Chairman Joe McEachern, Vice Chair Val Hutchinson, Joyce Dickerson, Norman Jackson, Damon Jeter, Paul Livingston, Bill Malinowski, Mike Montgomery, Greg Pearce, Bernice Scott, and Kit Smith were present.

Presentations

Katherine Horne, from EdVenture, with an assist from a human sized ear of corn, announced the beginning of the Big Ed Health Team. The folks at the hands on museum are launching a new program designed to spotlight good health for the entire family and reach out to all sections of the county.

Marie Barber Adams was on hand to give the council a progress report on the Lower Richland Heritage Corridor. Adams expressed gratitude for the Richland council's support and thanked Bernice Scott personally for her vision in linking the Congaree National Park, the Harriet Barber house, and the Kensington Mansion to help support the Corridor.

Administrator's Report

County administrator Milton Pope told the council Lexington County has approved $1.5 million toward a no kill animal shelter. Richland County is holding a special meeting February 26 to address their responsibilities in the joint venture.

Pope also mentioned that the homebuilders are balking at paying nearly $6 million up front to fund the new Lower Richland sewer system. At the first March council meeting the calf re- licking will begin.

Hospitality Tax

The council approved a change in the Hospitality Tax and Tourism Development Fee so the county will have an easier time collecting from businesses who don't offer an amount to tax. The county can assess a business based on past revenues or a model of similar businesses. If that fails they have the option of leaving a severed horse head in the owner's bed.

Video Billboards

Three possible ordinances for regulating digital billboards were brought before the council for first reading. One was based on the staff's recommendations, one was based on a Savannah ordinance, and one was furnished by the helpful folks in the local advertising industry.

Damon Jeter proposed accepting the industry version and moving it to second reading. Then after the good citizens of Richland County have their say at the first meeting in March, the ordinance can be amended.

Kit Smith felt all three should be approved until the public has an opportunity to speak, and then council can make changes from there. Smith even suggested the public be given a handout to help them see the difference in the ordinances.

Norman Jackson said the poor advertising industry was being treated unfairly because this ordinance has gone on for almost a year with no resolution. He feels the industry version is also the one to choose since they are only trying to help the county out. Jackson was also against giving the public informational handouts; he worried about the precedent.

Mike Montgomery wanted to wait until the Federal government does a safety study on digital billboards. Montgomery also said the most restrictive rather than the least should be advanced if only one is moving forward. In the end all three were approved to second reading.

After executive session, the meeting was adjourned.