County Council - Regular Meeting

Good evening. It is 6 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15th, 2026. I'd like to call our Richland County regular session meeting to order. Madam Clark, can you take the roll, please?

Brenham? Present. Pugh? Little? Livingston? Teresha? Here. Weaver? Here. Cooper? Here. Aileen? Here. Mackie? Here. English? Present. Newton?

Here.

We have a quorum.

Thank you. Next is our invocation. Councilwoman English, if you would please this evening.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I'll just bow our heads. father it's in the precious name of our lord and savior jesus christ that we come to you now thanking you for who you are giving you glory and honor for all that you do for your power your splendor for your magnificence for your glory we thank you lord that it's in you that we live move and have our very being Thank you, Lord, that you are the breath that we breathe. We thank you, Lord, that we have life through you and life more abundantly. Father, we just thank you for the citizens of Richland County. We thank you, Lord, for the staff that toils, Lord, daily and that just really stresses the importance of lifting up richland county god i ask special blessings over this council tonight as we make decisions give us your wisdom your knowledge your understanding discernment and revelation behind all that we do oh god that every decision we make lord will be bring you glory and draw us closer to one another Father, we just continue to give you praise and honor. These are all blessings we ask and thanks we give in the precious name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. I'll stand for the Pledge of Allegiance if you're able.

Next is presentation of resolutions and proclamations. 4A, a resolution recognizing the Columbia chapter of Jack and Jill of America Incorporated, 75th anniversary. I entertain a motion. Move to approve. Second. Motion and second for approval. Madam Clerk?

Branham?

Yes.

Teresha? Yes. Weaver? Yes. Cooper? Yes. Aileen? Yes. Mackey? Yes. English? Yes. Newton? Yes. Motion approved.

Thank you. Would like to take a moment to thank all my colleagues for signing on and supporting the resolution honoring the Columbia of Jack and Jill for their 75th anniversary. That resolution was presented to them this Saturday at their 75th anniversary gala. Next is item 4B, a proclamation recognizing Little Miss and Teen Miss South Carolina pageant, Danny Jennings, We Miss South Carolina 2026. Director Henderson, if you would, please.

Thank you, Madam Chair. recognizing Little Miss and Teen Miss South Carolina pageant and Danny Jennings' We Miss South Carolina 2026. Whereas founded in 1971 by the late Linda Floyd in Sumter, South Carolina, Little Miss and Teen Miss South Carolina is one of South Carolina's oldest pageant systems for children and young adults. Whereas the Little Miss and Teen Miss South Carolina pageant recently celebrated 55th pageant in Florence, South Carolina at the Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center where contestants competed for scholarships and other prizes. And whereas the event recognized top young contestants and state title holders from across the region, celebrating achievements in modeling, interviewing skills, and community representation, promoting community service, academics, good sportsmanship, poise, self-esteem, and friendships, while stressing age appropriateness in hair, makeup, and dress for all ages, especially the younger contestants. And whereas Danny Jenkins, the five-year-old daughter of DeAndre and the Kendra Jenkins of Elgin, South Carolina, entered in the four to six age group and was crowned We Miss South Carolina 2026 and overall cutest baby face. She recognized, she received rather $3,500 in winnings and many other prizes. Whereas Danny will travel the state this year representing the pageant and PHCH making many appearances throughout the year, including showcases in various parades across the state. And whereas the Little Miss and Teen Miss South Carolina pageant and contestants have raised over $760,000 for Prisma Health Children's Hospital since partnering with them in 2002. And they've raised $50,000 for Prisma Health Children's Hospital during the 2026 pageant year with the goal of increasing that figure in 2027. And now therefore be it proclaimed that Richland County Council members Jason Branham, Derek Pugh, Tyra K. Little, Don Weaver, Gretchen D. Cooper, Tish Dozier-Aline, Jessica Mackey, Cheryl English and Shaquise Newton do hereby recognize and commend the Little Miss and Teen Miss South Carolina pageant and 2026 We Miss crowned contestant winner Dani Jennings for her extraordinary achievements in pageantry, her contributions in helping raise donations for Prisma Health Children's Hospital and her example of using and the platform to inspire others in Richland County, South Carolina and beyond.

Okay, Ms. Danny and family, did you want to come and say a few words? Yes, ma'am. Right here at the mic for me, okay? Mm-hmm.

I believe in South Carolina. Thank you for coming here to visit me. I'm so, and thank you. And be coming here for a long time and be coming. Thank you.

Thank you. We definitely want to congratulate you on all of your hard work. Yeah, we want to congratulate you on all of your hard work. And for representing our state very proudly and for all of the funds that you have raised for the children's hospital, you are already starting off at a very young age to be a great future leader, so we thank you for the example that you are setting for other young children. So would you please do us the honor of taking a picture with us under the seal. Yes.

We're gonna go first, baby, and we'll come next. All of us? Or I don't know. I want her to do it. Okay. um

All right, one, two, and again, and one more time.

Okay. Thank you. All right.

Any others? Say thank you.

This is special. You want Mama to hold it?

Next is item five, approval of the minutes for my regular session, September 1st, 2026. I'll entertain a motion.

Motion to approve. Second.

Motion is second for approval, Madam Clerk.

Brenham?

Yes.

Teresha? Yes. Weaver? Yes. Cooper? Yes. McLean? Yes. Mackey? Yes. English? Yes. Motion approved.

