Cayce City Council meets October 9, 2007
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Roll Call

Mayor Avery Wilkerson, Mayor Pro-Tem Rick Myers, James Jenkins, Kenneth Jumper, Robert Malpass, City Manager John Sharpe, and Public Safety Chief Charles McNair were all in attendance.

The September minutes were carried and were entered into record.

Presentations

A proclamation to declare the city in a severe drought status was first discussed by the council. The proclamation would be an advisement to voluntarily monitor your resident's water use within the City of Cayce. The problem is not with capacity but rather with the river which is at less than capacity as far as annual consumption an outlook. The council approved the motion to go ahead and declare the drought status but not make a mandatory set back.

Heidi Johnson, the executive director of Keep the Midlands Beautiful discussed a plan to put approximately 100 trees on Airport Boulevard in the first of a series of beautification efforts because it is the first tourists see. Planting will begin in mid- December with two thirds of the trees being in the Cayce border. The cost of the project will approach $25,000. Currently there is $17,000. Johnson asked for $7500 and an effort to water the trees once the project is completed. Johnson asked that Cayce put their name on the encroachment permit. Wilkerson noted that the issue would be taken up later in the meeting along with contracts and agreements.

Sharon Martin has been having problems walking her dog at the Cayce Riverwalk Park. Martin spoke of dogs running loose in the city and that she had recently noticed emergency call boxes being out of order, arguing the city is providing a "false sense of security." Call boxes, being solar powered, risk being out of service during storms yet are monitored weekly. Council members expressed concern by Martin over violent dogs being on the loose within city limits without any identification.

Business

An amendment regarding sexual offenders was discussed. This proposed ordinance amendment is similar to one in Aiken County, prohibiting sexual offenders who enter city limits after the ordinance is approved from living within 1,000 feet of day cares, schools, and a number of other businesses. Myers asked the Council, "Is it enforceable?" and noted the amendment is basically keeping these citizens from living anywhere. Georgia passed a similar ordinance that prompted Aiken County to take action after an influx of Georgia residents moved to South Carolina as a result of the new law. The amendment was approved for second reading by Jumper. Wilkerson noted the ordinance had "good intent" but that more would be discussed at second reading.

An ordinance to sell city- owned property was approved at first reading, selling it for $20,000. Based on the future owner's plans, a 2000 square foot house will be built on the land.

A third ordinance which will allow for the adoption of the City of Cayce Cross Connection Program's Standard Operating Policy and Procedures about Lawn Irrigation Systems was approved on first reading.

An ordinance approving a lease of city property with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Board was postponed because the South Carolina DNR did not meet. Council voted to postpone until further notice.

A motion was carried on second reading to approve an ordinance setting a franchise fee rate for cable service providers upon expiration or termination of an existing franchise for cable service.

A third second reading to rezone property located at Axtell and Knox Abbott Drive from C- 3 and RG- 1 to PDD was postponed until November so that language can be made certain. The council approved this request unanimously.

Contracts

Bid awards and agreements were addressed. One was for a front- end loader sanitation truck for approximately $184,000 from Christopher Trucks. All Council members were in favor of the bid.

The approval to initiate a Pilot Roll Cart Program and of the NPDES Intergovernmental Agreement were each approved. The Pilot Roll Cart Program will help implement new and more durable trash receptacles for the City of Cayce over time.

The Council then readdressed the Airport Corridor Beautification Project. They voted to provide $7500 for the oaks, crepe myrtles, and elms and an additional $2500 for park benches along the corridor and to improve the City of Cayce sign at the entrance.

Bid Awards for the purchase of replacement dump truck utilities and for a public relations firm were both taken up by the Council. The replacement dump truck utilities were approved. The Council suggested that the three most suitable bids for public relations firms present 15 minute presentations at the November Council meeting. They will be involved in intergovernmental work and will be working with both the Council and department heads.

Other Matters

Reappointments to positions on the Beautification Board and the Cayce Museum Commission were all approved. Minutes from the SPAT Committee and Cayce Museum Commission's September meetings were each discussed, changes being noted, and entered into the record.

Sharpe gave a short report to the Council and they then adjourned at 8:23 to executivesession for legal advice and other negotiations.