Town Council - Regular Meeting

Good evening. I would like to welcome everyone to the town of Lexton council meeting. This council meeting is being held at town hall on Monday evening, May the 4th, 2026, and is being broadcast live on the town's YouTube channel. I am Hazel Livingston, the mayor for the town of Lexon, and I would like to introduce my fellow council members. To my left is council member Ron Williams. Good evening. To his left is council member Todd L. Good evening. To his left is council member Jeannie Michaels. Good evening. And showing up just now is Mayor Pro Tim Todd KS. Good evening. To his right is council member Gavin Smith.

Good evening. And to his right is council member Will Allen. Good evening. Our invocation tonight will be led by Council Member Allen. Thank you, Madame Mayor. Let's pray. Oh, heavenly father, thank you so much for today. Thank you for this beautiful spring that we've had here in Lexington, Lord. Thank you for all of your blessings you continue to shower upon us in this community. We love you so much. We ask a special blessing tonight, Lord, to please uh guide us as we make the decisions for this town. Give us Holy Spirit inspiration to make the best decisions we can to preserve the uh the peace and prosperity for our neighbors. Uh we love you, Lord. We praise you. We bless you. We pray all this in Jesus holy name. Amen.

Amen. I would like to invite up now retired Army Veteran Sergeant First Class Christine Craig to lead us in our pledge. If everybody would please stand.

I pledge allegiance 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. We'd like to thank you for your service and thank you for being here tonight. I will now call the council meeting to order. Are there any deletions from tonight's agenda? Hearing none, we'll move into the executive session. Council met in executive session prior to this meeting to discuss matters um as permitted by South Carolina code. Discussion of contract for pavement rehabilitation projects. Discussion of two potential property acquisitions. Legal briefing on Raw Road Land LLC, Wade McGuin and Miraville LLC versus Town of Lexington and discussion of personnel matters compensation plan and departmental reorganization. No vote was taken. Do I hear a motion to ratify this report?

So moved. Mayor Pro makes the motion. Do I hear a second? Second. Councilman Michael seconds it. Is there any discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor raise your right hand and it is unanimous. Our minutes tonight include our meeting packet for approval are the minutes from the special call work session held on March 23rd, 2026 and the budget workshop held on March 23rd, 2026. Do I hear a motion to approve the minutes? So moved. Mayor Pro Tims makes the motion. Do I hear a second?

Second. Councilman Williams seconds it. Is there any discussion? Hearing none. All those that approve of the minutes, please raise your right hand. And it is unanimous. Our first presentation this evening is a presentation and I would ask you guys to come forward. Um recognizing peace officers memorial and police week. A proclamation by the mayor and council of the town of Lexon declaring May the 15, 2026 as peace officers Memorial Day and May 11th through 17, 2026 as police week. Whereas the president and Congress of the United States have set aside May the 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which it falls as National Police Week. And whereas Peace Officers Memorial Day honors the brave law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. And whereas in 2022, 226 federal, state, tribal, and local officers across the country gave their lives with serving their communities. And whereas we rely on law enforcement officers to keep our neighborhood safe, protect our property, and help ensure peace and justice for all. And whereas the Lexon's Women's Club will place banners throughout the town, which I saw them today, and they look great, to honor those who have fallen, and to show support for the officers who serve us every day. Now therefore, be it proclaimed by the mayor and council of the town of Lexon that May the 15, 2026 is recognized as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week of May the 11th through 17th, 2026 is declared police week in the town of Lexon. A special ceremony will be

held on May the 13th, 2026 at the Lexon County Law Enforcement Monument to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. All citizens are encouraged to join in recognizing and thanking the law enforcement officers who protect our town every day. One, two, three. Don't want to say something. Um while sitting here tonight, um we're reminded of the long-term relationship the town of Lexington and the Lexington Women's Club have had. Thank you for partnering with us to um recognize law enforcement during Police Officers Week by hanging the 75 thin line um thin blue line banners above the streets of Lexington and near the Lexington

Sheriff's Department. We are so very blessed to live, play, and serve in a community whose leadership is so progressive and supportive. Not every community can say this. So, thank you all so much for letting us be a part of this. Thank you. and thank you for all y'all day for. Our next presentation will be a proclamation recognizing transportation week and our transport transportation staff by council member Williams.

Thank you, mayor. It's a proclamation recognizing National Transportation Week. Whereas National Transportation Week is observed annually during the week, including the third Friday in May, to recognize the importance of transportation systems and the professionals who support them. And whereas the Town of Lexton Transportation Department maintains approximately 33.5 miles of locally maintained roadways and manages traffic signals, ensuring safe and efficient travel for residents, businesses, and visitors. And whereas these dedicated employees perform essential services including roadway maintenance, traffic signal operations, and infrastructure improvements that support the safety, connectivity, and quality of life within our community. Now, therefore, it be it proclaimed that the mayor, town council, and citizens of the town of Lexon express their sincere appreciation to the town's transportation department staff for their continued commitment and service to Lexington. Dated this 4th day of May, 2026. One, two. Hey, Randy. Randy, can you uh remind everybody real quick? I know that we are one of only a handful of municipalities throughout the state of South Carolina that have fully adaptive signalization system throughout the town. At one point, it was us in Mount Pleasant, maybe some in Aken. Uh can you give the the exact details on that because we do have a a very advanced signalization system throughout our town. is pretty

unique and not very common. Exactly who all has that and can you uh just give us 60 version of that?

Uh so adaptive signalization obviously is a relatively new technology and it's to allow the signals to adapt to traffic demand um whether that be side street or through volumes and our signals are programmed to adjust throughout the day. Um and over the years we've seen significant improvement in throughput which is a measure of its efficiency. So in 2014 council authorized moving forward with the SC DOT to create its own signal department of which we've grown now we're pushing 10 folks that are involved in some manner of speaking. Um and so we now we started out managing 35 signals and that has grown to 52 this year I believe we're at. So just continuing to grow. For clarity, not every single one of them are adaptive, but as we work with SE DOT, we take over additional signals just to provide a higher level of service. Um, simply because we're managed, Lexinon is managed out of district 1, which is over on shop road in Columbia. Um, so we're able to just respond in a much more timely manner. Um, so and that would be so we are still one of the more progressive in the state of South Carolina. Um with this particular system, it is us in Mount Pleasant as well as uh the Whiskey Road area um has this particular system on it. Um Columbia County, Georgia is our next um comparable. Um that entire area, Washington Road, people are familiar that's all adaptive just like ours.

Yeah. So it's fair to say we're one of only a handful of municipalities in South Carolina that have this most advanced signalization. And that that was because uh some people went after those funds probably in about 068 because that's how government works. And so people that were here in 0608, if y'all see them in in the community, y'all pat them on the back because they had vision and we're here. Thank you, Randy. Thank you. Okay. Next up, Mayor Proim KS will present a proclamation recognizing this week as small business week. If any of our members from the chamber are here, please come up. And I see some of them back there.

All right, welcome chamber folks. Y'all stay right there. We will read this and we'll take a few photos and have you guys give us a few remarks, which would be great. And before I do, I was looking around. I just noticed probably I know five of us up here are local small business owners ourselves. And so many of us relate to you guys. Um, and small businesses are the backbone of our community. Whereas small businesses are the backbone of our local and national economy, driving innovation, creating jobs, and strengthening our communities. And whereas more than 70% of new private sector jobs in the United States are created by small businesses, highlighting their critical role in economic development and opportunity. And whereas the entrepreneurial spirit of small business owners fuels the American dream and contributes to the vibrancy and resilience of our economy. And whereas during small business week, communities across the country come together to recognize the hardworking individuals who take risk, follow their passions, and serve their neighbors through small business ownership. And whereas the town of Lexon is proud to celebrate the vital contributions of small businesses and the impact they have on the prosperity and quality of life in our community. Now therefore be it proclaimed by the mayor and council of the town of Lexon that the week of May 4 through 8, 2026 is hereby designated as small business week in the town of Lexington. And we encourage all residents to support and celebrate the small businesses that make our town strong, unique, and thriving. Signed by your mayor and your council. And congratulations. Let's take a photo.

All right.

Mayor and council, thank you so much for this proclamation. We are indeed excited about Small Business Week. Uh we have over 700 businesses that we represent. We'll be celebrating the week uh with two special events for our chamber shareholders as well as a series of videos that are going to be pushed out this week and throughout the month spotlighting uh about 8 to 10 of our small business owners here in town. So thank you for your support of our efforts. Thank you.

Thank you. Next up, we have um a proclamation recognizing the Wingards and Wingards Market as USA Today's number one plant nursery. And I would like to ask y'all to come forward in 2026 if y'all come forward. Proclamation recognizing Wingard's Market as US Today's number one plant nursery. Whereas Wingard's Market was established in 1968 by Judson and Margie Wingard and has grown into a third generation family-owned business proudly serving the Lexon community with plants, fresh local produce, gifts, and garden supplies. And whereas the business has been consistently recognized for excellence, including being named Lexington Chamber Small Business of the Year in 2023 and earning national top 100 garden center honors multiple times. And whereas on March 18th, 2026, Wingard's Market was named the number one plant nursery in the United States by USA Today, selected from 20 nominees by a panel of experts and voted on nationally. Now therefore, be it proclaimed that the mayor, town council, and citizens of the town of Lexon congratulate this third generation family business on its outstanding national recognition and commend the Wingard family for their long-standing commitment to quality and service in our community dated this fourth day of May, 2026. Congratulations. That's a big big

All right. I'm 11. Thank you very much. We are very appreciative and humbled by this. This business started 60 1968 with $250. And it was a hobby of my in-laws and you see what it's done now. And so we're anxious to see what our friends at Mission Lexington are going to add to the traffic around us. And and the new Parker's kitchen adds to the traffic around us. But anyway, again, thank you very much. We're very appreciative.

