Rocks & recognition discussed by Williston council

At the Williston Town Council’s March 11 meeting, resident Michelle Caldwell received some clarity on how the passenger window of her car was smashed by an airborne rock while driving into town.

“We definitely think it's a group of kids, hiding in the bushes, throwing rocks,” said Mayor Brett Williams, who noted he is aware of two incidents in addition to Caldwell’s.

Caldwell was driving on Barnwell Road between Marie Street and Chester Street on March 1 around 7:35 p.m. when the incident occurred.

In response, WPD has increased patrol near the park.

According to WPD Chief James Gainey, the department has been continuing with code enforcement efforts in relation to vacant properties and have been getting a good response.

Chief Gainey has also been looking into innovative ways to advance his department while saving the town money.

“We’re trading in our weapons,” said Chief Gainey.

WPD followed necessary channels to be able to exchange their current weapons and those aged-out of evidence holding for new ones – something the department has not had in 15 years, according to Chief Gainey. Officers will not only be receiving new weapons, but also new holsters.

In addition, Chief Gainey is currently writing two grants – one for new walkie talkies, and another for new in-car cameras. By 2025, their current walkie talkies will be no longer usable and the department’s current car cameras are aging.

Chief Gainey also informed the council that the Town of Williston has not seen any recent major crimes, and has been primarily dealing with shoplifting and trespassing.

The department is also considering a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Springfield Police Department. If accepted, this agreement would allow both departments to provide mutual aid to one another.

Litter control

Keep Barnwell County Beautiful (KBCB) representative Margo Huggins asked council members to make it a priority to attend local trash pick-up events. While littering is a visible problem in the county, Huggins expressed she has difficulty getting volunteers to attend clean-up efforts.

The next pick up in Williston will be on Saturday, April 20 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. This event will be part of a county-wide KBCB clean-up initiative for Earth Day on April 22. Volunteers can meet at Folk Funeral Home in Williston.

Upcoming trash pick-ups in Williston include July 13 and October 12.

Recognitions

Shannon Mundy has been the mastermind behind the town’s annual Christmas Parade and Easter Egg Hunt for 28 consecutive years. Mundy was presented with a plaque at the meeting “for everything that you do for the Town of Williston,” said Mayor Williams.

“The time, the sweat, the tears that you put into it, we really appreciate it,” said Mayor Williams.

Mundy holds these events rain or shine, with the annual Easter Egg Hunt set for March 30, 2024 at 1 p.m. at the town park.

Public works director Dennis Williams was recognized for six months of dedication to improving the town’s water infrastructure.

“Our infrastructure is one of our main concerns,” said Mayor Williams.

Multiple water projects have been underway in the town funded by S.C. Infrastructure Investment Program (SCIIP) and Community Development Block Grants (CDBG).

Some water lines were excluded due to an unprojected increased bid cost. Administrator Michael Beasley hopes a $1.5 million forgiveness loan grant will address the water lines omitted from the previous grant projects.

This loan grant will be forgiven over time and will be no cost to the town, according to Beasley.

“Another $1.5 million toward our water system improvements will help tremendously,” said Beasley.

Dennis Williams has been essential with aiding in implementing these projects, according to Mayor Williams. Since becoming employed by the town, Dennis Williams has obtained the needed certifications to keep the town from using outside resources.

“It’s been years since we’ve had a public works director with the licenses Mr. Dennis has, and we don’t have to depend on outside entities to help us,” said Mayor Williams. “Working together, Williston is going to move forward thanks to guys like him that want to invest time into this town and this community.”

Mayor Williams said he expects a big change in the quality of Williston water in the future.

Fire Update

Williston Fire Department (WFD) Chief John Melton provided the council with a first quarter update as the department’s calendar cycle begins in December.

From December 2023 to February 2024, WFD responded to 71 calls with the majority being first responder calls followed by structure fires.

WFD purchased new extraction tools last year with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to help with entrapment crashes. Since acquiring this equipment, first responders are able to extract an individual from a vehicle in under ten minutes, showing a significant decrease in time before they had this equipment.

On May 4, 2024, WFD will be holding their annual smoke alarm blitz. This year, they will be installing fire detectors in 12 homes.

Similarly to WPD, WFD is also applying for grants. The department submitted a grant for $13,000 for new bunker gear, boots, and helmets, as well as a $700,000 grant to replace the service truck.

The $700,000 grant would require the town to provide a 5 percent match if awarded; making the total cost to the town $35,000 in next year’s budget cycle.

Administrator Update

Administrator Beasley’s contract renewal for a two-year term was unanimously approved by the council.

Administrator Beasley also updated the council about meeting with Dominion Energy about changing streetlights to LED. Dominion Energy is crafting a proposal to pitch to the council.

The fencing at the Academy Street Park is ready to be installed. The total cost of the fencing is $43,000, paid for by the $66,000 Parks And Recreation Development (PARD) grant the town previously received. The remaining $23,000 is set for improvements to other parks and playground equipment.