Meeting Minutes 

May 22, 2006 Minutes

Prior to the beginning of the meeting, Councilwoman Rouse offered an invocation and Councilwoman Matthews led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Mayor Rivers called the May 22, 2006 Special Council meeting/Budget Workshop to order at 7:00 p.m. to order in Chambers at Williston Town Hall and declared a quorum present.  The Mayor and Council members Widener, Benjamin, Holmes, Matthews and Frederick were in attendance along with Town Administrator, Scott Neely

Copies of the Agenda were forwarded to the new media with at least 24-hour notice.

Councilman Holmes made a motion that the agenda be approved with a second by Councilwoman Rouse.  All voted in favor.

Agenda:

à        Administrator Neely updated Council on the need for rate increases due to the high costs of fuel (over $15,000 higher in the 2007 budget), costs for chemicals, electricity, insurance (tort and liability) and medical insurance increases, adding the Animal Control and Code Enforcement positions, Town’s share of grant matches ($50,000 for Phase 3 Railroad Corridor grant), adding the PORS system for the Police Department, receiving less money from Barnwell County for fire protection.  At the present time the revised FY 2006 budget is balanced in Public Works but some $35,000 out on the General Fund.  Scott received permission from Council to balance this budget prior to the next budget meeting.  In order the balance the FY 2007 budgets for the General Fund and Public Works Divisions, the recommended the following rate increases:

1.      15% increase in Water & Sewer rates for Public Works

2.      11% increase in Garbage rates

3.      10-mil property tax increase (from 60 to 70 mils).

After discussion, Council decided to let Mr. Neely plug the new revenues into the FY 2007 budget and to bring that final budget back to Council at its next budget meeting.  A special meeting/public hearing was scheduled for June 26, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. 

à        First Reading of Ordinance 2006-02 – Amended FY 2006 budget – Councilman Widener made a motion that the Ordinance be read by title only with a second by Councilwoman Matthews.  All voted in favor.  Mr. Neely read the Ordinance by title only.  Councilman Widener made a motion that first reading of the Ordinance be approved with a second by Councilwoman Matthews.  All voted in favor.

à        First Reading of Ordinance 2006-03 – FY 2007 Budget – Councilwoman Matthews made a motion that the Ordinance a be read by title only with a second by Councilman Benjamin.  All voted in favor.  Mr. Neely read the Ordinance by title only.  Councilwoman Matthews made a motion that first reading of the Ordinance be approved with a second by Councilman Holmes.  All voted in favor.

Councilwoman Matthews made a motion to enter Executive Session for the purpose of the appointment of an employee in Police Department with a second by Councilman Holmes.  All voted in favor.  Mayor Rivers stated that Executive Session would last not more than 20 minutes.

Councilwoman Matthews made a motion to leave Executive Session and adjourn with a second by Councilman Benjamin.  All voted in favor.  During Executive Session no action was taken.

May 8, 2006 Minutes

Prior to the beginning of the meeting, Councilwoman Rouse offered an invocation and Councilwoman Matthews led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Mayor Rivers called the May 8, 2006 Council meeting to order in Chambers at Williston Town Hall at 7:30 p.m. and declared a quorum present.  The Mayor and all Council members were in attendance along with Town Attorney, Tom Boulware, and Administrator, Scott Neely

Copies of the Agenda were forwarded to the new media with at least 24-hour notice.

Councilwoman Matthews made a motion to approve the minutes from the April meeting as presented with a second by Councilman Benjamin.  All voted in favor.

Public Forum:  There were no citizens present who wished to address Council during Public Forum.

Mayor Rivers revised the Agenda by removing the Community Center Project and asked that the revised agenda be approved.  Councilman Widener made a motion that the agenda be approved with a second by Councilwoman Matthews.  All voted in favor.

Agenda:

à        Friends of Animals Network – Ms. Patty Ward introduced several of the citizens present.  Mr. Jason Stapleton read a letter from his mother, Ms. Laura Buice, asking for the Town’s support in the humane treatment of animals.  Mr. Eric Boiter of the Barnwell County Animal Shelter Board and the Network addressed Council concerning the projects that are underway to make the animal situation better in Barnwell County.   Efforts are being focused on public awareness of the problem and the need to spay/neuter, a low/no cost spay/neuter clinic for the County, a quarantine area at the Shelter and a foster family program.  The Network held a drawing for the stained glass painting done by Ms. Ward and the winner was Ms. Carolyn Nolte.

