By David Meade
During their regular monthly meeting Tuesday, Pelzer Town Council heard an update on their sewer project, new street lights and approved a change in council terms of office. During citizens comments, several spoke about various issues.
Residents had concerns about drainage problems, flooding and speeding on Finley Street, citizen input not being allowed during a council meeting, water pressure and incorrect water meter readings. A suggestion was made to place speed bumps on Finley and to look into electronic read water meters. One resident said that the sewer project workers were trying to address cocerns on Goordrich St.
Mayor Steve McGregor announced that council will begin holding a citizen workshop once a quarter for citizens to offer input to council. The first will be on Tuesday, May 24 at 7 p.m.
He said the workshop will allow citizens to “tell us what you all want to do. This will be a less formal workshop for citizens to voice opinions,” McGregor said.
The mayor said that council meetings are business meetings for the town and that town business has to be conducted during that time. Citizen input will still be allowed at the start of the regular council meetings, he said.
Town employee John Roache gave an update on the sewer project. Roache said some work was still on hold due to railroad rights of way and that there were 25 locates needed which should start in two weeks. Door hangers will be placed at residences where workers will be crossing properties, he said. Roache said for residents to continue letting the town know of any complaints they have.
Councilmember Kim Wilson reported that a contract on the new street lights had been received on Mar. 21 and that a work order for needed supplies was issued on Mar. 24. Duke Energy is waiting on the necessary supplies and and when available, turnaround on work will be about five days, she said.
Council unanimously approved first reading on an election ordinance changing the terms of office for the mayor and two top vote getters from two year terms to four year terms. The change will create staggered terms for council instead of all members being up for election at the same time.
The ordinance will also automatically change the other two council terms to four years after the current two year term is up.
Council went into executive session with Town Attorney Jimmy King to receive legal advice on a contractural issue involving an office building at 100 Courtney St.
Upon returning to regular session, Mayor McGregor said no action was taken. There was no followup discussion by council on the issue during the meeting.
Council heard a request by the Pelzer Heritage Commission to use the Monkey Park for every other Saturday yard sales in May and for an event Sept. 24. They also requested use of the community building and gym Oct. 8 for a Pelzer Homecoming event. Use of facilities and dates were to be confirmed with coordinators B. J. Tompkins and Shelby Stanton.
Pelzer Heritage Commission representative Gilbert Garrett gave a presentation on projects the organization is involved in. The slide presentation was the same as presented to the governor’s staff members during a trip to Columbia.
The 26 page slide included information about the history of Pelzer, Hwy. 8 traffic counts, PHC projects and other information.
Current projects include cleanup of the dump properties and creation of an overlook park on the river, plans for the upper and lower mill properties.
The presentation included suggestions for a master plan, restoration of the old hospital and mill office and the historic significance of the textile leagues, the Pelzer gym and pool located in the basement.
Garrett said the PHC and other county officials attending the meeting in Columbia learned of small town initiative grants being available.
Garrett said several workshops are planned to learn more about assistance with economic development. He also said PHC had a contact with Clemson University who could possibly help with a master plan for the town.
Beth Rostron of CPHC Historic Pelzer was on the agenda for a presentation but did not show up.
