Forest Acres City Council October 10, 2006
By John Dixon
Cub@TheColumbiaStar.com

Roll call

Forest Acres City Council met at 5:15 on Tuesday October 10, 2006 with all present and accounted for.

Public hearing

Proceedings began with a public hearing regarding the proposed re-zoning of 1620 Willingham from R-1 residential to C-3 Commercial. Hearing was temporarily adjourned when an error was discovered in the advertised time of the hearing. The council meeting was formally declared open by Mayor Brunson. Councilman Fetner led those assembled in invocation and Scouts from Troop 8 of Incarnation Lutheran Church led the Pledge. The minutes from the September meeting were read and approved.

Mayor's Issues

At the mayor's request, City Administrator Williams shared design ideas for the city's proposed new signage. Council was unimpressed with the options offered and sent the designs back for further development and professional design and graphics help.

Quinine Park Project

Williams reported that the Quinine Park Project will kick off with a 3 pm meeting at the park on October 23, 2006.

New Business

Mayor Brunson read into the public record a formal proclamation honoring Luther Stafford for his 20 plus years of service on the planning commission. Presentation was deferred until Stafford is physically able to receive the honor in person.

Financial report

Bill Hancock , from the city's independent audit team, reported that the City of Forest Acres is in excellent shape financially and that reserves show a $1,500,000 increase over the previous year. Audit results place Forest Acres in the top echelon of how South Carolina Cities are run. Bob Massa was congratulated by the auditor and by council for the excellent job he did with the city's smooth conversion to a new computer system.

Appearance and preservation

The appearance Commission will begin presenting recognition awards for tree replacement and preservation efforts within the city. The first such award is to be presented to W. Nettles Green , DDM on Landmark Drive for outstanding tree protection efforts to save 9 to 10 substantial trees on the property by construction of an appropriate water basin.

Council unanimously approved the owner's request to annex 6227 Lakeshore Drive into the City of forest Acres.

Larry Collins was unanimously reappointed to a new three year term on the zoning commission.

Council unanimously approved the placement of a street light at 4501 Crepe Myrtle to provide better illumination for the entire cul-de-sac.

Council also unanimously approved a motion to apply for a Conservation Grant for improvement of the Gills Creek green space to possibly include a creek-side nature trail.

Sweet Seasons will return to Forest Acres on the grounds of Town Hall on November 28, 2006. Hospitality funds were approved to fund this year's festival.

Public Hearing returns

At 6:00 pm the public hearing on the re-zoning of 1620 Willingham Drive was reconvened. Lane Ligon , property owner explained plans to open an owner-operated small gift shop on the property in the existing building. Several individuals spoke in favor of and to express reservations about the re-zoning. The city attorney thanked the public for their input and closed the hearing.

Old business

An ordinance relating to the recovery of collections costs as a part of delinquent debts collected pursuant to the Setoff Debt Collection Act received unanimous second reading approval.

First reading of an amendment of an ordinance of a section of the code 21.146 providing for home occupations was tabled until next month.

City administrator's report

Council unanimously approved beginning conversion of the city's fleet of vehicles from petro-diesel to bio-diesel beginning with the oldest equipment. Results will be studied before further conversion efforts are made.

Council unanimously approved reestablishment of a drop off recycling center at the Roberts Springs Road facility.

Community Forum

Continually barking dogs are of concern for some city residents. The noise constitutes disruption of the peace, and complaints have been filed.

Rough treatment of recycle bins by collection personnel is also of concern to some city residents. City Administrator Williams will address the issue with workers.

Council meets again at 5:15 pm November 14.