à        Ordinance 2006-01, Drug Paraphernalia – Mr. Neely presented the Ordinance to Council and explained the need for it.  Attorney Boulware is in the process of reviewing the Ordinance and will have done so prior to second reading.  Councilman Widener made a motion that the Ordinance be read by title only with a second by Councilman Frederick.  All voted in favor.  Mr. Boulware read the Ordinance by title.  Councilwoman Matthews made a motion that first reading be approved with a second by Councilman Holmes.  All voted in favor.

à        2007 Budget – Mr. Neely requested a special meeting for a Budget Workshop be set for May 22, 2006 at 7:00 p.m.  We also advised that a rate increase was surely going to have to happen to balance the budget due to issues in the Sanitation Dept (General Fund) and Public Works.  He will have recommendations at this meeting.

à        Mayor Rivers appointed a steering committee consisting of Councilman Holmes, Councilwoman Matthews, Councilman Widener and himself to begin planning for the 150 anniversary of Williston (12/21/08).

Administrator’s Report:

à        Police Department – there have been resignations in the Police Department (Dale Sims retiring, Joey Patsourakas to take another position).  An ad has been placed in the Aiken & Barnwell papers.

à        CDBG Water Line – Mr. Neely has met with Mr. Boyd on the easement issue and Mr. Boyd is willing to grant the easements at no cost to the town.  There are still 2 additional individuals who have easements on some property on Heritage Lane that need to be contacted.

à        CDBG Housing – third house underway

à        Submitted monthly Police Report

à        Transportation Enhancement Phase 2 – lights installed and the project is basically finished.  There is a draining issue by the school that is being addressed.

à        Transportation Enhancement Phase 3 – Waiting on grant agreements from DOT (no towns have received as yet – may be waiting on new fiscal year).

à        One of the Town lights on Main Street was hit and knocked down over weekend.  The person doing the damage has agreed to pay for all repairs.  SCE&G needs to be contacted.

à        Mr. Bill Krause has been hired as the Town’s Animal Control Officer and will report to Chief Kaney in the Police Dept.  It was stressed to Mr. Krause the need for humane treatment of all captured animals.  At the present time we do not have a vehicle available for him, working with Mr. Melton to see if truck can be made available.

à        OSHA Safety Inspection work progressing. Some large projects not completed as yet (cost issues).  The Town will conduct additional employee training on May 18.

à        Ms. Reatha Brown will be cleaning the restrooms at both parks.  She will not be placed on the payroll but work as a contractor.  Locks on the restrooms need to be changed.

à        Library asbestos abatement complete; Anderson House assessment should be received any day.  Good news is that there is not asbestos in the plaster.  There are lead paint and mold issues.

MAYOR’S REPORT:

à        Heritage Corridor Region 3 Dedication – Councilman Widener reported on the event and stated what an asset it was to not only the County but also the entire State.  He urged all to visit as their first opportunity. 

à        Councilman Widener asked Mr. Neely to have Mr. Melton address housekeeping around the oil recycle area at the Maintenance Shop.

Councilwoman Matthews made a motion to enter Executive Session for the purpose of the appointment of an employee in Police Department with a second by Councilman Holmes.  All voted in favor.  Mayor Rivers stated that Executive Session would last not more than 20 minutes.

Councilwoman Matthews made a motion to leave Executive Session and adjourn with a second by Councilman Benjamin.  All voted in favor.  During Executive Session no action was taken.

April 17, 2006 Minutes

Prior to the beginning of the meeting, Councilman Widener offered an invocation and Councilman Benjamin led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Mayor Rivers called the April 17, 2006 Council meeting to order in Chambers at Williston Town Hall at 7:00 p.m. and declared a quorum present.  The Mayor and Council members Widener, Benjamin, Matthews, Rouse and Frederick were in attendance along with Town Attorney, Tom Boulware, and Administrator, Scott Neely

Copies of the Agenda were forwarded to the new media with at least 24-hour notice.

