By Stan Welch
West Pelzer Town Council gave first reading approval to the budget for FY 2017-2018 Monday night. The 3-0 vote was dependent on Councilman Jeanes being provided with specific salary information for each individual police officer. Such information is not deemed public information unless the amount exceeds fifty thousand dollars. Council members Jim Riddle and Donnie Jeanes were not present.
A public hearing on the budget will be held at 6 .m. on Monday, June 26, followed at 6:30 by a special called meeting to give final approval to the budget.
Mayor Blake Sanders reported that an informal traffic count conducted by the town’s intern revealed that the town averages one hundred tractor trailer units along Main Street each hour, while fifty pedestrians each hour cross the street. Sanders said that those numbers are impressive enough to get SCDOT’s attention. The town has been exploring ways to reduce and slow traffic along the thoroughfare.
Sanders said that the numbers, accumulated during an eight hour period on a Thursday, influenced DOT’s decision to approve street parking along Main Street, as well as the possibility later this summer of installing a three way traffic signal at the intersection of Highway 8 and Palmetto School Road.
Council also approved the purchase of a flow and pressure kit to be used to determine flow and pressure at various fire hydrants. West Pelzer will pay $508 for their share of the cost, while Pelzer will pay the other fifty five per cent of the cost, per the two town’s informal cooperation agreement.
The Council then spent a considerable time discussing a proposed twelve page ordinance regulating the installation and use of signs in the town. Following their discussion, the Council voted to table the issue until the next regular meeting.