Thank you. I'm working on it, Wally. I'm working on it.

And our last proclamation is um presented by the Lexon Chamber of Commerce. Aniel, I failed to introduce our chairman of the board, Trey Powell with Mosquito Joe and Wonderly Lights. Um, and good evening, Mayor Livingston and members of the town council. I'm proud to announce that the Lexington Week of Restaurants has been named an award recipient of the 2026 Communication Excellence Award presented by the Carolina's Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. Our joint initiative organized by the town and the chamber won in the electronic category for chambers with over 700 members. This award was presented recently at the chamber's executive conference which was held here in the Columbia area. It honors the highest standards of originality and measurable impact. While we've been recognized in the past for projects like Beerfest and the vote for yes, vote for roads campaign. This honor specifically highlights the innovative digital strategy we built together. By leveraging our partnership, we turned a quiet midepptember into a communitywide initiative showcasing our area restaurants. The results included the creation of a new dedicated website which is lexing which is lex weekofrest.com. We had 35 participating restaurants during our first year and these were restaurants only within town limits. Within a two-month span, we reached over 6,900 unique visitors. The town created a dedicated social media page and attracted 1,800 followers. Unique content was created, including photos, videos, and stories. Area influencers were also recruited to promote the initiative. We utilized a punch card program, and that provided an incentive

to consumers to visit multiple locations. Many restaurant owners reported nearly double their sales, resulting in measurable economic growth during a traditionally slowed period. So on behalf of the chamber and the business community, thank you for investing in us as your visitor center. This recognition belongs to both of us. We appreciate your unwavering support in making Lexington a premier destination for residents and visitors alike. The award proves that when the town and the chamber lean in to a collaborative vision, we drive real economic success for Lexington. So, in closing, um we look forward to our second year. We've already met with some of the town staff. We've set the date to kick off September the 10th, and we plan to conclude September the 20th. So, we are so happy to present this award to you and to tell you thank you for your collaborative efforts uh in working with us and supporting our restaurants.

Well, the real winners in this is our staff, especially that one and the one sitting over there, but definitely Michael and a big thank you to y'all and all y'all did to make this award for all of us because they did a lot of work with photos and videos and that type of stuff. So, it's not my mine or your award. It's y'alls. Mhm. Congrats. Let him get it. Michael, I'm gonna let you get it. Y you deserve this award. You want to come take the picture so get in there with me? Well, I

I'll take one for you. Would you like to jump in?

You want to say something? by the camera and Rachel. Thank you very much.

That goes for you too, Rachel, for encouraging them and giving them a healthy workplace to do what they need to do and giving them some freedom for it. I appreciate that. So, next up, I'll give a vision plan update. The vision plan advisory committee has held their first meeting. The goal of this group is to map out what Lexon will look like in the future. There are 10 community members that make up this committee and they will be gathering input and providing recommendations. If you would like to get involved in this process, stay tuned to lexc.gov for more information on public input sessions and I'm sure it will be on our Facebook and our Instagram pages also. Correct, Rachel, Kevin? Madame Mayor, that's correct.

Okay, so y'all stay tuned. I know they're working on the locations right now and should be bringing us something back soon. Correct. Next up, we have our mayor pro Tim KS with our traffic update.

Thank you, Madame Mayor. As part of the winewalk, there will be a detour in the 100 block of Main Street from North Lake Drive to North Church Street on Saturday, May 9th, 2026 from 1 to 8:00 p.m. As work begins in the Corley Woods neighborhood on repaving project, there will be a lane closure at Augusta Highway and Terrar Springs Road for paving operations. The utilities department waterline replacement contractor is working in various areas downtown, specifically Harmon Street, Corley Street, and Fox Street. A lane shift can be expected on Columbia Avenue at Reed Avenue beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 5th, 2026. As the utilities department addresses a sinkhole, it's interesting. Please exercise caution when traveling in construction and detour areas. We encourage you to follow the town of Lexton's Police Department social media outlets for traffic alerts and updates. Please call 8033587273 to report any traffic signal issues, unsafe roadway conditions or pothole that needs immediate repair. And finally, and most importantly, if you pull up to Dutch Bros and they're like five deep out into the roadway, just go down the road to Canal. They make all the same stuff. Let's don't back up the road trying to get the Dutch Bros. They'll be here next month. You can get the protein milk. Thank you very much.

Very true. Very true. Comment.

Okay. We will now open the public hearings. We welcome your comments and ask that each speaker please limit their remarks to three minutes. A timer will be set. Please note that this is not a question and answer session and we ask that comments remain specific to the item consideration under consideration. Please address the council as a whole rather than directing comments to staff or members of the audience. These guidelines help ensure a respectful and orderly process and allow time for everyone who wishes to speak. With that, is there anyone who would like to speak regarding the public hearing for tonight as I list the items? Annexation of Lexon County tax map 0004300-07-162-31-133 of 1100 block of West Main Street. The next one is recommendation on reszoning from highdensity residential to highdensity residential and limited commercial where the plan unit development overlay on Lexon County tax map number 004300-07-153 and 024 located at 201 old chapen road. Next is recommendation on reszoning from limited commercial to highdensity residential with plan unit development overlay on Lexon County tax map number 004323-2-1 located at 100 Snail Grove Road. And the last one is approval of a plan unit development consisting of 51 unit town home project that will include 0 I mean 0.80 80 acres of limited commercial office space.

Hearing none, we will now move into old business and we will start out with council member Smith on final reading of an annexation on West Main Street.

Thank you, Madame Mayor. Uh, Satra Properties LLC owns approximately 29.31 acres on West Main Street and Highway 378 and has petitioned to annex the property. A car dealership and commercial center is planned to be developed on the site. Properties in town near this one are zoned general commercial, office commercial, highdensity residential, and protected residential. West Main Street and Highway 378 are classified as arterial roads. The property is shown on the future land use map as a regional node area. The comprehensive land use plan describes this area as a node containing medium to high intensity commercial, retail, hospitality businesses, which would predominantly be regional or national brands and offices um offices that cater to those traveling along major corridors. At the March 18th meeting, uh the town's planning commission recommended zoning the property as general commercial and classifying West Main Street and Highway 378 as arterial roads. Uh considering their recommendation, uh Madame Mayor, I would move for final reading approval.

Councilman Smith makes a motion. Do I hear a second? I'll second. Councilman Williams second it. Is there any discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor, raise your right hand. And it is unanimous. Item number two is two, three, and four are related but need to be voted on separately. Item number two is final reading recommendation of reszoning from highdensity residential to highdensity residential and limited commercial with a plan unit development overlay on Lexon County tax map mayor proim KS.

Thank you, Madame Mayor. Connley Development has submitted a request to reszone 9.63 63 acres at 2011 Old Chapen Road from highdensity residential to highdensity residential and limited commercial with a planned unit development overlay. The purpose of the request is to support the proposed plan unit development of a 50 unit town home project that will include 0.8 acres of limited commercial office space fronting on Old Chapen Road. Properties adjacent are zoned highdensity residential, limited commercial, and protected residential. Old Chapen Road is classified as a collector road. At its March 18th meeting, the planning commission recommended approval of the reasonzoning a quest request as submitted. I make a motion for final reading approval.

Mayor Proin makes a motion. Do I hear a second? Second. Councilman L it. Is there any discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor raise your right hand. And it is unanimous. Item number three is final reading recommendation on reszoning from limited commercial to high density residential with a plan unit development overlay on Lexon County tax map number 004323-02-00001 located at 100 snailgove road mayor pro Tim KS oh I'm up again all three

all right sorry I was scrolling right past it let me catch up with Um, this item number three, this is three. Three. You'll go to four.

All right. Working overtime. Mayor Connelly Development has submitted a request to reszone 0.92 acres at 100 Snail Grove Road from limited commercial to highdensity residential with the plan unit development overlay. The purpose of the request is to to support the proposed plan unit development of a 50-unit town home project that will include 0.8 acres of limited commercial office space fronting on Old Chapen Road. Properties adjacent are zoned highdensity residential, limited commercial and protected residential. Old Chapen Road is classified as a collector road and Snail Grove Road is classified as a limited local road. At its March 18th meeting, the planning commission recommended approval of the reasonzoning request as submitted. I'll make a motion for final reading approval.

Do I hear a second? Second. Councilman Williams second. Is there any discussion? Madame Mayor. Yes.

Can I ask a quick question? Um, David, maybe you know this, but being that it went before the planning commission, um, and being that this is a PUD, um, varying zoning requirements are waved, specifically setbacks, and I received a question over the weekend regarding the power lines on this property and being that um, there are some large power lines overhead, if one of the power lines broke, and being that we are waving our um, uh, requirements for the setbacks to those power lines, I I suppose would that open the town and thus our citizens up for any liability um if damage was to occur or death were to occur. um being that we're waving some of those requirements um in this pud

the obviously I have not um reviewed the title of the property but and it would seem to me like there would be easements on the property that provide the uh area for the power lines to um to cross the property that run with the run with the land. So, as long as the power lines are within the area that they are um supposed to be, if if they do break or fall or or whatever, I think that um you know, you would look at the power company for uh liability. I don't think the town giving up its uh setbacks would open us up to uh potential liability. Obviously, you can't stop people from bringing actions against everybody. I mean, that's would would probably be the the u theory of of the action to bring, you know, name everybody involved, but you know, I I don't think it would limit the town's uh or open the town up for for any more liability than they already are are for our situation.

Okay. library. I had never um received a question like this before, so I I figured I would ask Jessica, just to be clear, there are no um variances in regard to the underneath the power lines. There will be nothing built in the easement. Um and it very clearly states that no structures are to be built under that easement. Okay. And then that addresses their concern. Thank you. Thank you, David.

