Roll call

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

Presentations

Neal McLean, executive director of Engenuity SC, gave his organization's annual report to the council. He cited two companies as evidence of the success of Engenuity SC. Nexgenen and True Light are companies located in Columbia that were founded by people who were involved in and supported by Engenuity.

The tenth anniversary of Richland 101 was observed at the night's council meeting with the graduation of the latest group of citizens who gave up a couple of hours a night, twice a week, for six weeks in order to learn how Richland's government works.

Charles Jackson, who brought his 13- year- old son to the classes with him, was the group's spokesperson. Jackson thanked the council for having the program and thanked the staff for putting the program together. He said this was the only way he and his son could have gone to court and then to jail together and still get to return home together that evening.

Clerk's report

Michielle Cannon- Finch reminded the council of the Roast and Toast honoring retiring council member Bernice Scott on Friday November 21 at 7 pm, at the Convention Center. Tickets are $50 and Scott reminded everyone the proceeds would go to charity, not to Bernice Scott.

Public hearing

A public hearing to speak about a budget amendment to allocate $100,000 to the Midlands Housing Alliance in support of the Midlands Area Commission on Homelessness drew three speakers. All three were concerned the location on Main Street targeted by the MHA isn't right for Columbia and doesn't meet the needs of the homeless or the Columbia area. Agenda items

Bernice Scott had a problem with an amendment clarifying the distribution of funds from Hospitality Tax funds. She is concerned the majority of funds will still be spent in Columbia rather than in the unincorporated areas of the county. The amendment passed without her support.

Bill Malinowski raised several questions about the bond proposal for the Broad River sewer project. This project began as a $15 million project and is currently over $30 million. Although Malinowski's questions were valid, a DHEC edict hovers like the sword of Damocles so the amendment continues along.

John Pincelli was approved as a board member to the Township. Bill Ellen and Larry Cooke were added to the Midlands Workforce Development Board. Peter Mayers was named to the Accommodations Tax Advisory Board.

When the county council voted down the transportation proposal a few months back, Norman Jackson and Joe McEachern assured the bus riding citizens of Richland County the bus service would be taken care of. In tonight's meeting, the county gave approval to the CMRTA proposal to eliminate three existing routes. The council did vote to deny a request to shut the buses down on Sundays and holidays. Since gas has gone down some, the bus service can use those savings to keep the buses running for now.