Pelzer considering cell tower options

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Pelzer Town Council decided to sell an excess vehicle, approved the purchase of utility supplies, fireworks show and considered a lease, sell option from a cell tower company that could bring the town a lump sum of $700,000.
During the citizen comments portion of the meeting, Linda Ford asked council to look into gunfire that is disturbing residents and to consider placing an emergency siren in town.
Bill Davis updated council on the recreation at the gym which he said includes an adult basketball league two nights a week and a new girls softball team. The softball team is a Pelzer/Powdersville team and will play some home games in Pelzer he said. He also said there is a list of things that need to be done at the gym.
Town Clerk Cheryl Boudreau reported the public works department completed 48 work orders and needs some supplies for water/sewer repairs. She reported there were four arrests in Pelzer by the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office.
Under new business, Council approved the sale of a 2004 Dodge Intrepid which Mayor Pro Tem Will Ragland said is an excess vehicle and is not needed. Ragland said the Kelly Blue Book value on the vehicle is $1500. After some discussion on how to advertise the sale, it was decided to put it up for auction with Meares Auction Company with a minimum set price.
Council also discussed a proposal by American Tower Corporation for either a sale or extending the lease contract on the property at the ballfield. The property is currently leased until 2051.
Options offered by the company included extending the lease another five years and increasing the lease payment to $2916.67 each month or sell the property to the company for a lump sum of $700,000. Councilman Eddie Waits brought up the issue of town property that is being used for collateral for the USDA sewer improvement loan. Waits said he has been in discussion with USDA about the possibility of having USDA forgive the loan.
Waits raised questions about the town receiving a lump sum from the cell tower property and how it would affect the loan and what would happen if the town were to dispose of their sewer system. REWA offered to purchase the system approximately two years ago.
After receiving advice from town attorney Richard Thompson, council decided to table the issue. A real estate agent will be contacted to determine a fair figure for the property if it were sold.
Council also approved $3,000 from the Hospitality Tax fund for fireworks for a July 4th Celebration. Ragland said the town currently has $89,000 in the Hospitality Tax fund.
Council also approved the purchase of six water meters, three meter risers and two repair clamps.
The council currently has only three members, Councilman Eddie Waits, Councilman Mike Matthews and Councilman Will Ragland. Ragland was selected Mayor Pro Tem by the council and is currently serving as head of the council until a new mayor and councilmember are chosen in a special election to be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2020.
Books will remain open until noon on Feb. 18 at Town Hall for anyone interested in running for the offices.