COUNCIL MEETING

MEGGETT TOWN HALL

March 30, 2007

7:30PM

Mayor Grange Coffin called the meeting of the Meggett Town Council to order. Present were Mayor Pro-tem Reeves Bair, Council members Tommy Butler, Josh Garvin, Keith McCarty and Attorney Dennis Rhoad. Attorney Rhoad led the group in prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance by Mayor Coffin.

Minutes from the February meeting were read and approved.

Proclamation for Housing America 2007

Mayor Coffin stated he had received a letter requesting that the Town of Meggett adopt and support a proclamation for Housing America 2007.  Mayor Coffin read the proclamation in which the National Association of Housing is launching a campaign to create public awareness for the need of safe, decent and affordable housing.  Councilman Josh Garvin made a motion to accept the proclamation and the motion was seconded by Keith McCarty. The Council of Meggett voted to support the proclamation of affordable housing for Charleston County, S.C.   

Honoring Mr. Robert W. Harrell, Sr.

Mayor Coffin stated that the remainder of the meeting would be devoted to the recognition of one of our citizens, Mr. Bob Harrell.  He expressed that Mr. Harrell had played a tremendous role in the funding of our 1925 project.  Because of his dedication and love of the community is the reason we are where we are today.  Mr. Harrell met with some of the residents and convinced the Town that they could apply for Grants to do what we wanted to do.  Without that grant money we could not have possibly done what we have accomplished.  Mayor Coffin said that Mr. Harrell, in his opinion, was the personification of what a public servant ought to be.  His service to this State, this County, and to this Town was done without any compensation on his part.  It was done through his love for the State and this area and to this effort and service we salute you.  Mayor Coffin indicated that Bob had become a friend and someone he could talk to and he valued his guidance.  Because of all his efforts Bob has made it possible for this Town to become one of the gems of the low country.  At this time Mayor Coffin introduced Bob Harrell, speaker of the House, his wife, Charlotte and his son Bobby Harrell, Jr.  Mayor Coffin said he would like to present some gifts to Mr. Harrell in appreciation for what he has done for the Town.  Mayor Coffin presented to Mr. Harrell and Charlotte a beautiful quilt made by two of our devoted residents.   Mr. Harrell read from the label attached to the quilt, ”embroidered by Sally Gorman and quilted by Mrs. Virginia K Watson dated 2-23-07.  On the front of the quilt the embroidery read Robert W. Harrell, 2-23-07, for Loyalty and Service, Town of Meggett.  Mrs. Watson was not present for the presentation but Mayor Coffin asked Mrs. Gorman to stand and be recognized for the all of the work and appreciation that went into the making of this beautiful quilt.  Also presented to Mr. Harrell and Charlotte were two beautiful plates with paintings of the Town Hall and the SCPA Building painted by local artist Jan McCullum.  Mr. Harrell was so delighted and expressed that if he could own any building it would be the building that was painted on the plate which was Meggett Town Hall.  When he saw the other plate he indicated jokingly that Charlotte would like to own that building which was the SCPA Building. To honor and thank Mr. Harrell for the many years of dedication and accomplishments he provided to the town, Mayor Coffin proclaimed March 27, 2007 as Robert W. Harrell, Sr. Day.

At this time Mayor Coffin read the proclamation proclaiming March 27, 2007 as Robert W. Harrell, Sr. Day.  Through his devoted efforts, the Town and its citizens had benefited immensely through the years of his service as South Carolina Highway Commissioner. 

When Mayor Coffin finished reading the proclamation, Mr. Harrell expressed his love for the Town and the citizens that make up this special community. He credited himself as playing only a small role in the accomplishments of the Town but he graciously expressed that he was very glad his position allowed him the opportunity to contribute to the Town’s achievements and he would do it all again if given another opportunity.  He hoped that in the future the Town will continue to work towards the protection of quality that presently exists.  He expressed sincere gratitude for the honor that the Mayor, Council and the Town had bestowed on him.  

Meeting was adjourned and refreshments  were served.

Submitted by Town Clerk: Gail Seabrook