Roll call

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

Pam Davis, from the Richland County Appearance Commission, announced the winners from this year's Appearance Counts contest. She also gave the council an update from the commission's year. The primary focus has been on I-77 near Fort Jackson, where 3000 visitors show up each week to enter the fort at the Percival Road entrance.

Although SCDOT didn't come up with their share of funds for the program, the commission has been busy enhancing the area and planting trees. The commission also has started an Arbor Day baby contest with the first baby born on Arbor Day each year getting a tree planted in its honor.

Davis recognized George Wilson and his Richland County Department of Special Services for their hard work in keeping the county clean.

Richland One superintendent

Dr. Percy Mack, the new superintendent of Richland One schools, was formally introduced to the council and was offered the opportunity to speak. Dr. Mack told the council he was excited with the progress and that the large area of the district keeps his job interesting. He said Richland One has 14 National Merit scholars this year. A student has to score in the top one percent to qualify. Dr. Mack thanked the council for its support and said the district was concentrating on literacy and truancy this year.

Administrator's report

Milton Pope gave the council an update on several items. The county staff and the sheriff are meeting next week to discuss enforcement of the smoking ordinance. Pope said the county is expecting extremely large voter turnouts this year and is trying to do everything possible to make sure the process is smooth.

The county is working with Columbia and local developers to try and resolve the Lower Richland sewer dispute. The solid waste dispute, long an item on executive session, finally has a signed agreement.

The city/county ad hoc committee has a meeting date for the transportation committee but nothing scheduled for the detention drop- off issue. Negotiations continue with Eastover to resolve the sewer billing and collections for that community.

The $3 million budget shortfall has been resolved by having each department reduce costs by a targeted percentage. Further shortfall issues will be addressed as needed.

Agenda items

An amendment to the ordinance concerning yard trash was deferred after several questions were raised about how best to handle yard trash. Bagging leaves in plastic will quickly exhaust the existing landfills. Mike Mont - gomery suggested bins to hold yard trash to be emptied by the county. Norman Jackson said the rural landowners needed to be able to legally burn yard trash.

Joyce Dickerson suggested using paper instead of plastic bags, if they are cheaper. Val Hutchinson wondered why the county doesn't have a compost heap like Columbia. Bernice Scott said she uses Billy Bob and Audrey to rid her property of leaves and has no problems. The two goats cause no trouble and are easy to maintain, according to Scott.

The meeting was adjourned after executive session.