If variety is the spice of life, then the Burnettown Town Council meeting Monday evening offered an ample sampling of choices.

Beautification projects, the Sassafrass Festival and the formation of a steering committee to take a more in-depth look at the business license ordinance, were among the items capturing the imagination and attention of the residents in the Council chambers.

A binding referendum will be placed on the November ballot in regard to the Burnettown Business License Ordinance that was passed in December 2004. The Horse Creek Merchants Association obtained 272 valid signatures, 71 more than the required number for the referendum to be placed on the ballot.

"We're very happy that the referendum will be on the ballot in November," said Mel Minitor, of the Horse Creek Merchants Association. "The citizens have spoken."

A steering committee comprised of two Town Council members, two Burnettown residents and two business owners will take an in-depth look at the business license ordinance, and the members of the advisory council should be in place soon, said Mayor Wayne Benson.

Funding for the municipality's Victim's Assistance Program was approved by Council unanimously in a 5-0 vote.

A total of $8,650 has been allocated for the program.

"If someone's in need of assistance as the result of a crime, the municipality will be able to use these resources to go through the solicitor's office, and call upon different agencies to provide support," said Benson.

The Sassafrass Committee will meet Thursday evening at the Town Council chambers at 6:30 p.m.

"We're looking for volunteers for the event," said Benson. "This has been an important part of the community for the past 11 years. People have put forth a tremendous amount of hard work, dedication and pride toward the Sassafrass Festival."

The 2005 Youth Corps Employment and Training Program proved to be a major success, Benson said. The project was sponsored by the town of Burnettown, the SCDOT and the Federal Department of Highway Administration. The beautification project ended July 22.

"We want to commend the four young men who took part in the program," said Benson. "They did a super job, and what they did really enhanced our area, and beautified the community. They improved the area's appearance, and that will help to draw more people to our community."

Anyone interested in running in the November general election for Burnettown Town Council can be filed between Aug. 12 and Aug. 26.