West Columbia City Council meets June 5, 2007
By Kristin Lavender
kblavender@gmail.com

Roll Call

West Columbia City Council convened Tuesday evening, June 5, 2007, at 6 pm. Mayor Bob Horton, Mayor Pro- Tem Jack Harmon, Councilman Eric Fowler, Councilman Dale Harley, Councilman Boyd Jones, Councilwoman Marsha Moore, and Councilman Tommy Parler were present. Councilmen Doug Reeves and B.J. Unthank were both absent.

Budget

City Administrator Jennifer Cunningham made opening remarks about the budget to the Council. The estimated balanced operating budget for the 2007- 2008 General Fund is $11,970,000. The budget is divided among the following divisions: Mayor and Council, Inspection, Administration, Community and Economic Development, Police Administration, Fire Department, Street Department, Sanitation Department, Maintenance Shop, and Parks and Recreation. The largest portion of the budget, at 43.6%, is appropriated to the Police Administration.

Horton pointed out that while people want things done, they don't want to pay for them. "We're trapped in that corner," he said.

Water and Sewer Rates

Moore spoke up in opposition of increased taxes in order to fund a larger budget and to cover increases in water and sewer rates and fees. "I know that the city is a business and it needs to run like a business." In making this remark, she pointed to the idea that while avoiding higher taxation is what she wants, it isn't exactly realistic for a successful government. Harley then made a motion to adjourn the Public Hearing.

Regular Meeting

The June Regular Council Meeting was called to order at 6:47 pm. Parler led the Council in the Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.

Tim James and Barbara Willm of the Lexington Medical Center presented West Columbia Police Chief Dennis Tyndall with four defibrillators. This was done at the request of the Chief and voted on by the Hospital Fund Board. James and Willm spoke of how fiscally responsible Tyndall is and of their eagerness to respond to his request. Tyndall told the Council that one defibrillator will be on hand every shift to respond to any calls to the Riverwalk.

Announcements

Horton presented a plaque to Lewis Latimer for his many years of dedicated service to the city. Latimer worked, unpaid, for 25 years as, among other positions, chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals from 1979- 2004. He was commended for having given generously to the community of his time, knowledge, and experience.

A presentation was then given for the West Columbia Yard of the Month. Harley presented the award, voted on by the West Columbia Beautification Committee, to Betty Jeffcoat . In doing so, Harley said, "Thank you so much for being a participant and making the rest of us look bad." Horton then added that Jeffcoat's yard is "beautiful all year long."

Minutes from the May 1 Regular Council Meeting, May 17 Special Council Meeting, and May 21 Council Work Session were adopted as published.

New Business

Council approved a consideration of an ordinance adopting a Budget for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2007, and levying a tax to meet such budget for the Fiscal Year, General Fund $11,970,000 and Water/Sewer Fund $12,620,000.

Moore made a motion to approve an ordinance establishing amended water and sewer service charges for the City of West Columbia. The motion was seconded and passed with no discussion by the Council.

A consideration for a resolution authorizing the Dickerson Center for Children to hold a fundraiser on public property was heard. Moore made a motion to pass and Harmon seconded.

In the consideration on the Planning Commission's recommendation for a map amendment to establish the zoning classification for recently annexed property located at 1517 L Avenue, questions arose as to the reasoning for the change. This will allow the property to be used as a house, but if the owners ever decide to sell it, it can be sold as commercial. Harley made a motion seconded by Moore to approve at first reading.

An approval of a resolution annexing property owned by the City of West Columbia located along the Saluda River and off Sunset Boulevard was read. A motion to proceed was made by Moore and seconded by Harmon.

The council adjourned and is scheduled to meet again at 6 pm, Monday, July 9, 2007.