The November 9th Bamberg City Council Meeting covered several topics of interest including a reminder that all residents within Bamberg City limits must apply for a permit to hold a yard sale on their property. Permits may be obtained at Bamberg City Hall for $1.00with a limit of two yard sales per calendar year.

A discussion was held regarding the issue of fundraising by various persons using major roadways as donation sites. The tendency to stand in traffic especially at the intersection of Highways U.S. 301 and U.S. 78 has raised citizen concerns as well as those of Bamberg law enforcement.

Bamberg Police Chief George Morris addressed Council concerning the safety of the practice of standing in traffic lanes to collect money as well as citizen complaints. “Every time you turn around they’re there, sticking a bucket in your face…tying up traffic… at certain times of the day traffic gets pretty heavy…” Bamberg citizens have complained to City Hall and the Police department, raising issues from annoyance to safety issues in high traffic areas.

Councilperson Janeth Walker commented on her experiences, having been approached several times on the same day for donations as she traveled through the intersection during the business day.

Bamberg County resident Daniel Stevenson spoke to Council to relay his concerns regarding the practice. In a recent incident, Stevenson was “yelled at” by a donation collector after refusing the opportunity to donate at a busy intersection. Stevenson expressed the concern that this type of activity could discourage potential shoppers and visitors to downtown Bamberg.

“As a consumer this is the third time that I have come to Bamberg during the day that people were panhandling at that intersection. If I come to Bamberg again and they’re there, I’m turning around and going to Orangeburg…they do that to the detriment of legitimate business.”

According to state law, a permit is required, and the organization must be a South Carolina based charity. Council discussed various solutions, with a unanimous vote in favor of a new ordinance to ban solicitations at all intersections and roadways, with a limit of two permits per year.

In other business, Sanitation Commissioner Bo Griffin reported that an upcoming meeting will be held to discuss improvements to the City Pound facilities with the intent of improving conditions for the animals.

Insurance Commissioner Janeth Walker reported on the status of insurance for City employees, the finishing of F.R.O.G. park, and was commended for her hard work to save money while researching the best insurance plans for City Employees by fellow councilperson Teresa Hannibal and Mayor Alton McCollum.

Council agreed to donate $200.00 to the 2009 Wild Game Supper, $100.00 to the Christmas Parade Committee, and $200.00 to Shalom Zone Mission Cottage.