CHERAW – During the Cheraw Town Council meeting on Tuesday, Town Administrator Bill Taylor submitted recommendations before Mayor Scott Hunter and council members to appoint Tina Ellis as Cheraw’s new Clerk-Treasurer, and to re-appoint Town Attorney C. Anthony Harris, Jr. of Harris, McLeod & Ruffner, along with Municipal Judge J.A. Graves, in continuing their current positions for the Town of Cheraw during 2009.

According to the Cheraw Town Code, certain town officials are to be appointed annually by the town. Taylor made the recommendations to council that Attorney Harris and Judge Graves remain in their current positions for 2009.

∑ Taylor said that C. Anthony Harris, Jr. has served as the Town Attorney during 2008 and has taken great strides to meet with Town Council members and Town Staff on a regular basis to address key issues affecting the town. He went further to add that he recommends that Harris continue as Cheraw’s Town Attorney. Harris received five yes votes from council members, with one opposed, and one member abstained. The end result was that Harris did remain as Cheraw’s Town Attorney for 2009.

∑ South Carolina State Code states that a Municipal Judge must be appointed by the town council to serve for a term set by council members, not less than two years, but not more than four years. Taylor recommended that Municipal Judge J. A. Graves be re-appointed by Town Council to for another two- year term, which would expire in 2011. A unanimous vote by council was accepted and approved regarding Graves’ new term.

∑ Tina Ellis was appointed as the new Cheraw Town Clerk-Treasurer for 2009. Taylor said that he felt that Ellis has demonstrated her ability and willingness to accept this challenge. Council unanimously approved Ellis for this new role as Clerk-Treasurer.

∑ Town Council accepted and approved remaining council members to serve on three separate committees during 2009.

-Finance Committee members include Councilman Randy Butler, Chairman, councilman Robert Benton, and councilman Fred Harris;

-Legislative Committee members are Councilwoman Jacqueline Ellerbe-Shannon, Chairman, Councilman John Melton, and Councilman Mickey Workman;

Personnel Committee members are Councilman Fred Harris, Chairman, Councilman Robert Benton, and Councilman Mickey Workman.

Cheraw Town Council also approved the annual jury box for 2009.

In other business:

-Council passed the first reading of an Ordinance, which authorizes a lease-purchase agreement relating to the purchase of vehicles and equipment for the Town of Cheraw, and certain improvements to the facilities of the Town.

-Aside from the usual business, other important issues were also addressed. Several concerned citizens were given the opportunity to voice their opinions regarding the purchase of Cheraw Country Club, cleaning up the town of Cheraw, and an issue regarding the purchase of two new vehicles for the Cheraw Police Dept.

In addition, Chairman of the Greater Cheraw Chamber of Commerce, Charles Skipper, and Cheraw Chamber President, Patsy Hendley, was also present. Skipper addressed Mayor Hunter and Town Council to assure them that he is always available for any questions or concerns the town may have.