Members of Edgefield County Council met Tuesday evening for a lively discussion on issues ranging from a proposed special development district in the Merriwether area to the approval of contractor bids for work on the Calliham building.

Minutes were first on the agenda. Councilwoman Blackwell inquired as to why the comments of the county administrator from last month’s meeting were not included in the minutes. She was told the minutes were maintained for items being voted on and not all dialogue of the meetings. Mrs. Blackwell stated that she wanted the comments to be included.

Under old business, Council passed the following items:

- Third reading of Ordinance No. 09-10-625 “An Ordinance defining the method to elect Edgefield County Council Officers and to Codify the Existing Council Practice and to Clarify Other Issues. (4-0)

- Third reading of Ordinance No. 09-10-624, “An Ordinance amending the Edgefield County Land Development and Zoning regulations to create a special development district entitled “Planned Development District” to provide a mechanism for the Planning Commission, County Council and an applicant to agree on the scope of a proposed development. This reading drew plenty of conversation as Roger Timpson of the Planning Commission defended the need for the amended ordinance so as to allow Edgefield County to maintain some modicum of control in regards to North Augusta annexations of county land. A county resident stood to offer her opinion in favor of the amended ordinance to protect Edgefield County interests. (4-0)

- Second Reading of Ordinance No. 10-11-627, “An ordinance to provide for the franchising procedures and standards for private ambulance services in Edgefield County.

- Second Reading of Ordinance No. 10-11-628, “An ordinance implementing a county-owned or leased non-law enforcement vehicle usage policy. (4-0)

Under new business, Council considered the following items:

- First Reading request from the Planning Commission to amend the Land Development ordinance as follows: The Land Development & Zoning Regulations chart Title XV land Usage, Sector 51: Information, Communication towers & Antennas, RD, change “N” not permitted to “C” conditionally permitted. (4-0)

- Council heard a passionate plea from Mr. Tom Adair that Barton Road be paved after the initial request was first made 23 years ago.

- Council accepted the recommendation from EMA Director Mike Casey that a bid of $81,917 from World Tower Co. be accepted for the construction of the new radio tower on Star Road. (4-0)

- Council accepted the recommendation of Mike Reed that a bid of $46,187 from Cullum Electrical be accepted for the purchase of a new heat pump for the detention center. (4-0)

- Council voted to place old county items (five heat pumps from the detention center and two heat/air units from the Calliham building on government deals (4-0)

Contractor bids for the Calliham building including bids for painting, HVAC units, electrical and carpentry were reviewed by Council with the following results:

- Council accepted the recommendation of Mike Reed that a bid of $10,100 from Hewston Construction be accepted for the inside painting. (4-0)

- Council requested more information from contractors before making a decision concerning new HVAc units.

- Council accepted a bid from Eddins Electric Company oon recommendation of Mr. Reed for the needed electrical work on the Calliham building. (4-0)

- Council selected Hewston Construction for the carpentry work on the building.

Councilman Rodney Ashcraft was not present at Tuesday’s meeting