The City of Columbia City Council met in regular session on Wednesday, February 05, 2003, in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1737 Main Street, Columbia, South Carolina.  Mayor Robert D. Coble called the meeting to order at 10:31 a.m.  Council members present were The Honorable E. W. Cromartie, The Honorable Jim D. N. Papadea, The Honorable Anne M. Sinclair, The Honorable Hamilton Osborne, Jr., The Honorable Sam Davis and The Honorable Tameika C. Isaac.  Also present were Ms. Leona K. Plaugh, City Manager and Ms. Pamela J. Ferst, Acting City Clerk.

MOMENT OF SILENCE

Mayor Robert D. Coble called for a Moment of Silence in remembrance of the astronauts lost on the space shuttle Columbia and Officer Kenneth D. Russell of the City of Columbia Police Department who died from the result of a motorcycle accident.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. Minutes of January 08, 15, 22, and 29, 2003

Upon motion by Ms. Sinclair, seconded by Mr. Davis, Council voted unanimously to approve on a single motion the minutes of January 08, 15, 22 and 29, 2003.  Mr. Cromartie was not present for the vote.

· Mr. Cromartie joined the meeting at 10:35 a.m.

PRESENTATIONS  
 
2. Fast Forward Quarterly Report - Ms. Dee Albritton

Ms. Dee Albritton, Fast Forward, introduced volunteers and students of Hand Middle School and Fast Forward. She informed Council that the UPS Foundation has awarded Fast Forward a $23,000.00 grant for equipment.  She told Council that Fast Forward volunteers will be weather reporters for WIS TV and they have their own weather station.  The students demonstrated robots that were built with legos and computer chips.  Ms. Albritton presented the members of Council with tokens of appreciation.

3. US Youth Games of Columbia, SC  - Mr. Mike Griffin, Public Relations

Mr. Mike Griffin, Public Relations, stated that they appreciate the support received from the City of Columbia.

Mr. James Brown, Chairman, stated that the US Youth Games might be hosted in the City of Columbia in a few years.

Mr. Oliver Washington, Coordinator, said that they are looking forward to showcasing the City of Columbia during the US Youth Games.  He stated that a lot of the participants continue to play in sports on a collegiate level.

Mr. James Brown, Chairman, on behalf of the US Youth Games presented the member of City Council with a plaque in appreciation for their support.
4. City Employee of the Month – Mr. Karl Banach, Truck Driver III
  - Mr. Lee Honeycutt, Street Division Superintendent

Mr. Lee Honeycutt, Street Division Superintendent, introduced Mr. Karl Banach as the February 2003 Employee of the Month.  Mr. Honeycutt said that Mr. Banach’s attendance is excellent, he plans well, he is always willing to accept any assignment and he keeps the public’s convenience in mind.

Mayor Coble presented a plaque acknowledging Mr. Banach as the February 2003 Employee of the Month.

Ms. Plaugh, City Manager, presented Mr. Banach with a certificate for one (1) day off with pay and a token of appreciation.

5. Ms. Dolly Justice, Assistant Solicitor and Mr. Barney Geise, Solicitor
– Councilwoman Tameika C. Isaac

Ms. Dolly Justice, Assistant Solicitor, introduced herself to the members of Council as the new Special City Prosecutor.  She informed Council that meetings have been scheduled with various neighborhood organizations to address their concerns.  Ms. Justice extended her services to the members of Council.

CONSENT AGENDA

Upon motion by Mr. Cromartie, seconded by Mr. Papadea, Council voted unanimously to approve on a single motion the Consent Agenda Items 7. through 22. as presented.  Item 6. was held over, no action was taken.

 STREET CLOSING REQUESTS

6. Council is asked to approve a request from Beach Music Festivals, LLC. in association with the City Center Partnership to close the 1400 block of Main Street and half of the streets bordering this block on Saturday, May 10th, 2003 from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and the use of Boyd Plaza at the Columbia Museum of Art for a Beach Music Concert.  Contact:  Jim Engram
 This item was held over, no action was taken.

