Abbeville public meetings in 2025

City Council

The City Council will present a censure resolution to Mayor Edwards and consider six ordinances, including new code enforcement and electric system funding. The body will also review construction bids for Harry’s Plaza and a corrective action plan for Faye Thomas Park.

• Presentation of Censure Resolution to Mayor Edwards
• Ordinance No. 14-2025: Establishing Chapter 22 – Code Enforcement
• Ordinance No. 18-2025: Establishing a Capital Improvement Fund for the Abbeville Public Utilities Electric System
• Approval of construction and electric bids for Harry’s Plaza
• Discussion of a request to use Wilson Hill Park Property as a historic walking trail

The council unanimously approved six ordinances, including Ordinance No. 18-2025 establishing a Capital Improvement Fund for the Abbeville Public Utilities electric system. It also approved four city manager reports covering the 2026 holiday schedule and Harry’s Plaza construction and electric bids, as well as a park corrective action plan. No action was taken on a historic walking trail request or the Yard of the Month nomination.

• Approved Ordinance No. 14-2025 establishing Code Enforcement (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance No. 15-2025 repealing Beautification Commission sections (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance No. 16-2025 repealing Square Parking District provisions (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance No. 18-2025 creating Capital Improvement Fund for electric system (unanimous)
• Approved Report No. 51-2025 2026 Holiday Schedule (unanimous)
• Approved Report No. 52-2025 Harry’s Plaza construction bid (unanimous)
• Approved Report No. 53-2025 Harry’s Plaza electric bid (unanimous)
• No action taken on historic walking trail request for Wilson Hill Park

City Council

The City Council will consider approvals for several city projects and a zoning ordinance RFQ. The meeting includes a discussion and possible action on a Resolution of Censure and a request for a report on expenditures related to recent city investigations.

• Long Branch Sewer Rehabilitation Project- Phase 2
• Harry’s Plaza Concrete Bids
• Zoning Ordinance RFQ
• Civic Center Walking Track and Fencing approvals
• Citizen petition regarding the railroad depot building at 102 Chestnut Street

The council unanimously approved reports for a civic center walking track, the Long Branch Sewer Rehabilitation Phase 2, civic center fencing, a zoning ordinance RFQ, and right‑of‑way tractor bids. The Harry’s Plaza concrete bid was postponed to the December 10 agenda. The council also approved prior meeting minutes, a proclamation for the AHS girls volleyball team, and nominated Mayor Pro Tem Thomas as emcee for the Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

• Approved Report No. 42-2025 Civic Center Walking Track (unanimous)
• Approved Report No. 43-2025 Long Branch Sewer Rehabilitation Phase 2 (unanimous)
• Approved Report No. 45-2025 Civic Center Fencing (unanimous)
• Approved Report No. 47-2025 Zoning Ordinance RFQ (unanimous)
• Approved Report No. 48-2025 Right‑of‑Way Tractor Bids (unanimous)
• Postponed Report No. 44-2025 Harry’s Plaza Concrete Bids to Dec 10, 2025
• Approved proclamation for the AHS Girls Volleyball Team (unanimous)
• Nominated Mayor Pro Tem Thomas as emcee for the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony (unanimous)

City Council

The Abbeville City Council will hold a special hearing to consider three code of ethics complaints filed against Mayor Edwards (Weichmann, Moore, and Hall). The council will first designate Attorney Tripp Padgett as the hearing officer. After the hearings, the council will decide what actions, if any, to take based on the complaints. A public comment period will follow, but the council does not guarantee action on topics raised there.

• Designate Attorney Tripp Padgett as the hearing officer
• Hear Code of Ethics Complaint: Weichmann vs. Edwards
• Hear Code of Ethics Complaint: Moore vs. Edwards
• Hear Code of Ethics Complaint: Hall vs. Edwards
• Public comment period (no guaranteed council action)

The council designated Attorney Tripp Padgett as the hearing officer and adopted South Carolina rules of evidence for the hearing. It found Mayor Trey Edwards violated ethical standards for improper use of office resources in the first complaint and for both conflict of interest and improper use in the second complaint. The council also unanimously censured Mayor Edwards. Motions to dismiss the third complaint were rejected.

