The City of Columbia City Council met in a Work Session Wednesday, July 11, 2001 in the City Hall Council Conference Room, 1737 Main Street, Columbia, South Carolina.  Mayor Robert D. Coble called the meeting to order at 9:20 a.m.  Council members present were: The Honorable E. W. Cromartie, II, The Honorable Francenia B. Heizer, The Honorable Jim Papadea, The Honorable Anne M. Sinclair, The Honorable Hamilton Osborne, Jr., and The Honorable Sam Davis.  Also attending were Ms. Leona K. Plaugh, City Manager and Ms. Pamela J. Ferst, Acting City Clerk.

1. REVIEW OF AGENDAS

Ms. Leona Plaugh reviewed agenda items with Council for the 10:00 a.m. Zoning Public Hearing and the regular Council meeting to be held at 6:30 p.m.

2. PRESENTATIONS

Saluda River Project

1. Mr. Keith McLeod, Jr., P.E., President of B.P. Barber and Associates

Mr. Keith McLeod, Jr. presented Council with a proposed design route for a major wastewater system, upgrade and expansion project that is significant in terms of its size, complexity, and the impact it will have on the City of Columbia=s customer=s future.

Mr. McLeod introduced members of the team involved in the project.

He reviewed with Council B.P. Barber=s approach to the force main and pump station project=s proposed route and alternate routes on the West Columbia side of the Saluda River.

Mr. Ken Humphries, with the GAGE Group, Inc. reviewed key issues of concern, i.e. subsurface challenges, environmental issues, archaeological disturbances and a Geotechnical approach to the project.

Mr. McLeod summarized and concluded the presentation.

2. Mr. Wayne Iseman, Principal in Charge for Jordan, Jones, &     Goulding

Mr. Wayne Iseman stated that the project involved transmitting wastewater from the Zoo site to the Blossom Street bridge.  He informed Council of several key issues that need to be addressed, i.e. environmental (crossing the river), repairing trees, potential of underground hazardous material, community concerns, traffic, and coordination with West Columbia.  Mr. Iseman recommended a tunneling process which would be the most cost effective.
 
Ms. Patrick J. Noble of P. J. Noble and Associates stated that they would attempt to establish strategy for public participation in both the design process as well as the construction management process.  Ms. Noble stated that they hope to create opportunities for community involvement in hopes to minimize conflict.

Council adjourned at 10:10 a.m. to the Council Chambers for a Zoning Public Hearing.

Mayor Coble reconvened the Work Session at 1:30 p.m.

Mr. Iseman summarized the tunneling process, the proposed alternatives, minority participation, and in concluding the presentation, why J.J.G. should be selected.

3. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION/ACTION

A. Ed Venture Status Report by Ms. Catherine Horne
This item will be presented at the 6:30 p.m. Council meeting being held at   Eau Claire Survey Building, 3907 Ensor Avenue, Council District 1.
B. Anti-Graffiti Ordinance
This item was held over, no action was taken.
C. Holiday Celebration
This item was held over, no action was taken.
D. SCOIC Inc. Request
This item was held over, no action was taken.
E. Federation Center of the Blind Request
This item was held over, no action was taken.
F. Vogue Building Demolition Bids
This item was held over, no action was taken.

G. **Funding request by the South Carolina Hispanic Outreach

Upon motion by Mayor Coble, seconded by Mr. Papadea, council voted unanimously to approve authorization by the City Manager to provide funding to the South Carolina Hispanic Outreach, in the amount of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) or less.

4. Legal Briefing/Contracts*

A. *Amesco Inc. and Tower Real Estate Contract
This item was held for a presentation at a later date

B. *Green Diamond
C. *SCANA
D. *Memorial Park
E. *Tom Piroeshi Request
$ Items 4. A. through E. were held over, no action taken.

Mayor Coble adjourned the meeting at 1:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by:
 
 

Pamela J. Ferst, CPS
Acting City Clerk