Adoption of the agenda. Administrator Brown, do we have any additions or deletions this evening?

There are no requested additions from the administration.

Thank you. Wright?

No recommended changes.

Entertain a motion. Adopt the agenda. Second. Motion is second. Femclerk?

Brenham? Yes. Teresha? Yes. Weaver? Yes. Cooper? Yes. Aileen? Yes. Mackey? Yes. English? Yes. Newton? Yes. Motion approved.

Item seven, report of the attorney for executive session items. Attorney Wright, you're recognized.

Yes, Madam Chair. We have six matters for executive session. 7a legal update disability rights versus richmond county pursuant to se uh code section 30-4-70a2 b legal update haynes versus richmond county pursuant to 30-4-70a2 c legal advice project bird dog pursuant to 30-4-70a2 and 5. d addendum 1221 greg street PURSUANT TO 30-4-70A2 AND 5 E LEGAL ADVICE RECOMMENDED ACTION 120 CLEMSON ROAD PURSUANT TO 30-4-70A2 AND POTENTIAL LAND DONATION RICHTON COUNTY CEMETERY PURSUANT TO 30-4-70A2 AND WE DO HAVE ONE MATTER WITH OUTSIDE COUNCIL AND THAT IS C LEGAL ADVICE PROJECT BIRD DOG

Thank you. Per county council rules, executive session items that require outside counsel are taken up during our first executive session on the agenda and all other items will be taken up in the second executive session on the agenda. I'll entertain a motion to go in executive session for 7C. Move to go in the executive session.

Second.

Motion and a second. Any discussion? Madam Clerk?

Branham?

Yes.

Teresia? Yes. Weaver? Yes. Cooper? Yes. Aileen? Yes. Mackey? Yes. English? Yes. Newton? Yes. Motion approved.

Thank you. We're now in executive session.

Move to move out of session. Second.

Motion and a second. Madam Clerk?

Brenham? Yes. Terracia? Yes. Weaver? Yes. Cooper? Yes. Aileen? Yes. Mackey? Yes. English? Yes. Newton? Yes. Motion approved.

RECOGNIZED ATTORNEY WRIGHT.

MADAM CHAIR, I GUESS I WOULD ASK THE SENIOR MEMBER WHO WAS IN EXECUTIVE SESSION JUST TO STATE THAT WE DID ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION AND NO ACTION WAS TAKEN.

YES, WE'LL REPEAT THOSE SAME THINGS. WE ENTERED EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS ITEM 7C AND NO ACTION WAS TAKEN.

MADAM CHAIR, I JUST WOULD LIKE TO NOTE THAT COUNCILMAN PUGH HAS JOINED THE MEETING.

Thank you so much. Next is item eight, citizens input for items on the agenda not requiring a public hearing. Did not have anyone sign up this evening. Item nine, citizens input must pertain to Richland County matters not on the agenda, items for which a public hearing is required A REPUBLICAN HAS BEEN SCHEDULED CANNOT BE ADDRESSED AT THIS TIME. SIX INDIVIDUALS TO SIGN UP THIS EVENING TO SPEAK. WHEN I CALL YOUR NAME, PLEASE COME TO THE PODIUM, STATE YOUR FIRST AND LAST And address you'll be given two minutes to speak once you hear the timer please comments. First, we have Lachlan Wooten.

Sorry, good evening i'm Lachlan Wooten I live at 16 Castle Hall Lane Columbia South Carolina 29209. And we just wanted to come and say thank you guys for all of your support of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. And we wanted to give you some updates on some amazing things happening at Riverbanks and your role in our continued success. First, Thursday of this week, Dinosaurs Around the World opens. And that is a life-size dinosaur exhibit with dinos all over the zoo and is really a wonderful combination of education, family fun, and adventure. If you've never seen the life-size animatronic dinosaurs, you've got to come see them. It's a great reason for residents and tourists alike to get out and explore our community, so I hope you'll come and see them. Friday evening is our annual society-hosted fundraiser, Zoofari, which is a great opportunity for community leaders and supporters and businesses alike to come out and celebrate and support conservation, and also sort of underpins another way that Riverbanks is supported by this really unique, really successful public-private partnership. Lastly, I kind of wanted to just hit quickly on a year end. Our FY26 year was a wonderful year at Riverbanks, and we, 250,000 people that came to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden are residents of Richland County. So we were really thrilled to welcome that is families enjoying the zoo together, that is students getting hands-on education, and that is just members of the community getting out in nature and exploring what our community has to offer. As a resident of richland county I am grateful for each of your leadership and vision and investing in the quality of life assets that make this Community such a unique and wonderful place to live and work. And as we continue these developments and exciting events and bridge to the wild which tell me i'll speak to really quickly. We just want to thank you guys for being really underpinning the success and allowing us in the riverbanks team. to steward this resource that belongs to Richland County. So thank you guys. Thank you.

Tommy Stringfellow.

