Here are the highlights from the Lake View Town Council minutes for 2010.
JANUARY
Mayor Smith informed Council that we need to test the flow and function of our fire hydrants. The town received two proposals, but the one from Environmental & Utility Services in the amount of $2,693.60 is the lowest. He stated that this has to be done and it affects our ISO (Insurance) rating.
FEBRUARY
Mayor Smith informed Council that the ND Permit for the Wastewater Treatment Facility is to be renewed in 2011, but it takes about a year to process the application with DHEC. BP Barber, Town engineers, sent a proposal for the cost, totaling $6500 for council approval. Following a brief discussion, Council member Kevin Ammons made the motion to proceed, Council member Layton Townsend seconded the motion and all voted in favor.
Council was also advised that the NPDES permit, which we operated under before the sprayfield, will have to be renewed so that we may discharge into the swamp under emergency situations, which we have had due to the excess amount of rain over the last several months. This will most likely cost about the same, but we really have no choice.
Council member Layton Townsend made the motion to proceed with the NPDES renewal application, Council member Kevin Ammons seconded the motion and all voted in favor.
Council member Betty Smith asked why the Christmas lights burned all the time. Progress Energy put new connections for this, but the rate is the same, which is based on the number of fixtures, amps and number of days they burn.
MARCH
Mayor Smith stated that the Lake View Fire Department wants permission to enter into a Mutual Aid Agreement with Station 3 and Station 4 in Dillon County and White House in North Carolina. The agreement basically states that they will assist each other in fire calls if asked to do so and the receiving department will technically be in charge unless they request otherwise. Each department will furnish its own insurance as far as workman’s comp, etc which means the Town would only be responsible for their firemen wherever they go and any incoming help would assume responsibility for their firemen. Fireman George Hatcher stated that the Lake View Fire Department has received two mutual aid calls and for liability issues relating to the Town, insurance, and fireman, the department really felt like they needed a signed agreement as to what they could and couldn’t do. He also stated that the department is not legally binded to assist mutual aid calls for several different reasons should they arise. Mayor and Council all voted in favor of the Mutual Aid Agreement.
Mayor Smith said that for training purposes for the fire department, they need a burn building which is for interior fire training and asked fireman George Hatcher to explain. George stated that it is a simulator and basically the department would build a structure out of metal and it would be 2 or 3 stories where they would do all their training. They would set the building on fire, go in and do interior tact and rescue, etc which would help them in real emergency situations. Mayor Smith stated that the department would use some of the 1% money to help with purchasing the materials needed for the burn building and said that the Town has a piece of property near the Heritage building that the department could use for the burn building if Council was in favor of this. Councilman Billy Sanderson made a motion to let the Lake View Fire Department use the property for a burn building and Councilman Kevin Ammons seconded the motion and all voted in favor.
APRIL
Mayor Smith turned the floor over to Will Harrelson with Kenneth Cobb & Co. for the Town’s Fiscal Year 08-09 Audit Report. Will referenced page 3 & 4 of the audit and stated that the Town had an unqualified opinion which is good. He stated that there is a substantial loss in general fund resulting from funding salaries in water and sewer and recreation. He said the Town is still in good shape with the general fund with about 50% in cash and investments of total assets. Will made note that the Town spent more than it took in resulting in a deficit of $115,814. The revenues have decreased roughly $31,000 and majority of that is from the property tax decreases and on the expenditures side it has gone up roughly $53,000 over the prior year and the main things for those increases were 3 police cars, overtime in street and police department, bought a truck and dump trailer. Will referenced page 3 and stated that general fund is trending down and each year it is decreasing. On page 4 of the water and sewer fund, he noted that the fund has $285,725 which is roughly a $20,000 increase from prior year. The bonds and notes payable $633,122 is a substantial decrease from the prior year. The bonds decreased $527,000 which cut the debt in half. On page 5, the water and sewer revenues and expenses showed $249,311 on the revenue side and on the expense side it showed $345,894 with a deficit of roughly $96,583 loss. Will said overall, the Town at June 2009, is still in good shape.
Councilman Layton Townsend recommended that the Mayor receive a raise to be effective in 2011. He recommended that the Mayor’s salary go from $1,200 a year to $3,600 a year. Councilman Layton Townsend made a motion subject to amendment to increase the salaries for Mayor and council and Councilman Billy Sanderson seconded the motion, all in favor.
Mayor Smith stated that the state code requires all municipalities to have a Clerk of Court and he nominates Falon Owens to be appointed for that position. Councilman Kevin Ammons made the motion to appoint Falon Owens as Clerk of Court and Councilman Billy Sanderson seconded the motion, all in favor.
