Williamston Town Council – briefs

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During their regular monthly meeting Monday, Williamston Town Council annexed a new business property, considered lease of the armory building for an arts center and entertained funding for three events.

Persons attending the Town Council meeting were treated to art-in-progress displays and string music prior to the meeting. The arts exhibit in the halls of the Williamston Municipal Center was presented by the newly formed Palmetto Cultural Arts Center organization.

Prior to the meeting, there was a presentation to retiring Parks and Recreation Director Dale Martin which was followed by a drop-in for him.

At the start of the meeting, Council held a public hearing concerning a petition filed by Family Dollar Stores to annex property into the town. No one commented. Council later approved second reading on the annexation of the new store which is located at 1505 Anderson Drive.

Council heard updates and reports from eight different committees.

Councilman Rockey Burgess said the town attorney is working on changes to the town’s sign ordinance which should be presented at the April meeting.

On community Safety, Councilman David Harvell reported that the fire department is working with the Career and Technology Center on a fire training program. The police department is looking into establishing a law enforcement explorer training program and the police department and other agencies will be conducting an active shooter training exercise at Palmetto High School.

Williamston Fire Chief Steve Ellison repoted that the department is working on an explorere program which needs town approval. The program will begin training and recruiting for members under the age of 18. The program is saanctioned through the Boy Scouts Explorer program.

Councilman Otis Scott reported that the town will begin a cleanup program on Mar. 31 starting in Ward 1.

Representatives of the Palmetto Cultural Arts Center presented information plans on the new program. Information was also presented on five year revenue projections from the establishment of the Cultural Arts Center.

The town council was considering a memorandum of understanding to lease the armory building to the Palmetto Cultural Arts Center, which they did approve.

Council tabled a request for funding for the Spring Water Festival; postponed a request for funding for an Easter weekend event and approved a funding request by the Defenders Motorcycle Club for a first responders recognition event in the park.

Council also approved October 4 as the date for a Homestead Festival in Mineral Spring Park.

Council approved first reading amending the zoning ordinance to allow fuel stations in Highway Commercial zoned property.

Prior to the meeting, there was a presentation to retiring Parks and Recreation Director Dale Martin which was followed by a drop-in for him. More than 150 people including former students, school board members, family and friends and town officials attended the event.

Williamston Mayor Mack Durham presented Martin with a plaque of appreciation. Parks and Recreation Committee Chair Kempie Shepard presented Martin with a certificate of appreciation from the committee.

Additional details from the meeting will be posted online and in the print edition of The Journal.