Laurens welcomes two new businesses, plans free Wi-Fi downtown

Two new businesses are open in Laurens and free Wi-Fi is coming to the square, Mayor Senn told the Laurens City Council at its Sept. 15 meeting. All council members were present.

Senn opened the meeting by welcoming Agape Care and Press and Pointer Coffee Shop to the city. He later announced that free Wi-Fi will soon be available on the Laurens square, and that a new miniature golf course has opened at the site of the former course.

Senn also discussed a recent council workshop where members heard from residents concerned about an ordinance that had passed first reading. He said the feedback gave council additional issues to weigh before moving forward.

“The consensus was that it gave us some homework to do, things to consider, so hopefully we can move forward in the best way possible,” Senn said.

The mayor thanked community members who attended an event honoring the anniversary of Sept. 11 and those who wrote notes expressing appreciation for the city’s first responders.

Senn recognized the recent Laurens District 55 homecoming parade, noting that students worked hard on their floats and that the event went well.

A Coffee with the Mayor event will be held Friday from 8 to 9 a.m. at Press and Pointer Coffee Shop. The event gives residents a chance to meet with the mayor and ask questions about issues affecting the city.

Senn also announced that the American Legion is preparing a Veterans Day program to be held at the movie theater.

A Ward 3 community meeting will be held Saturday at 10 a.m., led by Councilwoman Campbell. Senn said the meeting is open to everyone.

C4 Ministries Director of Ministries Amanda Anderson addressed council and requested a $500 sponsorship for the organization’s upcoming golf outing. Senn said he would bring the request before council for consideration.

Director of Streets and Sanitation Kerwin Tribble introduced the department’s new assistant, Devon Patterson. Senn welcomed Patterson and said he would bring “great new energy” to the team.

Resolutions and appointments

Resolution 26-09-01, approving a revised memorandum of understanding for the Laurens Police Department’s participation in the Laurens County Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Enforcement program, was deleted from the agenda.

Council also considered a resolution appointing Darleen Timmermon and Anita Holland to the City of Laurens Historic Preservation Commission.