Call to order

Mayor Bobby E. Horton called the regular meeting of the West Columbia City Council to order on November 10, 2008, at 6 pm. Members present were Horton, Mayor Pro-Tem Tommy G. Parler, Eric L. Fowler, L. Dale Harley, Jack L. Harmon, Boyd J. Jones and B.J. Unthank. Council member Cathy Shannon was out of town and Marsha J. Moore was absent due to an illness.

Smoking Ordinance Off the Agenda

Mayor Horton announced the proposed smoking ordinance had been taken off the agenda for the time being. Horton noted that council might revisit the proposal in the future.

Requests for appearance

Cathy Novinger of the Midlands Housing Alliance asked for council's support for funds for the Midlands Housing Alliance to operate a homeless shelter at the Salvation Army site in downtown Columbia. Council unanimously agreed to draft a letter stating its support, although no decision was made on how much West Columbia would contribute.

Krista Cassidy and a colleague from Americorps spoke with council about holding a concert for college- age young people on State Street on May 2, 2009. Mayor Horton asked Cassidy and Americorps to send council more information. The mayor said council will respond to the proposal in writing once a decision has been made.

C. Ozzie Rawls, owner of Ozzie's Country Island, asked the city for a permit that would allow him to move elements of a concert he is hosting outside if his establishment gets too crowded. The concert would be held on November 23, 2008. Council, having heard of no previous problems with concerts put on by Rawls, agreed to let him begin obtaining the permit.

Announcements by Mayor

Mayor Horton noted that council was pleased with the recovery of council members Harley and Harmon and wished council member Moore a speedy recovery from her illness. He reminded council and the public of the work session on November 17, 2008, and there would be no work session in December, unless absolutely necessary. Horton also added there would be no Mayor's Roundtable in November or December.

Approval of minutes

Minutes from the previous month's council meeting and work sessions were approved unanimously.

Old business

Council gave second reading to an ordinance concerning titled motor vehicles and traffic and two West Columbia Planning Commission recommendations, one on a zoning classification and one on the definition of animation. All were approved unanimously.

New business

First reading consideration was given to recommendations by the West Columbia Planning Commission to change the zoning classification on property at 305 Lexington Street and the establishment of a zoning classification for properties located at 725 and 731 North Brown Street. Both measures passed unanimously. Council also unanimously passed a proclamation recognizing November 2008 as the 29th Anniversary of the establishment of Palmetto Health Hospice. Mayor Horton then presented the proclamation to representatives of the organization.

Thanksgiving turkeys and adjournment

Mayor Horton announced that Thanksgiving turkeys would be presented to city staff on November 24, 2008, in recognition of their hard work. Having no further business, the mayor adjourned the meeting at 6:58 pm.