The Santee contractor who has made several complaints about the county’s bidding process over the years was awarded the low-bid contract for tornado debris cleanup in Branchville by Orangeburg County Council on Monday.

“I’m sure he’ll be happy,” said Councilwoman Janie Cooper.

“Santee Modular Homes Inc. was the low bidder for both aspects of the debris removal,” said County Administrator Bill Clark. The $86,000 total bid includes $38,000 for vegetative debris, such as trees, and $48,000 for an alternate bid for other material, such as bricks and shingles. The town was hit by a tornado in March.

L. Wayne Shuler, the owner of Santee Modular Homes, claimed last August that he was unfairly shut out of the bid process for the second phase of the $1.5 million courthouse renovation project by architect J. West Summers. Summers maintained that Shuler did not respond in a timely manner.

After Shuler’s attorney wrote the county a letter of protest, County Council rebid the project earlier this year. Although the same Walterboro firm was the low bidder, the administrator reported that the county ended up saving about $170,000.

Among other issues, Shuler had previously addressed council about his concerns over the cleanup after the 2004 ice storm.

Other council members also voiced their approval of the choice of Shuler’s firm.

“I’m sure he’ll do an excellent job,” said Councilman Willie B. Owens.

And, Councilman Clyde Livingston said he’s just glad to see the bid go to “an Orangeburg contractor.”

In other business, council opted to purchase 15 new copiers outright instead of renewing the old lease agreement.

Clark said that it would be cheaper to buy the copiers through state contract than to renew the lease agreement. The three-year lease would be $39,708 annually, while the low bid from Xerox was $71,375.42.

Although figures were not available, he said the maintenance costs under the purchase would be less than the lease.

Due to a special promotion, Clark said, the purchase price is actually below the state contract price and includes 11 color printers at no extra charge. The equipment is all covered by warranty. Also, Clark noted that Xerox has service personnel in the Orangeburg area.

In other business, council:

n Gave first reading to an ordinance adopting the 2007 land-use element.

According to the administrator, state law requires an update every five years of the county’s land-use plans.

Assistant County Administrator Harold Young explained that most of the changes between the old and the amended ordinance are statistical.

The matter was also sent to the Public Service and Planning Committee.

-- Gave second reading to an ordinance establishing specifications that are consistent with state standards for roads and drainage.

-- As recommended by the Planning Commission, agreed to three requests for zoning reclassifications. Property at 3970 Timberline Drive, Orangeburg, will be changed from residential general to commercial general for the construction of mini warehouses. Property at 3764 Rowesville Road, Orangeburg, which is adjacent to railroad tracks, will go from commercial general to business and industrial, as a development option for the owner. Also, three pieces of property on Cook Road, Orangeburg, will change from forest and agriculture to general commercial to allow for a doctor’s office.

-- As recommended by the Public Works Committee, agreed to abandon maintenance on a portion of White Sand Road and to accept the new portion of the road into the county’s maintenance system. The Holly Hill-area road will be changed to accommodate a new business.

-- Appointed Harold Young, deputy county administrator; Odell Waddell, zoning administrator; Bruce Spicher, building official, and Cindy Felder, litter control officer, to two-year terms as constable/code enforcement officers.

-- Recognized the monthly Community of Character employees for the second quarter. Veteran Affairs Director John Rivers, who also won recognition countywide, was honored for patriotism. Sgt. James Shumpert of the sheriff’s office was cited for courage.

-- Referred the proposed flood damage prevention ordinance amendments, recommended by the state Department of Natural Resources, to the Public Service and Planning Committee.

-- Received as information, a request for the county’s intervention from Morris Lambright in his ongoing dispute with the city of Orangeburg’s Department of Public Utilities. According to the Nance Street homeowner, he and DPU are at odds over the house addition he constructed on a utility easement. With the issue under litigation, council asked the administrator to report on the case and Lambright’s contention that a county building inspector approved the plan.

-- In closed, executive session, discussed an economic development issue concerning “Project Gold Bug” and “other related industrial development items we may have on the agenda.”

-- T&D Government Writer Tucker Lyon can be reached at tlyon@timesanddemocrat.com or by calling 803-533-5545.

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