Denmark city council gave Administrator Heyward Robinson approval to work with Mr. Harry Chrissy of the Clemson University Extension Office in completing an update of the Denmark Comprehensive Plan at its monthly meeting Monday night.

A Comprehensive Plan or (Master Plan) is a structured, concerted effort by a city or municipality to show its preparation for growth and development in the future. Recent state law mandates that a city have a comprehensive plan.

Completion of a comprehensive plan is a very involved process that necessitates various city organizations such as the Planning and Zoning Commission work together. City officials stated that a comprehensive plan shows “the city is on top things.” Also during the meeting, city finance director Rusty Munoz gave the city’s financial report for the period of July 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007.

Munoz stated that expenses are less than last year at this time, with the only deficits coming from payments on the fire station and fire truck in the amount of $ 79,094.03. Munoz stated that all payroll tax returns, W-2’s, 1099’s have been filed. All payroll taxes have been paid. Fire Chief Marc Waltz reported that the fire department responded to three structure fires, two woods fires, two auto fires, two false alarms, and participated in the Denmark and Bamberg Christmas parades during the month. Also during the meeting, council gave approval for Mrs. Williams and Mrs. Charles to use the Davis- Simmons Park for an activity. Council gave approval for city administrator Heyward Robinson to proceed with a grant application to make repairs to the outside of city hall and to paint the Dane Theatre.

Police Chief Leroy Grimes reported that the police department created 46 case files during the period of December 18, 2007 to January 22, 2008. Included were cases involving: Burglary, Vandalism, Trespassing, CDV’s, Traffic Collisions, DUS, Malicious Injury to Personal Property, Harassment, Shoplifting, Unlawful Carrying of Firearm, Resisting Arrest, DUI, Disorderly Conduct, Simple Assault Unlawful Tamper/Water Meter, theft of a Motor Vehicle.

Chief Grimes reported that the department has five officers that are trained as School Resource Officers (SRO), including Officer Bernard Holman who was recently trained. Grimes stated that two Officers from the department received radar training in Williston, SC. recently, and Officer Michelle Orr attended a Gang Training Class in North, SC. Grimes stated that the Denmark Animal Control Officer has started working on controlling the stray dogs and litter problems in the city of Denmark.

Also during the meeting, Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Gerald Wright, who presided over the meeting in the absence of Mayor Carrie Simmons, who had death in her family made certificates of appreciation to, the Palmetto Garden Club, Denmark Garden Association, and Boy Scout Troop 77 of Denmark, for their services during the Brooker Park dedication, and Community Arbor Day Celebration.