NEWBERRY COUNTY COUNCIL

WORK SESSION

NOVEMBER 16, 2005

 

Newberry County Council met on Wednesday, November 16, 2005, at 1:00 P.M. for a work session.

 

Present were:                Mike Hawkins, Chairman

                                    William D. Waldrop, Vice-Chairman

                                    John E. Caldwell, Councilman

                                    Henry B. Summer, Councilman

                                    John David Dawkins, Councilman

                                    Andy Morris, Councilman

                                    Edgar Baker, Councilman

                                    Leonard B. Sossamon, Jr., County Administrator

                                    Gary T. Pope, County Attorney

                                    Susan C. Fellers, Clerk to Council

 

Media:                          Cindy Pitts, Newberry Observer

                                    Heather Hawkins, WKDK

                                    No representation from Whitmire News

 

Notice of the work session was duly advertised as required by law.

 

Mr. Hawkins called the meeting to order. 

 

The following matters were discussed:

 

1.         Lynch’s Woods.

 

Darren Atkins with Clemson Extension presented a proposed logging operation, which would enhance the property for future use. 

 

Annette Davis presented a proposal for an Educational and Agricultural Center to be located in Lynch’s Woods.  (Copy attached)

 

2.         Piedmont Technical College.

 

Dr. Lex Walters, Pat McGehee and George Piersol advised that the first phase of renovation had been completed; however, there is a need for additional facilities and parking.  They requested a commitment from the County to reserve additional property for Piedmont Technical College as well as the possible acquisition by the County of the adjoining National Guard property.  The estimated cost for renovating the exterior of the building including additional exits on the front of the building, and renovating the second floor to include elevators and stairwells would be in the $2,500,000 range.  The building also has a number of building code needs.  Dr. Walters requested that Council consider appointing a subcommittee to meet with Piedmont Technical College to study their additional needs and any future renovations.  Dr. Walters advised that Piedmont Technical College could participate to a certain extent financially in the renovations. 

 

3.         Emergency Services.

 

Lewis Lee talked with Colleton County, who has all of its emergency services under one grouping.  Colleton County is willing to meet with Newberry County to discuss this further.  (See attached information)

 

One problem Newberry County will have with lowering its ISO rating is that it does not have any paid personnel.

 

Todd Griffith had a power point presentation on ISO myths. 

 

Jerry Koon requested funds for a new Haz-Mat response vehicle and building to house it.  They are now using a 1979 Ford Budweiser beer truck, which needs numerous modifications.

 

4.         David Enzastiga.

 

David Enzastiga, auditor, reported the county’s fund balance has dropped from $9.6 million to $7.3 million.  Of the $7.3 million, $1.5 million is tied up with Jesse Frank Hawkins Nursing Home which leaves a $5 million spendable fund balance as of June 30, 2005. 

 

Council requested that Mr. Enzastiga make a recommendation to them as to the Smith Data system.  He recommended either additional training for the staff we have or hire better qualified staff in the Treasurer’s Office and/or the Administrative Office.

 

He advised Council that the tax account was overdrawn on the ledger, and no progress had been made to find a solution.

 

4.         Roads and Airport.

 

Mr. Whitehead reported on the paving and resurfacing of county roads and updated Council on the right of way for Pineland Road.

 

Mr. Whitehead reported that Tom Brooks had been moved out to the Airport and is now an employee under the Public Works Department.  Installation of the fuel system will start on Monday, November 28, 2005. 

 

Mr. Sossamon advised Council that no response had been received from the Airport Commission relating to the liaison from the Airport Commission and the providing of documentation to Council. 

 

5.         Economic Development.

 

Teresa Powers handed out an Activity Summary which indicates that Newberry County is in range with comparable counties.  (copy attached)

 

The County needs to come up with a new name for part of the road in the Industrial Park.

 

The County now owns the Coleman Oil property (future library site).

 

We also have a deed to 4 acres for the ball field site in Maybinton. 

 

6.         Miscellaneous.

 

(a)        The proposed contract with the Mercer Group was discussed.  A lot of the information Mercer proposes to gather can be obtained from other persons through county personnel. 

 

Mr. Dawkins felt the County should proceed with creating the Emergency Services Board prior to considering the Mercer Group contract. 

 

Mr. Morris was opposed to creating the Board until we had the information from the Mercer Group. 

 

Sheriff Foster felt there was a lack of cooperation with the groups and suggested that Council be prepared to follow the recommendations of any consultant if the County spends the money for the services of a consultant.

 

Mr. Morris didn’t feel that the information Lewis Lee had was correct.

 

(b)        Junk ordinance.  After lengthy discussion, Council decided to set another work session for December 14 to thoroughly review the junk ordinance and make amendments. 

 

(c)        It was the consensus of Council to meet on the following dates in December:  December 7, 7:00 p.m.; December 14, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for a work session; and December 14, 5:00 p.m. for Council meeting.

 

(d)        Mr. Baker raised the issue about late Council meetings and people not having access to the meetings after 10:30 p.m.  Council will come back with a recommendation to be presented at the January meeting. 

 

(e)        Mr. Baker brought up the matter of his company bidding on county projects even though he received clearance from the County Attorney and the Ethics Commission.

 

            Mr. Hawkins suggested a possible ordinance to govern bidding procedures involving Councilmen.

 

            Mr. Summer felt it didn’t look good for Mr. Baker or County Council.

 

            Mr. Pope advised it could be a potential problem if the building was defective.

 

(f)         County Council’s Annual Planning Retreat was scheduled for February 11 and 12, 2006 to be held in the Conference Room at the Courthouse Annex.

 

            Mr. Morris requested that the facilities study be discussed at the Retreat. 

 

            There being no further business, the work session adjourned at 5:52 p.m.

 

                                                                        NEWBERRY COUNTY COUNCIL

 

 

                                                                        ____________________________________

                                                                        Mike Hawkins, Chairman

 

 

                                                                        ____________________________________

                                                                        Susan C. Fellers, Clerk to Council