The City of Columbia City Council met in regular session on Wednesday, April 16, 2003, in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1737 Main Street, Columbia, South Carolina.  Mayor Robert D. Coble called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m.  Council members present were The Honorable E. W. Cromartie, II, The Honorable Jim D. N. Papadea, The Honorable Hamilton Osborne Jr., The Honorable Sam Davis and The Honorable Tameika C. Isaac.  Absent was The Honorable Anne M. Sinclair.  Also present was Mr. Charles P. Austin, Sr., Interim City Manager and Ms. Pamela J. Ferst, City Clerk.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Upon motion by Mr. Cromartie, seconded by Mr. Davis, Council voted unanimously to approve on a single motion the Minutes of March 05, 12 and 19, 2003 and the Minutes of April 02 and 09, 2003.

1. Minutes of March 05, 12, and 19, 2003 - Approved

2. Minutes of April 02, and 09, 2003 - Approved

**Upon motion by Mayor Coble, seconded by Mr. Cromartie, Council voted unanimously to schedule a Public Hearing on Monday, May 5, 2003 at 9:00 a.m. in the City Council Chambers as requested by Ms. Leona K. Plaugh.

PRESENTATIONS

3. The 2003 Miss Columbia Titleholders -  Ms. Jeannie S. Jones, Chairperson
- Molesey Brunson, Miss Columbia
- Nicole Lemoine, Miss Teen Columbia
- Brooke Ayers, Miss Teen Capital City

Ms. Leslie Ellison, Local Executive Director for the Miss Columbia Pageant, introduced the 2003 Miss Columbia Titleholders.

Ms. Molesey Brunson, Miss Columbia 2003 / University of South Carolina Honors College Sophomore, stated that her platform is to empower youth through performing arts also know as Performing Arts Positive Attitude (PAPA).

Ms. Nicole Lemoine, Miss Teen Columbia 2003, stated that her platform is helping youth feel empowered by positive choices because she wants to touch on all aspects of youth life in Columbia.

Miss Brooke Ayers, Miss Teen Capital City 2003, stated that her platform is Teens Connecting Generations, a group that volunteers at nursing homes.

4. Recognition Mr. Clarence Stewart, Retiree
  –  Mr. Allison Baker, Director of Parks and Recreation

Mr. Allison Baker, Director of Parks and Recreation introduced Mr. Clarence Stewart who retired from the Parks and Recreation Department after 22 years of service.  He described Mr. Stewart as being a distinguished and dependable gentleman.

Mr. Austin, ICM, presented Mr. Stewart with a token of appreciation.

5. City of Columbia April Employee of the Month, Mr. Jim Lawracy, Parks Superintendent and Planner.  -  Mr. Allison Baker, Director of Parks & Recreation

Mr. Allison Baker, Director of Parks and Recreation introduced Mr. Jim Lawracy, Parks Superintendent and Planner as the April 2003 Employee of the Month.  He described Mr. Lawracy as a man with the answer to everything and a strong vision and commitment towards the City of Columbia.

Mayor Coble presented Mr. Lawracy with a plaque acknowledging him as the City of Columbia April 2003 Employee of the Month.

Mr. Austin, ICM, presented Mr. Lawracy with a certificate for one (1) day off with pay and a token of appreciation.

6. 2001 G.F.O.A. Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting - Ms. Catherine Alexander, Finance Director

Ms. Cathy Alexander, Finance Director, presented the 2001 Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the Accounting Division.  She stated that this is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting.

7. Introduction of 1st Work Initiative Program (WIP) Class to Graduate 04/21/2003    - Mr. Tony Lawton, Director

Mr. Tony Lawton, Executive Director, introduced the carpentry and masonry instructors, the partnering agencies and the first graduating class of the Work Initiative Program.  He also extended an invitation to the members of Council to attend the graduation ceremony on Monday, April 21 at 7:00 p.m. in the BellSouth Auditorium.

8. National Community Development Week, April 21-26, 2003

Mr. Richard Semon, Director of Community Development, informed the members of Council that the Federal Community Block Grant Program was enacted as a law in 1974 and began operations in Columbia in 1975.  He said that the purpose of Community Development Week is to celebrate all of the community development activities that help our neighborhoods.