Councilman Widener made a motion to approve the minutes from the March meeting as presented with a second by Councilman Benjamin.  All voted in favor.

Councilman Widener made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report for information only with a second by Councilman Benjamin.  All voted in favor.

Public Forum:  Pam Rush with Axis I addressed Council concerning the problem of teen drinking and smoking and their ability to purchase these products even though they are underage.  She outlined a program currently starting in School District 29 and asked for Council’s support to get the word out to parents.  She also distributed a parent’s pledge that is a statewide effort to bring this problem to the attention of lawmakers.

Councilwoman Matthews made a motion that the agenda be approved with a second by Councilman Benjamin.  All voted in favor.

Agenda:

à        Ms. Judy Sowell was unable to attend the meeting and Mayor Rivers advised that Mr. Neely would be bringing her concerns to Chief Kaney for follow up.

à        Dead Tree on Right of Way – Mr. Neely advised that a tree at the junction of Springfield Road and Mims Street is dying.  Since it is on the public right of way he asked Council’s permission to contact DOT. 

à        WWTP Issues – Mr. Neely advised that problems are ongoing and that there have been two more violations (fecal and BOD) since the last Council meeting.  Sludge from our retention ponds will have to be removed in the near future.  A contractor will be on-site next week to give an estimate of the cost (probably in the $100,000 range).  The sludge will have to be trucked and land applied on the spray fields since it has not been 5 years since we applied.  Mr. Neely has written a letter to DHEC stating our intention of sludge removal, etc., and a time line to get our systems back in compliance.

à        Animal Control Officer – Mr. Neely advised that he had interviewed several applicants and hoped to complete the process before the next Council meeting.  Council gave him permission to hire a part time officer to work 10 hours/week until June 30 and 20 hours/week after July 1.

Administrator’s Report:

à        CDBG Water Line – all permits have been issued, there are still right of way problems and Mr. Neely will be meeting on 5/3 with the owner of the easements to try to get this problem solved.

à        CDBG Housing – third house underway

à        Submitted monthly Police Report

à        Transportation Enhancement Phase 2 – light poles installed, SCE&G waiting on Town’s decision on light fixtures.  Councilwoman Matthews made a motion that the Town use the “Acorn” fixtures with a second by Councilman Widener.  All voted in favor.

à        Mr. Neely advised that the State has set up a Competitive Grants program and he had applied for grants to help with the Spray Fields issues and the Sludge removal at the WWTP.

à        Another OSHA Courtesy Inspection was done April 3.  A good many safety issues came to light and Mr. Neely is working with Department Heads to correct.  Safety training is on going.

à        Advised budget preparation underway for FY 2007 and that preliminary numbers show a great margin between revenue and expenses in both Public Works and the General Fund.  He asked Council to begin thinking of a rate increase in Public Works and a possible tax increase in General.

MAYOR’S REPORT:

à        Thanked Shannon and Hal Mundy for their assistance with the Easter Egg Hunt.  Councilman Widener advised that there were between 90-100 children present and all had a great time.

à        Heritage Corridor Region 3 Dedication – anyone who can attend is to contact Ms. Fowler. 

COUNCIL COMMENTS:

à        Councilwoman Rouse has had someone contact her concerning drinking/loitering on Burkhalter Street and she asked that Chief Kaney canvas this area several times each evening/night.

Councilwoman Matthews made a motion to enter Executive Session for the purpose of the appointment of an employee in Public Works with a second by Councilman Benjamin.  All voted in favor.  Mayor Rivers stated that Executive Session would last not more than 30 minutes.

Councilwoman Matthews made a motion to leave Executive Session with a second by Councilman Benjamin.  All voted in favor.  During Executive Session no action was taken.

Councilman Frederick made a motion to accept Mr. Neely’s recommendation to hire applicant “A” in the Public Works Department with a second by Councilman Benjamin.  All voted in favor.

Councilman Widener made a motion to adjourn with a second by Councilwoman Matthews.  All voted in favor.

March 13, 2006 Minutes

Prior to the beginning of the meeting, Councilman Frederick offered an invocation and Councilwoman Matthews led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Mayor Rivers called the regular March 13, 2006 Council meeting to order in Chambers at Williston Town Hall at 7:30 p.m. and declared a quorum present.  The Mayor and all Council members were in attendance along with Town Attorney, Tom Boulware, and Administrator, Scott Neely

Copies of the Agenda were forwarded to the new media with at least 24-hour notice.