Good evening, Madam Chair, council members and staff. I'm Tommy Stringfellow, the president and CEO here at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. I live at 705 Maple Street, Columbia, South Carolina, 29205. As Lachlan mentioned, I just wanted to take a minute to give you some updates on how we're progressing with the Bridge to the Wild projects. If you hadn't had a chance, I know Lachlan sent an email out that has a link in there that if you click on, it gives you a really cool flyover rendering of what these projects will be looking like. So if you have a few minutes, take the time, click on that, and it'll be reflected in what I'm saying here. um we uh as also luckily mentioned we're kicking off this friday night with our uh our private fundraising uh tour that we go through to help support on the private sector uh the public funds that we get um to make all these projects happen It's hard to believe it's been a year that the SkyRide opened up. I know a lot of you guys came for that kickoff, and it's been a year. We've had quite a few riders, a lot of excitement. What I like about this is that the SkyRide, being the first project, will soar over the new projects that are getting ready to go under construction. So folks will be able to come and see all the projects being made, hopefully come back more often to see what it's all about. The, let's see, the first project, the Lion, is underway. Construction fencing's up. It was awarded to a local contractor. So we should have that completed by this time next year. The bigger pieces of the phase will begin in February. The RFP was just completed. awarded to a local contractor they are already on site along with our management team and also management company that's here locally to kick that project off and that will be the the restaurant on the river the boardwalk that'll connect from the restaurant all the way up to the top of the hill red panda exhibit a new tiger exhibit and the small primate exhibits, all in final design. And like I said, hopefully we'll have shovels in the ground by this February. We'll be about a two-year, 24-month, unless I can push them a little harder, to be done. But they'll all open up at the same time. Thank you very much. Thank you.

Brian Dixon?

How y'all doing? My name is Brian Dixon, of course, and I'm from Columbia, South Carolina. 2204 Elmwood Avenue is my address. I've been born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina, and this is my first, excuse my voice, this is my first county council meeting, and I would like to get deeply involved in the community about what Richland County, South Carolina do, because I've seen a lot of things that changed And I want to get involved and see what goes on and kind of input that I can give on the community. Because it seems like we work every day just to pay bill, work just to give the money back to the federal government. And it's like we get no beneficial value, which If it wasn't for all of us in this room that has a job to do, the U.S. wouldn't be able to thrive. So I wanted to see if I could be involved in some kind of situation where I can change, like assist somebody with changing things like that. That's all I had to say. Thank you. Yeah.

Lexis Frazier.

Hello, good evening i'm lexus i'm with the South Carolina animal welfare alliance may I approach with some pictures the past them to our clerk please. lexus fraser addresses 316 gum swamp trail located in West Columbia South Carolina, which is actually in lexington county, but I do Community work with richland county a lot. I operate Brody's Way Animal Refuge, which is a new nonprofit located in the surrounding area. I come here today asking for y'all's support, continued support with the strengthening enforcement with animal control. I provided pictures today of a dog named Cinnamon who was located in Richland County off of a bypass about to jump onto one of y'all's interstates into oncoming traffic. you know, possibly injuring someone else and definitely injuring herself. Thankfully, a bystander approached and was able to contain her. I was able to meet with the finder. Brody's Way took on her care. We noticed all her teeth in the front are gone, which you'll notice in the pictures provided, which is I took her to the vet. The vet confirmed that's from her simply being chained her whole life trying to free herself. So I was able to track down her location of where she actually came from and confirmed with animal control there was a previous neglect case at this exact location in 2024. case was closed out by richland because everything had been quote resolved um now we noticed that dog is out here on the streets and she's in our care brody's way animal refuge she's doing good now she's heartworm positive she was extremely skinny which you'll see in the pictures i'm just asking for better procedures for animal control and better Just better resources for them better staff better support more money spaying and neutering, so we can prevent you know injuries like this, you know cinnamon was actually full of milk and her puppies are nowhere to be found, I received a call. from a blocked phone number. And they actually stated Cinnamon was not, her puppies are not out there. We were out there searching for hours. Cinnamon was dumped and her puppies were stolen from her. So that's how I was able to get her address. And we still haven't been able to locate her puppies. I know they're inside the house, but you know, we have to have proof. But I'm just asking for y'all's assistance with animal welfare across Richland County, because we really need it.

Thank y'all.

Thank you. Mike Young?

Good evening. My name is Mike Young. I reside at 801 Ohio Street in downtown in Richland County. As some of you may be aware, the state legislator has just afforded $600,000 for spay and neuter for pit bulls and pit bull breeds. And to compliment what our state legislators have done, I have an idea of how we can further the cause of animal welfare right here in Richmond County. This idea is possibly up for a TEDx talk right now. It's controversial, but I'm asking that we do a feasibility study to see whether or not this is viable. Number one, to see if it's legal. Number two, to see if it's ethical. And number three, to see if it's viable. We all know that pets in Richland County need to have licenses. But have we really explored backyard breeders having business licenses? We're not talking about general breeders that are selling for high-end dollars. We're talking about people selling animals out of the back of pickup trucks, out of their homes, on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Craigslist. What if we formed a committee where we were able as individual citizens to report this for business licenses? Are they operating a business? They're selling animals. And one of the ways to break businesses is to make it too expensive for them to succeed. You collect money off of the businesses for not only for them to sell the dogs, but also retroactively for the length of time that they've been doing it. And here's the kicker. We can turn those people into the Department of Revenue for unreported income. And when these backyard breeders are too expensive to operate, then we stop having the spay and neuter problems that we're having right now. Hopefully this will get turned over to our animal shelters. Thank you.

Thank you. Mike Kelly.

