about it. So wish something come good out of it. But it's beenund I don't know how many days. I quit counting over 150 days me coming up here and trying to talk to y'all. I hope when it's all over with that somebody will just come talk to me about anything else. So, thank y'all. You won't see me know more about this. Thank you, Mr. Hammy. Uh, Miss Liz Marlo is our soul listed public input. Is she present? Liz Marlo. All righty. Uh, I move then that we close public input at this time. Is there a second?

Second. Uh, all in favor, please indicate so showing your hand. Motion carries unanimously. Uh, item eight is the city administrator's report. Good afternoon, Right. I had planned not to mention Halloween at all in my admin report tonight, but I I just couldn't help it. Um, I know you all saw the viral and fantastic Boojangles during Halloween um in October. If you've not been by in the last few days, they are rolling out Bojangles.

Um, their Christmas version of Bojangles. Um, to give you an idea of of the success of that, our Bojangles was the number one Bojangles store in the state during the month of October. It was the number eight store nationwide out of a a chain of nearly 1,000 stores. UM [applause] because partially of this, Felicia Tracy, who is the general manager of our Bojangles, she tied for the crown of best of the best GMs in this year's competition. And it's my understanding that our Bojangles is the was voted the best store in the chain for the last two years running. So,

well done, Bojangles. Thank you for for leaning into what we're doing. Um, as I mentioned in the last meeting, our fire chief Lee Hendrickk is retiring at the end of the year. The drop in for Chief Hendrick's retirement is tomorrow from 1 to 3 at 196 Laurel Street. If you have it on your calendar, please drop by and uh celebrate Chief's career with us. The ribbon cutting for the new mural beside Stella's Ice Cream is Wednesday at 2 p.m. I want to give special thanks to Comedy Downtown Live and Coastal Carolina University for another fantastic collaboration and uh beautifully colorful addition to our downtown. Thanksgiving is next week. We will decorate the city Christmas tree after Thanksgiving. Um just in time for our big Christmas tree lighting festivities on December 4th. We've begun sharing the messaging about the main street closure for the treelighting festival on the 4th. Um, but if you have the opportunity to share that message with everyone you meet, hopefully it will allow people time to make alternate arrangements. Uh, Mr. Jordan, I believe you started sharing it about a month ago. So, thank you.

Too early, man.

I'm not going to talk much about Christmas because we do have another meeting before we actually kick off the Christmas season. I do want to let you know the Christmas carnival will be back bigger and better than last year. Great job, Ashley and his staff for making that happen. Um, with the acquisition of the former steam plant site from Santi Cooper there, our department's also adding additional length and celebration of lights and elves from all of our departments have been cobbling away at bringing a bigger and brighter Christmas than ever before to Conway. Um, you'll see some big things still on the horizon coming. Um, at the next council meeting, we will hold the second and final reading of the creation of our our TIFF district. The school board is meeting tonight as well. John Rogers and our attorney Gary Pope um will be attending that schoolboard meeting to answer any questions they have and hopefully um be able to get them to endorse the TIFF and then move forward with the county. Um we do have two workshops tonight, two workshop items tonight. One is a discussion of private fire hydrant maintenance responsibilities and the second is the potential naming of a field at the sports and fitness center. We also have a slew of executive sessions to be held. Uh, obviously we need to move over to the other room for both of those. And I have one report tonight from Ted Dudley in our public utilities department, but I'm happy to answer any questions if you have before he comes up.

Two questions that were beat me up by, and this one is just came to my mind. Since Bojangas has done such a good job, is there any reason why we cannot [clears throat] give them an a proclamation or something? I think that would be very appropriate um to do maybe after Christmas to celebrate both of their That's right. I've also heard that maybe Chick-fil-A is going to join them in being big at Christmas. So, it's a challenge I offered to them years ago. Hopefully, they take it off this year. Second question. I'm sorry. May I finish? Yes, sir. [laughter]

