Richland County Council meeting • Dec. 5, 2006
By Mike Cox
MWC423@bellsouth.net


Call to order

Tony Mizzell, Greg Pearce, Doris Corley, Joyce Dickerson, Val Hutchinson, Damon Jeter, Paul Livingston, Joe McEachern, Mike Montgomery, Bernice Scott, and Kit Smith were present.

Presentation

Sally Roach , executive director of the Township, Auditorium mentioned that B B King, Elvis Presley, Louis Armstrong, Willie Nelson, and Crosby Stills and Nash had all performed in the venue over the years.

Roach showed pictures of the existing facility and told how the $12 million dollars for the Township Auditorium will be spent. New dressing rooms, food facilities, and stage floor are planned, along with major repairs and renovations.

Agenda

The first item on the agenda for the night were the Appearance Commission's beautification awards. Winners can be found on the Richland website. In a bit of personal privilege, Greg Pearce gave a shout out to Joe Pinner, who is a Township supporter and was in the house. Ben Tanner and his Granny were both conspicuously absent.

FEMA and the Flood Plain

The flood plain amendment was next. Bernice Scott asked for clarification from staff. She didn't understand what was happening. Michael Criss told her the old height boundaries were being used, but the width was new. Pearce asked if FEMA was consulted and was told no. Kit Smith said the discussions should take place in executive session, since private negotiations might come to light. Pearce asked the item be discussed in motion period, after executive session.

All American Idol

A request from the assessor's office for another appraiser brought much discussion about mid year fund requests. Scott, Joe McEachern, and Mike Montgomery weighed in on the pros of providing the funding and the cons of mid year budget amendments, but the proposal passed without opposition.

A funding request for $159,000 to sponsor an All American Idol competition as part of the Columbia Festival of Arts was also much discussed. Paul Livingston called it a big event to take part in. Smith said it was an opportunity for Richland County to actually fund an event for the Arts Festival rather than just giving them money. Pearce asked how this event fit into Hospitality Tax projects. He proposed giving the festival $50,000. His motion was approved.

Bond proposal

The bond proposal was political theatre at its best, or worst. Since animal control is the primary focus, no one dared speak out against it. In fact, most went out of their way to express their love for dogs and cats. Confusion reigned, as no one quite understood what the staff placed before them.

There was confusion about what the staff wanted the council to do. Should they discuss, amend, and approve each item, or pass the whole package.

In the end, Kit Smith and a patient staff got the right idea across. The council approved the overall bond plan, which can be amended in future years. Immediately, a new animal shelter was approved, with an agreement with Project Pet to start a comprehensive, long range animal control plan. LRADAC and public safety buildings are also on the front burner. The $12 million Township renovation was also approved.