By Betsy Finklea
Several topics were discussed at the City of Dillon Council meeting on Monday night.
Prior to the start of the meeting, Councilmen John Braddy, Johnny Eller, and Phil Wallace were administered the oath of office by City Attorney Jack McInnis.
After the opening of the meeting, a mayor pro-tem was elected. Upon a motion by Councilman Douglas Jackson and a second by Councilman Phil Wallace, Connie Manning was re-elected mayor pro-tem.
Mayor Todd Davis gave the mayor’s report. He reminded everyone of Celebrate Main Street on April 29th.
Davis then spoke about the improvements at the city sports complex. The walkway is all concrete and concrete was poured around the building. There are four new scoreboards, and a shelter was constructed. Davis said the grass is fantastic.
Davis then spoke about the initial meeting of the new downtown revitalization committee. Eleven of the 13 members were in attendance. The meeting lasted about an hour and went well. He said the committee was excited.
Davis said they would probably meet monthly to start off with. It was noted that they are taking applications for the facade grant. He said he will be making a budget request for two $15,000 grants to upfit the buildings. This would be a reimbursement type grant. He said he hopes the council will want to provide this seed money. He said he didn’t think they would get anywhere without incentives. He also mentioned the possibility of a maintenance and appearance ordinance. Davis said there were all kinds of things they could do, but he thought the seed money for the buildings is important.
In the City Manager’s report, City Manager Glen Wagner said the special election for the vacancy on council will be held June 13th. The books open on April 17th and close on April 27th. Wagner said it was also time to look at board appointments.
At this time, Councilman John Braddy recommended Trey Wallace replace Jay David on the Planning Commission. He said there was a need for a contractor on that board. He thanked David for his years of service. Motion was made by Braddy and seconded by Councilman Phil Wallace. The motion was approved.
Wagner said they had begun working on the budget. One of the biggest expenses this year is going to be retirement. He also referred to the water and sewer rate study which suggests that they increase rates by 3.8 percent. This would bring in about $130,000 extra dollars. Discussion followed.
Jane Lathan and Wanda Wallace Selph were present at the meeting because of their work on the CDBG grant. Lathan gave the details on the grant.
Ordinance #17-03: Amending The Preservation Tax Incentive Ordinance was discussed. Davis said he would like to see the city, county, and school board have uniform tax incentives. This passed on a motion by Braddy and seconded by Jackson.
The purpose of the ordinance “is to encourage the rehabilitation of historic properties; promote community development and redevelopment; encourage sound community planning; and promote the general health, safety, and welfare of the community.”
The changes include the following:
-“A special tax assessment is created for eligible rehabilitated historic properties for a period of eight (8), equal to the appraised value at the time of the Preliminary Certification. Note: process is a total of 10 years, two (2) years- Preliminary Certification, Final Certification- eight (8) years assessment).”
-“Eligible properties must not be condemned by the City of Dillon Code Enforcement.”
-“Minimum Expenditures for Rehabilitation means the owner or his estate rehabilitates the building, with expenditures for rehabilitation:
1. exceeding 25% of fair market value of the building for residential owner occupied property, or;
2. exceeding 50% of the fair market value of the building for commercial income producing property.”
-“Upon receiving Final Certification, the property will be assessed for the remainder of the special assessment period, up to eight (8) years.”
“When the property has received Final Certification and assessed as Rehabilitated Historic Property, it remains so certified and must be granted the special assessment until the property becomes disqualified by any one of the following, including: Sale or transfer of ownership during the special assessment period of eight (8) years, other than in ordinary course within probate proceedings.”
Upon a motion by Braddy and a second by Wallace, council passed the resolution Authorizing Submission of an Application by the City of Dillon for a CDBG grant in the amount of $750,000 for Pump Station Improvements.
In council member reports, Councilman Johnny Eller asked about storm drainage, how much they charge for tournaments at the rec field, pay grades for policemen, having more budget meetings where council is involved, how someone can make a request for accommodation tax funds, contacting someone about cleaning up the property at the former Shoney’s, and water bill payments.
John Braddy thanked all of the volunteers who stepped up to work on Downtown Revitalization and all city boards.