Ms. Jennifer Chapman, Community Development, briefed the members of Council on the past and current accomplishments of the CANDO program.  She stated that CANDO funds are used to support a wide range of neighborhood initiatives.
 
Mayor Coble proclaimed April 21-26, 2003 National Community Development Week in the City of Columbia.
 

9. National Public Safety Telecommunications Organization (APCO) - Ms. Judy G. Spell, Director of 9-1-1 / 311

Mayor Coble proclaimed April 13-19, 2003 National Public Safety Telecommunications Week in the City of Columbia.
 
10. S.C. Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (SCASLA) – Mr. David Stack, ASLA, SCASLA President

Mr. David Stack, SCASLA President, stated that his organization appreciates the recognition of Landscape Architecture Week because the City of Columbia has a rich history of landscape architecture and many talented landscape architects carry on that legacy each day.

Mayor Coble proclaimed April 19-27, 2003 Landscape Architecture Week in the City of Columbia.

CONSENT AGENDA

Upon motion by Mr. Cromartie, seconded by Mr. Papadea, Council voted unanimously to approve on a single motion Consent Agenda Items 11. through 25. as presented.  Item 19. was held over, no action was taken.

STREET CLOSING REQUESTS

11. Council is asked to approve a request from the University of South Carolina to close Gadsden Street between Greene and Wayne Streets. Close Wayne Street at Gervais Street; close Greene Street at Gadsden Street to the dead end; restrict access from the corner of Gadsden Street and Greene Street to Wayne Street and Gervais Street one hour prior to the following events:  Contact:  Matt Homan - Approved

 Friday May 09, 2003 USC Commencement   2:00 p.m.-  8:00p.m.
 Saturday May 10, 2003 USC Commencement 10:00a.m. -  4:00p.m.
 Sunday May 11, 2003 Eagles Concert   5:00p.m. -12:00a.m.
 Friday May 16, 2003 Black Expo 12:00p.m. -  3:00p.m.
 Saturday May 17, 2003 Black Expo 10:00a.m. -  6:00p.m.

12. Council is asked to approve a request from the Five (5) Points Association as a co-sponsor with Hispanic Connections to close a portion of Saluda Avenue between Harden and Greene Streets on Saturday, May 03, 2003 between 6:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. for Cinco de Mayo Celebration, with a rain date of Sunday, May 04, 2003.  Contact:  Debbie Parker
 RESOLUTION NO.:  R-2003-025 - Authorizing consumption of alcoholic beverages at Cinco de Mayo Celebration - Approved

13. Council is asked to approve a request from the Capitol Place residents to close the 500 block of Capitol Place on Friday, May 2, 2003, from 6:15 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. for a neighborhood block party.  Contact:  Alisa W. Painter - Approved

CONSIDERATION OF BIDS, AGREEMENTS, AND CHANGE ORDERS

14. Council is asked to approve the Purchase of 115 sets of Bunker Gear, as requested by the Fire Department.  Award to Anderson Fire & Safety, the low bidder, in the amount of $118,335.00.  There were no bids submitted by MBE/FBE vendors.  This vendor is located in Anderson, SC. - Approved

15. Council is asked to approve the Purchase of One (1) – ½ ton Pick-up, as requested by the Utilities Department and Two (2) Blazers, as requested by the Engineering Department.  Award to Love Chevrolet in the amount of $12,848.60 for the Pick-up and $40,664.94 for the Blazers for the total amount of $53,513.54.  These vehicles will be purchased using the S.C. State Vehicle Contract.  There are no MBE/FBE vendors who can furnish these vehicles at these pries.  This vendor is located in Cayce, SC. - Approved

16. Council is asked to approve Emergency Repairs to the Watermark Café Roof  in Finley Park, as requested by Parks & Recreation.  Award to the Heritage Roofing Company, the low bidder, in the amount of $35,332.00.  No MBE/FBE vendors responded.  The company is located in the Midlands area. - Approved

