During their meeting last Monday, Williamston Town Council adopted a Hazard Mitigation Plan, recognized the Palmetto Fishing Team and approved a resolution condemning racism. Council also heard an update on the Spring Water Festival.
Councilman Tony Hagood spoke during public comments at the start of the meeting. Hagood said that he had planned to resign from Council that night, but postponed his comments until all members of Council are present. Councilman Chris Alexander was not in attendance due to his mother having surgery.
Spring Water Festival Chairman David Meade updated Council on the upcoming festival which will be held Aug. 25 and 26. According to Meade, the festival will be one of the largest ever with more than 80 craft and boutique vendors already registered for the event and they are no longer accepting applications from vendors. They are however still accepting applications for business displays and non-profits. The 5K Spring Water Run will also be returning this year, Meade said. Online registration is available for the run. Entertainment on Friday will feature the Carolina Coast Band. Nashville Country trio LEVON will headline on Saturday. There will be gospel music throughout the day on Saturday, kids rides and activities and lots more to enjoy.
The Spring Water Auto Show sponsored by the Williamston Fire Department will include a Jeep show this year, Meade said.
Meade thanked Town Council for their support of the annual festival which is celebrating their 42nd year.
Envision Williamston Executive Director Roberta Hamby reported that the recent scavenger hunt Creekside Camp-in was well received with 14 tents and three sleeping bag campers. The movie in the park held in conjunction with the event “was very successful”, she said.
Hamby announced that the Envision Williamston facade program is being reopened and has up to $2,000 available for local businesses who want to make improvements to their storefront.
She said that approximately 300 book bags were given out at the Williamston Police Department Bookbag giveaway event.
There was considerable discussion about having the Christmas Parade on the same day as the Envision Williamston Winter Wonderland event, which includes the Christmas Park opening.
Council 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 in Williamston 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.
Council recognized Bryson Gurley and Ethan Evatt, members of the Palmetto High School Fishing Team, for their performance in the Bassmaster High School Fishing circuit.
The pair competed in the 14th annual High School Fishing World Finals and National Championship held on the Mississippi River in LaCrosse Wisconsin in June, and finished 28th in a field of 1,179 teams. They also competed recently in the 2023 Strike King Bassmaster High School Championship on Lake Hartwell, finishing in second place.
Williamston Mayor Rockey Burgess and Councilmembers congratulated Gurley and Evatt on the accomplishments and for representing the area on the National stage.
Williamston Town Council also unanimously approved a resolution condemning racism.
The resolution states that the “Town of Williamston recognizes that the history of our community, like many across the US, has been stained by acts of racism, prejudice and discrimination against Black citizens and other people of color.”
It goes on to state that “these acts of hate and ignorance have historically been perpetuated by individuals, organizations, businesses and government bodies and while great progress has been made in recent decades, shameful acts of racism and bigotry still occur in our town.”
The resolution states that “The Town of Williamston unequivocally condemns all forms of racism and racist acts that occur in our community” and is “committed to taking all actions in its power to oppose racism and advocate for the equality of all citizens of Williamston.”
During discussion on the resolution, Councilman Hagood said though the speed limit of 35 is the law, people have the choice to obey that law or not. “It is procedure,” he said. “It does not change the heart. It is difficult for me as a black man to forget the past when the present resembles it so much.”
Councilman Lee Cole stated, “Nothing we do can change the heart of people. Only our Lord can change hearts.” Cole said that on a national scale, racism has been “more highlighted” and even though “progress has been made over the years, there are still a lot of acts by individuals that have a racist context, even in our community, by an individual or business, that we condemn. That is as much as we can do, to state our opinion and do what we can do for equality.”
He said, “I hope we as a council can be an example.”
