By Al Dozier
A new ordinance that received first reading approval at the Nov. 19 Irmo Council meeting could help renters who have problems with home maintenance issues.
The ordinance creates “an occupant inspection request” which would provide the service free and enable town enforcement procedures to take place if problems are found.
The ordinance, which received unanimous approval, also clarifies offenses and violations cited in the current regulations.
Councilman Erik Sickinger said the new ordinance “provides clarity if a resident feels underserved” with a regulation that provides support and protection.
The council gave final reading approval to the adoption of a Comprehensive Plan designed to ensure positive growth for Irmo for the next 15 years.
It’s a plan that’s been under study for the past several months and has included a lot of public input about what a future Irmo should be, with an emphasis on parks, public safety, greenery, traffic, road maintenance and positive neighborhood development.
Councilman Sickinger said the plan is “incredibly important” to the future of the town of Irmo.
The council also gave first reading to an ordinance that establishes a business license for single-family residential subcontractors. The ordinance will establish separate licenses that cover all residential subcontractors under one license. Electrical, plumbing and HVA subcontractors will still need individual business licenses.
The council also gave first reading to an ordinance that will lift zoning restrictions in neighborhood Commercial Districts on professional support services, such as gyms. Town officials said restrictions in the town’s “Use Table” were previously imposed because of concerns about late-hour operations that are usually not in place for many of the new professional services.
The council approved an ordinance authorizing the sale of a portion of town property located at 7815 Broad River Road to Richland County in the amount of $85,100. The property will be used as part of Richland County’s widening project on U.S. 76.
The council gave first-reading approval to an ordinance approving the annexation of two lots at the corner of Lake Murray Boulevard and Nursery Road and to rezoning from Neighborhood Commercial to General Commercial.
The council approved a resolution recommended by Mayor Bill Danielson that supports a request to the state Legislature to require security cameras at senior facilities as a safety precaution. Danielson said the recommendation has been endorsed by the Central Midlands Council of Governments.
In other action, the council approved the purchase of a Hurricane Blower in the amount of $13,391, which is needed to clean up debris in public places throughout the town.
The council approved a contract with Bowman Consulting Group as the primary engineering form to perform Traffic Impact Analysis Services as needed. The Traffic Group Inc. was approved as an alternate firm. The council recently approved a measure that would require traffic analysis for new developments in the town.
The council approved contracts with 90210 Radio, Shot through The Heart, and Let’s Get it On to perform at the 2025 Irmo Concert series. The amount of the contracts was not disclosed but town officials said they were in accordance with previous reviews.
The council approved having Irmo host “The Boardr” Skate Park Event in 2025 with an expenditure of $25,0000, which would come from the Hospitality Tax fund, This event would host a skateboard competition at the Rawls Creek Park
The council received a positive audit report from Highsmith & Highsmith LLC. for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. Mayor Danielson expressed concerns about a finding in the audit that recommended more “segregation of duties.” The Highsmith representative said the issue of separating financial authorization arises with the town’s continued growth and can easily be adjusted.
The council heard a presentation from Capital City/ Lake Murray on the “Great Race,” which is a vintage/antique auto race that starts in Minnesota and ends at Lake Murray on June 29. More than 300 cars will participate.
The council approved the appointment of Sandra Fulmer, Michelle Carpenter and Kimberly Snipes to the Okra Strut Commission. The council also approved the appointment of Clint Scoville to the Planning Commission.
The council held a discussion on the 2025 Town Council Meeting schedule.
Metro Mortgage was recognized as the 2024 November Small Business of the Month.
Kathryn Morganelli was recognized as Artist of the Month.
The following new in-town businesses were recognized: LMR Pool and Spa, 7620A Woodrow St.; Wendy’s, 10601 Broad River Road; Patterson Custom Woodworking, 106 Royal Tower Drive; Modjul, LLC, 7921 Broad River Road: Weedman, 7 Thames Valley Road; Caring Hands, 7801 St. Andrews Road Ste. B5; Cozy Care at Home, LLC., 7801 St. Andrews Road Ste. B1.
Upcoming community events announced at the meeting included: Vista Lights, Magnet Fairs, Microchipping Event, Irmo Tree Lighting, The Living Christmas Story, Goodwill Bruch, ITC Holiday Market, and Shop with A cop.
During the School Showcase session, the council heard a presentation on H.E. Corley Elementary School Leadership Magnet & Montessori Magnet from Principal Melanie Harris.
