The July 8th, 2024 City of Tega Cay Council Meeting began with a welcome and the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a Moment of Silence. The first item on the agenda was an executive session to discuss personnel matters related to the municipal attorney. The council moved to executive session, which was brief.
Upon returning from the executive session, the council considered new business regarding an interim agreement for Legal Services and the appointment of an interim Municipal attorney. After 27 years of service, Bob McCleave stepped down as the municipal attorney, prompting the council to appoint Chaplain Spencer of Spencer and Spencer PA as the interim Municipal attorney while the RFP process for permanent representation is conducted. The motion was approved unanimously.
The council then discussed the Fourth of July celebration, praising the city staff and community for a successful event. Awards were handed out for various categories in the Land and Boat Parade, including Best Golf Cart, Most American, Most Patriotic, and Best Overall.
The council moved on to approving the minutes from the June 17, 2024 regular city council meeting and the June 24, 2024 special council meeting. Both sets of minutes were approved unanimously.
Unfinished business included the second reading of an ordinance allowing council members to participate in the state health insurance plan through the Public Employee Benefits Authority (PEBA). The ordinance was approved unanimously.
New business items included awarding bids for various projects. The council approved the bid for the Steven M. Hamilton walking trail lights to Southern Lightscapes, not to exceed $56,000, and authorized the city manager to proceed. There was also a discussion about awarding a bid for the Tega Cay maintenance open structure or reallocating funds to replace Public Works equipment. After a detailed discussion, it was decided to temporarily table this item until after a discussion on stormwater updates.
The council awarded the bid for stormwater infrastructure repair/replacement projects to Eddie Smith and Sons Inc., not to exceed $170,000, and authorized the city manager to proceed. The bid for building permit, code enforcement, and business license software was awarded to Evolve, not to exceed $95,000, with the city manager authorized to proceed. There was a comprehensive discussion about the inefficiencies of the current software and the expected improvements with Evolve.
An introduction and first reading of an ordinance amending the city’s code related to towing fees were presented. The ordinance was updated to ensure the fees charged by towing companies align with standard rates similar to surrounding jurisdictions and the SC Highway Patrol. The motion was approved.
The deputy City Manager presented an update on stormwater projects and activities. He discussed the challenges of curbside collection, leaf collection, and stormwater infrastructure projects. The council considered various options, including contracting out services and acquiring new equipment. The item regarding the dump truck was tabled for further discussion on July 25th.
The meeting concluded with the tabling of item 8B regarding the dump truck and the anticipation of further discussions to develop a comprehensive plan for stormwater management and public works efficiency.
