West Columbia council OKs Caraway Park shade project, $25,000 planning grant, multiple first‑reading rezones and permits alcohol at Wine on the River

The City of West Columbia city council approved a series of routine and planning items at its meeting, including vendor authorization for park sail shades, acceptance of a $25,000 planning grant, first readings on multiple zoning and annexation ordinances, and a contested vote to allow beer and wine at a fundraiser.

Catherine Call, a city staff presenter, asked the council to accept the lowest responsive, responsible bidder for design, procurement and installation of three sail shades at Caraway Park. "We recently sought proposals from qualified contractors for the design, procurement, and installation of 3 sail shades at Carraway Park," Call said. The council voted unanimously to allow the city administrator to enter contract negotiations with Bliss Products and Services Incorporated (referred to in staff materials as Bliss Services) for the project. Staff said the three shades will be located over the glider/zip line, a small structure, and the swing set and are designed to remain up year‑round; warranty details were noted to be in the vendor proposal and were not read into the record.

The council unanimously accepted a $25,000 Problem Solver grant from the Municipal Association of South Carolina (MASC). Staff said the grant will fund a small‑area zoning plan focused on Triangle City, separating that area out from a prior, larger grant so Triangle City can receive a more tailored study and recommendations.

On land‑use matters, the council gave unanimous first reading consideration to several ordinances: a rezoning of 0.15 acres at 740 Center Street from C‑2 (general commercial) to C‑3 (restricted commercial), a rezoning of 0.85 acres at 1511 Gambrell Street from R‑2 (residential) to C‑3, and an annexation ordinance for 3.46 acres at two parcels (tax map numbers cited in the agenda). Staff noted the Gambrell Street rezoning would permit single‑family residential use that is not allowed in C‑2 and that the city's future land‑use map recommends low‑ to medium‑density residential for those parcels; the planning commission recommended approval. Council members asked staff to follow up on potential parking and connectivity impacts on Meeting Street and to provide additional information before second reading.

The council approved a resolution authorizing consumption of beer and wine at the Lexington Medical Foundation's Wine on the River fundraiser. The motion passed 8‑1; the opposing vote was not named in the meeting remarks.

The council also unanimously approved the minutes of the Aug. 5, 2025, regular council meeting and moved to adjourn at the end of the agenda.

Votes at a glance: Wine on the River (resolution authorizing beer and wine at fundraiser) — passed 8 yes, 1 no. Caraway Park sail shades (authorize contract negotiations with Bliss Products and Services Inc.) — passed unanimously. Municipal Association Problem Solver grant ($25,000 for Triangle City small‑area plan) — passed unanimously. Rezoning (740 Center St, C‑2 to C‑3) — first reading unanimous. Rezoning (1511 Gambrell St, R‑2 to C‑3) — first reading unanimous. Annexation (345/356, 3.46 acres) — first reading unanimous.

Council materials show staff will return with contract details for the shade project, warranty information from the selected vendor, and follow‑up planning details ahead of required second readings for the ordnances.