[{"_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",6550582,"mediaKeyId","5386456-8048865b633db05e2ca958231a4ff40d","parentId",5386456,"title","Proposed acceptable‑use policy for elected officials draws First Amendment and privacy concerns; legal review requested","audioSeconds",2621,"startMs",944405,"endMs",3565990,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5386456-8048865b633db05e2ca958231a4ff40d&start=944&end=3565","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5386456-8048865b633db05e2ca958231a4ff40d/thumbnail_944405.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6550582/South-Carolina/Proposed-acceptableuse-policy-for-elected-officials-draws-First-Amendment-and-privacy-concerns-legal-review-requested","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6550582-5a29e64d95d6ff5e4889d6d0aad7820b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771160570&Signature=VqNEeYH4s-Cmx5XZJ6TyknpiQAeMSlU0aBWEZvwi40Voes2E4cTsOHAmnMa3hLLlROXo5Fn984AFOFC5f~K~FVZHysNPKLrr4MHiyxrPmU7j0Pe-9oKRMULiTR9ezLAoCU6PYE2fhcU260B3hSHb5OsS~3P9CxddHiPfd1N2eLnAW63ONFeXxlREi5D0wV-rs0ZxtMshj1Q0YJ1lIF0NcqROI4LfmpMCtYTBgMLquZIdIUxKnUoMYa7aVKuHcKuWrNy8J8w8-uWoKS-RalGOUGLFwe2JaPS7CblyGLsVwA7J21Oo6HG8K3JW05lW-T8NBarN6pM~O1hOnL2u7x1wKA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Easley","date","2025-07-14T20:05:06Z","article","Councilmembers engaged in an extended discussion July 14 over a proposed acceptable‑use policy for elected officials (listed in the meeting materials as Resolution 20 25 12). The draft policy would govern elected officials’ use of city information systems and file directories and includes provisions addressing record retention, use of city trademarks, posting photographs, linking to city websites and statements about the city on social media.

Jordan, who worked with the city attorney on the drafts, said the policies were developed over the past year and are similar to templates used by other municipalities and recommended by federal and state guidance. Jordan said the policies are intended to protect the city, elected officials and the public, and to ensure FOIA compliance and protection of confidential information.

Multiple councilmembers expressed substantive objections. One councilmember argued the draft went beyond regulating official use of city property and into compelled speech by restricting how elected officials reference the City of Easley in private correspondence and on personal social media accounts. The same councilmember said constituents had expressed fear of retaliation and raised citizen privacy concerns, asking how FOIA and redaction protections would work for constituent communications. City staff responded that FOIA has exemptions for certain personal contact information and that emails on official city accounts are subject to retention rules.

Other points discussed included the policy’s prohibition on elected officials posting photographs of other elected officials, employees or citizens without written consent; restrictions on using city trademarks or linking from personal blogs to city websites; and ambiguous enforcement language about content “detrimental to the mission and function of city government.” Jordan and staff said the policy is intended as guardrails rather than a First Amendment prohibition, but several councilmembers said the language was overly broad and could chill legitimate communication with constituents.

City attorney offered to provide legal advice but asked that such advice be delivered in executive session rather than open council discussion. Several council members requested more time to study the draft. Council voted to add an executive session to the agenda to receive legal advice regarding Resolution 20 25 12 and term limits (vote was seconded and approved by voice vote; no roll-call recorded in the transcript excerpt).

Operational details and concerns raised

- Scope: The draft applies to elected officials’ use of city information systems and directories and contains provisions on record retention, social media references to the city, trademarks, linking, photography and prohibited content.
- FOIA and privacy: Staff said FOIA retention requirements apply to official emails and that FOIA includes exemptions permitting redaction of some contact information; councilmembers questioned whether the draft policy’s sweep would permit staff review of private constituent communications absent FOIA requests.
- Enforcement and complaints: The draft includes language about avoiding communications “detrimental to the mission and function of the city government”; councilmembers asked who would decide whether a communication is detrimental and how complaints would be handled.
- Compelled speech concerns: Councilmembers raised constitutional concerns about requiring elected officials to use particular disclaimers or refrain from referencing the city on personal platforms.

