REGULAR MEETING OF THE FLORENCE COUNTY COUNCIL, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021, 6:00 P.M., NATIONAL BEAN MARKET MUSEUM, 111 HENRY STREET, LAKE CITY ...
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REGULAR MEETING OF THE FLORENCE COUNTY COUNCIL, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021, 6:00 P.M., NATIONAL BEAN MARKET MUSEUM, 111 HENRY STREET, LAKE CITY, SOUTH CAROLINA PRESENT: Willard Dorriety, Jr., Chairman Kent C. Caudle, Vice Chairman Waymon Mumford, Secretary/Chaplain Alphonso Bradley, Council Member Roger M. Poston, Council Member Jason M. Springs, Council Member Frank J. "Buddy" Brand, II, Council Member Jerry W. Yarborough, Jr., Council Member K. G. Rusty Smith, Jr., County Administrator D. Malloy McEachin, Jr., County Attorney (telephonically) Connie Y. Haselden, Clerk to Council ALSO PRESENT: Representative Roger Kirby Mayor Marshall Munn, Town of Pamplico Mayor Lovith Anderson, City of Lake City Tommy Sullivan, FCSO Chief Deputy Arthur C. Gregg, Jr., Public Works Director Shawn Brashear, Planning Department Director Jamie Floyd, Tax Assessor Mitch Fulmore, EMD Director Nathan Dawsey, Parks & Recreation Department Director Samuel K. Brockington, Jr., Fire/Rescue Services Coordinator Chief Billy Dillon, Howe Springs Fire Department Chief John Delung, Windy Hill Fire Department Chief Jeff Dennis, Sardis-Timmonsville Fire Department Matthew Christian, Morning News Reporter A notice of the regular meeting of the Florence County Council appeared in the September 15, 2021 edition of the MORNING NEWS. In compliance with the Freedom of Information Act, copies of the meeting Agenda were provided to members of the media, members of the public requesting copies, posted in the lobby of the County Complex, provided for posting at the Doctors Bruce and Lee Foundation Public Library, all branch libraries, and on the County's website (www.florenceco.ora). The Council meeting was later aired on the Government Access Channel (Spectrum Channel 1301) and archived on the County website. Florence County Council Regular Meeting September 16, 2021.
-CALL TO ORDER/INVOCATION/PLEDGE/WELCOME:
Chairman Dorriety called the meeting to order. Secretary/Chaplain Mumford provided
the invocation and Vice Chairman Caudle led the Pledge of Allegiance to the American
Flag. Chairman Dorriety welcomed everyone attending the meeting and expressed
appreciation to Lauren Smith and the staff of The Bean Market Museum for hosting the
meeting. Chairman Dorriety also recognized Representative Roger Kirby, Pamplico
Mayor Marshall Munn and Lake City Mayor Lovith Anderson, who were present at the
meeting.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Councilman Brand made a motion Council Approve The Minutes Of The August 19,
2021 Regular Meeting Of County Council. Councilman Poston seconded the motion,
which was approved unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
No Public Hearings Were Required Or Scheduled For The Meeting.
APPEAkANCES:
No Appearances Were Requested Or Scheduled Prior To Publication Of The Agenda.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY, MILITARY AFFAIRS &
INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS
Committee Chairman Bradley stated the Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, Military
Affairs & Intergovernmental Relations advised that a meeting had been scheduled with
the City representatives on the City-County Conference Committee for Thursday,
September 23rd at 8:00 a.m.
RESOLUTIONS/PROCLAMATIONS:
RESOLUTIONS OF RECOGNITION
JOHNSONVILLE DEBS DIXIE SOFTBALL TEAM
The Clerk published in its entirety a Resolution of Recognition To Recognize The Skill,
Perseverance, Hard Work And Determination Of The 2021 Johnsonville Debs Dixie
Softball Team And Coaches For Their Athletic Accomplishments In Winning The 2021
State Championship For South Carolina Dixie Softball, Thereby Earning The
Opportunity To Participate and Earning Second Place In the 2021 Dixie Softball World
Series In Louisiana. Councilman Caudle made a motion Council approve the Resolution
as presented. Councilman Poston seconded the motion, which was approved
unanimously. Councilman Poston and Parks & Recreation Department Director Nathan
Dawsey presented framed resolutions to the players and coaches. Councilman Poston
commended and congratulated the team and coaches for their athletic accomplishments.
