Councilman Charles W. Fetner was a great host and introduced Cub Reporter John Dixon to council and city officials.

Mayor Frank J. Brunson opened the meeting at 5:15 pm. Councilman Charles W. Fetner led those assembled in a short prayer and all joined for the pledge. In attendance were City Attorney C. Lee Holloway Jr., Councilwoman Ginger P. Dukes, Mayor Pro Tempore Curtis L. Rye, Mayor Frank Brunson, Councilman Charles W. Fetner, Councilman W. Shell Suber Jr., City Administrator Mark M. Williams, and Chief of Police Gene Sealy.

Katrina Assistance : Williams said the administrator’s office has pursued regular recommended channels through the Mississippi Municipal League to set up some post–disaster assistance for a sister city in Mississippi but has received no formal word back as yet.

Mayor Pro Tempore Curtis L. Rye expresses concern over the formula used to determine jail fees and whether or not those fees constitute double taxation. Atascadero vision : The sight distance problem caused by landscaping at the corner of Willingham and Atascadero is in the process of solution with cooperation between the property owner and the DOT.

City in black : The city’s financial audit is complete and the auditor is in the process of preparing a formal report but the city ended its fiscal year on a positive note with over $540,000 growth in fund balance.

Councilwoman Ginger Dukes Jail fees : Current Richland County Jail fees now total $111,000 and are currently marked as a payable item pending outcome on council discussions on the matter of payment.

Street signs : Estimates on the vertical street signs for the streetscaping project are in with the exception of wooden signs. The estimates for other sign materials range from $16,000 to $22,000.

City Attorney C. Lee Holloway, Jr. explains how annexation requests are traditionally handled by council. Road improvement : Williams asked for council approval to explore engineering services for a major road improvement project at Forest Drive and Trenholm Road and Forest Drive and Beltline Blvd. After suggesting that the Appearance Commission be brought into the process, Mayor Pro Tempore Rye motioned to explore engineering services. Councilwoman Dukes suggested investigating the use of Saf–T SAFETEA transportation enhancement grants to defray the cost of the project and then seconded the motion to proceed with determination of engineering qualification and services for the job.

City Administrator Mark Williams listens intently as citizens express concerns about development and annexation in the Valleybrook Road area. Sunnyside flood : A resident on Sunnyside Drive has experienced recurrent flooding problems and has requested assistance of council in resolving the problem. A city flow improvement project is currently underway which may alleviate the problem. Meanwhile the DOT and city staff are investigating causes, options and responsibilities.

Councilman W. Shell Suber, Jr. listens as council discusses financing and plans for road improvement projects at two major intersections in Forest Acres. Appearance Commission : Council approved the establishment of an Appearance Commission. Carol Kososki was appointed chairwoman. The first meeting will be October 25th.

Clear cutting on Valleybrook : Mrs. Davis and Mr. and Mrs. Bailey expressed concerns about clear cutting of trees in the area of Valleybrook and about the jagged annexation lines in that area which hinder service deliver and enforcement of ordinances. Especially troubling is the parking of a tractor–trailer, which is prohibited in Forest Acres, in unincorporated portions of Richland County. Mr. Bailey requested annexation of unincorporated parts of Richland County in that area be revisited. Council will look into the matter further.

Tree protection : Mrs. Kososki expressed concerns about tree protection and preservation of the single family residence status of Lakeshore Drive property.

One Way Falcons : Chief Sealy reported on the disruption of traffic patterns in the AC Flora area since the DOT made Falcon Drive one way for certain portions of the day. Thus far accidents have been avoided by keeping traffic flow confined to a single lane but traditional traffic patterns of adjacent streets have been disrupted and flow is heavier on those roads adversely affecting normal flow.

Zoning requests:

• Corner of Satchel Ford and Valleybrook from R1 to R2 : Proposal is to build 10 patio homes on 2.3 acres. Neighbors have concerns that if the homes do not sell, they will become rental and lessen property values.

• 5038 Lakeshore from R1 to R3 : Carol Kososki stood to note that property owners on Lakeshore Dr. oppose this zoning change because they consider it important to property values and the integrity of the neighborhood that all property remains zoned as single family residence.

Council adjourned to private executive session to discuss personnel issues. I took a moment to speak to Mrs. Kososki, chairwoman of the new Appearance Commission. She stated she is excited by the opportunity to work on the commission and looks forward to their first meeting on October 25. Mrs. Kososki was also pleased to have The Columbia Star take an interest in Forest Acres politics. She is a regular reader of The Star and loves the hometown news.

Next meeting : Forest Acres City Council meets the second Tuesday of each month. The next meeting will be November 8, 2005, and The Columbia Star will be there !