Next steps

Council approved a motion by voice to add an executive session to receive legal advice about the acceptable‑use policy (Resolution 20 25 12) and related legal questions; the city attorney offered to present his legal opinion in executive session. Several councilmembers also requested additional time to review and suggested specific edits be provided to staff for revision.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Work Session 7/14/25","oneSentenceSummary","Councilmembers engaged in an extended discussion July 14 over a proposed acceptable‑use policy for elected officials (Resolution 20 25 12) that would regulate use of city information systems, social media references to the city and document retention.","taxTitle","Easly City, Pickens, South Carolina","taxId",57021,"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},6550586,"Council reviews business continuity and disaster recovery policies; IT director outlines roles and backup plan",240,649495,889649,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5386456-8048865b633db05e2ca958231a4ff40d&start=649&end=889","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5386456-8048865b633db05e2ca958231a4ff40d/thumbnail_649495.jpg","/articles/6550586/South-Carolina/Council-reviews-business-continuity-and-disaster-recovery-policies-IT-director-outlines-roles-and-backup-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6550586-4467692375efd62eab7446f464a75431/orig.mp4?Expires=1771160570&Signature=VfwisXFoUFvRfj9hMHLpwTwcH2q1sCiFoWw~fP2HW-3J~RcaSQjEwWU6aq9iCbmj5g4RXa1mveDSYsy7hnP2JAV~uNbBlpX3boy9uMuU-wp829qk-EqzQiAk~sNr4MVQDGuS0TbxyXTVYfy9MLhqeAFjDt2ftb-ydqKXe-zSUvQXeZszwEX3Ir2HOfaO~A-ealpNw0Th3ypme7J4js0NeM0qacdTAw9jPCQ8B1XP63KUZROjUTE31oCsXJ-I3tWiQgmOdy-WQsI~2sajeOSomi~nhYKN2KCcEFzCrQsAhk6n35MaJtBVLHBVJdcFTUCqOPznlKBVNyXUOGkooYLs6A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City of Easley staff presented three draft policies July 14 covering business continuity, disaster recovery and related IT roles, saying the documents are largely standardized templates recommended by external reviewers.

Jordan, the city’s IT director, told council he authored the documents and would serve as plan owner, business continuity coordinator and organizational leadership designee until any large-scale disaster required delegation. Jordan said naming a single point of contact reflected that the policies primarily relate to technology operations; he added the city maintains a managed service partner, Cyber Solutions, with technical staff available 24/7 to support operations.

Council members asked why the IT director held all three roles and whether the city administrator or mayor should be included for broader organizational leadership. Jordan said he would delegate responsibilities in a major disaster and that the city administrator would serve as his backup if Jordan was unavailable. Councilmember Rainey asked whether read-only access restrictions would prevent essential functions during an emergency; Jordan said elevated access increases security risk and that the MSP would be contacted for technical tasks requiring broader access.

Council also asked whether the 911 system and certain services are outside city control; staff clarified that 911 services are handled by the county.

No formal votes on the three policies were recorded in the transcript excerpt; staff said the policies have been in development since Jordan was hired and were recommended by agencies including the state law enforcement division and federal templates.

Operational details and concerns raised

- Plan roles: Jordan explained the plan owner maintains and updates the plan; the continuity coordinator implements the plan; organizational leadership would be assigned to Jordan with delegation authority for larger incidents.
- Backup arrangements: Jordan said the city uses an MSP (Cyber Solutions) with multiple technicians available 24/7 to support the city’s IT operations.
- Access and security: Jordan explained that granting more than read-only access to a single individual creates security risks; role-based access and delegation were discussed.
- Records and FOIA: Council asked how records (emails, voicemails) are handled; staff reiterated requirements to retain certain records under FOIA for a minimum period (five years) when applicable.

Next steps

Staff recommended council ask questions and, if desired, vote on each policy individually at a future meeting. Council discussion signaled the need for clarification of role assignments and for documenting delegation paths and backups.","Council reviewed three draft policies about business continuity, disaster recovery and IT roles. IT Director said policies are standard templates and explained that he is listed as plan owner/coordinator with delegation to a managed service partner if needed.",{"_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},6550591,"City of Easley discusses four-year audit services contract; questions about renewals and firm experience",259,21525,280544,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5386456-8048865b633db05e2ca958231a4ff40d&start=21&end=280","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5386456-8048865b633db05e2ca958231a4ff40d/thumbnail_21525.jpg","/articles/6550591/South-Carolina/City-of-Easley-discusses-four-year-audit-services-contract-questions-about-renewals-and-firm-experience","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6550591-617a7770c7614574b192c06fe7ae8bb8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771160570&Signature=ODQGIlulADPS2QEv2i9OvQztsFM2zolAb3l8oen82nwU1Za5Eycbea~gAC2yWJ2zTmoaw2E~~S3x-3aoDuoDmPogLNqFZ3~saezycA78LyEeA30JU9kOicJDm7agY17jD7xfv3BbjyrBuXX4DjfiaEhViNd8V~Q-ZTkEwRgauDRn2zBfvavYBxOOYP97M8WCSBJpSHds5Ky7Mg-3MKixB7FZBo~FCheu44pbXiiIu~ka-lmw4eGfSXKfEKSdYDGWc43rUqDIZJxoBxsD8rYEZ6GU7FmrJBtcG5ZpXZ61ciMKYXsj~moxATau2~l4SHC8y6oBFq9b98aFf~lDU0DiEw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City of Easley staff presented a recommendation July 14 to award audit services to Malden & Jenkins LLC for an initial one-year term with up to three one-year renewals, following a request for proposals that produced two submissions.

