Mayor Meyers called the meeting to order.  Lark opened with prayer.  All stood for the pledge to the flag.  Members present:  Mayor Meyers, Beverly Crawford, Clerk/Treasurer, Council Members:  Davis, Gilmer, Haynes, Taylor and Lark.  Mayor Meyers asked that everyone remember Dot Evans and her family for the loss of three very close family members.

Taylor made a motion to dispense the December 14, 2009 minutes as written. Davis seconded the motion.  All voted in favor, and the minutes were accepted as written.

Mayor Meyers stated that Council would be voting on the first reading of the Zoning Ordinance.  The Public Hearing was held prior to the Council Meeting.  He expressed that the map isn't in the Zoning Book at this time, but should be in by the February meeting.  Taylor made a motion that the first reading of the Zoning Ordinance be passed.  Davis seconded the motion.  All voted in favor of the motion and the motion was passed.

The Mayor addressed Council with the second reading of the Ordinances concerning the electronic voting machines, and moving the 2010 election to 2011 to accommodate these Ordinances.  Gilmer questioned whether the Town could use paper ballots this year and go forward with the electronic machines in 2011.  The Mayor had talked with Katy Smith at Anderson County Voting and Registration, and she stated that in order for the Town to use the electronic machines, the Ordinances would have to be passed and the Town would have to move their election to 2011.  Haynes suggested that this request should be put on a referendum, and to offer the citizens a chance to vote on whether or not to move the election to 2011.  The Mayor, Davis, Gilmer and Lark made a motion to accept the second reading of the Voting Ordinances.  Haynes voted against the motion, and Taylor abstained.  The motion was passed.

Mrs. Toni McKinley with McKinley, Cooper & Co., LLP, went over the Town of Honea Path's audited financial statement report for the fiscal year ending May 31, 2009.  She explained in detail the makeup of the financial statements, and the methods used to derive the results.  She expressed to Mayor and Council that overall a good opinion was given of the Town's audit, and the Town has been very conservative with a good reserve fund.  The Mayor asked if anyone had any questions about the audit report.  No questions or comments were given.  Davis made a motion to accept the audit report.  Lark seconded the motion.  All voted in favor, and the Fiscal year ending May 31, 2009 audit report was accepted.

The Mayor stated that the Muncipal Association meeting will be held here at the Watkins Community Center in the Multi-purpose room January 14, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.  He encouraged all Council Members and Department Heads to attend.  Mr. Taylor Jones will be speaking on emergency preparedness, and it would be very beneficial to everyone to be present if possible.

Mayor Meyers addressed Council that the Honea Path First Baptist Church donated $1,000.00 for smoke detectors. The Fire Department and Town Hall will have them available for citizens to receive by donation if possible.  Chief Jimmy Smith stated that should there be any citizens who wish to have them installed, members of the department will be glad to do it for them.  Chief Smith also added that according to state law, it is mandatory that rental property have smoke alarms installed. 

Mrs. Lydia Angell addressed Mayor and Council with several concerns.  She questioned whether the merchants were still receiving funds for the horseshoe courts.  The Mayor stated the town should be receiving reports from the County concerning this issue.  She asked if there are administration fees for grants, and the Mayor said administrative fees are only for Housing Grants. She also questioned when there would be more progress on the tearing down of the Chiquola Mill.  The Mayor stated that L. C. Jones Company has back payments that are still due, and the company will have to come before Council and work out an agreement with the Town.  He stated L. C. Jones Co. has not kept their part of the agreement and may possibly be penalized.

Taylor made a motion to allow Ms. Ann McGaha and Robin Smith to speak to Mayor and Council concerning various issues.  Ms. McGaha reported on a building in town that she considers a fire hazard.  Chief Smith said that they were under correct fire codes.  She expressed that the Fire Department needs to have warning lights to let citizens know when the fire trucks are going out on calls to keep vehicles safe when trucks are exiting the Fire Department.  The Mayor stated that he would have to contact the State Highway Department for this request. 

Robin Smith spoke to the Mayor and Council regarding the leash law, and that it needs to be enforced as she had almost been attacked by a dog that wasn't on a leash as she walked her dog.

Taylor expressed that he would like to see more playground equipment at Bridwell Park.

Fire Chief Jimmy Smith presented to Mayor and Council the 2009 Annual Fire Report  (see attached report).  The Mayor expressed that County Fire Chiefs hold monthly meetings and they were positive.  Gilmer stated that the some of the volunteer fireman spent up to eight hours at the Chiquola Mill when a called to that address for a fire.  She expressed that these volunteers work very hard, and that Mayor and Council may need to find a way to pay them.  Davis stated that he was very thankful for the leadership the Town has with Fire and Rescue.

Taylor made a motion to go into executive session.  Lark seconded the motion.  All voted in favor of the motion, and the motion passed.

Lark made a motion to come out of executive session.  Davis seconded the motion.  All voted in favor, and the motion passed.

Haynes made a motion to move forward to negotiate for the 2004 and 2007 ambulances the Westview-Fairforest Fire Department in Spartanburg County have for sale.  Mayor Meyers stated that he had talked with Fire Chief Scott Garrett, and there is a possibility that the 2004 model be given to us with the purchase of the 2007 model.  Lark seconded the motion to go forward with negotiations.  All voted in favor of the motion, and the motion passed.

Davis made a motion to appoint Mrs. Fredda Gilmer as Chairman of the Fire Committee.  Lark seconded the motion.  All voted in favor of the motion, and the motion passed.

Davis made a motion to adjourn.  Gilmer seconded the motion.  All voted in favor, and the meeting was adjourned.

Earl L. Meyers, Mayor

Beverly K. Crawford, Clerk/Treasurer