SPRINGFIELD - Springfield Town Council voted Monday night to adopt Orangeburg County's ordinance governing the cleanup of unkempt and dilapidated private properties within the town limits.

Council members had discussed in previous meetings whether the town's own ordinance should be applicable or if it should adopt the county's cleanup ordinance.

Mayor Marilyn McCormick, along with Councilman Eddie Lee, agreed Springfield does not presently have the resources to tackle such a large undertaking. However, Councilwoman Lydia Lackey said Springfield has its own ordinance related to keeping private properties clean and safe and suggested a committee be chosen to get clarity on the issue. Council, however, gave second-reading approval to adopting the county ordinance.

Also during the meeting, the mayor asked for an update on town projects, including construction of the walking trail that replaced the railroad tracks in the center of the town and the library in the renovated former Springfield High School building.

Sylvia Hiers, a resident who is involved in both the walking trail and school projects, said $1.5 million in renovations have been completed to date in the library, noting that it would have cost approximately $10 million for a new facility.

In response to resident John Baxley, who asked if any income had been generated from the building in rental fees, programs, etc., Hiers said the town had not made any money on the building yet because the renovations are still incomplete. Although the upstairs HVAC system is completed and the sprinkler system is up to code, the electrical system is incomplete and the building is not compliant with S.C. Archives and Historic Preservation standards or the American Disabilities Act.

Hiers also noted that a security system is not yet in place, and there are still cosmetic repairs to be made.

As for the walking trail, Hiers said the work is in its final stages, with a tentative completion date of Dec. 31. She said the trail is compliant with S.C. Department of Transportation regulations and has the approval of CECS Engineering.

Resident Rosita Brannen asked about the grants used to renovate the school building and the contracts to construct the walking trail. She specifically wanted to know if any donations attached to the grants are considered public funds.

Hiers said $150,000 was donated by the county.

Brannen also asked if bids for the contract for construction of the trail were publicly advertised. Hiers said solicitation of bids was advertised by three different print media.

Lackey asked about a $60,000 deficit between grant funds and renovation/construction costs, and the mayor assured her she would get the figures to her.

McCormick also fielded questions about the town's Web site, saying the council voted to postpone creation of the Web site.

In other business:

* The mayor said the town's audit is currently being done and the auditor's assessment will be completed by the end of January.

* Lee reminded residents "how fortunate we are that crime is low in Springfield" and asked them to "continue to be vigilant in this economic downturn as we enter into the holiday season."

* Lackey noted that she was removed by the mayor from chairing the roads and streets committee.

* Council voted against a motion by Lackey to cancel this year's holiday bonuses for town employees.

* Baxley expressed concerns ranging about town operations, from lack of oversight to fiscal management. He said not all council members are privileged to information regarding town expenditures and contracts. While commending residents for preserving the historic integrity of Springfield, he said preservation requires resources that are provided by residents. "Taxpayers are obligated to pay the bills," he said, "and, therefore, have the right to know how every penny is spent." Baxley charged that the mayor and council did not publish their salaries. He also complained about perks for town employees and general fund decreases since 2005, saying town officials should "provide transparency, and trust will follow."

* An unidentified resident asked the purpose of the town's marquee, saying she was under the impression it was to inform the residents of upcoming events, information regarding town business, etc. There was no response from the mayor or council.

* Another resident asked about the discontinuance of itemized financial statements by the current administration, but none of the town officials responded.

The next Springfield Town Council is scheduled for Jan. 5.

T&D Correspondent P.M. Hart can be reached by e-mail at hartpearl@hotmail.com. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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