Back‑to‑school giveaway, park updates and irrigation repair top facility agenda in New Ellenton

City staff and public commenters discussed requests to use the community center for a back‑to‑school giveaway, recent park improvements and repair options for the park’s irrigation system.

The items matter to residents because they affect community events, park maintenance and neighborhood amenities.

Public commenter Jade Hartman requested free use of the city facility for the annual back‑to‑school giveaway, saying her organization has run the event for nine years and serves about 200 people at the event plus deliveries to local schools. Hartman asked for the Friday before the Saturday giveaway so volunteers can pack and vendors can set up; she requested Saturday, July 19 as a target date and said the group also seeks repeat use the following year. City staff told Hartman the city’s policy waives fees for community outreach events and directed her to Parks & Recreation staffer Jessica to complete paperwork and coordinate dates.

Park and facilities staff reported several projects and maintenance needs: a water fountain and park bathrooms have been installed and are expected to be operational. The park’s new cameras are largely installed but one camera awaiting shipment will be placed on Main Street; staff said the department must work with Aiken County permits to install a power meter for that camera and that IT must finalize network connections before the system is fully live.

Public works and parks staff discussed the park irrigation system. Staff said the irrigation system’s well is failing; a vendor quote to pull and replace the pump was presented at about $8,600. Council members noted that an irrigation meter and connection to the city water line could be substantially cheaper and avoids continued well maintenance; a council member reported a 2‑inch city water line already runs near the park and said an irrigation meter installation cost would be minimal (comment noted as “about $30” during the meeting). Staff said they will evaluate meter installation versus well repair and report back.

Staff also said painting of the community center interior will be scheduled, and a local painting crew has agreed to help. A request to reinstall a park fence was delayed briefly at a developer’s request; it will be reinstalled when that work is complete. Several community events were noted: a gospel concert on April 11 (city co‑sponsored), a recent black‑history program and a family fun day where the parks team served more than 250 hot dogs.

On enforcement and safety, the police department noted increased park checks and said its new camera system will allow notifications; an ordinance fining violations of posted park rules was referenced as the enforcement tool for incidents captured on cameras.