Councilman Widener made a motion to approve the minutes from the February meeting as presented with a second by Councilman Holmes.  All voted in favor.

Councilman Widener made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report for information only with a second by Councilwoman Rouse.  All voted in favor.

Public Forum:  There were no citizens present who wished to address Council.

Mayor Rivers introduced Mr. W.R. Stuart and Mr. Jeremy Walls of TDS Telecom.  Mr. Stuart advised the Council of the State of South Carolina’s Tax Credit Program and how TDS awards the proceeds to towns/cities for Economic Development.  He was very pleased to present the Town of Williston with a check for $21,000 in support of the new water line project.  Mayor Rivers and Council accepted the check and Mayor Rivers thanked TDS and especially Mr. Stuart for all of his efforts on the Town’s behalf.  Mr. Stuart has now officially retired from TDS and Mr. Wall will be assisting the Town in any way possible.

Councilwoman Matthews made a motion that the agenda be approved with a second by Councilman Benjamin.  All voted in favor.

Agenda:

à        Craig’s Pond – Councilman Benjamin read an outline of the benefits of this Carolina Bay to our area and informed Council that a Corporation had been established to preserve/enhance the area.  Following a discussion, Councilman Frederick made a motion to endorse the Corporation with a second by Councilman Widener.  All voted in favor.  A letter will be written to Mr. Edward Smith, Corporation Chairman, on behalf of the Mayor and Council.

à        Mutual Aid Agreement (Fire) – Mr. Neely presented Council with an agreement with the City of Barnwell and recommended that it be approved.  Councilman Frederick made a motion to accept his recommendation with a second by Councilman Holmes.  All voted in favor.  Councilman Frederick also made a motion that Mr. Neely enter into mutual aid agreements with other towns (i.e, Blackville) with a second by Councilwoman Rouse.  All voted in favor.

à        WWTP Issues – SLUDGE – Mr. Neely advised Council that all three cells at the WWTP contain some sludge and that cells 2 and 3 are the worst.  At the present time it will take approximately $100,000 to clean out and dispose of the sludge.  The Town has been out of compliance with DHEC standards on 4 occasions and his concern is that the again plant will continue to be a cash drain on the Town.  SPRAY FIELDS – There are still two more spray fields that need to have the spray heads replaced.  This amounts to approximately 60 heads a cost of $500/spray head ($30,000).  BAR SCREEN – broken today and don’t know the cost of fixing.  All of these issues are of grave concern to the Town since DHEC will no longer waive fines for infractions.  He advised Council that Depreciation monies must be set aside and that a rate increase would be required effective July 1.  Councilman Benjamin asked if we should hire an engineering firm to do s study to determine our needs for the next 20 years.  Mr. Neely will begin to put together bid packages for sludge removal and will try to obtain grant monies from all available sources.

à        Anderson House Assessment – Mr. Neely presented Council with a quite from Kleen Sites for the lead paint/mold issues at the Anderson House at a cost of $4,200 and recommended approval.  Councilman Benjamin made a motion to accept his recommendation with a second by Councilman Widener.  All voted in favor.

à        Roll Cart at Church of Christ – Mr. Neely informed Council that the Church had requested that the cart be picked up and they not be charged for garbage collection.  Councilman Frederick made a motion to grant the request with a second by Councilwoman Rouse.  All voted in favor.

à        ADA/Section 504 Documents – Mr. Neely advised Council on the update and that it had been approved by the ADA Committee appointed by Council. He recommended its adoption.  Councilman Widener made a motion that the recommendation be approved with a second by Councilman Holmes.  All voted in favor.

à        Walking Trail Committee Report – Chair Holmes and the Committee recommend that bicycles be allowed on the walking trail and signs installed stating the provision that they yield to pedestrian traffic.  The Committee recommended that skateboards, roller blades, or any motorized vehicles be prohibited. on the trail due to safety issues.  Councilman Benjamin made a motion that the Committee’s recommendations be approved with a second by Councilwoman Matthews.  All voted in favor.  Councilwoman Rouse asked about the steps across the and Mr. Neely advised that hopefully steps would be installed on the Main Street side to connect to those on the Hwy 78 side.  The Town will apply for a fourth phase grant to accomplish this and to finished where phase 2 stops.

