Call to order

The West Columbia City Council met on Tuesday, January 6, 2009 at 6 pm. All members were present: Mayor Bobby E. Horton, Mayor Pro- Tem Tommy Parler, Eric L. Fowler, L. Dale Harley, Jack L. Harmon, Boyd Jones, Marsha Moore, Cathy Shannon and B.J. Unthank.

Requests for appearance

Heather McBride presented information on the South Carolina Other Retirement Benefits Employer Trust. The city can consider whether to join the trust.

Announcements by Mayor

Mayor Bobby Horton recognized current city staff members who had been serving five years or more.

City Administrator Jennifer T. Cunningham and Utilities Director Joe Owens recognized members of the West Columbia Safety Committee for their hard work, which "saves the city a substantial amount of money."

Mayor Horton also noted that there would be no work session in January due to the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday and that other city meetings would continue as scheduled.

Old business

Second reading unanimous approval was given to a recommendation by the Planning Commission to establish a zoning classification of R- 2 (Medium Density Residential) for a property located at 657 N. Brown Street.

New business

The following items were given unanimous approval with minimal discussion: a measure renewing bonds associated with the city; an amendment relating to the wording of the city's ordinances concerning animal control; a resolution authorizing the mayor to reward a contract to M.B. Kahn Construction Company, Inc. of $7,251,000 for the Riverside Water Treatment Plant Upgrade, contingent upon authorization by the State Revolving Fund Authority. A fire service agreement between the County of Lexington and the City of West Columbia was approved unanimously.

Council gave unanimous approval of bids for the Triangle City building façade design. Economic Development Director Donna Smith explained to council potential bidders were told the city could only spend $10,000 on the project. The Boudreaux Group was chosen because they had the most experience in the work. Smith also noted this is part of the CDBG Triangle City Façade Grant.

Council also gave approval on bids to purchase two freestanding signs for Triangle City. According to Smith, this work is in conjunction with the building façade design work in the area. The project was awarded to Carolina Custom Signs, which offered a bid of $8,650. Smith noted this was part of the CDBG Parking Improvements project.

Municipal Judge Ken Ebener presented the 2009 Jury List for the city of West Columbia, which council approved unanimously. Ebener noted that there were 7,792 potential jurors on the list, a 670 person increase from last year.

City Treasurer Rick Hodge presented council with several budget amendments for Fiscal Year 2007- 2008, which were then approved unanimously. Hodge explained that the amendments were generally corrections of minor errors in the budget document.

Adjournment

At 6:49 pm, council adjourned to discuss a contractual matter and after reconvening for regular session, formally adjourned the meeting.