By Al Dozier
Irmo Mayor Barry Walker Sr. was complimented for his service to the town for nearly 20 years during his last council meeting Tuesday.
Walker, who lost his bid for another term to Councilman Bill Danielson, was presented a plaque at Tuesday’s meeting honoring his service.
For 20 years he has been a great mayor and a great councilman,” Danielson said. “Thank you for your service.”
“It’s time to retire and go fishing,” Walker responded. “I’m leaving the town in good shape.”
After Tuesday’s meeting, Walker was asked by The Irmo News if he planned to seek re-election.
He smiled.
“Yes I will,” he said.
It was also the last meeting for Councilman Kelly Busch, who decided not to seek re-election.
“It’s very humbling,” Busch said after receiving a plaque honoring his service. “Thanks for putting your trust in me for four years.”
Voters re-elected Councilman Erik Sickinger. Political newcomer Phyllis Coleman was elected to fill the vacant council seat.
The three newly-elected council members will be sworn in on Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. at the Irmo Municipal Building.
At Tuesday’s meeting, the council gave a second and final reading to an ordinance annexing property at 1317 Murraywood Court into Irmo and assigning a zoning designation of single-family residential.
The council gave first-reading approval to an amendment that updates guidelines to the town’s sign ordinances but agreed to make some changes before the second reading. Council members had some concerns about the restrictions on the length of time election campaign signs could be posted.
The council also gave first-reading approval to an ordinance that will move residential units out of commercial zones. Some changes could be made before the second reading.
During the public hearing period, Irmo resident Marion Boyd advised the council to be sure any new ordinances should take into consideration black citizens of the community. Boyd, who is Black, said the council should be more inclusive in its actions.
In other action, Irmo Smiles was recognized as the Small Business of the Month for November.
The following new in-town businesses were recognized: Aldi, 1169 Dutch Fork Road; Artistic Aspiration, 7336 Woodrow Street; Custom Computers, 7001 St. Andrews Road; Elaine Does Hair, 7703 St. Andrews Road; Limitless Fishing Brands, 7511 St. Andrews Road; M&C Loving & Caring Health Care, LLC, 10415 Broad River Road; Mopar Road Runnerz, 219 Kirkstone Road; Salty Siren Aesthetics Medical Spa, 120 Hunter Village Drive.
During the Community Connections session, the following upcoming events were announced:
Dog Park Ribbon Cutting, Nov. 30; Christmas Tree Lighting Nov. 28; Toys for Tots Drop-off; Lexington-Richland District 5 Magnet Information Nights; Irmo High School Student Council Blood Drive; Hands-Only CPR, Nov. 29-30 Harbison Community Center; The Living Christmas Story, Union United Methodist Church Dec. 1-3; Goodwill Brunch, Dec. 7, Irmo High School; S.C. Young Filmmakers Project is now open to area high school students.
