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David Stephens, Hometown News In his opening comments, Mayor Cash stated that “We will have an open - door policy and will have no secrets from the public. If anyone wants to talk with me about an issue, I will talk to them. If I am not at City Hall, arrangements will be made for a meeting.” Cash also announced that citizens will be allowed to address the council or ask questions in an orderly manner from the podium with the understanding that questions for clarification may be asked of them as well. Minutes from the June 2008 meeting were approved as submitted. Then, in her report, City Administrator Becki Hood stated, “End of fiscal year revenue was more than had been anticipated.” She also reported that gas and vehicle maintenance costs had been up mostly due to high fuel prices. Hood stated also that as a cost savings, all city employees’ cell phones had been discontinued except the Chief of Police. Hood then reported a balance of $21,000.00 in the city’s reserve fund.
Next, Verdie Crawford, representing the City Planning Commission, extended a welcome to the new mayor and Councilman Pye. Crawford asked council if it would be possible to have a member of the planning commission on the hospitality fund committee for information purposes. Council took the request under advisement.
Crawford then inquired about who is going to be responsible for the Christmas tree lighting and the parade this year. Crawford closed her report with a request for all Chesnee merchants to get behind the Kops for Kids program this Christmas as it is anticipated that a bleak economic outlook would create a bigger demand than ever on the program.
In his address to council, Chief of Police Scott Smith reported that call demand had been up in the month of June with peak periods being Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. He said he had put on extra coverage during those periods. Smith stated that new, larger, and more definitive no - left - turn - into - parking lots signs had been posted in the downtown area. He also informed council of new signs posted that state a prohibition on “engine braking” by large tractor trailers.
Chesnee resident Dean Dawkins then took the podium and inquired of the Chief of Police and City Council whether or not the city was going to hire any black police officers. Chief Smith stated that any and all applicants are considered, but that he had no applications from blacks at this time.
In his monthly report victim advocate Ben Dodd reported that he had counseled 6 victims of crimes and 2 victims of violent crimes. He stated he had also made two home visits to inform crime victims of their rights and the services available to them. Dodd also informed council that he has posted new information about the Victim Advocacy program in the lobby of City Hall.
In new business Mayor Cash called for nominations for Mayor Pro Tem. Councilmen Pye and Mahaffey were nominated. Mahaffey was elected by a 3-2 vote with the mayor casting the deciding vote. Mahaffey will serve a two - year term as Mayor Pro Tem while continuing his council duties. Mayor Cash brought up the subject of the Chesnee Police Ride - Along program that had been instituted some months earlier. Mayor Cash stated that “The city cannot insure persons during a ride - along and I have concerns about the liability to the city.” Cash recommended that the program be discontinued. After receiving a motion and second the program was discontinued by a 3-2 vote.
Council also upheld the previous ban on police officers taking city patrol cars home and rejected a request from Chief Smith to allow it on an employee partial - reimbursement basis. This vote was also 3-2.
The council next revisited a request from Chesnee Classic Cycle shop for funding for the annual Antique Bike Show in July. That request had been initially turned down, but after further investigation and consultation with the Hospitality Committee, the council approved funds in the amount of $1500.00 from hospitality funds for the bike show. Chesnee Classic Cycle owner Dennis Harris was in attendance and thanked council for their consideration.
Responding to an inquiry from a Chesnee resident concerning sewer fees, council decided that the initial sewer application fee of $25.00 would only have to be paid once with the note that this does not include a tap fee, which is a separate issue and a separate fee.
Mayor Cash then stated that he had received several calls from residents about the air quality irritation that the burning of leaves in the city limits causes. Mayor Cash expressed the opinion that he agreed with the concerns and recommended that a city ordinance be instituted that would prohibit leaf burning in the city and that a fine of up to $237.00 be attached to it. Cash also stated that bags for leaves would be available from the city to residents and that the city would pick up the filled bags curbside. (See related article.)
Councilwoman Alaree Dawkins inquired as to the feasibility of the city acquiring a truck for the purpose of collecting leaves such as the one Spartanburg has. The mayor and other council members expressed that the cost of such a purchase could be high and prohibitive.
Chesnee resident Alfred Dawkins then took the podium and stated he opposed a burning ban based simply upon the large amount of leaves that he has on his property.
After discussion, a motion was made and seconded to pass an ordinance prohibiting leaf burning which passed by a 4-1 margin. The second public reading of this ordinance will take place on August 11, 2008, at the regular monthly council meeting which is as always, open to the public.
Councilwoman Alaree Dawkins then expressed her displeasure to the mayor concerning some city business that had been conducted at a specially called meeting that she had been unaware of. Dawkins stated, “That is not right and it is not fair. If we are a council everyone should be included.” Dawkins stated that she had been told the meeting was only to take a vote on a personnel issue which she could not vote on to avoid a conflict of interest so she did not attend. City Administrator Becki Hood stated that, “That was what the meeting was initially for and then some other things came up during that time.” Mayor Cash assured Dawkins that would not occur again while he was in office.
Chesnee resident Rosemary Nichols then took the podium and requested that the minutes from that specially - called meeting and the minutes from any future such meeting be read in public and available to the public. Mayor Cash directed that be done.
In the final order of business, Councilman Robert Johnson said he had received a bulletin from the office of the Lieutenant Governor warning of an increase in senior citizen fraud and scams. Johnson recommended that anyone having questions about any offer, consult with local police before taking any action.
With all agenda business concluded, the meeting was adjourned. The next regular meeting will be on August 11, 2008. Council workshop will be at 5:30 p.m. and the council meeting to follow at 6:00 p.m.
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