City finance staff said Malden & Jenkins narrowly outscored Greenfinney & Cawley in the evaluation, noting both firms would be reputable choices. The presenter said Greenfinney already knows the city’s financial systems, which could make Year 1 smoother, while Malden & Jenkins would likely bring a “fresh pair of eyes” and a slightly larger regional practice.

Councilmember Ralph and other council members asked whether signing a multi-year contract would lock in fees and how automatic renewals would be handled. City staff said both firms proposed fee schedules that could be locked in over multiple years but that proposals included annual price escalations. The presenter said the resolution on the agenda described an initial term of one year with up to three renewals; staff advised council that the contract language should explicitly state renewal and termination mechanics if the council wanted annual opportunities to decline renewal.

City legal counsel said his interpretation of the intended structure was a one-year term renewable for up to three additional one-year periods and recommended clarifying that renewal or termination rights be written into the agreement. Counsel and staff both emphasized the city’s right to terminate the contract without penalty should performance issues arise.

No formal council vote on the resolution was recorded in the meeting transcript segment provided. The matter remained before council with staff recommending that contract language be clarified to reflect the council’s intent on renewals and termination rights.

Fiscal and operational details discussed

- Firms responding: Malden & Jenkins LLC and Greenfinney & Cawley (names as presented in the staff report).
- Evaluation method: proposals were scored on a 100-point scale by staff reviewers (presenter, Tom, and Emily).
- First-year workload: staff cautioned Malden & Jenkins’ first year would likely require more questions and staff time as the firm familiarized itself with Easley’s financial records.
- Geographic footprint: staff described Malden & Jenkins as a larger firm serving multiple Southeastern jurisdictions; Greenfinney was described as a smaller regional firm familiar with Easley.

Next steps

Staff recommended the contract language be finalized to reflect whether renewals require council action each year and to preserve the city’s right to terminate without penalty. A formal vote or contract signature was not captured in the transcript excerpt.","City staff recommended awarding audit services to Malden & Jenkins LLC after reviewing two proposals; council members asked about contract renewability, first-year workloads and firm familiarity with Easley finances.",{"_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},6550574,"Council reviews draft Unified Development Ordinance from planning commission; requests targeted follow-ups",210,2754234,2964460,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5386456-8048865b633db05e2ca958231a4ff40d&start=2754&end=2964","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5386456-8048865b633db05e2ca958231a4ff40d/thumbnail_2754234.jpg","/articles/6550574/South-Carolina/Council-reviews-draft-Unified-Development-Ordinance-from-planning-commission-requests-targeted-follow-ups","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6550574-c9735ba2d7a05dfeaafdf724084d0564/orig.mp4?Expires=1771160570&Signature=FUu1JEukgzfLawD3EVRPmG0NhsGTD6eKRtZTXmPXbalwEDp2VpJwCYbcnkwkQ9cmKKh18o~cAjfxy5Xuj~RHtNxeoQRk~jD9bHGrejpvNyQZw-ofYv8RABtqcQLp67ZjyrOOiL0nnqP2-lj9toVkkmQQUbKriNUhnBP15XNKeivDNlc-Wh9glBz7Ib5HktUDLrZMIImG-ipo2O2y0a4BfA5jeM7CrgsTGzBbnkmQnEVkUpHU1k~6Jru~Hgfm0DRjaYO3pzYzWjJ9IH62ksl6OORsWDwnz68hWPgaTdJa4FzyamAMmubFrJ3ZPGn9lw~G458Hm1zOBhndWUFb8WtBEg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City of Easley councilmembers reviewed a draft Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) recommended by the planning commission July 14. Council members and planning staff discussed outstanding items that remain to be completed or clarified before the UDO would be final.

