During their meeting Monday, Williamston Town Council approved second reading on two items and revisited an issue that created controversy for the Town in April of this year.
The issue of a convicted sex offender being allowed in the park led to an escalation of comments on social media, closing of the park and similar ordinances being passed by neighboring towns of Pelzer and West Pelzer.
Tracy Black, representing a local ministry that was denied a permit to hold a worship service in Mineral Spring Park in April, requested an appeal of the denial.
The issue was on the agenda Monday for Williamston Town Council do decide if they would overturn the original permit denial.
Williamston Mayor Rockey Burgess made the decision to deny the original permit application after comments on social media raised concerns of a registered sex offender being allowed to participate in a music and worship event being held in the park.
In response to the situation, Mayor Burgess and Police Chief Kevin Marsee made the decision to close Mineral Spring Park citing safety concerns for protesters and those attending the music/worship event. A week later, the Town passed an ordinance addressing the issue.
Three people spoke during the meeting Monday, urging Council to stand by the Mayor’s original decision and citing the responsibility of providing a safe environment and protection of children in a public park area.
One stated that the person has the right to ask for redemption and that his appearance maybe legal, but does not make it the “the right thing to do.” Parents should never have to question safety, the speaker said.
Another stated that parents have the reasonable expectation that known risks are not present in the park, again citing prevention and that there are consequences from the choices that the person made. She said officials “should always choose the safety of our children.”
Another stated that he “finds it absurd we even have to have a discussion about a registered sex offender being around kids” and “worry that they could be harmed.”
During discussion, Mayor Burgess stated that the permit that was being appealed was applied for by Mercy Church in April of this year and that the Council would be deciding on that application.
He read the response he made at the time of the denial (which was reported in The Journal) and said it was denied due to public safety concerns and a registered sex offender being in the proximity of a park. Also there was no proof of insurance and a requirement of four officers being needed for security following the controversey created on social media.
Speaking to Council, Black said he wanted to “express our side of the situation” and blamed social media for stirring up trouble.
He said the person in question, John Helmuth “is part of our church” and is not fighting for the right to be there. Black said Helmuth suffered attacks on him and his family.
“He is a guitat player and helps finance the ministry,” Black said. He said they were in the park for three and half years and the events were streamed live on social media. “There was not one complaint,” Black said. He said the purpose of the ministry was to reach out to families, children and homeless people.
Mayor Burgess asked Black three direct questions. “Was Helmuth in a leadershp position?” Black responded “yes”. “Was he in a leadership position when he was convicted of conduct with a minor?” – Black said “No” and “Has he participated in previous events?” – Black said “Yes.”
Councilman Hagood made some comments stating that even if Helmuth did not participate in the event, “Still you associate with him”.
Black asked for clarity on the situation and stated they are not out to break the law. He added “We are not responsible for people who join us in the park” and something about “somebody who had a past.”
Hagood responded that they have to protect the children and referenced comments by one of the speakers earlier in the meeting about accepting responsibility for past actions. “He should have told you”and that “there are consequences of a decision made years ago”.
Black said they wanted to be treated the same as other organizations who use the park.
Mayor Burgess responded that a church that meets at Town Hall “pays to meet monthly, has insurance on file and a hold harmless agreement.”
Council Lee Cole, joining the meeting by phone, said the town ordinance is clear, that permits are required for certain types of events and the mayor has the authority to make a decison based on certain criteria. A denial can come before council on appeal.
He cited public safety issues, a credible risk and that liability insurance required and that he would not vote to overturn the appeal.