7. Council is asked to approve a request from the Township Auditorium to close the 1600 block of Henderson Street; the mid block of 1700 Henderson north from Blanding Street toward Laurel Street; the mid block of 1600 block of Blanding Street from Henderson Street west toward Pickens Street; the mid block of 1700 Henderson Street east toward Barnwell Street, on Thursday, February 06, Tuesdays, February 11, and March 11, 2003 from 7:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. for productions of Freedom Train, I Have a Dream, and Charlottes’ Web.  Contact:  Marshall P. Perry - Approved

8. Council is asked to approve a request by the S.C. Gay and Lesbian Pride Movement and the Carolina Rainbow Family Coalition to close the 1100 and 1200 blocks of Lady Street (assembly area) on Sunday, May 18, 2003 between the hours of 11:30 a.m. and 12:00 noon for the South Carolina Gay and Lesbian Pride March.  Contact:  Bob Hall - Approved

9. Council is asked to approve a request from the Three (3) Rivers Music Festival 2003 to close portions of Taylor Street between Assembly and Gadsden Streets … Lincoln Street between Hampton and Taylor Streets … Gadsden Street between Hampton and Blanding Streets … Hampton Street between Gadsden and Assembly Streets  … Park Street between Gervais and Taylor Streets … Lady Street between Assembly and Lincoln Streets … Washington Street between Lincoln and Assembly Streets, on Friday, April 04 through Sunday, April 06, 2003.  Contact:  Fred Monk
 Resolution No.:  R-2003-003 – Authorizing 3 Rivers Music Festival 2003
 Friday, April 04 - Event Hours:  6:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.; Beer sales:  6:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.; Food Sales:  6:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. … Saturday, April 05 - Event Hours:  11:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.; Beer sales:  11:00  a.m. – 11:30 p.m.; Food Sales:  11:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. … Sunday, April 06 - Event Hours:  2:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.; Beer Sales:  2:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.; Food Sales:  2:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. - Approved

10. ? Council is asked to approve a request from the Richland County Public Library and USC’s College of Library and Information Science to close the 1600 block of Blanding Street and the block of Henderson Street next to the Township Auditorium on Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26, 2003 from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon for the annual A Baker’s Dozen storytelling festival.  - Approved
 ? Council is asked to approve a request from the Richland County Public Library and USC’s College of Library and Information Science to close Hampton Street between Park and Assembly Streets on Saturday, April 26, 2003 from 8:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. for outdoor activities at the R.C. Public Library.
 Contact:  Ginger Shuler, Chief of Youth Services - Approved

11.  Council is asked to approve a request from the Columbia Action Council to close the streets listed below on Saturday, March 29, 2003 for Kids Day Columbia in Finlay Park from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  In addition, we would also request Sunday, March 30, 2003 as a “rain date” with event hours also being from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Finlay Park.  Following are the requested street closures, date, and times:  Contact:  Sean Nolan - Approved

 Saturday, March 29, & Sunday March 30?
  -  0900 block of Laurel Street closed from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
  -  1600 block of Gadsden Street closed from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Ø Sunday, March 30th street closings would only be necessary providing the Saturday, March 29th date is cancelled due to inclement weather.
 
CONSIDERATION OF BIDS, AGREEMENTS, AND CHANGE ORDERS
 
12.  Council is asked to approve the Purchase of a Bulldozer, as requested by the Street Division.  Award to Blanchard Machinery, the low bidder, in the amount of $68,953.00.  No M/FBE firms submitted bids.  The vendor is located in the Midlands.  - Approved

13. Council is asked to approve an Agreement for Engineering Services for Design and Construction of Water Main Upgrades for Fire Protection in the Melrose Heights area; CIP Project W461(48), Phases I and II, as requested by Engineering.  Award to Civil Engineering of Columbia, the 1992 preliminary designer, in a lump sum fee of $60,000.00.  No MFBE participation.  This firm is located in the Columbia area.   - Approved

14. Council is asked to approve a Contract for Annual Health Screenings and Physicals for Fire Fighters, as requested by the Fire Department.  Award to North Greenville Fitness,  the low bidder, in the amount of $63,367.50.  No M/FBE firms submitted bids.  The vendor is located in the Upstate. - Approved

15. Council is asked to the Repair and Replacement of Roofs on Buildings A, B, and C at Riverfront Park, as requested by Engineering.  Award to Fort Roofing & Sheet Metal Works, Inc., the low bidder, in the amount of $73,500.00.  Suggested M/FBE funding level was zero (0%) percent.  The vendor is located in S.C. - Approved

