[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6543482,"mediaKeyId","3527809-161cbafb62493223f40aecb84f08965a","parentId",3527809,"title","Council approves referendum on changing Blythewood—27s form of government; ordinance sets effective date after November 2025 swearing‑in","audioSeconds",2172,"startMs",10709000,"endMs",12881000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3527809-161cbafb62493223f40aecb84f08965a&start=10709&end=12881","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3527809-161cbafb62493223f40aecb84f08965a/thumbnail_10709000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6543482/South-Carolina/Council-approves-referendum-on-changing-Blythewood27s-form-of-government-ordinance-sets-effective-date-after-November-2025-swearingin","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6543482-e3b0322f17811d5edaedc3105a9aa30e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771052891&Signature=csaSD23ctn59AuXslwIqnGn~TI6HybEObfjvbINeh1GBDCu6kha~hfZpo~YwLu8uVMGuApjVjY752H1dyI-zxKgEAw7ASW~tcjRnoGDbbMFbxAiW5bLq-SqqLSR7EMmonT6tsgKxU6-WOJ7TIxKOqhR4bGJUgjsJ9~DwPGf3bXG0-ZPynx0EjrYvSmlxCVjYlkCc01OV7R7FAq2wPdSsjfa-3CLwGiSUWnhRRHi2pW5Kt-2pDjrdg9IEOMsls98YEARRrETHua10hdBW7Z4pF3BCcjtgExkEWVCUwFT0ksOQLhUpldh9ajTjH9yZIrOFrox-23BFYOk0Swm0UKZuNw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Blythewood, S.C.","date","2025-05-27T00:00:00Z","article","The Blythewood Town Council voted 4–1 to place a referendum on the ballot to ask voters whether the town should change from its current strong‑mayor form of government to a council–manager (or council‑administrator) form. The ordinance approved tonight (Ordinance 2025.002) sets the effective date for the change to occur following the November 2025 swearing‑in date for newly elected officials if voters approve the referendum.

Public comment: Dozens of residents spoke during the public‑hearing period. Speakers were split: some residents and speakers urged retaining the strong‑mayor structure on grounds of direct accountability and executive decision‑making (for example, former mayor Keith Bailey and others); other residents and several councilmembers recommended changing to a council–manager form to create fuller administrative oversight, more professional day‑to‑day management and additional checks and balances (councilmembers Fripp, McKendrick and Page voiced support). Points raised by speakers and councilmembers included concerns about transparency, recent personnel and procurement disputes, the town\u000027s growth and the need for a professional administrator/manager to oversee expanding operations.

The ordinance and timing: Councilmember McKendrick moved to approve the ordinance placing the referendum on the ballot and asked that the change, if approved by voters, take effect on the regular council meeting swearing‑in day in November 2025 (the ordinance records a council swearing‑in date after the November election); Councilmember Brock seconded the motion. The council then voted to adopt the ordinance as amended. The town\u000027s election administrator will set the special‑election date within statutory timelines; the election commission advised a special Tuesday election would be required within the 30–90 day window permitted by state procedures following the 30‑day pause after the ordinance.

Why it matters: Changing form of government alters town operations, hiring authorities and how day‑to‑day administration is carried out: under a council–manager/administrator model the council collectively hires a manager/administrator who runs day‑to‑day operations; under a strong‑mayor model the mayor retains chief executive authority. Supporters argued a manager model would provide professional administration and better checks and balances as the town grows; opponents said it would lessen direct accountability of an elected chief executive and could reduce residents’ access to decision‑makers.

Vote: The ordinance to place the referendum on the ballot passed on a 4–1 roll call (Councilwoman Page, Councilman Brock, Councilwoman Fritz, Councilman McKendrick voted yes; Mayor Griffin voted no). Council directed staff to coordinate scheduling and to confirm required election costs and timelines with the county election officials.

