Newly-elected Edisto Beach Council member Robert (Bob) Renner was sworn in Jan 14 at the town council meeting by Colleton County Chief Magistrate Bert Duffie. Renner’s wife, Stephanie Renner, assisted in the swearing in of her husband.
Edisto Mayor Jane Darby congratulated Renner on his victory and welcomed him to the council. Next, Darby presented Starfish Awards to the following deserving residents and businesses:
ν Mark Aakhus received recognition for successfully completing the Risk Management Institute.
ν Patrick Brown was recognized for becoming officially certified as a South Carolina Fire Marshal.
ν Archie Livingston was presented with a certificate for being instrumental in working on the TIDE Committee for many years and contributing to the beautification of landscaping areas around Edisto Beach.
ν Krystal Parsons received recognition for her dedication and hard work in preparing for Edisto’s audit that was found to be excellent.
ν The council also recognized Troy Jeffcoat for Dominion Energy’s assistance to the Town of Edisto Beach in hanging Christmas decorations. “Partnerships like these are invaluable to our town and community,” said Mayor Darby.
The council conducted a second reading of the Ordinance 2021-02 amendment to include vaping and electronic smoking devices in the no smoking ordinance in town, and a second reading of Ordinance 2021-03 to grant the purchasing agent the authority to spend up to $10,000 for necessary purchases and to clarify if more is spent.
The council also voted to fully fund the installation of a filter at the Plantation Golf Course.
Council approved a jury box resolution, and $2,840 was transferred from the general fund for the VC3 Custom Browser Notifications Project.
Greenway was awarded the contract to repair damage and complete Edisto Beach nourishment from Hurricane Dorian. The amount will be negotiated through FEMA and will repair the 2800 block. Approximately $860,410 will be paid up front with 75 percent reimbursed to the town. According to officials, bids were higher than estimated. “We cannot delay this,” said Darby. “If we put this off, the damage increases.” The town will also request a one-year extension from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers storm damage reduction project.
Council members expressed appreciation for the budgeted dirt road improvements recently completed by the town.
The town received an application for the Cookin’ on the Creek BBQ Festival to be tentatively held May 28 from 6-10 p.m. and May 29 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Council gave its approval for the festival, pending the Covid situation and numbers.
There is one vacancy for the Water and Sewer Committee that needs to be filled. Applications will be accepted.
Sharon Moore has been elected to the Municipal Elections Commission. Ron Scroggy was voted to the TIDE Committee.
The Town of Edisto Beach passed an amendment that will continue cooperation with the Colleton County Sheriff’s Office for victims’ assistance.
The council meeting ended with recommendations for the continued use of face masks.