Florence County Council Regular Meeting 2
September 16, 2021
dx-Mr. Dawsey stated that Florence County suffered an unexpected loss. Calvin Dennis, the League Vice President of the Prosser Field Youth Organization, District 3 Director for Dixie Softball, a coach for many years, and a dear friend to many suffered a fatal stomach aneurism. His leadership and contributions to the facilities in Johnsonville would be enjoyed for many years to come. Mr. Dawsey invited Mr. Dennis' brother, Jason Dennis, his son Cole and his daughter Ellie to come up and accept the framed Resolution on behalf of the late Coach Calvin Dennis. Chairman Dorriety asked for a moment of silence in honor of the Late Coach Dennis. LOWER FLORENCE AAA DIXIE YOUTH BASEBALL TEAM The Clerk published in its entirety a Resolution of Recognition To Recognize The Skill, Perseverance, Hard Work And Determination Of The 2021 Lower Florence AAA Dixie Youth Baseball Team And Coaches For Their Athletic Accomplishments In Winning The 2021 AAA District 10 Championship, The 2021 AAA State Championship And Placing Fifth At The 2021 Dixie Youth Baseball World Series In Laurel, Mississippi. Councilman Springs made a motion Council approve the Resolution as presented. Councilman Mumford seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously. Councilman Springs and Nathan Dawsey presented framed resolutions to the players and coaches. Councilman Springs commended the coaches, parents and the players for their athletic accomplishments in making it to the World Series. Team Manager Hal Edwards expressed his appreciation for the recognition of the team and congratulated the other teams. He also expressed his condolences to the Dennis family and stated this was a tremendous loss to the Coward community as well since Coach Dennis had provided leadership and guidance to that league, as well. McLEOD PARK DIVISION 1 MAJORS DIXIE BASEBALL TEAM The Clerk published in its entirety a Resolution of Recognition To Recognize The Skill, Perseverance, Hard Work And Determination Of The 2021 McLeod Park Division 1 Majors Dixie Baseball Team And Coaches For Their Athletic Accomplishments In Winning The 2021 Dixie Youth Baseball World Series In Laurel, Mississippi. Councilman Caudle made a motion Council approve the Resolution as presented. Councilman Mumford seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously. Chairman Dorriety stated Florence County was truly blessed to have three teams that made it to the World Series, with one bringing home the 'Big Trophy.' He commended the parents and coaches for their time and effort invested in the children. He stated programs and opportunities for the youth were only possible because of the effort they put into working with them. He thanked them for their vision and investment in the future of the County by volunteering their time to encourage youth in team sports. He congratulated all involved and thanked them for being present at the meeting. Councilman Caudle and Mr. Dawsey presented framed resolutions to the players and coaches. Councilman Caudle commended the coaches, parents and the players for their athletic accomplishments and congratulated them for being the 2021 World Series Champs. Coach Collins expressed appreciation for the recognition. Florence County Council Regular Meeting 3 September 16, 2021
RESOLUTION NO. 06-2021/22
The Clerk published the title of Resolution No. 06-2021/22: A Resolution Authorizing
■ Submission Of An Application By Florence County To The Division Of Community
Grant Program Of The South Carolina Department Of Commerce For A Community
Enrichment Grant Under The Community Development (CDBG) Block Grant Program
For A Fire Engine For Olanta Fire Department As Part Of The Florence County Unified
Fire District And Authorizing The Use Of Grant Matching Funds From Fund 37-Unified
Fire District Fund Balance. Councilman Springs made a motion Council approve the
Resolution as presented. Councilman Mumford seconded the motion. Mr. Smith stated
that this was a vitally important component of Florence County and was part of the
ongoing effort to enhance the Unified Fire District to protect the lives and property of the
citizens Council represented. The application would be submitted by the Council of
Governments within the next week and if successful an award would be announced in
December of this year and then the unit would be subsequently bid. The estimated match
was in the range of $135,000 and would come from Fund 37-UFD Fund Balance. The
Resolution was approved unanimously.
RESOLUTION NO. 07-2021/22
The Clerk published the title of Resolution No. 07-2021/22: A Resolution Authorizing
Matching Grant Funds For A South Carolina Department Of Commerce Community
Enrichment Grant Under The Community Development (CDBG) Block Grant Program
For A Fire Engine For Hannah-Salem-Friendfield Fire Department In The Florence
County Unified Fire District To Be Funded From Fund 37-Unified Fire District Fund
Balance. Councilman Poston made a motion Council approve the Resolution as
presented. Councilman Springs seconded the motion. Mr. Smith stated that this was in
essence the approval of $130,800 in matching funds to purchase a truck for the Hannah-
Salem-Friendfield Fire Department. Bids came in at $595,800, which included $5,500 for
officials with the department to travel to inspect the truck; $465,000 net proceeds from
the grant. He expressed special thanks to County staff and the Council of Governments
for putting it all together. Per the contract, the apparatus would be ready for delivery FOB
Florence County in approximately 420 days. The Resolution was approved unanimously.
RESOLUTION NO. 08-2021/22
The Clerk published the title of Resolution No. 08-2021/22: A Resolution To Provide For
Premium Pay For Florence County Employees In Accordance With The Interim Final
Rule From The United States Treasury As It Relates To The American Rescue Plan Act
Funds. Councilman Mumford made a motion Council approve the Resolution as
presented. Councilman Brand seconded the motion. Mr. Smith stated that this was an
effort to incentivize and reward the County's outstanding employees that had persevered
during the pandemic. He stated it was important to note that County Council was
providing the premium pay to qualified recipients who remained on the front lines during
the ongoing battle. There were 398 first responders and public safety employees that
would receive a gross pay of $3,000 for a total expenditure of $1,194,000, which
included the Sheriffs Office, Detention Center, EMS, Emergency Management, Central
Dispatch, Coroner's Office, Public Works and the Unified Fire Department (UFD). Also,
the UFD for qualifying volunteers would receive up to $500 per volunteer; approximately
101 individuals would receive the payment for an additional $50,500 in expenditures.