Ending: If the referendum crosses the required majority in the special election, the change would take effect on the council swearing‑in date following the November 2025 general election; staff will publish election timing and voting logistics and the office of the town attorney will confirm statutory compliance. Councilmembers stressed the importance of public information and outreach between now and the special election.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Town of Blythewood, Town Council Meeting )5/27/25","oneSentenceSummary","Following a prolonged public comment period with speakers for and against, Blythewood council voted 4–1 to place a referendum on a change of the town\u000027s form of government on a special election; if approved it will take effect following the November 2025 swearing‑in.","taxTitle","Town of Blythewood, Richland County, South Carolina","taxId",53564,"location","South Carolina","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6543486,"SCDOT updates Blythewood council on Scout Motors interchange, railroad bridge and US‑21 realignment",621,2808000,3429000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3527809-161cbafb62493223f40aecb84f08965a&start=2808&end=3429","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3527809-161cbafb62493223f40aecb84f08965a/thumbnail_2808000.jpg","/articles/6543486/South-Carolina/SCDOT-updates-Blythewood-council-on-Scout-Motors-interchange-railroad-bridge-and-US21-realignment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6543486-0e5d940acc26270a20ff536b4df6b532/orig.mp4?Expires=1771052891&Signature=Rh9MQ5TB5~ZqeaxzC9It41-jJvRxGplDlpdB7yzggxn5ECOaOH-hDezfoTLBBTXSiRG82--TrwsSySzdhCpsnuhqggoSFxYZ8b1qQ3jGLKRkl9FH4C5ZKinmT2Gd700LMi7XhKKhjucHloM23Tp0w1f8aANpmT-x1bc4bJoRXJ-k3BnrFF38bq94eyatf1s7s05xZTqfQ9~pGf5aOVQNFdqcpfT39aoZIjoHS8i6JTsllVRdsgSMn3yfwQPCPbAqcgUHGs5FBxrIic6ZlB9yAtjPtm7Ox9nj9jIZykxvd6ysQ4-LDtfq7jtGH9ApXfajcxQ4W9Q6bUy~OfpQnYm98w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) representative briefed the Blythewood Town Council on progress for the Scout Motors interchange, US‑21 realignment and a railroad bridge over I‑77. The presentation included construction photos, interim traffic changes and a multi‑phase schedule.

Key points from SCDOT: Brooks Bickley of SCDOT said Community Road was closed on May 5 to advance interchange foundations and that milling and deep foundations are underway. SCDOT reported about 90% completion of clearing and grubbing in several corridors and that asphalt milling on Community Road is complete. Bickley described placement of piles, caps, columns and girders for the railroad bridge and said girders are being set; night work and rolling roadblocks were used for girder installations.

Project schedule presented to council: SCDOT listed interim conditions and target completion dates: Community Road full connectivity (Interim Condition 1) and Scout Motors Drive connectivity — March 31, 2026; railroad bridge substantially complete — November 2025; US‑21 realignment substantially complete — November 2026; all interchange work and I‑77 widening complete — summer 2027. SCDOT advised that final roadway plans were expected at the end of the week following the briefing.

Local concerns: A resident asked about temporary materials on site (Jersey walls) near Mueller Road School and requested that SCDOT consider placing barriers to protect the adjacent drop‑off. Bickley said SCDOT would look into localized protection and noted that large components (girders) are nearly 10 feet tall and the project remains a massive construction undertaking.

Ending: Council asked for SCDOT pictures to be posted to the town website. SCDOT agreed to provide images and follow‑up information on the railroad crossing work with Norfolk Southern.
","South Carolina Department of Transportation briefed council on major interchange work tied to the Scout Motors plant, including construction status, interim traffic conditions and a phased completion schedule through summer 2027.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6543491,"Blythewood council approves FY2025–26 budget on first reading after amendments; hospitality event funding reduced",4732,4960000,9692000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3527809-161cbafb62493223f40aecb84f08965a&start=4960&end=9692","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3527809-161cbafb62493223f40aecb84f08965a/thumbnail_4960000.jpg","/articles/6543491/South-Carolina/Blythewood-council-approves-FY202526-budget-on-first-reading-after-amendments-hospitality-event-funding-reduced","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6543491-79c4ed9e3ffac0ae90c71434cc6e8762/orig.mp4?Expires=1771052891&Signature=DB~AOcCV8JxOYDNiNzxreR11akK5gLGgdCh39W0vWYtD9Xh-95eRFV~HeiQSSsdfgn5CWIySZ8jX4c01BoU6tDqtuUcTJefSI9PfQ6Rq8wI1dW8-80gngMkHRIifGFq-AU2jOm-l1XMcT0N8gEHwjPtk5yB0Ukxi1nAXAmWgegy8j8AAfWP9bo--IWB0rc2JTjpmrbRf3A5Z3zgC8HSCpq3ltEuRc3O1FYZUpPQZDfLWYekkAx~BfJz2F3B9A0Zsc47tDlFv9Yu-Bs~zHgKvhgQv6N7ZQt9mHbiPCaLG6q8qxU3sQ0UEy3HrKmEKwKUF-q8HSNettT82EKOr4qibmw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Town of Blythewood Town Council approved first reading of the fiscal year 2025–26 budget ordinance (Ordinance 2025.005) after adopting several amendments on revenue allocations and line items, including reductions to town event spending and adjustments to manor and council expense estimates.

