Irmo council approves annexation, finance resolution and contracts; sets dates for Cherry Blossom and Christmas events

The Town of Irmo Council on Feb. 25 approved a set of ordinances, resolutions and contracts covering land use, financing options for a new town hall and event logistics.

Votes at a glance - Ordinance 25-1: Annex and rezone 0.52 acres at 6375 St. Andrews Road (TMS 279906001) from Lexington County C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial) to Irmo CG (General Commercial) — approved by roll call (yes: Mr. Pemfield; Ms. Coleman; Dr. Waltman; Mr. Singer; Mayor William O. Danielson). Public hearing produced no speakers. - Resolution 25-03: Express intent to be reimbursed with proceeds of tax-exempt obligations for certain costs associated with a new town hall project — approved by roll call (yes: Mr. Pemfield; Ms. Coleman; Dr. Vaughn; Mr. Sickinger; Mary Davis). Council discussion included an explanation from bond counsel that the resolution preserves an option to issue tax-exempt debt but does not itself authorize borrowing. - Contract award: Jumper Carter Sease (architectural/engineering services) — approved (roll call yes votes recorded). The approved contract is for professional services in the amount of $300,000 for the new town hall project; council discussion noted the overall project budgeted at $5.8 million (the transcript identifies $4.2 million as the building hard-cost portion and the rest as soft costs and fixtures). Design-phase billing percentages recorded in the contract include: Design Development 25%, Construction Documents 35%, Construction phase 23%, Closeout 2%. - Road closure: Close portion of Carlisle Street (Columbia Ave to Lexington Ave) for the Irmo Cherry Blossom Festival on March 22, 2025 — approved. Organizer will be required to secure two police officers and barricades; staff said the town will publish closure notices and that some overtime or hired manpower costs may be required. - Event date: Approve holding the 2025 Irmo Christmas Parade on Dec. 6, 2025 — approved. Events committee said route and logistics will mirror the Overstreep parade route and that costs could be offset by participation fees though staff overtime is likely.

What council members heard and decided Annexation and rezoning: Council noted staff feedback that the requested CG General Commercial zoning aligns with the comprehensive plan and nearby uses; no members voiced opposition in the final roll call. A public hearing on the ordinance produced no public speakers.

Town-hall financing: Bond counsel explained that federal tax rules allow municipalities to issue tax-exempt debt and that the resolution preserves the town’s ability to reimburse project costs from bond proceeds if the council later chooses to issue debt. Counsel said the resolution does not bind the town to borrow — a separate ordinance would be required to issue bonds.

Architect contract and project budget: Council approved engaging Jumper Carter Sease (architect) and LCK (project manager). Staff and a project manager from LCK said billings will be milestone-based and typically billed monthly; milestones were listed in the contract. Council members discussed project scope and payment structure, and the resolution passed by roll call.

Events and community items: The events committee reported a $1,526.46 donation to McGregor Presbyterian Church’s snack-pack program from proceeds of the recent chili cook-off; the council approved the Cherry Blossom Festival road closure request and set the date for the Christmas parade. The council also acknowledged proclamations for community members and groups.

Executive Session: The council entered executive session for legal advice on a potential claim and took no public action immediately afterward.

Provenance: Actions and votes summarized here are captured in the meeting transcript from the second reading of Ordinance 25-1 on annexation through votes on parades and road closures.