During a Williamston Town Council work session Aug 1, Mayor Rockey Burgess updated Council on items to be discussed or voted on at the regular meeting of Council Aug. 7.
They also discussed a sensitive issue involving town personnel.
Burgess stated that the town will recognize the Palmetto High School Bass Team which finished 28 nationally and second in the recent Style King BASSMASTERS High School National Championship tournament at Lake Hartwell. Mustang anglers Bryson Gurley and Eathen Evatt will be recognized.
Burgess said that the town has the option to purchase park benches and tables at a greatly discounted price from the SC Government Surplus agency. The Surplus agency also has a 2015 fire engine the Town is considering purchasing for $40,000. The 2015 fire truck only has 19K miles and was used for training at the State Fire Academy. The vehicle will replace a 1998 fire truck if it is purchased, he said.
Council discussed a local business that has unknowingly been receiving free pickup of multiple trash bins for years. Businesses must purchase or rent a dumpster and pay a yearly fee for pickup. The Town does not offer dumpsters for businesses, Mayor Burgess said.
There was considerable discussion about possible improvements at Brookdale Park to make it more usable, safer and to reduce vandalism. Possible improvements could include a camera system and additional lighting, a new shelter or gazebo, additional parking, fencing, brush overgrowth, a walking trail and others.
There was also discussion about having SCDOT scrape pavement on Greenville Drive (Hwy. 20) to uncover wide asphalt which could be a bike or pedestrian lane.
Councilman Tony Hagood stated that he has requested the Town look into a traffic light at Roberts Blvd. and Greenville Drive and additional lighting along the sidewalk toward Palmetto Primary School.
Mayor Burgess said that he had had discussions with SCDOT and town officials are working with AnMed on a Safe Route to Schools grant through SCDOT.
It was also noted that area students will be going back to school this Thursday.
There was considerable discussion about an issue involving town employees and related to the property purchase on Greenville Drive (See separate story)