17. Council is asked to approve the Purchase of Digital Blueprint Equipment, as requested by Engineering.  Award to Imaging Technologies Services, the low bidder, in the amount of $29,481.25.  No M/FBE vendors furnish this equipment.  The vendor is located in the city. – Approved

18. Council is asked to approve an Agreement for Software Modification linking the dispatch computer system with the Fire Departments records system.  Award to the Cross Current Corporation, the City’s computer-aided dispatch vendor, in the amount of $25,213.00.  No F/MBE Participation. - Approved

19. Council is asked to approve a Contract for Architectural Design of the Canal Front, the EdVenture Terrace Building and Service yard, as requested by Developmental Services. Award to HNTB, in an amount not to exceed $650,000.00.
 This item was discussed in Executive Session no action was taken.

20. Council is asked to approve Change Order #3 to an Agreement for Architectural / Engineering Services for Design and Construction of an Esplanade and City Balcony on the CanalSide Redevelopment site, as requested by Engineering Operations.  Award to the Boudreaux Group, in the amount of, $10,925.00.  F/MBE participation 87%. - Approved

21. Council is asked to approve a Change Order #3 to an Agreement for Architectural / Engineering Services for Site Development Services for CanalSide, as requested by Engineering Operations.  Award to the Boudreaux Group, in the amount of, $25,500.00. No F/MBE participation. – Approved

22. Council is asked to approve a Service / Maintenance Contract for Automated Fleet Vehicle Washer for FY 2003/2004, as requested by Public Works.  Award to Carolina Chemical Equipment, the low bidder, in the amount of $25,200.00.  No M/FBE vendors provide the parts and chemicals compatible with this system.  The vendor is located in the Midlands area.  - Approved

23. Council is asked to approve a Contract to Purchase Tires for FY 2003/2004, as requested by Public Works.  Award Lots 1 through 7, 12, 13, 25, 29, & 30 to the Frasier Tire Service, low bidders by lots  and meeting specifications, and Lots 2, 6, 8, 10, 11, 14 through 24, 26 through 28 to Nuttall Tire, the low bidder by lots, for a total amount of $194,171.25. No M/FBE vendors submitted bids. Nuttall Tire is located in the city.  Frasier Tire Service is located in the Midlands area. - Approved

24. Council is asked to approve a Contract to Purchase Recapped Tires for FY 2003/2004, as requested by Public Works.  Award to the Frasier Tire Service, the low bidder, in the amount of $28,349.74.  No M/FBE vendors submitted bids. The vendor is located in the Midlands area. - Approved

CONSENT AGENDA  - SECOND READING ORDINANCES

25. Ordinance No.:  2003-014 – Granting encroachment to The Cock Pit for placement of six (6) tables and thirty (30) chairs for outdoor dining at 805 Harden Street
   -  Approved on first reading April 02, 2003 – Approved on second reading.

ORDINANCES –SECOND READING

26. Ordinance No.: 2003-017 – Providing for a Local Hospitality Tax
- Approved on first reading March 19, 2003.
 This item was held over, no action was taken.

ORDINANCES - FIRST READING

27. Ordinance No.: 2003-028 – Amending the 1998 Code of Ordinances of the City of Columbia, South Carolina, Chapter 21, Stormwater Management and Sedimentation Control, Article III, Flood Damage Prevention, Division 3, Flood Hazard Reduction, Sec. 21-173, Standards for streams without established base flood elevations or floodways

Upon motion by Mr. Cromartie, seconded by Mr. Papadea, Council voted unanimously to approve on first reading Ordinance No.: 2003-028 – Amending the 1998 Code of Ordinances of the City of Columbia, South Carolina, Chapter 21, Stormwater Management and Sedimentation Control, Article III, Flood Damage Prevention, Division 3, Flood Hazard Reduction, Sec. 21-173, Standards for streams without established base flood elevations or floodways.  Mr. Davis abstained from voting.

