By Betsy Finklea
Several matters were discussed at the Dillon City Council meeting held recently.
In the mayor’s report, Mayor Todd Davis congratulated the Dillon 10U Angels and 12U Ponytails. He said a recognition would be held for them. He also congratulated new police chief David Lane.
Davis inquired about some property near Main Street that had been condemned. He asked what happened now. Code Enforcement Officer Benny Genwright said the property owner had 60 days to renovate it back to city code. He said if he doesn’t, the ball was back in their court. He said they could contract with someone or have the city street crew demolish it.
Davis said he had gotten an e-mail from Maggie Riales on a meeting that she attended in Hartsville. He said there were a lot of good ideas. Davis said one of his biggest focuses is downtown.
Davis reported that the ball fields and the area at the city sports complex will be enhanced. They recently got a grant for $42,000.
After Davis made his report, City Manager Glen Wagner gave his report. He also commended the World Series Champions. He said the city had been involved with Dixie Softball the past 20 years, and in the last two years, they have had three different age groups win the World Series. He said they were having an event to feed the players and parents followed by a ceremony to recognize the players.
Wagner also expanded on the grant the city received. He said it was a $42,000 S.C. Parks, Recreation, and Tourism grant. The total project is $52,500. Wagner said they must spend the funds first to be reimbursed. The funds will be spent to make improvements on the scoreboards, upgrade the bathrooms, replace asphalt, landscaping, etc. The work is expected to begin in October.
Dillon County Economic Development Director Tonny McNeil presented the retail strategies study results to the council. McNeil explained the connection between retail development, industrial development, housing, and quality of life. He said one in four jobs is a retail job with competitive salaries. He said 78 percent of consumers still like to shop in a brick and mortar store. He said they partnered with an outside agency to work on demographics and analysis. He said they also do a peer analysis with other counties. He discussed the market leakage. McNeil said they were looking at all of Dillon County at opportunities for development.
McNeil said they currently had four major prospects in retail normally seen at malls, two pet store prospects, three casual dining prospects, and three health and personal care prospects. He said they were very close to an announcement in the city.
McNeil said this was a two-year plan and that they were closing out the first year and entering the second year. McNeil said within a couple of months he expects to have at least two announcements.
David Corbitt of Allure Restaurant came before council to get more information on what he can and cannot do and the ordinances that apply to his business.
The council adopted the 2015 editions of the International Building Codes.
Council reports were next. Councilman Johnny Eller asked what they were doing to get grants, and there was further discussion.
He also discussed the financial loss at the Wellness Center, and the walking track at the recreation field.