Thank you, Gavin. Any other questions? Hearing none. All those in favor raise your right hand. And it is unanimous. Item number four, approval of a plan unit development con consisting of a 51 unit town home project that will include.80 acres of limited commercial office space. Mayor Proim KS

Connelly Development is requesting site plan approval for a plan unit development consisting of 50 town homes on 9.43 43 acres and 0.8 acres of commercial office space located at the corner of Old Chapen Road and Snail Grove Road. Primary access to the development will occur from Old Chapen Road. Internal streets serving the town homes will be privately owned and maintained. The proposed development represents the redevelopment of two existing properties currently occupied by a 30 unit apartment complex and the former JC Hut building located at 100 Snail Grove Road, which is currently vacant. The project would remove these existing structures and redevelop the site with a combination of residential town homes and limited neighborhood scale commercial office space. The project is requesting approval as a planned unit development due to the unique nature of the proposal and to allow modifications to traditional zoning requirements. At its March 18th meeting, the planning commission recommended approval of this request. I make a motion for final reading approval.

Mayor Pro Tim makes the motion. Do I hear a second? Second. Councilman Michael seconds it. Is there any discussion? Madame Mayor. Yes. I'd like to ask another question of Jessica just for the record. And I asked this at the last question, but I want to do it again just for anyone watching or for those of you here. A couple years ago, I don't know how long it was, but at some point this property was approved for nearly 100 units to be built on the site. That's correct. Right. by the planning commission. That is correct. Okay. And Mr. Connelly is only building 50 51, right? Uh 51 units. Yes. And the site previously had 35 units before the fire.

30 30 units. Um now there's roughly 20. Um so this is a net gain pre pre-fire of about 20 units. Right. Correct. All right. So it is fair to say that Mr. Connelly could purchase from the current land owner the rights uh the vested right that they have to build the 100 units and he could move forward with that today. Yes, today. But he has chosen instead to uh reduce the density to only build 50 units. Correct. That is correct.

All right. So, just for the record, he could build 100 units. However, Mr. Connelly has decided to build only 50, which is a net gain of about 20 pre-fire. Um, so I just wanted to state that again for the record for those who are um watching and for those who are in attendance. So, thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Gavin. Any other discussion, Madame Mayor?

Yes, sir. No discussion, but but just noted that u uh for the community at large as part of this redevelopment, there will be significant traffic improvements along Oapin because the the current traffic situation on O Chapen from the red light going back to the old TCBY is less than stellar. It's my understanding that our our engineer has worked with DOT to get us a stellar scenario back there uh with the new development and the developer will be paying for that and bringing some efficiency there. Thank you, Mayor.

And I would also like to say that Mr. Connley and his team um is helping all of the residents that are there to relocate. I know that's been a big concern of a lot of the residents as I've been out speaking to different groups and he is helping all of those residents relocate. So, um he he's very kind-hearted and they're taking care of them. So, yes, Mayor. Yes,

Mr. Library. Could you clarify for me? Some folks have uh sent me a text saying that we're allowing folks to build in the wetlands. I don't believe there's any wetlands on Mr. Connley's property that I'm aware of. I know the planning commission didn't hear of any that I know of. No sir. They And if there is, it's probably in the rear of the property and they're not getting close to that. They're still maintaining 50 foot buffer, I believe, is correct. From that rear. Okay. Thank you very much, Madam Mayor. Yes. Can we also just state for the record that Mr. Connelly is a local builder and that he's we we frequently hear why do we allow the

big national builders to come into um the town which to be clear we don't technically allow anything they fall within the law but um I just want to state for the record that Mr. Connelly lives here in Lexington owns his business here in Lexington businesses on Main Street having his first grandchild here in Lexington. Oh yeah yeah yeah. So Mr. Connelly is local and does care about the community and his office is right there next to this too. So

So with all that discussion, all those in favor raise your right hand and it is unanimous. We now move into new business items for tonight's meeting starting with the appointment of the municipal court George. And this is an honor for me to be able to read this one and do this one because his mama was my best friend. So, um, town council is asked to reappoint the municipal court judge Brian Jeffcoat to a new term 14-25-15 of the South Carolina code. Requires each municipal judge to be appointed by the council to serve for a term set by the council of not less than two years but not more than four years. His compensation must be fixed by the council and is incorporated into the annual budget. So, I will read this. Town council was asked to reappoint municipal court judge Brian Jeffcoat to a new term 14-25-15 of the South Carolina code requires each municipal judge to be appointed by the council to serve for a term set by the council of not less than two years but not more than four years. His compensation must be fixed by the council and is incorporated into the annual operating budget. Judge Jeff Coat was most recently appointed to a two-year term in June 2024. The request is to reappoint Judge Jeff Coat to a new three-year term. The judge must be sworn in with attached oath of office being used. Appointment of Brian I make a motion for appointment of Judge Brian Jeff Coat to a three-year term.

I'll second that. Is there any discussion? Madame Mayor. Yes, sir. If I just may briefly add, as an attorney, I run in some circles where we hear about complaints from time to time from some of the other cour houses. Um, I'm proud to say that there are absolutely no complaints ever about our court. So, Judge Jeff, we appreciate how you run it and sometimes when they don't say much about you, that's the best compliment you can. So, job well done.

So, if you'll come up here, we'll swear you in. I guess I better take a vote. I better come back. Take a vote. So before you come, all those in favor, please raise your right hand. And it's unanimous. And I caught myself before I got down there. I wouldn't let you go all the way. You just wanted me to get a few steps here.

Yes. I do solemnly swear I do solemnly swear that I am duly qualified that I am duly qualified according to the constitution of this state according to the constitution of this state to exercise the duties of the office to which I have been appointed to exercise duties of the office to which I and that I will and that I will to the best of my ability to the best of my ability discharge the duties thereof discharge the duties thereof and preserve preserve protect and defend protect and defend Constitution of this state. The Constitution of this day in the United States of the United States. So help me God. So help me God.

Congrats. Yep. Well deserved. Thank you. Thank you. Judge Jeff, would you like to say anything? I would not. Well, remember that if I have to come before you. Okay. You said you didn't want to talk. I was I I'll say something real briefly. I I've been a judge for 24 years and my my favorite years have been the ones here. So, thank you very much.

We appreciate you, too. Our second item is a resolution to certify the property located at 100 Snell Grove Road as an abandoned building site pursuant to the South Carolina abandoned buildings revitalization act. Council member Smith. All right. Jumping around here.

All right. All right. So, Connelly Development has requested a resolution for council consideration to certify that the property located at 100 Snail Snell Grove Road as an abandoned building site pursuant to the South Carolina abandoned buildings revitalization act. This certification is requested by the applicant to support eligibility for state tax credits associated with the rehabilitation and redevelopment of the property. Approval of this resolution does not create a fiscal impact to the town of Lexington and is required for the applicant to proceed with the incentive application process. So, all that said, Madame Mayor, I would move for the approval of a resolution to certify the property located at 100 Snow Grove Road uh as an abandoned building site pursuant to the South Carolina abandoned building buildings revitalization act. Councilman Smith makes the motions. Do a motion. Do I hear a second?

Second. Councilman Lens it. Is there any discussion? Yes, ma'am. Madame Mayor, uh just curious. I'm not sure whose purview this is, but uh but does this uh to be eligible for the tax credits? Does that mean you have to rehabilitate the building or can you tear it down? I I was assuming the building was going to be torn down. It is. You can tear it down and redevelop the property. Okay. The And just for the record, the property has had not had a utility since 2020. So, yeah. So, what's the threshold for being abandoned? How many years? It's I believe it's five. Okay. Thank you.

Any other discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor, raise your right hand. And it is Well, Ron's not in here, so it's unanimous with who's here. Um, next item up is approval of letter of support for Woodland Towns. Council member Michaels. Thank you. Connley Development has requested a town council letter of support for the proposed plan unit development at 201 Old Chapen Road. The letter will be included as part of an application to the South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority for project financing. Council consideration is requested. I make a motion for approval for the mayor to sign this letter of support.

Councilman Michaels makes the motion. Do I hear a second? I'll second that. Councilman Lackets it. Is there any discussion?

Yes, Madame Mayor. No, no discussion. I just uh maybe uh I think one of the Connley's is here. I I just want to uh get an explanation of what exactly we're signing. Can you come up and uh fill us in on that? I'm familiar with uh sometimes we do the uh lower income housing. You do the guys do the litex and that requires a lot of u a lot of local support. But I was assuming this was just a a project for the general public with no income regulation. So maybe you could just explain what this is.

Yes. So this letter is um we are applying for federal and state tax credits on the property. Um so we'll be uh an application through SC Housing Development Authority. Um but Kevin will own this property for 20 plus years is adjacent to our office. But this is a a workforce housing development. It'll serve a a wide range of incomes in the vicinity. It'll serve up to 70% of the area median income. Um I'm not exactly sure what the area median income is in the town of Lexington. Um but it'll serve up to about, you know, the $50,000 um income range. But this is for true workingclass individuals. Um it's close to downtown. Um, so a lot of the folks that work in and around the downtown area will have a um high quality place to live.

So just for clarification, this is these units will be limited to people of a certain uh within a certain income bracket. Yes, sir. And they're going to be presumably for rent and not for sale.

That is correct. Yes, sir. And you mentioned there's a 20 year uh 20 year time line on that like it that's a that's a rough estimate. Um you know essentially after about 18 years the investors will um want to try and get out of the property. Um and after 18 20 years of of a um property you really need to go through a refinancing process. um get some new capital into the into the development. Um you know, go out and help, you know, any roofs that may need to be replaced. I mean, they're 30-year asphalt shingle roofs, but I think we all know that a 30-year roof doesn't really last 30 years. Um so, kind of when you get to that 20-y year point is just when um just some financial shuffling needs to um rehap on the property. Um, you know, go do some new roofs, some new HVAC units, and um any other uh potential repairs that may need to happen. That was the only reason why I mentioned um 20some years.

