We know that masks and separation are the key to slowing COVID-19. City Council has renewed the City of Sumter ordinance requiring masks three times. The current extension will be up for renewal again at our meeting on October 7. Analysis of data by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) has established that areas with a mask ordinance are seeing a reduction in...
In recent days, I have received emails and heard public comments regarding the non-compliance of mask wearing in businesses and locations in the City of Sumter. I feel the need to emphasize that the ordinance approved by City Council requires business owners to ensure that his or her employees are taking the appropriate steps to protect themselves and patrons. Additionally, the ordinance maintains...
Council held five public hearings this month to receive comments on : Use of a dditional funding through Community Development Block Grant , with specifics on use through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Security Act (Care Act). Revision of an existing planned development , located at 1740 U.S. Highway 15 South, Pocalla Springs, to add Reli gious O rganizations to the approved uses list within the...
Council held four public hearings this month to receive comments on: Additional funding through Community Development Block Grant, with specifics on use through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Security Act (Care Act). Revision of an existing planned development, located at 1740 U.S. Highway 15 South, Pocalla Springs, to add Religious Organizations to the approved uses list within the land use area...
Like so many of you, I am angered and disgusted at the actions of the Minneapolis police officers that took the life of George Floyd. There are no words that I, or anyone else, could offer to the Floyd family and victims of racism and violence to express the feelings of sorrow shared by the Sumter community. Now more than ever before, we are reminded of the challenge to change the racial biases...
Council held two public hearings last night. While our facilities are still closed to the public because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we gave residents three ways to submit comments, via email, via public comment form on our website and we also set up a comment station at the rear entrance to the Opera House, so we could allow for in-person comments while maintaining appropriate physical distancing...
My friends, I know it has been a tough couple of months. First and foremost, I am proud of our community for remaining vigilant through this unusual time, but while many areas in our state and nation are preparing to transition back to normal, I want to encourage all of us to continue remaining vigilant—stay home as much as possible, and use caution when you need to go out. The experts at the CDC...
Council approved the annexation requests from two property owners: 44 acres located on south side of Pocalla Springs, and, 64 acres located off Camden Highway (Highway 521 North). Council approved the budget from the U.S. H Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant funding. Funds will be primarily spent on housing rehabilitation programs through our community...
How many times have Sumterites hunkered down in preparation for a hurricane? Sometimes we are hit; more often, we are not. But our common sense tells us, “Don’t take a chance.” We need to treat the coronavirus the same way. The next couple of weeks are a critical time. The US Surgeon General has likened this situation to Pearl Harbor or 9/11. The experts have devoted their lives to controlling...
Sumter, SC (April 1, 2020) – Today was National Census Day, I want to encourage you to respond to the 2020 Census and help us shape the future. The 2020 Census is more than a population count. It’s an opportunity to shape the future of our community. The census results have an impact on planning and funding for health clinics, highways, fire departments and disaster response, education programs...