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Council appoints three members to Planning Commission following resignations and redistricting
Summary
The council approved appointments to fill several Planning Commission seats: Laurel Gillespie (District 1 request), Johnny Veil Lemmon (District 8 request; former councilwoman), and Rachel Taylor (mayor’s at‑large appointment). Council discussed residency requirements and the ordinance language governing appointments.
Batesburg‑Leesville Town Council on Feb. 10 approved appointments to the Planning Commission to fill vacancies created by resignations and redistricting. The council voted to nominate Laurel Gillespie (per District 1), Johnny Veil Lemmon (per District 8) and Rachel Taylor (mayor’s at‑large appointment).
Council members discussed whether the town’s ordinance requires appointees to reside in the district making the nomination. The attorney and staff advised that the ordinance does not strictly require district residency and instead requires residency within the town limits; several councilmembers asked for clarity and suggested ordinance language could be revised to make district residency requirements explicit if the council wished.
Outcome: Appointments were approved by roll call vote. One councilmember raised the option to rescind a nomination if necessary; staff confirmed nominations can be withdrawn before appointment if the nominating councilmember requests it.
Administrative note: Staff will process appointment paperwork and place new members on the Planning Commission roster. Council asked staff to verify residency as part of processing.
