Barnwell County Council discusses new ordinances

In the Southern Carolina Alliance building’s Edisto Room, the Barnwell County Council held their monthly meeting at 6 p.m. In the presence of the people listening in the room, and of those listening at home through a Facebook livestream, council members discussed three new ordinances.

“We hope that whatever we do will be beneficial to Barnwell County,” said Chairman Harold Buckmon in his welcome address to those in attendance.

New Ordinances

County Administrator Tim Bennett introduced to council the first reading by title only of an ordinance addressing scheduling events on county-owned property.

Bennett describes the current scheduling process as “haphazard to non-existent at best.”

The first reading of an ordinance is when legislation is first introduced to the council. When the first reading of an ordinance is title only, only the title is read to council members. No information on the ordinance is included and there is no debate or amendment. Per state law, an ordinance must be read three times by council members before voted on and a title only read counts as the first official reading.

The first ordinance introduced to the council addresses the process for non-county related events being held on county-owned property. Recently, scheduling a non-county affiliated event on county land has proved to be difficult for local organizations.

The council was given examples of the City of Barnwell’s and Darlington County’s application process as a reference.

The City of Barnwell’s application asks for general information on the event being requested such as the purpose of the event, location, date and time, and those involved. Both the city police chief and the administrator must sign off on the application if approved.

Darlington County’s application for reservation is more detailed. It asks about admission costs and specifies what is allowed on county property in Chapter 54 of the county’s Code of Ordinances.

This ordinance was prompted by a lack of consistency in scheduling these events and the need to ensure the “county’s liability is covered,” according to Bennett.

Next, Bennett introduced another First Reading of a Title Only ordinance to amend the permanent rules of procedure of the Barnwell County Council. This ordinance to amend would allow the council to conduct meetings electronically out of ample COVID-19 precaution.

The Emergency Ordinance and Resolution originally permitting electronic council meetings expired. The already established Rule No. 5, Time and Order of Meetings, does not “affirmatively permit electronic attendance,” according to the proposed amendment.

County council approved the first-read amendment of Rule No. 5, Time and Order of Meetings, to permit such meetings “in the best interest of the county,” stated the ordinance.

According to Bennett, council members “would be able to vote virtually via Zoom” as long as the public is given access to the meeting. County council meetings are available to the public via Facebook Live on the ‘Barnwell County, SC’ page.

Bennett also introduced the First Reading by Title Only of a proposed amendment to the Animal Shelter Ordinance No. 2010-08-262 regarding the composition and creation of the shelter’s board.

“We are looking at all aspects of the ordinance to update where needed,” said Bennett. “The ordinance simply needs review and updating.”

The ordinance states, “the intent of the amendment is to promote responsible ownership” of animals in Barnwell County. Listed among things to be considered when reevaluating the composition of the board were; emphasizing prevention and not destruction, promoting less unwanted births, and focusing on the people who are causing the problem.

Another point was “targeting habitual offenders who ultimately use public resources and taxpayer money,” stated Ordinance No. 2010-08-262.

The three First Reading by Title Only Ordinances were all approved by the council. Each will move onto a second reading where council members have the opportunity to propose changes.

Committee Appointments

Councilman Freddie L. Houston appointed Ian Sanders to the Axis 1 Board representing District One and Councilman Don Harper re-appointed Julie Dempsey to the Axis 1 Board representing District Three.

Councilman David Kenner appointed Bill DeLoach to the Animal Shelter Board representing District Two and Councilman Harper re-appointed Kiran Waraich to the Recycling Board representing District Three.

Vice Chairman Jerry Creech, who was not present at the meeting, appointed Andy Sandifer to the Animal Shelter Board representing District Seven.

In regard to committees and commissions, Councilman David Kenner delivered the transportation report in Councilman Creech’s absence. He relayed that multiple dirt roads are being rocked and more are to come.

Councilman Kenner informed the council that bids are out for the paving of Dicks Street in Williston. He also stated that consideration for YMCA paving was moved to a later date.

“The transportation committee has been doing a lot of important work,” said Councilman Kenner.

Councilman Harper reported on the safety committee and was informed by Councilman Ben Kinlaw that parts of the Savannah River Site are going back to mandatory masks in places where social distancing cannot be achieved.

The Barnwell County Animal Shelter requested either the grass on the facility be maintained by the county or they are provided with a lawn mower due to an increase in snake sightings.

Also, there have been talks of eventually building a new animal shelter to better serve the community. This topic will be discussed by the council at a future date.

Councilman Kinlaw informed the council that Edgefield is building an animal shelter. Previously, animals found in Edgefield were transported to Aiken County Animal Shelter.

In Councilman Creech’s absence, Councilman Harper informed the council that construction of the pickleball courts set to be located near the Barnwell YMCA will begin the first week in August.

“We’re still plugging along with getting the pickleball courts up and running,” said Councilman Harper.

Honoring an Educator

Councilman Houston presented a resolution of recognition on behalf of council to Dr. Marcella Shaw for her dedication to Barnwell County scholars. Dr. Shaw served as the superintendent for Williston-Elko School District 29 and will serve as the new superintendent for the Barnwell County Consolidated School District.

Dr. Shaw was recently named the 2023 S.C. Superintendent of the Year by South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA).

Councilman Houston said he felt Dr. Shaw “put Williston on the map.”

Although Dr. Shaw was not in attendance due to a conflict, she expressed her gratitude to Councilman Houston who spoke on her behalf.

The plaque described Dr. Shaw’s dedication to her students and community as well as her relentless pursuit for excellence of her students.

The resolution to honor Dr. Shaw was approved by the council.

Barnwell County Council meetings are open to the public and held on the second Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. located at 54 Irving Street’s Edisto Room, Barnwell. Meetings are available to watch via Facebook Live on the ‘Barnwell County, SC’ page.