Florence County Council Regular Meeting
September 16, 2021Additional valued employees who served with honor in other departments would receive a gross check in the amount of $2,250 and would cost $801,000. The total premium pay out would be around $2.2 million, which included the FICA match paid by the County in the amount of $156,480.75. Given the complexity of this offering, specific questions would be referred to HR for resolution but a memo would be sent to all department heads, elected and appointed officials. Departments would receive certification forms for completion by every qualifying employee which would denote the corresponding premium pay and the form must be signed by the department head and/or elected/appointed official and returned to HR by noon on Friday, September 24th. Checks would be cut and available on October 1st. Chairman Dorriety expressed his appreciation to Mr. Smith and the staff for working out this premium pay for employees. The Resolution was approved unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 09-2021/22 The Clerk published the title of Resolution No. 09-2021/22: A Resolution To Authorize The County Administrator To Provide Up To Ten (10) Paid Leave Days For Any Vaccinated County Employee Who Is Confirmed Positive With A Breakthrough Delta Variant Case Of COVID 19 Upon Providing Documentation To Human Resources And Provide The County Administrator With The Authority To Implement The Program For As Long As He Deems Appropriate During The Pandemic. Councilman Bradley made a motion Council approve the Resolution as presented. Councilman Springs seconded the motion. Mr. Smith stated that this was part of the County's ongoing effort to battle the insidious foe called COVID and would assist with vaccinated employees who served and interacted with the public on a daily basis. It would also hopefully encourage other employees to become vaccinated in the hopes of alleviating the deadly pandemic by helping to provide a safe working environment for employees and constituents. The vaccine was the first line of defense and had allowed only a few breakthrough cases. The Resolution was approved unanimously. ORDINANCES IN POSITION: Chairman Dorriety stated that Third Reading of Ordinances No. 11-2019/20, 12-2019/20 and Ordinance No. 06-2020/21 was deferred. ORDINANCE NO. 11-2019/20 — THIRD READING DEFERRED An Ordinance Authorizing The Execution And Delivery Of A Fee-In-Lieu Of Tax Agreement By And Between A Company Or Companies Known For The Time Being As Project Star (The "Company"), Darlington County And Florence County, South Carolina (The "County"), Whereby The County Will Enter Into A Fee-In-Lieu Of Tax Agreement With The Company And Darlington County, Providing For Payment By The Company Of Certain Fees-In-Lieu Of Ad Valorem Taxes, The Allocation Of Fees-In-Lieu Of Taxes Payable Under The Agreement; And Other Matters Relating Thereto. Florence County Council Regular Meeting 5 September 16, 2021
ORDINANCE NO. 12-2019/20 — THIRD READING DEFERRED An Ordinance To Develop A Jointly Owned And Operated Industrial/Business Park In Conjunction With Darlington County, Such Industrial/Business Park To Be Geographically Located In Florence County And Darlington County And Established Pursuant To Sec. 4-1- 170 Of The Code Of Laws Of South Carolina 1976, As Amended; To Provide For A Written Agreement With Darlington County To Provide For The Expenses Of The Park, The Percentage Of Revenue Application, And The Distribution Of Fees In Lieu Of Ad Valorem Taxation; And Other Matters Related Thereto. ORDINANCE NO. 06-2020/21 — THIRD READING DEFERRED An Ordinance Authorizing The Execution And Delivery Of A Fee-In-Lieu-Of-Tax Agreement By And Between A Company Identified As "Project Lightning Bolt" (The "Company") On Its Own Or Together With One Or More Of Its Subsidiaries, Affiliates, Successors, Assigns, Sponsors, Lessors, And Others, And Florence County, South Carolina (The "County") To Provide For The Payment Of Certain Fees In Lieu Of Taxes; Authorizing And Ratifying The Assignment Of Benefits Under Certain Existing Fee In Lieu Of Tax Arrangements To The Company; Authorizing Certain Amendments To The Assigned Fee In Lieu Of Tax Arrangements Including The Provision Of Additional Infrastructure Or Special Source Revenue Credits; And Other Matters Related Thereto. ORDINANCE NO. 02-2021/22 — THIRD READING The Clerk published the title of Ordinance No. 02-2021/22: An Ordinance For Text Amendments To The Florence County Code Of Ordinances, Chapter 30, ZONING ORDINANCE, ARTICLE I. — ESTABLISHMENT, PURPOSE, RULES FOR THE INTERPRETATION OF ZONING DISTRICTS, AND ZONING ANNEXED PROPERTY, Section 30-9. — Unzoned Areas.; And Other Matters Related Thereto. Councilman Bradley made a motion Council approve Third Reading of the Ordinance. Councilman Mumford seconded the motion. Mr. Smith stated that this Ordinance served as an index and made no regulatory changes; it would correct omissions that could lead to errors and confusion and it would also make