Conway council approves first readings on multiple annexations and UDO amendments; OKs grant match and sidewalk contract

The Conway City Council on Monday gave unanimous first-reading approval to multiple annexations and zoning ordinances, approved a first-reading amendment package to the city Unified Development Ordinance and separate changes to rules on noncommercial livestock keeping in rural districts, authorized a $5,000 local-match resolution for a Municipal Association of South Carolina (MASC) Big Idea grant application for a splash pad at Smith Jones Park, and approved an annual sidewalk/asphalt contract bid process recommendation.

The most immediately actionable item was council’s vote to commit $5,000 as a local match for a MASC Big Idea grant to fund a proposed splash pad at Smith Jones Park. City staff told council the match is required for the application; council voted to approve the resolution and apply before the September deadline.

Planning and annexation items dominated the meeting. Planning staff presented several first‑reading ordinances to annex properties into the city and to zone them upon annexation. “The applicant’s requesting annexation and zoning of this property due to the property being sold and requirement of current owners to connect to city utilities,” planning staff said when describing the roughly 3,900‑acre request at 5206 Columbia Street that would be zoned R‑1 (low‑to‑medium density residential) upon annexation. First reading of that ordinance was approved; final readings for the related annexation and zoning ordinances were scheduled for the Oct. 6 council meeting. Planning commission held public hearings on the items Sept. 4 and recommended approval, staff said.

Council also approved first reading…