Dear Pendleton Residents,

I hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend and had a Happy Labor Day. I wanted to send you an update on the September Town Council meeting.

We always begin our meetings with Council Updates. First, my update was on the new four-way stop at Mechanic and Queen Streets. The 90-day trial officially began September 1. I want to reiterate that this is a test. No final decision has been made. SCDOT will monitor traffic counts, traffic patterns, and the intersection's operation throughout the trial. This change is also connected to the long-discussed possibility of adding a stop at Main and Mechanic Streets. SCDOT’s previous analysis determined that a stop at Main and Mechanic could function only if the signal at Mechanic and Queen became an all-way stop. We have heard the concerns, questions, and suggestions from our residents, and we will continue watching this throughout the 90 days.

We also discussed recycling and commercial bulk-container services. Public Works provided additional information about contamination, aging equipment, staffing requirements, and the challenges associated with our current recycling operation. Council unanimously directed staff to move forward with developing a transition plan for curbside recycling, commercial bulk containers, and cardboard collection. This vote does not mean the services will disappear immediately. Staff will now work through the ordinance changes, transition details, customer notifications, and public education needed before implementation. We know this will be a significant change for some of our residents and businesses, and communication will be very important as we move forward. 

Council unanimously approved an agreement with the Pendleton Recreation Association to continue recreation programs on Town-owned property. Council also discussed a possible YMCA partnership that could provide administrative support and expand future recreation opportunities while keeping Pendleton sports and the Bulldogs identity in place.

We said a very heartfelt thank-you to David Poulson. Over the last six years, David has served Pendleton as a police officer, Town Planner, and Interim Police Chief. Council unanimously approved a resolution recognizing his service and presented him with his badges and service weapon. David is leaving Pendleton for a wonderful opportunity to serve as City Administrator for the City of Walhalla, and we wish him well and thank him for his service. With Chief Crosby still deployed, Dr. Jeremy Pickens, of the Anderson County Sheriff’s Department, will serve as our Interim Police Chief.

Council approved a Resolution seeking written clarification on two $250,000 state appropriations received by the Town for the fire station project. The guidance will address whether the Town may legally transfer those funds directly to the Pendleton Volunteer Fire Department. Once received, the information will be brought back to Council for next steps.

We also took action to address staffing needs. Earlier this year, hiring for several budgeted positions was placed on hold while we awaited the hiring of a new Town Administrator and completion of a staffing gap analysis. Council approved the first reading of an amendment that will allow us to begin filling positions that are already included in the Town’s adopted budget.

Planning reported 21 permits issued during August, including eight new homes. The Planning Commission will continue its work on several zoning ordinance amendments, with a public hearing scheduled for September 17 at 6:30 p.m. Work has also begun on a potential historic overlay district. Public Works continues its GIS mapping of our water and sewer infrastructure, sewer right-of-way maintenance, utility repairs, and work related to stormwater and the Buddy Durham parking area. Staff also completed the final punch-list walkthrough for the wastewater treatment plant expansion, and work continues on the Oil Mill Small Area Plan to prepare the draft, with the goal of bringing it back before the public.
The Mayor’s Beautification Committee has committed funds to develop a beautification plan for the Highway 76 corridor, and our Culture and Identity project continues to move forward as Council feedback is incorporated alongside the tremendous amount of public input already received.

Finally, September is going to be BUSY in Pendleton! The Green Crescent Trail Light the Night 5K is on September 17. Scarecrow registrations are open through September 25, and residents, neighborhoods, organizations, and businesses are encouraged to participate. September 26 is a big day in town with the Pendleton Day of Service, Read & Rise at the Community Center. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved and enjoy our community. link

There is a lot happening in Pendleton, and some of the decisions before us are not simple. I appreciate everyone who attends our meetings, watches online, asks questions, shares concerns, volunteers, serves, and stays engaged. I believe an informed community is stronger when people are involved.

Thank you for loving Pendleton and for continuing to be a part of the conversation.

For Pendleton, always 💚