Good evening. My name is Mike Kelly. I reside at 3701 Hayward Street, Columbia, South Carolina. I wanted to speak with council this evening. I'm also with the South Carolina Animal Welfare Alliance. And I have some good news for you before I have some bad news. The good news is that this council years ago authorized and created the Animal Care Advisory Committee. The bad news is that it appears that committee, that advisory committee has gone out of business, even though it has a presence on your council, on our council website. And what I want to do is ask the council to please consider reinvigorating that advisory committee. You've heard my friends and colleagues advocate for animal welfare tonight. South Carolina Animal Welfare Alliance is a statewide volunteer undertaking that is seeking to change outcomes for animals across this state. We're trying to coordinate through county councils, city councils, and whatnot. Because this council already has oversight of an advisory committee, I want to make some direct requests of you regarding that committee. First of all, please get it to start meeting again. It was co-founded between the County of Richland and the City of Columbia. I don't know what it takes to get it restarted, but I would ask you to look into that. Second, please set a rigorous meeting schedule. As chartered, it meets once a year. That is not going to be sufficient to address animal welfare in our county. Third, we would like you to tighten up the purpose of the committee. It currently names citizens specifically as beneficiaries of the committee's work. It should be animals that are the beneficiaries. Fourth, seek passionate, principled, and concerned membership on the advisory committee. Fifth, make room in this council's business to attend to animal welfare and support the cause with funding. Finally, please create funding streams, and I would recommend establishing a new category for the community impact grants specifically for animal welfare. Thank you.

That concludes all individuals that signed up to speak this evening. Next is item 10, report of the county administrator. Administrator Brown, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair, members of council. Under general updates, I have three for you. This past week, I was able to speak at Leadership South Carolina's Class of 2027's event. We had a panel that was with us, meaning us being Richland County, the City of Columbia, and University of South Carolina. We talked about How we work through challenges and opportunities to collaborate as different entities. And overall, I think it was well received. Just talking again about Richland County strategic focus, but also working with our local partners in the University of South Carolina. in the city of Columbia. Also, the beginning of October, I've been asked to serve on a panel in, I believe it's Savannah State University, if I'm saying that correctly. And so talking again about leadership, and opportunities to support emerging leaders and really with a focus on elected officials and appointed officials in kind of our governmental space. So looking forward to hopefully being a help to someone who is interested in leadership, especially in service in our community. And then finally, just a quick update for you. One of the reasons on next week that we amended the schedule for meetings to take away the detention ad hoc meeting is because next week is the 2026 South Carolina Jail Administrators Association's conference. And so it would conflict because you would have all those individuals who are going to be there getting training. And so that's kind of why that's not only the calendar. Next week, the 22 to 23rd, I will be attending that conference. So I kind of want you to be aware of that. So that's kind of under the general updates. Under the legislative updates, I put it in your packet beginning on page 35, some information I think it's important for you all to be aware of. And I'll talk very briefly through each of the pages, but I won't take a long time. So I wanted you to know that as Richmond County Council, the information I'm sharing here with you comes to us as recipients of this information. You may have heard that South Carolina, through their Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office, has a project that's been going on for many years. And now they're kind of bringing some of these things to fruition. So what you have beginning on page 35 are the boundaries for Richland County, Kershaw and Fairfield. And these boundaries have gone through a clarification process, which is a part of something that the state has done to clarify boundaries in these bordering counties. and so process wise this is not something that you as a county council have the ability to decide that you want or don't want it it's not something that county administration gets to weigh in on we don't get to say we like it or dislike it it is a state process to clarify the boundaries between the counties and i bring that up because you're probably going to get questions about you know what are you going to do about it and how can you change it and i just want you know process wise you can't change it the effect of this, and I'll walk through a couple of these things here in the document that talks about if you are one of the affected parties, you do have the ability to appeal, but the appeal has to provide evidentiary information, whether it's historical or whether it's legal, that basically says that the boundary information that you have maybe the state doesn't have it, or maybe it's clearer than what the state has. And that goes through that process, but it's not a, I don't like it, I want it to change, or I just want things to stay the same. So I think that's important for you all so that as you're getting calls, you're just generally aware that this is not a process that you have the ability to affect other than to then work with the county staff to understand how we're going to work to respond to this clarification process. And so, Madam Clerk, if you go to the next page, page 36, and again, I won't be long, just at the conclusion of that, then page 37, what you have here is what's provided by Revenue and Fiscal Affairs. And it really just, again, walks through the process of what they did to get to the point where they are. And then it talks about what you can kind of expect. So that's, again, in the packet for those people who have a chance to look at this in a more... define space, I want to provide that just for the general public and for the council. When he talks about what we are going to do as Richland County, part of the conversation will be we're going to have to work with our neighboring counties. to understand how these things need to be worked through. So you're gonna have some areas where lines have been clarified and you might have a residence or an effective party where their residence is split by a line. So the counties are gonna have to work through that along with the other municipalities school districts, assessors, as you can think about a lot of the service areas. So whether we're, maybe we have services that we're providing that other entities are not providing or vice versa, all of those things we're gonna have to work through. So it will not be an immediate process because there's gonna be more than one jurisdiction involved. And as you all are aware, As you all are aware, because we will have other jurisdictions involved, they have governing bodies, maybe other city councils or town councils or county councils. And so it won't just be a staff initiative. We'll have to have some conversations about how we see these things playing out. But then we'll also have to involve the school districts. So you have school boards. So I just want you to just kind of be aware that this process has been clarified and is set to go into effect for these boundaries based off the information in your packet, which is November 16th, is that we will be looking to speak with all of these entities to try to do what we can to minimize the impact that we have to respond to. But this is not something that we could have been proactive about because this is not a process that is governed by Richland County. And again, it involves multiple jurisdictions. So I'll take any generic questions that you may have that I could speak to, but I want to provide that general information to you publicly and also put it in the packet just to give you an idea of what this is going to look like going forward.