16. Council is asked to approve the Purchase of Seventeen (17) Light Bars / Sirens, as requested by the Police Department.  Award to Palmetto Distributors, the low bidder, in the amount of $20,653.45.  No M/FBE vendors can furnish this equipment at these prices.  The vendor is located in the Columbia area. - Approved

17. Council is asked to approve the Purchase of Uniforms and Shoes, as requested by the Fire Department.  Award to Wright-Johnson, lowest qualified bidder, in the amount of $43,160.25.  No M/FBE vendors can furnish these uniforms.  This is a local vendor.  - Approved

18. Council is asked to approve the Purchase of an Air Compressor, as requested by Water Distribution.  Award to United Rental, the low bidder, in the amount of $12,453.00.  No M/FBE vendors submitted bids.  This is a local vendor. - Approved

19. Council is asked to approve the Repair of the Roof at the Ferguson Street Fire Station, as requested by the Fire Department.  Award to Aqua Seal Mfg. & Roofing Co., the second low bidder, in the amount of $19,233.00.  No MFBE vendors submitted bids.  The vendor is located in the Midlands area.  The low bidder did not provide proof of a Business License or Contractors License. - Approved

20. Council is asked to approve the Purchase of a Rear Loader Garbage Truck, as requested by Solid Waste.  Award to Volvo GMS Trucks, the low bidder meeting specifications, in the amount of $99,689.31.  No M/FBE vendors submitted bids.  This vendor is located out of state. - Approved

21. Council is asked to approve the Purchase of Two (2) Backhoes, as requested by the Wastewater Maintenance Division.  Award to Mitchell Distributing, the second low bidder meeting specifications, in the amount of $101,400.00.  No MFBE companies submitted bids.  This company is located in the Midlands area. - Approved

22. Council is asked to approve a Contract for an addition to the Hyatt Park Community Center, as requested by Engineering.  Award to Penn Contracting, the low bidder, in the amount of $172,550.00.  M/FBE participation is 25%.  This company is located in the Midlands area. - Approved

ORDINANCES - FIRST READING

Upon motion by Mr. Papadea, seconded by Ms. Sinclair, Council voted unanimously to approve on a single motion the first reading of Item 23. Ordinance No.: 2002-057 - Amending the 1998 Code of Ordinances of the City of Columbia, South Carolina, Chapter 24, Vehicles for Hire, Article IV, Wrecker and Towing Services, Sec. 205 through Sec. 215; Item 24. Granting encroachment to Bar None at 620 Harden Street for outdoor dining; and Item 25. Ordinance No.:  2003-009 - Granting encroachment to First Presbyterian Church for construction, installation and maintenance of a 215’ storm drain pipe for a roof drain collection system with the Lady Street right of way.  Item 25a. was approved on a separate motion.

23. Ordinance No.: 2002-057 - Amending the 1998 Code of Ordinances of the City of Columbia, South Carolina, Chapter 24, Vehicles for Hire, Article IV, Wrecker and Towing Services, Sec. 205 through Sec. 215 – Approved on first reading

A motion by Mr. Papadea, seconded by Ms. Isaac, to reconsider the motion to approve on first reading Ordinance No.: 2002-057 - Amending the 1998 Code of Ordinances of the City of Columbia, South Carolina, Chapter 24, Vehicles for Hire, Article IV, Wrecker and Towing Services, Sec. 205 through Sec. 215 was withdrawn.

24. Ordinance No.:  2003-001 - Granting encroachment to Bar None at 620 Harden Street for outdoor dining. – Approved on first reading.

25. Ordinance No.:  2003-009 - Granting encroachment to First Presbyterian Church for construction, installation and maintenance of a 215’ storm drain pipe for a roof drain collection system with the Lady Street right of way. – Approved on first reading.

25.a. **Ordinance No.: 2003-012 – Prohibiting the Issuance of Demolition Permits in Permits in Certain Portions of the City – Approved on first reading

Upon motion by Mr. Papadea, seconded by Ms. Sincalir, Council voted unanimously to approve on first reading Ordinance No.: 2003-012 – Prohibiting the Issuance of Demolition Permits in Permits in Certain Portions of the City.
 
RESOLUTIONS

Upon motion by Mr. Papadea, seconded by Ms. Sinclair, Council voted unanimously to approve on a single motion Item 26. Resolution No.:  R-2003-006 – Authorizing Acceptance and Dedication of Street Known as Rockwood Road, Heritage Place (formerly Heritage Woods, Phase 3) to the City of Columbia, Richland County TMS #16306-01-02 (Portion); CF#143-01A and Item 27. Resolution No.:  R-2003-007 – Amending Sidewalk Vending Locations and Authorized Merchandise.