Why it mattered: Council debated a wide range of budget items — from tourism and town events paid from hospitality tax revenue to capital fund transfers and specific Manor operating items. The hospitality/tourism fund and proposed funding for town events drew prolonged discussion after council had previously paused large public events pending a security plan.

Key amendments and figures discussed on the record: Staff explained a $30,000 increase in collected business license revenue tied to a new category; the town will record the gross revenue and an offsetting 50% expense to the vendor that remits part of that fee. Council added a $20,000 professional development/travel and training line for staff, and members discussed capital improvement fund balances and a $40,000 placeholder interest entry in the CIP. For the Manor, council discussed quotes for HVAC replacement (separate agenda item) and a rental income projection of $24,000 was inserted into the general fund revenue estimate. Councilmember McKendrick proposed several friendly amendments including increasing the council rental expense appropriation to $24,000 and adjusting Manor improvement amounts.

Events and hospitality tax: Council debated whether to reinstate funding for recurring town events (movies in the park, Fourth of July, Juneteenth, etc.). After public safety concerns and requests for security cost detail, council amended the hospitality/tourism-related events allocation to 0 for now and directed staff to hold those dollars in the tourism line item (to be reconsidered once security plans and cost estimates are provided). Several council members said they preferred funds be held as a contingency or restricted until detailed security costs and fencing/camera proposals were ready.

Vote and next steps: On the motion as amended (including the hospitality/events change and other line‑item adjustments), the ordinance passed first reading on a 4–1 roll call (Councilwoman Page, Councilman Brock, Councilwoman Fritz, Councilman McKendrick voted yes; Mayor Griffin voted no). The council scheduled additional follow‑up work and directed staff to circulate revised budget materials before the May 29 special meeting and ahead of second reading.

Ending: Council directed staff to prepare the technical amendments reflecting the evening\u000027s changes and to circulate the revised packet to the public and council members before the May 29 session; second reading will include any further corrections.","Council adopted first reading of the FY2025–26 budget ordinance with amendments after contentious debate over town events, capital transfers and several line‑item changes; vote passed 4–1.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6543495,"Council defers $80K–$120K manor HVAC decision to gather clearer, comparable quotes",1249,3523000,4772000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3527809-161cbafb62493223f40aecb84f08965a&start=3523&end=4772","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3527809-161cbafb62493223f40aecb84f08965a/thumbnail_3523000.jpg","/articles/6543495/South-Carolina/Council-defers-80K120K-manor-HVAC-decision-to-gather-clearer-comparable-quotes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6543495-b3df54049cf18dbe5e47ef778f728661/orig.mp4?Expires=1771052891&Signature=Wn6TFte70Yv2r43WwiAVNMboiVRclfjitqrn6YL4D665pxxEv8H2-tEYAQmbB6ggBnGIqKDGtTvkxvxLVIcyKG4jpbr3zAvMzdsyh8IPFOT2ahUyhlGUcIIeGQP-HoGS-fU6s0QDwCYPAN8ZGSf9A8DXcoQ4MrVqACIq6HjWMLw5c3diAMe2IpKrhimnAXo-QOWBlR5t4eemzhz4u~LInBbAkI4MzT2HmiO~A8xDsI3dvtXybWmdP6qzP-ednfe4rp1o9lWDE2Cxi-xEkihpy21fN3kaQ4HjVNl-B2DYm-Ql85q2pQ~5pMynKQpLULSFMO-zqzB0fXj2AI2CKvUjBA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Blythewood Town Council deferred action on proposals to replace the Dokko Manor HVAC system after councilmembers said they lacked comparable, complete quotes and warranty/maintenance details. Staff had presented three vendor packages with differing scopes and pricing.

What council heard: Staff and vendors described competing proposals. One vendor cited an $87,285 quote to replace eight units; another vendor, CoolCare, offered three tiered packages (\"good,\" \"better,\" \"best\") with a \"best\" package for six units at $99,412 and additional separate pricing for the remaining two units (about $23,000), which would bring an all‑eight replacement to roughly $122,000. A vendor representative said the town is on a maintenance plan with his company and that the monthly maintenance contract is $250 per month. Council members pressed for an apples‑to‑apples comparison of equipment, warranties, and service agreements.

