BLACKVILLE -- The maintenance department will begin its annual flushing of the Blackville water system on Oct. 29 and continue flushing hydrants until Nov. 9, it was reported during October's Blackville Town Council meeting.
Edward Rockwell, maintenance supervisor, said, "We are notifying citizens ... that there may be some water discoloration as we flush the pipes, but this is something that needs to be done."
These operations will be conducted Monday through Friday starting at 9 a.m. and ending no later than 5 p.m. daily, he said.
Residents are asked to check their water quality for discoloration before washing clothes and cooking. If they find their water has become discolored, they should run the tap water for a few minutes until it clears.
Rockwell also reported that proposals are being sought for replacing the town's chlorine and sulfur dioxide injectors "as our current injectors are ancient, and we would not be able to repair them."
The maintenance department is currently cleaning the streets in preparation for the upcoming holiday season, Rockwell said, adding amid chuckles from residents and council members that he hopes "Santa will bring a street sweeper to the department this year."
Also during the meeting, council unanimously approved hiring Marty Shumpert and Associates as the water/wastewater managers for the town.
"We have not set an actual contract yet, but we have an agreement. DHEC needs to know who our plant manager is, and we have to have one in order to avoid a fine," Mayor Jackie Holman said.
He said Bruce Ellis of Bamberg sent the town a letter stating he will no longer be able to provide those services for Blackville.
"Shumpert is local and qualified. His rates seem to be in line with other contractors of this type," the mayor said.
In other business, Police Chief John Holston reported there is still an officer vacancy the department is attempting to fill.
"We are managing all calls with minimal complaints/concerns from our citizens," he said.
Holston said Blackville will celebrate Halloween from 6-8 p.m. on Oct. 31 and all officers will be on patrol that evening.
" Also during the meeting:
* Holman reported that the streetscape project will include the placement of a four-sided clock in front of the fire station.
* Holman commended the Blackville Community Development Commission for tackling and completing projects for the betterment of the town and its citizens. He said the group's current proposition is to purchase and clean up the old elementary school in order to make a "one-stop-shop" for human services.
* Councilwoman Ann Pernell announced the annual Blackville Christmas Parade will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8 and that the tree lighting ceremony will be held at 5 p.m. that day. "This year we are going to change 'Christmas in the Country' to Black Lake Acres located on Highway 3," she said, adding that it will be held at 6 p.m. on Dec. 15. Tickets are free for children three and younger, $5 for children 4-14 and $10 for individuals 15 and older.
* Holman thanked Councilman Billy Johnson for his service, noting this would be Johnson's last "official" council meeting. "We appreciate all you have done for Blackville and intend to keep your name on file for future projects."
Johnson said he appreciated Blackville residents affording him the opportunity to serve on council.
* The Macedonia Elementary School Junior Beta Club, under the direction of Tonya James, attended the meeting and presented council members and the mayor with portfolios in appreciation of their work and their support of the club. "This year I am pleased to say that our Junior Beta Club was recognized as No. 29 out of 400 Beta Clubs for raising the most Pennies for Patients," James said. The club will hold its annual induction ceremony at Macedonia Elementary School on Oct. 30, and the town officials were invited to attend.
T&D Correspondent Sherryl Peters can be reached by e-mail at speters@surrealestate.com. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.