REGULAR MEETING OF THE FLORENCE COUNTY COUNCIL, THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2017, 9:00 A.M., COUNTY COMPLEX, COUNCIL CHAMBERS, ROOM 803, 180 N

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1 REGULAR MEETING OF THE FLORENCE COUNTY COUNCIL, THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2017, 9:00 A.M., COUNTY COMPLEX, COUNCIL CHAMBERS, ROOM 803, 180 N. IRBY STREET, FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA PRESENT: Kent C. Caudle, Chairman Willard Dorriety, Jr., Vice Chairman Waymon Mumford, Secretary-Chaplain Mitchell Kirby, Council Member Alphonso Bradley, Council Member James T. Schofield, Council Member Roger M. Poston, Council Member H. Steven DeBerry, IV, Council Member K. G. Rusty Smith, Jr., County Administrator D. Malloy McEachin, Jr., County Attorney Connie Y. Haselden, Clerk to Council ABSENT: Jason M. Springs, Council Member ALSO PRESENT: Sheriff Kenney Boone Doris Poulos O Hara, Clerk of Court Wayne Joye, Auditor Laurie Carpenter, Treasurer Arthur C. Gregg, Jr., Public Works Director Kevin V. Yokim, Finance Director Dusty Owens, Emergency Management Department Director Ryon Watkins, EMS Director Ronnie Pridgen, Parks & Recreation Department Director Bill Griffenberg, CIO Patrick Fletcher, Procurement Department Director Samuel K. Brockington, Jr., Fire/Rescue Services Coordinator Shawn Brashear, Interim Planning Director Perry B. Strickland, Assistant to the County Administrator Alan Smith, Library Director Jamie Floyd, Assistant Tax Assessor Debra Dennis, Auditor s Office Kiahnna Patterson, WBTW TV13 Reporter A notice of the regular meeting of the Florence County Council appeared in the July 19, 2017 edition of the MORNING NEWS. In compliance with the Freedom of Information Act, copies of the meeting Agenda and Proposed Additions to the 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 ( 1

2 Chairman Caudle called the meeting to order. Secretary-Chaplain Mumford provided the invocation and Vice Chairman Dorriety led the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag. Chairman Caudle welcomed everyone attending the meeting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Councilman Kirby made a motion Council Approve The Minutes Of The June 15, 2017 Regular Meeting Of County Council. Councilman Bradley seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously. PUBLIC HEARINGS: The Clerk Published The Title And Chairman Caudle Declared The Public Hearing Open For The Following: ORDINANCE NO /17 An Ordinance To Declare Property Located At 124 Epps Street, Lake City, South Carolina TMP# As Surplus Property And To Allow For The Disposal Of Said Property By Sealed Bid; And Other Matters Related Thereto. APPEARANCES: SCOTT FLOYD Mr. Floyd Requested To Appear Before Council To Discuss The Meadow Prong Road Project. However, the Clerk was notified on Tuesday, July 18 th that Mr. Floyd was unable to attend due to a conflict and was therefore withdrawing his request to appear. DON STRICKLAND, DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - PDRTA Mr. Strickland Appeared Before Council To Discuss The Potential IT Integration With The Florence County IT Department. Mr. Strickland stated this was an attempt to create a redundancy for regular back-ups. Chairman Caudle thanked Mr. Strickland for the service provided by PDRTA, particularly the recent service implemented for the downtown area from the interstate hotels, and for his presentation. Chairman Caudle advised that the Administrator would make a report to Council and they would get back to him. COMMITTEE REPORTS: There Were No Committee Reports. The Chairman asked Parks & Recreation Department Director Ronnie Pridgen to provide a report on the good things going on with the Recreation Department. Mr. Pridgen reported that the Miracle League field was on schedule and hoped to be completed by the middle of August. He stated there was a lot of growth with Parks & Recreation in the County. In response to a question from the Chairman regarding participation, Mr. Pridgen responded that participation was slightly elevated from the previous year. The biggest growth was probably at the Leatherman Senior Center since those services were moved out there. 2