Yeah. It's just it's rough. You don't know exactly what's going to happen towards the end of the transaction. But yeah, and I'm I'm familiar with the other developments that are uh you know kind of uh one just one building with like indoor entrances. I guess when I saw town homes, I was assuming they were going to be independent units. So, I guess my question is like are these town homes are these independently metered or is this thing set up to be uh sold as one unit forever more? Like are are they set up to ever be sold and broken apart? Is it set up

town homes is typically each u unit is individually metered, right? But no, sir, they're not uh set up to be sold eventually. Um the I think the ones the apartment complexes that you're referring to are like um Autumnwood Crossing at Kmart. Um so that is financed the same way as this development is going to be financed, but that's a 55 and older community. Um so that's why it's one big building cuz um it's got to be um each floor has to be ADA accessible. Um so you've got a central corridor that's all ADA with a elevator. Um so when you're targeting that population um you just have a little bit different of architecture design. This was being town homes we will have um a certain number of the units will be ADA units um reserved for handicapped folks um but they're they're not um they don't have an elevator in them. But these are, you know, they'll either be three or four unit buildings um with a, you know, each unit each it'll be its own um it'll be four three or four units in a building. Um but I can't exactly say about whether they'll be metered. Um sometimes we'll do, you know, one meter per building. Sometimes we'll do um individual meters per units. It just all kind of depends on exactly what the town wants us to do when we get that get to that point.

Got it. Okay. All right. Thank you. Jessica, can I ask you

I'm just just trying to to understand our our nomenclature here. So, what what distinguishes 50 town homes from an apartment complex? This will operate similar to a condominium or apartment complex. It'll maintain ownership by the developer and he will lease the spaces. is these will not be individual lots or units for sale. So yeah, I guess that just throws me off. I when I see town home, that's not that's not the way I think of things. So does does the word town home fit in our ordinance that way?

It does. If you look under condominiums, we we researched this prior to bringing it to you all. I don't have the definition of it in front of me, but it does meet the ordinance. This will operate like a a apartment complex with um it references whenever you get into that definition, it references whether you maintain ownership um or whether the lots are for individual sale.

Um understood. Thank you. Any other questions? Hearing none. All those in favor, raise your right hand. All those opposed. And it's six unanimous and one opposed or six four and one opposed. Our next item of business is accommodations tax 2026 application. Council member Laauo.

Thank you, Madam Mayor. The uh tax advisory accommodation tax advisory committee met on April 16th to review the uh applications. 11 applications were submitted totaling $371,000, excuse me, $371,500. Um 65% of the revenue uh is allocated for tourism related expenditures. Total of 213,12040 is available. Um there's a spreadsheet included in our packet that lists the requests as well as the recommendations from the committee which is attached for our review and approval. There was a lot of discussion about this at our last meeting, but I I think we've worked through most of this. But committee has um also reviewed and approved the budget for the Lexon Chamber and Visitors Center as the recipient for the 30% special fund advertising and promotion. For fiscal year 2026, the chambers designated to receive $98,185.89. Madame Mayor, I would uh make a motion for council approval of the accommodation tax advisory committee award recommendations.

Councilman L makes the motion. Do I hear a second? Second. Councilman K seconds it. Is there any discussion? Yes, madame mayor. Yes. Uh Rachel, at our work session, I believe the end of April, uh we asked for uh staff to weigh in on the allocations uh recommended by the committee. Uh specifically, one that concerns me is the one uh denied for Lexon Community Fund. Um and I wanted to see if there was an update on that.

Yes, there is. um is Van Vanessa is here. Okay. Um I'll defer to to David first. I think at the workshop meeting the question that came up was regarding whether council had the authority to amend the uh recommendation and after research the uh council can amend the recommendation. Um and u as long as the the total dollar amount stays the same, which is what is um allowed to be dispersed, then the council can amend it. They can accept it, deny it, or amend it is the options that that council has on the u accommodation tax recommendation from the committee.

Okay. Thank you.

Okay. So, um, yes, Vanessa provided a summary, uh, from the accommodations tax advisory committee as to, um, how they made their decision with regards to this application. Um, let's see. The committee acknowledged that the application estimates a portion of attendees may come from outside the 50-mi radius, but the committee felt there was insufficient evidence to demonstrate a significant tourism draw or measurable impact from out of area visitors. Um, the committee felt there was not a defined marketing strategy, so they couldn't confirm compliance with the statutory requirements for the use of the funds. Um they ultimately reached the consensus for this event that it's primarily a local community service initiative focused event uh distributing school supplies, providing meals and conducting resource outreach. So the committee after evaluating their application versus the stated requirements of the law, the committee found insufficient evidence to verify the tourism impact. Um, one of the things I would like to mention in the event that um, the committee would recommend funding and council were to approve funding for a project that does not meet the definition of the state, there is a state oversight committee that could require that the town pay the funds back. So that is the finding of the committee.

Okay. Um, thank you. I will preface with I appreciate the committee's work. Um, however, I wholly disagree that um there's not a tourism impact here. I've personally met members at community funday that come from out of town to this event and look forward to this every year. Um, so I believe uh that we should amend the uh proposed uh allocations and I believe that we should allocate them um a portion of the funding.

Isn't it supposed to be used for advertisement? Let me pull up or the law. There's specific things it can be used for.

That is correct, mayor. There are specific provisions Um, tourism related expenditures include advertising and promotion of tourism so as to develop and increase tourist attendance throughout through the generation of publicity, promotion of arts and cultural events, construction, maintenance and operation of facilities. facilities for civic and cultural activities. The criminal justice system, law enforcement, fire protection, solid waste collection and health facilities when when required to serve tourists and their facilities. Um that is based on the estimated percentage of costs directly attributed to tourists. public facilities such as restroom, dressing room, park and parking lots, tourist shuttle transportation, control and repair of waterfront erosion including beach reourishment, operating visitor centers and development of workforce housing.

So technically portag John's could be included. uh portag John could be included if it was being used at an event whose primary target was attracting tourism. I'm just thinking in my head what they could use for I understand things for that we wouldn't be charged back on. I'm trying to think out of the box here. I understand. Madame Mayor. Yes. Question. Who if if we amended this, who would we take money from? Are you asking me? I mean I mean anybody, I guess. I don't know the list. I mean, who how would we Madame Mayor? Yes,

if I may. Um, and I mean respect to to everyone that applauded, but

I just look at this from a I don't know practical sense or I try to listen look at it in the way I think an average citizen would look at it. I have a hard time believing anyone comes to stay in the town of Lexington to visit the Columbia Museum of Art. $5,000 that we're allocating to the Columbia Museum of Art, which is nice. It's nice. But are they really staying here in the town of Lexington? Probably not. Um the we're also giving uh $40,000 and $15,000 to essentially the same organization. I mean the Columbia Metropolitans CVB uh and the Midlands Authority for Convention, that's all the same thing. I mean, it's two line items, but they're essentially the same organization. We're giving them $55,000. Um now they do provide some very good metrics by which they're able to justify their spend. Um in fact I I think in the applications they were some of the best metrics. Um but we're giving a ton of money outside of our town and very little dollars inside of our town. This event has a substantial impact in this community in the town and I would like to see us allocate the money. So I I would say I mean I think there's a number of places but we could take it from our own funding. We're allocating our own our own self some funding here

or we could get rid of the museum of art. I mean I don't I don't recommend taking it from our own funding because that's a lot of that's for ice house and other things that we do over there. Madame Mayor. Yes.

If I may to bounce onto that. I agree with where Gavin's coming from and I think any citizen of the town looking at where we're kicking money across the river where we have needs here. My biggest concern and this is what we discussed. I know we've been busy with the budget but the last time we looked at this town of Lexington requested 189 and we're only rewarding ourselves 95,000. So essentially half and serendipitously the next thing we have on the agenda is taking a look at applying this fee for repairs for the amphitheater. So I would move for us to say award town of Lexington 100% of what we requested to take care of our own front porch first and if we agree that we want to give it to you know funday and that sort of thing that's actually in town I would be in favor of that. To me, it it is insanity to be allocating 40,000 to experience Colombia. And I have nothing against any of these, but if we have an amphitheater that is falling apart and we have to find money to repair it, this is a slam dunk. And this is just one year. We're doing accommodations tax every year. So, it's not like we say no to everybody every year, just when we need the funds for the town to make those repairs. As you said, David, that's in the ordinance. That's how I would move. I would move to give the town everything and everything, whatever's left, we divvy up.

So, let me ask a question with that. What is crossover athletics? Is it here locally? Yes. Run hard. Okay. Y'all were quick on that one. Okay. It's Jesse Harmon. Okay. Okay. Uh I'm for that. The River Alliance. It's not here locally, right? We have a Columbia address. Varna International Music Academy. I believe they're Columbia based at the Lexon County Museum. I think they should keep their money. Mayor, yes.

Mayor, I I just I do just want to share um I understand everyone's passions, but just as a reminder, um town staff did not make these recommendations. Uh we're following state law. We're going through the process. So if it's the will or if it's the desire of council to make an adjustment, I would encourage you to do so. Um we have been shepherds providing the applications online, collecting the applications. Town staff is not a part of reviewing. Um town staff takes the direction of the committee. Madame Mayor, yes.

Could I just add on to for clarification for those here and watching? Essentially what our administrator is saying is state law requires that we establish uh when we instituted or when a former council instituted the accommodations tax uh we delegate authority to a committee the accommodations tax committee by which they make recommendations. They are an advisory committee. they send those um advisements to council and we take that upon advisement but ultimately the council remains uh in control of said funds and can allocate uh how we deem appropriate. Um I just wanted to clarify that.

