Several major topics were discussed during the Pageland Town Council’s meeting on Tuesday, July 5.
Some of the topics included annexation of South Pointe Christian’s main campus, located at 28981 Highway 9, to the town, the Chamber of Commerce’s report on preparations for the Watermelon Festival, sidewalk repairs on E. Godfrey St. and sidewalk and street repairs on N. Maple and W. Godfrey streets, a 1% raise for all town employees, and the fire department’s purchase of a used bus.
Council had a lengthy discussion concerning annexation of South Pointe Christian’s main campus to the town limits. The issue was whether or not the town had adequate water and fire protection for the location.
Fire Chief Tommy Rivers said Council needs to figure out how to fund the fire hydrants. He said due to the mutual aid agreement among the town’s fire department and other fire departments, there would be multiple first responders in case of a fire at the location.
Chamber of Commerce president Tim Griffin said the seven members of the Planning Commission recommended the town hold off on the annexation until the town has the infrastructure it needs to accommodate the annexation of South Pointe Christian’s main campus to the town.
Mayor Jason Evans suggested Council table the issue. Council members voted unanimously to table it.
Griffin presented his quarterly report before Council. He thanked Council for providing him with air conditioning in his Chamber office.
He said they are “right where we need to be” concerning preparations for the Watermelon Festival. He said trash containers need to be pulled from different locations in the town to avoid garbage overflow during the festival.
Griffin said the first event of the festival will be Gospel in the Park July 10 starting at 2 p.m. The festival will officially kick off at noon Friday, July 15.
Griffin said the Chamber is working on a grant from Sandhill Telephone to pay for a second mural for the town.
Concerning the sidewalk repair on E. Godfrey St., Council voted unanimously to table the issue until liability concerns are clear. Council voted unanimously to accept AHG’s quote of $3,185 to do street and sidewalk repairs on N. Maple and W. Godfrey streets.
Council voted unanimously to approve a one% pay increase for all town employees who have been on the job for at least six months.
Rivers informed Council that the fire department took advantage of a federal surplus equipment program in the purchasing of a 2011 bus with just 35,000 miles on it.
Rivers said the cost of the bus was only $3500, which included federal preparation, transportation and logistic fees. He said the bus needs cleaning up and minor repairs.
Rivers said the bus will serve three purposes: rehabilitation, mass casualty incidents, and as a command post.
He said first responders can go into the bus to cool off, warm up or hydrate during certain events, such as the Watermelon Festival.
The bus can also be used for emergency service in case there is an event that has multiple casualties, Rivers said.
And thirdly, he said the bus can be used as a command post with radios and computers.
Also during the meeting, Jamie Miller, founder of Project First, an organization that focuses on education and empowerment, requested consent from Council to sponsor a roller skating event in the front parking lot at the Pageland Community Center Saturday, Aug. 27, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.
Miller said insurance for the event has been taken care of and at least five local organizations have agreed to help sponsor the event. Miller asked Council to provide $1500 towards the event.
Evans said the funds could come out of the hospitality fund. Council voted unanimously to provide the $1500 for the project.
Miller said it would be a fun event and would give the children a boost for the school year. She said bookbags and supplies would also be provided.
In his report to Council, Andre Singleton, director of Pageland Parks and Recreation, said he will hold a community interest meeting for expanded programs July 14 at the Pageland Community Center beginning at 6 p.m. He said the purpose of the meeting will be to gain community input about new activities they would like to see at the center.
Sligh introduced the town’s new clerk/treasurer, Kelly Tarlton during the meeting. He also read a Resolution honoring former clerk/treasurer, Linda Long, who retired in February. Long was not present at the meeting.
Council went into Executive Session on matters concerning Personnel and Impact Study Proposal.
