Fees for services going up in Mullins

After a public hearing, Mullins City Council approved final reading on several ordinance amendments during this past Thursday’s meeting. Council approved an amendment to the weeds and vegetation section. The city may remove weeds and overgrown vegetation either by city crew or designated contractor and the cost will become a lien on the property and collected in the same manner as municipal taxes, ordinance number 08-271 said.

The cost of clearing lots will range from $75 for a half acre or less, to $225 for five acres plus $100 per hour.

Council also approved final reading regarding applications for burial permits. “Application for such a permit shall be made to the clerk and treasurer and a fee in the amount of $100 shall be paid for such permit,” the ordinance amendment reads.

In other business, council approved an ordinance to sell a small strip of land on Sandy Bluff Road to Marion School District 2 for $10 to become a sewer easement.

An ordinance establishing the city administrator’s duties and responsibilities was also adopted. “The city administrator shall be the chief administrative officer of the city government,” the ordinance reads, adding that he will be responsible to the council for proper administration of policies and affairs. The city administrator has the power and authority to direct supervise, and coordinate administrative activities and operation of all departments; ensure all laws and ordinances are enforced; appoint and remove department heads with approval of council; perform duties of code enforcement officer, work with director of finance on all financial matters of the city, provide council with information and guidance in matters of policy determination, and perform duties as may be required by the council.
The city administrator will also be the chief financial officer for the town.

During committee reports, assistant city administrator Kenny Johnson said the new water well on Dogwood Drive is operational and will help boost water pressure on the northern section of the city. “It’s not second to anything around here and is a nice facility,” Johnson said, adding that city has the capability to monitor the well via computer.

Johnson also said he is working with the town of Nichols regarding sludge removal, adding that through grant funding, city employees could possibly work on the project, helping the city and saving Nichols money on the cost. “It gives some of our guys some extra income during the afternoons … it will be of no cost to the taxpayers of Mullins, it’s all through the grant fund,” he said.

Local basketball teams were recognized for an outstanding season. Johnson informed council members of the recreation department’s 10-year-old and under Small Fry Bbasketball All-Star team’s participation in the state tournament on March 8.

The team, coached by Cynthia Williams and Lashoun Elliott, finished runner-up in the tournament and won the district championship a week earlier.

“I’m very proud of them,” Johnson, commending his former player Williams. “That type person and those type of coaches are what it’s going to take to sustain the program,” adding that the city needs quality coaches, volunteers, and parental support. The Class 2A Lower State champions Mullins Auctioneers varsity boys basketball team was also commended. Players met with council members before the meeting and were photographed.

The City Administrator reported to council that the search for a new police chief is ongoing. “We took applications and we’re analyzing them to see whom we’d like to interview,” he said.