it easier for the public and staff to readily locate applicable code sections that dealt with unzoned areas, as well as correct some typographical errors. No concerns were raised at the Planning Commission meeting and it was unanimously approved by the Commission. Third Reading of the Ordinance was approved unanimously. ORDINANCE NO. 03-2021/22 — THIRD READING The Clerk published the title of Ordinance No. 03-2021/22: An Ordinance To Rezone Property Owned By EEZ Properties-Emevasha Davis To Change The Zoning Designation For The Property Of Tax Map Number 70012, Block 13, Parcel 009 Located At 115 Brockington Street, Timmonsville From R-3, Single-Family Residential District, To B-3, General Commercial District; And Other Matters Related Thereto. Councilman Yarborough made a motion Council approve Third Reading of the Ordinance. Councilman Bradley seconded the motion. Mr. Smith stated that the owner wished to operate a children's day care center in a single family dwelling, which was contiguous to B-3 as well as B-4 zoning districts. If approved, staff would work with the applicant on a required building permit to make modifications for compliance. No concerns were raised at the public hearing and the Planning Commission approved the item 7 — 0 and the Town of Timmonsville provided written notice that the Town was not opposed to the change. Third Reading of the Ordinance was approved unanimously. Florence County Council Regular Meeting 6 September 16, 2021
ORDINANCE NO. 04-2021/22 — SECOND READING The Clerk published the title of Ordinance No. 4-2021/22: An Ordinance To Rezone Property Owned By Wendell Cain To Change The Zoning Designation For The Property Of Tax Map Number 00211, Block 01, Parcel 106 Located At 2320 East Broach Street, Florence, SC From B-3, General Commercial District, To R-5, Multi-Family Residential District; And Other Matters Related Thereto. Councilman Caudle made a motion Council approve Second Reading of the Ordinance. Councilman Poston seconded the motion. Mr. Smith stated that the request by the property owner was to allow the subdivision to enable the placement of up to three doublewide mobile homes on the lots, no singlewides would be allowed. The property was already contiguous to R-5 zoned property. There were no concerns raised at the public hearing and the Planning Commission unanimously approved the rezone request. Second Reading of the Ordinance was unanimously approved. ORDINANCE NO. 05-2021/22 - SECOND READING The Clerk published the title of Ordinance No. 05-2021/22: An Ordinance To Amend The Agreement For Development Of A Multi-County Industrial And Business Park By And Between Florence County And Marion County, South Carolina, Providing For The Development Of A Jointly Owned And Operated Industrial/Business Park So As To Include Additional Property In Florence County Related To Project Longshot (The "Company") As Part Of The Joint County Industrial/Business Park, And Other Matters Relating Thereto. Councilman Caudle made a motion Council approve Second Reading of the Ordinance. Councilman Springs seconded the motion. Mr. Smith stated that this was again a reflection of the County's continued effort on economic development endeavors. Inclusion in a multi-county industrial park (MCIP) facilitates the use of SSRC's as a recruitment tool. This property was being added to the same MCIP with Niagara with Marion County as the preferred partner. Marion County would receive 1% of the revenue, which was consistent with the 99 to 1 agreement. The MCIP would also allow the respective corporate citizen to receive an additional $1,000 job tax credit for 5 years, which further enhanced economic development efforts. Second Reading of the Ordinance was approved unanimously. ORDINANCE NO. 06-2021/22 — SECOND READING The Clerk published the title of Ordinance No. 06-2021/22: An Ordinance Authorizing The Execution And Delivery Of A Fee-In-Lieu-Of-Tax Agreement By And Between Project Longshot (The "Company") And Florence County, South Carolina (The "County") To Provide For The Payment Of Certain Fees In Lieu Of Taxes, The Issuance Of Certain Special Source Revenue Credits, And Other Matters Related Thereto. Councilman Springs made a motion Council approve Second Reading of the Ordinance. Councilman Bradley seconded the motion. Mr. Smith stated this investment was slated to be $66.5 million with $59.5 million in real property (land and buildings) and $7 million in personal property (machinery and/or equipment). The project would create an astounding 430 new jobs over 5 years and would include starting salaries significantly exceeding the $17 hour range. Construction should be completed in late 2022 or early 2023 with operations beginning shortly thereafter. The Company would be afforded a 30 year FILOT with a 6% assessment ratio at a millage rate of 0.3611. The Agreement includes a SSRC (Special Source Revenue Credit) of 75% years 1 through 5, 50% years 6 Florence County Council Regular Meeting 7 September 16, 2021