26. Resolution No.:  R-2003-006 – Authorizing Acceptance and Dedication of Street Known as Rockwood Road, Heritage Place (formerly Heritage Woods, Phase 3) to the City of Columbia, Richland County TMS #16306-01-02 (Portion); CF#143-01A. - Approved

27. Resolution No.:  R-2003-007 – Amending Sidewalk Vending Locations and Authorized Merchandise - Approved

APPOINTMENTS

28. Columbia Museum of Art  - Five (5) year term, expiring January 1, 2008

Upon motion by Mayor Coble, seconded by Ms. Sinclair, Council voted unanimously to approve the appointment of Ms. Lynette Allston to the Columbia Museum of Art for a five (5) year term expiring on January 1, 2008.

OTHER MATTERS
 
29. Council is asked to approve bagging seventeen (17) meters adjacent to the Rutledge Building on the 2003 dates the State Board of Education meets, as requested by Greg Killian, Chair of the State Board of Education.

  Tuesday,  February 11  Tuesday,  August 12
  Wednesday,  February 12 Wednesday, August 13
 
  Tuesday,   March 11 Tuesday,  September 09
  Wednesday, March 12 Wednesday, September 10
 
  Tuesday,  April 08 Tuesday,  October 07
  Wednesday, April 09 Wednesday, October 08
 
  Tuesday,   May 13 Tuesday,  November TBD
  Wednesday, May 14 Wednesday, November TBD

  Tuesday,  June 10  Tuesday,  December 09
  Wednesday, June 11 Wednesday, December 10

  Tuesday,  July 08
  Wednesday, July 09

Upon motion by Mayor Coble, seconded by Mr. Cromartie, Council voted unanimously to approve the request from the State Board of Education to bag seventeen (17) meters adjacent to the Rutledge Building on the dates the State Board of Education meets in 2003.

29.a. **Jimmy Buffett Day

Upon motion by Mayor Coble, seconded by Mr. Cromartie, Council voted unanimously to resolve that February 5, 2003 is Jimmy Buffett Day in the City of Columbia.

APPEARANCE OF PUBLIC HAVING BUSINESS WITH CITY COUNCIL

Mr. Mel Jenkins, 3324 Montgomery Avenue, stated that there should be a public hearing to discuss the SC Dispensary Warehouse, because it can be redeveloped without using public funds.  He proposed that today be declared as Jimmy Buffett Day in the City of Columbia.  Mr. Jenkins inquired about the status of the business survey conducted by Mr. Tony Grant.  He also requested a copy of the survey.

Ms. Karen Kustafik, Parks & Recreation Department, thanked the City of Columbia for enabling the Parks & Recreation Department to host the 2nd Annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day Celebration, to be held in the Cantey Building at the State Fairgrounds, Saturday, February 8, 2003, from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.  She informed the members of Council that Olympian Dominique Dows will be in attendance.  Ms. Kustafik said that $15,000.00 would be spent on the event.
Mr. John Hipp, 1st National Corporation CEO, thanked the members of Council for their support and assistance during the relocation of the corporate headquarters from Orangeburg to the City of Columbia.  He encouraged Council to support the development of the SC Dispensary Warehouse.  He stated that they developed this facility on Gervais Street to extend the boundaries of the Vista and to have an impact on additional investments in the area.  Mr. Hipp informed the members of Council that SCB&T is considering a commitment to generate moderate income and affluent housing in the downtown area.  He agreed that a significant grocery store is needed in the downtown area.

Ms. Jessy Unice, Vista Commons Apartment Homes, told Council that the Vista Commons supports the idea of a grocery store, because it is an inconvenience to drive to Cayce to go grocery shopping.

Mr. Roger Poston, Historic Columbia Foundation Executive Director, said that historic preservation is important to the quality of life in the community.  He stated that this is the strongest proposal for adaptive reuse of the property.  He informed Council that the Design Development Review Commission approved the plan and passed a resolution to ask City Council for support.

ADJOURNMENT

Mayor Coble adjourned the meeting at 11:30 a.m. and reconvened the Work Session.

Respectfully submitted by:

Pamela J. Ferst, CPS
Acting City Clerk