Thank you, Administrator Brown, for that update. I'll pause and give my colleagues a moment if they have any questions.

Madam Chair. You're right. Councilman Cooper. Thank you, Mr. Brown, I know it's early on in the process but as we look at the county lines potentially changing, do we already have a forecast of the thoughts that how this could potentially impact our district lines as well, if there's gonna be any impact there, especially to those of us that may be somewhat on the borders of Richland County?

Yes, ma'am. So according to, and I want to be careful, according to the state, this is not, they're not, they don't consider this as a change. They consider it as a clarification. So they don't consider themselves as changing anything. They consider themselves as clarifying the boundaries as they really are for counties and not changing. So that's what it's been communicated to us. This is not a change. It's a clarification. So I see the question kind of, but that's my understanding of how they are communicating it. As a result of that, the expectation is that then the jurisdictions will work amongst themselves to determine what does that mean. now that this clarification has been provided. And so related to the Fairfield and Kershaw and Richland County borders, that's not, that actually is on the back end. So the Lexington County process is on the front end. So once the letters went out and I believe that the letter said September 2nd, then the 60 day window opens. So assuming that there are no successful appeals, of the boundaries, this is set to go into effect, I believe November 16th. So, that would be what the clarification is. And then from there, the organizations or the affected bodies will have to respond to what the new clarified areas look like. So we do know that there are a couple of areas, the team hopefully by Friday will have a map with the affected districts. We have some idea right now what the affected districts are. but we wanna make sure that that's clear. And we've talked about having a map for you all as early as this Friday to begin showing you visibly what that looks like.

So it does, it appears that while the state has clarified some things for us, there's definitely some backfilling that we will have to do as a county to bring further clarity to us.

A lot of questions because some residents of Richland County will experience honestly change. Because if you are currently at a border of one county now, and now based on these clarifying lines, you're now in another county. Now, all of a sudden, if you don't have legal or historical language that gives the state a better view of why you should be where you already were, then you're looking at, again, a different different expectation that you started the year with and again what that looks like involves a lot of jurisdictions so I'm not able to tell you today it's as easy as if you're here you will be there starting tomorrow because again you got potential school districts involved you have potential towns you have potential cities you have potential certainly counties so all those effective parties could see different services depending on what the jurisdictions come up with so again not an easy answer to provide but I want I just wanted you all to know that this is happening for Fairfield, Richland, and Kershaw, and then it's on the front end for Lexington and Richland. So that part, that hasn't been officially clarified at this point. Thank you, Mr. Brown. Thank you. Yes, ma'am, you're recognized.

I guess just a clarifying thing. I know with District 10, we also, I have a portion of Kershaw and Sumter. Will they clarify that as well?

So depending on where the lines are, there may be areas where, like if there are bodies, I've heard like if there are bodies of water that are separating, that's not gonna really affect you. But anywhere there's a border, then yes ma'am, they will look at that and determine whether or not there's any clarifying that needs to be done in that area. And if they identify it, they'll let the jurisdictions know. So, so far what we've heard is Richland, Kershaw, Fairfield, and then Lexington and Richland.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you. All right, Minister Brown, please continue.

Thank you. The next item is an item for action. It is an annual item that is placed on the agenda. So we are asking for approval of this item. I will read it. Staff recommends approval of the resolution approving the 2026 assessment role for the villages at Sand Hill Improvement District. in Richland County, South Carolina. If you go a little bit further, any additional fiscal and budgetary matters to consider, approval of the resolution is necessary to ensure that property owners are billed accordingly for the assessments associated with the Sandhills Improvement District for the upcoming tax year. That's why we're asking for this item. And then if you just need a little bit more information in a regulatory compliance area, it basically gives you the history of how that, this district was a village of San Diego improvement district was set up. Uh, and that's why you are going through annually this process of, of this staff recommendation. So, uh, if you approve this, which it does require in order for the bills to be, um, sent appropriately, I would also recommend madam chair reconsideration as we're close to the billing cycle for taxes.

Thank you so much, administrator Brown. Um, before we move forward, On this, I did want to take a moment just for the record. The clerk did acknowledge that Vice Chair Pugh joined the meeting online when we came out of executive session. But I did want to say for the record, the Vice Chair Pugh did notify me ahead of time that he would not be able to attend our meeting in person tonight. And so per county rules, virtual attendance and participation is acceptable. You've heard the administrator's recommendation. I'll entertain a motion. I'll approve the administrator's recommendation. Second. Motion and a second. Any discussion? Madam Clerk?

Raynham?

Yes.

Pugh?

Yes.

Horatio? Yes. Weaver? Yes. Cooper? Yes. Aileen? Yes. Mackey? Yes. English? Yes. Newton? Yes. Motion approved.

A motion for reconsideration, please. Move to reconsider.

Second.

Motion and second for reconsideration. Madam Clerk.

Brenham. No. Pugh. No. Horatio.

No.

Weaver.

No.

Cooper.

No.

Aileen. No. Mackey. No. English. No. Newton. No. Motion fails.

