West Columbia City Council discusses water pressure for five story hotel
By Ben Higgins Higginsb2@yahoo.com
Roll call

Mayor Bobby Horton called the meeting to order at 7:15 pm. All members were present: Mayor Bobby Horton, Mayor Pro-Tempore Tommy G. Parler, Eric L. Fowler, L. Dale Harley, Jack L. Harmon, Boyd J. Jones, Marsha J. Moore, Cathy Shannon and B.J. Unthank.

Requests for Appearance

Steve Patel with Holiday Inns and Suites sought council's aid for best way to get water to the five- story hotel he is planning to build. Given the hotel's height, strong water pressure is especially important to meet the demands of customers. The hotel is also located near three major highways making waterline issues especially difficult. Council appeared unanimous that the hotel would benefit the city. Councilman Harley suggested council could give Patel a tax break in lieu of giving him the $68,000 he needed to run a waterline. City staff, however, explained state law does not allow municipalities to make such agreements. Seeing no clear solution at the present time, council agreed to talk with city staff to determine the best way to assist Patel.

Announcements by mayor

Mayor Horton showed the audience a flag that was flown in Afghanistan in honor of the city of West Columbia.

Mayor Horton noted that Donna M. Smith, West Columbia's director of economic development, was honored by Eleventh Circuit Solictor Donnie Myers for some volunteer work she had done.

Mayor Horton recognized Tom Bowles and John Riggs with HSMM Engineering. Bowles and Riggs discussed the waterline improvements HSMM Engineering is making in West Columbia and the company's work on the Greenhill Water Storage Tank. Bowles and Riggs said more work is needed on city waterlines, but that this is a good starting point.

Approval of minutes

Minutes from the regular council meeting on April 1, 2008 and the special council meeting on April 21, 2008 were approved. The special council meeting minutes were amended to reflect that Councilman Harley was present, but somewhat late.

New business

First reading consideration was given to an ordinance to annex a portion of Leaphart Road and to a map amendment to reclassify recently annexed property on Corporate Boulevard as General Commercial. Both measures passed without discussion.

A recommendation by the Planning Commission to approve a Bonded Plat for Saluda Park Subvision passed without discussion.

Proclamations to designate May 2008 as World- Wide Bluegrass Month and Motorcycle Awareness Month passed with minimal discussion.

A bid award for the Triangle City Parking Lot Improvements passed with limited discussion. The money would be used for some resurfacing and drainage improvements. Mayor Horton noted the money came from a Community Block Grant provided by the federal government, and no taxpayer money was spent.

A proclamation to designate May 2008 as Mental Health Month passed without discussion.

Council adjourned at approximately 7:50 pm.