Kingstree manager updates council on public-works problems, events and livestreaming plans

Town Manager Kippton W. Coker used his Oct. 20 report to update council on several operational items. He said the damaged street sign at Lexington Avenue and Main Street was reinstalled by Public Works after a resident report and that the Madison Avenue sinkhole has been inspected; SCDOT agreed to provide a replacement pipe but will not perform repairs on private property, so property repairs remain the landowner’s responsibility. Attorney W.E. Jenkinson sent Coker a detailed email about the legal aspects of the sinkhole situation, and Coker said the email is available upon request.

Coker reported that Code Enforcement and the Kingstree Police Department cleared the vacant property at 210 Burgess Street; a Notice of Action was issued to the property owner on Sept. 22, 2025, and the town will continue to monitor compliance with town ordinances. James Elmore of Code Enforcement was named as assisting with the clearance.

Coker announced that starting in January 2026 the Town Council meetings will resume broadcasting on Facebook Live to improve public access and said the town appreciates citizen input. He also noted a $500 donation to support the Epps McGill Farmhouse Harvest Brunch on Oct. 25 and welcomed King’s Bistro following its Sept. 18 ribbon cutting. Coker thanked staff for their work during the Oct. 10–11 Pig Pickin' Festival and stressed that employee safety is a priority in follow-up to tree-trimming hazards previously experienced by the town.

Councilmembers praised staff work and asked for follow-up steps: Councilman Stan Williamson requested research into electronic payment options for festival vendors to potentially increase sales; Councilman C.M. (Bubba) Hammet thanked employees and external auditor Samantha Salisbury for positive audit remarks. The meeting concluded with a unanimous adjournment vote.