During their meeting Tuesday, West Pelzer Town Council approved a resolution to allow an easement for REWA on town property and adopted the 2023 Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan for Anderson and Oconee Counties. Mayor Blake Sanders and Councilman Jim Riddle also made political announcements.
Police Chief Scott Stoller reported there were 12 reports with 8 arrests. Arrest charges included disorderly conduct, driving under suspension, driving without a license, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, operation of an uninsured vehicle, stolen vehicle and shoplifting. There were 70 tickets written, 3 ordinance notices and 6 warnings. There were 3 motor vehicle collisions investigated.
Stoller said that the flock camera demonstration had ended and asked Council to consider funding a purchase. He said the camera will allow an expansion for the department without having to hire anyone. The camera, which reads license plates, has helped recover five stolen vehicles and assisted in locating three wanted persons associated with certain vehicles, Stoller said.
West Pelzer Town Clerk Paula Payton reported that the O’Dell Community and Entrepreneur Center is open every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 am to 3 pm. The center offers free wireless internet, a conference table, individual desks, whiteboard, television for presentations, refrigerator, microwave and is fully ADA compliant.
She also announced that the Senior Place – Meals on Wheels held an open house on July 31. The center offers food and activities for seniors every Monday and Friday and there is no cost to participate. Meals on Wheels delivers meals to the center.
Public Maintenance Head Jeff Pearson reported there were 15 workorders completed and one SCDHEC report. Two water taps were installed on Dendy Street and the valve program is ninety percent complete.
Naomi Reed, Field Service Manager with the Municipal Association of SC, presented West Pelzer with the MASC Strong Cities Award of Excellence for town with under 1000 population.
The award, complete with trophy, recognizes community development projects which have significantly improved the community and served as catalysts for further improvements to the area’s quality of life.
According to Reed, West Pelzer received the award for transforming downtown into a vibrant commercial space and for creating a new Rural Renewal Master Plan that seeks to reinvigorate commerce, reinvent existing spaces and encourage intentional growth.
The downtown area, once completely empty of active businesses, has achieved a 95% business occupancy rate.
Council approved a resolution to grant an easement to Renewable Water Resources (REWA) to allow access across property the Town owns on Mill Street and Woodcock Road.
Council also approved a resolution to adopt the Anderson/Oconee Hazard Mitigation Plan. The plan identifies mitigation goals and actions to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property both counties from the impacts of future hazards and disasters.
The plan is in accordance with federal laws including the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, the national Flood Insurance Act of 1968 and the National Dam Safety Program Act.
In Council remarks, Mayor Blake Sanders announced that he is not seeking re-election to the office of mayor.
Councilman and Mayor Pro-Tem Jim Riddle announced that he intends to run for Mayor in the upcoming election on Nov. 7.
