August 2018 Council Highlights

  • Council approved maintenance agreements with Stafford Meadows and Heritage Bay Subdivision. Because water, sewer and storm water drainage are directly tied to the City’s system, it’s important for Council to assure these systems are built to the correct specifications, as not to hinder the current development nor any other. 

 

  • Council approved the sale of several city-owned properties in the central business district, for the purpose of furthering economic growth in the downtown Sumter area. These five properties are all located on South Main Street and include addresses of #9, #11, #138, #146 and #150.

 

  • Council held a public hearing this month to discuss a new law enforcement grant. This is a funding source allowed through the U.S. Department of Justice. The Sumter Police Department received funding this year to upgrade computers in all patrol vehicles.

 

  • Council approved first reading of a report regarding the City’s flood damage prevention ordinance. The approval included the adoption of the Wateree Watershed Maps and flood insurance study revisions, which become effective September 28, 2018. 

o  We are happy to report that the City of Sumter’s FEMA Community Rating System has been upgraded to Class 7, due to various floodplain management activities implemented. This is the second change in 5 years to our community rating and allow for residents a 15% discount on flood insurance premiums.

 

NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS:

 

  • The City of Sumter would like to thank the Richard and Rosa Ladson Familyon Oakland Avenue for donating property to the city, which will not become part of the park area at the Birnie HOPE Center. The City held a ceremony a couple of weeks ago for the family. This piece of property, approximately ½ acre, was donated to the City by their children to commemorate their parent’s service to the City and the State of South Carolina.

 

  • The City of Sumter’s Water Meter Replacementproject is about 85% complete. Crews continue to work and if you haven’t had your meter replaced yet, notices will be hung on your front door soon. In most cases, it’s a simple procedure that requires no more than one (1) hour to complete. Water will be shutoff at your residence for a short time during the changeover of meters. Crews do not need in your house, but will need access to the meter. This project is of no additional costs to the owner; however, if you experience any issues after the meter is replaced, please contact our offices. For billing questions, please call 803-436-2541. To report leaks or maintenance issues, please call our 24 hour customer service line at 803-436-2558.

 

  • If you haven't had the opportunity, please fill out the Sumter 2040survey, takes about 10 minutes to complete, but the feedback could impact the community through the year 2040 and beyond. A link to that survey is available online at www.sumter2040.comor through the city’s main website. Planning staff have started attending meetings and setting up information booths at social gathering places across the county. If you would like the planning staff to provide updates and what’s happening with the plan, please call 803-774-1660 to schedule a guest speaker. The survey will be open now through September 30, 2018.

 

  • There are three seasonal farmer’s marketsin and around Sumter this summer and Fall! Each one hosts a variety of vendors that feature food, arts & crafts and much more.
    • Friday’s from 1 PM – 6 PM – USC Sumter, off Miller Road
    • Friday’s from 2 PM – 6 PM – South Sumter, beside the Resource Center, off Manning Avenue
    • Saturday’s from 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM – Downtown Sumter at the Corner of Main and Liberty Streets

 

  • Downtown Fourth Fridayscontinues this Friday, August24. Join us this month as “The Footnotes” take the stage at 6:30 pm. Fun for the whole family, bring your chairs and dance the night away to some good old beach music. Food and drink will be available for purchase, no coolers please. For more information call 803-436-2635 or visit www.DigItDowntown.com. 

 

  • The City of Sumter will be hosting one of the state Municipal Association’s Regional Advocacy Meetingson Wednesday, September 5. This is an opportunity for city officials to get updated on current legislative issues and get involved in those efforts. This is an opportunity for your city officials to express concerns on a state-wide level and advocate for programs, services and funding for the improved quality of life for all residents of Sumter.

 

  • Come one, come all to the 2018 Sumter Green Fall Feastto be held on Thursday, September 20th from 6-8:30 PM at the USC Sumter Nettles Building. This year will feature local professional and home cook chef’s serving up some of the most delicious foods in the South. One price, gets you everything! Try alligator, frog legs, quail and many other southern favorites and international cuisine with lots of sweet treats and beverages to compliment! Advance purchase tickets are $35, or $45 at the door. Tickets for sale at the Swan Lake Visitors Center. Adults only and live music provided by the band “Bad Water.”

 

  • The 2018 Art in the Parkevent is coming up on Saturday, September 22 from 9 AM to 4 PM. Located in the Historic Memorial Park, Sumter SC. Skilled and talented artists will be displaying and offering everything on your wish list… and more! There will be glass, pottery, fabric, mosaics, textiles, appliqué, crocheting, embroidery, knitting, quilting, weaving, woodcraft, and jewelry. Local entertainment... with Sumter & Shaw AFB nonprofits providing a variety of food and beverages (available for purchase). This event is FREE admission and open to the public.

 

  • More events and details at www.sumtersc.gov:
    • Sumter Litter Theatre’s “Fences”, August 23-September 2
    • Backcountry Living Class, September 8
    • Forrest Ray 5K, September 15
    • Oktoberfest, September 22
    • Sumter Fair, September 25-30
    • eSTEAM, October 6

 

  • City Council meetings are Regular City Council meetings are held on the first Tuesday at 1 PM and on the third Tuesday at 5:30 PM in the Council Chambers on the 4th floor of the Opera House, with the exception of July. City residents are encouraged to attend and public comments are welcome. Our next meetings will be September 4th at 1 PM and the 18th at 5:30 PM.

 

For more information on these events and more, visit our online calendar of events at www.sumtersc.gov.