City leaders have put the thaw on a hiring freeze put into effect in March.

City Manager Eric Budds, in his last City Council meeting in that position, told council members the freeze had been a preemptive move and one that now needed to be lifted to ensure that city services were not “reduced.”

Specifically, Budds said there are two open police positions city staff are eager to fill. Also, one vacant streets and public works position would be filled if the hiring ban was removed.

Councilman Thomas Boyd asked Budds, “Do we have enough space and room in our budget to allow these hirings?” and was reassured there was planned funds for the jobs.

Council rescinded the hiring freeze unanimously, approving hirings for vacant spots on a case-by-case basis to be determined by the city manager.

Council also voted to spend some money on the Oakland Mill water and sewer project.

A low bid of $389,133 from the Lake Murray Utility Company was accepted for the water and sewer improvements to support the Oakland Mill project and work in the surrounding area.

Consulting fees and project management costs are estimated to tack another $72,000 onto the project cost. At a total of $461,133, the anticipated price tag is well within the Community Development Block Grant monies and matching funding from the city allocated of $517,000.

And as the calendar year approaches its close, City Council approved another purchased planned for this fiscal year — a commercial garbage truck.

Actually, city leaders approved a lease-purchase arrangement for the equipment in an amount not to exceed $195,000 and a term not more than 60 months. This truck would be for picking up commercial garbage in dumpsters.

In other business, City Council:

•Approved the final reading of an ordinance removing redundant language in the city’s Code of Ordinances that pertained to sprinkler systems. Removing the language leaves the city abiding by the state code in the matter, which follows the International Building Code.

• Adopted a resolution establishing the Oakland Redevelopment Area and voicing support for the project. The first proposed resolution was tabled in October after one councilman voiced concern about singling out one project in the city for such support. Some language changes in the resolution were made and the resolution approved.

• Voted to continue funding the Newberry Small Business Development Center at a level of $5,000.

• Appointed City Utilities Director Fred Yandle as the city’s representative on the Piedmont Municipal Power Agency board, replacing Budds. Incoming City Manager Jeff Shacker will be the new alternate representative.

• Appointed Ed Satcher and Kathy Kyzer, representing restaurants to the Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee and Manning Dukes in the arts opening.

• Appointed Bob McCartha to the Capital Project Sales Tax Commission.

MARGARET ANN S. BROWN

Greenville — Margaret Ann Spotts Brown passed away Nov. 10, 2009 after a year long battle with pulmonary fibrosis. She was born Oct. 3, 1934 to the late Elizabeth Stockman Spotts Dennis and Foster Barwell Spotts. She grew up in Newberry and later resided in Greenville. She worked for Judson Mills, Monsanto for 25 years and she last worked for Showpro Entertainment. She was known by many for the beautiful cakes she decorated. She also taught classes.

She leaves behind her husband, Bruce Klee Brown; daughter, Carol Elaine Kinney; and granddaughters, Judith Ann Kinney and Sarah Ann Neal; also her pets, Shadow, Ginger and Tiger. She was preceded in death by her son, George Henry Kinney, and first husband, Henry Kendall Kinney. A service will be held at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior, today, Nov. 16 at 6 p.m. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family at the home before or after the service. Donations may be made to Concerned Citizens for Animals P.O. Box 80073 Springfield, MA 01138-0073. Cremation Society of SC is serving the Brown family.



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