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Johnston council approves May minutes and financial report, hears first reading on Medical Building sale
Summary
At its June 9 meeting, the Johnston Town Council unanimously approved the May 12 meeting minutes and the May 2025 financial report, held a first reading of Ordinance No. 2025-3 (Medical Building Sale), welcomed a new police officer and heard public comments on street flooding and mosquito spraying.
The Johnston Town Council met Monday, June 9, 2025, at the Johnston Municipal Building and unanimously approved the May 12 meeting minutes and the May 2025 financial report. Councilman Berry moved to approve the minutes, seconded by Councilman Felder; Councilman Nicholson moved to approve the financial report, seconded by Councilman Berry. Both motions passed unanimously.
During new business, Councilman Nicholson moved, and Councilman Felder seconded, to approve the first reading of Ordinance No. 2025-3, "Medical Building Sale." The council passed the ordinance on first reading by unanimous vote; the minutes record no roll-call tallies. The ordinance will return for subsequent consideration per council procedure.
Chief Perry introduced newly hired police officer David Simpson, who Chief Perry said is originally from Calhoun Falls. Council members welcomed Simpson; the introduction follows a department report noting one vacancy remains in the Police Department.
In public comment, resident Willie Bethay pointed out several streets with flood hazards and urged the town to consider an event recognizing the itinerant workforce. Mayor Holmes told Bethay that the Department of Transportation is aware of the flooding concerns and said mosquito spraying will be performed at night to reduce impacts on bees. Resident Robert Gallenz offered compliments to town staff, which council acknowledged.
Committee reports provided routine operational updates: Councilman Burton reported nine fire calls and one drill since the last meeting; Councilman Berry reported 910 dispatched calls (631 property checks) and noted the existing police vacancy; Councilman Felder said the leaf machine remains down while the chipper is working; Public Works is reported to be at full strength, and Councilman Miller said Edwards in Leesville is repairing the Chamber of Commerce sign.
Councilman Burton raised a drainage dispute involving a lot adjacent to his property; Burton said he brought the issue to council two years earlier and felt it had not been addressed. Mayor Holmes replied that private property rights and natural drainage complicate municipal intervention and indicated the owner bears responsibility for corrective measures.
In his report, Mayor Holmes said the town is in good financial standing and noted that long-time local pharmacy Maxwell Halford had closed; the town is seeking a new occupant for the storefront. The meeting adjourned at 7:21 p.m.
Votes at a glance: May 12, 2025 meeting minutes — motion by Councilman Berry, second Councilman Felder, outcome: approved (unanimous); May 2025 Financial Report — motion by Councilman Nicholson, second Councilman Berry, outcome: approved (unanimous); Ordinance No. 2025-3 (Medical Building Sale) — first reading: motion by Councilman Nicholson, second Councilman Felder, outcome: approved (unanimous).
