Hartsville City Council gets update on Veteran’s Memorial

Robert Goodson appeared before Hartsville City Council on Tuesday to make council aware of the progress of the Veteran’s Memorial for Burry Park. He said he hoped to get approval on a particular layout so he could begin work on the budget and schedule.

“What I would like to gain out of this overview would be to get an approval on a particular layout, on structural support and flagpole height,” Goodson said.

The memorial would contain five bronze panels by sculptor Charlie Pate, and the final panel is at the foundry now. Each panel will be dedicated to a different 20th century conflict. Individual names could be added to the backs of the panels for recognition at a later time, and all branches of the armed services will be represented.

Goodson presented three configurations for the panels and suggested the pentagon layout would be best. The shape would encourage citizens to walk in and around all five panels.

While there had been some discussion about a curve or staggered V formation, Goodson said, “In my opinion, to try to take it all in at one time would distract.”

He also provided drawings to scale of the flagpole to be placed at the center of the memorial and recommended a 30-foot flagpole and a 6-by-10-foot flag.

Council took his comments as information but did not vote on the matter.

Caroline Lett presented the Hartsville Housing Authority annual update. Lett said the two issues found by an audit, a fee accountant not doing his job and noncompliance with citizenship verification, have both been rectified and changes approved by HUD.

Dr. Alvin Heatley addressed the Clemson University-Butler High Redevelopment Project.

“The Butler Sixth Street corridor needs a lot of attention,” Heatley said. “This will not be a two-week or two-year project. It will take five to 15 years to finalize the project. Hartsville is a unique place that can accomplish these types of things.”

Heatley asked council to extend status and duties of committee so it could work to find the necessary resources to fulfill the project.

Judy Elvington with Hartsville Downtown Development Association gave updates to council on the success of Rock the Block on Aug. 21; of the Good Living Marketplace, which will celebrate its first anniversary in October; and of Hartsville Idol, which continues Saturday at Burry Park.

“I know this event is working for our business. It’s a great business community effort,” Elvington said of the Hartsville Idol events. “We gave people the opportunity to stay here in Hartsville rather than drive to Florence. We know it’s helping.”

Elvington also noted upcoming events Jazz! Carolina on Oct. 3, Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 1 to Oct. 15 and the Cotton Harvest Bluegrass Festival on Oct. 24.

After the HDDA’s presentation, City Manager James L. Pennington gave the management update.

“There’s no question we’re looking at continuing shrinking revenues,” Pennington said. “Next year is going to be more belt-tightening than this year.”

He specifically noted the problems with dilapidated houses and overgrown lots mainly concentrated in the Southside of town. Estimates on the 278 properties that need work are close to $400,000.

Additionally, Pennington said, the county is not collecting fees in accordance with an ordinance city council passed, and that revenue could be put to good use.

In new business, council unanimously approved Ordinance 4006 to clarify and modernize the language of the law concerning the burial of human remains. The adjustment more clearly states human remains can only be buried in a cemetery within the city limits, not someone’s backyard.

Council unanimously approved Resolution 34-09 to waive business license fees for the Good Living Marketplace events through the end of the year.

Council also unanimously approved Resolution 35-09 that clarified the non-profit organization user fees for the multi-day use of the mobile amphitheater. The language was adjusted to set spatial boundaries to non-profits within or serving the zone of influence of the city.

Resolution 36-09 dealt with the city’s partnership with the U.S. Census Bureau for the 2010 Census. The Bureau did not ask for money, said Pennington, just support and assistance in getting the count, helping to recruit people to do the counting, and to encourage people to be counted. The resolution passed unanimously.

Resolution 38-09 to approve the bid award for the operation and maintenance of the Hartsville Municipal Airport and its facilities was postponed until after what would be a lengthy executive session.

While there was much praise for the Good Living Marketplace and the amount of events going on in Hartsville, council members still see work to be done.

Council member Bernice Wilson Sr. said that he hopes citizens will be more responsible and keep their properties clean.

“We need to inform them that they’re responsible for keeping lots up, even if the house is torn down,” added Adlena Graham. Graham is also hopeful and says she would love to see the continuation of the Butler project.

During council comments, Johnny L. Andrews said he had been hearing a number of complaints about water bills.

“I’d like to see on the water bill the average usage for the average household to give you incentive to drop your usage, nudge people to do the right thing,” Andrews said.

Mayor David McFarland opened the meeting on a positive note with the presentation of the All-American City Achievement Award to the District 5 Champions, 2009 AA Farm League State Champions, the Hartsville Northern All-Stars Dixie Youth Baseball team. Each player and coach received a certificate.