By Al Dozier
The Irmo Town Council approved a contract at the November 16 council meeting with Hybrid Engineering for design work on the Rawls Creek Park.
The council approved Hybrid’s bid of $127,110 for the initial development of the planned skate park, dog park and community garden that has been in the planning stage for several months. There has been a lot of interest throughout the Irmo community in the skate park.
The council chose Hybrid over ADC Engineering, Inc., which submitted a bid for $136,485.
Council also held a brief discussion on plans to purchase additional land for the Community Park of Irmo.
The town has made a $450,000 offer for 10 acres of land surrounding the park. The seller is asking $500,000 for the property, which would double the size of the park.
The transaction is under a 30-day “due diligence” review before a final decision is made. During Tuesday’s meeting, town officials said closing on the transaction could be scheduled by the December 7 council meeting.
Council members have voiced support for the purchase, which would provide needed parking space and additional area for the Okra Strut festival activities.
In other actions, the council adopted a resolution endorsing a safety policy that would set forth standards for a safe workplace for all employees. The resolution calls for regularly scheduled safety meetings in which employees, managers and employees would consider implementing safety measures.
The council also approved buying of a 2014 Ford Taurus police interceptor in the amount of $15,279. The vehicle will replace a wrecked vehicle that is no longer usable.
The council received a positive report on the 2021 Okra Strut from Commission Chairman John Lindower. He said the 47th annual event held September 24-25 was “very successful” and highlighted the best of Irmo. He said the festival is in good shape financially.
The council received a report on the state’s Regional Gateway Project, which sets up carefully crafted landscape sites along Interstate highways as they pass major cities in the state. The Harbison Boulevard intersection with I-26 is under consideration, but the Broad River Road intersection is now receiving consideration.
Irmo is being asked to join other towns and cities contributing to the project to help promote the program statewide. Irmo would be asked to contribute around $9,000 a year.
The council officially endorsed a resolution recognizing Councilwoman Kathy Condom for her 18 years of service on the town council.
Condom has served on the council since 2003 “with commitment and distinction,” the resolution states. During her service, she “has been a strong advocate for the citizens and the staff of the town of Irmo.”
The resolution proclaimed November 16, 2021, be named “Kathy Condom Day” in recognition of her service.
The audit firm of Hightower & Hightower LLC gave the town a favorable rating for the 2021 financial year.
The council heard a request from the TFA Café for a new community event designated the “Irmo Holiday Market” which would feature activities with local businesses throughout the day on December 11 from 11 am to 7 pm The event would include children’s activities and a visit from Santa.
Sponsors are asking the town for a $5,000 contribution for the event. Council members appeared favorable to the request but asked for a look at the budget plan before making a final decision.
The council also heard a request from local photographer Kimberly Case for the town to set up a location for a display of art, which could include local scenes in the Irmo area. The council appeared to be receptive toward the request and will consider sites in the town that would be appropriate.
The council recognized Bobby Chapman of Irmo Drug as the November Small Business of the Month.
These new-in-town businesses were recognized: Carolina Physicians & Rehab, LLC, 7021 St. Andrews Road; Cola Wash Pros, LLC., 200 West Royal Tower Drive: Elite Angles Homecare, 6236 St. Andrews Road; Mid Carolina Electrical Inc., 6021 St. Andrews Road; Sharpvue, LLC., 1085 Lake Murray Boulevard.
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