Council Moves Ahead on Sewer System, Reviews EMS, Honors Black History Month
Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
Anderson County Council on Tuesday moved ahead on the contract with Harper Construction for the Clemson-Pendleton-Anderson regional sewer project. Anderson earlier received $5 million from the federal government earmarked for the project.
Anderson County Administrator Rusty Burns said the county is looking for other sources of funding as the regional system is expanded. The other partners have already approved
Council also heard an update on the Countywide EMS system Tuesday night. The information presented was the same presented to the council’s public safety committee. See Observer story with details here.
Council Chairman Tommy Dunn and other council members praised the progress of the EMS system.
“It’s not perfect, but nothing ever will be and this is a big improvement over what we had before,” said Wright on the county system.
Meanwhile, council approved the county’s partnership with AIM and Rebuild Upstate to use $150,000 om federal grant funds for the improvement of low-income owner-occupied residences in Anderson County. AIM and Rebuild Upstate are already involved in the process which has detailed requirements to meet federal requirements of the program.
Also on Tuesday night:
Council unanimously approved a resolution designating February as Black History Month, honoring the achievements of the black men and women who made the county a better place to work and live.
Council approved the rezoning of a .49 acre plot of property at 2647 Anderson Hwy Williamston, from Highway Commercial to Single-Family Residential. A single family owns all of the property in the rezoning request.
Council also recognized the Anderson County Public Works division for their renewed accreditation by the national American Public Works Association APWA.
According to APWA, only five public works agencies are accredited in South Carolina.
The department was praised for their full compliance to internationally recognized practices.
“We are proud of this designation and of the professionals we have who work in the public works division,” said Assistant Anderson County Administrator Holt Hopkins.
“It’s been a trying year and you have answered the call,” said Dunn. “You make council look good.”
Dunn said he had received many good comments on the professional work of the employees in public works.
Council also heard from residents who live on or near Long Road, expressing concerns about the proposed warehouse planned for property in their neighborhood.
David Walker, who lives on Long Road, said the proposed facility would include a 13-acre-under-roof warehouse for trucks, which he said would increase noise, traffic and pollution in the community.
Walker also said the farms which inhabit the area would also be negatively effected.
“There is no way this building fits on Long Road,” said Walker.
The current zoning allows for the construction of the facility and would require a change by the Anderson County Planning Commission and the approval of county council for any change.