28. Ordinance No.: 2003-029 – Amending the 1998 Code of Ordinances of the City of Columbia, South Carolina, Chapter 12, Motor Vehicles and Traffic, Article II, Stopping, Standing and Parking, Division 2, Parking Meter Zones, Sec. 12-79

Upon motion by Mr. Papadea, seconded by Mr. Cromartie, Council voted unanimously to approve on first reading Ordinance No.: 2003-029 – Amending the 1998 Code of Ordinances of the City of Columbia, South Carolina, Chapter 12, Motor Vehicles and Traffic, Article II, Stopping, Standing and Parking, Division 2, Parking Meter Zones, Sec. 12-79.

RESOLUTIONS

29. Resolution No.:  R-2003-024 - Authorizing consumption of alcoholic beverages at Riverfest Celebration at Riverfront Park

Upon motion by Mr. Papadea, seconded by Mr. Osborne, Council voted unanimously to approve Resolution No.: R-2003-024 – Authorizing consumption of alcoholic beverages at Riverfest Celebration at Riverfront Park.

APPOINTMENTS

30. Community Promotions / Contingency Advisory Committee

Upon motion by Mayor Coble, seconded by Mr. Papadea, Council voted unanimously to approve the appointment of the following individuals to the Community Promotions / Contingency Advisory Committee:  Ms. Candy Waites, Ms. Jacqueline Hackett Cromartie, Mr. Rusty DePass, Mr. Robert Adams, Mr. Cary Abel, Ms. Connie Jenkins, Mr. Mel Jenkins, Ms. Martha Scott Smith, Ms. Mildred McDuffie, Ms. Betsy Gray and Mr. Harold White.

31. Planning Commission

Upon motion by Mr. Cromartie, seconded by Mr. Papadea, Council voted unanimously to approve the re-appointment of Mr. James Hilderbrand for a 2nd term to expire on March 1, 2006.  No other action was taken.

OTHER MATTERS

A. Collaborative Economics and Regional Stewardship Funding Request  - Mr. Mike Briggs, CCEDA

Upon motion by Mr. Cromartie, seconded by Mr. Papadea, Council voted unanimously to approve the request for funding from Collaborative Economics and Regional Stewardship in the amount of $17,500 from the City Council Economic Development Contingency Fund for fiscal year 2002/2003 and an additional $17,500 for fiscal year 2003/2004.

B. Beach Music Festival Funding Request ($5,000)  - Mr. Jim Engram

Upon motion by Mr. Cromartie, seconded by Mr. Papadea, Council voted unanimously to approve funding in the amount of $5,000 from the Community Promotions Contingency Fund.

C. Congaree Vista Guild Group / Artista Vista – Mr. Clark Ellefson
Council is asked to approve In Kind Services to hang banners on street poles in the Vista area and the Use of Pleasants Hardware for installation art exhibits and artists visiting from Savannah, G.A. with the city covering electrical and water costs, as well as liability insurance expenditures.

Upon motion by Mr. Cromartie, seconded by Mr. Papadea, Council voted unanimously to approve the request from the Congaree Vista Guild Group / Artista Vista to provide in kind services by hanging banners on street poles in the Vista area and the use of Pleasants Hardware for the installation of art exhibits with the city covering electrical and water costs.   The City of Columbia will not cover the expense of liability insurance for this event.
APPEARANCE OF PUBLIC HAVING BUSINESS WITH CITY COUNCIL

Mr. Bill Manley, stated that the time, accessibility and participation of the Public Hearing for the termination of the City Manager is a concern.  He urged the members of Council to consider changing the location of the Public Hearing, because there is a tremendous amount of interest in this issue.

Ms. Katherine Trimnal, CCN President, invited the members of Council to the CCN dinner on Friday, April 25, 2003 at 6:00 p.m.  She said that there would be an awards ceremony honoring eight (8) neighborhood volunteers.  She stated that she attended the first meeting of the Historic Heathwood Neighborhood Association where a discussion was held regarding the on going encroachment of institutions into neighborhoods.  Ms. Trimnal asked City Council to consider an Ordinance or policy to assist the neighborhoods with their struggle to maintain their character, integrity and historical significance.

Mayor Coble adjourned the meeting at 11:27 a.m. and reconvened the Work Session.

Respectfully submitted by:
 
 

Pamela J. Ferst, CPS
City Clerk