The Town of Irmo held a regularly scheduled council meeting on Tuesday, October 18, 2022.
The final reading on a zoning change at Dreher Shoals Road and Farming Creek Road from Fringe Agricultural to Office Commercial failed by a 3-2 vote. The parcel would have been developed for a self-storage facility and three out parcels. The 30 acre tract was to be divided and only 9 acres were originally planned to be rezoned but due to lack of a new tax map all 30 acres were under consideration for rezoning. The rezoning has been under scrutiny and majorly opposed by mostly non Irmo citizens living near the tract.
Another final reading passed to require bike racks on retail commercial developments that generate foot traffic. A final reading was passed that would create a board to hear appeals of building codes commonly known as an architectural review board.
The town passed a first reading on banning electronic cigarettes in public places and places of employment. By doing this they also eliminated any grandfather clauses to make Irmo eligible for Smoke-Free Palmetto State Certification.
An approval to fund a gun buy-back program was passed in a 3-2 vote that would allow the Irmo Police Department to pay for guns with $25,000 provided by excess funds from the Okra Strut Commission. Handguns are purchased back for $50 and long guns are $100.
Approval to upgrade the audio/visual equipment by Gattis Pro Audio in the amount of $13, 033 was passed that upgrade aging tv, and microphones and would move the equipment into a server closet.
A grant award in the amount of $27, 373. 61 was passed on purchasing 12 AEDs (automated external defibrillators) for the Irmo Police Department. The funds were made available through the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. Currently, IPD has no defibrillators in use.
Artist of the Month was given to Trish Gillam.
H.E. Corley Elementary School Leadership Magnet & Montessori Magnet were recognized and a presentation was made by Principal Jason Pollock.
A workshop planned for the council was moved from December 6 to November 29.
