Audrey Evans

The meeting included discussion and approval of a sponsorship request for the Ward 1 Community Association Christmas Dinner Giveaway. The committee acknowledged the positive impact of the event on the entire town and approved the sponsorship with the possibility of revisiting the distribution process in the future.

The agenda includes a public hearing to consider a variance request from Robert Pemberton for a reduction in the rear setback from 25 feet to 5 feet for an accessory structure at 315 N Congress St, Winnsboro, SC 29180. The applicant will have 10 minutes to present their case. The public comment portion of the meeting is allocated one hour, with each speaker given three minutes.

The meeting included the first reading of several ordinances to annex various tracts of land into the town. Reports were given on ongoing projects, including the AMI project, armory floor repairs, and grant applications for utility improvements. Discussions included code enforcement, the comprehensive plan, redistricting, and utility expansions. A request for an upgrade of office furniture and evidence lockers was tabled. Executive sessions addressed legal advice concerning a Fairfield County trash dispute and a letter of intent regarding a new wastewater plant. Following the executive session, a motion was approved to authorize negotiations with the Fairfield Joint Water and Sewer Service Authority to construct a sewer line.

The council meeting addressed several key issues. A resolution was presented to award a contract for the Forest Hills water line replacement, funded by an SC Rural Infrastructure Authority grant. The first reading of an ordinance amending utility security deposit rates was held, outlining changes for various utility combinations. Another ordinance, regarding mandatory face masks in retail and food service establishments, was also introduced for its first reading. Discussion took place regarding leasing the Armory, with a decision to postpone the matter until April 2021 due to rising COVID-19 cases. A discussion on the Fairfield County Farmers Market water line was tabled.

The Town Council held a budget work session to discuss the FY 2020-21 Utilities budget, focusing on cost increases for telemetry in the water and sewer systems, and how to present capital expenditures. The AMI system improvements were also discussed, with a plan to prioritize the Blythewood area. The American Rescue Plan funds were reviewed, with discussion on using them for water, sewer, broadband improvements, and employee compensation. The council decided to apply for grants and to request half of the available funds, depositing them into a special account pending federal guidelines.