Columbia City Council meeting + Nov. 15 + 9 pm By John Temple Ligon

Marli Drum

Temple@TheColumbiaStar.com

Roll call

City council convened about 9 am, Wednesday, November 15, on the third floor of City Hall. All council members were present: Daniel Rickenmann, Sam Davis, E.W. Cromartie, Mayor Bob Coble, Anne Sinclair, Tameika Isaac Devine, and Kirkman Finlay.

City's favorite

Robert C. Joyner, fire engineer, was presented as the city's Employee of the Month. Joyner recently started the Columbia Fire Department Extrication Team, which finished third in a national competition in Indianapolis this past September. At night and on weekends, Joyner has spent over 500 hours so far this year conducting training for the members of the Columbia Fire Department. He is also the volunteer training officer for the Camden Fire Department.

Waterworks

The Columbia Canal Water Works was wished a 100th Happy Birthday. Bud Summers, superintendent of the water plant, gave the presentation to council.

John Spade

Five Points

Architect Doug Quackenbush walked council through his firm's master plan for Five Points. Quackenbush emphasized several points for council's consideration: build to the street; push for more infill; preserve identity; promote mixed use; increase density; foster diversity. He asked council to adopt the master plan, but Rickenmann and Finlay were hesitant to adopt before more extensive review. Sinclair reminded council of the many plans and zoning overlays for the past two decades, arguing this may be time to actually adopt and enact. Cromartie questioned the citizen awareness, and Quackenbush defended the many efforts and engagements with the surrounding neighborhood. Council suggested it may vote on the master plan on December 13, Wednesday, at a regular council meeting.

Pets

Marli Drum, the city's superintendent for animal services, explained the fee increase charged to pet owners for their impounded animals. No animal will be released from the shelter without proof of inoculation and without an implanted microchip.

Mabel Myers

Parking

John David Spade, the city's executive for parking, reviewed parking charges for city garages. Assigned spaces at the Lady Street garage (Capitol Place), the Sumter Street garage (SCANA), and the Washington Street garage (Washington Square) are $105/month.

Gervais Street

Council gave final approval for the East Gervais Street median.

Sewer service

The city increased sewer tap fees from $500 per unit to $1,325 for sewer plant expansion.

Shootings

Mabel Myers of the Gable Oaks apartment complex asked council for an emergency mandatory curfew, something on the order of what council did for the Colony Apartments the week before. Myers reported there was a shooting Monday night. She complained crime was out of hand in her appartment complex. Davis said the city should hold the apartment's management and the project's owner accountable. Austin, city manager, recommended council hold off for a little while on the matter of imposing a curfew.

Robert C. Joyner, Employee of the Month

Next meeting

Council meets on December 13, Wednesday, at 9 am in City Hall, corner of Laurel and Main.