Um I also was ask about moving the Christmas tree lighting to the um the riverfront area where the uh haunted house was. I guess Justin ask where the haunted house is will be the Christmas carnival. And this council decided a couple years ago to always hold it on Main Street. So that's unless you give me direction to move it, that's where it will be. I'm just passing it on. Thanks, sir. [laughter] I I was just going to add part two of my dear friend and colleague's question is going to be are there going to be biscuits and chicken? Are they bringing that recognize for the for the Christmas tree lighting or for the council meeting? Well, for I guess

we give them the proclamation. We certainly won't make that a condition [laughter] if they feel so moved. Yeah. But I will add, you know, good for them. They run an efficient business. You never wait in line. You go right through. Um, and they took advantage of what we're doing. And I I I hope that more businesses in Conway acknowledge that, see that, and capitalize on it because I don't think they're number eight in their in their company because of their decorations. I think they're number eight because they've got an efficient process that works well, but they took advantage of it. They benefited from what we're doing. Let that be a lesson to every single other business out there. Retail, whatever you do, I mean, you know, ride the wind, ride our coattail. Good for them.

On the off chance that Starbucks corporate is watching our meeting tonight, um, may I suggest Scare Bucks for next year? Scare Bucks.

John John's working on it. We're going to have it. Love it. Um, I have a question or or a comment. Um, recently, um, I found on my door, uh, something that happens periodically, every several years, uh, a company comes by with a an opportunity to test your water. Um, I believe that it it it makes suspect the quality of our water, and I don't believe that there's any reason for that to be the case. Um, I'm sure there's something to be sold once they get the sample. I even considered putting some Fiji water in just to see what the results might be. I didn't do it. But at any rate, um, I know that solicitation I know that solicit I know that solicitation is not allowed in our residential areas. Um, but I I thought this might be a really good time for you to say a bit about our water quality, what controls are in place, you know, that kind of thing, so that people other people who've received this don't begin to panic.

Well, we've had reports of of companies like this um for the last couple years doing exactly what you do, what you showed. Um, sometimes they're more aggressive and it makes it it certainly makes it feel like it's the city reaching out for this. Um, I believe the one that you have there, it just it's it insinuates that there's harmful toxins in their water at the outset and very small print, which, you know, sets people into a panic right off the bat and doesn't say who they are.

It does not. Um, well, first of all, as you mentioned, door to door sales are illegal in the city. So, that would be already illegal. Um, them coming to your door, soliciting is illegal. We recommend you call the police for anyone who does this right off the bat. Um, it's it's hard if no one calls the police to catch them in the act. I can tell you that that company has been contacted prior to this meeting to told not that what they're doing is illegal and if we catch them in the act, it would be a much more aggressive response. Um, we purchase our water from Grandstand Water and Sewer Authority. Grandstand Water and Sewer Authority is subject to multiple federal and state laws on the water quality. They test the water daily. Um, I I read a report that I think in the last month they tested water quality 180 times in one month to make sure that there's no toxins or anything in the water that would make it unsafe. Um, there is always going to be a product out there that will sell something that will make your water cleaner or more tasty or all those things. If you're so inclined to do that, do your own research on whether um what you're looking at is is important to you. Um, and then purchase from that research. Don't purchase from someone who comes to your door. Um, and I think I might have answered all the issues you have with that. I certainly will not trust anyone that comes to my door selling steak or water filtration system.

Steak. Steak. state. [clears throat] Thank you. Anyone else have any questions for the administrator? Thank you so much, Mr. Ted has come up. Thank you. Thank you. Welcome back. I also wanted to add to that you said we have our water quality report online. We have to post annually. So, you can go there and look at the results of that, too. Thank you.

All right. I'd like to provide a brief update on the public utilities department. We manage 413 mi of water lines, 257 mi of sewer line. Currently, we have 16 commercial and 13 residential projects under construction with an additional 26 projects in the design phase. Since the start of the year, we've installed 586 water taps, 370 sewer taps, represented 22% increase compared to this time last year. With continued growth in our service area, our workload has also increased significantly. Now we average about 45 locates and 37 work orders per day. We also have six capital projects either in construction or design phase. In addition to our department is active act actively involved in two major South Carolina Department of Transportation projects which I'm sure you all aware of. Highway 501 widening project which goes from Highway 544 to Highway 31. While the all overall project is expected to be completed in fall 2026. Our utility work is nearly finished. All relocations have been completed. The utility work is nearly done and we anticipate completing well we anticipate completing all portion within the next month. And then we have the 701 north widing project that runs from highway 319 to highway 22. Although this project has experienced some delays, the construction bid has been approved and awarded to Palmeta Court. The anticipated completion date for the overall project is fall of 2028. And if y'all have any questions. Um,

