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City Council Meeting
November 18, 2024
Attendees All present
This was the inaugural meeting of new mayor Lethonia Peaches Barnes. See more at end of report.
George Jebaily was reelected Mayor Pro Tempore during the meeting.
Appearances before Council
Barbara Martin Moses and Carla Lynch Eaddy appeared before council to complain that their election signs had been removed by city utility workers. They complained that other campaign signs had not been removed and that they did not know where the signs had been taken.
Ms. Moses also complained about the lack of response with city staff when answering phone calls. Council members McCall and Nesmith-Jackson responded that a right-of-way exists on all city property (even private property) and that signs cannot be posted in those areas. The two candidates did not seem to understand or accept the response from council.
Ms. Moses also mentioned her election day campaigning and the complaints she received from poll workers and that police were called at several polls. She contends that she knows her rights and that those rights were violated. Because of all the pushback, she suspended her campaign efforts by mid-day.
Key Ardery appeared before council to represent USA Alliance Hub. This is a non-profit organization that seeks to use youth and community leaders to establish low cost and rent-to-own housing. They are building a demonstration site in the city as an introduction of their organization.
Elder James Williams and four other county residents appeared to complain about water quality and quantity. The group said that they had encountered issues in knowing who to complain to about issues; they appeared before county council but were told that the county does not manage the water system. Elder Williams stated that he is the state president of the Racial Justice Network but that he lives in the Medaprong community with the other residents. One of the residents scheduled to appear was in the hospital with a bacterial infection possibly caused by her well water. To summarize the group noted the declining water table for wells, the lack of available city water and sewer in their area, and storm drain issues. This group appeared before county council in October. To conclude, the mayor offered to have council members meet one-on-one with the residents.
Ordinances in Position
Introduction of Ordinances
Ordinance to amend budget timing for expenditures approved for 2024 but not completed or received before end of year.
An ordinance to amend city codes to prohibit the ownership of or keeping of livestock or feral animals in the city. This amendment was prompted by the recent incident of a city resident being bitten by one of the several poisonous snakes in his possession.
Second Reading
3 ordinances for rezoning of property.
An ordinance to add provisions related to open burning and nuisance smoke.
Introduction of Resolutions
Resolution to proclaim December 6 as Arbor Day.
Resolution to declare Town of Spruce Pines as a sister city to the city of Florence.
A resolution to approve 3rd Q grants to Downtown Redevelopment was moved to executive session.
Committee Reports
Mayor’s Report the mayor announced that the motto for her first year of administration will be Stronger Together. Following this announcement a video of the same name was played in council. The video was very professional and showcased city scenes, residents and staff. Writer’s Note: The character of the council meeting was completely changed from the previous administration and appeared to be much more professional and amiable.
City Manager explained to council tat a Resolution is presented for an administrative act and a Proclamation is presented for recognition or celebration of achievement. He explained that these two terms had been misused in recent years. He reported that the number of resolutions from council had increased from 6 in 2000 to 50 in 2023.
Business Development announced that the Federal grant for Levy Park has been approved. This amounts to $9M with matching funds of $9M from the city. Read a letter from the Pee Dee Housing Authority asking that board seats be reduced from 7 to 5. The board is having difficulty filling seats and achieving quorum for meetings. This action was approved by council.
Community Development introduced Michelle Morgan from Building Florence Together. She announced the purchase and remodeling of 320 S. Guillard Street. This is their first downtown revitalization and has just sold with a profit of $22K. The remodeled house is 114 years old and sold 5 days after going to market.
Market and Public Relations just returned from National League of Cities conference.
Finance, Audit, and Budget reviewed the budget carry-forward ordinance and the opioid fund disbursements.
Executive Session 3:27
F1 School Board Meeting
November 14, 2024
Attendees All board members present
Except board member Chapman
Awards and Recognition
Six South Florence High School art students received honors from the SC State Fair Student Art Competition. The students ranged from grade nine to senior year with Liliana Gonzalez receiving the State Best of Show award.
West Florence High School Marching Knight band received trophies for winning the lower state field championship.
Public Participation
Barbara Brooks presented a letter to the board asking that they reinstate the district mentorship program for students. The program was last active in the district 10 years ago. She expressed the opinion that the mentoring program ensures education for all students.
James Williams state president of Racial Justice Network, complained that a FOIA request made two months ago to the board had not been answered. He ended by saying that if the board preferred the legal route, “we will not go away”. No content was given for the content of the request.
Gloria Jones stated that she is tired of being ignored and disregarded by the board and superintendent. As a reminder, Ms. Jones was served a no trespassing notice last year to remain off school property but seems to be ignoring the order.
Jane Quick asked why the board did not respond to her incident at Royall Elementary School. She explained that that action actually violated district policy. She explained that the fired teachers were acting as a team at the direction of their supervisor.
Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Dr. O’Malley recognized a new Hidden Hero for F1 Schools. He named Catharine Johnson as the newest recipient. She currently serves as a School Resource Officer at Rush Academy. She is a 20 year veteran of Air Force Military Police and the Secret Service. She is noted for her close work with students with disciplinary issues.
Jason Fowler of the SC Department of Veterans Affairs presented the official Purple Star Designation. He mentioned that the average military family student moves 6-9 times during their kindergarten through senior year. There are 400 military families in the F1 district.
