Florence County Council to consider tattoo studio amendment

Florence County Council on Thursday is scheduled to consider second reading of an amendment designed to ensure tattoo studios in the county must be in areas zoned for general commercial development.

The updated ordinance states that facilities must comply with state law, which states that the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental control can’t give a license to a tattoo facility that will be within 1,000 feet of a church, school or playground.

The current county ordinance, however, “could be interpreted to allow (tattoo businesses) anywhere in an unzoned area,” Florence County Administrator Richard Starks said.

The county has no cases or permits pending and the ordinance shouldn’t affect any tattoo studios already in existence, Starks said.

The amended ordinance must pass a third and final reading before going into effect.

Council also will hold a public hearing of amendments to procedures relating to private ambulance services, which are up for second reading Thursday.

According to a summary of proposed changes, the revisions would allow private ambulances to run nonemergency calls and emergency transportation between hospitals, but not routinely respond to emergency calls at private residences and nursing homes.

The updated rules also wouldn’t require the ambulance services to submit monthly reports and insurance verification to the county Emergency Medical Services director because they already must submit that information to DHEC. The services, however, must allow the director to view records in the state’s EMS data system instead of via typed or handwritten reports.

New provisions would include signing an agreement obligating the private ambulance services to provide ambulances and personnel during a catastrophe. The businesses also would cover such events as sports, festivals and conventions when requested because EMS doesn’t have sufficient personnel and ambulances, according to the summary.

Council also will hold a public hearing on the administrative procedures for Florence County’s comprehensive plan. The procedures, which are up for second reading, as well as the other sections of the plan, can be viewed at www.florenceco.org/Planning.

The county is updating its comprehensive plan, as state law requires to do every 10 years so it can zone its land.

Council also has two appearances scheduled for Thursday.

County resident Beth Ashley Greene has requested to appear before council to propose an ordinance to prohibit the discharge of firearms in densely populated areas of the county.

In addition, 12th Circuit Solicitor Ed Clements III will discuss a county-supported grant for adult drug court.

Council also will enter an executive session to discuss contractual matters regarding the sheriff’s office and “economic development matters” and receive a legal briefing from the county attorney, according to Thursday’s agenda.

Council also is scheduled to consider bids of:

• $194,795 for a street sweeper from Carolina Industrial Equipment of Charlotte, N.C.

• $97,910 by Charles Blanchard Construction in North Charleston for restrooms at Savannah Grove and Brooks McCall parks

• $52,324 by Newman Davis Construction Co. of Sumter for resurfacing at West Florence Fire Department’s Pineneedles Road station

• $157,306 for a contract extension with RWF Construction of Effingham to extend the Wilson Road sidewalk project from Oakland Avenue to Wilson High School

In other business, council will vote on county infrastructure fund allocations of $2,000 for stormwater piping in conjunction with a road at the Lake City Municipal Airport and $7,000 to help the Lynches River Athletic League purchase a hood system for the concession stand at Lynches River Athletic Park.

IF YOU’RE GOING

WHAT: Florence County Council regular meeting, including public hearings related to the county’s comprehensive plan and private ambulance service procedures

WHEN: 9 a.m. Thursday

WHERE: County council chambers, Room 803, 180 N. Irby St., Florence

INFO: Call Clerk to Council Connie Haselden at (843) 665-3035.