Roll call

Judge Mildred McDuffie Columbia City Council convened Wednesday, Aug. 6, at 9 am. Council member Finlay was running a little late, but all council members were present. Besides Finlay, those in attendance were Tameika Isaac Devine, E.W. Cromartie, Mayor Bob Coble, Sam Davis, Daniel Rickenmann, and Belinda Gergel.

Community promotions

Judge Mildred McDuffie, chair of the Community Promotions Advisory Committee, convinced council to approve a $3,000 Koban funding request.

Hospitality tax funding

Libby Gober, the city's ombudsman, alerted council there was $250,000 from the hospitality tax collections on hold till mid-year to see if collections are in line with the budget. $250,000 is 10% of the $2.5 million budget.

Parking for Five Points

Gergel read the list of her people recommended for the Five Points Citizens Parking Advisory Committee: Mary Bryan, Durham Carter, Ra'Jeena Fletcher, Dennis Hiltner, Susan Lake, Mark Manos, Don McCallister, Jack Van Loan, Pat Mason, JP Scurry, Suzi Sheffield, Ted Speth, Howard Stravitz, Bessie Watson, and Caroline Watson. Council concurred.

Rev. Wylie Cooper Swimming

Cromartie explained the Swim for Life Program for kids who can't swim. According to Cromartie, 60% of African American children can't swim. The program is free, and it takes place at the Drew Wellness Center. To register, parents can call 545.3100.

Emily Douglas Park

Lynn Stokes Murray reported her progress with the Hand Middle School amphitheater getting under way in Emily Douglas Park. Her target in raising the funds was $75,000. Hand has far surpassed the $75,000, and design is about to begin to include overall park improvements besides the amphitheater.

Code enforcement

Rev. Wiley Cooper, committee chair, walked council through myriads of issues under the heading of code enforcement. Appreciation and congratulations went from council and the audience to Rev. Cooper and his task force, recognizing accomplishment after the massive undertaking.

City manager's report

Gergel asked City Manager Austin if council could start seeing monthly financial reports beginning at the end of the first quarter (October) in the current fiscal year. Austin said possibly, but detailed reports couldn't be expected until January. After all, the final audit for fiscal year 2006- 2007 is still due and is likely to be available for the August 21-22 retreat.

Cromartie complained the last time council had an adequate retreat was when Hamilton Osborne was first elected to council, about the same time Coble was a new mayor. The fear of accusations of profligacy coming from The State was chief in Cromartie's mind. Of course - not discussed with council - if a representative hedonist from the Fourth Estate could be accommodated in a double room with a premium label minibar, and if the hotel had at least a four- star rating combined with a famous restaurant and its adequate wine list, well, positive reports do get dispatched.

Columbia Canal costs another 45%

Council approved the second lowest bidder for the Columbia Canal Front Project, a public park along the west bank of the canal between Gervais Street and Washington Street. The project includes a 9,000 sq. ft. addition to EdVenture, enough area to contain meeting space, restrooms, police substation, and a terrace. Cherokee Construction of Columbia was in second place at $12.8 million while the lowest bid came from Mainline Construction, $8.8 million. Mainline, however, apparently committed errors in its adherence to the city's Minority Subcontractor Outreach Program. Social progress and market competition containment in this instance cost the city an additional 45%, or about $4 million. Mainline attended to protest and cry "foul."

Council meets on Wednesday, August 20, at 9 am in City Hall, third floor.