Irmo Town Council held a regular business meeting on Tuesday, April 21, 2025 in the Irmo Municipal Building located at 7300 Woodrow Street.
Two public hearings were held prior to the meeting on annexations located at 200 Ministry Drive and two parcels located on Dreher Shoals Rd. Both closed with no comments from citizens.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Captain Mathew Jenkins, Retired United States Marine Corp. As a combat veteran he led his anti terrorist platoon through seven months of combat earning the Combat Action Ribbon for Honorable Actions while Under Enemy Fire. He served globally in Iraq, Guantanamo Bay and Africa. After his retirement from the Marine Corps he continued his public service in the Federal Bureau of Investigation, working violent crime and gang squads. He has received the FBI Medal of Excellence and still serves the Irmo community with his initiatives that brings local law enforcement together to protect the community. He works closely with local ministries that support teenagers and victims of domestic violence. Jenkins was presented with the Marine Corps flag that flew in the Veterans Park of Irmo.
Town Council presented Miss Irmo Teen 2026, Charlize Colins, to the community. She is a sophomore at Gray Collegiate Academy and is advocating mental wellness in the community with an emphasis on the arts and artists.
An update on the I-20 and I-26 intersection was presented by SCDOT Carolina Crossroads Project Director Bradley Reynolds. In the presentation Bradley asked that the town sign a Municipal Agreement outlining where the project would encroach Irmo town limits mostly around the I-26 Exit 101 loops. He stated that there could be some removal of landscaping and that the town would have responsibility to replace those plants and vegetation. Also, any lane closures would be limited to overnights or weekends and that the interchange would not be closed. Construction will begin in February 2027 or later.
The Dutch Fork Elementary School Academy of Environmental Sciences was highlighted in the School Showcase portion of the meeting by Principal Rebecca Dilley.
Dr. Barb Waldman presented a substantial list of all the upcoming events in Irmo. Mayor Danielson commented that ‘not all that long ago people complained that there was nothing to do in Irmo. There certainly seems to be lots of things going on now including our historically largest event, Juneteenth, in Moore Park.”
Final Reading for a new accommodations tax passed charging an additional 3% to anyone staying in the local hotels, airbnbs and vrbos in Irmo. All proceeds from the tax will go towards tourism related expenses.
Final Reading for annexation of the property of 0.44 acres of land into the town passed with the applicant requesting a General Commercial zoning.
Final Reading on two parcels totaling 21.78 acres of land into the town off Dreher Shoals Road north of Leamington Way passed and will be split between Single Family Residential and Fringe Agricultural zoning.
The First Reading of the 2026/2027 Operating and Capital Budget passed. The total for the year will be $13,025,193 and the Okra Strut budget will be $184.000. “We’ve been working on this budget for four to six weeks and this is no stranger to anything,” said Mayor Bill Danielson. Penfield began a conversation with the town administrator causing the mayor to ask if their were any objections. Penfield exclaimed that he just questioned the process.
The town created and passed a resolution to maintain a fund balance of four months at all times in the general fund for operational expenses to ensure continued stability. “This establishes transparency with your fund balance,” Irmo Town Administrator Jim Crosland told council. “We do have a healthy fund balance.” The reserve would carry four million dollars.
The town agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding with Union United Methodist that allows for the creation of the shared walkway and bridge that connects the church with Moore Park. The cost of the projects will be addressed with council at a later date.
The Town accepted a quote to repair, seal and stripe the Town Hall parking lot at a cost of $9,585 from Pothole Heroes. Three bids were considered for the transaction. Penfield interrupted the proceedings declaring he wanted to make a point. “Can we just make sure that they are going to use coal tar and not PMM,” said Penfield. PMM is an abbreviation for polymer modified masterseal which is an environmentally friendly, mineral based asphalt sealer.
Coal tar, due to it’s excessive cancer risks and toxicity to the environment, is now banned in many states and cities, including Washington, DC and recently in Greenville, South Carolina. Penfield has stated he is a consultant for a local parking lot maintenance company. Town Hall is located at 7300 Woodrow Street.
Julie Zimmerman asked Town Council to help with her food initiative, ‘Irmo Neighbors Helping Neighbors,’ by granting permission to place a blessing box in Rawls Park. She wants to do more other boxes around the town in the future.
“Sounds like a great idea,” said Mayor Bill Danielson.
Town Council held an Executive Session regarding a privately owned roadway and associated utility improvements.
Executive Session lasted 22 minute and no votes or action was taken after council returned to the dais.
The meeting was adjourned.
