By Betsy Finklea
Several matters were taken up at the February 22nd meeting of the Dillon County Council. Some of these matters included:
-The council approved a quote from Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. Finance Director Richard Gaddy said this was an annual expenditure. Councilman Harold Moody made the motion. Councilman Robbie Coward seconded the motion.
-The council approved a motion to get a van for the Dillon County Detention Center for hauling prisoners. Sheriff Major Hulon asked for the van to pick up federal prisoners. The transport fee would be waived. The motion was made by Councilman Stevie Grice and seconded by Councilman Coward. All present approved the motion.
-The NESA (North Eastern Strategic Alliance) grant was discussed. County Administrator Rodney Berry said the last $25,000 was going to be used toward the purchase of the Inland Port property. Councilman T.F. “Buzzy” Finklea, Jr., made a motion to approve the grant seconded by Councilman James “Hoghead” Campbell. The council members present voted to approve the motion with the exception of Councilman Robbie Coward who abstained from the vote due to a family conflict.
-The council approved the following recreation requests:
–Dillon Middle School trip to Washington, D.C.: James Campbell-$50, T.F. Finklea-$50, Robbie Coward-$50, Stevie Grice-$50, Harold Moody-$50, Archie Scott-$25.
–Bicyclist Building Bridges annual fundraiser: James Campbell-$50, T.F. Finklea-$50, Stevie Grice-$50, Harold Moody-$50, Robbie Coward-$100, Archie Scott-$100.
The motion was made by Councilman Coward to approve the recreation requests. Councilman Moody seconded the motion. All present voted in favor.
-Finance Director Gaddy gave the finance report. He said as of February 22, there are net available funds of $3,434,959.36.
-Administrator Berry gave a report on the Judicial Center. He said they are making progress. He stated that the engineers will not sign off on the building until they have successfully survived a rain.
-Administrator Berry said they should receive $362,797 from FEMA reimbursements due to Hurricane Matthew. He said they are still doing road repair from the hurricane and should be due more money.
-Administrator Berry discussed the possibility of an ordinance, spearheaded by Councilman Campbell, that would provide for the closing or demolition of dwellings unfit for human habitation.
-Administrator Berry said that some citizens from Lake View have requested help with their ball field. It was damaged during the hurricane. They have some donated sand clay. They are asking for county help to haul the sand clay. He asked council to allow him to do this, and they all agreed.
-Chairman Scott made a motion to appoint Ronnie Garner, a local businessman, to the Dillon County Economic Development Public-Private Partnership Board. Councilman Campbell seconded the motion.