through 10, years 11 through 30 would have a 30% SSRC. It also included very important pro-rata clawback provisions of the SSRC's in the event the Company did not meet the investment and job commitment. It would be placed in a multi-county industrial park in Marion County. Second Reading of the Ordinance was approved unanimously. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES: No Ordinances Were Presented For Introduction. APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS & COMMISSIONS: ?EI DEE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY Councilman Mumford made a motion Council Approve The Re-Appointment Of Tyron Jones To Serve On The Pee Dee Regional Transportation Authority, Representing Florence County With Appropriate Expiration Term. Councilman Bradley seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously. POLICY COMMISSION ON RECREATION Councilman Mumford made a motion Council Approve The Appointment Of Andy Tedder To Serve On The Policy Commission On Recreation Representing Council District 7, With Appropriate Expiration Term. Councilman Bradley seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously. PLANNING COMMISSION Councilman Bradley made a motion Council Approve The Re-Appointment Of Doris Lockhart To Serve On The Planning Commission Representing Council District 3, With Appropriate Expiration Term. Councilman Springs seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously. REPORTS TO COUNCIL: ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT Mr. Smith stated that Council had been provided with the enlightening updates for the Capital Project Sales Tax #1, #2 and #3, as well as the illuminating notes from the department heads. For the public's elucidation he offered the following updates on the CPST I projects: • Construction on the alternate truck route in Timmonsville was substantially complete. • Construction of Sections 1, 2, 3 and 4 on SC 51 was also substantially complete and had been opened to traffic. • Construction on Phase I of Alligator Road was nearing completion with Phase II utility relocations underway. Work had begun on bridges over 1-95 and Alligator Swamp and construction was anticipated to be completed in the summer of 2024. With regard to the very successful CPST II he offered the following updates: • Improvements had been made on an astounding 536 roads in Florence County. Florence County Council Regular Meeting 8 September 16, 2021
• In District 1, resurfacing projects were under construction on eight roads and three dirt-
to-pave projects were also underway.
• The Dargan Street sidewalk project was ongoing in District 3.
• District 6 had two dirt-to-pave projects under construction but some delays were
experienced due to material shortages.
• One project in District 7 was also delayed due to material shortage but seven roads
were substantially completed with punch list items remaining.
• Resurfacing projects were substantially complete with punch list items remaining on
eight roads in District 8.
• In District 9, resurfacing projects were substantially complete with punch list items
remaining on fourteen roads. One dirt-to-pave project was under construction but there
was also a minor delay in completion due to material shortages.
A material supply shortage with cement and pipe was currently creating delays in projects
under the CPST III and dirt-to-pave projects were being developed but the project
management team was recommending that the County delay releasing any new dirt-to-pave
work until this dynamic was understood in greater detail.
At the August meeting, Council approved the bid for MBC stone rocking projects for 20
roads in District 2. The Notice To Proceed was issued on September 13th and the work was
in progress and was being monitored.
A resurfacing package (Bid 08-21/22) had been developed for five roads in the Grove Park
neighborhood in District 3 and bids were received on September 9th with a recommendation
for award on the Agenda.
During the month of August, the Environmental Services department assisted in the
rescue of 190 animals. The 'Get Bitter on Litter' crew cleaned 24.9 miles of roadway and
collected 14,748 pounds of trash. One littering ticket was issued. The department sprayed
270.46 miles or 9835.13 acres with 71.6 gallons of adulticide to continue to combat the
mosquito infestation. The inmates were in quarantine at that time due to positive Covid
test results.
Mr. Smith provided a reminder of vaccination clinics in Lake City as well as Johnsonville
and Timmonsville. MUSC would hold the events to occur on Friday, September 17 at
Johnsonville Public Library from 9-11, on Saturday, September 18 at Lower Florence
County Public Service Building/South Lynches FD from 8-11, and on Monday,
September 20 at Timmonsville Public Library from 9-11.
Mr. Smith stated that as Councilman Waymon Mumford liked to say ... "Our employees
always make us look real good" and to follow up on that, he always viewed it as a
positive reflection on the County when we could promote from within.