Staff recommendation and council response: Staff recommended replacing all units at once so the building units would be on a common lifecycle; councilmembers said they supported replacing failed units immediately but wanted competitive bids and clearer line‑item comparisons (unit counts, which spaces require a mini‑split, service contract terms, and any financing/leasing proposals) before approving a large capital expenditure. Council requested vendors include a quote for a mini‑split to serve the grooms room, which some vendors recommended as a supplement.

Action taken: Councilwoman Page moved to defer the HVAC item to the council's special meeting; the motion was seconded and passed. Council asked staff to return to the May 29 special meeting with clarified quotes, a comparison table (equipment vs. equipment), and recommended procurement approach.

Ending: The council did not award a contract. Council members emphasized they wanted the installer to also provide the ongoing maintenance agreement if selected, to avoid future warranty/maintenance disputes.
","Blythewood council postponed a decision on replacing HVAC units at Dokko Manor and asked staff to obtain apples‑to‑apples quotes and vendor maintenance details before the special meeting.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6543499,"Blythewood council schedules special meeting after residents press for park security; several park items postponed",0,1296000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3527809-161cbafb62493223f40aecb84f08965a&start=1296&end=1296","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3527809-161cbafb62493223f40aecb84f08965a/thumbnail_1296000.jpg","/articles/6543499/South-Carolina/Blythewood-council-schedules-special-meeting-after-residents-press-for-park-security-several-park-items-postponed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6543499-389a7fb90f661c20e8d185b329b1b468/orig.mp4?Expires=1771052891&Signature=b0WrCWe5~ANb8svfpRIFau1Ap4epS3k0fafXP04ZMd1-zPsp9BErDJKobum1tD-jnC2414uQNO5o6~OVaPV0akM004r2kQ~gNumFUgscMe2afBWOMITxYnSrg1zA-QOB0NX9nEgRAmZ7MMlsJ0E2o5GWPRzl1ff4~wknvx1BHoYea9h4Bf0D8cwW0dgW~7GqqoEoMtMY5TI764~wzbQC-WXzqyVkQV4eqppYxcjTTPTb-dDe3RDJom9a6Nyf5vLpTLCvTWtFrd0rIjOZ9QzQ4E7U6aeJQa2TPdxYi23ZJbCmSXgM7qYnbznZx2xJobWsVv7yx7nbtbhsTTxuOXAiJQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Town of Blythewood Town Council voted to postpone several park-security items and schedule a special meeting to give staff time to gather additional vendor quotes and to give the public another opportunity for input. The council took the action after public demand to address security at Dokko Meadows Park and related sites.

Councilwoman Page moved to postpone Section 4 park‑security items A–E and to defer two first‑reading items in Section 5; the motion was amended and then adopted. Mayor Pro Tem Brock and other members said the public wanted prompt attention but asked for more complete estimates and time to review vendor materials. Councilman McKendrick urged staff to assemble multiple competitive bids before the special meeting.

The council agreed to meet again on Thursday, May 29 at 6 p.m. at Dokko Manor to discuss the postponed items. Staff and vendors were asked to provide the camera, fencing and security quotes in advance so councilmembers and members of the public could review them before the special meeting.

Why it matters: Residents have raised repeated concerns about safety at town parks after recent large events and an incident earlier this year. Councilmembers said they want a public conversation based on competitive estimates and clear proposals rather than a rushed vote.

Details and next steps: During the discussion vendors and town staff described the scope of the camera proposals (additional trail cameras, upgraded network video recorders and tag readers) and fencing estimates that had been circulated to council that day. Council requested a full packet — including vendor scope-of-work documents, annual service costs and maintenance plans — before Thursday’s special meeting.

No final purchasing decisions were made; the council only postponed the listed items to the special‑called meeting so the public and council could see complete, comparable bid packages and ask follow‑up questions.

Ending: The special meeting is set for May 29 at 6 p.m. at Dokko Manor. Staff said they would circulate the vendor quotes and supporting materials to council and post them to the town website ahead of the meeting.","After sustained public demand, Blythewood Town Council postponed park-security agenda items and set a special meeting to continue discussion and public comment on park cameras, fencing and related items.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves referendum on changing Blythewood—27s form of government; ordinance sets effective date after November 2025 swearing‑in

SCDOT updates Blythewood council on Scout Motors interchange, railroad bridge and US‑21 realignment

Blythewood council approves FY2025–26 budget on first reading after amendments; hospitality event funding reduced

Council defers $80K–$120K manor HVAC decision to gather clearer, comparable quotes

Blythewood council schedules special meeting after residents press for park security; several park items postponed