Pelzer council looking at ballfield lease and parking area

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By Stan Welch
Pelzer Town Council unanimously adopted a resolution recognizing the 234th anniversary of the United States Constitution. September 17th through the 23rd is national Constitution week.
Town Clerk Cheryl Boudreau reminded the council and the audience that September 25th is the date of the bulk trash pickup, as well as a town sponsored blood drive and car show.
Lee Cole, acting as the attorney for the Williamston Soccer Club – instead of as its president, which he was until Drew Johnston took that role over – reassured the council, as well as several recalcitrant citizens, that the club would meet their obligations as outlined in the soon to expire lease agreement with the town.
“We will have the concession stand remodeling completed by the end of the month, when the lease runs out. There have been some delays and we have had to make some modifications to assure the safety of the stand. The roof has been inspected and is not in need of repair at this time,” said Cole. “By the end of the month, we will pressure wash the building, and paint it in the colors introduced in the new town logo. By the time we have met our obligations, we will have invested thirteen thousand dollars. And yes, we will be approaching the town about renewing our lease.”
Mayor Will Ragland then announced that the three aspects of improving the monkey park have been completed, including tree work, grading, and the construction of a new fence.
He then proceeded to explain the town’s intention to purchase a portion of an area owned by the Pelzer United Methodist Church, which is used for overflow parking. According to Ragland, who cited a formal survey of the property, the lot intrudes into the Wilson family cemetery, adjacent to the monkey park.
Having been questioned earlier in the meeting about the Mill Town Players’ use of the area for parking, Ragland, who is the director of the theater group, acknowledged the group’s use of the area for parking. But he stressed that his intention was to purchase the lot to eventually integrate it into the monkey park, thereby protecting the graves that comprise part of the site. The council voted unanimously to purchase the property for five thousand dollars.
The council then voted to go into executive session to discuss legal matters. After the executive session, the council reconvened in open session and approved a motion to take legal action against Greenville businessman Bob Hughes.
Over $12,500 in arrears payments related to an agreement dating from 1991. The agreement was apparently related to the property where the BiLo, and now the Food Lion supermarket is located. The basis of the action is an agreement that Hughes would pay an agreed upon amount to the town until the town was authorized to impose property taxes within the town.
The Council also voted to exercise the authority of eminent domain on the property that involves the municipal pool site. The site was co-owned by former mayor Roger Scott and his business associate Bill Jeanes. Both men are now deceased and the town is seeking to reclaim the property.