During their meeting Tuesday, West Pelzer Town Council approved rezoning property on Woodcock Road and a resolution to accept a $20,000 PARD grant for Chapman Park.
West Pelzer’s new municipal judge Stephen Turner was also sworn in. The Municipal Judge position is a four year term.
Council unanimously approved second reading on an ordinance to rezone approximately 5 acres of property located near 501 Woodcock Road and 190 Mill St., in West Pelzer. The property includes nine parcels and is currently zoned R-20. The applicant for re-zoning has requested the property be rezoned to R-6, Residential 6 to allow for construction of residential townhomes. First reading was held on Dec. 13, 2022.
Responding to questions from a citizen, Mayor Blake Sanders said re-zoning the property designates what the property can be used for and is not a final step in the process. Sanders said the developer plans to build 36 townhomes, with four homes in a row, buffers and landscaping. The homes will be owner occupied.
The re-zoning was approved with Councilman Jeff Lee, Councilman Jim Riddle and Mayor Sanders making the quorum.
There was some discussion on repeal of town code Manner of Driving a Motor Vehicle and Points. Police Chief Scott Stoller said the new ordinance is in compliance and Councilman Lee stated that iy is part of an effort to slow down traffic on Main Street. Councilman Riddle said that the traffic issue has been an ongoing concern since he has been on council and that the new ordinance will help.
Council unanimously approved a resolution in support of accepting a PARD grant in the amount of $20,000 which will be used for expansion of Chapman Park. The town will be required to provide matching funds of $ 4,000 which will come from the Hospitality Tax fund.
Council unanimously approved the appointment of Debra Scroggs to the Town Municipal Election Commission. Mayor Sanders said there are several open positions on the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals for anyone who would like to serve.
In her clerk’s report, Paula Payton reported eight work orders were completed in December. She also reminded citizens that ReWa rate increase will be effective with the February billing. The current base rate of $12.38 will increase to $12.75. Current usage will increase from $6.27/1000 gallons to $6.56/1000 gallons. ReWa charges reflect as ReWa Collection (formerly sewer) and ReWa Trunk and Treatment (formerly ReWa). Utility billing is available as paperless billing, auto draft or customer login options.
Payton also said that a Special Election to fill a seat on council which came open with the resignation of Pat Alexander will be held on March 28. Filing for the position will open Jan. 20 and close Jan. 30.
In the police report, Chief Stoller reported there were eleven reports with two arrests, one for uninsured/unlicensed operation and one for disorderly conduct. There were 59 tickets written with six warnings and two motor vehicle collisions.
Stoller reported the Christmas Parade was a success. A town clean-up day is being planned for February or March.
Chief Stoller urged motorists to use extreme caution while driving on Main Street, especially between Gray Mortuary and Hwy. 20. “There is a lot of foot traffic crossing, especially near the mortuary and Mill Town. We had a pedestrian struck just before Christmas in front of the mortuary.”
“Speeding and aggressive driving enforcement will be strictly enforced,” he said.
He also encouraged residents to call 911 if they see someone or something out of place, especially at night.
Turner takes Oath
Stephen Turner was sworn in as West Pelzer Municipal Judge during the West Pelzer Council meeting Tuesday. Mayor Blake Sanders administered the Oath of office as Turner’s wife Stacie assisted.
