NORWAY -- The former police chief of Norway on Monday night presented Mayor Brad Fogle with a letter stating his intention to pursue civil and criminal charges against the town, the mayor and Norway Town Council members.

James A. Preacher Jr., Norway resident and former police chief, gave the letter to Fogle prior to Monday night's regular town council meeting.

Preacher's letter stated he had once again received a letter from the town denying his application to address the council. Preacher said in the letter that he was informed by the town that Freedom of Information requests he had made were not filed appropriately. His letter also stated that his request for an itemized statement of Freedom of Information charges billed to him of more than $400 had not been provided by the town.

Also, according to his letter to Fogle, Preacher stated he had stored some of the town's equipment for some time and he had submitted a request for storage fees and subsequent removal of the equipment from his property. Preacher indicated this matter remained unresolved.

Preacher's letter was not discussed during the council meeting.

During the meeting, Judge Robert Young swore in the newly reelected mayor and Council members Bonnie Fogle, Emma Reed, Geraldine Bell and Greg Covington. Reed was reelected mayor pro temp.

In other business, the mayor reported that the 2006 audit is still being conducted and has been going on for approximately four months.

"Last week they (auditors) told me they were way behind and that they had just completed sending out some letters," Fogle said.

Councilwoman Geraldine Bell asked about the abandoned house ordinance and stray dogs roaming the town.

Police Chief Curtis Mizell said the Orangeburg County Animal Control facility is understaffed and he tries to do what he can to locate and talk with owners of pets that are allowed to run loose.

In other business:

* Mizell reported the police department handled four incidents, issued 61 citations and made one drug arrest in December.

* It was reported that Norway's current noise ordinance was reviewed and that it only pertains to loud noises between the hours of midnight and 8 a.m. No new information was submitted concerning the problem with the noise caused by jake brakes, but council agreed to continue to research a solution.

* According to the water department report, a two-inch water line was completed on Harrison Street and five new apartment taps were installed in December. In addition, the fire hydrant at Hunter-Kinard-Tyler School was repaired and the two-inch line on Spring Flower Road was repaired.

* The streets and sanitation department reported that the S.C. Department of Transportation representative had not contacted Norway concerning the problem with vehicles dragging the pavement as they exit the Norway Post Office parking lot.

* Councilwoman Bonnie Fogle noted that the garbage schedule sometimes ran early, and the mayor reminded everyone to place their containers outside the night before pickup is scheduled.

* According to December's financial statement, the General Fund revenue was $9,632.66 and expenditures totaled $23,769.84, leaving a deficit of $14,137.18.

T&D Correspondent Sherryl Peters can be reached by e-mail at boykinbaby@surrealestate.com. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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