Town Laureate – James Campbell was named the official West Pelzer Poet Laureate Tuesday. The honorary position was created as part of the town’s efforts to cultivate an enriched arts community. West Pelzer Mayor Blake Sanders presented a resolution acknowledging the position.
West Pelzer to apply for Chapman Park grant
During their meeting Tuesday, West Pelzer Town Council approved an official town poet laureate, a resolution to apply for a PARD grant and approved funding for safety improvements.
Town Clerk Paula Payton reported codification of the West Pelzer Town Code is being reviewed by the attorney for a final draft to be presented to council in December.
Letters have been sent to 28 property owners stating the town’s desire to abandon rights-of-way without compensation via a quit claim deed transfer by request of adjacent owners. The initial deadline was July 31, however only 17 yes responses were received and four no responses received. A final notice will be sent with a response deadline of November 30 and the ordinance will be presented to council at the December meeting.
Payton announced that she has been awarded a 2021 Jim Tinnin Online Learning Scholarship of $100 for IIMC courses.
Several town employees have recently completed training. Kelly Arthur and Michelle Driver have been trained for customer service. Payton has received training from the Business License Officials Association and the Municipal Finance Officers & Clerks Association. Jeff Pearson has completed Customer Service & Communication training for the second quarter.
Payton reported that new Christmas Lights donated by Waste Industries will soon be installed on ten Main Street poles.
In the Public Works report, Payton said 16 work orders were complete in October. Work orders can be submitted online at www.westpelzer.com or by calling town hall, she said.
The 2019 CCR Water Quality Report is also available on the town website.
Police Chief Alexis Eliopoulos reported the department had 33 reports and 16 arrests. Arrests include 9 traffic related, one failure to stop for a blue light; one DUI; two open container; one shoplifting, one warrant service; one loitering for drug purposes; two disorderly conduct; one resisting arrest; two dogs running at large and one unlawful burning.
There were 86 tickets written with 37 warnings.
In October 2019 the department had 20 reports written with five arrests.
Three officers recently completed recertification training for radar operation.
Chief Eliopoulos reported Pumpkinpalooza was a success and all officers worked the event without any safety issues or concerns. She said it was well planned by the mayor.
To reach an officer, call 864-947-6297 opt 5 or Anderson County Dispatch at 864-260-4444. For emergency call 911.
Council approved a proclamation declaring James Campbell Town of West Pelzer Poet Laureate. The honorary position was created as part to the town’s efforts to cultivate an enriched arts community. It states that Campbell has demonstrated through published works a passion for the expression of ideas through the written word and he has exemplified a desire to foster a love for writing and poetry in others through workshops for both middle and high school students and the community at large.
The Town Poet Laureate will be required to visit schools and attend town , library and school functions as needed; be available for a two year term, carry out activities that engage the public in poetry or literary arts; give a reading at special Town events and write a summation of his/her impressions and experiences as Poet Laureate prior to the end of the two year term.
Campbell said he loves to read and write and the written word for him is a love and a joy. He recited a first official written piece as Poet Laureate, a poem entitled West Pelzer.
Council also approved a resolution authorizing up to $5000 for Capital Improvements Funding for safety and improvements to Town Hall and other town facilities. The town has received quotes for improvements that will deter the spread of COVID-19, increase safety of employees and provide opportunities for staff to identify and mitigate safety concerns prior to engagement.
The Town of West Pelzer and the Anderson County Legislative Delegation are requesting a SC Parks and Recreation Development (PARD) grant of $10,000 for an event and performing arts stage in Chapman Park. Council approved a resolution to request and accept 2020 PARD grant funding.
Dana Udy was appointed to the planning commission. The town is looking for others who would be willing to serve on the planning commission.
The Town announced the scheduled regular meeting dates for council meetings for 2021. The council meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.
Mayor Sanders announced that the West Pelzer-Pelzer Christmas Parade will be held at 5:30 Dec. 5. Information and applications are available on the town website.