Thank you, Councilman. And if I may to piggyback on that, after our last discussion, I also went and reviewed the law. And it's funny how you can go back and you you know certain things and you can review it a million times and you discover something new every time even though the law may not have changed. Um we also had discussion last time about whether or not we could limit what folks apply for. We absolutely can. And so at whichever time the town of Lexington started earning over $50,000 um town of Lexington hotels started generating more than $50,000 in state accommodations tax. This committee was set up. That's also state law. So whatever time that happened, the council, I'm assuming, put their heads together and said, "These are the parameters that we want to do. This is who our designated marketing agency is going to be." For example, that's our current chamber. and and we just set out on the course unless something major happens. Um there's not necessarily a reason to look at that. So I say all of that because um this particular application process is closed and we have recommendations in front of us, but we can certainly prepare for next year to modify our application and council can determine what is it that we want to fund. So the state law allows for this council to work in conjunction with the committee to define that.

Okay. Um m go ahead and then I Mr. Epson could you I'm trying to remember this correctly but I believe whatever we award the funday has to be spent on certain criteria and if they don't spend it on that then we have to have that those funds returned. So based on that, the only thing Funday can spend these funds on from what I hear Rachel saying is advertising. Is that correct? And Porter John's. And Porter John's. Yeah. Wow. You they they can only spend the item the funds on items that are approved under the state code that Rachel read. Okay.

So, however we interpret those those categories, those are the funds. So the bulk of it is advertising is is what they can spend it on. But I think they they can spend it on bathroom, you know, portable bathroom facility because it does say in sewer infrastructure to accommodate tourism related activities. So um but it can be you know we you would we would need to get a list of the items that they're proposing to senator. Mhm. You can't just cut them a check and say, "Here, go run, you know, have the event." They got to be able to justify the the expenses.

And these expenses are reimbursed or are they they're reimburseable, but they're not We don't front the the funding. No, it has to be reimbursed at the end. So, they would have to present the receipts.

Yes, sir. It is reimburseable, receipt based. Um, I I do also want to point out that state law requires that this funding be decided on at least once per year. So, in the event that there's additional research, and please um jump in, David, if there's additional research that needs to be done related to one particular award, you can make a motion to fund certain folks, leave enough funding on the table for consideration for another grant application or this particular application. or you can table this whole item while we do the additional research and ask the additional questions and then we can come back to you guys with that information for you to be able to make that decision.

It does not have to be decided tonight.

I was six and asked you could you give us an itemized list that fell up under the qualification. So, my recommendation would be that we table this. We look at um I think all of us would like to see the crossover athletics and the museum possibly stay in there, but we look at how we could give our town more and what community funday could qualify for. cuz I'm not sure and I'm not trying to not give you what you're asking for, but I'm not sure that maybe you have $10,000 worth of I need you to tell us what you can come back and we can be legal under state law with. Does that fair?

That's fair. that work is that are y'all okay we table this then until we can get that list and you can tell us what it's going to be and because you're going to have to present rece receipts to get the money and I just want to make sure we're getting you what you need what we can qualify you for and um Madame Mayor yes are we doing that of every organization I would I would make a motion that we and in fact there's a motion on the table so I can't make a motion, but I would suggest that

um instead what we do is decide what we'd like to allocate to the organization and if they don't um reach that level, that money stays in the the pot. Correct. Correct. Yes. So, I mean, we don't it doesn't go away. It just stays there. Mhm. The money has to be spent within two years. So, it would be reallocated in a future year. the council can reallocate unspent money or we can give it back to the state and no we don't want to do that I mean

we do not want to do that. Um well I guess Gavin one of the reasons I said table it because I was wanting to see how we could maybe fund more of our own amount that we requested and letting Rachel and them look at it to see what else they could come up for with the ice house um with the information there. I know that the experience Colombia they do use them some for advertisement of events we're having. Is that correct? Madam Lauren, I'm sorry. I can answer that. Yes.

I I used to be liaison for this committee. So I went to these full meetings and sat in the deliberations for several years. It's been four or five years. So So I kind of know how this deal operates. I mean like stuff for experience Columbia uh is designated for their advertisements. They they buy billboards in bulk in Greenville and Anderson place around the state. They get bulk pricing. They buy it all in bulk and then they advertise like our ice house events or our snowball festival. They advertise our events for us and we get bulk discount pricing. So that's primarily when we see those things out there, we think it's going to that organization. That organization is just buying advertising on our behalf. Uh and we get bulk pricing. So that's part of it. The other part is I don't know who all's there now, but I do know that several of them are I know several of the people on that committee now and several of them have been there 6 8 10 years. Um they meet it's usually a 4-hour meeting. uh you guys were there and everybody makes a presentation. Uh they go into deliberations. There's a long application. So I would just uh I mean council do whatever they want. Uh I said that last time but I I would I would not be for um vetoing what was decided in that scenario. I know we have a group of people here that we all know that we would like to support, but I would not upend a $200,000 process and that committee's empowerment uh for a $10,000 deal. I certainly wouldn't go in and revamp the whole thing. I think what you would find is next week you'd probably if you got nine people on there, you'd probably have eight resign. Um because we tasked them with this, they sat through the

presentations, they read through, they deliberated. We haven't done any of that. And so I think if we want to change something, we need to change it for next year. Uh we're working on a $60 million budget right now. If we need to uh if we need to cancel $10,000 worth of stuff and figure out uh that number, we need to figure out that number outside of undermining this entire process because that's not going to go well. And I think we should honor that or we need to go to the meeting. we should all been there and listen for four hours to all the presentations. So I think it can be a both end and u you know everything you want to do it's all tradeoffs. So let's let's find something we can trade off other than undermining uh this process in this committee and and I'm not I mean it's not a it's not a shot at anybody but that is the reality like I don't think we can we can do that but I don't think anybody like the result.

Is Miss Constants on Yes. She's on this committee chair. Okay, Madame Mayor. Yes, Todd. Um I love you, but I vehematly disagree with you. It's okay to be wrong.

Yeah. Um I I I actually I think Council Member Allen makes a really good point is, you know, we have a need here to um uh potentially institute a fee for the ice house. And that's in a lot of ways another tax on our citizens when we have their money right here. We've already captured it. Uh so why not keep the majority of that in Lexington for a venue that we know is generating

uh heads and beds as y'all said in the last meeting. And then a few of our Lexington events. I mean community funday is a great um example of that. Run hard crossover athletics great example. Um, I personally have not seen any report from Experience Colombia or u the other organization of what value they're actually providing to us. I do know a few years ago when I ran they did give a presentation to council, but I wasn't on council at the time. Um, and I guess my my only other question would be in this uh agenda item, we're also being asked to uh I guess allocate the 30% special funding of 90 essentially $98,000 to the chamber for their budget. I I've never seen that. So, I'm being asked to vote on a budget that I have no clue what I'm allocating funding for. And I just wonder, I believe state statute requires us to allocate 30% to our DMA, which we chose by ordinance, I believe, to be the chamber and visitor center. Um, is that correct?

I I do not know if it was chosen by ordinance. I would have to look into that. I know that's who has been the DMO for a number of years. Um, and so let me get back to my spot in state law because I did highlight this. um the regional tourism agencies that are required which is our DMOS they shall submit reports on their budgets and annual expenditures of accommodations tax funds to the accommodations tax oversight committee. So it's to that committee that those reports are submitted. Okay. Um but I still ultimately have to vote on

You're right. And I I can I I do not know that historically that has been provided to council. I I can provide that to council. Sometimes it has been, sometimes it's not. It's it's a hit or miss and it's really according to what the council asked for. So my recommendation again, um I'm sure there's writeups just like there was for community funding that the whole committee gave correct on each project. Uh I'd have to check with Vanessa whether or not there were writeups per There are. We by email. Mhm. Are you talking about applications?

No, I'm talking about the write up that the council I mean the committee gave of why they gave them the amount they did. I decision like you just decision their reasoning the reasoning that I have was compiled by staff um in consultation with the committee. I'm not aware of individual writeups. M madame mayor maybe I can steer us a little bit. Is is there going to be any detrimental effects to uh discussing this at our next meeting in punting? No sir. In our work session. Okay. I would amend my motion previously asking for approval of this to make my motion now to table this to the follow following meeting so we can have a little more discussion

before that meeting instead of having a bunch of enlightenment up here on the the microphone. Who is the second? I don't recall who seconded my motion. Second. Did you say I'll second it? No, I mean who seconded it? Second my first motion. Barnes. Yep. You okay to table it? Mhm. Okay. All right. May I May I ask clarification? Um, Councilman L, do you mean work session or next council meeting? Is there any prohibitions or issues if we don't have this passed by the next council meeting?

No, sir. I don't see any reason to rush it, but it gives us time to have the discussions we need to have. There's clearly some answers that we don't have. So, you could bring it to the work session to let them if you have everything together to let them discuss it. If not, it can be Well, we're getting close to everything. It can be June work session. What do you mean by everything together? What else do you mean? I think you wanted to see the budget for the chamber, correct? Yeah, madame mayor.

Hold on just a minute. And then I think we had some um their justification on why they gave what um especially I'm curious of why their justification for us. But I'm also with Todd um about this committee that spends so much time because I know I ran into Miss Constance that day when she was coming in here for this. um they obviously sit through it and hear a lot of the presentations and stuff. So, okay, Madame Mayor. Yes.

I just think we need to be really specific what we're asking our staff for because if my recollection is correct, we had a very similar conversation at the last meeting where we asked staff to go and evaluate what could we do and will you bring it back to the next one and that's what you've done here. So I just I don't want to give any ambiguity to staff like exactly what are we asking for that way they can do their job and bring it back. So if I may you also asked how else can we fund this and so I mean we we're prepared to answer those questions as well. So I I understand what you're saying. You mean how else can we fund funday? Correct.

