Roll call

The June 9, 2009, Forest Acres City Council meeting began with a public budget hearing. After the hearing Mayor Brunson called the meeting to order. Lee Holloway, Ginger Dukes, Frank Brunson, Shell Suber, and Mark Williams were all present. Councilwoman Dukes led those assembled in invocation and pledge. Minutes from the previous meeting were read and unanimously approved.

Mayor's issues

• The matter of Citadel and Idalia Parks was deferred.

• The City Clock Project's design and engineering budget is being established. It has hit a snag because part of the target site is a Department of Transportation right of way.

• The city is pursuing action on a burned out house and several other derelict properties.

New business

• Andy Witt announced that the concert that was rained out has been rescheduled.

• The matter of Appearance Commission awards was deferred.

• A $37,000 Office of Justice grant application is in process.

• A hospitality tax fund request for $30,000 by the Columbia Chamber of Commerce for the Friends of our Forces Project was approved.

• A request for a new streetlight near 2008 Rolling Pines Drive was deferred pending engineering feasibility.

Old business

• Second reading approval was given to a section to be added to the 2009- 2010 budget.

• Second reading approval was given to the adoption of the comprehensive plan.

• Changes to hospitality tax fund application policies were given second reading approval. Henceforth, applications for fall and winter activities will be accepted July 1- July 15, and applications for spring and summer activities will be accepted January 1- January 15. City administrator's report

• Forest Acres Festival was a success.

• Transportation enhancement grant for the walking trail was funded, providing $145,000 for the project.

• The City may need to consult a bond counsel in the near future. Council unanimously approved Margaret Pope of Ziegler & Pope.

• Council unanimously approved placement of a repeater at Midtown at Forest Acres to remedy radio problems at the mall.

• Council unanimously approved a contract with the Midlands Council of Governments for help in development of a new zoning ordinance.

• Council has requested scheduling of a public hearing for the Gills Creek Walking Trail Project to be held August 11 either before or after the regular council meeting.

• Mark Wi lliams and Shaun Greenwood shared information about the Richland County energy grant. Council unanimously voted to investigate acquisition of hybrid or electric vehicles to replace some currently in use.

Police chief's report

• Chief Sealy reported that it is unlikely they will hear the results of the stimulus grant applications until late summer or early fall.

• The new 911 system launched Wednesday morning, June 10 at 3 am. The new system is computer operated and has enhancements including GPS tracking.

Community forum

• Citizens expressed concerns about derelict houses, trashcans being left too long on the curb, and yard trash on the curb for too many days.

Council items

• The Columbia Museum of Art has announced that the Forest Acres sponsored gallery should be opening July 18.

Council was adjourned for executive session and briefly reconvened to officially adjourn. Council will meet again July 14.