During their meeting Monday, Williamston Town Council approved a property annexation on one side of town and purchased another property on the other side.
Before annexing the property, located next to the Goodwill Store on Hwy. 20, Council approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to enter into a contractural agreement for a tax rebate as an incentive with the current property owners.
Burgess said that a developer intends to purchase the property from the current owners for a retail development and has requested that utilities including water and police and fire protection services be provided by the town. Those services will be available upon annexation of the property.
Mayor Burgess said that as an incentive for the annexation, the Town is providing a tax rebate for up to seven years for the current property owners should the property sale fall through.
After giving approval to the mayor to enter into a contract with the current four property owners for a tax rebate, Council unanimously approved annexation of the property.
The property (TMS #244-00-06-007) has access to Hwy. 20 and Courtney Street. The annexation will bring the entire parcel into the town and change the zoning from agriculture to office/commercial. The annexation was recommended by the Planning Commission and will require a second reading approval by Council.
In the business portion of the meeting, Council approved second reading on an ordinance addressing providing water and sewer services to properties located outside the town limits, but are contiguous or surrounded by properties that are in the town limits known as “doughnut hole” properties. Doughnut hole properties will remain as they are as long as they are owned by an immediate family member or family trust or until they are sold to a new owner. Mayor Burgess said if a property changes hands it will be annexed into the city to continue receiving services.
Mayor Burgess said the ordinance addresses the issue of a property that is not currently in the town limits, but is contiguous, being annexed into the city. It also addresses dealing with new customers and new homes that are outside the town limits but want water and sewer service provided.
An amendment was offered by Councilman Lee Cole about where to place the ordinance in the town’s codes, under utilities or other appropriate place as decided by the town attorney. The amendment was included in the ordinance.
In other action, Council approved a budget amendment allocating up to $75,000 for five used police vehicles. Mayor Burgess said the vehicles all have less than 100,000 miles on them. There are three Chevrolet Tahoes, a Chevrolet Caprice and Ford Explorer.
Burgess said all five vehicles could be purchased for $58,000 including an insurance payout on a recently wrecked police vehicle. The Mayor recommended Council approve $75,000 for the vehicles and needed equipment such as stripping and extras. Equipment on the town’s current police Tahoes are interchangeable on those being purchased, he said.
Mayor Burgess said the Town could budget for new vehicles, but he said the Town is being “frugal” by purchasing used vehicles and flying three people to Florida to drive them back to Williamston instead of having them shipped.
Council unanimously approved a budget amendment to provide $115,200 for purchase of 20 new airpacks for the Fire Department. The town is requesting an additional $115,200 from the State budget to held with the total cost of $230,400. Burgess said the town normally purchases used equipment, but has the opportunity to purchase new airpacks with the State funding.
In a 4-1 vote, Council approved first reading on the purchase of 10.52 acres from Trinity Baptist Church. The property has access from Hwy. 20 and will include a tract allowing access from Belton Hwy. Funding will come from the Town’s reserve fund. Councilman David Rogers stated that he disagreed with the purchase and that the money could be used to pave streets.
Councilmember Lee Cole said he supported the purchase as an investment and that the town owning the property allows more control over what could be located there. “Cost of land doesn’t go down,” he said.
Councilman Chris Alexander agreed. “Everything is growing very fast and this gives us the ability to help control growth.”
Council approved a bid award of $5,000 to GMC for FEMA Assistance Consultation. The funding will be covered by FEMA, Mayor Burgess said.
Burgess also added that the company contracted for hurricane debris removal will be making one final pass through the area in the next two weeks. Anyone with debris from the storm can contact town hall for information on how to request it be picked up.
Mayor Burgess said work in being done by developers of the “Big Creek Station” project at the old water treatment plant.
Girl Scout Troop 3429 requested use of Mineral Spring Park for a car show to be held in April.
In her report, Envision Williamston Executive Director Roberta Hamby said that the organization is getting quotes for a stage curtain for the Municipal Center Auditorium. Hamby said that the curtain the town currently has is ripped and has holes in it. One quote already received is $1957 per set, she said.
“Be Mine Bingo” will be held at the Municipal Center on Feb. 15 from 1 pm to 3 pm. There will be more than $1,500 in prizes for adult and kids games. Adult grand prize will be an IRobot Vacuum/Mop. Kids grand prize will be a guitar/amp and accessories.
Hamby said Envision Williamston and Officer Mahaffey of the Williamston Police Department have met with a representative of Anderson School District One about the annual BookBag Giveaway event. Hamby said there have been several bookbag events and they would like to coordinate into one expanded event with face painting, popcorn, bookbags and school supplies. The event will be by invitation, she said.
Hamby announced that Chase Maddox was selected the Envision Williamston Community Engagement Committee Volunteer of the Year. Hannah Mullikin was recognized as the Envision Williamston Board of Directors Volunteer of the Year.
Mayor Rockey Burgess announced that the Fourth of July Freedom Celebration will be held on Friday, July 4th this year.
