During their meeting Tuesday, Williamston Town Council approved annexation of property on Anderson Drive, funding for a new gazebo and landscaping for the Municipal Center.
Council also approved a resolution to join the Anderson Area Transportation Study (ANATS)
ANATS is a Metropolitan Planning Organization under the SC Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration through which Federal funding for transportation related projects is allocated.
Williamston, along with Pelzer and West Pelzer, have all been grouped under the Greenville Pickens Area (GPATS) Transportation Study for several years.
The most recent census determined that the three towns are now their own “census defined urban area” allowing them the choice of which planning organization they want to be included in.
All three area mayors recently met with ANATS representatives to receive information. This week, all three Town Councils voted to join ANATS.
Mayor Rockey Burgess said that joining ANATS “Would benefit us and the other two towns.”
Stephen Greer, organizer of the Skylatics Unity festival planned for last weekend in Mineral Spring Park, appeared before Council to request a later date for the event. Greer said he needed more time for it to be a successful event. He said he is now planning to hold it sometime in October.
Mayor Burgess requested Greer let town officials know what is going on with planning for the event, which was canceled just four days before it was planned. “Four days notice is problematic for our public service people,” Burgess said.
During the meeting, Williamston Police Chief Kevin Marsee recognized several police officers for their outstanding service. (See separate story and photos)
Council unanimously approved second reading on annexation of two tracts of property, comprised of 14 acres, owned by Trinity Baptist Church. The annexation includes four acres and the church building plus ten acres the church plans to sell.
Council unanimously approved funding of up to $29,000 for a new Gazebo to be located at the Pocket Park next to the new Bojangles on West Main Street. The gazebo will be similar to what is over the spring in Mineral Spring Park, according to Councilman Chris Alexander. Funding will come from the Hospitality Tax fund.
Alexander said the gazebo is located at “a gateway into town”.
Mayor Burgess said that the concrete pad foundation is already there and appears to have been designed for a gazebo structure.
Councilman Lee Cole asked if a gazebo was part of the original plan for the site, which currently has a fountain and sun shade seating area.
Cole also sated that he “would like to see something like this for Brookdale Park in the future.”
Councilman Hagood said that they are looking at placing a new shelter at Brookdale Park.
Council also approved funding of up to $28,000 for two landscaping projects in front of Town Hall. The project will include removing old mulch that has accumulated, replacing shrubs and some existing trees. It also includes 136 new plants, 9 trees, a drain pipe and new mulch.
The landscaping will be easier to maintain, Mayor Burgess said.
Councilman Alexander said that “Whatever is there has been neglected for so long.” He said it is unsightly and that the mulch that has pile up washes onto the sidewalks when there is rain.
There was some question about the current irrigation that is currently there and trees that were planted “In memory” of someone.
Although the Hospitality Tax fund had $80,000 to $90,000 in it, Mayor Burgess expressed concern that if the funding is used, “It leaves nothing else for other improvements.”
He also said he thinks the Town will be “pleasantly surprised at our hospitality tax” revenue for this year and would be ok if the funding is used for the landscaping project.
Councilman Cole again stated that he would also like to see funding for improvements at Brookdale Park.
Mayor Burgess replied that the Town is receiving $15,000 from the County and funding from other sources that could be applied to Brookdale Park.
Council then went into executive session to discuss a contractural matter and a legal matter.
The executive session lasted approximately 40 minutes. No action was taken upon returning to regular session.