MAY
Mayor Smith stated a motion was made and passed last council meeting night about council salary. Mayor Smith mentioned this would be the second reading and Councilman Layton Townsend made a motion to increase Mayor’s salary to $3,600 a year and Councilman Kevin Ammons seconded the motion, all in favor. It was noted the wage increase won’t go into effect until July 1, 2011.
Mayor Smith stated that the Town is shopping for health insurance because our carrier at the present time is increasing by $1,000 a month. Mayor Smith told council that the Town has found a health insurance carrier considerably cheaper than what the Town has now called CCP (Carolina Care Plan) and the benefits are fairly close to what the Town has now. The premium for the past year was $5,009.05 per month and the premium for next year is projected at $6,0000 with the current health insurance carrier. With CCP the premium is in the neighborhood of $4,600-$5000 with it being overall the best program for the money. Mayor Smith stated that the Town would be saving over $17,193.84 a year starting in July 2010 with CCP as the carrier. Mayor Smith recommended that the Town go with CCP and he needs a motion to proceed. Councilman Billy Sanderson made a motion to change health insurance companies and go with CCP and Councilman Layton Townsend seconded the motion, all in favor.
BUDGET ORDINANCE TO RAISE REVENUE AND ADOPT A BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2011
WHEREAS, SECTION 5-7-260 OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE REQUIRES THAT A MUNICPAL COUNCIL SHALL ACT BY ORDINANCE TO ADOPT BUDGETS AND LEVY TAXES PURSUANT TO PUBLIC NOTICE.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDERED AND ORDAINED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF LAKE VIEW, SOUTH CAROLINA, IN COUNCIL ASSEMBLED AND BY THE AUTHORITY THEREOF:
SECTION 1. That the prepared budget and established revenue for payment of same is hereby adopted and is hereby made a part hereof as fully as if incorporated herein and copy thereof is attached hereto.
SECTION 2. That a tax to cover the period from the first day of July, 2010 to the 30th day of June, 2011, both dates inclusive, for the sums and in the manner hereinafter mentioned, is and shall be levied, collected and paid into the Treasury of the Town of Lake View for the use and service thereof, I.E. a tax of 126 on every one hundred ($100) dollars in value of a real estate and personal property of every description owned and used in the Town of Lake View wherein taxes have been pledged for payment of said notes. Such tax is levied on such property as is assessed for taxation for County and State purposes.
SECTION 3. The billing dates, the penalty dates and the amount of the penalty which shall be levied for delinquent taxes shall be as follows:
Billing date shall be September 1, 2010; on January Sixteenth next the following the year in which the taxes become due, the Treasurer shall add a penalty of three percent (3%) to all property taxes remaining unpaid. On February Second next following the year in which the property taxes become due, the Treasurer shall add a penalty of seven percent (7%) of all property taxes remaining unpaid.
On March Seventeenth next following the year in which the taxes become due, the Treasurer shall add a penalty of five percent (5%) of all property taxes remaining unpaid.
On September First next following the year in which the taxes become due, the person officially charged with the collection of delinquent taxes shall add five percent (5%) as additional cost to the amount of delinquent taxes, penalties and costs then due, and shall proceed to properly advertise, as now provided by law, the property for sale, once a week for three successive weeks prior to sale in November next.
SECTION 4. The delinquent tax collector shall be responsible for the collection of delinquent taxes.
SECTION 5. The Mayor, along with the Town Clerk and Treasurer, shall administer the budget and may authorize the transfer of appropriate funds within and between departments as necessary to achieve the goals of the budget.
SECTION 6. If, for any reason, and sentence, clause or provision of the Ordinance shall be declared invalid, such shall not affect the remaining provision thereof.
JUNE
Mayor Smith stated that there has been a new study on the flood plan in Lake View and it has been changed. He said it appears that the only flood area that will be in the Town is up the ditch that goes by the Baptist Church and across to the school and up that street to about 4th Avenue. Mayor Smith stated in order for people to buy flood insurance if they needed to, the Town is required to enact an ordinance adopting the flood map. If the Town doesn’t adopt it then no one can buy flood insurance and won’t have any protection against flooding. Councilwoman Betty Smith made a motion to adopt the Flood Insurance on the 1st reading and Councilman Kevin Ammons seconded the motion, all voted in favor.
Mayor Smith stated that this is the 2nd reading for 2010-2011 Budget Ordinance No. 10-B-001. He asked if anyone had any objections to the final budget figures. If not, then a motion needed to be made to adopt Budget Ordinance No. 10-B-001. The final 2010-2011 budget figures are as follows:
General Fund: Total Revenues- $637,800.
Total Expenses- $625,699
Water and Sewer: Total Revenues- $247,800
Total Expenses- $245,100
Council member Kevin Ammons made a motion to pass the 2010-2011 Budget and Council member Betty Smith seconded the motion, all voted in favor.
JULY
No highlights.
