Forest Acres meets July 10, 2007
By John Dixon Cub@TheColumbiaStar.com
Roll call

Mayor Frank Brunson, Councilwoman Ginger Dukes, and Mayor Pro Tempore Curtis Rye are sworn in by City Attorney Lee Holloway.

The July 10 Forest Acres City Council Meeting began with a public hearing to receive input on the proposed amendment to the Comprehensive plan to allow for rezoning requests on a portion of Forest Drive previously zoned residential. Doug Neal provided information about the property in question, possible intended uses, and points in favor of amending the plan. No one spoke against the proposal. Attorney Lee Hol - loway thanked the public for their input and closed the hearing.

At 5:35 Mayor Frank Brunson called the meeting to order and Councilman Charles Fetner led the invocation and pledge. Attorney Holloway, Councilwoman Ginger Dukes, Mayor Pro Tempore Curtis Rye, Mayor Brunson, Councilman Fetner, Councilman Shell Suber, and City Manager Mark Williams were all present.

Swearing In

Attorney Hol loway swore in the newly elected council members. Members taking the oath of office were Mayor Frank Brunson, Mayor Pro Tempore Curtis Rye, and Councilwoman Ginger Dukes. It was approved for Curtis Rye to continues to serve as Mayor Pro Tempore. Minutes of the June 12, 2007 meeting were approved.

Doug Neal

Mayor's issues

• A resolution to allow the Forest Acres firefighters to do the boot drive in support of the Muscular dystrophy association was passed.

• City Manager Mark Williams isstillawaiting specifications needed to solicit bids on city signage.

• News on the Forest Acres Park Restoration project is expected in August.

•. There is no news about Midtown at Forest Acres.

New business

William Starrettof Columbia City Ballet brought Council a $30,000 request for Hospitality tax funds to sponsor five weekend getaways featuring ballet productions and fine dining in Forest Acres restaurants. Council has taken the request under advisement and will vote on the matter in August.

Old business

• Council awarded $20,000 in Hospitality tax funds in support of the Aliens blockbuster exhibit at the State Museum on a four to one margin.

William Starrett

• Council gave second reading approval to an amendment allowing modification to the Forest Acres comprehensive plan discussed at the earlier public hearing. Dukes, Suber , Brunson, and Rye voted in favor. Fetner voted against.

• Council unanimous second reading approval for annexation of property and right-of-ways on 6807 Eastbrook road, and 4650 Oakwood drive into the city of Forest Acres.

City administrator's report

•Mark Williams reports that realtor Margaret Jane Ashburn has agreed to donate the domain name forestacres.net in exchange for rights to forestacres.biz thus simplifying access to the City's official website.

• Wil liams received permission to expend $10,000 of Exxon settlement money to resurface the City Hall parking lot and repaint the retaining wall.

• Wil l iams reports the first round of direct deposits with First Citizen's Bank went smoothly except for some minor glitches which have since been rectified.

Carrie Walker

Community forum

• Mike McIntosh shared congratulations to the newly elected members of Council and asked for assistance on behalf of citizens expressing concern over lawn damage down by the scoop used to pick up trash.

• Carol Kososki requested the incentive project for tree replanting be added to the August agenda.

• Citizen Ralph Bailey requested clarification on the allowed uses for hospitality tax funds. Allowed uses include public activities and marketing to increase Forest Acres tourism as well as some law enforcement purposes.

• Carrie Walker, daughter of Mayor Pro Tempore Curtis Rye received a scholarship from the Homebuilder's Association of Greater Columbia.

Council items

Councilman Fetner requested an update on the town clock. Mark Williams is currently researching possibilities.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 pm. Council meets again Tuesday August, 9.