By David Meade
During their regular meeting Monday, Williamston Town Council addressed an old business issue that may hold a record for the number of times it has been on the town’s agenda. The issue of what can be done with the Gray Drive bridge, which has been ongoing for at least 20 years, is coming back to the forefront.
Gray Drive resident Pamela Owens spoke to council about the ongoing issue which she said she will not let go. Owens said the need for the bridge concerns safety and pointed out a recent shooting in which a sheriff’s deputy responded on Gray Drive and had to turn around and go a different route to get to the scene which was near Owens’ home.
Owens recounted history in efforts to get the bridge fixed going back to 1994. “I’m asking for your help,” Owens said. She said she has a petition with 100 names on it.
Mayor Durham said Town Attorney Lee Cole is working with the County to set a meeting with railroad officials about the bridge issue.
Council unanimously approved a bid of $14,000 to make repairs on Park Street due to a washout from stormwater.
Council unanimously approved a bid of $12,000 from GNC for NPDES permit oversight on the town’s Waste Water Treatment Plant.
Council heard a report from Hervery Young, a public defender with the 10th Circuit Judicial Court on indigent defense funding.
A new mandate in the state budget requires each municipality to contract, either with a private firm or with the appropriate public defender’s office, to provide free legal assistance to any qualified defendants appearing in municipal courts.
According to Young, the indigent defense “is for basic legal services for people who are unable to afford legal council, to provide an attorney for them.”
There was considerable discussion and information presented about the breakdown on fines, amount sent to the state and how that is divided among a number of agencies.
An estimated cost $300 per case for the town is based on approximately 24 cases during a year. Total cost to the town will be $4547.19. Council unanimously approved the expense.
During public comments, Council heard from Pamela Owens who asked council to consider an exception in the sign ordinance to allow yard sale signs.
Randy Woodson spoke to council about the Artory and comments he has heard. Woodson told Otis Scott, the councilman representing his Ward, that he should support the council decision to allow the Artory to be used for arts. “We need more arts in town,” Woodson said. There were other comments from Woodson and Scott and Scott finally said he was not going to comment but would talk to Woodson after the meeting.
Detective Cremer gave the report from the police department. It was announced the police department will hold a book-bag event at Caroline Center.
The Envision Williamston program will hold a Charette August 25-27. Mayor Mack Durham said the Charette is a continuation of efforts to formulate a “plan of what the community wants, not just what someone thinks is a great idea.”
Councilman Tony Hagood reported the Born Learning Trail with stations in Mineral Spring Park and at Brookdale Park will be done soon.
Councilman Rockey Burgess asked about a sink hole on Pelzer Avenue. Councilman Scott asked if the town could look into a water problem a resident on Gray Drive is experiencing. Town employees will look at both issues, according to the mayor.
During a work session held lst week, Mayor Durham said way finding signage for Main Street has been received and installation will begin soon. The town is also looking into having decorative street lights along the Main Street bridge.
The Town is also exploring the possibility of a combination of grant money and a low interest loan from the USDA to purchase and implement water meters that can be read electronically, instead of manually.
Durham reported that requests for proposals (RFPs) will soon go out concerning the rehabilitation and repair work slated for the Historic railroad depot building. He explained that a total reconstruction is not in the plan, but significant work will be done, including assuring that the building is ADA compliant and that the moisture under the building is addressed.