Planning commission representative (Feder) said the draft captures the vast majority of the commission’s work but noted a few items still required completion, including the zoning map and specific bed‑and‑breakfast language. Planning staff (Mario and Rico) said those items could be added quickly and that the commission’s intention was advisory; the council will have final approval authority.

Councilmembers raised several substantive questions: which sections remain incomplete; whether the Architectural Review Board (ARB) should be included or delayed until members can be appointed; how accessory dwelling units (ADUs) would be handled; who will serve as zoning administrator; and whether the UDO should mandate specific retail requirements (council discussed a provision that would require convenience stores to stock a minimum square footage of fresh produce and expressed concern about municipal regulation of private stock choices).

Staff advised that the draft is not the final ordinance and that the council should submit targeted questions and requested edits to staff and planning so they can produce a focused workshop. Several council members favored a short, multi‑hour special workshop rather than an all‑day, line‑by‑line read in general session.

Next steps

Planning staff said they would update the draft to include outstanding items (for example, bed‑and‑breakfast provisions) and make it available for council questions, with the possibility of a special workshop in August for concentrated review. The city attorney said he would respond to specific legal questions submitted by council rather than reading the entire document himself.","Council received the planning commission's draft UDO, discussed outstanding items (zoning map, bed-and-breakfast provisions, accessory dwelling units, architectural review board) and agreed to schedule follow-up review and a possible special workshop.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":46,"_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},6550578,"Councilwoman Davidson brings term‑limits discussion to work session; council requests legal review",1210,2355548,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5386456-8048865b633db05e2ca958231a4ff40d&start=2355&end=3565","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5386456-8048865b633db05e2ca958231a4ff40d/thumbnail_2355548.jpg","/articles/6550578/South-Carolina/Councilwoman-Davidson-brings-termlimits-discussion-to-work-session-council-requests-legal-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6550578-cf98289e0c8ad33694bcddf9412ebfdb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771160570&Signature=ooBnC9YpsGwePSZGHa66FHfBOpCyQ1oak8CoQ1MEQZupWqYnKmJQvqQ5~fUCSZvKlEQpMXa2wGsYENwZQogzUawG~mNNYLSrIkAvp5VB-W3BMm40X4bNedScnM4KxmJjfcw9DQT-pqT9EjDiP0fQxVYPUX~IhGeJJAJXKoi5wSbKYLAfHJSvDlKXFBHOefo4U2wym-zcjIyLvankS3dbtMLF~X6K-gkGkCNeAaGeE4exk6haF~BEqsr8GMgggtos1bQ1ngt3FeKs2K7LDssuvk7Qh-tkx8SJGl1x20MKn~sun7Zk-ebgAZIzt57iZ-h~HYelmFPZhc2qgjF6hYp8pg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Councilwoman Davidson opened a policy discussion July 14 on whether the City of Easley should consider term limits for elected offices. She reviewed historical arguments pro and con, including references to the principle that regular turnover is part of representative government and to past state attorney general opinions on local term limits.

Davidson said she had shared legal research and wanted to put the topic on the table for initial discussion. Other council members offered differing views: some said long service can be an asset if voters continue to reelect experienced officials, while others said a cap (for example, a 12-year limit) might encourage fresh perspectives.

Several members asked what legal steps would be required to enact municipal term limits in South Carolina and whether any attorney‑general opinions or court rulings preclude local action. The city attorney said he preferred to provide legal advice in executive session and offered to analyze the issue and return with a recommendation. Several council members agreed to take up the matter in executive session along with the acceptable‑use policy.

No ordinance or formal motion to prepare an ordinance was adopted during the discussion; council directed staff and legal counsel to research legal authority and provide advice on whether and how term limits could be enacted locally.","Councilwoman Davidson introduced a discussion about term limits for local elected officials; members debated pros and cons and asked the city attorney to advise in executive session on legal feasibility and next steps.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Proposed acceptable‑use policy for elected officials draws First Amendment and privacy concerns; legal review requested

Council reviews business continuity and disaster recovery policies; IT director outlines roles and backup plan

City of Easley discusses four-year audit services contract; questions about renewals and firm experience

Council reviews draft Unified Development Ordinance from planning commission; requests targeted follow-ups

Councilwoman Davidson brings term‑limits discussion to work session; council requests legal review