Richland County Council meeting
By Mike Cox
MWC423@bellsouth.net

Feb. 6, 2007

Roll Call

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.

New County Administrator

Before the regular meeting took place, a special called meeting was held to elect a new county administrator. Bernice Scott made a motion to nominate acting county administrator Milton Pope for permanent status. Joyce Dickerson seconded the motion.

At that point, there was some confusion about the proper way to proceed. County attorney Larry Smith suggested the council retire into executive session to discuss the proper process and be briefed on a contractual matter.

After 30 minutes behind closed doors, the council reconvened with a new plan. The candidates were designated by the letters A, B, and C. A got one vote, B got four, and C got elected with a majority of six, including Scott's and Dickerson's. Milton Pope got lots of congratulations. The new administrator will be announced to the public at a later date.

Administrator Report

Soon- to- be no longer acting administrator Pope gave the council an update on the Farmer's Market project, which will offer a larger wholesale area and a retail sales market designed to attract tourists, as well as local shoppers.

The county has allocated $250,000 annually for the next 20 years to fund the project and will end up with an investment of around $10 million. The council discussed the latest curve thrown by the state in executive session.

Pope also informed the council on the status of the animal care facility. Even though negotiations are opening back up with the city, the RFQ is continuing as planned. The request was written so the county can proceed in one of several directions depending on what the council decides is best for Richland County's stray animals.

Andy Metts gave the council an update on the current status of the Broad River Water Treatment project, or as it is known in some circles, the Mungo Construction Sewer Request.

The cost has nearly doubled since inception, DHEC has given Richland County until March One to begin construction, and the bid will be null and void unless the council acts within 60 days.

Revised figures are total cost $32,158,324. Available funds $15,184,000. Needed additional revenue $16,980,000. Annual cost $1,275,000. Several funding combinations are being proposed to the council. Each is a variation of raised tap fees and increased user fees. The good news is all the projected increases will still keep the county below the average sewer costs of comparative areas.

Agenda

The council also discussed the prickly issue of tattooing. Approval was given for a tattoo parlor in the Two Notch area. A body piercing business in the same location will need separate approval.

Several committees welcomed new members. Yolonda Armstrong , Tom Farrell , Dr. Sherry A. Walters , and Jimmy Williams were added to the Accommodations Tax Advisory Board. The Board of Zoning Adjustments and Appeals welcomed Harold Branham and Susanne Cecere . The council voted Marka McKee and Frank White Jr. to the Community Relations Council, and a host of people were added to the newly formed Transportation committee and sub- committees.