By Al Dozier
The Irmo Town Council Tuesday approved a resolution formally adopting the Town of Irmo’s Strategic Plan.
The plan has been months in the making with staff and council input adopting strategies aimed at assuring a successful future for the town of Irmo. Mayor Bill Danielson described it as a “road map” for the town.
After all of the time and effort that went into the project, Councilman Erik Sickinger said “I’m excited to see this be real.”
According to an introductory document, the strategic plan “outlines a roadmap for the future, encompassing key areas such as growth, financial strategies, public safety, staff development, and preservation of our small-town feel. Irmo’s success depends on the active engagement of its residents, businesses, and civic organizations, working hand in hand with local government to shape a future that honors the town’s heritage and embraces new opportunities.”
Danielson said the plan will be posted on the town’s website for everyone to see.
The council also gave the first reading to an ordinance adjusting the yearly sanitation fees for sanitation collection, stormwater management fees and uniform service fees. The annual fee will change from $300 per year to $346.50 per year with an increase each additional year equal to the Consumer Price Index.
Irmo resident David Stewart complained that the increase is too high and that the council should not provide increases each year without deliberation.
“When does it stop?”
However several council members noted the cost was less than that of surrounding governments and that the expense has to be maintained to meet demands. The provider, Tyler Sanitation, has done an excellent job, council members said.
The council approved a contract with AOS Specialty Contractors for $784,495 to complete the final phase of the Rawls Creek Park Project. This will finish the park to include walking trails, fencing gates, irrigation, landscaping and parking. Funds for the project will be provided by the Hospitality Reserve Fund.
The council appointed the following three members to the newly established Events Committee: George Frazier, Jada Powell and Marie Ryan. Irmo Council member Gabriel Penfield will also serve on the committee.
The council adopted a proclamation recognizing the Irmo International Festival, which is scheduled Sunday, April 28 from 12 to 5 p.m. at the Community Park of Irmo.
Grant DuPree of Dutch Fork High School was recognized as this year’s recipient of the Okra Strut’s Scholarship Recipient.
The council recognized Abundant Graze LLC as the April 2024 Small Business of the Month.
The following new in-town businesses were recognized: Jenuine Aesthetics, LLC., 7710 St. Andrews Road: Maggie L. Phillips, DMC, LLC, 1028 Kinley Road; Sam’s Sit and Stay, 172 Twisted Hill Road; Wellsoul Spa+Salon, 2914 B Dreher Shoals Road; The Beauty League Hair Design, 7719 St. Andrews Road; Tide Law Firm LLC, 7511 St. Andrews Road.
During the Community Connections session, the following upcoming events were announced: the Irmo Theater will present three showings of The Little Mermaid, on April 18, 19 and 20; Harbison Shred Day will be held on April 20; the Irmo Battle of the Bands will be held April 27 at Craft & Draft; Red White and Brews will be held May 17 at the Town Park.
