Hello Pendleton!

This month’s meeting recap is coming a little later than usual because we wanted to make sure we were sharing the most accurate information following our meeting with SCDOT and after receiving their traffic analysis results. Thank you for your patience as we worked to confirm those details.

Town Council held its regular June meeting on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, and we began the evening with a moment of silence in memory of Spencer Martin, one of the Pendleton High School students involved in the recent tragedy. Our hearts remain with the Martin family, the other students who were injured, their families, and the entire Pendleton High School community.

Council received several updates during the meeting. Councilwoman von Meyer shared progress on the Green Crescent Trail, including work near Berkeley Drive, and continued conversations about future trail connectivity between Pendleton and Nettles Park. Public Works also reported on several projects around town, including the completed irrigation system on the Village Green, removal and replacement of damaged dogwoods, storm debris cleanup, sewer line clearing, utility cut restoration on East Main Street, and the continued transition to the automated side-loader sanitation collection system. Residents are reminded to place roll carts with the lid opening toward the road, the hinge facing away from the road, and at least three feet of clearance on each side.

We also discussed the Village Green. Council previously approved irrigation and sod work, and before moving forward, the Town is consulting with a third-party arborist and turf management expert to make sure the trees and green space are protected. We know how much the Village Green means to Pendleton, and we are committed to caring for it thoughtfully.

Councilwoman Hamberg reported that the Fire Department responded to 23 calls for service in May, including 14 within Town limits and 9 outside Town limits within the Pendleton Fire District. The department also reminded everyone about the Fireworks for Firefighters event scheduled for July 1 at Veterans Park.
Councilman Van Drie provided an update on the Pendleton Recreation Association. The spring Super Saturday event was successful and raised funds that will go back into safety equipment and scholarships. Fall registration is underway for several sports, and the Recreation Association is working to reduce costs for families, including lower prices for tackle football and soccer this year. Council also heard updates on Veterans Park improvements, including the new lightning detection system and new field maintenance equipment.

Chief Poulson reported that the Police Department answered more than 702 calls for service in May, issued 115 warning tickets and 37 state citations, and continued traffic safety efforts, including work around the four-way stops near PF Meats. Officers also completed Stop the Bleed training, attended a law enforcement memorial service, helped with Mayor’s Quarterly Conversations, hosted a fraud and scam prevention event, and visited neighborhood block parties.

The Planning Department reported two new home permits in the Sunrise development, several renovation and encroachment permits, and continued code enforcement work. The Board of Zoning Appeals approved a setback variance for 309 Keese Street, and the Planning Commission recommended rezoning 610 Cherry Street from R-1 to R-2 for Council’s consideration. Staff is also continuing discussions related to the UDO and cleanup efforts in the TIF district.

Town Administrator Steve Miller gave his final administrator’s report. Council and staff recognized Steve for his many years of service, leadership, and the lasting impact he has had on Pendleton.

Council also took action on several items:

• Approved an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025–2026 memorandum of understanding with the Pendleton Volunteer Fire Department, allowing remaining volunteer stipend funds to be reallocated toward equipment purchases, including radios.
• Awarded the Construction Manager at Risk project, which will help the Town maintain and repair Town facilities, beginning with Town Hall and other priority buildings.
• Rejected the RFQ proposal for the Volunteer Fire Department substation project after the only bid came in at approximately $3.2 million, which exceeded available funding. Council discussed the need for further conversations about long-term fire facility needs and funding options.
• Approved the Town’s information technology services contract.
• Accepted the Planning Commission’s recommendation to rezone 610 Cherry Street from R-1 to R-2.
• Approved release of a temporary letter of credit/performance bond for Phase Two of Champions Village at Cherry Hill.
• Approved first reading of a project ordinance for the Village Hill area water and sewer line improvements project, including Community Development Block Grant funds and local matching funds.
• Approved first reading of the Fiscal Year 2026–2027 budget ordinance with amendments.

After the regular meeting, Council met with representatives from SCDOT to discuss traffic and infrastructure updates in downtown Pendleton. Since then, the Town has received SCDOT’s traffic analysis for several intersections along Mechanic Street.

Based on SCDOT’s findings, the traffic signal at Mechanic Street and Queen Street is expected to be converted to an all-way stop. SCDOT will first place the signal in a red flashing pattern for a minimum 90-day observation period before the final change is made. After that process, SCDOT will further evaluate the request for an all-way stop at Main Street and Mechanic Street.

At Mechanic Street and Broad Street, SCDOT determined that an all-way stop would not be the best solution. Instead, their analysis supports a traffic signal at that location, which will move forward as scheduling, funding, right-of-way, and utility coordination allow. We appreciate SCDOT’s review and continued partnership as we work to improve safety and traffic flow in Pendleton. You can read SCDOT's complete report here.

Congratulations also to the Leadership Pendleton graduates and to the Pendleton Foundation for Black History and Culture for being recognized by the United Way’s African-American Leadership Council.

Thank you to everyone who attended, watched, participated, or continues to stay involved in our Town. Pendleton is a special place because of the people who care about it, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside Council, staff, and this community.

Don’t forget Fireworks for Firefighters will be held July 1 at Veterans Park. This event is put on by volunteers, with funds raised specifically to make the event possible. Any excess proceeds will go to support the Pendleton Volunteer Fire Department. Thank you to everyone who contributed their time, resources, and support to help make this event happen. Happy 250th Birthday, America!

For Pendleton, always

If you have any questions or need anything, please contact our dedicated staff by calling 864-646-9409 or emailing info@townofpendleton.org.
 
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Have a great month!
 
Our next Regular Session meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 7 p.m. at Town Hall.