Hartsville City Council recognizes citizens’ successes, hears road damage complaints

Hartsville resident Jannie Harriot addresses Hartsville City Council during meeting on March 14, 2023. PHOTO BY STEPHAN DREW

By Stephan Drew, Editor

editor@newsandpress.net

When the Hartsville City Council met on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, several items were discussed, including road damage and debris on properties near Fletcher Street, as well as development projects in the Oakdale neighborhood. 

Jannie Harriot, resident of James Avenue and recipient of the Order of the Palmetto, addressed council and made a presentation regarding the potholes and debris on the roads near the Cotton Gin on Sumter Street.  James Avenue, Brewer Avenue and Logan Avenue all lead off of Fletcher Street, which runs down beside Sumter Street. She stated that there are at least 10 deep potholes in that area, due to the heavy trucks traveling to and from the Cotton Gin. Harriot, a resident of that community for over 70 years, stated she had been before council on this issue for approximately 20 years. “For every improvement that we’ve needed,” she said, “we had to either do them ourselves or come to council to plead for improvements, such as paving the street, putting in drains and getting police protection.” Harriot expressed her frustration when she said, “Today, I’ve come to say, ‘It’s time’. We deserve some consideration.” 

Harriot expressed her understanding of the laws regarding public and private roads and council’s limited authority in such matters. “I know you can’t force the Cotton Gin to move,” she stated, “but, you can, as City Council, make them improve the area. I can’t go out, take a shovel and fix the street.”  Admitting her frustration, Harriot stated, “If I sound angry, I am. No, I’m mad. Because, I pay city taxes and I expect something to be done about it.” Harriot addressed the council’s responsibility to insure the cleanliness of private property. “I understand the streets are a DOT (Dept. of Transportation) issue,” Harriot said, “But, where the street ends and it’s private property, the city has the authority. If you have the authority to condemn and tear down people’s houses, you have the authority to make those people clean up their property.” 

Councilmember Kenzie Delaney stated, “I have seen this area. I agree with Mrs. Harriot. Something needs to be done.” Delaney reported that he and City Manager Daniel Moore met with the owner of the Cotton Gin several months ago to discuss these issues. “The Cotton Gin impacts our community,” Delaney said, “for safety, health hazards and it decreases the quality of living. We definitely need to address that.”

Councilmember Teresa Mack stated she had also driven through the area, taking pictures of the damage and debris. “I am concerned about the area as well,” Mack stated, “I used to sit on the Transportation Committee. From the parent lot on the corner, to where it turns on James Avenue, is a pure mess. We need the DOT and the Cotton Gin to be responsible.” Mayor Hancock thanked Mrs. Harriot for bringing this to council’s attention and stated that they will look into the matter.

Dr. Elaine Parshall, Engineering Instructor at the Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics, addressed council regarding new development in her neighborhood. Parshall lives in the Oakdale community, and spoke of the development of 8 new two-story apartment units which are being built at the end of Emory, Mill and Norwood Streets. She said her concerns are protection, living conditions and noise with increased traffic after the units are built. “I moved to that area because it was quiet,” Parshall said, “We are a neighborhood of 43 homes. According to zoning laws, Kelly Hill could build up to 157 two-story, two-bedroom homes on the 11 acres that they own.” Parshall stated that there are presently 43 homes on 32 acres, saying, “This (adding 157 new units) would increase our density by a factor of 10.” Addressing the zoning issue, Parshall commented, “I don’t believe that our zoning laws are prepared to protect the livability of our neighborhood.” Agreeing to look into the matter, Mayor Hancock responded, “The growth is good for the city. It’s just important that we are mindful in the way that we grow and how we develop.” The City is currently undergoing the process of examining and reevaluating its zoning codes.

Charles Barrineau, Manager of the Municipal Association of South Carolina (MASC) recognized all councilmembers, as graduates of the Municipal Elected Official Institute Training Program and stated that they received the distinguished Honor Roll status, one of few councils in the state to receive this honor.

The Hartsville Middle School Boys Basketball team was honored for capturing the 2023 Pee Dee Middle School Conference Championship with a 36-33 win over the Moore Lions. Hartsville Mayor Casey Hancock commented on the importance of this achievement, stating, “The Lions were previously undefeated.”

Michael Hutzbach, Executive Director of the American Red Cross’ Eastern Chapter commended Hartsville’s United Way in assisting after fires and devastating events to residents’ homes. “They are probably the best downrange long-term recovery efforts in the state,” he said. Mayor Casey Hancock presented the proclamation naming March as American Red Cross Month. Hancock also read and presented a proclamation declaring March as Disabilities Awareness Month, as well as one which declared March 12-18 as Girl Scout Week. Councilmember Teresa Mack, the only female on the council, gave thanks to the scouts and offered words of inspiration to the young girls. “I was in the Girl Scouts too,” Mack stated, “you girls go get it, do what you need to do and, maybe, you’ll sit in my seat one day.”

In other business, City Manager Daniel Moore reported that Hartsville’s Main Street Program is fully reaccredited, one of only 5 cities in the state to achieve this at this time. This will allow them to be mentors to other municipalities around the state. “We’re very excited,” Moore said, “and, we’re looking toward the future.” 

Council approved Ordinance 4447, which allows the city to revoke and/or rescind any informal agreement between the city and any taxpayer regarding business licensing in the city. Also approved was Ordinance 4448, which provides for the issuance and sale of a General Obligation Bond not to exceed $1,100,000 and determine how the proceeds of such a bond shall be expended.

Approval was given on Resolutions 03-23-01 and 03-23-02, which grants the Hartsville Police Department the ability to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for access to the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network and with the Regional Organized Crime Information Center, both of which provide important crimesolving information.

A First Reading was heard on Ordinance 4449, which authorizes and directs the City of Hartsville to enter into an agreement to participate in local Revenue Service Programs, to deliver one or more participant program supplements. A First Reading was also heard on Ordinance 4450, which approves the adoption of a Redistricting Plan for the City of Hartsville. The next meeting of the Hartsville City Council is scheduled for April 11, 2023.

Author: Stephan Drew

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