My notes from the Monday, October 6th Committee Meeting

Catherine James
Oct 8
3 min read

City of Travelers Rest Committee Meeting

As always, please reach out if you have any questions!

A video of the meeting may be found on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTj7WkITYKM&list=PLdP41RmxOmd3k_6_aBDlMlwKdGLxfslLd

The meeting began with a presentation by the VFW. Commander Mary Asbell and Auxiliary Vice Heather Davis shared updates on the Travelers Rest VFW Post 1185, highlighting efforts to rebuild the post’s reputation, expand membership, and strengthen community partnerships. The post now hosts more family-friendly activities, including a First Responder Appreciation Event on October 26 and student essay contests due October 30. Renovations and new leadership are helping refocus the VFW on service, outreach, and support for local veterans.

Public Works Committee Meeting

Key Updates

North Poinsett Highway paving begins Thursday; expected completion by next Tuesday.
Tubbs Mountain intersection closure plan being finalized with contractors — public notice to follow once complete.

Glass Recycling Grant

City received a $15,000 grant from the SC Department of Environmental Services.
Launching a year-long glass recycling program with four collection events, beginning November 15 (with the city’s shred event).
Equipment purchased will remain city property for ongoing recycling use.
Vendor will accept glass at no charge; only staff time required.
Program sustainability to be evaluated after one year.

Litter and Trash

Litter pickups have decreased, likely due to fewer events and participants.
Contractor continues biweekly litter removal along Highway 25.
County currently manages trash collection on the Swamp Rabbit Trail and soccer fields; responsibility will transition to the city.

Traffic and Paving

Councilmembers discussed traffic impacts during the upcoming Tubbs Mountain intersection closure.
Staff advised that a 7–8 day full closure is the safest and most efficient approach.
A public communication plan will be shared with media, schools, and emergency services in the coming weeks.

Public Safety Committee Meeting

Police Department

Chief Ford attended the SC Police Chiefs Conference and reported 280 staff training hours this month.
Announced three grants totaling $98,000 pending council approval:
- Traffic Overtime Grant – $38,868 (state-reimbursed).
- In-Car Camera Grant – $30,693.
- Body-Worn Camera Grant – $30,013.
Department continues to secure competitive grant funding for equipment and safety initiatives.

Fire Department

High September training hours due to a full-staff course.
Call volume increasing: +85 over 2024; +243 over 2023.
Some trucks handled 10–11 calls per day recently.
Police & Fire Foundation concert raised about $3,000 for first responders.
Conducted a mock structure fire drill at The Woodlands' Alzheimer’s unit — successfully coordinated with mutual aid partners.

Planning & Building

Slight increase in residential building permits.
Activity remains below pre-slowdown averages; advisors not concerned.
Staff will continue to monitor and report trends.

Planning & Development Committee Meeting

Planning Commission

No new subdivision or entitlement applications; activity has slowed.

Projects in Permitting

White Hawk Meadows – in engineering review.
Hemlock – approved.
102 Forest / 101 Hilltop – entitled, awaiting engineering.
The Station Phase 1B & Event Center – nearing final land development approval.
Grove Outdoor Center – targeting fall construction start.
Pinestone – visible demolition; working with SCDOT on access/parking.
Willis Office Building – ongoing development.

Proposed Trail Projects

Beaver Dam Creek Trail: Applying for $125,000 PARD grant (with $25,000 city match).
Center Street TAP Trail: Applying for $651,000 TAP grant (80% funded) for a pedestrian/cyclist path connecting Main Street and Poinsett.

Additional Notes

Potential new coffee shops: Caribou Coffee and Seven Brew. ☕
TreesUpstate will plant 43 trees around City Hall and Center Street on October 18.
Edward Street railroad track removal and paving expected October 14.
Council discussed State Park Road construction impacts and strategies for business support and future Main Street design continuity.

Ways and Means Committee Meeting

Row Road Parking Lease

Approved five-year lease with owners for the Roe Road / Old Buncombe Road parking lot.
Annual lease: $11,500 (equal to property taxes).
City may make minor traffic-flow improvements and will add wayfinding signage.
12-month termination option with 60 days’ notice.
Improvements won’t increase impervious surfaces; property added to city insurance.

Discussion Highlights

Members reviewed downtown parking availability (~100–150 total spaces).
Plans for improved “Additional Parking” signage near the Historical Society lot.

Administrative Updates