City Council Recap: Disabled Veterans Thanked; Funds Approved for Various Projects

At Monday's City Council meeting the local chapter of the Disabled American Veterans — Alvin Wilson #1 — was thanked for its help in raising funds for the Veterans Memorial at City Center (pictured). Jerry Handley of the Mauldin Chapter attended on behalf of the DAV.

Also at Monday's meeting:

• The city neared final approval of the refund of the city service fee.

• Officials were sharply criticized by former mayor R.C. Jones for their handling of the Taco Bell property purchase.

• The city council approved $26,000 to fund a feasibility study for a $2 million capital fundraising campaign for the auditorium inside the Mauldin Cultural Center. If the $2 million is raised, the money would be refunded. The $26,000 is for consulting fees of $21,000 and expenses that are not to exceed $5,000. The vote went 5-1 with Dale Black the only council member against. Black said he was not against the study per se, but preferred that it be done on a contract basis.

• Mauldin Police Chief Bryan Turner swore in the force's newest officer, Ralph Bobo, and introduced Cpl. Adam Wilson, the business liaison officer.

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• City council approved an engineering firm for the Old Stage Road property seeking Step 3 Status from the Department of Commerce. The cost to secure the firm, Goodwin, Mills, Cawood, Inc, is $24,850. The money will be taken from a Special Projects contingency line which has a budget and current balance of $25,000.

• Council approved a design firm Landplan Group South to plan City Center. Total cost will be $61,000 of which the city will provide $10,000, as required to receive matching funds from the Appalachian Regional Council. The remaining $41,000 is provided by Piedmont Natural Gas ($8,000) and GPATS ($33,000).

• The council unanimously approved the annexation of 450 Forrester Drive into the city.

• The city gave a first reading to the annexation of the Dollar General store at 741 E. Butler Road, which neighbors Mauldin High School. Owners of the store approached the city about annexation because of a desire to receive police services. They are already receiving fire services. There are some questions about whether the store can or will tap into the city sewer, but those will be raised again at the next reading.

• Lastly, RayDee Wyatt, a leader of Mauldin's Garden Club, and the person largely responsible for helping Mauldin become a Daffodil City, died on Sunday at the age of 72. Wyatt was recognized by council on Monday and daffodils from the front of City Hall will be placed on his casket in tribute. Wyatt's obituary can be read here.