Judge Rules in Favor of Mayor Wilson & Councilman White

April special meetings declared unlawful, actions nullified

CHAPIN, SC – May 10, 2014 – On May 7, 2014,  Judge Thomas Cooper of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit upheld a motion by Chapin Mayor Skip Wilson, Councilman Gregg White and the Town of Chapin to “enforce order and enjoin the contrary conduct” of Council members Vivian Atkins, Robbie Frick and Kay Hollis as it relates to the judge’s March 18 order to dismiss a lawsuit questioning the Mayor’s ability to control council agendas. Cooper declared the special called meetings of April 10 and 17, 2014, illegal because the members did not present the agenda to the Mayor for his approval as specified under town ordinance 2.206(b). He also declared all actions and votes taken at those meetings invalid and without force or effect.

“We are grateful to Judge Cooper for his ruling to uphold the March 18 decision, the Town of Chapin’s ordinances related to the strong mayor form of government and the right to approve agenda items for consideration for town business,” Wilson said this afternoon. “Again it is our hope that we can work to find some common ground with the other council members and focus our energy and attention on doing what’s best for our town.”

“The voters elected a new mayor and Councilman Gregg White to serve to help this town as it prepares for continued growth and change. It’s time for the town council to join forces and work together for the common good of Chapin residents and businesses,” Wilson added.