à        Remediation for Asbestos Materials – Mr. Neely presented Council with a proposal to remove all asbestos materials from the Library/Museum site at a cost of $5,650.00 and recommended that the Town proceed with having this work completed.  Councilman Frederick made a motion to accept his recommendation with a second by Councilwoman Rouse.  All voted in favor.

à        Animal Control – Mr. Neely advised Council that he had met with Sheriff Ed Carroll concerning use of the County’s Animal Control Officer.  Unfortunately they will be unable to assist us since their Officer is already handling so many calls each month.  After discussion, Councilman Benjamin made a motion that the Town hire an Animal Control Officer for 10 hours/week until the end of this fiscal year and that Mr. Neely budget in the next fiscal year 20 hours/week for this Officer with a second by Councilwoman Rouse.  All voted in favor.  Councilman Frederick stressed that this Officer would report to Chief of Police, Roger Kaney.

à        ETV Satellite for Training – Mr. Neely advised Council of the advantages of obtaining this service at a total cost of $1,500 (dish, wire, receiver, etc.) with Town employees handling the installation and asked Council to approve his request.  Councilman Benjamin made a motion to approve the request with a second by Councilman Holmes.  All voted in favor.

à        Resolution 2006-03-13, Fair Housing Month – Mr. Neely presented the Resolution to Council.  Councilman Benjamin made a motion that the Resolution be passed with a second by Councilman Widener.  All voted in favor.

Administrator’s Report:

à        CDBG Housing – first house complete, houses 2 & 3 under construction.

à        Submitted monthly Police Report.

à        CDBG Water Line – plans sent to DHEC; issues of rights of way being resolved with Mr. Boulware’s assistance.

à        Park Projects – tennis court lighting complete; light poles installed at Dixie Youth field.  Mr. Neely thanked SCE&G for all of their assistance.  Fencing at the T-ball field, the batting cage and backstop at Library Field should be complete within next month.  The Town and School District are splitting the cost of purchasing a mobile pitching mound for the Dixie Youth Field.

à        Another OSHA Courtesy Inspection will be done April 3.  April 6 set for confined space/respiratory protection training.

à        Halford Street Well – will have to install new media in near future.

à        Advised budget preparation underway for FY 2007.  Asked Council to begin thinking of a rate increase in Public Works.

à        Advised that Sheriff Carroll has agreed to have his department prepare street signs for the Town (possibly using inmate from jail).  Town to supply materials. 

MAYOR’S REPORT:

à        Big Check presentation held.  Advised by Mr. Hardy to submit applications for Phase 4 of Railroad project.

à        Advised March 12- 18 is Sunshine Week – Freedom of Information Act information will be sent to Council.

COUNCIL COMMENTS:

à        Councilman Benjamin requested a report from Code Enforcement Officer Adcox.  Mr. Neely to handle.

à        Councilman Holmes requested that dead trees at the park be cut down and that old poles around the Dixie Youth Field be removed.

à        Councilman Holmes advised of the problems being had at the restrooms in the Park and noted that the fencing around them needed to be fixed.  He also requested that the Recreation Department hire someone to monitor the restrooms during games.

à        Councilman Holmes requested that the Town purchase some indoor-outdoor carpet and repair the Putt-Putt Course at the Park.

à        Councilman Frederick again stated that the temporary Animal Control Officer should work with Chief Kaney and report to him.   He also stated that a decision on the deal with Maytag/Whirlpool should be settled sometime this week. 

Councilwoman Matthews made a motion to adjourn with a second by Councilman Widener.  All voted in favor.

February 13, 2006 Minutes

Prior to the beginning of the meeting, Mayor Pro-tem Widener offered an invocation and Councilman Benjamin led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mayor Rivers called the regular February 13, 20065 Council meeting to order in Chambers at Williston Town Hall at 7:30 p.m. and declared a quorum present.  The Mayor and Council members Widener, Benjamin, Holmes, Matthews, and Frederick were in attendance along with Town Attorney, Tom Boulware, and Administrator, Scott Neely.  Councilwoman Rouse was absent due to illness.

