Call to Order

Mayor Horton called the meeting to order at 6 pm. All council members - Mayor Bobby E. Horton, Mayor Pro- Tem Tommy G. Parler, Eric Fowler, L. Dale Harley, Jack L. Harmon, Boyd J. Jones, Marsha J. Moore, Cathy Shannon and B.J. Unthank - were present.

Announcements by mayor

The mayor reminded council and the audience of an upcoming work session and the mayor's roundtable. Mayor Horton pointed out West Columbia excels at open government.

Approval of minutes

Council unanimously approved minutes from the regular council meeting of February 5, the special council meetings of February 11 and 14, the public hearing on the Riverside Water Treatment Plant upgrades, and the water and sewer systems improvements on February 19, the special council meeting and the council planning retreat of February 23.

Old Business

McSwain Drive Matters

Council gave unanimous second reading approval to two ordinances to amend annexation ordinances at 114 McSwain Drive. Council also gave unanimous second approval for a map amendment to agree with the planning commission's recommendation to classify properties at 114 McSwain Drive as general commercial.

Additional Map Amendments

Council also gave unanimous second approval to map amendments which classified properties on 2221 Augusta Road and 127, 129, 131, 133, and 135 Lakeview Drive as general commercial.

Tax Increment Revenue Refunding Bond Series 2008

Considering the second reading of this ordinance, council decided to amend the measure and move the date of the sale from March 17 to March 10 for tax purposes. The amendment passed and the amended ordinance was approved unanimously.

New Business Property Annexation

The first reading of an ordinance to annex 1.53 acres of property located at 112 Corporate Boulevard was approved unanimously.

Planning Commission Recommendation on Signs Rejected

West Columbia's planning commission had asked council to reject an amendment that would allow the maximum size of advertising signs in certain areas to be increased from 288 square feet to 378 square feet. The planning commission's recommendation was rejected and council allowed the size of the signs to increase.

Restricted Commercial Map Amendments

Council gave first reading approval to planning commission recommendations to approve map amendments changing properties on 111 and 113 Senn Street and the south side of Sunset Boulevard to restricted commercial.

Antiques District Resolution

Councilman Harley pointed out that some areas of Meeting Street were in residential areas. Mayor Horton explained that the clarifications had been made and the resolution passed unanimously.

Resolution on Alcohol Consumption at Riverwalk Music Festival and Rhythm on the River Concert

Councilman Fowler felt that allowing alcohol consumption took away from the family atmosphere of the event. The majority of council disagreed and the measure passed 8- 1 with Councilman Fowler dissenting.

Executive Session and Adjournment

Council moved in executive session for a contract vote and at its conclusion, the meeting was adjourned.