The Tega Cay City Council met on October 21, 2024 and below is a summary of the meeting.
- Catawba Fest 2024 Recap: Caroline Hasty provided a detailed summary of the event, which took place in the city park. It included 89 arts and craft vendors, 20 food vendors, performances, and competitions such as the pumpkin pie and hot wing eating contest. Hasty expressed gratitude to sponsors and volunteers, acknowledging the city’s efforts in making the event a success. She also previewed upcoming events like Pumpkin Palooza and Trunk or Treat, encouraging more participation from local businesses and families.
- Public Comments and Approval of Minutes: No public comments were made. Minutes from the September 4 and September 16 council meetings were unanimously approved.
- Economic Development Committee Report: Council members discussed ongoing efforts to connect with new business owners, encourage participation in meetings, and the planning of a “Business Connect” event scheduled for December 11. A potential discussion on business license fee reduction was raised, with plans to explore the topic further.
- Catawba Council of Government Report: A quarterly meeting highlighted two important issues: the new EPA lead and copper rule revisions requiring municipalities to replace pipes, and opposition to Charlotte Water’s proposal to increase its draw from the Catawba River Basin.
- Planning Commission Report: The commission approved a plat for River Falls for phase 3 of the original PDD which includes 33 homes. Discussion continued on the Marine Overlay District, aiming for a finalized recommendation in November.
- New Business:Resolution to Adopt Local Rules of Order
- Purpose: This resolution aimed to formalize local rules for how the City Council conducts its meetings, supplementing the Robert’s Rules of Order. The decision to adopt local rules was prompted by a request from Mayor Pro Tem Miller and Council Member Hyslip.
- Discussion: The council discussed specific procedural elements, such as how items get placed on the agenda and how motions for tabling discussions are handled. The rules clarify that two council members are required to propose putting an item on the agenda, and those same two must agree to remove it before the agenda goes public.
- Outcome: The resolution was unanimously approved, finalizing the rules and adding clarity for future meetings.
Performance, Labor, and Materials Surety Agreement and Letter of Credit for River Falls (Map 3)
- Purpose: Taylor Morrison, the developer of River Falls, requested approval of a surety agreement and letter of credit as they move forward with the final plat for Phase 1, Map 3 of the development.
- Details: The agreement guarantees the completion of the remaining infrastructure, including the final layer of asphalt, sidewalks, and street trees. The Planning Commission had already approved the plat contingent on the council’s approval of the surety agreement.
- Outcome: After some clarifications about the map referenced in the meeting (confirming it was for Map 3), the council approved the agreement contingent upon the receipt and approval of the letter of credit by the city attorney.
Ordinance to Create Chapter 2, Article VI of the City’s Code
- Purpose: This ordinance outlines the structure for appointing the city attorney, the scope of services the attorney will provide, and the parameters for individual council members to seek legal guidance from the attorney.
- Background: The council had discussed this ordinance during the June meeting, and it was reviewed by the city’s new attorney, who made some revisions.
- Outcome: The first reading of the ordinance was introduced and unanimously approved. The ordinance aims to provide clear guidelines for how the council and the city attorney will work together, including how legal advice is sought and handled.
Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of Storm Water Equipment
- Purpose: The city authorized the purchase of a grapple truck to improve the efficiency of curbside yard debris collection. This was discussed during a previous budget workshop.
- Details: The grapple truck, costing $205,695 at an interest rate of 4.45%, will be financed over four years. The truck will be a key asset in stormwater management, particularly in the aftermath of storms that generate significant yard debris.
- Discussion: Council members expressed enthusiasm about the benefits of the truck, noting it will significantly aid in the collection process. Delivery of the truck was anticipated soon, with the training of staff expected to follow.
- Outcome: The resolution was approved, and the council expects the truck to be operational by the end of the week or early the following week.
Ordinance to Establish the Structure of the City Attorney’s Role
- Purpose: The ordinance formally sets out how the city attorney will be appointed, the scope of legal services to be provided, and how council members can seek advice from the attorney.
- Background: After review by the city’s new attorney and discussions in prior meetings, this ordinance ensures clarity on the attorney’s role and how they can be consulted by individual council members.
- Outcome: The first reading was approved without any objections.
Discussion on Record Management Related to the City Manager’s Annual Performance Evaluation
- Purpose: This discussion, requested by Mayor Pro Tem Miller and Council Member Shirley, focused on ensuring proper record management regarding the city manager’s performance evaluations.
- Details: The city manager provided an overview of how the city complies with state law in retaining records, including performance evaluations. Employee files are kept in the HR department under lock and key, accessible only by the HR manager. These records are retained for five years after the employee leaves the city, in compliance with state regulations.
- Outcome: The discussion clarified the city’s compliance with the South Carolina Department of Archives and History’s requirements, and no further action was deemed necessary.
- City Manager’s Report: The city manager provided updates on numerous topics, including ongoing fiber optic installations by Comporium and Google, storm cleanup efforts, and upcoming projects like leaf collection and holiday decorations. The city’s deer sterilization program had begun, and donations for Western North Carolina disaster relief were encouraged.
- Council Comments: Council members commended the city’s handling of storm recovery and events like Catawba Fest. They emphasized the importance of voting in the upcoming elections and maintaining civility during the process. Additionally, council members extended thanks to volunteers and first responders.
The meeting concluded with a move into executive session to discuss personnel matters related to the city manager’s annual performance evaluation.