Copies of the Agenda were forwarded to the new media with at least 24-hour notice.

Councilman Benjamin made a motion to approve the minutes from the January meeting as presented with a second by Councilwoman Matthews.  All voted in favor.

Councilman Widener made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report for information only with a second by Councilman Benjamin.  All voted in favor.

Public Forum:  There were no citizens present who wished to address Council.

Mayor Rivers revised the Agenda to remove Ms. Sara Barnhart and Repairs to Roof at Town Hall and to add ADA Sec. 504 Compliance.  Councilman Wider made a motion that the revised agenda be approved with a second by Councilman Holmes.  All voted in favor.

Agenda:

à        Animal Issues – Councilman Widener reported on several recent incidents that had occurred in Town concerning dogs running free; Ms. Barnhart’s issue with a neighbor’s dog coming onto her property and killing her cat; and several other complaints that had been received.  Since we already have a code in place he wanted the Town to start issuing tickets to the owners of these dogs.  Mayor Rivers noted that he had received three complaints recently.  Councilman Benjamin asked if the County Animal Control Officer could assist the Town in getting rid of these animals.  Council members Holmes and Frederick agreed that the owners of these animals need to be charged and ticketed.  Councilman Benjamin made a motion that Mr. Neely contact Sheriff Carroll to determine if the County’s officer would be able to assist us with a second by Councilman Widener.  All voted in favor.  It was noted if the County could not be of assistance, the Town needs to look into the possibility of hiring a part time Animal Control Officer.

à        Request for Horses on Folk Street – Mr. & Mrs. Stillinger requested that they be allowed to have 2 horses on their property (7 acres) on Folk Street.  Mr. Neely recommended approval of their request.  Councilman Frederick made a motion to accept his recommendation with a second by Councilwoman Matthews.  All voted in favor.

à        PORS System Resolution/Application  - Mr. Neely read the Resolution by title only and recommended that it be approved along with purchasing group life and death benefits for our officers.  Councilman Frederick made a motion to accept his recommendation with a second by Councilman Holmes.  All voted in favor.

à        800 MHz Radios in Police Department – Mr. Neely informed Council that a grant was available in the amount of $17,300 to begin purchasing these new radios.  The old radio system is being phased out state wide and Mr. Neely recommended using these grant funds to purchase as many radios as possible.  Councilman Holmes made a motion to accept his recommendation with a second by Councilman Widener.  All voted in favor.

à        Walking Trail Restrictions – Mr. Neely pointed out the need to keep motorized traffic off the new walking trail and to not allow skateboards, bikes, etc. on the trail due to safety issues.  Mayor Rivers appointed a committee consisting of Councilman Holmes (Chair), Councilman Benjamin and Councilwoman Matthews to work on this with Scott and report at the March 13 Council meeting.

à        Proposals for new Sanitation Truck – Mr. Neely presented Council with the proposals received for the new Sanitation Truck and recommended the GMC chassis/Pak-Mor body combination with the 300 hp engine upgrade for a total cost of $102,100.80.  Councilman Benjamin made a motion to accept his recommendation with a second by Councilman Holmes.  All voted in favor.

à        Bids for improvements to Town Parks – Mr. Neely presented Council with the bids received for improvements to the Academy Street & Barnwell Road Parks and recommended along with Recreation Director, Jimmy Reed, that the bids be awarded to Chamblee Fence Company (low bidder on all three projects).  The Town has received a grant (80% with 20% Town Match).  Councilman Widener made a motion to accept the recommendations with a second by Councilman Benjamin.  All voted in favor.

à        Ad for High School Sports Report – Mr. Neely presented Council with a copy of the magazine and recommended that the Town not purchase an ad in the amount of $300.00.  Councilman Widener made a motion to accept his recommendation with a second by Councilwoman Matthews.  All voted in favor.

à        ADA Sec. 504 – Mr. Neely asked Council to appoint a committee to conduct a self-evaluation of our ADA compliance and to form a transition plan in any deficient areas.  Councilman Holmes made a motion that Council appoint Mr. Billy Mundy, Ms. Judy Taylor and Ms. Pat Fowler to serve on the Committee with Ms. Annie Wilson as an alternate with a second by Councilman Benjamin.  All voted in favor.

