Richland County - Office of Procurement

The meeting commenced with confirmation that the agenda was properly publicized according to the Freedom of Information Act. Key discussions focused on the upcoming implementation of a new Land Development Code effective March 1st. The primary item discussed was the Olympia Mill District historic overlay, which aims to protect and preserve the unique design features and character of established neighborhoods by incorporating architectural design guidelines from the existing Capitol City Mill District Master Plan into required standards. Staff indicated that criteria for establishing the overlay designation had been met, and they plan to draft an ordinance, seeking input from both the Commission and the community, while considering the impact on housing affordability for existing residents. Questions were raised regarding whether the overlay boundaries must strictly adhere to the master plan boundaries and the potential implications for housing affordability and gentrification within designated areas.

The meeting commenced with roll call, invocation, and the Pledge of Allegiance. Key discussions centered on resolutions, including honoring National Public Works Week (May 19th-25th, 2024) and recognizing Robin Waits for her 20-year tenure as Executive Director of Historic Columbia. A resolution recognizing correctional officers for National Correctional Officers Appreciation Week (May 5th-11th) was also passed. Ratification occurred for resolutions concerning Benedict College's Harambee Festival and Small Business Week. The Council voted to adopt the agenda but deferred public hearing and second reading items concerning an amendment to animal ordinances (Chapter 5) until June 4th, due to ongoing stakeholder discussions and awaiting revised draft language. The Attorney's Report detailed four executive session items: property acquisition updates (3650 Bluff Road and 1221 Greg Street), personnel matters regarding the County Administrator's duties, and a reference to Randolph versus Richland County.

The meeting commenced with remarks thanking attendees for visiting the new facility and included an invocation focusing on unity after recent disasters. Key discussions involved procedural matters such as reconsidering minutes from a September 12th special call meeting regarding general obligation bonds, and approving minutes for a September 6th special call meeting. The agenda was amended to include a public hearing for item 13f, which was inadvertently omitted. The County Administrator reported on several items, including the near completion of council chamber renovations and plans for a tour, updates on negotiations for the Fire Services contract with the City of Columbia, and an analysis of the transportation program utility relocation, suggesting a council workshop for deliberation. Additionally, an after-action report briefing regarding the response to Hurricane Irma was provided, highlighting strong interdepartmental and intergovernmental cooperation. The discussion also touched upon ongoing support provided to victims of the Puerto Rico disaster.

Discussions involved motions regarding utility relocation issues affecting projects, stressing the need for responsible parties to address their obligations to prevent delays. Topics included property acquisition, directives for the administrator to proceed with a motion, and updates concerning the EMS department status. A resolution was passed honoring the Richard County Library for national recognition. Another motion recognized the achievement of Brownstone Construction related to the Decker Center project. A significant motion was passed to simplify emergency preparedness, directing Richard County to coordinate with the municipality to identify and certify emergency shelter facilities, considering accessibility and accommodating agencies like the Red Cross for resource distribution during crises.

The meeting focused on addressing urgent items necessitating a special session, particularly due to time restrictions for public comment and filing deadlines. Key discussions involved motions to add an item regarding an increase in starting pay for detention officers, with proposed categories based on employment duration and a target effective date of July 3rd. There was debate regarding the urgency of this addition. Furthermore, the council addressed the approval of the annual action plan to HUD, which required a 30-day public comment period followed by a public hearing set for July 28th to meet an August 16th submission deadline. An administrative error was noted in the home budget, specifically concerning the owner-occupied rehabilitation amount, which was off by one hundred thousand dollars and required notation for correction. The agenda also included motions for adjournment and a failed motion for reconsideration of an unspecified item.