Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
Williston’s town hall was filled for the November 13 council meeting.
Water Concerns
Williston resident Joann Prior, who lives on Holmes Lane, expressed her concerns about the safety of the town’s water.
“I don't want anything to happen to my grandchildren from drinking that water,” said Prior, who has expressed concerns at previous council meetings.
Holmes Lane is a dirt road currently being paved by the county. To do this, a waterline was rerouted. When this line was rerouted, the county tested the water and found no issues, according to Town Administrator Michael Beasley. However, Beasley explained he never received a full report.
To ensure the safety of the water amidst this construction, Beasley requested the water to be tested by another party. He expressed he will provide a copy of this second report to Prior.
HVAC purchase
The town hall building has been without heating or air conditioning for a couple weeks, leading the council to approve the purchase and installation of a new HVAC unit. The old unit is estimated to be around 30 years old.
The council accepted a bid for $16,500 from SRS Heating and Cooling to complete this project.
“This is a reputable company that gave a low bid,” said Mayor Brett Williams.
Beautification/recreation initiatives
William Miller, owner of Edisto Landscaping and a member of the town’s beautification committee, pitched a proposal to reinvent the fountain area along Main Street.
Miller presented a sketch to the council for their consideration. Included in this sketch are benches, landscaping, and a general upgrade.
There is currently not a cost estimate for this project. Miller requested the council discuss if they would be willing to aid this project financially or if the committee should begin applying for grants.
Also included in this proposal is adding a centerpiece and a spray ring to the fountain.
Beasley updated the council on the finalization of fencing at Academy Park– it is set to be completed the week of November 13. The purchase and installation of this fencing is paid for by a PARD grant received by the town.
Administrator Beasley will be accessing the fence at the town park next.
Council recognition
Councilmember Adadra Neville and Mayor Pro-Tem Scott Valentine were recognized for their dedication to the community.
Neville served on the council for seven years, and Valentine served for 12. Both Neville and Valentine did not seek re-election this year.
“Your unwavering commitment to our community has a profound and positive impact on the lives of its residents,” said Mayor Williams. “Your tireless efforts advocating for responsible governance, sustainable development, and the overall wellbeing of our town have not gone unnoticed.”
Historic home sale
The council approved Meybohm Realtors to lead the sale of the Kennedy House and property. The town initially bought the house for the land to square off the park property.
“We feel tearing it down would do a disjustice to the town and the residents, the house has been there for many, many years,” said Mayor Williams. “It would bring another family to Williston.”
Other updates
Beasley explained the town recently changed their internet provider resulting in monthly savings of $660.
The town’s EMS station will house personnel now that the Dept. of Health and Environmental Control’s (DHEC) mold report came back negative. EMS personnel have been located at the Williston Fire Department in the meantime.
In an annual DHEC sanitation report, only two findings came back compared to the 13 findings in last year’s report.
“We are improving in a lot of areas,” said Beasley.
The two findings in the report were the town’s lack of documentation accounting for water loss, such as instances when the fire department takes water from a hydrant to fill a truck. The second finding is a leaking valve in need of replacement. Both are being addressed by town officials.
