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Loris council approves first-reading sale of old high school parcel, OKs $35,000 for downtown decorations and $13,500 tree-trimming contract
Summary
At a special meeting March 19, the Loris City Council voted unanimously on first reading to sell about 5.75 acres of the former Loris High School to Horry County for $315,000, appropriated $35,000 in hospitality-tax funds for downtown seasonal decorations, and accepted a $13,500 bid for downtown tree trimming.
The Loris City Council on March 19 voted unanimously on multiple items, including a first-reading ordinance to sell a 5.75-acre portion of the old Loris High School campus to Horry County, an appropriation of $35,000 from hospitality-tax funds for downtown seasonal decorations, and acceptance of a $13,500 bid for downtown tree trimming.
Clerk Melinda T. Price read Ordinance 01-26 by title, which authorizes the interim administrator to sign a contract conveying roughly 5.75 acres (property identification number 186-00-00-0024, portion) with road frontage on McQueen Street and Bryant Street to Horry County for a purchase price of $315,000. Attorney John C. Zilinsky gave council a brief description of the parcel and the process for completing the sale. Councilman Lewis C. Hardee Jr. moved to accept Ordinance 01-26 on first reading; Councilwoman Joan S. Gause seconded. Mayor Michael E. Suggs and all members voted in favor.
Interim Administrator Angel R. Neighbours recommended spending $35,000 from the city's hospitality-tax account to buy new holiday and seasonal decorations intended to brighten downtown. Neighbours said the city's outside auditor confirmed the purchase could be paid from hospitality funds. Councilman Hardee moved to appropriate the funds; Councilwoman Kelli D. Gerald seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Neighbours also presented bids for downtown tree care and recommended accepting the proposal from Mr. D's Tree & Landscaping LLC, priced at $13,500. The council was told the company's owner is a certified arborist who would trim and shape trees, remove old Christmas lights still hanging in some trees, and haul away debris. Neighbours said she would re-check with the auditor on whether hospitality funds could cover part of the expense and that the city has sufficient funds if they cannot. Councilman Carroll D. Padgett Jr. moved to accept the bid; Councilwoman Andrea L. Coleman seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
No members of the public signed up to speak at the meeting; reporter Annie Rigby of The Loris Times attended and had no questions. The council entered executive session at 6:22 p.m. to discuss one personnel matter and one contractual matter; it returned to open session at 6:54 p.m. and Mayor Suggs said no action was taken in executive session. The meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
What happens next: Ordinance 01-26 was approved on first reading; further readings or final action required by the council are not specified in the meeting minutes.