Okay. You want to tell us that? So you'd asked me if we could utilize hospitality tax. We can. So, council could utilize those funds to make a grant as well. You still want to table it, Todd? I I um I would again say, is there a reason that we have to make this decision tonight? Uh, no, sir. Okay. I felt like there was enough questions from the bench that might could have been answered by talking to the actual committee themselves or to some of these organizations. I feel like there was a lot of what do they do and how do they contribute and I don't think we heard those answers. Right. That's right.

Yeah. So, unless we don't care to know those answers. I'd be interested in seeing what Miss Fleming has to say about some of that. I mean, I think we all want to make sure we're meeting state law on whoever we give, including the town of Lex. I think there was questioning about how can we be plus up the town of Lexington as well. This wasn't just a funday question. And this was a a more holistic or global question, but I'm saying I think we just want to be make sure we're doing it by state law. I agree with that. I think we we clearly want to be in compliance with the statutory framework of this accommodations or uh

because we don't want to be paying the money back if we do it wrong. So maybe some more conversation all the way around and if you can have it ready by the work session, that would be preferable. Okay. All those in well, do we need a motion? I mean, vote to table it. All those in favor of tableabling it, raise your right hand. And it's unanimous. Our next item up is first reading of facility fee ordinance for South House Amphitheater. Council member Michaels.

Thank you. As discussed at the previous work session, this proposed ordinance establishes a $2 facility fee on each ticket sold for commercial events held at the Ice House amphitheater. The purpose of this fee is to support the repair, upgrade, maintenance, and capital improvements of the ice house and related infrastructure. The fee will be collected by the ice house operator at the point of ticket sale and remitted monthly to the town. The ordinance also establishes reporting requirements, audit authority, penalties for non-compliance, and dedicated restricted fund for revenue allocation. Consider approval for first reading of ordinance. Um, I'd like to make a motion to consider approval for the first reading of ordinance establishing a facility fee for commercial events at the Ice House Amphitheater. Councilman Michaels makes the motion. Do I hear a second?

Second.

Councilman Mayor Pro Tim K second. Is there any discussion? I'm going to have something to say on this. First of all, I heard this is a tax on a lot I mean of our citizens inside the town limits. Um if you're at the ICE house regular, especially for paid events, a lot of those people are not our town citizens. They're from outside our town limits. And I I'm sorry, but I feel like those people should be helping pay. A lot of people at the free concerts are not our citizens within the town. And I feel like these people should be helping pay for the upkeep and um the events that are put on at the ice house amphitheater. It shouldn't all fall on our residents. Now, is it a $2 fee? I spoke with council member Williams. He felt it should be a percentage like I I can't remember what he said 10% of whatever the ticket is, which would put a $150 on some, $2 on some, $3 on some according to how high the tickets are. Um, but I strongly believe that this is not a tax on our citizen. This is making it equitable to where people that are using this facility and helping wear out the grass, wear out the bathrooms to where they have to be redone and that type of stuff are helping pay for what our citizens have. But that's my opinion.

Mayor, yes. Um Rachel or Jeff back there, this it says it's going into a dedicated restricted fund for ice house maintenance. So, can this roll over to next year or to a different year if if it didn't need the maintenance or

Yes. So, this would be an enterprise fund. Um, so it would only this money would come in and it would only come out for those particular expenses. This is a fund that we can collect money and save up for one big repair or every year we can um transfer the money into our operating budget for a bunch of little repairs. Um, it's based on the needs that are identified by staff that are presented to council. Gotcha. All right. Thank you. And I also like that that it's in a designated fund, so we're not just throwing it into the general fund and can be used in anything. It's put into a fund to have a purpose and be specific. And I love that, Jeff.

Madame Mayor. Yes. I would like to offer an amendment to the motion that we table this uh in uh concert with the last discussion until we figure out how we're moving forward with accommodations tax. We table this item and until we know how we're moving forward on that. I hear what you're saying, but I believe this to go along with the budget has to have two readings. Would we be able to still get two readings? No, we would not. Not before the budget. Madame Bear. Yes, sir.

Um I agree with what um Gavin said. Um that like I said, it's serendipitous that these two items have been back to back on the agenda because looking at this in concurrence, it's and let me say this, this item is perfectly reasonable. I understand why staff brought this. This makes perfect sense. But if we are being approached with a bucket of accommodations tax that can literally go to what we're wanting to put this fee on and we could just knock out whatever repairs we wanted to do by awarding that to the town and it's not a problem with the state according to the statute. To me it seems like we have to make sure that we are doing what we're doing with the accommodations tax first. I know these aren't connected but for me they are. And I know for multiples of it it seems like they are. So it seems strange to me to say yes, we're just going to go ahead. I know I know what you're saying, Madame Mayor. It's not a tax. However, as a citizen, that's what it feels like. It feels like we paid with our tax money to build this amphitheater. We pay with our tax money to upkeep the roads and all these other things, and now we got to pay more for these tickets. That's just the the feeling of it when you go to this. And I understand that there are people outside the town that go to the amphitheater, but my whole point is they're going to the hotels. They're already putting it into that a tax bucket. So that would solve two problems with one stone in my humble opinion. So I would agree with with Gavin. I I think it would it would be best to table this.

Um Mayor, yes.

Um so a couple things. I I agree it is somewhat serendipitous although not planned. I assure you. Um but and I also I do want to come back. um we brought it to you with this timing so that it could be adopted in conjunction with the budget. While it certainly does not have to, it just makes it clean. So, I do want to make that clear. And then also, I do want to have uh David address the do we charge a percentage or do we charge a flat fee because I know that you spoke with Jeff and weighed in on that. What I've been able to determine is a flat fee is the standard uh charge for this uh type of of fee. A percentage was is seen as a tax. This is more of a fee. So you would need a u a distinct dollar amount that you would charge for that that fee.

Okay. And will I hear you? um as far as the tax, but this is a use tax that people that are going to go there, they're going to pay it because they want to go. They don't think twice about paying the8 $10 or whatever it is at the Newberry Opera House if they want to go see somebody. But I just if I would encourage you if you come to the Ice House amphitheater and you shake hands, I half if not a little more than half are not from in the town limits and they should be paying part of this to take care of it. It shouldn't fall on just the people that live in the town and I'm very adamant about that. Now Rachel, with that said, if we tabled this one too and you had everything at the work session, could we have first reading on this for um June and then second reading in July or when we had the budget or could we have it um

so second reading would just be in July? It would just be or could it be at the work session in June? So, it would come in effect in July if we did a special call. Yes, Madame Mayor. From from a timing standpoint, it my my recommendation would be to go ahead and give it first reading tonight to have that out of the way and then then you can decide after um when to place it on the agenda for a public hearing second. Yes, ma'am. Because it's got to have a public hearing. That's correct.

Okay. So, one other question, Rachel. A lot of the money that we're using or that was requested for the ice house, and you may not know right off the top of your head, was it for repairs or for was it for other things like advertisement and stuff like that, too? All the above. Both. So, it wasn't just a full Oh, absolutely. We we have regular operations costs um to include booking bands from the um or for the the free concert. So it's all operations. So it's not just the repairs will like this would be designated just for the repairs and I know we've got a major repair of our beams needing to be replaced. Correct.

So that's a major repair there and we definitely don't want it falling on anybody. say I I I will say um Jeff and I spoke after our last work session and initially Jeff had proposed we could use this for both maintenance as well as booking bands but we heard you all the consensus although a vote was not taken was we're not comfortable trying to expand what we're doing and bring more bands we want to see the repair so that's why you're seeing it written the way that it is madame mayor yes sir Rachel if you know the answer to this or Jeff uh how much do we anticipate I believe we discussed this and my my memory fails me. Um how much do we anticipate the instituting these fees would generate annually?

Approximately $35,000. So um it is fair to say that we have technically $35,000 in accommodations tax money that we could additionally allocate and therefore we would not be required to uh institute this fee. If that was the will of council, you could.

Okay. And then I would just like to state that I agree with the mayor that many that attend concerts at the ice house are not from inside the town limits. Uh however, they are contributing by purchasing food and paying hospitality tax um or alcohol and purchasing or or paying hospitality tax. So they are contributing in in in a way. This is just an additional tax for us to collect uh monies from citizens and non-citizens. And there's no way to delineate between well we'd like to charge this to out of town guest but not in town. There's just no good way to do that. Not that I'm aware of. Um, so I would maintain that I I would still offer my amendment to the motion that we table this until further uh guidance is given on the accommodations tax.

I don't think you made the motion. Jenny would have to make it. Madame Mayor, I can offer an amendment to the motion. So, so now you need to vote on the amendment. Do I need to change my motion to table it? David, you want to jump in? The the easiest way to do it would be for the individual who the council member who made the motion originally to amend their motion to table. Okay. And then this person who made the second would also need to amend like we did the item on the last the last item on the agenda instead of doing a first reading. And then

if you would like to table it. Yes. Okay. I'll amend my motion to table this um until the next meeting. But I think you were Was that the second? Second.

Okay. Um, one other thing and then I'll call for the vote is I still we may have that much money in there, but the repairs that are facing us over there are way more than $35,000 and we've got to start being ready for this. And I am not okay with it all falling on the town citizens. So with that, I call for the vote. All those in favor of tableabling it, raise your right hand. And it is I six to opposed. Is this opposed? Oh, two opposed and five for tableabling.

Two opposed. Okay. Final reading of an ordinance. A resolution authorizing acquisition of property rights at SC53-14 Mile Creek Gravity Sewer Project, including potential condemnation. Uh, Council Member Allen.

