Richland County Council
Administration and Finance Committee

Tuesday, February 27, 2001, 6:00 p.m.

Report of Actions

Call To Order – Joe McEachern, Committee Chair, called the meeting to order at 6:10.

Approval of Minutes – The minutes of the January 23, 2001 Regular Session Meeting were approved as submitted.

Adoption of Agenda – The agenda was adopted as amended, adding "Year of the Neighborhood" as Item G under Items for Action.

Awards and Recognition

1. Resolution for Bernie McGuire, SC Tennis Hall of Fame – The Committee recommended that Council approve the resolution honoring Bernie McGuire for his induction into the SC Tennis Hall of Fame.
2. Resolution for Bob Pulliam, Aviation Hall of Fame Inductee – The Committee recommended that Council approve the resolution honoring Bob Pulliam for his induction into the Aviation Hall of Fame.
3. Resolution for Douglas Oates, SC Flight Instructor of the Year – The Committee recommended that Council approve the resolution honoring Douglas Oates for his selection as the SC Flight Instructor of the Year.
4. Resolution for Austin Newman, South Carolina Youth Volunteer – The Committee recommended that Council approve the resolution honoring Austin Newman for his selection as a South Carolina Youth Volunteer.

Items for Action

1. Sheriff’s Department:

1. Portable Radios – The Committee recommended that Council approve the request to purchase 77 portable radios in the amount of $115,500; the County’s portion of this expense is $11,500, representing the required 10% matching funds of a grant being used to purchase this equipment.
2. and 3. Budget Amendments for Fuel and SCANA Radio Service – The Committee deferred these requests for budget amendments in the amounts of $297,000 and $160,000, respectively, until such time as General Fund monies are required to fund these needs.

1. Police Officers’ Retirement System – The Committee deferred this request to the next Committee meeting in order for the County Attorney to be consulted regarding his legal concerns on this issue.
2. Babcock Center: Resolution – The Committee recommended that Council approve Babcock Center’s request for a resolution, necessary for a SC Department of Transportation grant, designating it as an organization in Richland County able to provide transportation to people with disabilities.
3. Bond Court: Additional Hours – The Committee recommended that Council approve the Chief Magistrate’s request to increase the number of hours worked by the part-time Magistrate from 30 to 37 hours.
4. Finance: Deobligating Bonds – The Committee recommended that Council approve the request to redirect $326,828.51 in remaining bond proceeds for improvements to the Bluff Road Detention Center and its surrounding area, including a lightning protection system, community improvements, and new expansion start-up costs.
5. State Farmers Market: Resolution – The Committee recommended that Council approve the resolution – as amended – to reflect its support of the Columbia State Farmers’ Market.
6. Community Development: "Year of the Neighborhood" – The Committee recommended that Council approve the request to declare 2001 as the "Year of the Neighborhood" in Richland County.

Items Pending Analysis

1. "Communications Specialist" in Washington, DC – The Committee recommended to retain this issue on the Committee agenda so a thorough report may be prepared for Council.

Items for Discussion