Roll Call

Members present were Anthony Mizzell, Joyce Dickerson, Valerie Hutchinson, Damon Jeter, Paul Livingston, Joseph McEachern, Michael Montgomery, Greg Pearce, Bernice Scott, and Kit Smith. Doris Corley was absent.

Presentations

Dr. Raj Aluri spoke to the council about the large number of people in America who are immigrants. The doctor said he came to Richland County 30 years ago, and today there are 45 million first generation immigrants in America. Dr. Aluri also said there were over 100,000 foreign born people living in Richland County. I think he was leading up to the International Downtown Festival, but he ran out of time before he was able to get to the point of his presentation.

Reports

Acting County Administrator Milton Pope gave the council a report concerning some confusion regarding the storm water permit section of the Land Development Code. Several council members have received complaints from citizens about how the amendment is being interpreted.

Pope asked the council to allow him to provide them with information about both sides of the issue before any action is taken. Greg Pearce and Joe McEachern expressed concern about the issue. Both wondered whether a ruling could be made without going through the process of re-writing the amendment.

Bernice Scott also expressed concerns. She said several builders had large amounts of money tied up and needed a quick resolution, but was worried, since "it took seven years to pass the LDC." Pope promised to get information to the council quickly and said the planning commission, which must be involved, was already discussing the issue.

The Agenda

Senator Kay Patterson was on hand to watch the council pass an appointment letter of approval for the newest edition of the Voter Registration Board. Patterson thanked the council for acting so quickly, then spoke briefly regarding the recreation commission. He asked the council to deal directly with the Governor when appointing new members and leave him out of the process.

A road maintenance fee opposed by veterans in the last council meeting was taken care of. The council had to table the motion from last meeting to avoid the three step process required of ordinances, then pass a resolution, which can be done in one trip.

The Detention Center medical contract was approved with a budget amendment of $587,000.

Committees

Rules and Appointments Chairman Joe McEachern informed the council of vacancies on several boards. He also asked the council to vote on three candidates for one available position on the Employee Grievance committee. Nelda Smyrl defeated Anthony Christiano in a runoff.

Executive Session

A lengthy executive session provided the council with information and guidance regarding the Columbia Venture lawsuit, TIF report to the county, and something called contractual and legal update.

The council also heard legal opinions regarding ordinances to amend the Public Works and Finance departments, which involves personnel moves.

The council reconvened and adjourned after motion period.