The Columbia County Community and Emergency Services Committee approved moving forward with the purchasing and installation of pavilions at Gateway Park.
Community Services Division Director John Luton said one thing that is mentioned most about parks in the county is a lack of shade and shelter, especially at Gateway Park in Grovetown.
“With that very popular splash pad, there’s not a whole lot of seated covered areas around there,” Luton said. “We wanted to address those issues. This proposal includes two big 24-foot hexagon shaped shelters and one 20 by 20 right around that splash pad area.”
He added that the current shelter at the park is rented all the time and he believes the additions will also be rented.
“It’s a way to generate revenue, but more importantly offers shade and seated areas,” Luton said. “Of course, if it’s not rented, anybody can sit there.”
The committee approved moving the purchase and installation of the pavilions for $196,128.50 to the full board of commissioners.
Committee members also approved moving forward with a proclamation recognizing the Greenbrier High School girls’ soccer team for their state championship win.
The proclamation states this was the first state championship win for the girls golf team in the school’s 27 year history.
“Whereas, Columbia County celebrates the 2023 winning title of 5A State Champions for the girls golf team and wishes to honor them for their leadership, hard work, and athleticism; and
Whereas, the entire coaching staff, team parents, faculty, student body, and loyal fans were an integral part in bringing the team to victory through their unwavering support,” the proclamation states.
The committee approved moving the proclamation to the full board of commissioners, and it will be presented to the golf team at the Aug. 1 Columbia County Board of Commissioners meeting.
The Columbia County Public Works and Engineering Services Committee approved moving forward with a rejection of the bid for the construction of Columbia County Fire Rescue 2 replacement.
“We did receive bids from multiple bidders,” Deputy County Manager Matt Schlachter said. “Our low bid was $5.65 million, which is about $2.5 million than what we had budgeted. At this time, we are asking to reject these bids. Staff is working with the design engineers and the architects to make some changes. We hope to have this back on the streets in a month or two and see if we can get our costs back down to where our budget will work.”
Winfield Hills Road could soon be reclassified as a collector road. Kyle Titus, director of engineering services, said the road is currently a local road with a posted speed limit of 45 mph. The 85th percentile speed is about 55 mph, but since it’s a local road it can’t be added to the radar permit.
“We would like to add it to the radar permit so the sheriff could enforce radar,” Titus said.
Committee members also approved moving forward with resolution 23-37, which would increase the speed limit on Knob Hill Farm Road. Titus said that currently the 85th percentile is about 44 mph on that road, but the posted speed is 25 mph.
“We would like to increase the speed to 30 mph, typically if the 85th percentile is 44, the posted speed would be 45, however due to the (curve of the road), staff doesn’t recommend going to 45, we recommend going to 30 mph,” Titus said. “This will also allow it to be added to the county’s radar permit so the sheriff can enforce radar.”
All these items will be moved forward to the Columbia County Board of Commissioners for approval. The next board of commissioners meeting is Tuesday, Aug. 1 at 6 p.m.
Stephanie Hill is a staff writer covering Columbia County government for The Augusta Press. Reach her at stephanie@theaugustapress.com.