Mr. Smith stated that it gave him great pleasure to announce the promotion of Nathan
Dawsey to Director of the Florence County Parks & Recreation Department. Nathan
worked with the Department since 2016, serving as the Recreation Superintendent for
four years and serving as the Interim Director since June. Nathan was a forward and
Florence County Council Regular Meeting 9
September 16, 2021innovative thinker having implemented the eSports program in Florence County, which was the first in the State to set up tournaments on the County level. This initiative won the 2019 SCRPA (South Carolina Recreation & Parks Association) Award and was featured in the Winter 2019 edition of the SCRPA publication. He anticipated many more innovative programs coming from the Parks & Recreation Department. He stated he was also very pleased to announce the hiring of Mitch Fulmore to serve as the Director of the Emergency Management Department. Mitch began his career as a Telecommunicator in 1996. He worked his way through the ranks starting as an Assistant Shift Supervisor in 1998 and eventually promoted to 911/Central Dispatch Manager in 2017. Most recently, he had done an admirable job as the Interim Director for the department. Amidst all of his hard work, Mitch received a Bachelor's Degree from Anderson University with a Major in Homeland Security and Emergency Services. He was serving as President of the South Carolina Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO), served on the South Carolina 911 Advisory Committee, and was also an Active Shooter instructor for Texas State University. Mr. Smith stated that, as "icing on the cake" Mitch had been a volunteer with South Lynches Fire Department for 30 years, having worked through the ranks there and was also a reserve deputy with the Florence County Sheriff's Office from 2007 to 2019. He congratulated Mitch Fulmore and welcomed him aboard as the new Emergency Management Director. Councilman Springs stated that the County had done very well on the two promotions (Nathan Dawsey and Mitch Fulmore) and that both had proven themselves capable of doing the job. He stated that his children had come up through recreation programs and he was very impressed with how Nathan handled the leagues and was always there. He said he pretty well grew up with Mitch and they had both come a long way growing up through the fire department together. Mitch was very well qualified and made the folks in Lake City very proud. Chairman Dorriety stated he agreed wholeheartedly with Councilman Springs' comments. He congratulated and commended Nathan and Mitch. He said the bottom line was that Florence County was only as good as its employees and the County had a lot of super employees. These were two good, super hires that were made and he hoped they would be there for a long time. ADMINISTRATION MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORTS Monthly Financial Reports Were Provided To Council For Fiscal Year 2022 Through July 31, 2021 As An Item For The Record. Florence County Council Regular Meeting 10 September 16, 2021
ADMINISTRATION/PROCUREMENT AWARD BID NO. 07-21/22 Councilman Brand made a motion Council Award Bid No. 07-21/22, Resurfacing Of Five (5) Tennis Courts And One (1) Wall Court To Carolina Sport Surfaces, Inc. Of Sullivan's Island, SC In The Amount Of $33,725.00 To Be Funded From FY22 Recreation Departmental Funds. Councilman Yarborough seconded the motion. Mr. Smith stated that this, too, was part of the County's continuing effort to provide the recreational amenities to the citizens. There were three responsive bids and Mr. Dawsey recommended the bid be awarded to the low responsive bidder, Carolina Sport Surfaces. In response to a question from Councilman Caudle, Mr. Smith confirmed this was for the courts at Ebenezer Park. The Motion was approved unanimously. EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES/ADMINISTRATION EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AGREEMENT Councilman Bradley made a motion Council Approve The Entering Into An Agreement Between Lenoir Community College And Florence County EMS For The Provision Of Educational Opportunities In Health Related Programs. Councilman Springs seconded the motion. Mr. Smith stated that paramedic and EMT training programs in North Carolina were State funded and therefore provided training at little to no out of pocket costs for in state or out of state students. Lenoir also had a very appealing online training program which required all students to participate in field internships or ride alongs. This would allow students from the Pee Dee to participate in ride alongs close to home, which in turn created a good recruitment tool as the County continued to pursue its goal of providing the best EMS service in the State. Chief Ryon Watkins highly recommended the endeavor. The motion was approved unanimously. PROCUREMENT DECLARATION OF SURPLUS PROPERTY Councilman Bradley made a motion Council Declare Various Office Furniture And Equipment As Surplus Property For Disposal In The Manner Most Advantageous To The County. Councilman Mumford seconded the motion. Mr. Smith stated that this was excess furniture with little value and in some cases obsolete. The motion was approved unanimously. SHERIFF'S OFFICE DECLARATION OF SURPLUS PROPERTY Councilman Mumford made a motion Council Declare One (1) Glock Model 43 Handgun As Surplus Property For The Purpose Of Awarding It To An Employee Who Is Retiring. Councilman Caudle seconded the motion. Mr. Smith stated that this was for an employee with over 20 years of service. The motion was approved unanimously. Florence County Council Regular Meeting 11 September 16, 2021
