Lexington council approves multiple annexations, parks rules and updated traffic plan; appoints backup municipal judge

LEXINGTON, S.C. — The Lexington Town Council on Monday night approved several land‑use actions, adopted updates to local policy on parks and transportation, and authorized a supportive municipal judge agreement that will assign a part‑time backup municipal judge to the town.

At the top of the agenda the council ratified an executive‑session report addressing routine personnel matters, pending West Columbia water litigation, and several contract discussions, then approved minutes from Dec. 1 and Dec. 15, 2025. All votes recorded during the meeting were unanimous.

Among the land‑use actions the council gave final reading approval to an annexation of about 14.24 acres on Reed Avenue (petitioned by Charles F. Thompson Jr. and Mary Ellen Thompson) and to a more consequential annexation of 191.08 acres on Bar Road owned by Benjamin W. Satcher/Satcher Properties LLC, where a 299‑unit subdivision is planned. Council Member Jenny Michaels moved the Bar Road annexation on final reading; the motion passed unanimously.

During the public hearing before those votes, Aaron Smith of 235 Peach Hill Drive — who said he lives in the affected school district — urged the council to consult Lexington School District One before proceeding. "This subdivision as it's written now is to incorporate 300 new homes on Bar Road with one entrance," Smith said, and he warned the development could add what he estimated to be roughly 150 students and require about 10 additional teachers, noting the school currently has about 900 students and 24 portable classrooms.

The council treated those concerns as part of the record but proceeded with the annexation approvals after the planning commission's recommendations for protected residential zoning.

Council also adopted a parks rules ordinance intended to address summer safety concerns; the ordinance applies to the town's parks except for the old mill trail and the dog park, which are governed separately. Mayor Pro Tim Ron Williams presented the ordinance and moved for final reading approval; the council approved it unanimously.

The council unanimously adopted the second edition of the town's Local Transportation Improvement Plan (LTIP), an update that includes a proposed local travel‑demand model and an updated methodology for prioritizing traffic improvement projects influenced by development both inside and outside town limits. Staff member Randy Edwards answered council questions during discussion. Council members said the LTIP gives the town a basis to require developers to fund and build traffic improvements; one speaker noted the current development tied to recent approvals will provide about $1 million in road improvements, sidewalks and impact fees.

On judicial administration, the council authorized the town administrator to sign a supportive municipal judge agreement to appoint the Hon. Larry Saunders as Lexington's part‑time backup municipal judge. The agreement, as presented, follows the order of the Chief Justice dated Oct. 26, 2017, and involves coordination with Lexington County and Chief Magistrate Matthew Johnson; once fully executed, Judge Saunders will begin service to the town.

The meeting included community updates and recognitions: organizers invited the council to serve as grand marshals for the 11th Annual Shamrock Parade (March 8) and River Bluff High School principal Jacob Smith presented an award to School Resource Officer Donnie Hair. Chief Green introduced the department's new K9, CERT, and noted national certification and pursuit of state certification for the handler and dog team.

The council welcomed new utilities employees hired in December and adjourned after routine closing items. No votes were recorded against any motion.