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Solemn CPAs save city
Alveno R. Hairston, maintenance tech assistant at the Columbia Canal Water Treatment Plant, was introduced as the city's Employee of the Month. He was nominated by his supervisor, Glenn Giles. Green Sara Hollar, superintendent at Forestry and Beautification, and members of her board at Columbia Green presented the city with a check for $5,266 to cover the costs of the fall annuals and bulbs planted by the Forestry and Beautification horticulture staff. The horticulture staff is responsible for landscaping and maintenance for 16 Columbia Green sponsored sites totaling more than 150,000 square feet. There are more than 14,000 bulbs and flowers this fall.
Dr. Richard McCain and Barry Clark of the S.C. Masters Association praised the Drew Wellness Center and its swimming facilities, but they also singled out Drew's Nathaniel Stevenson for his coaching and management. There was a successful and wellattended Masters swim meet at Drew last November 3 and 4. King Day Durham Carter, neighborhood leader and member of the Martin Luther King Foundation, invited everyone to participate in the observance of Martin Luther King Day, January 21 at MLK Park. Homeless Ellen H. Cooper , past president of the Cottontown/ Bellevue Historic District, asked council to reconsider its support of the Christ Central Ministries project for the homeless planned for the former Hampton Motors block. She and four other neighborhood leaders (Cliff Spann of the Arsenal Hill area, Paul Bouknight of Conntontown/ Bellevue, Jim Prater of Earlewood, and Haus Adams of Elmwood Park) said an overwhelming majority of their neighbors stood with them in direct and strong opposition to the Christ Central Ministries project for the homeless.
Charles Austin, city manager, reported to council his update on financial accounting, the continuing search for a new police chief, and the emergency winter shelter. Two CPAs were recommended by Howard Duvall of the Municipal Association of South Carolina, Wanda Charping and Jackie Breland, to provide accounting services to review structure and operational procedures of the Finance Department. The department is interviewing for two deputy finance directors, and it is planning to provide public access to the city's financial picture. Wednesday, January 9, at 5 pm was the deadline for applications to the city from qualified candidates wanting to become the city's police chief. Interviews with the three- to- five finalists will be held from February 10 through February 12. The two finalists chosen will have more interviews on February 25, and a decision will be announced in mid-March.
Staff reports Melissa Gentr y, director at Public Works, brought council up to date on the installation of security cameras and decorative lights. She also talked about the plans for animal shelter expansion, which should be complete by September. She was proud to describe the Jan. 2 clean- up at 5403 Tremont Street. Dana Turner, assistant city manager, reported meetings with 35 stakeholders on the matter of retail development. Steve Gantt, assistant city manager, described the extent of the North Main improvement project, which is budgeted for $12 million. Mike Manis, executive director of the Eau Claire Development Corporation, shared copies and descriptions of the master plan for the North Main area. Interim CFO
The CMA's director, Karen Brosius, came before council to describe the composition of her institution's board and commission. Council was especially concerned over the percentage of African- Americans, suggesting the city's percentage should be reflected in the CMA's percentage. No one on council knew (presumably) or asked about academic qualifications or artistic professionalism or financial contributions, just race. Lor ick Avenue speed control Lee Car roll asked council why the kids in his neighborhood could not get the protection afforded by speed humps on Lorick Avenue, as recommended by the city's chief traffic engineer, David Brewer. Council answered by citing another neighborhood activist, Harry Hopkins, who told council he did not want the speed humps. Carroll left the room while Cromartie tried to explain the democratic principles at play when one neighborhood activist, the city's favorite, overrules another neighborhood activist, the one who asks for slower traffic on Lorick Avenue out of concern for the kids.
City council meets at City Hall on Wednesday, 9 am, and there is a zoning public hearing at 10.
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