3 County Administrator K. G. Rusty Smith, Jr. stated the County was becoming a County of Champions and while Mr. Pridgen was providing updates he asked him to provide Council with an update on the Pamplico pony tails. Mr. Pridgen advised that on Wednesday, July 19 th, the Pamplico 12 and under pony tails softball team from Laverne Ard Park became the State Champions and would be heading to the World Series. To his knowledge, this was the first County team that made it this far in softball. RESOLUTIONS/PROCLAMATIONS: RESOLUTION NO /18 The Clerk published the title of Resolution No /18: A Resolution To Amend Resolution No /12 To Incorporate Requirements Pursuant To Act 67 Of Councilman Schofield made a motion Council approve the Resolution as presented. Councilman Poston seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously. In response to a question from the Chairman, Mr. Smith advised that the Legislature made significant changes to the Freedom of Information Act via Act 67 of 2017 which became effective May 19, 2017 and this Resolution was to ensure the County s compliance with the Act. All required information was now published on the County website. RESOLUTION NO /18 The Clerk published the title of Resolution No /18: A Resolution For The Naming Of Four Private Roads Located Off West Palmetto Street, As Shown On Florence County Tax Map Number 00076, Block 01, Parcel 083 To Cara Mia Drive, Casilda Drive, Fimbriata Drive, And Granada Drive. Councilman Kirby made a motion Council approve the Resolution as presented. Councilman Dorriety seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously. PUBLIC HEARINGS: There being no signatures on the sign-in sheet for Public Hearings, the Chairman closed the Public Hearings. (The sign-in sheet is attached and incorporated by reference.) ORDINANCES IN POSITION: ORDINANCE NO /15 SECOND READING DEFERRED The Chairman stated Council was asked to defer second reading of Ordinance No /15: An Ordinance To Zone Properties Inclusive Of All Unzoned Properties In Council Districts Five And Six Bounded By Freedom Boulevard, Jefferies Creek, Francis Marion Road, Wickerwood Road, Flowers Road, Pamplico Highway, South Vance Drive, Furches Avenue, And The Westernmost Boundary Of Council District Six That Connects Furches Avenue And Freedom Boulevard, Florence, SC From Unzoned To The Following Zoning Designations Of RU-1, Rural Community District, B-1, Limited Business District, B-2, Convenience Business District And B-3, General Commercial District; Consistent With The Land Use Element And Map Of The Florence County Comprehensive Plan; And Other Matters Related Thereto. 3

4 ORDINANCE NO /17 SECOND READING The Clerk published the title of Ordinance No /17: An Ordinance To Declare Property Located At 124 Epps Street, Lake City, South Carolina TMP# As Surplus Property And To Allow For The Disposal Of Said Property By Sealed Bid; And Other Matters Related Thereto. Councilman Dorriety made a motion Council approve second reading of the Ordinance. Councilman Schofield seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously. Councilman Poston presented a proxy on behalf of Councilman Springs. The proxy was a yes vote on the question of approval of second reading of the Ordinance. (The proxy is attached and incorporated by reference.) ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION The Clerk published the titles and the Chairman declared the following Ordinances Introduced: ORDINANCE NO /18 An Ordinance To Convey Approximately.04 Acres Of Property Located At 153 E. Main Street, A Portion Of TMP# To City Of Lake City In Order To Make Street Improvements At The Intersection Of E. Main Street And S. Church Street Contingent Upon Relocation Of The Rotary Clock At Said Intersection By The City Of Lake City To A Location Determined By Florence County. ORDINANCE NO /18 An Ordinance To Rezone Property Owned By Benjamin M. And Renee D. Turner Located On 3842 S. Irby St., Florence, SC, As Shown On Florence County Tax Map No , Block 01, Parcel 021; Consisting Of Approximately Acres From B-2, Convenience Business District To B-3, General Commercial District; And Other Matters Related Thereto. ORDINANCE NO /18 An Ordinance For Text Amendments To The Florence County Code Of Ordinances, Chapter 21, NUISANCES, ARTICLE I. IN GENERAL, Section Specific Nuisances, Section Complaint, Section Voluntary abatement; ARTICLE II. UNSAFE STRUCTURE ABATEMENT, DIVISION 5. VIOLATIONS, Section Violation penalties, Section Abatement of violation; DIVISION 8. EMERGENCY MEASURES, Section Costs of emergency repairs; DIVISION 9. DEMOLITION, Section Failure to comply; And Other Matters Related Thereto. ORDINANCE NO /18 An Ordinance To Amend The Florence County Code Of Ordinances Chapter 13, Garbage And Trash, Section 13-4 Manned Convenience Centers, (F), And Other Matters Relating Thereto. 4

