My notes from the Monday, August 11, Travelers Rest City Council Committee Meeting

Sharing my notes from the Monday, August 11, Travelers Rest City Council Committee Meeting. You can also watch the meeting on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/2kamm2sw  

Reach out if you have questions. catherine.james.tr@gmail.com

Public Works Committee

• Director Tate reported delays in street signage materials (~6 weeks); installation expected mid to late September.

• AC installation at Public Works building underway.

• Poinsett project has met some weather delays; intersection work starting soon; public information will be posted.

• Discussions covered beautifying the Little Texas roundabout, signage for the new public parking area next to Historic Spring Park Inn (including “no right turn” signs), and potential traffic flow changes near Old Buncombe Rd and Main Street to improve crosswalk safety, possibly coordinating with DOT.

Public Safety Committee

• Police report: Routine month; Officer Morgan Smith graduated from the academy and began field training.

• Fire Department calls increased significantly to 111, with many lift assists.

• Building permits slowed slightly but new residential permits expected soon.

• Mutual aid agreements for Clemson University football games (officers working off-duty for gate security) and Pickens County mutual aid approved to send to full council.

• New Dog Foster Policy approved, allowing vetted fosters to temporarily house dogs with city-covered vet care, improving animal welfare and reducing costs.

• Officer Blake and Furman intern Evan have increased Facebook post views by 25%, reaching about 500 more viewers through their social media efforts.

Planning and Development Committee

• Two rezonings scheduled for second reading on August 21.

• Parkside Village preliminary subdivision likely null and void due to expired two-year entitlement period without extensions; follow-up pending.

• White Hawk Meadows Phase 2 moved into engineering and construction stages.

• An update to the Travelers Rest zoning ordinance is underway to improve readability and formatting, with revisions coming to planning commission and council soon.

• An RFQ for the Parks Master Plan will be issued soon to select a qualified firm.

Ways and Means Committee

• Discussed Trailside Trolley potential public-private partnership: proposal for city to purchase trolley for $1 and own it; private operator manages daily operations, maintenance, and drivers, funded through sponsorships.

• City gains oversight and insurance coverage benefits (vehicle insured by city, drivers covered by contractor).

• The partnership offers a sustainable, cost-effective micro transit service connecting city events and downtown, with plans to present the formal agreement to council next week.