Roll call

Neal McLean Columbia City Council convened about 9 am, Wednesday, June 4, on the third floor of City Hall. Council member E.W. Cromartie was absent, and all other members of city council were present: Daniel Rickenmann, Sam Davis, Mayor Bob Coble, Anne Sinclair, Tameika Isaac Devine, and Kirkman Finlay III.

National Homeownership Month

Tony Lawton, the city's director of Community Development, introduced Jim Chaplin, Columbia's HUD Area Director. Chaplin described June as National Home Ownership Month, and he praised Columbia's affordable housing program, including its green emphasis. He reminded the audience of Columbia's state-wide conference on energy efficiency set for September. The city's employee home loan program is one of two recognized nationally. The city has about 70 employee home loans.

City contributions to modern dance

On the use of city accommodations tax and hospitality tax collections, Pam Harpootlian spoke in defense of her Columbia City Jazz, which was cut out of $10,000, a 50% drop in city contributions. Harpootlian asked if money was shifted to the convention center or to Lake Murray marketing. Coble said the convention center marketing budget was cut by $300,000. Harpootlian was especially incensed when she heard of the tens of thousands of dollars going into a new city slogan, a study contract likely to come up with another "It's Happening Now!" or "Where Friendliness Flows" or something similarly sophisticated.

Jim Chaplin International Festival

The Columbia International Festival ran last year on a $200,000 budget, according to Rev. Pete Cannon. But the city recently cut its contribution by $10,000, which means the city gives $20,000 this year instead of last year's $30,000. Cannon noted the quality of Columbia's foreign students from 40 different countries and the assured return on the city's investment.

EdVenture Children's Museum

Tara Rober tson, a board member of the EdVenture Foundation, reminded council EdVenture is about to see its 1,000,000th visitor, and 600,000 came from beyond Richland County. Robertson, joined by EdVenture CEO Catherine Horne, urged council to renew its three- year funding agreement. Horne thanked council for its help with EdVenture's afterschool programs and summer camps. A city annual contribution of $500,000, say, comes through EdVenture and gets matched and expanded to a $3,000,000 activity budget.

Pam Harpootlian Budget

Council passed Ordinance No. 2008-042, adopting the city budget for fiscal year ending June 30, 2009. The seven major categories for next year's budget are (1) General Fund, $104,854,451; (2) Water & Sewer Operating Fund, $101,315,437; (3) Water & Sewer Improvement Projects, $109,464,492; (4) Storm Water Operating & Improvements, $5,800,000; (5) Parking Fund, $7,097,550; (6) Hospitality Tax Budget, $7,346,500; (7) Accommodations Tax Budget, $1,300,000. Approximately $80,000,000 in Water & Sewer Improvement Projects are contingent upon issuance of bonds in the fall of 2008.

Fuel cells

Neal McLean of Engenuity explained how the city's $50,000 would apply to a new pilot manufacturing facility planning to make hydrogen fuel cartridges.

Tara Robertson Zoning

The city's new MX- 1 (Mixed- Use) Zoning District designation was approved. The first application of MX- 1 is Five Points. The 5P (Five Points) Zoning Overlay District was approved at its first reading with the understanding staff and council would look into the applicable function of the Design Development Review Commission.

Finlay voted against, and all others present voted for. Finlay feared problems in the future based on how the Kenny's site was handled, particularly after 700 citizens signed their objections.

Map amendment

Five Points was identified on the map as a companion piece to the zoning considerations.

Next meeting

Council meets again on Wednesday morning, June 11, at 9 am on the third floor of City Hall, corner of Laurel and Main.

Pete Cannon Mayor Coble issues Proclamation for National Homeownership Month