Call to order

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

Announcements by mayor

Mayor Horton noted Councilman Harmon's absence and said he was back in the hospital due to complications from the surgery. He expressed council and the public's concern for Councilman Harmon's speedy recovery.

Mayor Hor ton reminded everyone of the upcoming Mayor's Roundtable on August 25. He also recognized Donna M. Smith, director of Economic Development for her work and her staff for attracting business to the city and for their work throughout the summer months.

The West Columbia Beautification Foundation honored Betty Jeffcoat for beautifying her yard and the area near her home on Decatur Street.The beautification foundation is a private fund that uses no taxpayer money.

Old business

Council gave unanimous second reading approval to the following: an annexation ordinance concerning ten parcels of property around Lesley Drive; a recommendation from the city planning commission establishing .67 acres on Leaphart Road as C- 2 (general commercial); a recommendation from the city planning commission changing two properties on N. Brown Street from LM (light Manufacturing) to C- 3 (restricted commercial); a recommendation from the city planning commission establishing a property on Hendrix Street as R- 3 (low density Residential).

New business

Council gave unanimous first reading approval to annex .32 acres of property on Denham Avenue.

First reading consideration was given to the city planning commission's recommendation to establish 9.12 acres of recently annexed property off Drafts Woods Road as R- 4 (low density residential). After clarification on the location of the property relative to the city's long- range plan, the measure passed unanimously. Council unanimously approved a proclamation designating the week of September 1- 5, 2008 as National Payroll Week in West Columbia.

Council unanimously approved a commendation recognizing James T. Hillian III for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America. Councilman Harley explained that only about one out of every 100 scouts makes the rank of Eagle.