Williston recognizes educator, raises waste fees

“We’ve been trying to get a crowd like this in here for years,” said Mayor Brett Williams as he and the other council members sat in front of roughly 20 people at the July 11 regular meeting of the Williston Town Council.

Although some were in attendance to be privy to all town happenings, most were there to celebrate only one. Dr. Marcella Shaw, superintendent of Williston-Elko School District 29 and now the Barnwell County Consolidated School District, was recognized for excellence in education by the council.

“We wanted to set aside time to recognize all you’ve done,” said Mayor Williams, who spoke of Dr. Shaw’s willingness to serve and dedication to the community. Mayor Williams retold a quote by South Carolina Association of School Administrators Executive Director, Beth Phibbs, which he deeply agreed with; “Dr. Shaw is a champion for children.”

Dr. Shaw was presented with a plaque honoring her continued dedication to Williston-Elko scholars. In the crowd sat her father, step-mother, aunts, uncles, and her supportive school team.

“I vowed to you all that I would serve the scholars of Williston. I pray I have done that,” said Dr. Shaw.

She thanked God, she thanked her family, she thanked her school team, she thanked the community, and lastly, she thanked Councilman Moody.

“I appreciate how you keep my feet to the fire,” said Dr. Shaw, who explains Councilman Moody and parents alike, keep her accountable and inspire her to keep providing the best she can for their children.

“We again will continue to make you all proud,” said Dr. Shaw in reference to her position as Barnwell Consolidated School District Superintendent.

Before Dr. Shaw was recognized, the June 2022 Financial Report was approved alongside last week’s minutes with two minor transcription amendments. There was no public comment.

The first reading of Ordinance 2022-02 to amend solid waste fees was approved. The current rate of residential roll-out carts is $13 for each cart picked up, the new rate will increase to $16. The current rate for non-residents (outside corporate limits) is $19 for each cart picked up, the new rate is $22 per cart.

These fees are set by commercial waste collection services, and not established by the Town Council. Ordinance 2022-02 will be in effect upon adoption.

Bridging the Gap was created in 2014 and serves as a public liaison committee between the police and community. At the meeting, Bridging the Gap presented the Williston Police Department with a check.

Richard Stanton, Bridging the Gap volunteer and Barnwell County Consolidated School Board member, stood with volunteers Vickie Benjamin and Judge Pope.

Benjamin and Stanton explained how the committee was in discussion about disbanding at a recent meeting, but decided against it as they felt their cause was still worth addressing in the community.

Stanton explained how Bridging the Gap aims to help others in understanding the structure of law enforcement as well as help law enforcement better understand the needs or concerns of the community. He explains how the group was helpful in his own understanding of how jurisdiction breaks down and the structure of the department.

Due to the organization being volunteer and communication based, the group felt it beneficial to give funds they had directly to the Williston Police Department. The money is meant for improving the relationship between police and the public in any way the department sees fit.

“We’ll use this to bring the community together with the police department,” said Chief Gainey.

Bridging the Gap meets on the 3rd Monday of every month at 6pm at Williston Town Hall. According to Benjamin the meetings are informal.

While on the topic of community engagement, the council transitioned to discussing the First Baptist Church holding an outdoor field day in the field behind the church on Dick Street in Williston on Saturday, July 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Town Administrator Michael Beasley informed the council that the event would give kids an opportunity to enjoy summer recreational activities while interacting with their community.

The recreational event was approved and is open to the public.

Williston Fire Department Chief John Melton gave a detailed report of the last year, which for the department, spans from December 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022. The Williston Fire Department received a total of 145 calls, 105 of which were in town.

The department responded to 12 structure fires in total.

“Six were true working fires,” said Chief Melton, who explained that the rate of structure fires is out of character for this area.

They aided in four mutual aid calls, responded to 16 vehicular wrecks, and many others including car fires, heavy engine fires, a child locked in a car, and gas leaks.

Seven Williston Fire Department volunteers have completed courses related to fire safety and protocol and two are currently enrolled.

Using American Rescue Plan Act funding from the town, the department was able to order a new emergency networking system which is a “one stop shop website for all fire department information,” according to Chief Melton.

Chief Melton said the last smoke alarm blitz installed 115 alarms in 33 homes. He hopes to serve all 50 of the pending applicants in the next blitz.

“Chief Melton does a very good job with managing his department,” said Administrator Beasley. “I want to commend Chief Melton and his staff for the work they do.”

Williston Police Department Chief James Gainey took to the podium and updated council on the PD.

For around three weeks, the Williston Police Department has been training with the Barnwell County Sheriff Office in preparation for a potential active shooter scenario.

“Hopefully we can cut it off before it gets here,” said Chief Gainey. “We’re working on getting equipment to prepare if that day ever comes.”

Chief Gainey also discussed how the department is working on a grant to fund department wide walkie-talkie replacement. The current walkie-talkies are 10 to 12 years old and if they break the parts no longer exist to fix them.

The Williston PD received compliments on the increased patrol and coverage of cruisers. Chief Gainey hopes the recent lull in crime is due to the raised prevalence of officers.

“Our guys are being more proactive than they are reactive,” said Chief Gainey.

Administrator Beasley commended Chief Gainey for his efforts to be more efficient within the community.

Chief Gainey currently has three PD employees out due to COVID.

Administrator Beasley drafted a town newsletter containing updates on town happenings to propose to council. The newsletter includes information about the Recreation & Activities Committee, the police department, the fire department, a ‘history tidbit’ section, and an update on town news.

Although it is currently just a draft, Administrator Beasley proposed the final product be distributed in water bills when it is completed.

Majority of council members will be attending the Municipal Association of South Carolina’s 2022 Annual Meeting in Charleston. This event is held to give municipal leaders an opportunity to share ideas in a focused environment ultimately to better the region they serve.

Administrator Beasley provided information on an upcoming welcome reception before adjournment. Hosted by the Southern Carolina Alliance, Southern Palmetto Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Barnwell County Economic Development Coalition, a welcome reception honoring new businesses will be held on Thursday, July 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Sweetwater Country Club.

Koch & Co., Inc., Monmouth Rubber & Plastic Corp., and Tiva will all be welcomed as new Barnwell County industries at this business casual networking event.