House Representatives West Cox and Anne Thayer presented a resolution recognizing the town’s 2108 Centennial which was celebrated earlier this year, and the town also recognized District One Teacher of the Year Jared Fricks and resident artist Andy Gambrell.
Representative West Cox, House District 9 Representative Anne Thayer, Councilman Jim Riddle and Councilman Johnny Rogers.
The town’s new billing clerk, Michelle Driver was introduced. Driver has more than 20 years of banking and customer service experience and according to Town Clerk Paula Payton, “is already proving to be a huge asset for our office.”
Payton reminded residents that there will be an election on November 5 and citizens planning to vote must be registered by October 5. A forum on using the new voting machines and process is being planned, Payton said.
Setoff debt letters for application to 2019 tax returns have been mailed, she said.
The town planning commission will meet on October 8 to discuss an annexation request and the town offices will be closed on Monday, October 14 for Columbus Day.
During her Public Works report, Payton stated that fourteen work orders were completed in September. Work orders can be submitted online at the town’s website www.westpelzer.com or by calling town hall.
Upcoming events in the town include: the Mile Long Yard Sale this Saturday, Oct. 5; opening of the Lincoln taproom at 28B Main St. on October 12; Westy’s Vintage Market at Chapman Park on Oct. 19 and Pumpkin Palooza at Chapman Park on Oct. 31. The Beards & Biceps event will return Nov. 23.
West Pelzer Police Chief Alexis Eliopoulos reported the department had 30 reports, 19 arrests including six for disorderly conduct, one warrant, three shoplifting and one drug related. There were 114 tickets written and sixty-four warnings.
Chief Eliopoulos said the police department applied for and received State grant money in the amount of $11,269.27 for the purchase of a new body camera system. The new system and cameras will be delivered this week, she said. Also, a new patrol vehicle was purchased in August and will be delivered to the town this week.
The police department also received a Federal grant in the amount of $936.56 for the purchase of new Ballistic body armor vests. Each full-time officer will receive a new vest, the Chief said. “Our current vests are ten plus years old and past the five year expiration date,” she said.
The police department also received the donation of three mobile data terminals from the Welford Police Department and five printers and five scanners from the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office. Eliopoulos said the equipment will be used in patrol vehicles for e-citations (tickets) and electronic wreck reports.
Officer Bell has donated time, resources and equipment to restore a firearms range for the department.
Chief Eliopoulos reminded residents they can reach an officer at 864-947-6297 option 5 or Anderson County Dispatch at 864-260-4444 or dial 911 if there is an emergency.
Palmetto Middle teacher Jared Fricks was recognized by the town for having recently been selected the Anderson School District One Teacher of the Year. Fricks, a former resident of the town, was presented a mayor’s proclamation recognizing him for the accomplishment as one of Anderson County’s finest educators. Mayor Blake Sanders said, “This is a big deal and we congratulate you.”
West Pelzer resident artist Andy Gambrell was recognized for his support of the arts and his display in the GRAND Gallery.