Mr. Wright. Yes, ma'am. Thank you. Um, this past week or so, there was a um signage in on what [clears throat] is Fifth Avenue about smoke testing. Yes, we do that. We We got videos online, too. But we also hand out door hangers. That's where we go around test sewer, gravity sewer for leaks. And it's just it's common. Grand does it. But we try to give a notification usually at all entrances. this subdivision, handouts, whatever. Thanks, Sher. Anyone else? Mr. Dudley, thank you so much for all you do. Thank you. Thank you for keeping our water running. Absolutely. And sewer.

Uh, and now item nine is council input. We'll begin with Miss Helms. Since we have such a long evening item, I'm just going to say thanks to our [clears throat] staff and I look forward to Christmas and volunteering. Thank you, Miller. Um I have two things really quick. Um one for our tree lighting uh celebration, we in the past have had populations of our um individuals who are deaf and heart of hearing. Um will they also be able to have a certain area to where they can go and the interpreter will be there?

We we bring in the interpreter. We'll try to cordon off an area. It's very difficult in that event to get that word out where that side of the stage is. We'll try to make some accommodations there to make that clear. It's it's going to be tricky, but we can try to do it. Okay. I just wanted to make sure that we are accommodating our individuals with disabilities to make sure that they have access. So, the main street side of the stage is always less crowded and that's where we usually put the interpreter for that reason. So, if if the word can get out, that would be the side and maybe we can put a public messaging out in advance, too. Okay. For that purpose,

that would be great. Awesome. Thank you. Um and then the next thing I did receive um basically a letter uh or proposal from a resident who is interested in us planting more pollinators and more native plants. Um if that's possible for us to plant more of those downtown so that um one of the things that I love about this individual's yard and surrounding areas is that she kind of has butterflies and is an active yard. And so we could u possibly plant more native plants and pollinators in our downtown area. I think that would be um great for our downtown. That's it. Thank you, ma'am. Thank you, Mr. White.

And I'd like to add not just downtown, but around town. Excuse me. Um other than that, I have nothing to say. I say everything. Thank you. Go ahead. Didn't we didn't we start something or recognize somebody? We did something with butterflies not long. I mean, it's been maybe a few years,

but we've gotten we've also gotten so many complaints. People think that our those the berry plants that encourage uh butterflies and are echofriendly are the ones that people complain that they look like weeds. So, I mean, it's really hard to satisfy everybody. Um, you know, do you do what's healthy and and what's good for the for the ecology or do you make it all pretty? So it doesn't look like

you got to you got to have pollinators, that's for sure. Just just one other thing. Um last week I was listening to the athletic director at Conway High School give a talk and then not hours later I understood learned there was a change in leadership uh at the high school. Um I I don't claim to know anything about football other than my Gamecocks are really really not getting it done this year. Um, I know we're overwhelming [laughter] that. Um, that said, I I do want to say this and I know that that that school athletics and in particular, I'm referring to Connley High School is not our wheelhouse. Uh, there's a school board for that, but at the end of the day, the success of any high school program in a quote unquote small town, and I still classify as a small town. My microphone's done. Um the success of a football program is is clutch. It's key. Uh it adds it builds morale to the school. When you've got a school that's healthy and vibrant, people people with children want to move there and be a part of it. So as much as it's none of our business, I think it's very much a part of our business. And again, that's not our wheelhouse. There's the school and the school district to figure out, you know, those details. But you know any role that we can play any way that we can be supportive in that I think we only reap the reward and benefit uh from having a healthy and vibrant and and great morale uh whether it's through the athletics or academics on the high school level because people who have a choice as to where they want to live what do they look at educators what do they look at they look at the schools

and you know anything we can do to support them I I think uh will go a long way in ensuring that that we're doing everything that we can do to make the quality of life for for our little hometown great. So that's all I would add. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Jordan.

Thank you, Mayor. Um I just want to say to the four candidates that that ran for our uh city council election last week, thank y'all for for acting like mature adults and running a very clean uh campaign. um unlike some of our uh other counterparts around, we're we're very fortunate here in Conway. So, um that that certainly doesn't go unnoticed and and is appreciated. And sticking with the election part, um can we advertise a little more leading up to the election, publicizing, you know, we've got an election on this day and then um you know, obviously following the election postour results from that as well. Please. And that's all I have.

