 March Town Council Meeting Recap
Town Council met this month and began the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and a brief Pendleton history moment. This month’s reminder: in March of 1789, Pendleton County was officially created. At the time, it was much larger than it is today, including what are now Anderson and Pickens counties and nearly all of present-day Oconee County. It is also important to acknowledge that this land, particularly along the Chattooga River, was originally home to the Cherokee and Creek peoples.
We also took a moment to recognize several groups that make Pendleton such a special place. The Pendleton Foundation for Black History and Culture hosted a wonderful Black History Month celebration at the library. The Pendleton Historic Foundation celebrated the opening of the Jenkins House, which is an important addition to our historic community. And congratulations to the Pendleton High School men’s basketball team for an incredible season. They made our town very proud.
I want to continue thanking the residents who volunteer on our boards and committees. Their work is essential to the progress of this town. In particular, the Unified Development Ordinance Steering Committee completed months of work on the draft ordinance, which has now moved to the Planning Commission for review. Public meetings will be scheduled as that process continues, and community input will be important.
During my remarks, I also acknowledged that some residents remain disappointed with the decision to reallocate fireworks funding toward improvements to the square and surrounding areas. I hear those concerns. The goal of that decision was to invest in improvements that benefit Pendleton throughout the year, not just on one evening. Anderson County will still host a large fireworks celebration nearby, so there will still be a regional opportunity to celebrate the holiday.
I was also happy to share that the intersection of Westinghouse Road and Highway 76 opened approximately two months ahead of schedule. That kind of progress does not happen by accident, and it is always good news for our community.
Council received several updates during the meeting. The Pendleton Recreation Association reported that spring sports are underway with 261 participants this season and that Spring Super Saturday will take place on May 2. The Volunteer Fire Department responded to 45 calls for service last month, including 33 within town limits. Our volunteer firefighters continue to be a critical part of public safety in Pendleton.
Chief Poulson reported that the police department responded to more than 646 calls for service since February 1 while continuing strong community engagement through programs such as Coffee, Cops, and Conversation and outreach at Pendleton Elementary. Officers also removed methamphetamine from circulation during a recent investigation.
Town Administrator Steve Miller reported that seven new home permits were issued in Morton Farms and Lawton Ridge. The town continues addressing code enforcement concerns and has advertised the vacant Town Planner position as we work to fill that important role.
Several infrastructure and capital projects continue moving forward. Work on Winston Street and North Mechanic Street improvements progressed, and the town is now exploring additional sidewalk connections to improve walkability. Upgrades to the Wastewater Treatment Plant continued, and improvements to the municipal parking lot behind Brews at the Square began. The Construction Manager at Risk project, which supports planned improvements at Veterans Park and Town Hall, also moved forward, with bids scheduled to open on March 12.
Council approved several special events on public property, including the Spring Town Clean-Up, the Keese Barn Festival, and Unity in the Community. Council also adopted new policies related to the town’s social media platforms, community calendar, and digital sign communications to help ensure clear and consistent messaging.
Council passed a resolution allowing Councilwoman Nancy von Meyer and me to work with the Town Administrator and legal counsel to mediate an appeal regarding the Village at Town Creek development. Any agreements resulting from mediation will return to council for final approval.
Council entered executive session to discuss a Planning Commission vacancy. After returning to open session, council directed staff to publish the public notice, and the appointment will be made at the called meeting scheduled for April 22.
As we move into spring, I also want to remind everyone to attend the upcoming Spring Jubilee (April 4th and 5th). It is one of Pendleton’s most cherished traditions, and I cannot wait to see everyone at the Historic Jubilee as we honor the founding of our town and celebrate the community that continues to make Pendleton so special.
For Pendleton, always.
Sarah Stokowski
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