Society Hill Town Council awaits Stormwater Drainage study
Mayor Dwayne Duke (left) presents $500 check from the Town of Society Hill to Jack Pickett of Pee Dee Regional Transportation Authority (PDRTA). PHOTO BY STEPHAN DREW
By Stephan Drew, Editor
The Society Hill Town Meeting on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, proved to be an engaging and impactful event for the community. Held at the Society Hill’s Town Hall, located at 280 South Main Street, the meeting drew a substantial crowd of residents and local officials who came together to discuss crucial topics and address the needs of the town.
Jannie Lathan, owner of Lathan Consulting, reported that the E.L. Robinson engineering firm, in conjunction with the South Carolina Office of Resiliency (SCOR), is evaluating stormwater drainage problems in the area and will come up with a comprehensive Rural Infrastructure Plan. Lathan has been instrumental in obtaining many grants for the different municipalities within Darlington County. The Town of Society Hill received a $138,800 grant to undertake the study. Lathan emphasized the importance of investing, especially stormwater drainage repairs, in the rural areas surrounding Society Hill. She highlighted how these upgrades would not only enhance the quality of life for residents but also attract new businesses and stimulate economic growth. Council recognized the significance of a well-developed infrastructure for the prosperity of the community.
Ruth Baronda made a presentation to discuss S.C. Agritourism. Baronda, a tree farmer and advocate for rural development, presented a compelling case for the integration of individual incentives into the local economy through taking advantage of tax credits and other programs available to the community. She explained how this approach could benefit local citizens and farmers. Baronda’s well-articulated plan included initiatives such as farm tours, farmers’ markets, and other agricultural experiences aimed at attracting visitors and generating new revenue streams for the community. Council expressed their support for exploring individual agritourism opportunities further. Baronda is holding a Free Heirs’ Property and Land Use Workshop on Saturday, June 24, 2023 from 12 Noon to 2 pm at the Society Hill Library, 114 Carrigan Ave. in Society Hill.
The meeting continued with Tessa Baran, a Safety and Preparedness expert from St. Bernard Parish, delivering a presentation on Hurricane Preparedness. Baran shared valuable insights into the best practices for preparing and responding to hurricanes, stressing the importance of having a comprehensive emergency plan in place. She emphasized early warnings, evacuation routes, and the crucial role of community organizations in providing assistance during emergencies. Baran’s presentation served as a reminder of the vulnerability of coastal communities and the need for proactive measures to mitigate the impact of hurricanes. The audience acknowledged the significance of being well-prepared and engaged in a productive discussion about strengthening the town’s resilience.
In a heartwarming gesture of appreciation, a $500 check was presented, by Society Hill Mayor Dwayne Duke, to Jack Pickett of the Pee Dee Regional Transportation Authority (PDRTA) during the meeting. Pickett, representing the PDRTA, has played a vital role in improving transportation services and connectivity in the region. The funds were given to support the authority’s ongoing efforts to enhance transportation options and cater to the evolving needs of the community. Pickett expressed gratitude for the recognition and assured the attendees that the donation would be utilized efficiently to benefit the residents of Society Hill.
In a move to personally connect with the community, Mayor Duke announced that he has a printed list of all registered residents of Society Hill. The list is approximately 10 pages long and the mayor asked each council member to take 2 sheets (approximately 66 names each) and call on each of the citizens to address whatever issues the residents may have or to get ideas on what to do in the future.
A Special Called Meeting would be held on June 22, 2023. This meeting was scheduled to address urgent matters requiring immediate attention. Recognizing the importance of prompt discussions and efficient decision-making processes, the Town Council aims to ensure that critical issues are resolved without delay.
The next regular meeting of the Society Hill Town Council will take place on July 11, 2023.