During their meeting Monday, Williamston Town Council recognized a retiree, approved a property sale and annexation of school property. Council also approved funding for a new HVAC system for the Municipal Center auditorium.
Wes Ballard of the Anderson Radio Club requested use of Mineral Spring Park for a Ham Radio Field Day. Ballard said the 24 hour event is practice for an emergency situation for members of the radio club. Two events will be planned for next year, he said.
Envision Williamston Executive Director Roberta Hamby updated Council on EW projects in July. Hamby said the book bag give-away with the Williamston Police Department gave out 323 bags. The scavenger hunt had 15 prizes given out, Bingo event sponsored by Piedmont Post Acute and Ortiz State Farm agency had 155 players.
Hamby also recognized winners of the EW Shark week drawing contest.
Envision Williamston will host a Business Expo from 9 am to 6 pm on Saturday August 17. The event will be held at the Williamston Municipal Center. For information email EWBoardMembers@gmail.com.
A financial class will be held from 7 am to 1 pm on September 28.
Hamby said the EW is accepting new applicants for the “Hometown Heroes” Banner Program. Persons wishing to recognize their military “Hometown Hero” on a banner can contact her at the Williamston Municipal Center or email EWBoardMembers@gmail.com.
The End of Summer bash held in Mineral Spring Park had a great turnout and children enjoyed fun water activities, Hamby said.
Councilman Lee Cole thanked Envision Williamston board members and volunteers for their efforts.
Rogers recognized for service
David Rogers was recognized for 48 years of service to the Town of Williamston during the Town Council meeting Monday. Rogers officially retired last Wednesday. Pictured front (l-r) are: Former Councilman Jimmy Rogers, Pam Rogers, David Rogers, Mayor Rockey Burgess. Row 2 (l-r) Councilman Chris Alexander, Councilwoman Tabatha Austin, Councilman Lee Cole. Not pictured Councilman Tony Hagood.
Longtime town employee David Rogers was recognized for 48 years of service to the town upon his retirement last Wednesday. His brother Jimmy Rogers, who served four four-year terms as a Williamston Town Councilman, also made comments during the recognition.
Council approved second reading on the sale of property located on Mahaffey Road and E. First Street to Scout Realty Group LLC. The 39.54 acre tract is being sold to the developer for $300,000. Mayor Rockey Burgess explained that the property was originally being given to the developer under a contract by a previous administration with the agreement that approximately 90 homes would be constructed. Burgess said that selling the property to the developer allowed the developer to proceed and allowed the town to have more control over density and greenspace in the new subdivision. Scout Realty has already invested approximately $100,000 in engineering and planning for the development, he said.
Council approved a resolution naming Kevin Strickland as an alternate for the Town on the Anderson Regional Joint Water Association (ARJWA) board. He will replace David Rogers, who recently retired. Mayor Burgess will remain the primary board member.
Council approved a budget amendment allowing funding of up to $125,000 for new heating and air HVAC system for the Municipal Center Auditorium. Mayor Burgess said the Town is looking at two options, regular unit replacement which will cost $90,000 or a Mitsubishi VRF unit which will cost $125,000. The system currently has four split systems that equal 18 tons to heat and cool 7,500 sq. ft.. The current system is approximately twenty years old and one unit is five years old.
Burgess said that a venue of that size is recommended to have 30 tons of cooling, delivering 1-ton of cooling per 250 ft. compared to the current 1-ton per 416 ft.
A Request for Proposal (RFP) will be put out to bid for the upgrade.
Burgess recommended the Town go with the more expensive Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system which has a better warranty and would provide enough cooling for the space and will provide overall energy savings.
Council approved first reading on the annexation of School District One property. The annexation of 18.28 acres at Palmetto High School will bring the entire school property into the town limits and eliminate confusion about whether the town or county has jurisdiction if there is a problem requiring law enforcement or other response, Burgess said.