Brandon Nicholson of Mauldin & Jenkins CPAs presented the 2023-24 financial audit. The audit began in August 2024 with the removal of 1,400 documents; previously journal entry testing had taken place. The full audit included trends, revenue capacity, debt capacity, financial statements, internal controls and overall risk management.
The district showed $180.7M in revenues and $180.3M in expenditures for the year. The general fund amount is unchanged even with the capitol expenditures. The rating for risk was accessed at Low with 20% of expenditures. The overall rating was Clean with no material weaknesses. The district received the Government Accounting Standards Association Certificate of Excellence for results and timing.
Assistant superintendents Michelle Wynn and Greg Hall presented State Standardized Test Scores & Report Card for 2023-24. The SC Ready scores in math and ELA for grades 3-8 showed:
4 Schools rated Excellent
9 Good
9 Average
None below Average
F1 poverty level is 73% and is the only state school with a percentage over 68% with no schools below average. In ELA, the eighth-grade class was down 7.9% which was the same as the state decrease. The total district score was up 2.9%.
In math, all grade levels showed improvement of 1.9% over the state average. This marked the first time that scores exceeded state averages. Individual student progress was up at least 2.0% per grade.
Multilingual ELL scores were in the top 10 in the state. There was a 6.4% increase in meeting all language proficiencies. The district graduation rate was number 6 in the state and number 1 among districts with poverty levels over 68%.
Writer’s Note: I find the results of this district report card to be outstanding but also find it detestable that only board members and staff were witness to the report. I also find it detestable that the chronic complainers and opposing voices were not around to hear the report.
Action Items
Board member Kimrey-Ann Haughn heads a committee composed of educators, parents, and staff attorneys to review procedures and policies. This committee made their final recommendations to the board on cell phones and personal electronic devices. This review is in response to state mandate from SC House and Senate to be in effect by 01.01.25.
Highlights of their report.
• Existing policy appears to be working in F1.
• New policy defines a phone as a device for communication and storage of information.
• Devices must be turned off and non-usable during class.
• Normal disciplinary process used for failure to comply.
Executive Session 8:40
Florence County Council Meeting
October 17, 2024
Attendees: All present
The meeting began with a motion to alter the agenda. The motion passed and was immediately followed by a motion to reconsider the ordinance passed at special meeting on October 3, 2024. That ordinance was to enter into a $50M bond to fund the building of a new Savannah Grove Elementary School. The motion for reconsideration had to come from Councilman Mumford because he made the original motion (Robert’s Rules of Order). With no discussion, the bond ordinance was defeated by a 5-4 vote of council. The bond announcement had been criticized in the public and in the Savannah Grove community.
Public Appearances
Don Strickland gave an update on Pee Dee Rapid Transit Authority (PDRTA) activities for the past year. Ridership of passengers going to work has increased to 60% of total riders. A digital application for tracking buses has been added. Ridership for seniors and veterans is being tracked and is increasing. The PDRTA serves 6 counties in the area and has increased from 215 to 403 routes over the last four years.
Ms. Ellen Hamilton of Pee Dee Coalition spoke on the importance of Domestic Violence Awareness month.
Nicole Griggs spoke about Foster Care Clothing Closet and their service to Florence. Since 2015 they have provided clothing for ages 1-18. On an emergency basis they offer basic clothing needs. During the last year they provided clothing for 482 individuals.
Nine county citizens appeared before council to present concerns about issues with water service from the City of Florence Public Works. Melissa Fowler started by bringing a glass container of water and cups to offer to council members. She had filled the container from her kitchen tap before coming to the meeting; all council members declined. This was a brilliant beginning to the session as it highlighted the discoloration of water in many areas. One participant said that she had also spoken to a city council member who said she had also complained about water pressure and was told there was no problem. Generally, these residents appeared before council because they are desperate to see a path forward on improving water quality.
At this point, the decorum of council became much more relaxed as there was general discussion of the issues with public water. Several council members compared stories with residents on issues with water pressure and quality. Council members spoke about installing $1K water purification systems in their homes. Conclusion: the city has arrived at a point where consistent quality water is not and cannot be supplied through the existing system. The city council has been addressing these issues in recent meetings, but they do not seem to have the public’s confidence.
Writer’s Note: For the past 3 city council meetings, Council Chair Schofield and County Administrator Yoakim have attended the meetings. I see this as a reminder to city council that county council is expecting answers to the issues.
Committee Reports
• No reports to council
Resolutions / Proclamations
Resolution of Recognition
• Proclamation to observe October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
• Resolution to recognize the Reformers Unanimous addiction program at Florence Baptist Temple for 20 years of service to the community. Program director Corbett Stone accepted the resolution and gave a summary of the program.
Resolutions
• Resolution to acknowledge October 28 as National First Responder’s Day. A statue in honor of first responders has been erected at the State Judicial Center in Florence.
Resolution authorizing purchase of additional property at Darlington-Florence Industrial Park.
Resolution to reassign $794.5K of funds from ARPA to Florence County Sheriff’s Office for construction of an evidence room addition.
Third Reading
• 12 ordinances passed for rezoning of property with 7 pertaining to rezoning of the East Highway 76 Gateway Corridor.
Second Reading
• 10 ordinances were heard for rezoning of the East Highway 76 Gateway Corridor.
• An ordinance to prohibit soliciting on streets and highways was sent to the Public Safety Committee for review.
Introduction
• Seven ordinances for rezoning of various properties.
Other Business
• Approved $35K in expenditures to Foster Care Clothing Closet.
Executive Session 11.55
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