The Turbeville Town Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, September 10th, at 6:30 p.m., addressing a variety of community initiatives and updates. The meeting, held at Town Hall, opened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, before Mayor Tammy Hicks called the session to order.
Public participation and council actions
During the public participation portion of the meeting, community member Jenna Windham proposed a community yard sale to be held on the Town Square, which the council discussed but did not vote on during this session.
The council then moved forward with the approval of minutes from both the August 13, 2024, Town Council meeting and the August 22, 2024, Planning Commission meeting. These minutes were approved unanimously.
Ordinance 2024-04: Comprehensive Plan
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the first reading of Ordinance 2024-04, which seeks to approve the 2024 Town of Turbeville Comprehensive Plan. The plan, developed in collaboration with the Santee Lynches Council of Governments, has been in progress since earlier this year and will replace the outdated 1995 plan. The updated plan includes various community insights and recommendations, with a second reading scheduled for October 8, 2024.
Town Administrator’s report
Town Administrator Howard Garland provided an overview of activities and progress in August, highlighting communication with multiple agencies regarding storm preparations earlier in the month. Garland also noted the Turbeville Planning Commission’s work on the comprehensive plan and a recent visit from the South Carolina Forestry Commission to assess street trees along Main Street. Additionally, updates were given on utility matters, including the ongoing transition to LED lighting across town and the town’s water and sewer services.
Garland also reported on a pending insurance claim regarding the town fountain, noting that legal action was being initiated to resolve the issue. In coordination with the mayor, efforts are ongoing to enhance holiday decorations, with 20 new Christmas pole decorations already ordered.
Tree assessment and financial report
A tree assessment conducted by the South Carolina Forestry Commission on August 21st, was reviewed during the meeting. The assessment recommended the removal and replacement of live oaks and Chinese elms along Main Street, citing concerns over damage to walkways and infrastructure. The report suggested replacing these trees with medium-sized species that would pose less risk to the surrounding environment. The council is expected to further evaluate the recommendations and consider replanting options in the coming months.
Following the discussion of the tree assessment, the council reviewed the financial report and utility report for the month of August, with no major issues reported.
Mayor’s report
Mayor Tammy Hicks delivered her report, highlighting several important events, including a Small Town Summit she attended in Columbia on August 22, and ongoing efforts to bring new businesses to Turbeville. Mayor Hicks also provided an update on the Christmas decorations and noted that she had been in contact with various stakeholders about future developments in the town.
The meeting concluded with no further business, and the council adjourned at approximately 7:30 p.m.
The next regular Turbeville Town Council meeting is scheduled for October 8, 2024, where the second reading of the comprehensive plan ordinance will be held.
