NORWAY -- Whether or not there is adequate law enforcement for western Orangeburg County was discussed during Norway Town Council’s May meeting.
Councilman Greg Covington raised the question, saying it takes too long for county deputies to get to Norway when they are needed.
“I understand that Capt. (Curtis) Mizell cannot be on duty 24-7, but it seems that if a deputy has to be called, it takes at least 90 minutes before they can respond. We’re only 16 miles from Orangeburg,” Covington said.
Orangeburg County Councilman Heyward Livingston, who was at the meeting, said Sheriff Larry Williams has a limited number of deputies who must cover one of the largest land-area counties in the state. He said deputies cannot work 24-7, either, and must also have some time off. The deputies, although stationed throughout the county, must go where they are needed when they are needed, Livingston said.
Covington asked Mayor Brad Fogle to find out if a grant exists which would allow the town to hire another police officer.
Also during the meeting, the mayor announced that because of an increase in collection fees charged by Suburban Services, Norway’s garbage collection fees will be increased 7 percent from $7.50 a month to $8.13 a month. Fogle said the increase is simply passed along from the provider to the customer.
In 2002, Orangeburg DPU increased the cost of water services to Norway by 16 percent, the mayor said. Norway, however, only increased user costs by 10 percent. Fogle said because of budget constraints, the cost of water services would now need to be increased the remaining 6 percent.
Problems with stray cats and dogs in the town were also discussed. Resident Foye Covington said the wild birds she enjoys are no longer able to feed in peace as a number of stray cats have been invading her back yard.
“There are four cats that always seem to be in my yard. The males are marking their territory, and you can smell them when you go outside. Is there anything that can be done about them?” she asked the council.
Fogle said town employee Willie Freeman had been setting a trap for stray dogs and that he would ask about setting a trap for stray cats. He said the town may sign an agreement with Orangeburg County that would allow the county to come inside the town to trap strays. Norway has a leash law, it was noted.
Livingston said the county now has a full staff of animal control officers and that Norway should contact them concerning an aid agreement to help pick up stray animals.
In other business:
* Council approved first reading of an ordinance authorizing an intergovernmental agreement regarding enforcement of community development ordinances including building codes, abandoned vehicles and houses/properties. The same agreement has already been ratified by 90 percent of the municipalities in the county. A public hearing and second reading of the ordinance will be held at 7 p.m. on May 12 at Norway Town Hall. A copy of the proposed agreement may obtain at town hall, or by calling 803-263-4300.
* The mayor announced Norway will celebrate Memorial Day at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 26 at the Old Willow School. The public is invited.
* Mizell reported his department issued 63 citations and filed one incident report in April.
* Councilman Covington asked Mizell to make certain that when officers are in pursuit of a speeder, they not compromise the safety of children playing in the park or crossing the street near the park. He also questioned Mizell about the practice of allowing ride-a-longs in the police vehicles. Mizell said any non-police officer riding in a police vehicle must complete a form releasing Norway from liability and that all ride-a-long requests must be approved by him.
* Councilwoman Bonnie Fogle said she had heard a trucker’s jake brakes at her home located several blocks from Savannah Highway. She asked about the status of a jake brake ordinance and was informed that Mizell had not yet located any municipality that has such an ordinance. It was suggested that such an ordinance could be proposed in council.
* A question arose concerning the legality of golf carts being driven on roadways. Mizell said S.C. Code stated that golf carts could be operated on secondary roads within two miles of an individual’s home or business if the carts are licensed and insured and have appropriate lights. The driver/owner must also have a valid S.C. driver’s license, and the cart can only be operated during daylight hours.
* It was announced that hydrant flushing will be done throughout town in order to measure residual chlorine levels.
T&D Correspondent Sherryl Peters can be reached by e-mail at boykinbaby@surrealestate.com. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.