Thank you, Mr. Jordan. Thank you, Mard.

Thank you, Mayor. Um I agree. Um and and Mr. Goldfish, you're absolutely right. It's not We need to look at all of our schools in this in the city and they we need they all need to be uh energized and looking at the school work hard. And I I agree with you um Mr. Jordan about the u the candidates too. Y'all did a great job. Um, what I really want to talk about is, you know, when I first saw the number $42,000 going to the Savannah Bananas, I did pause and I did hesitate, but I it will bring people um into Conway and it will and the Savannah Bananas are phenomenal. And I and I've got a post here um looking at their 2026 Bananas Banana Ball World Tour. And we have names like Memphis, Tennessee, Tallahassee, Florida, Little Rock, Arkansas, Sacramento, uh San Diego, um Scottdale, Arizona, and right there in the middle of it is Conway, South Carolina, our little 30,000 town. Yeah. I mean, it's amazing, guys. This is a world tour. Thank you. I like the applause. Thank you very much. Um we if you go on, that's just the month of March. If you go on down here, you've got New York City, you've got Las Vegas, um you've got the major cities, you've got Kansas City, Missouri. So, I believe we are I know I don't believe I believe and I know we are spending our tax dollars very wisely and this is an investment that um will really benefit Coastal and the city of Conway. And thank you again, staff, for everything.

Thank you so much, Miss Hardwick. And and the last com the comment I'll make is and as it turns out we won't be using taxpayer dollars at all uh for this venture which makes it even sweeter. Yes, I take that back. Hospitality tax.

That's exactly right. Thank you. Um I don't have anything to add. Um I'm just really proud to be a part of this wonderful city. I be a proud I'm so proud to be a part of these people who are Conway. so proud. We are going to uh go into another room for a workshop that has already been described. You're welcome to join us. There's plenty of room in our conference room, but after the workshop, we'll go into executive session for the following purposes. A is a discussion on contractual matters incident to retirees health insurance pursuant to South Carolina code section 3470 A2. Uh, item B is a discussion of employment of an employee in the fire department pursuant to South Carolina code section 3470A1. Item C is a discussion of employment of an employee in the fleet maintenance department pursuant to South Carolina code section 3470A1. and D a discussion of an economic development opportunity named project smoke stacks pursuant to South Carolina code section 3040 34785 uh and E we will discuss uh potential acquisition of property pursuant to South Carolina code section 347A2 uh after which time we will reconvene from executive session And should we after we recon once we reconvene if we take any action on matters discussed in executive session then that would be done publicly and after which time we'll adjourn. Welcome you to join us for the workshop and uh for those of you who choose not to do have a safe and great evening. I wrecked my car today. Don't do what I did. Be careful.

[laughter]

Mayor, we have two workshops tonight. Um the first deals with the um testing of fire hydrants that are owned privately and I'm going to turn it over to Ted. Do y'all have the issue paper? We got to hand out. Why don't you hand it out? It's not the codes, too. These guys, they're on the fire code for Yes. They're all private properties. You got commercial projects, too. Mostly if you'll do that. Great. Can I get one?

Yes. Anyway, I've done an issue paper just to see what Adam thought if you want to talk about it. We have been I've been here 19 years and we've been maintaining, painting, maintenancing, repairing if something goes wrong with private fire hydrants which are on private commercial sites such as new south and it's a lot of expense but it's also and I talked to Jason and the chief him about it. It's a lot of liability on the city if they go there and say it's not operating like it's supposed to. Plus, when it's on private property, it's hard for us to know that they've got access, main access to it. So, we were thinking about just sending out, of course, I'm sure it need to be reviewed by a lawyer before we send out any letters, but sent out. We can no longer maintain these private fire.

Makes sense to me. Yeah. So, how would that be any different than like when you know y'all go in to inspect a business and I got to have two fire extinguishers, one on this side of my building, one on this? You make sure it's charged, right? You make sure it's like 15 years old and it's never been recharged. So, can you go in and inspect like you would a fire extinguisher, the fire hydrant to ensure I mean does if that they're maintaining it, but that doesn't question, right? But that doesn't help with the legal, financial or operational interest.

