By Al Dozier
The town of Irmo is considering the installation of four charging stations at the Irmo Community Park Irmo for residents with electric vehicles.
It would cost the town about $28,000 but it would provide local residents with a quick charge as an increasing number of motorists are opting for EVs. Mayor Bill Danielson said the charger would simply provide a “quick charge” and would not result in a full charging of a vehicle.
“It’s like topping off your gas,” he said at Tuesday’s work session.
Motorists would pay for the charge by depositing money in a coin receiver.
The topic came up at the council’s “work session.” No votes are taken at work sessions, so the plan still has to go through final deliberations and a vote.
The council also discussed adding two “code enforcement” officers to take up that responsibility instead of having police officers perform those duties. Danielson said it would free up two officers to perform regular law enforcement duties.
The council also discussed the need for speed humps on Chadford Road to slow down speeding motorists. The council also cited the need to resurface the road.
Another topic addressed during the meeting was the consideration of PEBA (Public Employee Benefit Authority) insurance coverage, a state program available for council members in South Carolina.
Dr. Alonzo Johnson, pastor at Universal Outreach Church in Irmo, gave a presentation on the Universal Leadership Stem Academy, an after-school and summer camp program in the Irmo area that is now serving 90 students.
The program is a joint effort with the school district, the town of Irmo and other community organizations to provide mentoring services for children and families throughout the Irmo-Chapin areas. It’s funded by various organizations including local churches, volunteer organizations and the United Way. The cost of the program for the past year is approximately $135,000.
In response to questions from council members, Johnson said the program is more than just camp activities. It includes an academic program that can improve regular classroom performance.
Johnson said the progress of the program is being monitored on how it is improving academic performance.
“We’re not making quantum leaps, but we’re not sliding downward.”
In addition to academics, Johnson said the program addresses behavioral problems.
The council also heard a presentation from Naomi Reed, field service manager for the Municipal Association of South Carolina, on the different forms of government in South Carolina. She discussed the mayor-council relationships and administrative policies utilized by towns and cities throughout the state.