UNIFIED FIRE DISTRICT COST OF LIVING ADJUSTMENT (COLA) Councilman Springs made a motion Council Approve The Recommendation By The Unified Fire Board To Give A 3% COLA To All Employees Of The Unified Fire District Effective At The Next Regularly Scheduled Pay Period Beginning September 25, 2021 To Be Funded From FY 22 Volunteer Incentive Pay At An Estitnated Cost of $110,000 For The Current Year And To Be Funded In Future Years Through A Reduction In The Volunteer Incentive Pay. Councilman Yarborough seconded the motion. Mr. Smith stated that one of the reasons for the timeliness of this item was that on April 15, 2021, the Justice & Public Safety Committee was advised that the Chiefs met and removed the 3% COLA that was originally built into the budget. On August 19, 2021, the UFD Board Chairman subsequently sent an email on behalf of the Board recommending and requesting that a 3% COLA for all Fund 37 employees be funded from the Volunteer Incentive Program. This would be a recurring expenditure and the UFD Board had been apprised accordingly. There were 60 full-time employees and 45 part-time employees. Mr. Smith expressed a special thanks to staff for a job well-done, especially HR, Finance and Deputy Administrator on all the UFD issues, which was a major undertaking to provide and assimilate the proper data to bring these projects to fruition. He commended staff involved in the process. Councilman Springs stated this was in addition to the pay equalization plan that was implemented as part of the budget for Fiscal Year 2022. The motion was approved unanimously. HANNAH-SALEM-FRIENDFIELD FIRE DEPARTMENT Councilman Springs made a motion Council Authorize The Use Of The Houston- Galveston Area Council (HGAC) Cooperative Purchasing Program For The Purchase Of Two (2) Pierce M2 Freightliner Encore Rescue Apparatuses And Equipment And Two (2) Pierce Freightliner Tankers And Equipment From Spartan Fire And Emergency Apparatus Of Roebuck, SC For The Hannah-Salem-Friendfield Fire Department As Funded By Capital Project Sales Tax III And 2021 Fire Bond Funds. Option A (Prepayment Option): In An Amount Not To Exceed $1,520,000.50; $851,658.50 (Including Tax) For The Two (2) Rescue Apparatuses And Equipment And $668,342.00 (Including Tax) For The Two (2) Tankers And Equipment; 100% Of The Cost Of The Trucks Must Be Paid Up-Front. Councilman Poston seconded the motion. Mr. Smith advised that the tankers were replacing 1987 and 1998 tankers that had exceeded their useful life of 20 years. These vehicles not only created a maintenance issue but also created safety concerns. The new rescue trucks were replacing a 1997 and a 2000 model rescue truck which were in dire need of replacement. The net savings utilizing Option A would be $14,415.00 with a 13 -- 14 month delivery time. Hannah-Salem-Friendfield Fire Chief Monty Tedder recommended approval of Option A. The motion was approved unanimously. Florence County Council Regular Meeting 12 September 16, 2021
SARDIS-TIMMONSVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT/PROCUREMENT Councilman Yarborough made a motion Council Authorize The Use Of The Houston- Galveston Area Council (HGAC) Cooperative Purchasing Program For The Purchase Of One (1) Commander Pumper From Rosenbauer Minnesota, LLC For The Sardis- Timmonsville Fire Department To Be Funded By Capital Project Sales Tax III. Option A (Prepayment Option): In An Amount Not To Exceed $578,820; 100% Of The Cost Of The Truck Must Be Paid Up-Front. Councilman Springs seconded the motion. Mr. Smith advised that the pumper would replace a 1990 model pumper that had exceeded 30 years of service to the citizens of Florence County and truly needed replacement. The pre- payment discount was $18,062 (3%). Delivery time would be 390 days. Sardis- Timmonsville Fire Chief Jeff Dennis recommended approval of Option A. The motion was approved unanimously. ADMINISTRATION/PUBLIC WORKS/PROCUREMENT AWARD Bib NO. 08-21/22 Councilman Bradley made a motion Council Award Bid No. 08-21/22, Resurfacing Projects In The Amount Of $442,134.37 To C. R. Jackson Of Florence, SC To Be Funded In The Amount of $273,200.47 From Capital Project Sales Tax III For District 3, $104,379.44 From District 3 RSMF Funds And $64,654.46 From Capital Project Sales Tax III For Town Of Timmonsville Contingent Upon The Town Accepting Harkless Court Into The City's Road System. Councilman Springs seconded the motion. Mr. Smith stated that the County had subsequently received confirmation from the Town of Timmonsville on final reading for the acceptance of Harkless Court in the Timmonsville Road System. The Motion was approved unanimously. ADMINISTRATION SPECTRUM SOUTHEAST, LLC CONTRACT Councilman Springs made a motion Council Approve A Contract With Spectrum Southeast, LLC managed by Charter Communications, Inc. To Provide Broadband Infrastructure To Approximately 3,320 Addresses That Are Either Unserved Or Underserved Throughout The County In The Amount Of $4,500,000 And Approve Up To An Additional $1,500,000 To Fund Any Additional Addresses Identified During The Project Not In The Original Scope To Be Funded From American Rescue Plan Act Funds Contingent Upon Verification From The United States Treasury That The Proposed Broadband Speeds Meet Or Exceed Minimum Thresholds And Is Therefore A Qualifying Expenditure Of American Rescue Plan Act Funds. Councilman Poston seconded the motion. Mr. Smith stated that he liked to look for the silver lining in every cloud, including the dark `COVID' cloud. In his opinion the County was afforded a window of opportunity here that would yield dividends for generations to come. One of the ancillary effects of COVID 19 was the deterioration of educational opportunities for the underserved and unserved citizens of Florence County, with between 5,000 to 6,000 homes and businesses that did not meet the 25/3 megabit Federal standard that was the `bellweather' for acceptable internet service. The intent was to maximize available grant funds, coordinate with other levels of government and collaborate with this provider to accommodate the needs of the people by providing fiber to premises construction of a system that would meet or exceed Federal standards to the unserved XY coordinates or Florence County Council Regular Meeting 13 September 16, 2021
