During their meeting Tuesday, Pelzer Town Council approved second reading on the new business regulation and licensing ordinance, approved 25 new streetlight placements and announced that an agreement has been reached on the PHC Overlook Park properties.
Town Clerk Cheryl Bates reported there were fifty-one work orders completed in February with ten connections, eleven disconnects and thirty miscellaneous. In the police report, there were thirty-six traffic related, eighty-six contacts, thirty-four calls for service and five arrests.
Bates said the Town is planning an Easter event in which Pelzer residents can have candy filled eggs hidden in their yards. Deadline to sign up to have your yard “egged” is March 29. The event is for Pelzer residents with children twelve and younger. There is no cost for the event, she said. There will be 1500 candy-filled eggs available for the event.
Town Attorney Richard Thompson updated council on two items. He said the Church of God property purc hase may be finished by mid April and the Pool Property litigation is ongoing and may be several months out.
Developer Brad Skelton spoke to Council regarding certification of the upper and lower mill properties for SC Textile Tax Credits. Skelton said the certification will allow an incentive for developers and builders to receive up to 25 percent back on development projects on distressed or abandoned textile property. Skelton is involved in the development of several town homes on the property. He said all of the mill property which qualifies is being included in the certification. There are currently nine parcels being included. Mayor Will Ragland said the town has been working with Skelton to identify the tax map numbers of the properties involved.
Council tabled a vote on the certification so that the final tax map numbers can be confirmed. Ragland said a special called meeting could be held to approve the certification if needed before the next regular meeting of council.
Under old business, Council unanimously approved second reading on the new Business Regulation and Licensing Ordinance.
Mayor Ragland announced that the Pelzer Heritage Commission (PHC) has donated two properties known as the Overlook Park parcels, to the Town of Pelzer. He thanked PHC Vice President Larry Coker for the donation which Ragland said will be a key part of a future trail system the Town is planning along the Saluda River. “Thank you for buying in for this vision for a trail system. It has been a long slow project, but will be transformative,” Ragland said. “Thank you very much.” Negotiations between PHC and the Town on the property have been ongoing since last year.
Council approved a three year extension on the lease for the building at 100 Courtney Street. The building has been leased to Eva Higgins Photography for the past three years. Under the agreement, the business will pay $500 per month the first year with an increase of $50 in year two and three.
Council approved a proposal by Preservation South to conduct a ground penetrating radar scan of the Wilson Family Cemetery. The process will identify unmarked graves sites prior to renovation being planned around the area. The $3,000 flat fee will include time and materials for the project, Ragland said.
Council approved 25 new streetlights for Pelzer. Streets that will get new lighting include: Kugley (1), Lopez (4), Langley (3), River (3) Dillon (2) Adger (3) Guy (1) Front (2) Hale (1), Dora (1) and Baptist (1). Mayor Ragland said the Pelzer Ramp road is a County Road and will require Anderson County approval. Smythe, Courtney and Square are State Roads and will require permit from the State.
The new lights will cost the Town $10.05 each per month for a total of $251.25 per month, plus tax. The agreement is for three years and oncldues 50 watt LED lights on six feet arms.
Council approved funding of $2,000 to help purchase fireworks for the Pelzer Heritage Commission July 4th Celebration.
