The Summerton Town Council convened for its monthly business meeting on Tuesday, September 10th, at Town Hall, located at 10 Main Street. The meeting, led by Mayor Pro-Tem Keith Bowman, opened with the notification of media presence, an invocation from Councilman Robert Sandifer, and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilman Gavin Allan.
The agenda and minutes from the August 13th meeting were reviewed and approved without amendments.
Presentation and department reports
During the meeting, Terrance Tindal presented plans for a Trunk or Treat Initiative aimed at engaging local children and families for Halloween. Council members listened to the presentation and discussed the potential impact of the community event, with further details to be explored in future meetings.
Reports from various departments followed. Anthony Smith, Director of Public Works, highlighted the completion of several operational duties in August, including water leak repairs on Water’s Edge and Grant Street, replacement of water meters at Washington and Jay Streets, and maintenance work on sewer systems and fire hydrants. System Operator Joseph Oliver of the Water & Sewer Operations department confirmed that no permit violations occurred in August. The town’s wastewater treatment plants in Summerton and Goat Island remain compliant, with permit renewal applications awaiting state approval.
Police Chief Donell Dixon reported a relatively quiet month in terms of crime, with only a few incidents of trespassing and disorderly conduct. A year-to-date crime summary was also provided, indicating low occurrences of hit-and-run accidents, kidnappings, and domestic violence cases.
Town Administrator Kenneth Geathers delivered both the administrative and financial reports. In his update, Geathers outlined the status of multiple zoning enforcement actions, including the issuance of infraction notices for unkept properties on Church Street. He also reviewed ongoing capital improvement projects, such as the Goat Island Sewer System Improvement Project, where progress includes substantial concrete pouring for the installation of sewer pump stations.
Budget amendments and easement request
Under old business, the Council discussed a request from Farmers Telephone Cooperative for an easement on the property located at the corner of Main and Duke Streets. After brief deliberation, the Council voted to approve the request.
New business saw the passage of a resolution to amend the town’s 2024-2025 operating budget. The resolution will adjust funding allocations to address unforeseen expenses and align with current operational needs. Specific changes to line items were not discussed in detail but are expected to be outlined in the final budget document.
Executive session
An executive session was called to discuss matters related to personnel, including potential changes to employee appointments, compensation, and promotions. No decisions were announced following the closed session.
The next regular Town Council meeting is scheduled for October 8, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in Town Hall.
