Barnwell City Council remembers councilman

Barnwell City Council began its Jan. 9 meeting by remembering one of their own.

Council approved a resolution in memory of Councilman Brad All, who died unexpectedly on Dec. 24, 2022. He was elected in November 2021.

“He was recognized by his fellow council members for his honesty and sense of duty to the city and his constituents…he was a kindhearted, devoted and loyal man with a true gift for service,” stated part of the resolution.

After reading the resolution, Mayor Marcus Rivera presented a framed copy to All’s widow, Jessica. Many of All’s other loved ones were also in attendance.

“His service has not gone unnoticed,” said Mayor Rivera to Jessica All.

Brad All is the fourth city councilman to die while in office since the summer of 2020.

A special election will be held on March 21 to fill All’s seat.

Business Development

Ethan Batchler spoke during public comment about his desire to open a tattoo shop in the city.

He last spoke before council two years ago as he tried to open a shop, but couldn’t find a building that met the zoning requirements. However, he’s now found one in the city limits.

“I think it will be a good thing for the community,” said Batchler, who previously worked six years at a shop in Denmark.

He said having a licensed shop will help prevent people from tattooing out of their house, which can lead to diseases and blood-borne pathogens. He has all certifications required by DHEC, he said.

City Administrator Lynn McEwen said the property that Batchler is looking at is zoned highway commercial, which would meet zoning requirements. However, she said the council would need to approve the tattoo shop, according to state requirements. The topic will be on the February council meeting agenda.

Following his comments, the conversation on business development continued with a presentation and request from Retail Strategies. The real estate and economic development agency, which works with municipalities, has partnered with SouthernCarolina Alliance, a regional economic development agency, to help spur retail growth in Barnwell County.

“An estimated $171 million is leaving the city annually in retail,” said Lacey Bacchus, senior business developer with Retail Strategies. “We want to look at how to claim some of those dollars and improve the quality of life.”

Mayor Rivera, Administrator McEwen, and Bob Snead from Southern Palmetto Regional Chamber of Commerce attended a program in November 2022 through Retail Strategies.

“Once we all had gone through the program, we realized that there is a great deal of work to be done in retail recruitment,” said McEwen.

That final piece is what Retail Strategies is offering to do by partnering with the City of Barnwell, Town of Blackville, Town of Williston, Barnwell County, SCA, and the Barnwell County Economic Development Corporation to help with retail recruitment.

“We want to attract new commercial retail which will attract and retain residents and a workforce,” said Bacchus.

Retail Strategies is seeking a total of $40,000 split among all parties - $20,000 from Barnwell County EDC, $10,000 from Barnwell County, $5,000 from the City of Barnwell, and $2,500 each from the towns of Blackville and Williston.

Barnwell City Council decided it was worth spending $5,000 to potentially attract new tax revenue and jobs. Since this was not in the approved budget, the city must take the money from savings, said McEwen, but can include it in the budget next year.

Redistricting

With the completion of the 2020 U.S. Census, it’s now time for the process of redistricting.

Council members were given a copy of the 2020 Census Benchmark Report as they prepare for redistricting, which is done every 10 years following the Census. The Census showed a 2.1 percent population decrease for the City of Barnwell – from 4,750 in 2010 to 4,652 in 2020.

“As a result, the ideal district changed from 791 to 775,” according to the report from the S.C. Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office, which recommends council stays within a deviation range of 5 percent.

Currently, Ron Still’s District 1 is well over the range with 994 residents – 28.2 percent over. District 3, which is represented Alicia Davis, is under the range by 28.68 percent with a population of 553. The other four districts are within the 5 percent range.

Council was presented one option to equalize the districts. They will meet January 23 at 4 p.m. to discuss the matter.

The city must approve the redistricting plan by May.

In other news:

• Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Roberts reported that basketball practices started that evening with 14 teams while a playground renovation is underway at Lemon Park. Upcoming events include the daddy/daughter dance on February 10 from 6-8 p.m. at Barnwell Elementary and the Easter egg hunt is April 1 at 10 a.m. at Lemon Park.

• Wi-fi and cameras are being installed at city parks and the downtown area.

• Orders are again being taken for veteran banners. This is for any Barnwell County citizen (alive or deceased) who has served in the military. Contact city hall for details.

• A blight elimination program through Southeastern Housing & Community Development is garnering “a good bit of interest already,” said McEwen. Letters have been sent to owners of targeted properties regarding a meeting to discuss the program that would demolish dilapidated buildings.

• Council approved the second and final reading of four ordinances involving zoning changes. Changes included: lots between Main and Allen streets from R-12 to Neighborhood Commercial, a lot on Charles Street from R-15 to Industrial, a lot between Calhoun Street and Marlboro Avenue from R-15 to Highway Commercial, and a lot on Main Street from Highway Commercial to R-12.

• Following a closed session for pre-litigation negotiations involving Southern Realty, council unanimously voted to approve Administrator McEwen’s recommendation on the claim.