TOWN OF HONEA PATH

COUNCIL MEETING

WATKINS BUILDING

JANUARY 9, 2012

REGULAR MEETING

7:00 P.M.

Mayor Meyers called the meeting to order, and asked that we all remember the family of  former Sheriff David Crenshaw as we pray.  Lark opened the meeting with prayer. All stood for the pledge to the flag. Members present:  Mayor Meyers, Beverly Crawford, Clerk/Treasurer, Council members:  Davis, Gilmer, Haynes, Taylor, Evans and Lark.

Davis made a motion to dispense the December 12, 2011 minutes as written with a correction to be made to read: The Board of Zoning Appeals made a request to re-appoint Mr. Joe Robinson and Mr. Warren Cox for the first four year term, as both individuals agreed to serve another term after serving two years.  Haynes seconded the motion.  All voted in favor, and the minutes were approved as written with the correction.

Ms. Toni McKinley, auditor with McKinley, Cooper& Co., LLP presented the Audit Report for year-ending May 31, 2011.  She explained the audit report in detail, and asked if there were any questions.  There were a few corrections to be made to the audit such as an address change for the Town Hall to 204 South Main Street. 

Mayor Meyers called for a motion for the 2nd reading on water rates.  He stated Swartz Engineers would not have a rate study available for twelve weeks, and this issue had to be addressed as soon as possible.  Mayor Meyers expressed that Keith and Bill Dunn with Dunn & Associates were willing to do a study, and Mr. Keith Dunn has a proposal to present at tonight's Council meeting.  Keith Dunn addressed Mayor and Council with an itemization of water purchased and sold.  He stated that the meters are old and have slowed down over time which results in loss of water usage.  He presented a slide show with three scenarios for proposed water rates. (see study)  After presenting all three scenarios, and explaining in detail, he asked if Mayor and Council had any questions.  Mr. William Hall stated that due to increasing costs from Belton-Honea Path Water Authority, the town has no choice but to increase rates for water usage.  He explained that the credit we have had with BHP Water Authority has diminished as of December 2011.  No other options are available at this time.  Mayor Meyers expressed that Scenario #2 would be more helpful to senior citizens.  Mr. Dunn stated that a large portion of the town's customers are relatively low users.  Lark made a motion to go with Scenario #2.  Davis seconded the motion.  Several questions were asked concerning the benefit and the amount of surplus to be made from this increase.  Mr. Dunn stated he applied a three percent a year increase from BHP Water Authority.  Mr. William Hall stated BHPWA would most likely increase three percent in June or July of this year, so we may need to increase five percent. Voting for Scenario #2:  Lark, Evans, Davis and Mayor Meyers.  Voting against was Gilmer.  Taylor and Haynes abstained from the motion to go with Scenario #2.  Gilmer voted no.  The motion passed.

Lark made a motion to accept the $95,000 obtained by Senator O'Dell for sewer line and repairs on Shirmadon Drive.  Taylor seconded the motion.  All voted in favor, and the motion was passed.

The Mayor gave all Council members a letter from the Anderson County Transportation Committee showing funds for $250,000 that have been approved for repairs for "U" Street, Wilkerson Blvd., and for the resurfacing of sidewalks in this area.  Mayor Meyers stated Mr. Dunn will be working on this project.

Mayor Meyers reminded Council that the Municipal Association will meet at Chadwick's Restaurant this Thursday night, January 12, at 7 p.m.

Davis stated that a Palmetto Pride Grant was received in the amount of $2,000.00.  He stated this will be invested in new receptacles and benches.

Haynes thanked the Mayor for meeting with the Transportation Committee to get road repair projects underway.

Evans reported that there were potholes on Kay Street that need repair.  Matt McCullough stated Kay Street is a State Road, and would be reported to them.

Lark asked the Street Light Committee to report a light out on Polly Street.

Davis made a motion to go into Executive Session for Economic Development.  Lark seconded the motion.  All voted in favor, and the meeting was moved into Executive Session.

Davis made a motion to come out of Executive Session.  Taylor seconded the motion.  All voted in favor, and the meeting was moved out of Executive Session.

Davis made a motion for Mr. Thompson to continue living in the house on Shirley Avenue for $300.00 per month.  He stated the Town should install smoke detectors in the home.  Taylor seconded the motion.  All voted in favor, and the motion was passed.

Lark made a motion to adjourn.  Evans seconded.  All voted in favor, and the meeting was adjourned.

Earl L. Meyers                                                Beverly K. Crawford

Mayor                                                                Clerk/Treasurer