Cayce City Council gives Lions Club $20,000 to build playground

Roll call

The May 6, 2008, Cayce City Council meeting was called to order at 6 pm by Mayor Aver y Wi lkerson. Present were Mayor Avery Wilkerson, Mayor Pro- Tem Rick Myers, James Jenkins, Kenneth Jumper, Robert Malpass, City Manager John Sharpe, and Public Safety Chief Charles McNair.

Presentations

John Banks, interim tourism director for West Metro Visitor's Center, spoke of new initiatives they have devised including the implementation of two airport signs at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport, highlighting the Cayce Riverwalk with a slogan declaring, "We're just a bridge away." The Columbia Metropolitan Airport gets over 640,000 visitors per year (200,000 being out- of- towners). On behalf of the West Metro Visitor's Center, $21,500 was being requested for the various programs and initiatives including the aforementioned and to use to fund a permanent director of tourism. The total project budget is $62,000.

Kevin Schumacher, president of the New Brookland Lions Club wants to make Guignard Park more kid- friendly. Ten years ago the park was improved, and the playground was torn down. The New Brookland Lions Club hopes to build a new playground. The cost of equipment is $17k- 20k with an additional $10,000 for the purchase of a rubber mat to ensure safety and accessibility for the handicapped. They have raised $15,000 for the initiative and are hoping to break ground in June. Myers made a motion to approve up to $20,000. Malpass seconded the motion and it was passed.

The proclamation to declare May Mental Health Month was approved.

Ordinances

The Council heard the first reading for the amending of the provisions of the Amended and Restated Indenture of Trust between the City of Cayce as issuer and Wachovia Bank, National Association, formerly known as First Union National Bank, as trustee, dated July 15, 2004. This motion, discussed in great detail, relates to the current unsteadiness with bond issuers. Myers made a motion for first reading approval, seconded by Malpass.

The second reading and bid award for an ordinance authorizing the purchase of letters of credit to add to the Debt Service Reserve Fund Credit Facility. Two proposals have been gained for both Bank of America and BB&T. Malpass made a motion to approve on second reading and to authorize City Manager Sharpe to go forward with securing the optimal bid. Jumper seconded the motion.

A motion for the approval of an ordinance amending Cayce City Code Section 2- 124 about confidentiality requirements was heard on second reading. Jumper made a motion, seconded by Jenkins, to approve.

The Council heard the second reading of an ordinance amending Cayce City Code Section 34 regarding sanitation. Chapter 34 calls for the mandatory use of roll carts, correcting scriveners errors, and making various corrective changes in text. For various reasons, residents of the City of Cayce have expressed opposition to the roll cart system. Roll carts are being supplied to all residential sanitation customers in Fiscal Year 2008- 2009 and to those customers who have not received a roll cart, plastic garbage bags will be supplied. The Council first voted to approve the amended language to the motion. They then made a motion to approve the motion with the amended language, on second reading. Committees

The Council turned to the Accommodations Tax Committee Recommendations. A motion was made to approve funds recommended by the Committee to the proposal given by the West Metro Visitor's Center to give $21,500 towards the effort. Myers made a recommendation that the Council take more time to review being that those funds, if appropriated, would only be for one year. Malpass then amended the motion. A recommendation was made to proceed with funding if a panel of five be established to manage and report and funding be matched by all members of the West Metro Visitor's Center.

Among other varied recommendations made to the Council by the Accommodations Tax Committee was the Congaree Bluegrass Festival. Jenkins made a motion to proceed forward with the recommended funding. Malpass seconded the motion. Myers then made a recommendation they reduce funding every year until the festival becomes self sufficient. The motion carried.

The Council adjourned to executive session at 7:30 pm.