By Stan Welch
Williamston Town Council held a work session Tuesday night in preparation for next week’s scheduled Council meeting which will be held Monday, Oct. 6 at 6 p.m.
Councilman Rockey Burgess got the ball rolling with a question about the Gatewood subdivision, which has suffered from the summer’s heavy rains. The road access is at risk due to runoff damage. Burgess suggested that the Council vote Monday to formally seek funding from the County to repair the road.
Mayor Mack Durham explained that C funds, which are designated for road work and other infrastructure needs, would be allocated in the coming weeks, but agreed that a formal request from the council would be helpful. Councilman Otis Scott, pointing out that further damage could isolate the neighborhood’s residents, suggested using heavy equipment to restore the existing but abandoned Williams street access into the area as well.
Burgess added that heavy trucks transporting leachate to the wastewater treatment plant are adding to the burden and stress on the road, and suggested resuming use of an alternative dump site. The Town at one time allowed leachate trucks from the Anderson Regional Landfill to dump their iquid loads into a manhole on the edge of town, it stopped the practice when it was discovered that the trucks were dumping loads that they weren’t accounting for, in order to avoid being charged.
The council also agreed to put two requests for qualifications on the agenda. The RFQs will deal with the Town’s Master Plan and nuisance abatement issues.
Mayor Durham also reported that the DAR will be present to seek a resolution declaring October U.S. Constitution Month, an annual appearance.
Pam Owens is also slated to appear seeking yet another update on the Gray Drive Bridge and its state of disrepair. The bridge, and the issue of who is responsible for it, has come up repeatedly over the last two decades and remains unresolved.
The Historic Commission will present a proposal for an official acknowledgment of Paul Gossett by seeking the placement of historical displays in the area of the park, possibly along the existing Gossett Drive. Council will also address the question of proposed way finding signage for Academy and Hamilton Streets. Durham proposed adding such signage for Gossett Drive.
Rebidding the Mineral Spring trail project will be discussed. The first bids were so high as to preclude the town’s funding the required matching funds. The proposed trail will run from Williams Street to the parking lot at the wastewater treatment plant.
Burgess also proposed establishing a policy to waive the reconnection fee for water customers who fail to pay their bill but have no history of delinquency. “As it stands, people can call and ask for that consideration; but it depends on who they talk to as to whether they get it or not. People who don’t make a habit of this should be able to get a break.”
