Jack Cook, first grade, and Addie–Grace Cook, kindergarten, at A.C. Moore Elementary School Columbia City Council convened in the auditorium of A.C. Moore Elementary School on Wednesday night, January 6 at 6 pm. All members of council were present: Kirkman Finlay III, Tameika Isaac Devine, E. W. Cromartie II, Mayor Bob Coble, Sam Davis, Daniel Rickenmann, and Belinda Gergel.

Welcome

Council member Gergel recognized members of the audience. A.C. Moore is in her district. Dr. Chantelle Baker–Parnell, A.C. Moore’s principal, welcomed the crowd and described the institution as a Green Steps school and a recipient of the Richland County Appearance Award. State Representative James Smith offered a few opening remarks and described some of his legislative agenda, including statewide millage for schools. Georgianna Graham, president of Hollywood/ Rose Hill Neighborhood, also welcomed council and the crowd.

Susie Dibble, Richland I School Board member Mental illness support

Julie Ann Avin, executive director of the Mental Illness Recovery Center Inc. at 1433 Gregg St., reviewed a few highlights of MIRCI. In 2009, the Homeless Recovery Center served 264 individuals, and the Outreach Coordinator contacted 247 homeless individuals on the street. The Homeless Recovery Center is open every day, 7:30 am to 5 pm.

Retirement

Harold Reaves, the city’s head of homeland security, announced his retirement. Mayor Coble praised Reaves and invited members of his family and staff to come forward for a presentation congratulating Reaves on a job well done.

Ballet

Lauren Han, the director of development and membership for the Columbia City Ballet thanked council for its support and invited everyone to attend “Off the Wall” in February.

Columbia City Council member Dr. Belinda Gergel PETA

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) discovered a loophole in the city’s rejection to their application for a parade permit. PETA wasn’t marching anywhere. They had an elephant sculpture (“Ella”) they wanted to place on the sidewalk at 1101 Gervais near the corner with Assembly. Ella would not move, would not walk or march, but PETA said Ella was in protest to the unethical treatment of the circus elephants scheduled to appear at the Colonial Center. The problem with Ella on the sidewalk was the sculpture caused an obstruction to pedestrian flow. Council confirmed the denial, but staff was asked to investigate the feasibility of placing Ella in Finlay Park.

Next meeting

Council meets again Wednesday, January 13 at 9 am in City Hall.