address points. Not only would this broadband expansion improve educational opportunities but it would also provide a key component to enhance rural economic development as well as rural health care. He expressed a special thanks to Chairman Dorriety, Councilman Poston and Councilman Springs for bringing this matter to the forefront and other members for fostering and facilitating this initiative. He stated just to give a perspective on the investment involved, as part of the overall transformation, Spectrum was investing $11,579,180 for approximately 2,249 unserved addresses as part of the Florence county RDOF program at no additional cost to Florence County. This covered areas around Timmonsville, Johnsonville, and Pamplico. Under FCC rules, Spectrum would have until 2027 to accomplish this but as part of this deal, they had agreed to build the entire Florence County system by December 31, 2023. This was close to 294.3 route miles of fiber to complete the County. It was estimated there were an additional 3,320 addresses they would also construct within the next 2 years. The total cost for these additional addresses was $13.8 million with Spectrum assuming the lion's share of $9.3 million and Florence County only contributing $4.5 million. This additional project was 346.2 miles of fiber. In totality, this deal provided Florence County approximately 640.5 route miles of new broadband fiber throughout the County connecting a total of close to 5,569 unserved locations. This number could vary, it was not an exact science by any means. Of the total price tag of $25,379,130, Florence County would invest $4.5 million, leaving $20,879,130 to be funded by Spectrum. This would expand the information highway exponentially for Florence County citizens. Mr. Ben Breazeale with Spectrum was present and he added that Florence County was the first County that he knew of that was addressing broadband comprehensively as a County and he appreciated the opportunity to work with the County. Chairman Dorriety expressed appreciation to Mr. Smith, staff and Mr. Breazeale for working on this project for the citizens of Florence County. He was of the opinion that this was a great opportunity to provide this service. Councilman Poston expressed his appreciation to Representative Roger Kirby and Senator Kent Williams for their support and assistance in working on this issue. He stated that initially, when broadband was implemented it was only provided to municipal areas and the rural areas were left out unless you could spend a minimum of $2,000 per household. Representative Kirby and Senator Williams worked with the rural areas to bring this initiative forward. Councilman Springs also expressed appreciation to Representative Kirby for his contributions in hosting meetings and working to bring this project about. One of the reasons to accelerate this project was that there was a shortage of material and labor but by the County getting in on the front, it would allow the County to get it built when other providers would be able to get it. Councilman Springs stated another item he thought was noteworthy was that a program was in place that if a family qualified for free or reduced lunch, they would qualify for a significantly reduced service. Mr. Breazeale confirmed it would be about $17.99 for qualifying households. Councilman Springs stated that it was a very big deal for the rural areas to not only provide internet that was reliable but also was reasonably priced. Chairman Dorriety stated he wanted to point out that when the discussions began on this topic, the Council was unified in support of this project. He commended Council members for the unanimous support. The motion was approved unanimously. Florence County Council Regular Meeting 14 September 16, 2021
MTHER BUSINESS: SHERIFF'S OFFICE BUDGET NEUTRAL PAY ADJUSTMENT Councilman Caudle made a motion Council Authorize A Budget Neutral Pay Adjustment For Slot # 157 Utilizing FY2021/22 Departmental Budgeted Funds In The Amount Of $4,968.40. Councilman Mumford seconded the motion. Mr. Smith stated this was a committed employee, one of only two employees assigned to cover all IT related equipment at the law enforcement center. His IT "IQ" and job performance merited and justified the request. This would be a net savings of $667.01. The motion was approved unanimously. INFRASTRUCTURE PEE DEE COALITION Councilman Mumford made a motion Council Approve The Expenditure Of Up To $11,000 From Council Districts' Infrastructure Funding Allocations As Indicated On The Approving Documentation To Assist With Renovations At The Durant Children's Center. Councilman Springs seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously. LYNCHES LAKE CAMP BRANCH WATERSHED Councilman Springs made a motion Council Approve The Expenditure Of Up To $9,100 From Council District 1 Infrastructure Funding Allocation To Assist With The Purchase Of 240 Linear Feet Of Corrugated Galvanized Pipe For The Lynches Lake Camp Branch Watershed. Councilman Caudle seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously. ROAD SYSTEM MAINTENANCE FEE (RSMF) DISTRICT 3 ROADS Councilman Bradley made a motion Council Approve The Expenditure Of Up To $125,000 From Council District 3 RSMF Funding Allocation To Re-Pave W. Keswick Road, W. New Castle Road And W. Edgefield Road In Grove Park Subdivision. Councilman Brand seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously. ADJOURN: There being no further business to come before Council, Councilman Mumford made a motion to adjourn. Councilman Springs seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously. COUNCIL MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:15 P.M. WAYM MFO SELDEN SECRE Y-CHAPLAIN CLERK TO UNTY COUNCIL Florence County Council Regular Meeting 15 September 16, 2021
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