5 APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: COUNCIL DISTRICT 5 Councilman Dorriety made a motion Council Approve The Re- Appointment/Appointment Of The Following Individuals Representing Council District 5 On The Various Boards And Commission, With Appropriate Expiration Terms: Economic Development Partnership Henry Swink Commission on Litter Prevention & Beautification Margaret Waddell Councilman DeBerry seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously. SENIOR CENTER COMMISSION Councilman Kirby made a motion Council Approve The Re-Appointment Of Mrs. Bettie Huggins, Representing Council District 4 On The Senior Center Commission, With Appropriate Expiration Term. REPORTS TO COUNCIL: ADMINISTRATION ADMINISTRATOR S REPORT Mr. Smith reported that Council was provided with the comprehensive updates on Capital Project Sales Tax I and II. Council was also provided with a copy of reports from the Planning Department, which included zoning, 911 addressing, and the engineering department. Additionally, Council was provided notes from the most recent department heads meeting. Mr. Smith stated that both CPST programs were moving forward expeditiously. The County was preparing to engage some final projects in Section XIII of CPST II and should be prepared to introduce an ordinance at the August or September meeting. He encouraged each member of Council to work with the Public Works Department to draft a list of roads for inclusion. A map of each individual district was provided to each member to assist in identifying roads within their respective districts. With regard to CPST I, US378 was on schedule to be completed in the fall of this year. US76 was substantially complete. TV Road construction continued and should also be complete in the fall of SC51 had been developed in 4 sections and should attain final completion in late The Alligator Road widening project was also underway and completion was slated for the summer of Mr. Smith met with SCDOT's Brian Dix earlier that week and finally got the contracts back from SCDOT management for the County to sign on the US301 bypass extension for Alligator Road. SCDOT had negotiated the second phase of the contract with Infrastructure Consulting Engineers for right of way acquisition services and for the production of final construction plans on the project. The final contract amount was $2,421, Mr. Smith stated that the contracts were brought to him with priority status, so unless there were questions or concerns he would expedite their return so work could continue on Alligator Road. There were no questions, concerns, or objections voiced. 5