Thank you. Administrator Brown. Thank you, Madam Chair, members of council. That does conclude my report on this evening.

Next is item 11, report of the clerk of council. Madam Clerk.

Madam Chair, I don't have anything to report at this time.

Thank you. Next, item 12, report of the chair. I do not have anything this evening. Next, item 13, open-close public hearings. 13A, an ordinance amending the Richland County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 18-6, smoking of tobacco products. This public hearing is now open. If one individual has signed up to speak this evening. Andrew Weilam. Willis, state your first and last name, your address, and you have two minutes to speak. Sure.

My name is Andrew Weilam. I live at 536 Valencia Road in Ridgeway, South Carolina. I serve as the South Carolina Government Relations Director for South Carolina with the American Heart Association. I'd first like to thank the council for its continued support of protecting public health. Richland County has long been a leader in promoting clean indoor air, and your existing smoke-free ordinance has helped create healthier environments for residents, employees, and visitors throughout the county. Tonight's amendment is an important and common sense update that ensures those protections keep pace with newer generations of tobacco products that have been introduced to the market after the county's smoke-free ordinance was originally passed. There is a common misconception that vaping produces only harmless water vapor. In reality, e-cigarettes and vapes emit an aerosol that can contain nicotine, metals, volatile organic compounds, and other potentially harmful chemicals that can be inhaled by people nearby. Research has shown that exposure to e-cigarette aerosol can contribute to inflammation and impaired blood vessel function, processes that are associated with cardiovascular disease. These findings reinforce what public health experts have consistently concluded. Secondhand aerosol is not harmless, and everyone deserves protection from involuntary exposure. This proposal is not about whether someone chooses to use an e-cigarette. It's about whether employees, customers, and families should be involuntarily exposed to those emissions indoors. Individuals with heart disease, asthma, and other underlying health conditions should not have to breathe secondhand aerosol while working, dining, shopping, or visiting public spaces. The most effective way to protect the public from exposure is to prohibit vaping wherever smoking is already prohibited, which is supported by the EPA. On behalf of the American Heart Association, I respectfully encourage you to approve this amendment and thank you for your continued leadership in protecting the health of everyone who lives, works, and visits Richland County. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Thank you. That concludes all individuals that signed up to speak this evening. This public hearing is now closed. Next is item 14, approval of consent items. 14A, an ordinance amending the Richland County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 18-6, smoking of tobacco products. Motion to approve.

Second.

Motion and second for approval. Any discussion? Madam Clerk?

Branham? Yes. Pugh? Yes. Horatio? Yes. Yes. Weaver? Yes. Cooper? Yes. Aileen? Yes. Mackey? Yes. English? Yes. Newton? Yes. Motion approved.

Consider. Second. Motion and second for reconsideration. Any discussion? Madam Clerk?

Branham? No. Pugh? No. Horatio?

No.

Weaver? No. Cooper?

No.

Aileen? No. Mackey? No. English? No. Newton? No. Motion fails.

Thank you. Item 15, report of the Economic Development Committee. Councilman Paul Livingston, who chairs this committee, is not here this evening. In his absence, we will have Councilwoman Shaquise Newton giving the report. Councilman Newton, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Here's the report of the Economic Development Committee. All items recommended on our agenda today were recommended for approval by the committee. Item 15A, committing to negotiate a fee in lieu of ad valorem taxes agreement between Richland County and Project Blue Steel, identifying the project and other matters related thereto. Again, the committee recommended approval.

I've heard this committee's recommendation does not require a second. Is there any discussion? Madam Clerk?

Brenham? Yes. Pugh? Yes. Horatio? Yes. Weaver?

Yes.

Cooper?

Yes.

Aileen? Yes. Mackey? Yes. English? Yes. Newton?

Yes.

Motion approved.

Thank you. Item 15B, authorizing the execution and delivery of a fee in lieu of ad valorem taxes and incentive agreement. buying between Richland County, South Carolina and Project Blue Steel to provide for payment of fee in lieu taxes, authorizing certain infrastructure credits and other related matters. This is a first reading item and the committee recommends approval.

You've heard the committee's recommendation. It does not require a second. Is there any discussion? Madam Clerk?

Branham? Yes. Pugh?

Yes.

Horatio. Yes. Weaver. Yes. Cooper.

Yes.

Aileen. Yes. Mackie. Yes. English. Yes. Newton. Yes. Motion approved.

Item 15 C committing to negotiate a fee in lieu of ad valorem taxes agreement between Richland County and project CPL identifying the project and other matters related there to the committee recommends approval.

Or the committee's recommendation. It does not require a second. Is there any discussion? Madam Clark.

Brennan. Yes. Pugh. Yes. Horatio.

No.

Weaver. Yes. Cooper. Yes. Haleen. Yes. Mackey. Yes. English. Yes. Newton.

Yes.

Motion approved.

Item 15D, authorizing the execution and delivery of a fee in lieu of ad valorem taxes and incentive agreement fine between Richland County, South Carolina and Project CPL for a payment of fee in lieu of taxes, authorizing certain infrastructure credits and other related matters. This is first reading.

Per the committee's recommendation, it does not require a second. Is there any discussion?

Brenham? Yes. Pugh? Yes. Horatio?

No.

Weaver? Yes. Cooper? Yes. Aileen? Yes. Mackey? Yes. English? Yes. Newton?

Yes.

Motion approved.

