NEWBERRY – Newberry City Council recognized many Newberry College senior students for their community support Tuesday night. Each student was presented with a proclamation honoring their specific accomplishments.
Those recognized included Sarah Johnson, Korina Martinez, Jamaal Satisfield, Peyton Spangler, Danton Hyman, Brad Dixon, Shelby Britten, Timmany Nesbit, Jay Salter, Lauren Evans and Kevin Weber.
Mayor Foster Senn said the students recognized had been nominated by their professors and others within the community for their contributions.
“We wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors,” Senn said.
Also recognized by Council on Tuesday was Sharon Graham for her five years of service with the city. Graham began working with the city on March 17, 2014 and holds the position of Program Coordinator with the Parks, Recreation and Tourism (PRT) department.
Scott Sawyer, director of PRT, said Graham did a lot within their department and he was honored to have her with them.
Employee Michael Shealy was recognized for his 20 years of service with the city. Shealy began working with the city on March 15, 1999 and holds the position of Heavy Equipment Operator within the Public Works Department.
Mac Bartley, director of Public Works, said he appreciated all Shealy did for the city and its citizens.
Also under announcements, Senn commended the city’s utility, public works, police and fire departments for pooling their resources the week prior during a large power outage caused by a tree at the corner of Harrington and Glenn Streets that left approximately 1400 utility accounts without power.
“These departments worked together to restore power quickly and safely and we applaud their efforts,” Senn said.
In other business, a public hearing was held in reference to an ordinance to amend the zoning map for a parcel of 72.89 acres at 1786 Glenn Street Extension, the city’s recreation complex, from OS-Open Space to R5.5 Residential. The change would allow the Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department to apply for and receive grants to aid in the building of the recreation complex for the remaining 142.10 acres.
A citizen raised questions during the public hearing as to if the city was prepared for the growth that may come, should a developer wish to build on the acreage. City Manager Matt DeWitt told her the city’s infrastructure was definitely capable should the area be further developed in the future.
“I think we should be excited about the potential we have and know that we have a plan in place to accommodate that growth,” he said.
Following the public hearing, a motion was passed by Councilman Thomas Louis Boyd and seconded by Councilman Lemont Glasgow to accept second reading of the ordinance.
Under new business, Councilman Zebbie Goudelock made a motion, seconded by Boyd to approve a proclamation designating the month of May as Building Safety Month. Building Safety Month is sponsored by the International Code Council to remind the public about the critical role of building code officials that assure safe, efficient and livable buildings, Senn said.
With a motion made by Boyd and seconded by Councilman David DuBose, a resolution designating the month of April as Fair Housing Month was also passed.
To participate in the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, local governments are required to demonstrate a commitment to supporting Fair Housing. The city, Senn said, has had considerable success in years past of securing these grants for community development projects within the community.
With the construction of the Newberry Museum entering its final stages, a resolution was passed by council to execute an agreement to lend items to the museum. Senn said that in the lobby of City Hall sits a refurbished 20-pound Parrot Rifle Cannon that was donated to the city many years ago. For years, Senn said it has been the intention to offer the cannon and other artifacts to the Newberry Museum for display to the public.
City Manager Matt DeWitt said the city would still own the items, but they would be on a permanent loan to the museum.
The agreement will be for the cannon, a Civil War 20-pound Parrott Rifle Projectile, a Civil War 12-pound Cannon Shell and a Revolutionary War, 2.5” Solid Shot.
A motion was made by Boyd and seconded by Councilman Edwin Wicker.
Other updates:
• A motion was made by Goudelock and seconded by Boyd to approve outside water service for property located at 2371 Cottage Avenue. The property owner has agreed to execute an annexation covenant, indicating a willingness to annex if the property becomes contiguous to the city limits and council determines it is in the best interest of the city to annex the property. The property is adjacent to an existing city water line and will require no extension beyond a standard tap.
• A motion was made by Boyd and seconded by DuBose to approve first reading of an ordinance to amend section 9-29 of the Wholesale Power Cost Adjustment schedule. Senn said there had recently been changes in the Piedmont Municipal Power Agency (PMPA) base billing demand credit that effected the wholesale power cost adjustment (WPCA) for the city. Senn said the request was made so that base billing demand credits issued by PMPA would not be reflected in the WPCA, but be placed into a rate stabilization account to be used as council sees fit, including, but not limited to capital improvements, WPCA reduction and system maintenance. The adjustments to the WPCA that have been adopted prior to this amendment and are currently scheduled will not be affected.
• After returning into open session from executive session, a motion was made by Glasgow and seconded by DuBose to appoint Carolyn Robinson to the Newberry Housing Authority. Robinson’s five-year term expires on April 21, 2024.
