By David Meade
During their first meeting of the new year, Williamston Town Council approved an ordinance to re-name the new Ridge Court Extension, approved $25,000 to renovate the gym at Town Hall and approved a salary increase for mayor and council that will take effect in 2017.
In a 3-2 vote, Williamston Town Council approved an ordinance to set the salary of mayor and council back to previous levels. However the vote was not unanimous. Councilmembers David Harvell and Otis Scott were both opposed. Councilmembers Tony Hagood, Rockey Burgess and Mayor Mack Durham were in favor. The change will not take effect until January of 2017.
Councilman Scott said he was elected to serve the people and did not run to be paid the money. “It is a slap in the face of Williamston residents to vote the mayor and council a $200 increase. I am against it,” he said.
The issue was raised by Councilman Rockey Burgess who suggested through an email that council consider the increase. There was some discussion about the increase during a work session held last week. Burgess was not able to attend that session and sent the email to mayor and council.
During Monday’s meeting he said, “The mayor’s job entails a heck of a lot more without an adminstrator. We have saved money by not having an administrator.”
Burgess went on, “You should have to be broke to run for a public office.” Burgess said he suggested only the mayor’s salary be increased, however the mayor responded during the work session that he would only support the increase if it included an increase for council.
Burgess said the change may increase interest in the council positions. “Interest is very good, a very positive thing,” he said.
Durham said the issue presented “an awkward situation” for him and the council. “There is not a person up here who is not serving out of a passion for the community,” the mayor said.
Durham said the change will take effect in 2017.
“I appreciate the foresight of council to consider this.” he said. “Returning it to the level it was ten years ago is more than reasonable.” (See related story this issue)
During public comments, W. L. Cantrell thanked the town for their support of the Pig in the Park Barbecue Festival and Cookoff. Cantrell said the event, sponsored by the Williamston Masonic Lodge, will be held May 13 and 14 in Mineral Spring Park.
Council also heard greetings from Daniel Gambell.
Williamston Police Chief Tony Taylor told council the department will be rolling out a Block Crimewatch Program soon. He also announced that the department will take a more aggressive approach on grass and weed violations this year. Taylor said he is meeting with the sign ordinance committee to make adjustments to the town’s new sign ordinance. Taylor presented stats for December (See separate story)
Councilman Tony Hagood announced the town is sponsoring a Martin Luther King Jr. breakfast on January 16th.
Main Street Executive Director Sonya Crandall reported the Envision Williamston program recently received its 501C3 designation and has several initiatives being worked on.
Among them is a Main Street Challenge which will partner with a local bank and a Facade Grant Resolution and guide that is being developed. Envision Williamston committee members are also working on a website for the organization and a Dining and Shopping Guide with a map of the town, she said.
Crandall said she is in the process of drafting a grant application with the Citizens Institute on Rural Design and Envision Williamston was recently approved for a $6,000 grant from the Anderson County Accommodations Tax program. The funds will be used to promote events in the town.
Crandall and Envision Williamston Design Chair Debbie Chapman presented awards to Deck the Halls and Christmas Park display winners. (See related photos this issue)
Council unanimously approved the renaming of the new Ridge Court Extension to Brock Lane. Councilman Otis Scott said a resident in the subdivision had requested the road be named for Brock. “I think it is most honorable to name it after one of the first residents to live in that subdivision,” Scott said.
Council went into executive session to hear legal advice on the purchase of a property, but offered no details before the session or upon returning to regular session.
Council tabled abandonment of a portion of Sullivan Street, located behind Calvary Baptist Church, to get more clarification and discuss the closing with adjacent property owners.
Council voted 4-1 to table an ordinance to restrict truck traffic in the Gatewood subdivision. Councilman Burgess was opposed to tabling the issue.
Council unanimously approved $25,000 from the hospitality tax fund to paint and refinish the floor in the Municipal Center Gym Auditorium. Councilman Otis Scott made the motion and requested the project be included in the 2016-17 budget.
During council comments there was some discussion about infrastructure problems and infiltration.
Councilman Scott asked about the Walmart project but no information was provided.
See Related Story – Council to consider pay increase