Administrator’s Report:

à        Submitted monthly Police Report. 

à        Halford Street Well – Rehab is complete at a cost of $62,000.

à        Bennett Street CDBG – 2 additional contracts have been awarded to the low bidder

à        CDBG Water Line Project – DHEC has the design and a construction permit should be received within the next 2-3 weeks.

à        Conducted Blood Borne Pathogen training (18 attended).  Had first part of an OSHA Voluntary inspection performed.

à        Presented Council with County’s new bad check collection program.  This should save Ms. Cagle in the WPD some time in the future.

à        Received a grant in the amount of $200,000 to construct Phase 3 of Railroad Enhancement Project  that will run from Powell Street to the Town Limits.  There will be a bid check presentation of February 27 at 10:00 at Town Hall.

à        Tennis Court lighting will be completed this week.

à        Transport meeting on Hwy 78 issues will be held at the Williston Fire Dept on February 27 from 6–8 p.m

MAYOR’S REPORT:

à        Advised Council of the retirement of W.R. Stuart from TDS Telephone Company and wished him much success in the future.

à        Dixie-Narco – Councilman Frederick reported to Council that Whirlpool is to buy out Maytag and the offer should be approved by the Justice Dept within the next 2-3 weeks.  All indications are that Dixie-Narco will then be sold off.

à        Chem-Nuclear – Councilman Benjamin reported on the sale of Duratek and the sale should take another 3-4 months before it is finalized.  The local Barnwell site should see no changes until 2008 and after that it would depend on State and National elections. 

COUNCIL COMMENTS:

à        Councilwoman Matthews asked that the Town consider having a ceremony for the dedication of the walking trail.  She also asked Mr. Neely if there was handicapped parking across from Edie’s Restaurant on Main Street.

à        Councilman Holmes asked Mr. Neely to look into erecting some sort of barrier on the railroad bed across from Dr. Clark’s office.  Cars are driving over the trail to get to Main Street.  Mr. Neely will look into getting some sort of barrier erected.  Councilman Holmes also asked Mr. Neely to get the County to help with the ditch on Main Street.  Mr. Neely will contact the County for assistance.

Councilman Widener made a motion to enter Executive Session to obtain a legal opinion, compensation of two employees and a employee disciplinary action with a second by Councilman Holmes. All voted in favor.  Mayor Rivers stated that Executive Session would last no longer than 20 minutes.

Councilwoman Matthews made a motion to come out of Executive Session with a second by Councilman Widener. All voted in favor.  During Executive Session no action was taken. 

Councilman Widener made a motion to approve the Administrator’s recommendation regarding discipline of Employee “A” with a second by Councilman Benjamin.  All voted in favor.

Councilwoman Matthews made a motion to approve the Administrator’s recommendation regarding increase in the hourly rate for Employee “B” and Employee “C” with a second by Councilman Widener.  The Mayor and Council members Widener, Matthews, Frederick and Holmes voted in favor with Councilman Benjamin opposed.  The motion carried.

Councilwoman Matthews made a motion to adjourn with a second by Councilman Widener.  All voted in favor.

January 9, 2006 Minutes

Prior to the beginning of the meeting, Councilwoman Matthews offered an invocation and Councilman Holmes led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Mayor Rivers called the regular January 9, 20065 Council meeting to order in Chambers at Williston Town Hall at 7:30 p.m. and declared a quorum present.  The Mayor and Council members Widener, Benjamin, Holmes, Matthews, Rouse and Frederick were in attendance along with Town Attorney, Tom Boulware, and Administrator, Scott Neely.

Copies of the Agenda were forwarded to the new media with at least 24-hour notice.

Councilwoman Matthews made a motion to approve the minutes from the December 12, 2005 meeting as presented with a second by Councilman Holmes.  All voted in favor.

Councilman Widener made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report for information only with a second by Councilman Benjamin.  All voted in favor.

Public Forum:  There were no citizens present who wished to address Council.

Mayor Rivers revised the Agenda to add Resolution 2006-01-09, Sidewalk Project; and an Environmental Assessment at the Library/Museum.  Councilman Wider made a motion that the revised agenda be approved with a second by Councilman Benjamin.  All voted in favor.

