BPW seeks replacement for Sandifer

Jerry E. Halmon, Staff Reporter

Board of Public Works commissioners were informed at the June 28th meeting that Bamberg City Council has requested that they make a recommendation of someone to fill the seat of the late Buddy Sandifer, who was in his first six year term as commissioner on the board.

Bamberg City Council has requested that a recommendation of a replacement be made to them by their next City Council meeting on July 12. “They want to keep a good working relationship with the board (Board of Public Works), we recommend a replacement, they (Bamberg City Council) approves the recommendation,” BPW Manager Bruce Ellis said. Ellis noted that he had spoken with boards “all over the state and this is how they handle it too.”

It was stated in further discussion that several citizens had called inquiring about the open seat, however BPW Chairman Carl Kilgus noted that he was limited by not knowing who was interested. “We don’t know who all has applied for it,” Kilgus said, adding, “The best fellow in the world could get left off because we didn’t know.”

“I’ll get you a list of all the people who have called up here,” said Ellis.

The Commissioners also authorized Bamberg City Clerk/ Treasurer Bruce Watson to develop a resolution to honor the contributions of the late commissioner for “everything he did for the BPW and the community.” “We want to go on record, recognizing Sandifer for what he did for the City of Bamberg and Board of Public Works,” Watson said. The final resolution honoring Sandifer will have to be approved by the Board of Public Works Commissioners.

In other Business:

• Ellis reported on legislative actions effecting BPW customers; Including a new law signed by Governor Mark Sanford that will require fire system sprinklers be installed in all new homes by 2013. Ellis noted that the new law would add approximately $1,500 to the cost of a smaller home and approximately $2,500 to $3,000 on the cost of a larger new home. Ellis said the new law came about in-part as a result of the deaths of the eight firefighters in Charleston several years ago.

• Ellis reported that the law requiring the reporting of 1,000 gallons of waste spilled on the ground if it runs off into a ditch or any receiving stream to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was changed from 1,000 gallons to 5,000 gallons.

City of Bamberg 14th annual Fourth of July Celebration

Jerry E. Halmon, Staff Reporter

The City of Bamberg Fourth of July Celebration Co-sponsored by Tobul Accumulators and Phoenix Specialty of Bamberg was held Sunday at the Ness Sports Complex in Bamberg. Again patrons of all ages, shapes, races and sizes came from far and near to attend the 14th annual celebration of Independence Day.

Jim Tobul, CEO of Tobul Accumulators a co-sponsor of the annual event with Bob Hurst, CEO of Phoenix Specialty, said that with the economy of the country going through a difficult time, the two businessmen saw the fireworks display as a way to create an “excitement and patriotism” in the community.

“It went extremely well again this year,” Tobul said, adding that he and Bob Hurst talked with each other and decided that there was no way they were not going to have the fireworks display this year. Phoenix and Tobul are very proud to sponsor the fireworks display. We hope that it would instill a sense of pride and patriotism in the celebration and the community.”

Ehrhardt Town Council

Jerry E. Halmon, Staff Reporter

Ehrhardt Town Council members held a public hearing and gave second reading approval to a $486,862 General Fund Budget and a $1,908,440 Water and Sewer Fund Budget for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2011 at their June 15, meeting. It was noted the proposed budget was not an increase from last years’ budget and included no cost of living increase for town employees.

“We tried to stay with what we had last year,” Councilman Bill Edinger said. Town garbage customers will see a $1.50 per month increase in garbage rates as the rates increase from $7.50 to $9.00 per month. “It’s still a pretty good rate,” Councilman Freddie Copeland who did a study of the rates of several surrounding towns said.

Alltel Wireless

Jerry E. Halmon, Staff Reporter

Allied Wireless Communications Corporation (“AWCC”) today announced that Alltel Wireless subscribers in portions of south central South Carolina will continue to experience Alltel’s award winning benefits and services.

In a phone interview, Jack Luciani, vice president and general manager of Alltel and now in his 20th year with the company said: “Alltel is still in business. Alltel properties, plans and products will remain the same and work like they always have.” Luciani said there was some confusion on the part of some Alltel customers thinking they would become part of Verizon. “We want to clear that up and let people know we are the same company, same people-the Alltel name and brand are still going strong,” Luciani noted.

Counties in south central South Carolina that will continue to be serviced by Alltel include Allendale, Bamberg , Barnwell, Calhoun and Orangeburg.