Barnwell updates code-enforcement actions, water and sewer projects, parks and public-safety plans

City staff and council committees provided a range of operational updates at the April 6 meeting.

Joshua Thomas of SafeBuildt summarized code-enforcement activity: the WIIZ radio-station demolition permit has expired but the station requested an extension until June; the Bookworm property is expected to be demolished by year-end; staff have had difficulty contacting responsible parties for 88 Darnell Street; a radio station at the end of Marlboro and the property at 928 Hagood have been condemned; and several individual property owners are undertaking cleanups or planned remodels.

On utilities, Councilmembers Claytor and Highsmith reported that an elevated water tank is complete and is expected to be filled by June 1. The sewer-rehabilitation project received additional funding from the RIA, and bids for emergency bypass pumps, generators and a lift station are anticipated in June.

Parks and recreation officials said the recent Easter egg hunt distributed about 1,500 eggs, flag football and cheerleader registration runs May through July, and a 250th Independence Celebration is planned for June 26 (vendor registration closes June 10). Police Captain James Thorpe provided a monthly report and advised residents to catalogue valuables by serial number; Fire Chief Phillip Delk announced a Smoke Alarm Blitz on May 16 in partnership with State Farm, the Red Cross and Barnwell County.

Administrator David Holcomb said he is coordinating playground equipment options with MAPA Recreation and other providers and exploring combining funding sources to pay for an inclusive playground. He also noted council ethics filings were due (March 31 filing date referenced in the minutes).

No formal action was taken on the wayfinding-sign policy update; it was presented for information and potential future policy revision.