Town of Society Hill hires two staff members
Shawn Hans and Eugenia Peterson.
Photo by Jana E. Pye
By Jana E. Pye, Editor, editor@newsandpress.net
As the November Society Hill Town Council meeting was called to order, Mayor Tommy Bradshaw requested a moment of silence be observed for the passing of longtime resident Dick Baird of Japonica Hall.
As council looked over the financial report, Mayor Bradshaw pointed out that the last payment for the police car was paid off last month; with the purchase of the new pick up truck, the town currently has all police department vehicles paid in full. All state assessments are also now paid in full. “We don’t owe anybody anything,” remarked Bradshaw.
Department and committee reports:
The police department: Mayor said the town is still advertising for a new police chief for the town to replace former police chief Matt Hill who moved to Myrtle Beach last month. Town will accept resumes through November 30.
Old business:
2nd Reading of Ordinance 01-2016/17: Ordinance Entitled Accumulations Prohibited: This ordinance will allow the town to enforce the 2012 International Property Maintenance Codes. Motion passed.
2nd Reading of Ordinance 03-2016/17: Ordinance Entitled Recovery of Expenses: This ordinance will allow the town to charge a $100 administration fee.
New Business:
Appointment of New Attorney: Mayor Bradshaw told council members that town attorney John Milling will be cutting back on his practice and has requested that he be relieved of his duties to the Town of Society Hill. He recommended that the town use Parker Howle of Darlington, who is also the town attorney for Quinby. His hourly fee was less, and required no retainer fee. After much discussion, council voted to approve.
FEMA Assistance: Charlene McDonnough of the Society Hill Library said that FEMA representatives were at the library to assist homeowners with damage reports from Hurricane Matthew. Mayor Bradshaw said the county had received a grant for pick up of downed trees on the roadside, and would include Society Hill in that tree removal.
Part Time Maintenance person: Society Hill has been blessed for years by the careful eye of resident Shawn Hass, who walks through town daily picking up roadside trash and keeps an eye on things. Now, he will be paid for his work! Shawn will be the new part time maintenance person for the town, and will maintain the park area and keep the bathrooms clean. “He’s a good, hardworking man,” said Denise Douglas. “You are going to get your blessing one day.”
Part Time Office Help: Eugenia Peterson has been helping town clerk Brenda Nettles in recent weeks, and will also come on board as a paid helper.
Welcome Signs Competition: Melissa Birch had offered a challenge to town council members last month to spruce up one of the entrances to the town, and the team of Michelle Steen and Denise Douglas won.
Mayor Bradshaw shared that the lighting inside the town hall and the rescue squad looks a little brighter these days thanks to new LED tubes and bulbs installed by Duke Energy.
Council members input:
Deborah Harrell shared that as a member of the Greater Darlington Chamber of Commerce, the chamber will be hosting the Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony in February. “We are seeking nominations for people from Society Hill, Lamar and Darlington,” said Harrell. Nominations may be found on the chamber website, http://darlingtonchamber.wixsite.com/darlingtonchamber
Carolyn Oliver shared that the Light It Up Christmas decoration competition will be helped again this year, with cash prizes going to Best Use of Lights, Most Original, Southern Elegance, and Honorable Mention. “If you put out any decorations this year, you are entered.” Said Oliver. She hopes to get more people to participate this year, to make Society Hill a destination for people to see Christmas decorations. “We have so many pretty ones on the side streets,” said Oliver. “It’s really worth the trip to see them!”
She has not chosen a date for the competition yet, but said she may do it the Monday before Christmas. She also asked that if anyone knows who stole a Catfish Festival sign from Main Street that they have it returned to Town Hall. “They cost $20 a piece,” said Oliver. “We can’t let them get gone.”
Denise Douglas thanked Shawn Hass for helping she and her nephew in cleaning up Church Street and Long Bluff before the Catfish Festival.
Next regular Town Council meeting will be held December 13 at 6:30 p.m.
Senior Citizens Christmas Bingo December 15.