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TOWN OF HEMINGWAYMINUTES OF MEETING ON AUGUST13, 2020 110 SOUTH MAIN STREET AT 6:00 P.M.Present: Mayor John Michael Collins, George Sutton-Mayor Pro-Tem, Veronica Elliott, Keith Baxley, Jimmy Chinnes, Pamela Matthews, Joseph Lee-Town Administrator, Samantha Lewis-Town Clerk, Jonathan Laster, Greg Askins, Robert Bell, Chief Bryan Todd, Greg Glisson and Sabra Poston ABSENT: Solomon LewisPublic Hearing was called to order.No comments from the public.Mayor Collins made the motion to close the public hearing and it was seconded by Mr. Baxley and it carried unanimously.Council Meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Mayor Collins.Invocation and Pledge of AllegianceElection of Mayor Pro-Tem: Mr. Baxley made the motion to re-elect George Sutton as Mayor Pro-Tem and it was seconded by Mr. Chinnes and it carried unanimously.Approval of Minutes of Meeting: Approval of minutes of meetings for July 13 was motioned by Mayor Collins and it was seconded by Mr. Chinnes and it carried unanimously. Approval of minutes of meeting for July 21, 2020 was motioned by Mr. Baxley and it was seconded by Mr. Chinnes and it carried unanimously.Persons Appearing Before Council: None2nd Reading on 2020-2021 Budget: We have a lot of additional funds coming in and not sure of the amount. We have another month to go. We are still expecting funds from the state. We have two big businesses closed. We had the fire at the Locker Plant. Mr. Lee spoke with Flynn and he said they are planning on rebuilding, but on a smaller scale. Mr. Lee stated that we all need to get the word out to get residents to fill out their Census. This helps with funding from the state. He is asking for a two mill increase on property taxes. The mill for Hemingway is $2436.00. Mr. Lee stated that he still isn’t advocating an increase in salaries. This has been the hardest budget he has done since he has been here. We have three budgets that are balanced. One is with no increase, a two percent increase and a three percent increase that excludes salary employees. Mr. Baxley stated he is recommending the 2 percent raise because we are not sure what this year is going to do. There is no increase in insurance or retirement this year because of the COVID-19. Budget is not an exact math; it is just something to go by. We try to be very conservative. Mr. Sutton stated that the employees need a raise. Cost of Living is expected to be around two percent. Mr. Chinnes made the motion to accept the budget with the two percent raise and it was seconded by Mrs. Matthews and it carried unanimously.1st Reading on Sanitation Rate Increase: Waste Management is going up 3% on the garbage rate. Residents cut hedges, trees, etc. and this has to be picked up. We have to get a dumpster and it costs around $700. Mr. Lee asked DHEC if he can burn the debris. They said we would have to purchase an incinerator. Mr. Lee is asking for a 5% increase to cover the cost of the old truck, gas, personnel and the dumpster. We won’t break even with a 5% increase. It is now $12.74, and it will go up to $13.38. He is asking for this to be active each year and if we need an additional increase it will be brought to council for their approval. Mr. Lee also reminded everyone that they will not pick up the trash if it is stacked on top or beside it. It must be in the can. Mr. Baxley made the motion to accept the 5% increase on sanitation for first reading and it was seconded by Mr. Chinnes and it carried unanimously.Administrator’s Report: A) The bird viewing station at the oxidation pond. Mr. Lee has two bids and still haven’t received the third one. One is for $8199 and the other is $6250. Mr. Sutton stated that we need to go ahead with it. We have waited for a long time and no other bids have come in. Mr. Baxley stated that the bid to offer was given over a few months ago. Mayor Collins made the motion to accept the low bid and it was seconded by Mr. Chinnes and it carried unanimously. B) The roof on the outpatient facility on the old EMS portion has to be fixed. The roof cost is around $12,000. We only have one bid at this time. Mrs. Matthews asked if there has been any more offers to purchase the building. Mr. Lee stated that several have looked at it. McLeod, Carolina-MUSC and HopeHealth. Hope Health wanted the Town to give them the building. It has been with Doug Joy and he has had it for 5-7 years. Mr. Lee asked if they wanted him to go back with Doug or find another realtor. Mayor Collins asked if the building had to be used as medical or can it be some other use. Mr. Lee stated that it can be used for other uses. Mr. Askins stated that MUSC in Florence was coming to look at it the same day the COVID pandemic started. There is still a prospect there. He has emailed him several times. Mr. Baxley stated that not a lot of money in the building but would rather see something medical in there. Mr. Askins asked them to hold off till they talk with MUSC again. C) Mr. Lee asked if the cameras that we got on 55/45 can be purchased out of hospitality funds. It is for the safety of visitors in our town. The cost will be around $11,000. We would like to also add more cameras to other places in the near future. Mr. Askins stated that council would have to prove that it provides safety and enhancement to the Town. Mr. Lee stated that other places use the money to pay salaries so we should be able to use it to purchase cameras. Mr. Lee stated that it is perfectly legal. D) The tag reader for the police car has been ordered but on delay due to the virus outbreak. E) Storm water plan. Our portion will be $48,000. We do not have the grant at this time but have applied for it. Mrs. Matthews asked if the streets going to be repaired. We have to continue to dig up the streets to repair/replace pipe and it is ruining the streets. If we get this grant, we will be able to repair and replace old sewer and water pipes. Mayor Collins stated that the last 15 years we have focused on out of town to help funding. Now we need to start working on in town again. DOT is supposed to check with Ken before they pave the roads. There are no paving projects in town at this time. Mr. Askins stated that we need to coordinate with the county to help with the drainage. F) Mrs. Lewis stated that the playground equipment has been ordered and should be shipped around the 22nd of August. Old Business: No old business was discussed.Mayor Collins made the motion to adjourn the meeting and it was seconded by Mr. Chinnes and it carried unanimously.Meeting was adjourned at 6:30 p.m.SincerelySamantha LewisTown Clerk ................
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