Item 15E, committing to negotiate a fee in lieu of ad valorem taxes agreement between Richland County and Project Joist, identifying the project and other matters related thereto, the committee recommends approval.

You've heard the committee's recommendation. It does not require a second. Is there any discussion? Madam Clerk?

Branham? Yes. Pugh? Yes. Leto? Teresia? No. Weaver?

Yes.

Cooper?

Yes.

Aileen? Yes. Mackey? Yes. English? Yes. Newton?

Yes.

Motion approved.

Item 15F, authorizing the execution and delivery of a fee in lieu of ad valorem taxes and incentive agreement by and between Richland County, South Carolina and Project Joyce to provide for payment of a fee in lieu in taxes, authorizing certain infrastructure credits and other related matters. This is a first reading item.

We've heard the committee's recommendation. It does not require a second. Is there any discussion? M. Clark?

Branham? Yes. Yes. Horatio?

No.

Weaver? Yes. Cooper? Yes. Aileen? Yes. Mackey? Yes. English? Yes. Newton? Yes. Motion approved.

Item 15G, committing to negotiate a fee in lieu of ad valorem taxes agreement between Richland County and Project Bird Dog, identifying the project and other matters related thereto, the committee recommends approval.

The committee's recommendation does not require a second. Is there any discussion?

Branham?

Yes.

Pugh?

I recuse myself. My employer may benefit from this project.

Noted. Tarascio? Yes. Weaver?

Yes.

Cooper?

Yes.

Aileen? Yes. Mackey?

I recuse myself due to my representing this applicant.

Noted. English? Yes. Newton?

Yes.

Motion approved.

And finally, item 15H, authorizing the execution and delivery of a fee in lieu of ad valorem taxes and incentive agreement by and between Richland County, South Carolina and a company identified for the time being as Project Bird Dog to provide for payment of fee in lieu of taxes, authorizing certain infrastructure credits and other related matters. This is a first reading item and the committee recommends approval.

We've heard the committee's recommendation. It does not require a second. Is there any discussion?

Brenham?

Yes.

Pugh?

I recuse myself. My employer may benefit from this project.

Noted. Horatio? Yes. Weaver?

Yes.

Cooper?

Yes.

Aileen? Yes. Mackey?

I recuse myself due to my parent company representing this applicant.

Noted. English? Yes. Newton?

Yes.

Motion approved.

That concludes my report. Thank you. Item 16, report of the Affordable Housing Ad Hoc Committee. Councilman Weaver, you're recognized.

you madam chair we made good progress at our last housing committee meeting on september 1st we heard from county staff on the qualifications for the home rehab project which is in your package tonight if any colleague wants to look at us on page 192 as a reminder this is our ongoing partnership with columbia housing to reduce the number of vacant homes they have an inventory which we found out is over 100 while removing blight in richmond county and providing an opportunity for home ownership the committee gave recommendations to staff to make updates and voted to direct staff to complete uh come back with a full application back to the committee so we did make progress on that And finally, item C, down payment assistance program, which again is in your package tonight, page 199 through 203. We ran kind of out of time at our last meeting, so we didn't get to finish it, but we did make some parameters on the down payment assistance program. So it was asked of housing committee members to forward their thoughts to ACA Jensen before our next housing meeting, which is in a couple weeks. You can see the proposed worksheet on page 203 in your package tonight. Once the committee reviews the final draft of these applications, it will come to full council for approval. And that is my report, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Councilman Weaver. You've heard this committee's report. No action was taken, but if there's any discussion. All right, moving on to item 17, report of the Office of Small Business Opportunity Ad Hoc Committee. Councilman Alin, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Regarding item 17A, OSPO ordinances rewrite update, the committee reviewed two proposed ordinances. The first establishing enabling the office of small business opportunity and the second addressing the small local business enterprise program. The committee determined that both ordinances required additional revisions and so they remain in committee. Regarding item 17B, OSBO revolving loan fund multi-phase framework. The committee reviewed a framework that was proposed for revolving loan fund and recommended directing the county administrator to engage an outside consultant to research and provide recommendations for revolving loan fund in Richland County. That can be found on page 247 of your packet. Madam Chair, that concludes my report.

Thank you, you've heard the report from the chair. I'll pause for any discussion or questions.

Do we need to take a vote on that?

Okay.

Sorry, I heard you say it concludes my report. All right, so you've heard.

I apologize. It's okay, sorry. You've heard the committee's recommendation does not require a second. Any discussion?

Motion.

Madam Chair.

You're recognized.

What is the motion? that we direct the county administrator to engage an outside consultant to research and provide recommendations for revolving loan fund in Richland County is on page 247. Thank you.

All right, Madam Clerk.

Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Aileen. Yes. Mackie. Yes. English. Yes. Newton. Yes. Motion approved.

Thank you. Now, any discussion before? Yes, ma'am. You're recognized, Councilor Newin.

Madam Chair, and I apologize if I already missed it, but this seemed like a great opportunity to mention that the Office of Small Business is having their eighth annual Small Business Conference at the end of the month on September 29th. Thank you.

All right. Moving on now to item 18. Wait, I apologize. Did you need a reconsideration on that before I leave this place?

That would be helpful, Madam Chair.

Yes, I thought that. All right.

Move to reconsider. Thank you.

A motion and a reconsideration from the recommendation from the Office of Small Business Opportunity Committee. Madam Clerk.

Branham? No. Pugh?

No.

