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Demorest City Council denies one-way proposal for Demorest Lake Road, accepts donated bell and approves City Hall parking design
Summary
At a Nov. 6 special called meeting, the Demorest City Council denied Piedmont University’s renewed request to make Demorest Lake Road one-way, adopted a resolution accepting a donated Demorest Bell, and approved design work on a preferred City Hall parking option; the manager also reported staff changes and a $9,400 WWTP flow meter purchase.
The Demorest City Council met Nov. 6 at the Demorest Municipal Conference Center and took several routine and policy actions, including denying a traffic change request from Piedmont University, accepting a donated bell, and moving forward with a preferred City Hall parking design.
Mayor Jerry Harkness opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. and the council immediately approved the agenda. Councilman Shawn Allen moved and Councilman Andrew Ferguson seconded the motion to adopt the agenda; the vote was unanimous (4-0).
Council business and public comment Councilman Shawn Allen publicly addressed circulating reports that a councilmember had proposed eliminating the Demorest Police Department, reassuring residents that "these rumors were not true." Chief Chastain reported the department had "secured 3rd place in Category 1 at the Governor's Highway Safety Banquet" and announced a partnership with Demorest Elementary to "support seven kids," including an upcoming "photo event with Santa" to raise funds for the Christmas for Kids initiative.
Piedmont University had asked for permission to serve alcohol in the Municipal Conference Center for its spring formal. Mayor Harkness presented the request; Councilmen Shawn Allen and Jimmy Davis both expressed discomfort with allowing alcohol at the facility. The council did not move to approve the request during the meeting.
Votes at a glance - Approval of agenda: Motion by Councilman Andrew Ferguson; second Shawn Allen. Approved unanimously (4-0). - Approval of Oct. 7 minutes: Motion by Councilman Shawn Allen; second Andrew Ferguson. Approved unanimously (4-0). - Waive first reading of proposed amendment to Section 6-19 (Temporary Special Event License, Code of Ordinances): Motion by Councilman Shawn Allen; second Andrew Ferguson. Approved unanimously (4-0). - Deny one-way designation for Demorest Lake Road (Piedmont University request): Motion by Councilman Shawn Allen; second Donnie Bennett. Approved unanimously (4-0). Resident Lynn Percy spoke in opposition. - Adopt resolution to accept the Demorest Bell donation from Piedmont University: Motion by Councilman Donnie Bennett; second Jimmy Davis. Adopted unanimously (4-0). - Proceed with design work for City Hall parking Option 3: Motion by Councilman Donnie Bennett; second Shawn Allen. Approved 3-1 (Councilman Jimmy Davis opposed). Mrs. Chastain, Rhonda Andrews and April Ferguson raised concerns about customer parking distance during discussion.
Manager’s report and other items City Manager Mark Musselwhite reported that Jayme from Honor Code has submitted notice and will depart effective Dec. 31, 2025. Musselwhite said the Wreaths Across America ceremony is set for Dec. 13 and that tax bills are being prepared and will be due in February. He also reported that the city will purchase a WAS flow meter for the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) at a total cost of $9,400. September financials and department head reports were reviewed.
Executive session and adjournment Councilman Donnie Bennett moved and Councilman Shawn Allen seconded a motion to adjourn the regular session and reconvene in executive session to discuss personnel matters, real estate acquisition and potential litigation; the meeting entered executive session at 7:53 p.m. and reconvened at 8:21 p.m. The council later approved a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:22 p.m.
What happens next Items that carried votes are final city actions according to the minutes recorded at the meeting; the matter of allowing alcohol at the Conference Center was discussed but not acted on and remains unresolved. The manager’s personnel and procurement items (Jayme’s departure and the WWTP flow meter purchase) advance administrative processes noted in the manager’s report.
