December 2017 Council Highlights

COUNCIL BUSINESS:

Council gave final approval to amend our city procurement ordinance. This amendment was really about modernization of our codes and bringing them up to current practices. There were no expenditures necessary for this vote, it was just a paperwork change more than anything.

Every year in December, Council recognizes significant anniversary’s with employees. This December we recognized 63 total employees who have reached significant milestones in their careers with the City. 29 of those employees have worked with the city for more than 10 years, 32 of those employees have worked between 15-35 years with the City, and two of those employees have worked 40 years with the City. Congratulations to all those who were recognized, your special talents and training help us make Sumter a great City to invest, invite and serve!

NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS:

With the holidays and a possible increase in the number of people in and out of your home, it may be a good time to assess your medications. Get rid of the ones you don't need by bringing them to the Sumter Police Department, 107 E. Hampton Ave., for safe disposal. You should also place the ones you do use in a location where they are less likely to get in the wrong hands. Our PD office offers free disposal of prescription pills-year round as a service to the community. Please, no creams, liquids or sharps.

Don’t let the Grinch steal your holiday spirit. While shopping or out visiting friends and family, park where your vehicle can be easily seen by others and has adequate nighttime lighting
- Hold your purse close to your body or place your wallet in a front or inside pocket,
- Don't fumble. Stay alert and have your keys readily accessible,
- Be aware of strange vehicles and pedestrians in your neighborhood and make note of their description, and
- Make sure you lock your vehicle before you leave it, whether at home or away.

Patrols around neighborhoods and businesses have been increased for the holiday season. However, the public’s help is needed to help prevent crimes of opportunity. If you think someone has been in your vehicle, leave it as you found it and call police immediately even if it appears nothing was taken. Make safety a personal priority this Christmas.

Drivers should follow posted speed limits, be extra vigilant in residential areas.
Pedestrians should use sidewalks or walk facing traffic and as far away from oncoming vehicles as possible. To cross, use intersections or designated crosswalks.
Stay alert. Both drivers and pedestrians should limit distractions, like cell phone use.

For more safety information, contact the Sumter Police Department at (803) 436-2700.

Council would like to remind our trash and recycling customers that the City will not collect household garbage or recyclables on Christmas Day (Monday, December 25, 2017). If you have are a City of Sumter customer and have a Monday pickup, your trash will be collected Saturday, December 23, 2017. Please have your roll carts at the road no later than 7am on the 23^rd to ensure pickup.

Shower Shaw with Cookies was a huge success. Thank you to Mrs. JoAnn Morris for coordinating the event each year as well as to those of you who volunteered your time and/or contributed by baking. 2017 was another record year where well over 5000 dozen cookies were donated to the cause. Those cookies have since been delivered to Shaw AFB for the airmen and soldiers in Sumter and across the world.

Sumter County has signed a contract to soon begin work on the long-awaited repairs to Second Mill’s dam. The goal is start the project at the first of January 2018. The cause for the delay has been several regulatory hurdles to clear with state and federal agencies before work could begin.

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