Richland County Council meeting + Jan. 16, 2007
By Mike Cox
MWC423@bellsouth.net

Joe McEachern, Val Hutchinson, Joyce Dickerson, Norman Jackson, Damon Jeter, Paul Livingston, Bill Malinowski, Mike Montgomery, Greg Pearce, Bernice Scott, and Kit Smith were present.

Presentations

Mitzi Javors , from CMRTA, gave the council an update on the progress being made with the local bus service. Fees have been increased $.25 to a rate of $1.50. The increase is projected to add $219,000 to the coffers, despite an 8% decrease in ridership due to the fee increase. Javors pointed out only one bus service in the peer group studied by the consulting firm had rates higher than CMRTA.

The bus company also reduced service to Lexington County by 80%. This is projected to save $428,000. Lexington County officials are already rethinking the decision to allow the reduction of routes rather than contribute to the service. Meetings are scheduled between CMRTA and Lexington officials to resolve the issue.

State Champs

The entire Blythewood football team was on hand to be honored for their recent state championship. Blythewood High, in their first season ever, claimed the 3A state championship in grand style, coming from behind in the championship game and finishing a perfect 10- 0. Chairman Joe McEachern said he attended the game and was most impressed by the character of the players who stayed calm and did what needed to be done in order to win. They were an impressive group in the council meeting room; I can imagine how they looked in pads.

Regular Business

Bill Malinowski , jumping into the fray and acting like a real council member, questioned the proposal allocating a half million dollars to renovate the Wilson home. Greg Pearce explained the proposal wasn't a late addition to the budget but had been ongoing for several months, waiting on costs to be calculated. He added this was no renovation but a restoration.

Malinowski asked the council to change the wording of the proposal so it read restoration rather than renovation. The proposal then passed unanimously.

The only other item discussed during the meeting was the Farmer's Market. Acting Administrator Pope asked the council for authority to negotiate with Fitts & Goodwin, the contractor who finished second in the evaluation process.

Mike Montgomery asked whether the county was asking for trouble by not following the procurement process.

Rodolpho Callwood , the county's procurement officer, was asked for input. He told the council the evaluation process wasn't complete, but the evaluators made some mistakes and Fitts & Goodwin was the more appropriate contractor for Richland County to use.

Montgomery still was worried about the legalities. The final proposal that passed allowed the administrator to negotiate with the preferred contractor, but a legal opinion will be delivered to council before final vote. Montgomery still voted against the proposal...a lone voice in the darkness.

New administrator

Pearce presented the rest of the council with a schedule for the meet and greet with the three potential administrators. The only problem anyone had was whether comments, positive or negative, would be allowed if anonymous. The council voted overwhelmingly to let secret input be allowed. The meeting was adjourned after executive session to discuss the Recreation Commission lawsuit.