Call to Order

Mayor Bobby Horton called the West Columbia City Council and public hearing meeting to order at 6 pm. Council members Mayor Bobby E. Horton, Mayor Pro-Tem Tommy G. Parler, Eric L. Fowler, L. Dale Harley, Jack L. Harmon, Boyd J. Jones, Marsha J. Moore and Cathy Shannon were present. Council member B.J. Unthank was absent.

Request for Appearance

Craig Lemrow of McGee Realty asked why one of his clients was being charged by the city for water usage when the water had been disconnected. Mayor Bobby Horton explained to Lemrow that this is a matter for city staff. Lemrow explained that he had been told to talk to council. Ultimately, city staff in attendance agreed with the mayor and Lemrow was directed to speak with them outside of the council meeting.

Hook Avenue Issue Concludes and Temporary Adjournment

Mayor Horton announced that Landmark Homes International had withdrawn their request to rezone portions of Hook Avenue for development and the matter was, therefore, no longer before council. Mayor Horton then temporarily adjourned the council meeting in order to begin the public hearing on the city's budget.

Public Hearing on Budget

City Administrator Jennifer T. Cunningham reviewed the General Fund Budget for Fiscal Year 2008- 2009 and the Water/Sewer Fund budget and its service charges. Cunningham said the fund is balanced at $12,125,000 and noted the 1.3% increase in the General Fund Budget over last year. The Water/Sewer Fund budget is balanced at $12,900,000. Cunningham added that in- city sewer rates would increase to $22.05 bimonthly and out- of- city sewer rates would increase to $42.35 bimonthly.

Deputy City Administrator Myron F. Corley announced progress on the Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Ordinance. Roll carts have now been largely phased into city- wide usage. Corley noted that solid waste disposal is free to West Columbia residents, and West Columbia businesses pay varying fees depending on the amount of solid waste and the frequency it is collected.

Following Cunningham and Corley's presentation, Mayor Horton asked for public comments. Hearing none, he adjourned the public hearing and reopened the city council meeting.

Old and new business

In old business, council unanimously approved second reading on an annexation ordinance at 310 Hendrix Street and a Planning Commission recommendation to approve a map amendment making annexed property at 112 Corporate Boulevard C-2 (General Commercial).

In new business, council unanimously approved first reading on the budget, sewer and solid waste collection, and disposal issues addressed at the public hearing. Council also unanimously approved the Planning Commission's recommendation to approve a map amendment to establish a zoning classification for annexed property located at 2516 Augusta Road.

Council considered a resolution to endorse SCDOT's plan to improve the intersection of Meeting Street and 9th Street to create a left turn lane. Council Member L. Dale Harley asked if city money is being used for this project. After Mayor Horton explained that city money is not being used, council unanimously approved the resolution.

Adjournment

Council adjourned to Executive Session to discuss a contractual matter at 6:30p.m.