6 Also, as the County continued its quest to provide a holistic document management system, staff was moving forward to automate and streamline departments with a consistent management plan to bring about an enterprise solution for the County. One of the dire needs was the rectification in the Clerk of Court Register Of Deeds (ROD) division. The ROD division had been utilizing an antiquated microfilm system for close to twenty years and it had reached end of life. The system used DocStar3 software and was continuously in a state of disrepair. Palmetto Microfilm Systems had advised that the machine was obsolete and that parts were no longer available. The Clerk and Mr. Smith met with County Attorney Malloy McEachin and Administrative Services Director Suzanne King to approve an emergency purchase for a Land Management System by Cott Systems to integrate record management into the County s AS400 main frame. The Clerk provided memos that the replacement was imperative to preserve and protect the interest of citizens of Florence County, and Mr. McEachin concurred. Mr. Smith thanked Mrs. O Hara for working with them on this issue and keeping the operation going. Mr. Smith had apprised Council members previously about the recent ruling by the SC Department of Revenue on behalf of Farmers Telephone that would require massive refunds by all the surrounding counties and subdivisions of the State. Mr. McEachin had joined an action on behalf of Florence County in a consolidated motion to intervene for the counties of Lee, Sumter, Williamsburg, Clarendon and several school districts. An appeal would be heard in the Administrative Law Court. He provided Council with an estimated impact sheet. Mr. Smith stated that in the County s Get Bitter Against Litter campaign we continued to attain success. In June the Palmer crews cleaned 14 miles of roadway and removed 129,856 pounds of litter. This initiative cleaned 255 miles of roadway, resulting in the removal of 1,305,410 pounds of litter in FY2017. Our environmental services department also assisted with the adoption of 35 more animals in June and wrote several litter citations, resulting in the collection of $2, in fines. In Fiscal Year 2017, the County had 755 animals adopted, wrote 171 litter citations, and collected fines in excess of $69,000. Chairman Caudle reported a recent incident he heard over the radio where a deputy stopped a trash hauler for throwing trash out of the window of a moving vehicle and the deputy wrote the driver a citation. He expressed appreciation for the law being enforced and stated he hoped that word would get out to the public that the County was enforcing the litter laws and trying to encourage people to be more conscientious. Mr. Smith stated that he had been advised that Thompson Turner and the Civic Center were hosting a Topping of the Steel celebration. They were placing the final beam on the Civic Center expansion. ADMINISTRATION MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORTS Monthly Financial Reports Were Provided To Council For Fiscal Year 2017 Through May 31, 2017 For Council s edification. 6

7 AUDITOR BUDGET NEUTRAL PROMOTIONAL PAY INCREASE Councilman Mumford made a motion Council Authorize A Promotional Pay Increase For A Deputy Auditor (Slot #002) A Business Personal Property/Homestead Analyst (Slot #003), A Data Base Clerk (Slot #004), A Field Auditor (Slot #008), And An Audit Clerk II (Slot #007) In The Auditor s Office To Be Funded From FY18 Budgeted Funds. (The Request Was Budget Neutral.) Councilman Kirby seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously. Mr. Smith stated the Deputy Auditor retired and the slots were moving up. EMS/PROCUREMENT AWARD BID NO /17 Councilman Schofield made a motion Council Award Bid No /17, Chest Compression Device For EMS In The Amount Of $186, To Physio-Control Inc. Of Redmond, WA From The FEMA Grant Fund. Councilman Poston seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously. Mr. Smith stated that the successful bidder was used unilaterally throughout the country. It had a much better success rate in resuscitating victims experiencing cardiac arrest and responders were less prone to injury when using this device. He expressed appreciation to County grants writer Kathy Nephew for her efforts to obtain FEMA grant funds for this purchase. The Chairman asked Mr. Watkins for clarification on the number of devices being purchased. EMS Director Ryon Watkins replied eleven (11) devices were being purchased; one for each of the first out ambulances. In response to an additional question, he confirmed that he anticipated having all ambulances equipment with this device: it was a life-saver and employee saver. Councilman Kirby asked if any of the volunteer rescue squads had the devices. Mr. Watkins responded that he knew Johnsonville had the devices already but was uncertain about Timmonsville or Pamplico. PROCUREMENT DECLARATION OF SURPLUS PROPERTY Councilman Dorriety made a motion Council Declare A 2007 Generac Guardian Generator As Surplus Property For Disposal Through Public Internet Auction Via GovDeals. Councilman Mumford seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously. RFP REVIEW PANEL APPOINTMENT Chairman Caudle Appointed Councilman Schofield To Serve On RFP #03-17/18 Architectural And Engineering Design/Build Services For Parking Garage Review Panel. 7

