Public hearing

The December 9, 2008, Forest Acres City Council meeting began with a public hearing on the proposed change of zoning classification of the commercial property at 4502 Forest Drive from C- 1 to C- 3. Owner Coley Brown explained the proposed change and the reasons for it and detailed his negotiation with the residential neighbors along the back of the property. Several neighbors said they did not necessarily oppose the change if they could work out certain assurances regarding minimizing the impact of the change on bordering residential properties. With no further input offered, Attorney Lee Holloway called an end to the meeting and after the crowd dispersed, the regular council meeting was called to order by Mayor Frank Brunson. The invocation was led by Councilman Charles Fetner and the Pledge of Allegiance by members of the AC Flora Cycling Team.

New business

Catherine Horne of Edventure Children's Museum presented plans for a nature Education Pavillion and requested support from the City of Forest Acres for this venture. The EdVenture request was approved and $150,000 in Hospitality Tax funds were allocated for the project over the next two years.

Lee Lumpkin of the Columbia Classical Ballet presented plans for LifeChance 2009- International Ballet Gala of the Stars. Council approved expenditure of $30,000 in Hospitality Tax funds for support of this tourism project.

The AC Flora Cycling Club requested $20,000 from the hospitality tax to set up and host the Forest Acres Cycling Race to be held on the streets of Forest Acres. The request was unanimously approved.

On the recommendation of Councilman Fetner, Holly Shuford was appointed to fill the vacancy on the Forest Acres Appearance Commission.

Action on the Digital Sign Ordinance and Mobile Billboard Trucks deferred pending further study and discussion.

Adding a Sunday alcohol sales referendum to the ballot at the next general election was given unanimous first reading approval.

An amendment to the ordinance providing for the dates and filing notice deadlines for candidacy statements for the 2009 General election was given first reading approval.

Old business

Rezoning of 2401 Decker Blvd and Wedgefield at the corner of Decker from R- 1 to P1. received unanimous 2nd reading approval.

Revison of the Pet Noise Ordinance to allow for escalating fines was tabled due to lack of a motion to approve.

City administrator's report

Sweet Seasons was a huge success. Record attendance of 2000 individuals was reported.

The Arbor Day Tree Planting at Crayton was a rousing success. A Sunset Red Maple was ensconced in a courtyard garden at the front of the school on Friday, December 5.

The Department of Transportation is willing to post Rockbridge for no through heavy truck traffic if Richland County Sherriff's Department and Forest Acres Police Department will enforce.

Mark Williams will ask the Department of Transportation to conduct a traffic study to decide if a four- way stop is warranted at Sylvan Drive and Meadowood Road.

Williams will investigate the cost/benefit of establishing a recycling program at A.C. Flora High School before obligating the City to service the containers.

At the request of Williams, a cost estimate will be worked up of a clean up project on the Falcon Drive land recently donated by the Disabled Veterans.

Williams was authorized to proceed with purchase of new police cars provided for in the budget using the vendor who can deliver a completed package with proven maintenance history, Bobby Jones Ford in Augusta.

Tuesday, December 20 will be Forest Acres Appreciation Night at EdVenture. Visitors presenting a valid driver's license with a Forest Acres address will receive free admission.

Progress on the Creekside Walking Trail is on hold pending completion of discussions with Edens and Avant, owner of the shopping center adjacent to the proposed trail.

Council was apprised of a possible meeting with a real estate firm interested in the purchase of Midtown at Forest Acres. Williams will monitor and report back to council.

Forest Acres Police Department Report

Chief Sealy reported:

• 230 violation tickets issued year to date, 100 of which were for speeding

• an additional 42 public contact warning tickets were issued

• 209 reported offences most of which were shop lifting

• 39 accidents with only 18 injuries

• 800 false alarms

• 46 homes checked 552 times

• 48 arrests with 58 counts

Community forum

Russ Conrad was concerned that his neighbor isn't removing two dead trees which endanger his house and that of the neighbor. He asked the City's help in negotiating removal of the trees.

The meeting was adjourned until the new year. Council meets again at 5:15 pm January 13.