Mayor Bobby E. Horton called the meeting of the West Columbia City Council to order Tuesday, January 5, 2010, at 6:03 pm. All members were present: Mayor Bobby E. Horton, Mayor Pro–Tem Tommy G. Parler, Eric L. Fowler, L. Dale Harley, Jack L. Harmon, Boyd J. Jones, Marsha J. Moore, Cathy Shannon, and B.J. Unthank.

Announcements by mayor

Mayor Bobby E. Horton announced that City Hall would be closed on Monday, January 18, 2010, in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, and the Council Work Session would be rescheduled for Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at 5pm.

Mayor Horton then recognized two employees for receiving awards from their respective professional organizations.

PFC Ronald D. Suber Jr. is the recipient of the 2009 Thomas J. Fox Award from the Lexington County Law Enforcement Association for his bravery in saving a couple’s lives who were trapped in their burning home on Center Street on April 21, 2009. The Thomas J. Fox award was created to be given to a member of the Lexington County Law Enforcement Association for outstanding service in law enforcement and acts of heroism. Mayor Horton said Officer Suber risked his life twice by entering the house despite the spreading flames to deliver the elderly couple to safety. It was reported that it was due to “the quick decision making, steadfast courage, and a willingness (for Officer Suber and his team) to put their lives at risk that the couple made it out of the house alive.”

Engineer Joseph D. “Doug” Hilyer was also recognized as the recipient of the Fireman of the Year Award from the West Columbia Fire Department for his longstanding commitment to excellence and leadership as a fireman. He has served for almost 30 years as a consistent example of one who goes above and beyond what is expected. He is responsible for training city employees in CPR and first aid and has trained more than 1,000 civilians in these skills. Engineer Hilyer trains all city employees in preventing disease transmission and keeps the city safe and in compliance with OSHA regulations. He is noted to be the first to the station and on the first truck out when off duty personnel are called in on emergencies.

Approval of minutes

The Council gave unanimous approval to the minutes from the previous Regular Council Meeting held on December 1, 2009 at 6 pm. New business

The Council gave unanimous first reading approval to an Amendment to an Ordinance Establishing Garbage and Refuse Collection and Disposal.

The Council gave unanimous first reading approval to an Ordinance to Provide for the Sale and Issuance of a Not Exceeding Three Million Dollar ($3,000,000) Refunding General Obligation Bond.

The Council gave unanimous first reading approval to an ordinance to Annex .74 Acres of Property Located at 219 Hammond Avenue.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:25 pm.