MINUTES OF BAMBERG COUNTY COUNCIL MEETING - July 6, 2009

In compliance with the Freedom of Information Act, agendas for the following meeting were mailed to all members of Council, County Attorney Richard Ness, Lower Savannah COG, The Advertizer-Herald, The Times and Democrat, and a copy posted on the bulletin board in the main hallway of the County Courthouse.

Bamberg County Council met 6:30 p.m., July 6, 2009, in the Bamberg County Council Building. Present: Chairman Clair P. Guess, III, Councilwomen Alzena Robinson and Dorothy C. Tatum, Councilmen Isaiah Odom, Clint Carter, William Nimmons, and Chris Wilson. Others Present: Administrator Rose N. Dobson-Elliott, Thomas M. Thomas, Sharon Hammond, Quincy Wright, Gerald E. Wright, Craig Walker, Kell Anderson, Roy Vinson, Carl Menist, Theresa Hannibal and Paul Shepherd.

Bamberg County Council meeting was called to order by Chairman Guess at 6:30 p.m., in the Bamberg County Council Building. The pledge of allegiance to the flag was led by Councilwoman Alzena Robinson, followed with invocation by Councilman Isaiah Odom.

On motion by Councilwoman Tatum, seconded by Councilman Nimmons, the minutes from the June 1, 2009 and June 8, 2009 meetings were approved. Councilwoman Robinson was absent from the June 1, 2009 meeting and wanted to be certain that the May 1, 2009 minutes included the statement, that due to her being an employee of Denmark-Technical College, she was not present in the building during the discussion of the Bamberg County Recreation Grants for Fiscal Year 2008-2009. She was informed that this statement was pointed out and acknowledged during the adoption of the May 1, 2009 minutes.

Administrator Dobson-Elliott introduced the newly hired county employees. Mr. Craig Walker of Bamberg was introduced as the new Veterans Affairs Officer (replacing longtime V.A. Officer Mr. B. Monroe Hiers), and Mr. Quincy E. Wright of Denmark was introduced as the Database Clerk/Administrative Assistant for E-911. The Council welcomed them to the County. Councilwoman Robinson requested that an advertisement be placed in the local newspaper to inform the public of the new V.A. Officer and the new location of the office.

Bamberg County Memorial Hospital CEO Roy Vinson reported that the eight month period ending through May, the facility had revenues of $470,000 on the positive side, which represented a $2.5 million upswing over the same time period last year. On the down side for the month of May, the combined facilities showed negative net income of $36,000 largely due to surgeries for the month being down 25 percent. Again, on the positive side for the month of June, gross revenue was up $500,000 more than April and net revenue was up $250,000 more than April. Surgeries were at the same levels as they were in April. The Council accepted this report as information.

Emergency Services Director Sharon Hammond presented the Council members with copies of the County's EOF Guide, Hurricane Guide, Hazmat Guide and Incident Action Plan. Ms. Hammond stated that her office is trying to make information available to people in and out of the county. The Council was also informed that she needed help in requiring that agencies attend the county's disaster preparedness meetings. At the end of the presentation and for a clearer communication, Chairman Guess scheduled a meeting to be held in the Administrator's office on Tuesday, (July 7) at 9:00 a.m., with Administrator Elliott, Ms. Hammond and himself.

The Council received a report on the 2010 census from Dr. Paul Shepherd, and a request that council consider approving a resolution supporting the census and the creation of a Complete Count Committee. He stated that a correct count is important because it establishes the formula for the distribution of over $300 billion a year over the next 10 years. On motion by Councilman Odom, seconded by Councilwoman Tatum, Council agreed to pass a resolution in support of the 2010 census. Also, on motion by Councilman Wilson, seconded by Councilwoman Tatum, council approved a motion to create an ad hoc committee of seven people representing each district, plus the participation of the county administrator to serve on the 2010 Census Committee. Council members were charged to bring in those names of the seven people interested in serving on the Complete Count Committee by August 10, 2009.

