The Ehrhardt Town Council and Police Department moved to their new location, the old Ehrhardt Elementary School building, on August 17 and held their first meeting on Tuesday, August 18.

Councilman Freddie Copeland and Mayor Bill Stanley both said it was 100 percent better than what they had.

Copeland said, “This is a great asset to the town and we (Town Council and Mayor Stanley) appreciate Superintendent Schwarting, along with the school district, donating the building to the Town of Ehrhardt. We have plenty of room now and we are planning on using some of the space to have a library in the future.”

The town clerk, Theresa Smith said, “I love my new office and I am looking forward to working in it. The conditions are so much better and I have so much more room.”

On the meeting’s agenda for discussion were updates on the water system project, a discussion concerning the EPA Funding for the water system improvements and consideration of the ordinance for final reading to attend the fiscal year 2010 budget to provide for an adjustment in the millage rate following the 2009 reassessment of property values.

Council members discussed the COPS Hiring Recovery Program Grant and the consideration of a service agreement with Rental Uniforms Service of Charleston for providing uniforms.

The Fire Department report was given by Fire Chief Chad Dilling saying the fire department responded to 2 structural fires, 3 false alarms, and assisted EMS 4 times. The department was having trouble with a county truck and wanted to know what Council and Mayor Stanley wanted to do about the problem.

Councilwoman Amy Lee with Parks and Recreation said the parks committee was talking about having a fund raiser to raise money for the new park.

Police Chief Jim Preacher gave the report that the police department had 1 CDV, 1 Breach of Peace, and Normal Traffic Patrol.

Councilman Freddie Copeland reported water collections for the month of July was $11,690.83 and so far for August is $7889.49 with 15 customers cut off for non payment.

Councilman Bill Edinger reported on Streets and Sanitation by stating that the highway department had been cleaning the streets for the Schuetzenfest Festival and Mayor Stanley wanted to thank the Highway Department for all the help they give each year.

Mayor Stanley said it is time for businesses to renew their business licenses.

Other items for consideration:

Mayor Stanley reported that town council was working with Billy Kemp on several things concerning the water system.

Town Administrator Scott Neeley reported on the EPA Funding for water system improvements saying the town received a confirmation letter for the grant money. Neeley said council needs to decide whether the town wanted all the money or just wanted to draw down a little of the money at the time. Both the Mayor and Council decided to draw all the money down at one time.

Councilman Furman Peters made a motion to read Ordinance No. 2009-02 by title only and Councilwoman Amy Lee seconded the motion and all agreed to accept the ordinance.