AUGUST
Community Center rates need to be reviewed again due to the fact that it is not being rented as frequently since the new rates went into effect. Mayor Smith suggested that Council study the rates before the September, 2010 meeting so that adjustments can be made if necessary, even though the utilities and maintenance costs have increased.
SEPTEMBER
Mayor Smith informed Council that a first reading to adopt the Dillon County rates for all Permit fees was held at a previous meeting, but a required second reading to amend the Town Ordinance in reference to Permit fees had not been done. Following a period of discussion, Council member Billy Sanderson made the motion to adopt the new rates, Layton Townsend seconded the motion and all voted in favor.
Council was informed by Mayor Smith that the revised Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), dated February 12, 2010 has been received. The Flood Ordinance has been discussed before and now we must review and adopt this map if we agree with their findings. Following a period of discussion, Council member Betty Smith made the motion to adopt Flood Insurance Rate Map #45033C0281C, Council member Kevin Ammons seconded the motion and all voted in favor.
OCTOBER
Mayor Smith stated the next item on the agenda was the nomination for recreation director. Councilman Kevin Ammons stated that it came down to two people, Kenny Bethea and Terry Norton. He stated he couldn’t choose between the two so he did a coin toss with the two present and Kenny Bethea won the toss. Mayor and Council all voted in favor of Kenny Bethea to be the recreation director for this year.
Mayor Smith stated that a second reading was needed to pass the amendment for the Permit Fees Ordinance. Councilman Kevin Ammons made a motion to pass the second reading amending the permit fees ordinance and Councilman Layton Townsend seconded the motion. All voted in favor.
NOVEMBER
Mayor Smith introduced Gary Turner as the spokesperson for the Lake View Fire Department and turned the table over to him. Gary started by giving a slide show presentation which led to a proposition that the department had for the Town of Lake View. The presentation showed that Engine 2 is approximately 41 years old and the department is beginning to have problems with the maintenance, upkeep and reaching goals that they have set for the department. Gary stated the department currently has a 1989 KME truck which is the first pumper out (Engine 1), and it pumps 1250 gallons of water per minute and has a 1000 gallon capability tank; Engine 2 is a 1969 Howe and it has a 750 pump and a 750 gallon tank which is the truck they are looking to replace now. Gary states that the department needs a second pumper because they need to have a supply pumper capable of pumpking water like Engine 1 and the reason for that is because the department is trying to improve the ISO score in town and in order to do that, a second engine is needed. Engine 2 is not capable of carrying equipment to the fire scene that is needed due to the small compartment spaces and the hose bedding in the back is not big enough to accommodate the new 5 inch hose to try and control the fire and Engine 2 is connected to the hydrant and since Engine 2 is at the hydrant, only 750 gallons of water per minute is being pumped. Gary stated the way to overcome this problem is to purchase a new engine which leads him to the department’s proposal for the Town. The L.V. Fire Department proposes that the Town purchase a new engine capable of pumping 1250 gallons per minute and a pumper of that nature will cost Around $40,000 to $50,000. He stated that he is aware that this is not feasible for the Town and the fire department because of the budget, so they searched around with other fire departments that were willing to help and Holly’s fire department, located in New York are willing to help. They have 3 stations and 80 plus members, have a lot of money and really want to help Lake View Fire Department. Holly Fire Department had a meeting a few weeks ago and voted to sell their 1989 Pearce Pump, 1250 gallons per minute and a 1000 gallon capable tank on it with 32,000 miles, to the Town of Lake View for $5,000. Holly Fire Department is replacing this engine through a 50/50 grant they received and are purchasing a new pumper. Gary said he proposes that the Town purchase this pumper because of the exceptional pricing and condition of the truck. He stated that getting the truck from New York to Lake View, getting it striped, purchasing equipment for it and getting lights put on it, etc. would be roughly around $4,500 to $5,000. Gary said by purchasing this engine, the ISO score would improve in Town which would help with the businesses and home owners insurance premiums and would also attract new business. Mayor and council agreed to discuss this matter further and contact the department with their decision.
Mayor Smith informed the Council of a bid he received for painting the water tanks and that the tank at Carpostan is in the worse shape of the two. The bid includes pressure washing the exterior, drying, priming all rusted areas, painting the Town logo, etc. for $10,700 and to do both tanks the bid is $16,850. Councilman Billy Sanderson made the motion to accept the bid to paint both tanks and Councilman Kevin Ammons seconded the motion. All voted in favor.
Mayor Smith asked council if they had any questions or concerns on the bids that were received at the last council meeting in regards to cleaning the community center and they began to discuss the pros and cons of each bid. After a lengthy discussion, Councilman Layton Townsend made a motion to accept Tommy Wallace’s bid to clean the Lake View Community Center and councilman Billy Sanderson seconded the motion. All voted in favor with the exception of Councilman Kevin Ammons abstaining from voting.
DECEMBER
No highlights.
