The Irmo Town Council wants to “beautify” the neighborhoods of Irmo.

At the Dec. 17 meeting, the council approved a contract with Bowman Engineering to perform services in the amount of $10,500 to prepare cost estimates for beautification improvements to signalized intersections along S.C. 60 and St. Andrews Road. The scope of work includes studies for landscaping, hardscaping, striping, signage, mast arm signal poles and appearances.

During a discussion of the project, council members agreed that one of the top priorities of Irmo residents is to make the town a “beautiful” place to live. It’s an undertaking the council hopes to keep doing.

In another action, the council gave final reading to an ordinance annexing two lots adjacent to the BP Station at the corner of Lake Murray Boulevard and Nursery Road, including the large blue building at 1621 Lake Murray Blvd. The council also gave final reading to an ordinance that amends the zoning code to allow professional services, support services and gyms in the Neighborhood Commercial District. The amendment simplifies the zoning process.

Another ordinance that received final reading will make it easier for local contractors to be licensed by providing one license to cover a variety of actions. Electrical, plumbing and HVAC subcontractors will still need individual business licenses.

The council also gave final reading to an ordinance that changes the required dates for rental registration and clarifies offenses and violations. The ordinance also creates an occupant inspection request for renters concerned about issues in their homes.

The council approved the acceptance of an S.C. Department of Public Safety Justice Assistance Grant in the amount of $132,434 to purchase and upgrade police radios. The town will only have to pay 10% of the cost.

The council also approved a Letter of Credit for the Bickley Station housing development in the amount of $298,321.31 to guarantee the construction of unfinanced infrastructure.

Mayor Bill Danielson provided an update on what he learned attending the Central Midlands Council of Governments annual conference.

He said local officials were informed of the huge costs now underway to improve roads and infrastructure throughout the state. Attendants were told that bridges throughout the state are currently in a "state of crisis."

He also noted that officials at the conference described South Carolina as “one of the fastest-growing states in the nation."