• Designated Attorney Tripp Padgett as hearing officer (unanimous)
• Adopted South Carolina rules of evidence for the hearing (unanimous)
• Found Mayor violated ethics for improper use of office resources in Complaint #1 (6-1)
• Found Mayor violated ethics for conflict of interest in Complaint #2 (6-1)
• Found Mayor violated ethics for improper use of office resources in Complaint #2 (6-1)
• Censured Mayor Trey Edwards (unanimous)
• Rejected motion to dismiss Complaint #3 as untimely (1-7 opposing)
• Rejected motion to dismiss Complaint #3 as unsigned (1-7 opposing)

City Council

The Abbeville City Council is holding a special meeting. In an executive session, council members will discuss investigative proceedings related to a Code of Ethics complaint against Mayor Pro Tem Thomas under Section 2‑256. Following that discussion, the council will decide any actions to be taken.

• Investigative proceedings on Code of Ethics complaint against Mayor Pro Tem Thomas (Section 2‑256)
• Executive session to determine actions based on discussion of the complaint

The council appointed independent counsel (Tripp Padgett, Bacot & Padgett, LLC) to advise on Code of Ethics Complaint hearings. It entered executive session, found three separate ethics complaints against the mayor sufficient, and scheduled a special called meeting on Nov. 4, 2025 at 6 p.m. for a formal hearing. The meeting was adjourned at 7:16 p.m.

• Retained independent counsel Tripp Padgett for ethics complaint hearings (unanimous)
• Entered executive session to consider ethics complaints (unanimous)
• Found Ethics Complaint #1 (Weichmann) sufficient (unanimous)
• Found Ethics Complaint #2 (Chief Moore) sufficient (unanimous)
• Found Ethics Complaint #3 (Hall) sufficient (unanimous)
• Scheduled special called meeting for Nov. 4, 2025 at 6 p.m. for formal hearing (unanimous)
• Adjourned the special council meeting at 7:16 p.m. (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will hold second readings for ordinances regarding official communication chains, historic property tax assessments, and business license updates. The body will also consider a land purchase on Branch Street and an incentive agreement for the A.C.T.S. Development Project.

• Ordinance No. 12-2025: Special tax assessment for rehabilitated historic property
• Resolution No. 14-2025: Purchase of parcel 109-14-01-001 on Branch Street
• Incentive Agreement for the A.C.T.S. Development Project
• Resolution No. 13-2025: Local match for Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant
• Approval requests for uniform supplier, Pete Smith Tennis Courts, and public utilities tractor

The Abbeville City Council approved several ordinances, a resolution, and reports without objection. A 7‑1 vote approved a proclamation for the Smith Family Reunion. The council also approved an incentive agreement for the A.C.T.S. Development Project and named a Yard of the Month.

• Approved minutes from Sep 10, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved Smith Family Reunion proclamation (7-1)
• Approved Ordinance No. 11-2025 second reading (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance No. 12-2025 second reading (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance No. 13-2025 second reading (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution No. 13-2025 for Land and Water Conservation Fund match (unanimous)
• Approved Incentive Agreement for the A.C.T.S. Development Project (unanimous)
• Approved 502 Sunset Drive as November 2025 Yard of the Month (unanimous)

City Council

City Council will consider the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget and the purchase of a parcel on Branch Street. The body will also discuss communication protocols between officials and staff, as well as several internal investigations and allegations.

• Ordinance No. 10-2025: Adoption of the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget
• Ordinance No. 9-2025: Purchase of parcel 109-14-01-001 (Branch Street)
• Ordinance No. 12-2025: Special tax assessment for rehabilitated historic property (Bailey Bill)
• Resolution No. 12-2025: Local match for a Municipal Association of South Carolina Big Idea Grant
• Approval requests for pool house demolition and downtown Christmas decorations bid

The council unanimously adopted the Fiscal Year 2025‑2026 budget, adding salary increases and new staff positions, and approved the purchase of a parcel on Branch Street. It also approved several reports, a grant‑match resolution, a road‑closure for a September 11 remembrance walk, and moved investigation items to executive session.

