The Bennettsville City Council entered their monthly meeting Tuesday with only a couple of items on the agenda.  However, debate over several non-agenda concerns dominated the 90-minute session.
Councilman Gregory Scott initiated a discussion of wastewater and sewer drainage issues in his district, particularly the Richardson Park area.
Scott said that once in June, then again in July, raw sewage flowed out of the city’s septic system and filled ditches.
City administrator Max Alderman explained that electrical issues at the lift station in that area were to blame.  The lift station is used to move wastewater to a higher elevation where gravity flow is insufficient to transport the waste.
He said that repairs were made following the June incident but a different failure allowed another overflow situation this month.  Alderman said that repair parts are on order and corrective action will be taken shortly.
Alderman also informed the council that city staff are  planning to install a by-pass pumping system that will prevent the overflow issue in the future.
Council member Jean Quick stated that there are sewer and storm water issues all over town.
Mayor Carolyn Prince said that a major infrastructure project is needed to fix the problems.
“The question is how do we solve it and where do we find the money,” said Prince.
Scott also expressed concerns over code enforcement consistency.  He gave the example of one of his constituents being cited for having an unusable car parked in their yard. 
He said these people were fined and made to move the car.  However, a neighbor has a car in a similar unusable state but has not been forced to move the vehicle.
He also said that there is an issue with a mobile home or recreation vehicle in the city limits which is illegally being used as a residence.  Scott said the dwelling in question is not connected to water, sewer or electrical service, which also is against city codes.
Although the owner of the mobile home has received tickets from the city code enforcement department, it has not been moved.
Alderman said that in several instances, a judges’ ruling had overturned tickets and in other situations, other than ticketing, the city lacks the power to force action against violators.
Other business
– The council voted unanimously to amend the city ordinance governing tables, planters and sales items on sidewalks.  This was the second (final) reading of this amendment, which has been discussed for several months.
– The council also approved second reading of an ordinance pertaining to use of city-owned public spaces and streets.  All non-city events must be registered with the city at least 30 days in advance with a $50 application fee.  The city will provide police security, traffic control and waste disposal but additional fees will be charged.  This applies to parades, festivals or marches.
– Council member Tyrone Davis presented plaques to several residents in his district for their service to the community.  Those honored were Sarah F. Quick, Rev. Louise W. Taylor, Mary L. Leggett, Wilma Smith, Joan B. Johnakin and Margaret Stubbs.
– The council reappointed Debbie Stewart to the Housing Authority of Bennettsville board.
– The council approved the appointment of Yolanda Dupree to the PDRTA board.
– The council held a brief executive session in regards to a request from the Marlboro Chamber of Commerce for the appointment of a board member to represent the city.  After returning to open session, Mayor Prince said that no action was taken and moved on with the meeting.
– Council member Quick  said that the city should consider changing all of the street lights to LED bulbs.  She said that although that might be expensive, having several different types and colors of bulbs gives the city an inconsistent and unprofessional look at night.

Citizens concerns
Carla Bryant and Agnes Bundy addressed the council concerning the state of the Firestone section of town.  They complained of drainage in the area and that limbs and debris are not picked up promptly.
Pamela Best spoke to the council concerning stray and illegally tethered dogs in the city.  She said that she was worried that the safety of people in the community is threatened by these animals.

Anniversaries
Alderman announced city employees who are celebrating work anniversaries during July.  They are Robert Hale, 2 years; Charmonique Breeden, 2 years; William B. Parrish, 3 years; Brantley Douglas, 6 years; Johnny Roscoe, 7 years; and Chester Polston, 8 years.