County Council

More greenery in Manning, January County Council Meeting

Posted

The regular County Council meeting on Jan 13 saw a first reading, and resolution on two ordinances, as well as the proposal of a new park in the City of Manning.
The first ordinance was a resolution and final vote on the intergovernmental agreement between Clarendon County’s Sheriff’s Department and the Town of Turbeville. This ordinance allows Sheriff Tim Baxley to provide law enforcement services by the Clarendon County Sheriff’s office within the town of Turbeville.
The second ordinance was the first reading, which will need to be followed by two other readings and a public hearing before it is passed, concerning general obligation bonds for “Project Gamechanger.” The ordinance read:
“An Ordinance authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds, in one or more series, tax-exempt or taxable, in an amount not to exceed $850,000 for the purpose of acquiring, constructing, equipping, or rehabilitating various capital projects related to project game-changer; authorizing the county administrator to prescribe the form and details of the bonds; providing for the payment of the bonds and the disposition of the proceeds of the bonds; providing for borrowing in anticipation of the issuance of the bonds; and other related matters.”
Project Gamechanger, which has now revealed itself to be the tech start-up company Provalus, will need this ordinance in the future to continue establishing itself in Manning.
There was also a new park mentioned at this months council. The City of Manning has an initiative to establish parks in every district of the city. According to Mayor Julia Nelson, the only districts that lack a park are four and five. Nelson asked the council to consider signing over the deed to an empty lot adjacent to the DHEC building. The City of Manning hopes to build a park there and get themselves one step closer to completing their initiative.
“I stand before you tonight to formally ask that you deed the property adjacent to the DHEC building to use for a park,” said Nelson.
Nelson mentioned that the back part would be used as park space, leaving the front part open for possibilities. One idea she said was to bring the farmers market to this lot, and open up parking space for the new IT company, Provalus, which is moving into the Belk building.
“I believe it will be a win-win, we will gain a park, and you won’t have to handle upkeep of that area any longer.”
The council seemed to like this idea and commented on Nelson’s dedication to the city.
“I think that it is a good use for the property,” said County Administrator David Epperson. “At this point, we do not have any planned use for that property.”
Councilman Blakely also congratulated Nelson on recently being elected SCCOG president.
There were also service award recognitions by Linda Lemon for Terry Lee, William J. Frierson, and Billy Richardson. Charles E. Eaddy was also recognized for his time at the Sheriff’s Department but was not able to make it to the meeting.