Thank you, Madam Mayor. This resolution authorizes the town of Lexington to acquire necessary property rights and interest for the S5314 Mile Creek gravity sewer project. The acquisition is required for public infrastructure improvements within the project area. The town will obtain appraisals and make good faith offers of a of just compensation to affected property owners. If negotiations are unsuccessful, the resolution authorizes the initiation of condemnation proceedings in accordance with South Carolina law to secure the required property rights for project completion. The mayor or town administrator is authorized to execute all necessary documents to effectuate the acquisition. Madame mayor, I move for approval of this resolution.

Council member Allen makes the motion. Do I hear second? Second. Councilman Michael seconds it. Is there any discussion hearing? None. All those in favor raise your right hand and it's unanimous. First reading of property transfer authorization lands in HOA. Council member Smith.

Thank you, Madame Mayor. Um, included in our packet was a draft ordinance which authorizes the town of Lexington to sell or transfer 1 acre uh parcel tax map number 003323-11-00001 to lands in HOA in accordance with a previously executed easement agreement and dedication of easement agreement dated July 13, 2023. The transfer is intended to fulfill the terms of the agreement following completion of the town's pump station construction on the subject property. A proposed deed is included in our council packet as exhibit to the ordinance and the ordinance further authorizes the mayor and council to execute all documents necessary to complete the transfer. All that said, Madame Mayor, I move for first reading approval.

Councilman Smith makes a motion. Do I hear a second? I'll second. Councilman Williams seconds it. Is there any discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor raise your right hand. And it is unanimous. We're going to skip eight and go to nine. Um approval. Well, here come here he comes. First reading development impact fee update phase two. Mayor Procham KS.

Thank you, Madam Mayor. The impact fee ordinance adopted on February 1st, 2020 requires the planning commission to conduct a comprehensive review and update of the following at least once every five years. The development impact fee study report for the town of Lexon, the town of Lexon capital improvements plan, the housing affordability analysis in support of a development impact fee study, and the development impact fee ordinance. Phase one of this update was adopted by the town council on March 3rd, 2025. transportation component was deferred until completion of the local transportation improvement plan 2.0 which is now complete. Attached is phase two of the required updates which includes transportation component at their April 22nd meeting. Planning commission recommended approval of the updated town of Lexon development impact fee study, housing affordability study, capital improvements plan and development impact fee ordinance. Therefore, I make a motion for first reading approval adopting phase two of the updated town of Lexon development impact fee study, housing affordability study, capital improvement plan, and development impact fee ordinance.

C Mayor ProMim KS makes a motion. Do I hear a second? Second. Councilman Michael seconds it. Is there any discussion, Madame Mayor?

Yes, sir. Can I just say um when I came to council I was very opposed to impact fees and while I still feel that small uh businesses at times bear the burden of impact fees a how we apply them um is uh mandated by state law. The town does not have any authority to really change how we apply them. Um, but I want to say that since I came to the town um and thanks to the education of Jessica and our former building uh planning building director uh John and of Rachel and um others uh even members of council. Um I understand now how important the impact fees are. They allow us um to hold developers um directly responsible for the burden they're placing on our infrastructure, particularly obviously uh transportation. and it gives uh Randy and our transportation team um a tool to actually go and hold these developers accountable. So, while I still would like to see some amendments at the state level to the impact fee act, um that is a state issue, not a town issue. Um and I just want to say thank you to uh Jessica and her team, Randy uh and his team and administration for uh your work in applying these uh impact fees in the best case. And I would just like to piggyback on that that the businesses Gavin was talking about the businesses, they do not pay impact fees into our parks and recreation. Only the homes pay into that. So they actually just pay into our um municipal facilities and equipment, things that are affected at town hall that they actually use and then our transportation. So, I would just like to note that that um they're not paying into the parks and facilities cuz they don't really use them.

Anything else, mayor? Yes. Randy, can you remind us the number the impact fees have made on our road work here in town since we put them in place? Mayor, while Ry's walking up, we do have Matt uh Nounester here. He's the one that performed the study for us. if you all would like to hear any additional information um about what he's put together, he's here just as a FYI.

Yeah. So, quickly um we've identified, planned, and or fully constructed, nearly $7 million. So, right at 6.8 million. Um about 3.5 has been constructed to date of uh various road improvements through that impact fee. And then we've in this uh CIP we've begun the process of uh or I mean the current fiscal year 26 the uh work at Gibson and uh 378 US1 lane improvements out in that area is the impact fee project that was identified. Awesome. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Any other questions? Hearing none. All those in favor raise your right hand and it is unanimous. Our next item is approval of special events permits and procedures process. Council member Williams.

Thank you, Mayor. At the recent work session, council directed staff to develop updates to the town's special events permit process to address the increasing frequency and complexity of the events and the associated operational demands on town resources. Since that time, the plan sta uh planning staff has coordinated with the police department and the transportation department to a formulate a proposed framework. The detailed proposed changes are provided in the attached attached document outlines on the recommended updates to the permit process and associated fees. As the as these changes relate to the administrative procedures and the town fees scheduled, they do not require an ordinance amendment, but do require inclusion of the associated fees in the town's permit fee schedule through this year's budget adoption. These updated these updates will become effective July 1st, 2026 at the start of the fiscal year. So, make motion for approval of proposed updates to the town's special events permit process. Councilman Williams makes a motion. Do I hear a second?

Second. Mayor Proim K seconds it. Is there any discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor raise your right hand. And it's unanimous. Our next item up is first reading midyear FY2026 budget adjustment.

Thank you. Um, Madame Mayor, an analysis was completed to determine if capital items could be purchased in the remaining part of this fiscal year, which ends here shortly, um, and reduce requests towards the 2027 fiscal year calendar. There's a a host of changes that are found in the packet um, which ultimately should, uh, net out to a a zero. The numbers that go forward should uh, cancel out. um any future requests. Uh in light of that, I would make a motion for first reading approval of these changes as found in our packet.

Councilman Law makes the motion. Do I hear a second? I'll second it. Councilman Smith seconds it. Is there any discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor, raise your right hand. And Chief, you get eight vehicles. Yeah. Go likes this one. You're getting some Lexuses. Okay. Congratulations. Y'all know we're just picking, right? Not a funny joke. Um, next up is our first reading.

By title only, ordinance to adopt the FY 202627 budget. Mayor Proim KS. Thank you, Madam Mayor. South Carolina requires the town council to adopt a balanced budget each year. The draft ordinance is attached. So, I make a motion for first reading approval. And just for clarity, and title only means that that the budget only becomes final after 30 days. There could be amendments and such in the interim, but I'll make a motion for first reading approval. Mayor Pro makes the motion. Do I hear a second? Second.

Councilman Michael seconds it. Is there any discussion? I know. I know you're making some changes and adjustments in there to some things that you've heard from council. So, that will be more available for when we do second reading. Correct. That is correct. Okay. Councilman Smith,

I've received a call today from a citizen and they wanted me to ask this question. Uh Jeff, this question will be for you if you don't mind. Um in the capital outlay, um it is, let's see, I believe it is uh item number two, the 2026 Freightlininer Viper rear loader. um very very nice lady from Martins's Grove called to compliment Randy and his team on all the great work they did resurfacing the roads and she um has apparently become quite accustomed with the crew driving the grappler truck and speaks incredibly high of them and says they are just wonderful men. Um, but she said that they're seeing in Martins's Grove that when they have to put down the stabilizers, it's causing the road to I guess damage to the road. And she was asking me uh essentially if this budget item would alleviate that. Um, and also I noted that the administrator um I guess has instead of purchasing it, we would um rent that. Does that fulfill the need that you have? Would that alleviate her concern? Could you elaborate on that a little bit?

Yes, we we did rent a truck for two months this past fiscal year and it was successful. Uh she also called me and voiced her concerns. Um we did request funding for a truck. We did discuss it. Uh there is money to continue to rent or uh lease to own programs that we can consider. Um but that would not kick in until probably around November uh of 2026. So we would continue the grapple truck operation through that time. So um we made or made the decision to go with that instead of buying a truck at this time. So um

and you're happy with that decision? Uh I'm putting you on the spot. I mean, we requested what we felt we need at the time. Uh, I would be happy if Waste Management took over the program again, but our guys do an excellent job. Uh, they care about the town and get out there and hustle. Um, but the the rear loader does assist us to be more efficient. Okay. All right. Well, I will say they stopped by my house the other day and they were great. So, um, they were I actually chased them down if you want the honest truth. They were driving through the neighborhood and I stopped them to take a rug from me. So, um, so thank you. Um, thanks Jeeoff. Madame Mayor, if I may, uh, just ask one more question. Okay.

Um, I believe we, uh, discuss, I just want to state for the record, um, that you're going to look into, um, our expenses related to, um, lobbying services. We discussed that at the last, um, meeting. I was able to look at the enterprise fund and the general fund, and the amount we are spending is quite significant. So, I would just like to see us um evaluate that so that we can perhaps allocate that to staffing or other needs that we have, maybe buying the truck that he needs. Okay. I just wanted to say that for the record. No, understood. And we are looking into that. Thank you. Thanks. Any others?

Yes, Madam Mayor. Uh I'll put Chief on the spot. Hey, Chief. Like we went on a we went on a retreat about a year and a half ago. uh something like that, maybe a year ago. Year.

Yeah, that's what happens when you get old. And you you made a presentation and I think at that presentation time we looked at uh our salary structure and we looked at maybe like 10 competing salaries for PDs and if I remember right uh the only people there was about three opportunities that were ahead of us and they were all state opportunities. At that time, our starting salary for our PD was higher than any county or municipality within our radius. Everybody else was state. Is that when I'm looking at this budget here, is that still the case?

No, we have some um some of our municipalities and some of our counties have increased their salaries up. Uh I don't have that information right now, but they have uh uh topped us. I just was talking to another uh execut today and one our local is up by about 4,000 more than us uh competing with the state because the state right now is um they're paying the guys a lot more money. So uh and at that time I forget our exact number of officers officers and um but that was that was July I guess that was last July 10 months ago.

