The Summerton Town Council held its monthly meeting on June 11th, during which Town Administrator Kenneth Geathers presented updates on zoning permits, utility projects, and other administrative matters.
Zoning and Permits
Several zoning permits were issued throughout April. A roof repair permit for 1 Burgess Street was issued on April 26, and an in-home lift permit for 1071 Island Court was issued on April 16. Additionally, permits for three wall signs at 116 Main Street and a new restaurant at 2 Cole Street were issued on March 21 and April 11, respectively. An inspection permit for 510 Buff Blvd. was issued on April 11.
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission met on June 4. Jeff Merkey and Lisa Mann from the Santee Lynches Council of Government presented on the roles and responsibilities of the commission, focusing on nuisance ordinances and minimum housing standards. Two in-town applications were submitted for review. The next commission meeting is scheduled for August 6 at 6 p.m.
Capital Improvement Projects
Several capital improvement projects are in progress. The town-wide broadband study, street improvement program, and storm water assessment are pending announcements. The Downtown Development Master Plan is expected to be completed by July 2024.
Public Work Projects
The Goat Island Sewer System Improvement Project began with site clearing for a water tank on June 3. The Three Division Project includes rehabilitation of 15,000 linear feet of trunk sewer, construction of a new, elevated tank and well, and replacements of fire hydrants and water meters.
Utilities and Administration
Oliver Environmental reported no permit violations for the town’s water or sewer systems as of May 2024. The Summerton Field Parameter Lab has been certified by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. A new booster pump has been ordered for Johnny Scott Well, and the inflow pump at the Summerton Wastewater Treatment Plant is scheduled for replacement. Automatic controls for spray field pumps have been reprogrammed and are operational. Hydrant and flow testing are ongoing, and work continues on the EPA-mandated lead and copper waterline database. The North Shore water system passed its latest flow test in May 2024, and the Summerton Wastewater Treatment annual permit renewal has been submitted to SCDHEC.
Street Department
In May, the Street Department performed maintenance on the Johnny Scott Well and installed a bypass pump at the Wausau Sewer Lift Station. They also completed maintenance work at the North Shore water tank, an asphalt patch on 4th Street, and flow tests on fire hydrants. The department maintained right-of-ways, repaired water leaks, completed monthly customer cutoffs and reconnects, performed weekly sewer lift station checks, and maintained the government campus.
Utility Billing
As of May 31, 35 accounts were delinquent and received a $25 penalty. Two accounts in payment arrangement agreements are subject to disconnection. Account cut-offs resumed on June 3 after being delayed due to software issues. By June 5, 17 delinquent accounts were still unpaid and scheduled for disconnection.
Administration
Minutes from the May 14 and May 22 council meetings are prepared and awaiting review. There was one park rental in May 2024. Council members and residents can refer to the monthly calendar for scheduled meetings and events.
Financial Report
The town’s cash balance is $240,487.67. The balance for restricted funds was $141,562.79, miscellaneous accounts/grants is $54,065.65, the general/government fund is $27,973.55, and the water and sewer fund is $16,885.68.
Police Report
The police report for May 2024 showed limited offenses, including 3 assaults, 2 drug/narcotics violations, and 7 traffic offenses.
The Town of Summerton will hold a Public Hearing regarding the municipal budget for the fiscal year 2024-2025 on June 26th at 6:00 p.m. The hearing will be held at Summerton Town Hall, located at 10 Main St. For more information, you can call the Town of Summerton office at 803-485-2525.
