Local Radar

Johnston Council hires police officer, assistant clerk
web posted November 15, 2005

JOHNSTON – The Johnston Town Council held their regular monthly meeting Monday night. After the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance Mayor Campbell asked for public comments and Paul Winters spoke up and addressed two issues; the non-use of the town’s $4000 mobile radar unit which shows driver’s their speed as they pass it and the Town of Johnston not being listed as a sponsor of the Veteran’s Day Celebration held last week at Strom Thurmond.

Mayor Campbell stated that the town being left off the list of sponsors was an “oversight” on the part of the organizers of the event and that the Town of Johnston contributed to the event. They did not address the non-use of the radar unit on streets in the town.

Mayor Campbell then took the council through the approval of the previous month’s meeting, financial reports and a review of the October bills. The Mayor announced that the 2006 schedule of meetings for the upcoming year needed no changes due to holidays since, “no holiday falls on the second Monday of the month.”

The next item on the agenda was the appointment of a temporary councilmember to fill the seat left by Frank Nicholson III serving in Iraq. Mayor Campbell stated there was only one person who applied for the position and that was the wife of Councilman Nicholson, Janet Nicholson. The council voted to appoint her to fill her husband’s seat until he returns. Mrs. Nicholson cannot assume the position until the governor approves of the appointment.

The issue of pay for the missing member and the new member was addressed. The Mayor stated that according to state law the most Mr. Nicholson could receive would be 15 days pay while he was absent, or $37. Mrs. Nicholson will receive the usual $75 monthly pay for serving.

The next matter on the agenda was to consider revisions of the Police Department policies and procedures. Mayor Campbell explained that the needed changes involved the use and terms of “off duty guns.” Under the advised changes officers “off duty guns” will the department issued Glock .40 caliber pistols. Neither the Mayor nor the council addressed why the change in policy was needed. The council voted to change the policy to reflect all “off duty guns” will be the issued weapons only.

Under the personnel policies the council voted to be able to suspend vacations in order to prevent too many people in a department going on vacation leaving the town without the necessary personnel available to provide services. Mayor Campbell stated that with the present situation with the Police Department being short of two officers the issue could come up. The council voted to approve the change.

Under Old Business Mayor Campbell stated that the old leaf truck was not able to be used for parts for the current fleet of town owned vehicles and asked the council to accept the previous bid of $751. Councilman Buddy Smith said, “I was against it in the beginning,” but that after talking to others, “I’m for it now.” Councilman Morris Holmes stated he, “hated to take so lilttle for it, but if we can’t use it we can’t use it.” With no other discussion the council voted to accept the bid. Councilman Tommy Burton abstained in the vote.

Under New Business Mayor Campbell informed the council that the town had been approached by the Myrtle Beach football team traveling to Edgefield County for the playoff game Friday night. They have asked to use the now unused National Guard Armory to prepare for the game on Friday afternoon so they may arrive early and watch film and practice. “Sometimes it is good to be a good host,” the Mayor stated. The council approved the use of the building.

There were no committee reports and Administrator Olin Gambrell stated he had bad news for his report. “Officer Mathis had a meeting with a deer,” and the result of the accident caused $3,700 worth of damage to the patrol car. Mr. Gambrell stated the town might want to look at installing guards similar to those on patrol cars used by the Sheriff’s Office to prevent such damage. The guards cost about $250 per car.

Under the Mayor’s Report Mayor Campbell said the franchise agreement for cablevision was set to expire in the spring and under the new agreement being drafted the cable company would carry local stations as well as cable stations. Councilman Holmes asked if other companies had shown an interest in providing coverage as, “a lot of people aren’t satisfied with the current service.”  The Mayor stated no other companies had shown an interest.

With no other business the council voted to go into executive session to discuss hiring for a position on the police department and the assistant clerk as well as legal advice on a pending legal matter and a “possible” legal matter.

After the near hour long session the council reconvened and voted to hire Jonathan Brown for the open position for a police officer and Annette Moton as assistant Clerk. Afterwards the meeting was adjourned. 
 

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