Roll call

Mayor Bob Coble presents former State Senator Kay Patterson with a framed memento. Columbia City Council held a District I meeting at Greenview Park, Wednesday night, July 9, beginning at 6 pm. All members of council were present: Kirkman Finlay III, Tameika Isaac Devine, E.W. Cromartie, Mayor Bob Coble, Sam Davis, Daniel Rickenmann, and Belinda Gergel. Local leaders

North Columbia residents and Columbia leaders were introduced, to include forHmHaerr cieoetut nGtayr cdoeunn Fcile lmldesmber , former S.C. State Senator Kay Patterson , and Harry Hopkins , neighborhood leader who proclaimed, "Our time hS.aCs. c oStmt aet e." SNeenwal tyo erl eJcothend Scott, successor to Kay Patterson, pledged the neighborhood as much state money as could be made available through Scott's efforts. The city awarded Kay Patterson a framed memento. City manager's report Charles Austin, city manager, described a new era in reporting city affairs with transparency, efficiency and accountability. The city's health care bill for its employees has skyrocketed. One example offered was the cost for one year for one employee with renal failure: $100,000. The city staff last year suffered five renal failures. The city was studying new options with BlueCross BlueShield. The city is self- insured, but BlueCross BlueShield manages the city's employee health care. Five Points parking Gergel proposed an action- oriented task force to determine the Five Points parking wants and needs and bring in a physical response to finally resolve the issue. Gergel called for reliable data. The city's Lucinda Statler, city planner, was recommended as an alternative to unnecessary outsourcing. Kids Lee Carroll of Save our Kids complained of the negative side of press coverage of the neighborhood, particularly the fight scene emblazoned across the top half of the page in The State. Positive press Rickenmann reminded council of Columbia's new status as one of the top 10 underrated cities, according to Hotels.com. Rickenmann recommended getting out the good word. Workouts Jesse Stroy, a leader with the Greenview Senior Fitness Group, asked for a better sound system in the gym to help him conduct exercise classes. Council members said the new sound system had been budgeted and was already on the way.