County Council honors a distinguished citizen, approves new lights and funds for new fire truck
County Council member Albert Davis III, Kalphani Hines, County Council member Joyce Thomas and Justin Hines. PHOTO BY STEPHAN DREW
County Administrator Charles Stewart (center) discusses the purchase of a new fire truck. PHOTO BY STEPHAN DREW
By Stephan Drew, Editor
editor@newsandpress.net
On Monday, October 3rd, the Darlington County Council held their monthly meeting. During the proceedings, a resolution was introduced to honor the late Mr. Franklin Hines for his lengthy and distinguished career. Born in Hartsville and educated in Darlington County schools, Mr. Hines served in the U.S. Army, taught in the Pennsylvania public school system, owned and operated Hines Funeral Home and Florist, and served over 30 years in numerous community and local government positions.
A portion of the resolution reads, “Franklin Hines demonstrated loyalty, compassion, professionalism and dedication to the Citizens of Darlington County before departing this life on January 4, 2022.” His son, Khalfani Hines and grandson, Justin Hines, were on hand to receive the resolution from council members Albert Davis III and Joyce Thomas.
Two other resolutions confirmed Stephen B. Schwartz and John K. Tiller as Codes Enforcement Officers for Darlington County. There was also a request to amend the Darlington County Policy Book to add Americans With Disabilities Act and its Amendments Act to its policies and procedures. It passed without dissent. In addition, council passed a measure to replace lighting at two Lamar Dixie Fields and install the replaced lighting from Lamar at the Lydia Baseball Field. Council member Albert Davis III discussed some complaints he had received about parking in that area. Davis stated, “I’ve received calls that people who shouldn’t be there are parking in that area. When we put up the lights, can we put up some fencing too, to keep them out?” Council agreed to take the issue under consideration.
In other business, council passed a measure to purchase a new fire engine. In April of this year, a 1992 fire truck was totaled in an accident which was not the fault of any fire department personnel. Engine #7 was a “first out” vehicle in Dovesville. When the new engine is purchased, the current Dovesville engine will be recycled to the Pond Hollow substation as a “second out” engine.
Council also passed a measure to improve damage at the Hwy. 34 Cashua Ferry Landing. The federal government is giving $99,000 towards the rehabilitation of this area but the county will have to come up with the additional $33,000. County Administrator explained to council, “The state may put in the rest or we could try to raise it some other way. But, if we don’t, we lose the $99,000 from the federal government.”
The council then entered Executive Session to discuss proposed contractual agreement negotiations and arrangements. Darlington County Council will hold their next meeting on Monday, November 7th.
