Whitt Cline

The special meeting began with the pledge of allegiance led by Cub Scout Pack 95 and an invocation. Key discussions included amending the agenda to defer an unfinished business item related to a grant due to missing paperwork. The council approved the minutes from the January 27, 2026 meeting and the February 3, 2026 council workshop. Administrative briefings covered updates on the FY26-27 budget, follow-up with SCDOT regarding sidewalk repairs, and plans for new LED lighting at the town hall and park following a meeting with Dominion Energy. New businesses included recognizing new businesses in town, such as Mindful Journey Counseling, Clear Path Consulting, Mimosa Nails, Cynthia Allen Hair Studio, and Ahri Beauty. The council recognized an employee of the quarter for the first quarter of 2026 and presented the Small Business of the Month award for February 2026 to Foot Savvy. A school showcase featured a presentation from Nursery Road Elementary Art Magnet School regarding their MSAP grant achievements, arts integration strategies, and upcoming student performances, including an original opera created by fifth graders. A special presentation was given by the Richland County Director of Public Works concerning road projects, including the construction of a traffic signal at Farming Creek Road and Broad River Road, and upcoming bridge deck work by DOT which necessitates traffic detours.

The special meeting commenced with a public hearing regarding proposed Ordinance 263, which seeks to annex 2.34 acres of land located at 10005 Broad River Road into the town, requesting a zoning of CG General Commercial. Following the pledge of allegiance and invocation, the agenda included the approval of the current agenda and the reading/approval of minutes from previous meetings in December 2025 and January 2026. Key discussions involved an administrative briefing detailing the filling of the events position with Crystal Barley, the conditional offer for a custodial position, and coordination with DOT regarding traffic light timing issues. The council also presented the Small Business of the Month award to Vivid Aesthetics. The School Showcase featured a presentation from Dutch Fork High School, highlighting student achievements in STEM, including one student recognized nationally. Community connections included announcements for various upcoming events such as the Riverbank Zoo Free Fridays, a community campfire, a Valentine art class, an art contest by the SC Wildlife Federation, and the Irmo Cherry Blossom Festival. Under unfinished business, the council held the second and final reading for Ordinance 2601 to update purchasing and procurement procedures from the 2001 form, and the second and final reading for Ordinance 2603 concerning the annexation discussed earlier in the meeting.

The special meeting commenced with the inauguration and swearing-in ceremony for newly elected Councilmember Dr. Barb Waldman, followed by the swearing-in of Mr. Gabe Penfield. Following the official call to order, the pledge of allegiance was led by retired First Sergeant Lawrence Coleman, who was also honored with the presentation of an Army flag. The council presented Sergeant David Fairbanks with the Employee of the Quarter award for his extensive knowledge, service as a primary field training officer, and positive impact on the patrol division. The agenda included the approval of appointments for Mayor Pro Tem (Dr. Barb Waldman), member of the Central Midlands Council of Government Board of Directors (Mayor Danielson), Municipal Clerk (Lisa Hancock), Town Attorney (Will Edwards), Special Projects Attorney (Jake Moore Sr.), and Criminal Prosecution Attorney (Jake Moore Jr.). The meeting also included readings and approvals of the minutes from the November 18, 2025, and December 9, 2025, council meetings. Administrative reports covered the inaugural Christmas parade, water leak repairs in coordination with the City of Columbia, sidewalk repairs pending Richland County action, and the welcoming of 104 new businesses in the previous year. Additionally, Namaste Yoga was recognized as the Small Business of the Month. Councilwoman Waldman presented highlights from Leeart Elementary School Steam Magnet program, detailing their mission, national distinctions, and new mascot, the Leapart Trailblazers.

The special meeting addressed new business, specifically the approval of Resolution 25-12 to authorize the acceptance of a letter of conditions from the US Department of Agriculture. This authorization permits the town administrator to accept $1,980,000 in directed spending from the federal government for the construction of a new town hall. Discussion included the execution of required forms, security requirements such as recording a notice of federal interest, compliance statements related to civil rights and other federal acts, and procurement guidelines ensuring open competition. The session also included the authorization to purchase a Hustler hyperdrive mower for $18,323.94 from Hilton's Power Equipment.

The meeting included approval of the agenda and the reading of the minutes from the October 21st council meeting. The administrative briefing included updates on Christmas decorations, sidewalk repairs at town hall, and a food pickup event. The council acknowledged new businesses in town. A presentation was made regarding the history of the Irmo Police Department, including a restored Volkswagen Rabbit police car, which was donated to the town. A proclamation was issued declaring November 20th as World Pancreatic Cancer Day. The Kraker Company was recognized as the business of the month. Community connections were discussed, including upcoming events such as Senior Bingo, a Daddy Daughter date night, magnet fairs, holiday events, and the annual tree lighting.