West Columbia City Council meets December 4, 2007
By Kristin Lavender kblavender@gmail.com
Roll call

Mayor Bob Horton, Mayor Pro- Tem Tommy Parler, council members Eric Fowler, Dale Harley, Jack Harmon, Boyd Jones, Marsha Moore, and B.J. Unthank were all present. Absent was Councilman Cathy Shannon.

Presentations

After attending the recent city Christmas lighting Morris Phillips said he was impressed by the people who serve and proud of the Christmas parade, and genuinely thankful for what his city represents.

Horton made a presentation to Ellen Ravenell for her Master in Business Licensing Delegation. Ravenell has shown a dedication to service since she was first employed in 2000.

Horton also mentioned the City of West Columbia Kid's Christmas party at the Fire Department December 21, noon- 2 pm.

Business

Harley made a motion to approve first reading of the Planning Commission's recommendation to approve a map amendment to change the zoning classification of properties located at various points on Middleton Street and Joyce Street from Medium Density Residential to General Commercial. This was seconded by Fowler with no discussion by the council.

First reading of a consideration of the Planning Commission's recommendation to approve a map amendment to change the zoning classification of property located next to 622 Shull Street from General Commercial to Restricted Commercial was heard. Moore made the motion, seconded by Harley. No discussion was had.

The council heard the consideration of bids for the Jarvis Klapman Boulevard Beautification Project and the 12th Street Planting Project. City Administrator Jennifer Cunningham presented, to the council, the bids. The lowest bid was given by Pony Hill Nursery at $68,880. The next qualifying bid was at $139,849. The project will be primarily funded by a competitive grant by the State of South Carolina with additional funds from the City of Cayce, all staying within budget. The staff recommendation, the Pony Hill Nursery Bid, was approved by the council in a motion made by Harley, seconded by Fowler. The job will begin on December 10 with completion in February.

Cunningham also presented a consideration of bids for the purchase of municipal solid waste roll carts. On November 16, the city opened the floor for bids for 5,600 roll carts for a new program to go into effect February or March of next year. North Carolina Dealer Otto Environmental costs $45.33 per unit and has a 45 mile per hour wind resistance. Amick Equipment, costs $45.05 per unit and is slightly taller with a 38 mile per hour wind resistance. The City of Cayce label will be heat stamped on the carts and take approximately six months to distribute. The recommended bid was for the $45.33 per unit carts, costing a total of $270,226.36. Moore made a motion to accept this bid, seconded by Jones.

Administrator's Report

Cunningham said the city is waiting approval by DHEC of a Bel Air Road water line. Then they'll tap into the line, which also has the potential to open up the area for a new subdivision.

Time Warner Cable's 15 year franchise with West Columbia expired in November. The Franchise Authority Certification lies with the Secretary of State's office. Cunningham recommended they assert intent as well for the establishment of a new franchise.

Other Business

Council adjourned to Executive Session for a legal matter at 6:23 pm. The council then reconvened for the designation of an Insurance Carrier for Property, Liability and Automotive Insurance for January 1, 2008 - December 21, 2008.