Forest Acres City Council meeting + Jan. 9, 2007
By John Dixon
Cub@TheColumbiaStar.com

Roll call

The Forest Acres City Council meeting began at 5:15 pm Jan. 9, 2007. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Frank Brunson. Bob Massa led those assembled in prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. All members were present with the exception of Councilman Charles Fetner who is recovering from surgery and City Attorney Lee Holloway who is traveling.

Minutes from the December 2006 meeting were read and approved without changes.

Business

The first order of business was to present a framed proclamation honoring Luther Stafford's many years of continuous service on the Planning Commission. The proclamation was originally read October 10, 2006, but Stafford's health prevented his attendance at that meeting. He was accompanied this night by his children Bob, Pat, and Suzie.

Mayor's Issues

A presentation on the new design of city signs was given by Alex James and Steve McCalla of the Appearance Commission. They have been working with a design company and have proposed a standard 5' X 6' simple elegant metal sign for the six major boundary gateway points and smaller 3'x 3' sign for neighborhood signs. The design incorporates the City of Forest Acres logo.

Updates for the Quinine Hill Park renovation are ready, but discussion was deferred until Councilman Fetner is present to participate.

The light at the intersection of Forest and Trenholm Road continues to malfunction. Mayor Brunson apologized to residents for the inconvenience, but the problem is beyond city control as it involves a malfunctioning timing loop. City Administrator Mark Williams has been in contact with personnel at the appropriate agencies in order to expedite remediation of the problem.

Old business

Annexation of 6308 Pinehill Road and a portion of the right- of- way of Pinehill Road received unanimous second reading approval.

Request for street lights on Bayview Circle also received unanimous approval with trees around existing lights to be trimmed and additional lights to be placed in the vicinity of 17 and 28 Bayview.

City administrators report

Williams presented particulars of the proposed tree replanting program. It is proposed that the city reimburse the cost up to $100 of replacing trees that have not survived at least one year post- planting. This program would be available to residential home owners only and would require an application for reimbursement. Council requested additional follow up next month.

In a quest to reopen the curbside recycling center, Williams has investigated costs involved and will present council with a plan and cost projections. Funding options for both initiatives were discussed but not approved pending further investigation.

Home occupation regulation is to be left off the agenda from now on because the planning commission indicated current regulations are sufficient.

The City has applied for a Richland County Conservation Commission Grant for $25,000. They have received $10,000 to help fund development of nature trails along sections of Gills Creek and Eight Mile Branch.

Council Items

Council has received many compliments about the holiday lights and will reorder damaged lights giving choice of decoration consideration to the four churches along the lighted route.

The Highway Department has trimmed trees around the Brentwood and Crystal Drive sites based on complaints from the community. Visibility is much improved.

Council was adjourned at 6:07 pm. Council will meet again in February.