By Mimi M. MaddockMimi@TheColumbiaStar.com

Getting started

Cayce Mayor Avery B. Wilkerson Jr. called the meeting to order at 7:04 pm. Kenneth D. Jumper gave the invocation, and the mayor led the Pledge of Allegiance. All members of the council were present: Mayor Pro-tem Richard N. Myers, council members, James E. Jenkins, Kenneth D. Jumper, and Robert E. Malpass. City Manager John C. Sharpe, Assistant City Manager Tammy Bartley, and Public Safety Director Charles E. McNair were also present.

Before the meeting began Mayor Wilkerson said Bartley had to come back from vacation. While she was gone eight trees in her yard were hit by lightning some falling on her house. Presently, the house is unlivable.

Approval of minutes

The minutes from the June 11, 2006, meeting were approved.

Proclamations and

resolutions

Good Neighbors Day, even though not on the agenda, was approved for September 6 as was National Payroll Week which will be September 4-8. A resolution declaring election open for filing and advising deadline for declaration to be a write-in candidate 14 days after the normal deadline was approved.

Ordinances, agreements, and other

With no discussion, the second reading of the zoning ordinance amendment for tattoo facilities and body piercing facilities was approved. With no discussion, the designation of the Lexington County Joint Water and Sewer Commission as the management agency for the 208 water quality plan was approved. Greenwood Equipment won the bid for the purchase of a Kubota backhoe for the utilities department.

Real estate agent

It was agreed that Jim Boland of Russell & Jeffcoat be the listing agent for the city-owned property on 7th and Knox Abbott Drive. Discussion followed that the listing price needs to be increased from $485,000. Boland's commission pre-sently is 8% with a six months agreement. The city manager was given authority to negotiate with Boland.

Committee matters

The committee minutes were given approval to enter into record.

Other matters

At the June 6 meeting, Wilson Lee complained about brown water coming from his faucets. The problem has been addressed. Lee is on a dead end line. A loop was made so he would have continuous loop of water.

Jumper said a citizen told him that at a baptism at his church on the 600 block of Holland Ave., the water was so dirty the person had to go home and take a bath afterwards.

Jenkins brought up the problem of Cayce not having an animal ordinance. At the July 11 meeting, Bill Davenport complained about his neighbors having 10 dogs. Malpass said the council needed to look at already existing ordinances but "they need to be careful. The last time the council discussed animal issues, people were stacked on top of each other at the meeting."

On August 14 a workshop will be held for council members about utilities. The City of Cayce is in the process of purchasing part of Midlands Utilities. Danny Crowe , lawyer for the City of Cayce, explained that Lanny Lambert of his law firm would make sure all titles were clear. Myers said he wants numbers at the workshop.

Myers said it seems ridiculous that a train can come through your city and the railroad company not maintain their equipment. For 20-25 years, they have said, "It's not in our budget."

Before the meeting was adjourned, Mayor Wilkerson recognized Melanie Dozier , staff associate for Affiliate Services, and thanked her for coming.