Town of Williamston approves match for economic devlopment grant

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During their meeting Monday, Williamston Town Council approved second reading on a lease agreement for MedShore Ambulance Service for use of the EMS building on Anderson Drive, a resolution for easements for a sewer project and agreed to provide a fifty percent match for an ARC economic development grant
According to Town Attorney Lee Cole, the lease agreement for MedShore was amended to reflect a request by MedShore for the term of lease to match the 911 contract agreement with Anderson County.
The original agreement was a month to month arrangement. Under the new terms, the agreement will be for a five year period 2018-2023, with a three year agreement followed by two one year renewals.
The lease also allows for an annual review of the rent amount.
“The lease gives MedShore more stability with their 911 contracts,” Cole said.
Council also approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to approve easements for the Belton Drive sewer project. The CDBG for the $692,000 project provides for a going easement price of 64 cents per sq. ft.
The project includes replacing some current lines and requires several new lines.
Cole said there were no easements on file for some of the old lines due to it being so long ago since they were installed.
The grant guidelines also requested new easements for the project, he said.
Council also approved a 50 percent match for an Appalachian Regional Council (ARC) economic development grant.
The grant will be used for a downtown retail master plan, according to the mayor.
Total project cost is $90,000 with the town matching half, at $45,000. The funding will come from the town’s hospitality tax, Mayor Mack Durham said.
The plan will help with future funding applications according to the mayor.
Envision Williamston Executive Director Sonya Crandall wrote the grant. Crandall said, “It is a true economic development grant, under the town, for retention, recruitment and light industry.”
Council also elected councilman Rockey Burgess Mayor Pro-Tem.
Council then went into a brief executive session to discuss an economic development issue. No additional information was provided as to what the discussion was about.
Upon returning to regular session, Mayor Mack Durham said there was no action taken in the executive session.
He then invited anyone who had planned to participate in the West Pelzer-Pelzer Christmas Parade that was canceled Saturday, to come be a part of the Williamston parade this Saturday.
The parade will be held at 3 p.m. If there is inclimate weather, the mayor said a makeup date will be the following Saturday, Dec. 15 at 3 p.m.
The mayor also mentioned that the park is decorated and Deck the Halls Christmas Tree displays are available for viewing in town hall.
The attractions drew approximately 100,000 visitors last year, he said.