Hartsville Council hears presentation and makes several proclamations
Jacqueline Quander, Founder and State Director of South Carolina Women Farmers Collective, makes presentation to Hartsville City Council. PHOTO BY STEPHAN DREW
By Stephan Drew, Editor
It was a busy night when the Hartsville City Council met on Tuesday, May 9, 2023. As usual, the meeting began with the Civility Pledge, a nice reminder to conduct all meetings with courtesy and politeness. Mayor Casey Hancock proclaimed May as Building Safety Month, Water Safety Month, Historic Preservation Month and also Peace Officer Memorial Day for Monday, May 15th. Hancock also displayed the winning poster from the Fair Housing Month Poster contest.
Hartsville has named Byron Snellgrove as Interim Police Chief for the city. Snellgrove was on hand for introductions to the public in attendance and accepted an ovation of congratulations.
Mrs. Marva Serrano, a native of Hartsville and current resident of Norfolk, VA, addressed council regarding her sister, Mildred Burno. Mrs. Burno, a longtime Hartsville resident, has supported the community for decades and is loved and respected by many. Mrs. Serrano appeared before council to ask that Mrs. Burno be recognized for her tireless work and named an “Angel” by the City of Hartsville. Serrano also complained about the condition of the streets and community within the minority neighborhoods. “If you’re keeping your section of the town nice,” Mrs. Serranno said, “keep the black neighborhoods nice, too. Y’all need to step up for Hartsville.” Attendees were reminded of new projects currently underway, and planned in the future, by the City to improve those areas in question.
The historic marker for St. Joseph’s School was also discussed. The marker states that the school held classes from Kindergarten through 7th Grade. However, it was brought up, with reference to historical documents, that St. Joseph’s conducted classes through 8th Grade and this required a change to the information on the marker. It was agreed that more research was needed and the city will consider this change.
Jackie Quander, of the South Carolina Women Farms Collective (SCWFC), made a presentation about the new Community Garden program. A $226,000 grant has been received specifically for that purpose. The SCWFC was founded in 2022 on the heels of the global pandemic, food shortage and rise in inflation. The organization was formulated to promote the importance of growing local fresh foods for sustainability in historically underserved communities. This latest project will provide 26 raised planter boxes, including soil, seeds and seedlings, to the elderly and people with disabilities within the community. They also have a Master Gardener and Garden Manager to help with any questions and assistance needed. They will soon open their first market to sell locally grown produce to local citizens. It is located at 726 East Carolina Avenue, across from the old Flea Market. There are presently 2 community gardens in Hartsville – one on North Center Road and the other on Myrtle Street.
Council was also reminded of the Municipal Association of South Carolina (MASC) Conference coming up in Greenville this summer.
In other business, Council approved the Final Reading of Ordinance 4451, which allows the City of lease the property at 149 West Carolina Avenue to the Darlington County Humane Society. Council also approved Resolution 05-23-01, which reappoints the City Attorney for another 3 year term, as well as Resolution 05-23-02, which reappoints the City Judge for another 3 year term.
Council heard the First Reading of Ordinance 4452, which allows the City to lease a portion of the alleyway at 120 South Fifth Street from the Trust Company. They also heard the First Reading of Ordinance 4453, which amended the 2022-2023 Fiscal Year Budgets (in order to balance the budget), as well as the First Reading of Ordinance 4454, which allows the City to amend the Water and Sewer Rate Structure in accordance with Section 82-176(A) of the Hartsville City Code. This allows for a 3% rate increase, in keeping with a 2018 Rate Study. The First Reading of Ordinance 4455 was also heard. This ordinance allows the City to adopt a budget for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024, and will contain no tax increase while allowing for a raise in salaries, the purchase of new police cars and a new fire truck.
Council then voted to enter Executive Session to discuss the appointments to boards, commissions and committees. The Hartsville City Council will next meet on June 13, 2023.