• Approved minutes from the Aug 13, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance No. 9‑2025 to purchase parcel 109‑14‑01‑001 on Branch Street (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance No. 10‑2025 FY 2025‑2026 budget with salary increases and new positions (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance No. 11‑2025 establishing uniform communication between officials and staff (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution No. 12‑2025 to provide local match for MASCS Big Idea Grant (unanimous)
• Approved Report No. 33‑2025 pool house demolition (unanimous)
• Approved Road Closure Request for the September 11 Remembrance Walk (unanimous)
• Moved investigation items on a public official and city employee to executive session (unanimous)

City Council

The council conducted a public hearing on the proposed municipal budget for Fiscal Year 2026. Mayor Trey Edwards opened the floor, but no members of the public offered comments. The hearing was closed at 7:00 p.m. No decisions or votes were taken.

City Council

The City Council will consider approving the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget, transferring ownership of the Pete Smith Complex from the county, and purchasing a parcel on Branch Street. The meeting also includes the swearing in of Councilman Stanley Marshall and several appointments to city boards.

• Approval of Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget
• Transfer of Pete Smith Complex ownership to the City
• Purchase of parcel 109-14-01-001 (Branch Street)
• Swearing in of Councilman Stanley Marshall
• Establishment of official communication chain between staff and officials

The Abbeville City Council approved the first reading of the FY 2025‑26 budget and several land‑related ordinances, all by unanimous vote. It tabled a communication‑protocol ordinance and rejected a proposal to fly the Clemson/Carolina flag. The council also rejected a stop‑order on contracts at 214 Ellis Avenue but approved staff to seek outside legal counsel on the zoning issue.

• Approved Ordinance No. 10-2025 first reading (FY 2025‑26 budget) – unanimous
• Approved Ordinance No. 6-2025 second reading – quitclaim deed transfer of Pete Smith Complex – unanimous
• Approved Ordinance No. 9-2025 first reading – purchase of parcel 109-14-01-001 (Branch Street) – unanimous
• Tabled Ordinance No. 11-2025 (communication protocol) – vote 7‑2
• Failed motion to fly Clemson/Carolina flag on Court Square – vote 6‑3
• Failed motion to stop all contracts with General Construction Services at 214 Ellis Avenue – vote 5‑4
• Approved motion allowing staff to engage outside legal counsel on zoning ordinance for 214 Ellis Avenue – unanimous
• Approved 2025 Art‑Oberfest event – unanimous

City Council

The City Council approved the minutes from the July 9, 2025 regular meeting without objection. The council then adjourned the budget workshop meeting, also unanimously.

• Approved July 9, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned budget workshop meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The council unanimously approved four quitclaim deed ordinances (Nos. 5, 6, 8) and the Duke Energy right‑of‑way ordinance (No. 7). A resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute closing documents for a property sale was also approved. Several appointments were reaffirmed, the Wheels of Time road closure was approved, and 608 Church Street was named Yard of the Month for August 2025.

• Approved Ordinance No. 5-2025 (Quitclaim Deed for 112 North Main Street) – unanimous
• Approved Ordinance No. 6-2025 (Quitclaim Deed for Pete Smith Complex) – unanimous
• Approved Ordinance No. 7-2025 (Duke Energy right‑of‑way for transmission/distribution) – unanimous
• Approved Ordinance No. 8-2025 (Quitclaim Deed for 118 Court Square) – unanimous
• Approved Resolution No. 10-2025 authorizing City Manager to execute closing documents – unanimous
• Re‑appointed Jonathan Myers to the Planning Commission – unanimous
• Re‑appointed Tyler Goss to the Planning Commission – unanimous
• Approved 608 Church Street as August 2025 Yard of the Month – unanimous

City Council

The council unanimously approved Ordinance No. 4‑2025 rezoning parcel #122‑00‑00‑032 from single‑family to manufactured‑home residential. It also approved several quit‑claim deeds, a utility consent for Duke Energy, and the relocation of historic markers, all with no objections.

