Members of the Cayce City Council met on Tuesday, April 6, for their monthly meeting. They addressed a state law authorizing municipalities to impose term limits for the mayor and council. The resolution was presented at the March 2010 meeting by the City Attorney Danny Crowe at Councilman Steve Isom’s request.

The council then elected to present a written resolution to be introduced through the agenda. Mayor Elise Partin commented on the need for transparency on this issue, stating that “if [Council] is going to take action on an item, the citizens need to have an opportunity first to speak on it.” Residents of the City of Cayce attended the meeting to voice their opinions on the issue.

Talbert Black encouraged council to vote in favor of allowing citizens of Cayce to decide, essentially supporting the resolution which, if passed by the General Assembly, would allow Cayce to take a vote on term limits.

Cory Norris encouraged them to pass this resolution in written form stating that “people should be allowed to decide for themselves.” This is “democracy in action,” Norris stated.

Gary Taylor, candidate for South Carolina House of Representatives District 69, spoke in favor of the resolution.

Council discussion began on approval of the resolution. Councilman Jenkins expressed concern over the cost of doing this versus the benefit of it.

Councilman Myers explained the intent is to take power back from the State Legislature that they claimed with Home Rule. Isom then spoke up saying that Representative Haley has already stated she would introduce a bill on behalf of Cayce, at which time Jenkins asked the question, “How much more is the legislature working on for council that we don’t know about?”

Isom then made a motion to pass the resolution, seconded by Myers. With a vote of 2–3, the resolution failed. Those voting in favor of the resolution were Isom and Myers.

Other business

• Council voted to approve a resolution approving the lease–purchace financing for SCBA Equipment through BB&T. Council approved the contract with a vote off 5-0.

• Members approved a resolution authorizing the formation of the Cayce Beautification Foundation, the Cayce Beautification Foundation By–Laws and Articles of Incorporation with amendments. The Council elected to stagger terms of appointments. Council approved the appointments of five of the ten members of the Beautification Board: Cynthia Freeman, Tim James, Deborah Carter, Mark Gardner, and Therese Griffin. The five remaining appointments are expected to be made on or prior to the May Council Meeting.

• The Cayce Public Safety Foundation was also established by council .

• Cayce resident Earle Smith reminded members of Council once again of a storm water problem he has been having.

Council members present were Mayor Elise Partin, Mayor Pro–Tem James Jenkins, Kenneth Jumper, Rick Myers, and Steve Isom. City Manager John Sharpe was also in attendance.