At the Richland County Council meeting on July 6, the selection of new Public Library Board members proved to be a challenge. Rules and Appointments Committee Chair Bill Malinowski presented the committee proposal, which called for the retention of five current members and the selection of a sixth by a full council vote.

Greg Pearce made a substitute motion to elect all members by full council vote. His motion was defeated 5–4. The committee proposal was approved 5–4. This gave current committee members John David Baker, Nathaniel Barber, Rox Pollard, Alethia Rearden, and Ida Thompson seats on the committee.

Jim Manning made a motion to elect current member George Johnson to the remaining position. Malinowski made a substitute motion to elect Joseph Taylor to the vacant spot. Val Hutchinson made a second substitute motion to instead elect Gail Baker Anastasion. Her motion died for lack of second. In the battle of motions, Johnson was elected to remain on the Library Board by a 7–2 margin.

At a time when many citizens are concerned about all levels of government, folks may want to volunteer for a spot on one of Richland County’s committees. There are several involving a varied collection of interests and expertise. Accommodations Tax, Appearance Commission, Building Codes, Business Service Center, and Historic Columbia Foundation all announced vacancies. There are also several other committees operating at less than capacity. Visit the website for more information.

In other business, the council acted on an emergency motion to repair the spillway for Pine Lake. The spillway is failing and hasn’t been repaired since the 1998–99 budget year. Richland County is required by easement agreement to maintain the spillway. Estimated costs will be around $135,000. The actual repair cost is $120,000 with an undetermined amount to be added for power line relocation. The council unanimously approved the request.

A retreat to discuss and determine this council’s Visionary Legacy was placed in the hands of Jim Manning to determine a day in September for council to meet and determine what preparation other members might want to make in order to actively contribute to the retreat. The council approved the resolution at an earlier meeting.

The council also deferred a motion to approve the new Freedom of Information guidelines drawn up by the Richland County staff. The hangup was whether council members would be allowed to access Freedom of Information data without costs. The council was divided on whether council members should have to pay for any information needed for personal reasons.

Vice Chair Damon Jeter, Joyce Dickerson, Val Hutchinson, Norman Jackson, Gwen Kennedy, Bill Malinowski, Jim Manning, and Greg Pearce were present. Chair Paul Livingston and Kit Smith were absent.

More information as well as complete agendas and minutes from past meetings can be found at the Richland County website: richlandonline.com