Clarkton's Town Council meets

Bethany Stephens

Clarkton’s Town Council met this past Tuesday night.  After approval of the minutes, the board was available for a public hearing, but there was no one present with concerns or comments.  Following the hearing, the council approved an  Internet Cafe Gaming Policy for the town.  The cafes will be allowed in General Business and Industrial Zoning Areas and have to be at least 300 feet from any residence or residential zoning area, any church or religious institution, day care centers, public or private schools, public parks, the public library, and any other existing electronic/internet gaming operations.  Hours of operation for the cafes will be from 8:00 A.M. until 11:00 P.M. Monday through Saturday and from 1:00 P.M. until 11:00 P.M. on Sunday.  Amongst various specific operation logistics, no alcohol consumption is allowed on the premises, and a maximum number of 10 machines are allowed in any one facility.  Taxes on the machines will increase exponentially as more machines are installed.  After passing the plan, the board heard from a town member who was late to the meeting that also wants to open his own gaming facility.  Though the plan had already been passed, he asked that the council consider taxing the machines at a flat rate per each facility rather than by number of machines in the same way Bladenboro does with their internet gaming cafes.  The council thanked him for his input, but agreed that they would try the already passed taxing method for the time being unless it proved to not be working effectively.
 
Various pieces of surplus equipment had been opened for bidding, and winners of the items were recorded.  A status report on Clarkton projects from Michael Wicker, Engineer with Withers and Ravenel, was reviewed which explained that the Waste Water Treatment Facility is completed and is up an running like normal now.  Following brief updates and discussion with the mayor and approval to pay for the town’s bills, the council adjourned.