Administrator Dobson-Elliott informed Council that she assisted the Sheriffs office in applying for and obtaining a $24,900 grant through a Special Solicitation Justice Assistance Grant Program. The funds will be used to purchase a cruiser for that department. Also, a meeting was attended at Lower Savannah COG for the Energy Saving Resource Grants that are available. Research has started for the development of a grant to upgrade the Courthouse. Administrator Dobson-Elliott further stated that she worked with Ms. Patti Jeffcoat on the development and submission of a grant to construct a wheelchair ramp for the front of the courthouse. With this grant, the front doors of the courthouse will be able to be replaced. This is also the same program that provided the work on the J. Carl Kearse building and the Parking lot and Ramp at the Bamberg Civic Center. Eleven interviews are scheduled regarding the construction of a Government Building, and will try to narrow the selection down to 3 or 4 architects. The interview committee would like to have an architect by August. Administrator Elliott was asked about the status on hiring a Litter Control officer. She replied that she was in the process of doing so, but we are now waiting for available funds for that position. Councilwoman Robinson asked that Capernaum Road be kept cleaned from Cox Street to the end of Capernaum Road. Councilman Wilson asked about the status of the salary supplement for the auditor and treasurer. No absolute agreement or answer was available.

Economic Development Manager for Southern Carolina Alliance Kell Anderson, informed Bamberg County Council members that an economic development interest. Project Rock, would be announcing the expansion/consolidation of a northern plant in Bamberg. The announcement of the industrial expansion which includes 30 jobs is to be made at Scarlett's Little theater in Bamberg on Wednesday, July 8. Also noted, the work on the CrossRhodes Spec Building is running ahead of schedule. Mr. Anderson further stated that he had consulted with Harry Chrissy of the Clemson Extension and the EDC Board concerning the development of a possible public park near the Bamberg County Airport. Councilman Clint Carter questioned Mr. Anderson on the bidding process for cleanup of the Cross-Rhodes Spec Building. He asked were request for bids posted, and how were they taken? Mr. Anderson replied that the bids were done through the general contractor.

On motion by Councilwoman Robinson, seconded by Councilwoman, Tatum, council approved the recommendation coming from Finance Director Thomas, the approval of an auditing firm out of Columbia, Robert E. Milhouse for the next 3 years (2009, 2010 and 2011) to conduct the audit process for Bamberg County. The cost to conduct the audit process is as listed: 1st year 2009 - $23,500; 2nd year 2010 - $22,000; and 3rd year 2011 - $21,000. Mr. Milhouse is well known in South Carolina and has an excellent track record from his references.

The Council had a lengthy discussion on the displacement and placement of the Bamberg County Council's Portrait that was taken and displayed in 1998 and placed in the lobby of the Courthouse. After much discussion on the matter as to whether the portrait should remain in the lobby or be placed elsewhere, on motion by Councilman Wilson, seconded by Councilwoman Robinson, the council agreed to refer this matter to the Bamberg County Executive Committee, and that they come back to the full council, with a proposal/plan for all county portraits that will be placed in the courthouse/council building. Councilwoman Tatum opposed the decision stating that this portrait was taken and used for the Bamberg County Centennial celebration and should remain where it was placed prior to being removed. The council agreed that until a decision has been made by full council, the portrait will be re-hung in the lobby of the courthouse.

On motion by Councilwoman Tatum, seconded by Councilman Wilson, council gave first reading in title only, and agreed to refer to the Public Safety Committee for them to report back to council, regarding the proposed ordinance establishing and implementing a program to charge user fees for the deployment of public safety services rendered by the county of Bamberg.

On motion by Councilwoman Tatum, seconded by Councilwoman Robinson, council approved a request that Bamberg County, South Carolina proclaim the week of August 9-15, 2009 as "National Health Center Week" in South Carolina and the County of Bamberg. This is done through the Family Health Centers, Incorporated, Mr. Donnie Hilliard, CEO.

Councilwoman Robinson reported that Ms. Mary Jo Dawson of ABBE is working on some information for her. This will mean additional funding for Bamberg County of $3,000. On motion by Councilwoman Robinson, seconded by Councilwoman Tatum, this item was referred to the Finance Committee.

On motion by Councilwoman Robinson, seconded by Councilman Nimmons, council approved the calendar of events after adding the Back to School Bash for August 8 from 9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the Denmark-Olar High School, and a visit to the Sheriffs office on August 10 at 6:00 p.m., prior the council meeting.

Chairman Guess called for comments from the council, public and news media.

There being no further business to discuss in the public session, on motion by Councilwoman Tatum, seconded by Councilman Wilson, council agreed to adjourn at 8:17 p.m., and enter in executive session to discuss a contractual matter.