LOCKHART — A feasibility study to help promote tourism and the problem of vandalism in the community were among the items on the Lockhart Town Council’s agenda on Tuesday.

The meeting began with Mayor Ailene Ashe welcoming those in attendance and thanking Donnie Adams for hanging the town’s new flag inside Town Hall.

Ashe said she and council member Connie Porter would attend the Municipal Association Advocacy meeting in Rock Hill on Wednesday to learn about new laws and how Lockhart can get involved to advocate for legislative changes.

The meeting is one of 10 being held across the state by the Municipal Association of South Carolina to teach new laws added to the books in 2012, and how they affect individual cities or towns.

There will also be a discussion about the 2013-2014 legislative agenda and how attendees can get involved to advocate for legislative changes to give cities and towns more tools to improve quality of life.

New Business

Ashe also informed the council about a new business – Locked Hearts Salon – which will hold a grand opening ceremony in Lockhart on Sept. 1 beginning at 4 p.m. The business will offer a variety of hair and tanning services.

Check Presentation

Union County Council member Joan Little then presented the town with a check for $100. Ashe thanked Little and said that she had already given the town money which had been used to purchase the new flag. The town also plans to purchase a table for Gregory’s Kids Park.

“Joan Little has been very faithful about coming to meetings and giving to us,” Ashe said. “It means a lot to have a representative be at the meetings and show interest in our town. We appreciate it.”

Vandalism

Ashe then brought up an ongoing vandalism problem in Lockhart. She said one of the swings that was recently donated to the town by Barry Canupp has already been damaged by some of the older children in the park.

“Anyone caught destroying property in the park will be prosecuted,” Ashe said.

Feasibility Study

Ashe also informed the council regarding the progress and implementation of an upcoming feasibility study to be funded with the town’s $60,000 USDA Rural Enterprise Grant. She said she has met with Pacolet Mayor Elaine Harris and Stewart Winslow of Pacolet Milliken Enterprises to discuss a master plan.

The study will identify assets of the town and the surrounding area to complete a plan for developing tourism and recreation. The intended outcome is redevelopment of the area and enhancement of economic development opportunities.

Ashe enlisted Harris to assist with the master plan because the Town of Pacolet is a past recipient of the same grant.

Since Pacolet’s grant-funded feasibility study was completed, the town has seen revitalization along the Pacolet River, including a lighted river walk and the Pacolet River Paddling Trail — complete with canoe and kayak takeouts and put-ins — which is slated to open this fall. The trail is being funded with a grant of almost $1 million, which Harris said the feasibility study helped acquire.

Truck Repair

Council member Donnie Adams then brought up the issue of repairing the town’s pickup truck. Adams said the repairs are estimated to cost around $1,000. After discussion by the council, a motion was made by Adams and seconded by Connie Adams to have the truck fixed. All approved and the motion carried.

Burning Trash

Ashe also addressed an issue that was brought to the council’s attention by a citizen at the last meeting — the illegal burning of trash.

Ashe said the town has received the brochures from DHEC titled “Learn Before You Burn,” and she has placed several of them at Lockhart Café and the Broad River Mart. The brochures are also available on the front table at Town Hall for anyone to pick up. Mayor Ashe said that if anyone is caught burning anything illegal, that DHEC would be called to handle the situation.