By David Meade
Williamston Police Chief Tony Taylor recognized officers Haigler and Creel for their excellent service in freezing a crime scene and executing a search warrant during a drug investigation at Middleton Apartments recently. Chief Taylor said the officers went “beyond their normal duties” which resulted in a drug seizure and arrest and they were to be commended. Both officers were presented a letter of commadation by the Chief.
Envision Williamston Executive Director Sonya Crandall presented a power point update on the Envision Williamston program and its three part “Transformation Strategy”.
Crandall said Envision Williamston is focused on revitalizing and strengthening the community in a sustainable way.
Debbie Chapman presented an update on codes enforcement. Chapman said 15 issues have been resolved and demolition has been completed at 46 Jehue St.
Council approved second reading on an ordinance authorizing Town Council to designate slum and blighted area. The designation will save time in applying for Community Development Block grants and other sources of funding to help with blighted areas, according to mayor Mack Durham.
Council approved the sale of two properties located at 600 Parker St. and 5 Scott St. The two properties were donated to the town several years ago.
Town Attorney Lee Cole said the ordinance authorizes the mayor to sell the two properties at fair market value to be determined by either an appraisal or Anderson County tax value.
Councilman Rockey Burgess offered an amendment to require the sale to come back before council for final approval.
Cole said there are people currently living on the two town owned properties that the ordinance applies to.
Council unanimously approved first reading on a related ordinance authorizing funding for nuisance abatement. The ordinance allows funds from property sale or from fines and fees for ordinance violations may be used for public nuisance abatement.
Council approved the appointment of Mayor Durham as commissioner with the Anderson Joint Regional Water System and public works director David Rogers as an alternate.
Durham said the town’s waste water treatment plant is being evaluated to determine if some allocation can be freed up for future development.
Durham said approximately 800,000 gallons per day are allocated on paper, while the actual use is approximately 300,000 gallons per day.
Mayor Durham updated council on renovation work being done on the Municipal Center Auditorium.
According to Durham, bleachers have been removed, expanding useful floor space; two storage areas for chairs and tables built at the back of the room; a food area with cabinets added. The floor is being refinished and new paint. Durham said the improvements and others will make the auditorium a more upscale venue for events.
Durham said the town recently sold a grinder, a chipper and a flatbed truck for a total of $52,000.
The grinder, which was sold years ago and was repossessed, was sold for $32,000. The chipper was sold for $24,000 and the flatbed, which was damaged in an accident, was sold for $6500.
The money is being returned to the general fund, Durham said.
Durham also addressed problems at the recycling dumpsters located behind town hall. The facility was intended for recycling by town residents.
The mayor said that while Anderson County has done a great job helping the town with recycling, people are bringing trash and other items, some from out of town, creating the problem.
“It was very well intended, but is not being properly used,” he said.
Durham said it was an eyesore recently, with overflow items piled around the dumpsters and into the parking lot.
