Laurens City Council addresses public safety, appointments and election changes

The Laurens City Council covered several municipal matters during its Aug. 18 meeting, including improvements to city recreational facilities, public safety activity, appointments to city boards and commissions, and a change to the city’s municipal election schedule.

All council members were present except Councilwoman Alicia Sullivan, who is recuperating from injuries sustained in a car wreck.

Mayor Senn opened the meeting by announcing that the city’s baseball and football fields will receive new lighting. The city’s tennis courts are also scheduled to be resurfaced.

Police, fire and municipal court reports

The Laurens Police Department reported approximately 1,900 calls during the reporting period, with officers responding to about 1,000 of them.

The Laurens Fire Department reported 177 calls.

Municipal court handled 177 cases and collected $15,190 in court revenue.

City clerk appointment raises nepotism concerns

Council considered the appointment of Susan Calhoun Ware, a member of the Laurens District 55 Board of Trustees, as Laurens city clerk. The appointment failed to receive the necessary support after three council members abstained, citing concerns about potential nepotism.

Ware is the niece of Councilwoman Marian Miller.

The vote prompted discussion over whether the appointment would create a conflict under the city’s nepotism provisions.

Mutual aid and municipal agreements

Council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing intergovernmental law enforcement mutual aid and assistance agreements between the Laurens Police Department and participating municipal, county and state law enforcement agencies.

Council also unanimously approved a resolution authorizing negotiations with the Town of Gray Court for intergovernmental agreements involving the provision of municipal services.

Historic preservation and planning commission appointments

Two appointments to city commissions were approved unanimously.

Nick Cappelletti was appointed to the City of Laurens Historic Preservation Commission, and Karen Dakers was appointed to the City of Laurens Planning Commission.

Council moves election ordinance forward

Council approved on first reading an ordinance amending Section 2-6 of the City of Laurens Code of Ordinances.

The amendment would establish November municipal general elections in accordance with state law, preserve existing staggered terms and provide for the transition of current terms and election dates.

The vote was not unanimous. Councilwoman Campbell abstained, and Councilman Whitmire voted against the ordinance.

The ordinance will return to council for a second reading. Councils have been advised that an ordinance changing the municipal election date must receive two readings and final approval before Sept. 5. City of Laurens elections have traditionally been held in April, and if council does not complete action on the ordinance, current terms would extend to November 2027.

Residents with questions about the change may contact their council members before the second reading.