Newberry City Council Recognizes Outstanding Achievements Across Departments

Newberry Celebrates City Department Achievements

On Tuesday night, Newberry City Council came together to acknowledge several commendable achievements by various city departments.

Fire Department Receives FireSafeSC Community Designation

The Newberry Fire Department was honored with the FireSafeSC Community Designation for 2023, making this their fifth consecutive year to earn this recognition. This prestigious award highlights the department’s dedication to community risk reduction training, accurate data reporting, and effective public education programs.

Chief Gene Shealy shared his pride in the team, stating, “We have a very wonderful staff at the Newberry Fire Department. Every day they’re out in the community. Without our staff, this wouldn’t be possible.”

Electric Division Earns Certificate of Excellence in Reliability

The city’s electric division was acknowledged with the 2024 Certificate of Excellence in Reliability by the American Public Power Association. This award showcases utilities that maintain an outstanding System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI), ranking in the top quartile from 2018 to 2022.

Utility Director Tim Baker praised the team, saying, “Our team does an amazing job in getting our customers back on as quickly as possible. We’re fortunate to have each one of them.”

Water Plant Division Recognized for AWOP Award

Newberry’s water plant division was recognized for receiving the South Carolina Area-Wide Optimization Program (AWOP) Award from the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services.

This award emphasizes the division’s commitment to maximizing public health protection by meeting high water treatment and distribution performance standards. Tim Baker thanked the tireless efforts of the water plant staff who ensure clean water availability even during holidays and other special occasions.

Climate Pollution Reduction Grant

The Central Midlands Council of Government’s application for the EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant was chosen for funding, with Newberry as a participant. Over the next five years, the city will plant 500 trees in disadvantaged areas, aiming to enhance tree canopy based on a recent assessment.

The estimated cost for the city’s portion of this initiative is $100,000, with a required 40% local match amounting to $40,000.

Additional City Updates

Mayor Foster Senn shared several more positive highlights, including the ribbon-cutting for Walmart’s grand reopening, the inauguration of Mad Max Taphouse, and Newberry being named to the “10 Adorable Small Towns in SC” list for 2024.

Additionally, the upcoming Towns in Tune event at the end of September will feature representatives from Bulls Bay, Newfoundland, culminating in a Saturday evening concert at Willingham and Sons.

Old Business: Amendments and Ordinances

The council postponed the first reading of an ordinance to amend the zoning map for parcels on Dixie Drive. Further, they approved the second and final reading to update the city’s loitering ordinance, aligning it with Supreme Court mandates. Police Chief Kevin Goodman outlined plans for an educational phase to precede enforcement of the new ordinance.

The council also passed the final reading of an ordinance refining fire prevention measures, clarifying exceptions for outdoor burning to include recreational fires and grilling.

New Business: Mural and Equipment Purchase

The council approved the first reading to authorize painting a mural on the west-facing wall of Blue Magnolia at the corner of Lindsay and Main Streets. The mural design, a durable decal featuring “Newberry” along with magnolias and yellow jasmines, awaits a second reading and public hearing for final approval.

Additionally, the council approved the lease-purchase of a vacuum truck, not exceeding $550,000 in principal, with a term of up to four years at 4.59% interest.

City Manager’s Report

City Manager Jason Taylor provided project updates, stating that the Boundary Street Bridge project is delayed until January 31, 2025. Pre-construction work began on the Johnstone Street sidewalk project, with planned sidewalks between Wise Street and Wilson Road.

Regarding the Newberry Arts Center renovation, both bids received exceeded the $2.4 million budget, leading staff to explore additional funding options. Other updates included the downtown amphitheater project and planning for a public meeting on the skate park.

Lastly, Taylor announced an estimated $7,500 budget for improving drainage and sod replacement in Memorial Park, aiming for completion before the Towns in Tune event in September.