Agenda:

à        FY 2005 Audit - Mr. Neely recommended that Council adopt the Fiscal Year 2005 Audit as presented by Mr. Bokor at the December meeting.  Councilman Benjamin made a motion to accept the Audit report as information with a second by Councilman Widener.  All voted in favor.

à        Anderson House – Mr. Pete Grady read a prepared letter to Council asking that the Anderson House be kept by the Town.  The letter is attached and made a part of these minutes.  Mayor Rivers asked Treasurer Fowler to make a financial statement concerning the house.  She felt that the time had come to make a final decision and either sell the property or to start renovations.  She did point out that financially the Town could use the proceeds from the sale to purchase a new Sanitation Truck, thus saving the Town from having to borrow money over a 5-year period.  She also mentioned that there should be some way to keep the property as a residence for a period after the sale by making a stipulation in the sales contract.  Mr. Neely explained the problems encountered with lead paint, mold and possibly asbestos within the house.  He had gotten a quote of $1,400 to have a lead/asbestos assessment completed.  Councilman Benjamin made a motion that $6,000 be allocated to have a qualified contractor complete an environmental assessment Anderson House within the next 60 days and provide a cost to renovate/remediate the problems with a second by Councilwoman Matthews.  All voted in favor. 

à        Mr. Neely outlined the change from the SC Retirement System to the Police Officers Retirement System for Williston Police Officers and recommended that Council approve the change.  Councilman Holmes made a motion to accept the recommendation with a second by Councilman Widener.  All voted in favor.  Mr. Neely will contact the Retirement System to get the proper paperwork underway.

à        Sick Leave Bank – Mr. Neely asked that this be tabled until after Executive Session.  Councilman Holmes made a motion to table the item with a second by Councilwoman Rouse.  All voted in favor.

à        Resolution 2006-01-09, Sidewalk Project – Mr. Neely presented Council with the drawings from DOT for the sidewalk extension along Main Street and asked that Council sign off on the drawings if approved.  Councilman Benjamin made a motion that the Resolution be approved provided it met with Mr. Neely’s and Mr. Boulware’s approval with a second by Councilman Widener.  All voted in favor.

à        Mr. Neely asked Council to approve $1,400.00 for an Environmental Assessment on the Library/Museum building and recommended getting the assessment completed as soon as possible.  Councilwoman Matthews made a motion to approve the funding with a second by Councilman Holmes.  All voted in favor.

Administrator’s Report:

à        Submitted monthly Police Report.

à        Bennett Street CDBG – first house is still under construction; walk throughs scheduled for next week..

à        CDBG Water Line Project – design phase complete, meet with Barnwell County and some slight changes were made.

à        Railroad Enhancement Project – Construction underway and it should be completed within the 150 day time frame.

à        Hanford Street Well – began work on 10/31 and are still having problems with water quality/smell.  There is a problem with chlorinating the well and DHEC has been asked to come conduct sampling. 

à        Proposals for the purchase of a new garbage truck will be opened on Thursday, December 12 @ 2:30 p.m. at Town Hall.

à        Asked Council’s direction regarding the purchase of a street cleaning machine.  Since the item is not budgeted in this fiscal year, purchase would have to be postponed until FY 2007.  There is a bigger problem in dealing with limb/trash pickup around Town and coming up with a schedule to keep the Town clean.

MAYOR’S REPORT:

à        No comments. 

COUNCIL COMMENTS:

à        Councilwoman Rouse stated that cleanup efforts around the Town have made a big difference in its appearance. 

Councilman Widener made a motion to enter Executive Session to a disciplinary action in the Police Department and employee medical leave issues with a second by Councilwoman Matthews. All voted in favor.  Mayor Rivers stated that Executive Session would last no longer than 1-1/2 hour.

Councilman Benjamin made a motion to come out of Executive Session with a second by Councilwoman Matthews. During Executive Session no action was taken.  All voted in favor.

Councilman Widener made a motion to accept Mr. Neely’s recommendation regarding a Sick Leave Bank policy with a second by Councilman Benjamin.  All voted in favor.

Councilman Frederick made a motion to adjourn with a second by Councilwoman Rouse.  All voted in favor.