8 SHERIFF S OFFICE SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER (SRO) DIVISION Councilman Dorriety made a motion Council Reclassify Sergeant/Shift Sergeant Slot (Slot Number ) In The SRO Division To A Lieutenant/Special Projects Slot. (The Increase In Salary And Fringe Costs Would Be Paid By Florence School District One; Therefore The Request Was Budget Neutral.) Councilman DeBerry seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT RESTRUCTURING TWO POSITIONS Councilman Mumford made a motion Council Approve The Restructuring Of Two Positions Within The Radio Division Of The Emergency Management Department. (This Request Was Budget neutral.) Councilman Kirby seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously. FINANCE EXTENSION OF MANUFACTURER S EXEMPTION Councilman Mumford made a motion Council Approve The Extension Of Manufacturer s Exemption To Florence Realty Holding, LLC For Property Identified On Florence County Tax Maps As TMP # , The Pallet Manufacturing Plant Located On S. McCall Blvd. On The West Side Of The Florence Airport. Councilman Schofield seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously. PUBLIC WORKS COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM Councilman Dorriety made a motion Council Approve The Use Of The National Joint Powers Alliance (NJPA) Cooperative Purchasing Program To Procure Two (2) 2017 Caterpillar Motorgraders, Two (2) 2017 Caterpillar Excavators And One Caterpillar (1) Track Type Tractor from Blanchard Machinery of Florence, SC Using NJPA Contract No CAT In The Total Amount Of $1,068,736 (Including Tax) From The FY Budgeted Funds And Authorize The County Administrator To Execute The Contract. Councilman DeBerry seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously. PROCUREMENT AWARD BID NO /17 Councilman Poston made a motion Council Authorize the Award Of Bid No /17 Johnsonville Ballfield Canteen Building To J. F. Contractors Of Sumter, SC In The Amount Of $298, To Be Funded From $170, Of Capital Project Sales Tax II Funds Designated For The Johnsonville Ball Fields And $127, Of CPST II Interest Earnings. Councilman Dorriety seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously. 8

9 FARMERS TELEPHONE Councilman Dorriety asked Mr. Smith with regard to the Farmers Telephone issue, they asked for a rebate on what they were taxed but was there any indication they were preparing to provide consumers with a rebate. Mr. Smith stated he didn t think they had and that was one of the issues the attorney would address. At issue was their declaration as to what was taxable and what was not. Initially the State legislation that allowed the exemption was for rural telephone lines. Now they provide additional services they were asking to qualify. Councilman Dorriety stated he was concerned that they were asking for exemptions on things that competitors were being taxed on. In response to a question from Chairman Caudle, Mr. Smith stated the estimated cost to the County was almost $200,000 in the initial rebate, but it would be on-going loss in revenue. EXECUTIVE SESSION Councilman Schofield made a motion Council Enter Executive Session Pursuant To Section Of The South Carolina Code Of Laws 1976, As Amended, To Discuss A Contractual Matter. Councilman Dorriety seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously. Council entered Executive Session at 9:34 a.m. Council reconvened at 10:10 a.m. Chairman Caudle stated no action was taken in Executive Session. OTHER BUSINESS: INFRASTRUCTURE VA BUILDING HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE DEVICE Councilman Schofield made a motion Council Approve The Expenditure Of Up To $5,000 From Council Districts Infrastructure Funding Allocations (Approximately $556 From Each District) To Purchase And Install Handicap Accessible Device At The New Florence County VA Building. Councilman Dorriety seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously. 9

10 ADMINISTRATOR S CONTRACT EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT EXTENSION Councilman Mumford made a motion Council Approve The Extension Of The Employment Contract For The County Administrator For Two Years From November 16, 2017 To November 15, Councilman Kirby seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously. Councilman Poston submitted a proxy vote on behalf of Councilman Springs. The proxy was for a yes vote on the question of approval of the extension of the employment contract for the County Administrator. (The proxy is attached and incorporated by reference.) There being no further business to come before Council, Councilman Schofield made a motion to adjourn. Councilman Kirby seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously. COUNCIL MEETING ADJOURNED AT 10:11 A.M. 10