Roll call

Acting Chair Val Hutchinson, Joyce Dickerson, Norman Jackson, Damon Jeter, Paul Livingston, Bill Malinowski, Mike Montgomery, Greg Pearce, Bernice Scott, and Kit Smith were present at the Richland County Council meeting December 2, 2008. Chairman Joe McEachern was absent. He started the day by being sworn in at the SC Statehouse as a member of the legislature and is not allowed to have both jobs.

Presentations

John Perry presented Richland County with the long- awaited Blythewood Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Using two consulting teams, the city put together a nice mix of density, green space, and public use land, including a pedestrian bridge over I- 77. The community wants to allow limited development but "discourage what they don't want without using ordinances." How it all comes together in the flesh and where the funding will come from wasn't presented.

Administrator's Report

Milton Pope touched briefly on a couple of items not included in executive session. Bill Malinowski questioned the existence of promised documents on the joint no- kill animal shelter. Pope and several other council members noted the report had been emailed three weeks ago.

Kit Smith protested the use of executive session to discuss the feasibility study associated with the Lower Richland Sewer issue. Norman Jackson reminded Smith the council had decided to discuss the issue in executive session and were, therefore, entitled to. County attorney Larry Smith said the actual contract was entitled to ES, but the feasibility was not. Agenda items

Bernice Scott wondered about a 90 day moratorium on LED signage. This has been under discussion for months. It all began with a simple ordinance stating the allowed uses for LED signs. Businesses applied for permits and had the restrictions explained to them.

Then LED sign sales people began making available signs capable of all types of flashing, moving messages, and animation. Customers jumped on them and began using them even though they didn't comply with the county ordinance. When Richland County began to issue citations, the business owners and in some cases, ministers, complained to their council members. Now there is a problem.

The county administrator suggested a study on what loopholes to fill in the ordinance, and a moratorium on existing signs until a new ordinance can be passed. The council gets bogged down on this every week.

Malinowski grilled Andy Metts once again over the Broad River Sewer project. He was upset the correct numbers weren't in the new document and asked several questions that were answered at the last meeting. Malinowski admitted DHEC had the county over a barrel. He introduced the ordinance and voted for it, even though nothing new was made available, and no changes were made.

Richland County Council is also trying to get a new paving plan in place for the 200 plus miles of dirt roads in the county. Mike Montgomery pointed out that some of it sets shaky legal boundaries.

A busy executive session and adjournment closed the meeting for the night.