By Al Dozier
The Irmo Town Council Tuesday approved contracts for new police vehicles, new speed radar equipment and entertainers for the next Okra Strut Festival.
The council approved the purchase of four Dodge Durango police vehicles in the amount of $177,529. The council also approved a contract for $49,446 to outfit patrol vehicles with lights, push bumpers and other accessories.
Stalker Speed radars, used by police to identify speeding violations, were purchased at a cost of $8,063.
The council approved a $15,000 contract with Will & Kris Amusement for amusement rides at the 2024 Okra Strut Festival. The council also approved a contract with CNY Attractions in the amount of $9,445 for amusement games at the festival.
The council gave first reading to an ordinance on land development regulations that will require a “traffic impact analysis” for developments where traffic flow reaches 50 trips per peak hour. Any new requirements would have to be paid for by the developer.
The council approved a resolution adopting the Lexington County Animal Control Ordinance to reflect recent changes made by Lexington County. Irmo traditionally adopts the same regulations as Lexington County.
The council approved a contract with S.C. Career Kids to conduct three Safety Town Pop-Ups in-school field trips in the amount of $10,500. Safety Town Pop-Ups is an interactive field trip program designed to educate children about important safety topics in a fun and engaging way.
The council also approved a contract with Universal Leadership STEM Academy in the amount of $30,000 towards the purchase of two buses for after-school and summer camp programs.
The council gave approval to a 2026 Irmo Concert Series not to exceed $45,000 from the Hospitality Fund. The town will host a concert series April 25, May 2 and May 9 at the Community Park. The concerts will feature live bands.
The council approved the appointment of Dawn Cilley to the Okra Strut Commission.
Southern Cuts Barbering Co. was recognized as the July 2024 Small Business of the Month.
During the Community Connections session, Councilwoman Barb Waldman announced the following upcoming events: High in Plain Sight (community event hosted by the police department to raise awareness of substance abuse among youth), July 19; National Night Out, Aug. 6; Zumba in the park, Aug. 9; Shred Day, Aug. 10.
The council held an executive session to discuss negotiations on the new Town Hall Project. No action was taken on the project.
