Town approves use of park for two events

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During their regular monthly meeting Monday, Williamston Town Council approved requests from organizers of two events to use Mineral Spring Park as their location. The events, while separate, will be held on the same weekend.

The Greater Williamston Business Association is planning a “Party in the Park” event for Friday, May 31 which will include displays and food vending by GWBA member businesses, inflatables and possibly rides for kids and it will feature a popular area country/rock band.

On Saturday, June 1, the park will be the center of activities associated with a new event called ParkFest.

The event will feature a display of motorcycles by the Defenders organization, display and recognition of law enforcement, fire and EMS responders and a concert by another regionally known band. There will be barbecue from local vendors and bluegrass music on the banks of Big Creek. There will also be children’s amusement rides.

In other business, Council approved a request for funds for an Eagle Scout project in Mineral Spring Park. J. T. Gentry asked the town to provide funding for a bench, marker and plaque which will be placed at the new gazebo and will honor Kenneth Bearden.

Bearden, who passed away last year, was a founding member of the reorganized Springwater Committee and was active in the Spring Water Festival and other town related activities.

The town approved $1,200 for the project. The Springwater Committee will provide funding for flowers and mulch for the project.

Council also decided to have the Wildfire company present information at the next meeting regarding relocation of a camera to the Gray Drive Park.

Council approved a motion by Councilman Otis Scott to have the town attorney draw up an ordinance restricting tobacco use at the town’s recreation fields. Councilman Tony Hagood seconded the motion.

Hagood said he was supporting the motion because of a recent encounter he had at a restaurant in which family members of a three year old child were smoking in the child’s presence and not considering the effects.

Council also approved a resolution in support of improved food access through a local farmer’s market.

Councilmembers went into executive session to discuss a contract and personnel matters.

When asked by The Journal to be more specific on the reason for the behind closed doors session, Mayor Mack Durham said they were discussing a contract with the operator of the town’s Waste Water Treatment Plant, a property consideration, community planning and personnel. Upon returning to regular session, there was no additional information made public.

Mayor Durham announced there would be a public hearing on the annexation of property on Anderson Drive which will be the site of a Family Dollar store.

Durham also announced that the town has drafted wording for a plaque recognizing Dr. Dwight Smith. Durham said he will present it to the Williamston Area Historic Commission for consideration.