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Pickens council votes to support festival

By Ben Robinson, Courier Staff

PICKENS — Pickens City Council had a request for $5,000 in funding for this year’s Azalea Festival, but city administrator Katherine Hendricks adjusted the amount to $4,400 before council voted on the issue.

The other $600 would be used by the city to pay any city employees who have to work during the festival.

Council approved the amount with a 7-0 vote.

Pickens has 374 children signed up to play baseball or softball, according to Councilman Carlton Holley.

“Next month, it will be time for kids to sign up for football, soccer and cheerleading,” Holley said.

City officials also discussed plans for concerts at the new amphitheatre, dedicated last year. Councilman Patrick Lark led discussion on whether coolers should be allowed at the concerts. The concern was as to whether such drinks would compete too much with those who were paying to be vendors at the events.

Concerns about alcoholic beverages and glass bottles were also voiced.

Council also discussed the placement of temporary signs.  Hendricks said such signs must deal with a temporary event and must be down in 30 days. No charge is made for yard sale signs, but they must follow city regulations.

Councilman Isaiah Scipio praised work by Cory Cox in public works.

“I want to thank him for his dedication,” Scipio said. “Now you can really feel the pain sanitation workers have to deal with.”

Council members were reminded of the April 28 meeting of the Pickens County Municipal Association at Dunburks in Easley, which will have the topic of Elder Finance Abuse.