Yes. Uh, and at that time we were fully staffed. What's our what's our current scenario with staffing? Current scenario right now we have uh three openings but we're graing hire two uh right around the corner. So we'll be with one opening. Okay. Yes. All right. So how many officers we have? 60 66 uh police officers, one reserve officer, and three civilian. Okay. So if you know somebody who's good and want a job, tell them to come out. have a record has been governed. I don't know any of those folks. So, uh All right. All right. Thank you. All right. Thank you, Chief

Chief. And with that, I'd just like to say um it's kind of humbling sometimes when you with your guys or gals and um you mentioned the men and women in blue and the reaction you get from the people in Lexington. They have a great respect for y'all and um it just makes my heart happy to see that y'all are so well respected and so loved because a lot of places don't have that. Yes, man. We I think we got some of the best citizen in town. Even Doug Jones. We got the best chief in South Carolina, too.

We do. So with all that um all those in favor raise your right hand and it's unanimous. First reading ordinance to provide for the FY2026 2027 tax levy that is not going up. Mayor Pro Tim Barnes, you have to stay on track.

I'm not used to back to back. South Carolina law requires town council to adopt a tax levy each year. Attached is the draft ordinance for the tax levy for fiscal year 2026 2027. I'll make a motion for first reading approval.

Mayor Proim makes the motion and I'm going to second this one which I don't do very often. But with that, is there any discussion besides the fact that I would like to say that it's been 30 years since we raised taxes and we have rolled back quite a few years too when we've needed to roll back the taxes. And I will tell you when I go out and speak to people and that has said to them, they are all with their mouth open and then I have to explain what part of their tax bill belongs to us and what part belongs to the county and the school. Okay. But with that being said, is there any other questions or I would just note, Madame Mayor, that we rolled back taxes technically last year. Mhm.

If you really get technical about it in accordance with state law and Madame Mayor, yes,

if I may. We talked about this just physically. Uh it just needs to be said for the record that there's there's no way for us to maintain the services that we do and provide all the things that we do without raising taxes. Only reason we're able to do that is because of our growth. I know growth is a uh is a pain point for a lot of people, but the expansion of the town, the growth of the town, new businesses, u impact fees, accommodation taxes, hospitality taxes, uh and it's not going to last forever. Uh I'm probably not going to be here, but at some point, you know, uh the tax levies are going to have to catch up. You can't you can't continue to add services and add things. Without that, we're just in a unique spot right now because um because we are growing and we are adding a lot of new enterprises. U but that's we kind of get a a free pass here for a season and at some point that's probably going to have to rectify itself.

And that's the reason you need to do that $2 fee cuz it's a use fee and it is somebody else helping pay for it besides just our citizens. And then you don't have to raise their taxes. But we table that. Anything else? We tabled that. I know. But still, Jeff, come back with $4. Okay. With with that, um, all those in favor, raise your right hand. That's a unanimous. And I think this is our last item.

Authorize Lexon County SS4A collaboration. Council member Will Allen. Thank you, madam. This is new business item number 13 for anybody who's keeping track. U in June 2025, town staff applied for an implementation grant through the Federal Highway Administration to support trans transportation safety improvements identified in the town safety action plan. This application request was denied in October 2025. Following the denial, town staff participated in in a debriefing with FHWA to better understand the application strengths and areas for improvement. From that, FHWA strongly encourages a collaborative approach for future applications, specifically recommending partnership with Lexington County and other local municipalities to strengthen competitiveness and impact. In response, town staff seeks town council concurrence to collaborate with Lexinon County and other other local municipalities in pursuit of future SS4A funding. Madame Mayor, I move to authorize staff to collaborate with Lexington County.

Councilman Williams makes the motion to No. Councilman Allen makes the motions. I'm getting tired. Um, is there a second? I'll second it since she Councilman Williams seconds it. Is there any discussion? hearing none. All those in favor raise your right hand. And it is uni unanimous. Okay. Are there any I'm getting confused. Are there any additional comments from the public regarding an agenda item listed tonight? Yes, sir. Please come forward and state your name and your address. then you have three minutes to speak on the subject that's on the

All right. Uh thank you, Madame Mayor, and all the town council. I'm a little nervous and never been to one of these meetings and uh do want to say that the prayer before uh the beginning was wonderful and I have not pledged allegiance to the flag in a um government setting. I guess it was uh Hermo Elementary in the 70s. So, um you know, of course, sporting events, so I mentioned that. Okay. My name is Scott Starns. Uh my address is 2011 Old Chapen Road, apartment E5. I'm a resident of um of uh Lakeland Apartments that's been discussed. And um my question simply is and maybe this is something development folks would know be able to answer or something but something was said about an assistance uh for tenants. I wanted to talk to the young man that was here M Mr. Conny's son I suppose um and he took off. So, you know, so I I'm I'm a resident. You know, I I talked to everyone around building E is an echo call. Um and uh know a lot of the neighbors. I've not heard of anything anything about assistance. We've not received any paperwork. It's a very, you know, I guess it's I don't know if it was a low income, you know, apartment complex when it was built or what, but uh we don't have a website or any other communication other than a a letter in the uh mailbox or something taped to our front door. you know, that's where we found out how we found out that we might possibly there might be some development there and there might be, you know, some changes and so forth. Um, so, uh, I don't know about any assistance. Uh, there are some

people that have just got up and left. They've they've packed their, you know, they're moving vans and and moved on because nothing's been told us by anyone. Mr. Mr. Sterns and I think Jessica's standing up, but if you can get your phone number, we can get your phone number afterwards. I can get it to Mr. Connley and get him to get someone to contact you. Okay. If that will work for you. Sure. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, I just don't I didn't know who to go to. And

if you get that I wanted to be here for I'm sorry if I'm interrupting. Forgive me. Um Yeah. I wanted to be here in person. never been to one of these meetings, like I said, and I wanted to hear firsthand, you know, what was being said cuz this was my home for 10 years, you know, after a divorce. And I'm glad that I've had a chance to, you know, I like where I live. I I'm sad that it's going to go away, you know, that I'm having to find somewhere else to live. Um, so, uh, but yes, I'll I'll leave my number with her. You get that and we'll get it to Mr. Connley. Okay. Okay.

All right. Thank you for hearing me out. I appreciate all the work y'all do and y'all wanted to do this job. You you ran you ran you ran for elections and stuff. Good gosh. God have a wonderful night. Bless you. Thank you. Anyone else that would like to speak?

My name is Paula Kaufman 2011 Ellen Brookway. Um three agenda items four and five which we have tabled. I would encourage you as you come to a decision on e each of those talk about learn about and decide based upon the net cost to the town of collecting a fee user fee tax or whatever but what does it cost us in staff to administer that look at just look at postage um item number 12 not raising ing taxes. My tax bill said I was paying 23.6 mills. The ordinance that you just approved is written for 24.6. I don't understand the difference if we're not raising taxes. Thank you.

Can you check into that? This the tax bill for Alen Brookway. Is that right? Pardon? The tax bill for Allen Brookway, right? Real property tax, right? Okay. Okay. Copy. Yeah, we we look at that. We're going 23.6. No, I I believe you. We just look at it. I had to look it up. Thank you for that. I just Madame Mayor. Yes.

Can Can we get Jessica to say whatever she was going to say? uh from Mr. Connley. May not know Mr. Connley. He's he's a local guy. He he's he's under no uh regulatory, you know, pressure. He he doesn't have to help people move, but I know that was part of the conversation. So, what uh what do you know about that?

We did discuss it. Um and that was actually asked by the planning commission. Um so, I do encourage everyone if you're curious, we did have lengthy discussion at a planning commission work session um in March. Um, but they will assist and I believe that they are waiting to reach out until the process was final and the purchase was complete. Um, so I know that their intent is to reach out to every resident that's currently there and assist with relocation and um, I believe they stated in that meeting that they were going to let them have first right if they apply to to be one of the tenants at the current or the new redevelopment. Okay. Yeah. I mean, if they said they were going to do that, I assume they they generally do what they say. Yes, sir.

It'd be great though if you could loop us in on that communication when that happens, just so we have a verification. I'll reach out to Kevin and get clarification. Perfect. Thank you. Anyone else? No news media here. Staff, anything from you? No, mayor.

Any comments from council? I think y'all talked First, we'd like to take a moment to welcome our new employees to the town of Lexon. Hired in April. We welcome Jonathan to the police department, Scott and Enduro, Eduru to the utilities department. Um, we have a few announcements. The annual wine walk will be held this weekend, May the 9th, from 4 to 7:00 p.m. on Main Street. Tickets are currently on sale and we encourage everyone to come out enjoy this wonderful community event. I believe you can get them on ice housetheater.com and um there'll be stuff there for the guys too this weekend. The splash pads and misting stations are now open at all town parks that have them kicking off the summer season. Speaking of parks, the mayor's story time in the park will return this year beginning May the 19th at 10:30 a.m. at Virginia Hilton Park. And there will be some treats for the little ones. And the Lexon County Garden Club will be joining us there. I do not know what all they have planned, but they will be coming to engage with the children also. So, please join us there. I know we um recognized the transportation department tonight and the um police week and May is a busy month for these departments at town hall. Uh May is building safety month. National Public Works Week is May the 17th through the 23rd and Madison. We've been spending a lot of time together thanks to these fiber companies. And then it's municipal clerks month too. So, I think we'll be recognizing them later in the um month of May, too. And since we will not meet again before then, we would like to wish Council Member Smith a very happy birthday on May the 14th and hope he has a great day. I believe he's going to be

vacationing in Mexico then. And finally, we'd like to take a moment to wish all the mothers happy Mother's Day in our community. We hope everyone enjoys a safe and wonderful weekend. And that concludes our business for the evening. Thanks for watching. And we are journed.