Public Hear ing on the Annexation of Quail Hollow Village Subdivision

The West Columbia Council opened the public hearing at 6 pm September 1. 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.

Economic Development Director Donna Smith reviewed with council and the public the state legal requirements, services provided, and cost of services involving the annexation of Quail Hollow Village Subdivision. One resident of the subdivision, Joy Upchurch, praised the work of Smith, and the public hearing was adjourned.

Call to Order

Following the adjournment of the public hearing, the regular council meeting was called to order.

Danny Lyons, representing Michael Lyons, co- owner of New Brookland Tavern, expressed his frustration with the city that New Brookland Tavern's patrons and those of several other business were being unfairly ticketed and towed for parking in a lot owned by the city. Lyons mentioned that patrons of certain other businesses, including Al's Upstairs Italian Restaurant and Terra, were not ticketed. He felt it was unfair that New Brookland Tavern's patrons were being targeted by the city.

Lyons argued that the property bought by the city was public property. He brought portions of the South Carolina Code of Laws and West Columbia Code of Ordinances, which he said proved his point.

Lyons also argued the lot should either be open to all or open to no one. Mayor Horton emphasized that he felt it was not the city's responsibility to provide parking to patrons of particular businesses but would ask the city's attorney to look at the documentation of city and state law Lyons provided.

Thom Winters, a renter on Oliver Street, also addressed the city about being unable to find suitable parking around his home. Mayor Horton suggested that this was the responsibility of Winters' landlord. Winters agreed in principle but felt the city had started to ticket people for parking in places where they had never been ticketed before. He also said he did not want to get his landlord involved because he really liked where he lived. The mayor said he sympathized with Winters' parking concerns but believes the city can do little if the landlord chooses not to make changes to their property.

Walter Turbeville, owner of Café Strudel, also addressed council about parking explaining that parking had been a longtime problem in the area of both Café Strudel and New Brookland Tavern.

Turbeville also referred to the lot mentioned by Lyons and explained that his business had been hurt because of ticketing issues around the lot. Mayor Horton noted that the lot would eventually be developed and then no one would be able to park there.

Turbeville argued that the city has a responsibility to encourage business and that the continued parking problems must be addressed for the good of the city. The mayor affirmed to Turbeville that the city would continue to look into its overall parking issues.

Annoucements by Mayor

*City received a $16,000 Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant.

*City received a $25, 999 Justice Assistance Grant for Swift Water Rescue.

*City received a national award for financial reporting for the 17th consecutive year.

*A special council meeting will be held along with the work session on September 21 to give second reading to the Quail Hollow Subdivision Annexation.

Old business

Unanimous second reading approval was given to an ordinance that annexed one acre of property located at 1000 Arehart Street and 1.79 acres on Morningside Drive. New business

First reading unanimous approval was given to the following ordinances:

*An ordinance to annex Quail Hollow Village Subdivision

*An ordinance to annex .25 acres of property at 1916 Crapps Avenue.

A resolution to recognize Ray Moseley for renovating a property in Triangle City was unanimously approved.

A proclamation to proclaim West Columbia a 2010 Census Partner with the U.S. Census Bureau was unanimously approved.

A proposal to award a bid to Spartan Fire and Emergency to purchase a 1500 GPM Custom Cab Triple Combination Pumper Truck and Related Equipment in the amount of $342,986 was approved unanimously.

A proposal to award a bid to C.R. Jackson, Inc. for the Preston Street Water Line Project in the amount of $29, 350 was approved unanimously.

A revised rental agreement for the West Columbia Community Center was approved unanimously with the addition that an explanation should be given on how to return the center's key to the police department after 5 pm.

Adjournment

At 7:11 pm, council adjourned to executive session to discuss a personnel matter, after which they adjourned the regular meeting.