During their meeting Monday, Williamston Town Council heard a request to use the municipal center auditorium, recognized scarecrow decorating contest winners and approved first reading to rezone several properties. They also set a date for the Christmas Parade and heard a brief presentation on bats.
Williamston resident Bronwyn Barnett presented information about bats and bat houses. Barnett explained that bats are instrumental in agriculture pollination and in insect and mosquito control. She offered information on bat houses and an example of one which can house up to 300 bats.
She stated the ideal location and height for a bat house is 15 to 20 feet in a location with clear access and six to eight hours of direct sunlight, but away from artificial light sources. Also away from high traffic areas. She stated that color matters and suggested a dark medium color for any future bat houses the town may install.
Williamston currently has several bat houses located in Mineral Spring Park near the playground area which house approximately 50 bats. The houses are painted black and are approximately ten to twelve feet high.
Barnett suggested that the Veterans Park or behind the Fire Department would be good locations for a bat house.
Mayor Rockey Burgess said that the Town installed bat houses in the park area after a problem situation arose with bats inhabiting the “Long Shelter” in the middle of the park several years ago. He thanked Barnett for the information she provided.
Michelle Chapman asked council to consider allowing use of the Municipal Center Auditorium at either a free or reduced rate for annual meetings of Non-Profit Home Owner Associations (HOA).
Chapman explained that she has been a Williamston resident for 17 years and operates a business that works with non-profit HOAs in Williamston and the upstate. She is looking for a space large enough to hold approximately 200 people that may attend annual meetings of the HOAs she works with. She explained that the town guideline allows a waiver of fees for non-profits. The stated auditorium rental fee is $500. Councilman Tony Hagood offered use of the WACC Caroline Center. After some discussion, the request was tabled to the next meeting of Council in December.
Sherri Cole reported that the annual Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, December 2 at 1 p.m. She encouraged participants to register early. Applications are currently available at Town Hall or can be obtained by emailing sherricole@charter.net or call or text Cole at 864.353.2893. The parade route will begin at East Main Street and Hamilton Street and end at the traffic light at West Main and Academy Street.
Envision Williamston Executive Director Roberta Hamby presented awards for the Scarecrow Decorating Contest. Winners were Business: 1st place – Community First; 2nd place – Maple Bakery and Coffee House. Individual – Andrew and Melisssa Simoncic.
Hamby also recognized Eddie Morgan American Legion Post 121 and the Palmetto High AFJROTC for work done on the Veteran’s Park bridge. Legion members, with help from the AFJROTC cadets, rebuilt a ramp on the bridge to allow better access.
Hamby also reported a ribbon cutting for a new business, The Pink Door Boutique, was held Friday. The business is located at 20 East Main Street.
Hamby reported that Boo in the Park was “the best ever” with as many as 1200 to 1500 children plus adults attending. She said changing the route “went much smoother” and that there was plenty of candy for those attending. “Everyone got candy,” she said. She said the costume contest was well attended.
Hamby said new lighting for the holidays will be installed on the Municipal Building next week. The Winter Wonderland event will be held on Sunday, Nov. 26. Some vendors will be outside and there will be four patio heaters to help keep attendees warm. There will also be five 20 feet inflatables at the event.
Envision Williamston is selling spots for custom ornaments on the Santa’s workshop Christmas Tree in Town Hall. Spots are $5 each for a custom 3 1/2 inch ornament provided by individuals who wish to have one on the tree.
Mayor Burgess said the Christmas Tree at Town Hall will be installed over the fountain this year. He also said the Town has purchased a bucket truck for $5,200 which will make installing decorations easier.
During the business portion of the meeting, Council approved first reading to rezone seven properties located on Sullilvan Street, South Academy Street and Broad Street. The properties are being rezoned from R3 Single Family and Duplex to INS – Institutional. The properties are church properties and are being rezoned from residential/commercial to commercial/institutional.
Council also approved first reading to amend the zoning map on three properties on Belton Drive from R-3 Single Family and Duplex to RC-Residential/Commercial. The Belton Drive properties include the Beyond Care Health Care business and Duke Energy Substation.
