West Columbia City Council meets March 13
By Kristin Lavender
kblavender@gmail.com

Roll call

The West Columbia City Council meeting began shortly after 6 pm, March 6, 2007. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Bobby Horton. Mayor Horton then followed with the Invocation and in leading the Pledge of Allegiance.

It was then called to the attention of the council that no Requests for Appearance had been made.

Minutes from a Public Hearing on the West Columbia Comprehensive Plan 2006, held Feb. 6, 2007, were approved. Minutes from the February 6, 2007, regular council meeting and the Feb. 10, 2007, council planning retreat were also approved without changes.

Business

All old business was approved as published at second readings.

A first reading consideration of an ordinance providing for the transfer of a portion of the authority for conducting municipal elections to the Lexington County Registration and Elections Commission was adopted. This will transfer duties to the county but retain the city of Lexington.

A motion was adopted to proceed with the consideration of an ordinance, which would increase the candidate filing fees for the offices of mayor and council member. This would cause a change in the method of election, nomination, and procedure previous exercised. The previously existing filing fees are $50 and $30, respectively. The proposed changes would increase the fees to $150 and $100, respectively. The purpose for these changes is due to the large amount of time required for filing preparations and the considerable amount of staff time used.

A motion was made by Councilwoman Marsha Moore to adopt a first reading consideration to establish the zoning classifications for recently annexed property on Augusta Road as C- 2 (general commercial) and R- 2 (medium density residential). Councilman Dale Harley seconded the motion. Councilman Harley then made a motion to consider a bid to extend a water line along Andrea Court and for the installation of fire hydrants on Double Branch Road. The bid up for consideration was the lowest bid provided and was approved without opposition.

Fees for the Triangle City Street Enhancement Project were reviewed and accepted. The consulting and engineering fees to be considered, provided by HPG & Company Consulting Engineers, Inc., are a cap for the enhancement. Described by Mayor Horton as a "long awaited project," it is not to exceed $25,000 and will include contracting work, construction, and inspection of site improvements.

Next followed a consideration of the bids for the Triangle City Street Enhancement Project. These costs will cover part of the beautification of the project, not to include electrical work, which will be done by SCE&G, or any other necessary improvements. Described by council members as "the essential first step," a grant already designated to the project by DOT will cover various other costs.

The consideration for the re- appointment of Lewis Latimer to the West Columbia Election Commission for a six- year term ending May 2012 was withdrawn. Due to health problems, Latimer asked to no longer be considered. Mayor Horton spoke of Latimer's commitment to the Commission and that he had "served this city for many years."