• Approved Ordinance No. 4‑2025 rezoning parcel #122‑00‑00‑032 to manufactured home residential (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance No. 5‑2025 first reading quit‑claim deed for 112 North Main Street (unanimous)
• Tabled Ordinance No. 6‑2025 first reading pending clarification on parcel ownership (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance No. 7‑2025 first reading granting Duke Energy consent for transmission system (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance No. 8‑2025 first reading quit‑claim deed for 118 Court Square (unanimous)
• Approved Report No. 18‑2025 Vienna Street Circuit Reconduct Project Expansion (unanimous)
• Approved Report No. 19‑2025 Welcome Center HVAC Replacement (unanimous)
• Approved relocation of historical markers (unanimous)

City Council

The council unanimously approved the minutes from the May 14 meetings. It also voted to enter executive session. Finally, the council unanimously appointed Brandi Dalton and Michael Thomas as municipal judges.

• Approved May 14 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Entered executive session (unanimous)
• Appointed Brandi Dalton as municipal judge (unanimous)
• Appointed Michael Thomas as municipal judge (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:00 p.m. (unanimous)

City Council

The council gave first‑reading approval to Ordinance No. 4‑2025, rezoning parcel #122-00-00-032 from single‑family (R‑8) to manufactured‑home residential, passing 4‑1. It also unanimously approved the appointment of Mike Clary as Alternate Director for the Piedmont Municipal Power Agency, the Juneteenth event road closure, and Andy Bagwell to the Planning Commission. In executive session, the council unanimously authorized a show‑cause proceeding and temporary relief for the Calhoun Falls water‑supply issue and approved the city‑county municipal judge agreement naming Judge Brownlee.

• Approved Ordinance No. 4‑2025 rezoning parcel #122-00-00-032 (4‑1)
• Approved Resolution No. 9‑2025 appointing Mike Clary as Alternate Director, Piedmont Municipal Power Agency (unanimous)
• Approved Juneteenth Event Road Closure for June 14 (unanimous)
• Appointed Andy Bagwell to Planning Commission (unanimous)
• Authorized Show Cause and Temporary Relief for Calhoun Falls water supply (unanimous)
• Approved execution of City/County Municipal Judge agreement, requesting Judge Brownlee (unanimous)

City Council

The council voted unanimously to enter an executive session and later to adjourn the meeting. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Entered executive session (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The council unanimously approved a $400,000 revenue bond (renamed Ordinance No. 4‑2025) and adopted two ordinances, including a solid‑waste amendment. It also adopted a hazard‑mitigation plan and three abandoned‑building tax‑credit resolutions. Several board and commission appointments were confirmed, with one re‑appointment passing 6‑1. The council approved the 2025 Spring Cleanup and two community proclamations.

• Approved Ordinance No. 4‑2025 (utility bond $400,000) – unanimous
• Approved Ordinance No. 3‑2025 (solid‑waste amendment) – unanimous
• Approved Resolution No. 5‑2025 (updated hazard‑mitigation plan) – unanimous
• Approved Resolutions No. 6‑2025, 7‑2025, 8‑2025 (abandoned‑building tax credits) – unanimous
• Re‑appointed Gruff Herman to Board of Zoning Appeals – unanimous
• Re‑appointed Jeff Lewis to Planning Commission – 6‑1 (Gambrell opposed)
• Approved 2025 Citywide Spring Cleanup – unanimous
• Approved Proclamation for Wings 101/Diane Sutherland – 5‑1 (Sutherland recused, Edwards abstained)

City Council

The council approved the minutes from the March 12 meeting without objection. A motion was passed to enter executive session, also unanimously. The council then voted to remove the title of Chief Municipal Judge, with all members in favor.

• Approved March 12 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Entered executive session (unanimous)
• Removed Chief Municipal Judge title (unanimous)