Ordinance Amendment Could Restrict Parking to Driveways, Street

Irmo Council members approved first reading of amending the town's zoning ordinance related to parking, storage and use of vehicles and equipment in residential areas. 

Council is looking to address complaints of some residents parking vehicles or equipment on their lawns.

"We've seem to have developed considerable problems with people parking all over lawns," councilwoman Kathy Condom said. 

Condom said the pile up of cars on a resident's lawn is unsightly. 

Restricting parking to paved driveways or the street could cut down on people who may be operating large businesses from their home. 

Councilman Harvey Hoots cited residents repairing vehicles or a boat in their lawn. 

In other business, 

• Mayor Hardy King discussed a final report on the 2012 Okra Strut provided by the Okra Strut Commission compared to the town's financial report he requested. King said there was some discrepancies between the two reports. No one from the commission was present at the meeting to respond to the discrepancies. 
• Council approved a contract with AAA Well Drilling in the amount of $28,221.14 for the irrigation system at the town's new park on Eastview Drive. The vote was 3 to 1, with King opposing. Mayor Pro Tem Barry Walker Sr. was not present for the vote.
• The purchase of a Chevrolet Caprice Police Cruiser for $36,100 was approved. The vehicle needed to be replaced after another cruiser was wrecked in a car accident. 
• Council deferred extending Susan Hoots' contract as the Okra Strut Festival administrator to the next meeting. 
• Council recognized two Irmo Elementary School students that won Arbor Day awards. The students were Nirayka Monga (first place) and Jessica King (second place).