Well, it does. It puts the financial obligation on them. But just like we ensure like y'all come to my building and say, "Well, you know, you you got to get this fire extinguisher service, right?" Well, they Well, they can tell more about that, but they currently do the fire lines for commercial sites anyway. Make sure they're annually

and and so so we would go in and do the same. It would be just become another maintenance item that we would check for when we go in there. the owner of the property would be now responsible for the maintenance testing uh of that hydrant annually and we would follow up with them you know as we go in and do the fire alarm systems the fire protection systems the suppression system that would be another component that we would look for when we go in there and they would be responsible for maintaining that was a comp to make sure that they did it

make sure the compliance we would still look for the compliance aspect of it but the financial burden and the maintenance wouldn't be on on the city per se because it's a private system. However, because they still need suppression, they'll be responsible for keeping it. Well, we are currently as we're maintenancing them kind of figuring out what's private as we go, but I'm guessing probably 50 or 60 and most of them are going to be commercial. But now you got some places like Bellamy Apartments over there that I guess what is that consider commercial or consider? But no residential, nothing residential will be affected. It's all commercial. So that would fall on their HOA, I guess. Yeah.

Well, that's no I mean, if you come to my business and my fire extinguisher is out of date, you going to give me what a period of time 30 days. 30 days, have it fixed. That's on me. That's no different than same thing. That's right. Makes sense. All right. I I hear nods. Yeah. Okay. That that's the direction we need to go in. Does that satisfy you? Yes, I think so. You good? Yes. But then once we do open a paper to send out, does that need counsel proof? Does it need to I'm sure a lawyer would probably want I'm assuming you're you're in favor of sending it out. The the nuances of what is sent out, you'll be fine with once it's fleshed out. You don't

Absolutely. We trust staff can do that. Okay. I got one last question. the fee. How much money are we at guesstimate of? Okay, we've been servicing your 500. Now all of a sudden to this business, I'm saying now you're responsible for servicing your 500. Are we talking $150? We talking $15,000? No, not I'd say a few hundred. And that's only mainly we've the money we put in paint to paint them, degrees of caps. Now, when something goes wrong with the fire hydrant, if you have to replace it or make repairs, it could be $1,000, $2,000. But, but we're not looking at extraordinary burden.

No. And like I said, I'm not sure the number I have is probably 50 or 60 items. Very good.

The other workshop is from recreation. Ashley's here to talk about how they [laughter] [laughter] come for you tonight. We talk about the proclamation that we gave Coach Penney. I've known Coach Bey since I was 11 years old when he played high school football at High School. Um we're we're trying to do stuff to to recognize our our athletes and our our students for doing good things. This is one of the things we've done at the center. Uh some of our athletes has gone on to play college. So they come back given us our their jerseys, uh helmets, stuff like that. Name of the fields. We like to look and do a background check. We don't like to do a lot of the younger guys cuz or girls cuz things could happen. Um the ones that we've done, Billy Gardner complex slam dunk. Uh Mr. Pete Wils was a slam dunk, Ken Sand slam dunk. Um, and I think this being, you know, field two on the football field, we have Pete Wilsfield and James Ping and those two guys have meant so much to our community. Um, not just athletic like we talked about in there, it's also the mentorship and the things that they do in our community.

So, what's your I would like to rename field James Pney Field. Is it got is you say rename is it got a name now TWO [laughter] actually you taking us up the field TOO [laughter] I Okay. How many fields are there? Uh we have we have on the other side that we can also start an annual. We also sell those too. So

for $3,500 a year in their field. I see. Yeah. And we can still get the revenue from that field. It'll be James Pikney field, but then it'll be named something also. So it'll be a field in the there. Yeah. So we don't lose any money. We don't lose our No, we still get the same amount of money that we get the $3,500. Are you going to save a field for you? You get old and great. It's in the restroom.

The Smith digress. Right. [clears throat] Well, it sounds like um based on what we read today that that would be most appropriate. Go ahead. And I see some nods around the table. [snorts]

Workshop and we're ready for executive session. I move. I move we go into executive session. Second. All in favor I or something. Yeah. Mr. White. Okay.