Teresha? No. Weaver?

No.

Cooper? No. Aileen? No. Mackey?

No.

English? No. Newton?

No.

Motion fails.

Thank you. All right. Item 18, other items. Madam Chair. You recognize. Move to approve items 18A through C. Second. Motion and second for approval of items 18A through C. Any discussion? Madam Clerk?

Branham? Yes. Pugh? Yes. Terraccio? Yes. Weaver? Yes. Cooper? Yes. Aileen? Yes. Mackey? Yes. English? Yes. Newton? Yes. Motion approved. Move to reconsider. Second.

Motion and second for reconsideration. For A, B, and C? Right. Yes. Thank you. Madam Clark?

Brenham? No. Pugh? No. Terraccio?

No.

Weaver? No. Cooper?

No.

Aileen? No. Mackie?

No.

English? No. Newton?

No.

Motion fails.

Thank you. We're at item 19, executive session. Attorney Wright?

Yes, Madam Chair. We have five matters left for executive session, 7A, B, C, no, 7A, B, D, E, and F, all pursuant to South Carolina Code 30-4-70A2, D and E, also pursuant to 30-4-70A5.

Thank you. I entertain a motion to go into executive session for the items presented by Attorney Wright.

So moved.

Second.

Motion is second. Madam Clerk?

Brenham? Yes. Pugh? Yes. Teresha?

Yes.

Weaver? Yes. Cooper? Yes. Aileen? Yes. Mackey? Yes. English? Yes.

Motion and second to come out of executive session. Madam Clerk?

Brenham?

Yes.

Pugh? Horatio? Yes. Weaver?

Yes.

Cooper? Yes. Aileen? Yes. Mackey? Yes. English? Yes. Newton? Yes. Motion approved.

Thank you. We are now out of executive session. Please let the record reflect that no action was taken. You're recognized.

Regarding item 7A, I move to authorize the county attorney to take action as discussed in executive session.

Second. Motion. Second. Any discussion?

Brenham? Yes. Pugh? Yes. Horatio? Yes. Weaver? Yes. Cooper? Yes. Aileen? Yes. Mackey? Yes. English? Yes. Newton? Yes. Motion approved.

Madam Chair?

We recognize.

In reference to item 7E, I move to authorize the County Administrator to proceed with actions regarding 120 Clemson Road as discussed in Executive Session.

Second. Motion and a second.

Question? Madam Clerk? Brenham?

Yes.

Teresia? Yes. Weaver?

Yes.

Cooper?

Yes.

Aileen? Yes. Mackey? Yes. English? Yes. Newton? Yes. Motion approved.

Madam Chair.

Recognized.

As to item 7D, I'd like to make a motion to authorize the county administrator to execute the contract addendum as discussed in executive session.

Second. Motion and a second. Any discussion? Madam Clerk?

Brenham?

Yes.

Teresio? Yes. Weaver? Yes. Cooper? Yes. Aileen? Yes. Mackey? Yes. English? Yes. Newton? Yes. Motion approved.

Madam Chair?

I recognize.

I thought maybe you were getting ready to do something. So all three of those items would be appropriate for reconsideration. I would ask this council if you would please reconsider those items.

So moved. Second. A motion and a second for reconsideration of items 7A, D, and E. Madam Clerk?

Branham? No. Teresha? Weaver? No. Cooper?

No.

Aileen? No. Mackey? No. English? No. Newton? No. Motion fails.

Thank you. We are now at item 20, motion period 28. received a motion from Councilman to ratio I move that the administrator provide recommendations to accomplish the following in the Olympia mill village neighborhood character overlay district one brought in the. applicability of the overlay to include all structures built before 1950. Two, adopt the Olympia Mill Village architectural style guide as a supplement to the Olympia overlay standards. Three, require that new buildings match the front facade of one of the housing types identified in the Olympia Mill Village architectural style guide. Four, require that onsite parking be located behind the rear of the building and be calculated based on the number of bedrooms. And number five, clarify the parties responsible for preparing demolition applications. I would like to send this motion to the DNS committee. Attorney White?

No, I think that's appropriate.

Thank you. Councilman Terraccio, did you have anything else you want to add to that?

Oh, thank you. I think maybe Ms. English wanted to join.

Just add my name.

Okay.

Thank you so much. 20B is a motion from Councilman English. I move to amend the current land development code to define criteria for solar farm clarification and zoning. I'd like to send this motion also to development and Services Committee. Councilman English, did you have anything that you wanted to add this evening?

Just that my two components over there, my partners in crime, Mayor and Judge, just good to have you here and thank you guys for leading the way with this in the community. So we really appreciate you. There's been a lot of traction. I've had a lot of legislators reach out to me, and I spoke with Director Williams earlier, and it seems like Richland County will be leading the way because this is something new coming through, not just in South Carolina, but in other areas, and we want to flush out everything. And so we really appreciate the council's support on this. So thank you very much.

Madam Chair? Yes. I'd like to add my name.

Madam Chair, I would as well.

Thank you.

Thank you.

All right. Not received any additional motions this evening. All right. And we are now at item 21, adjournment.

Move to adjourn.

Second. Motion and second for adjournment. Madam Clerk?

Brenham? Yes. Teresha? Yes. Weaver? Yes. Cooper? Yes. Aileen? Yes. Mackey? Yes. English? Yes.

Newton?

Yes. Motion approved.

Meeting adjourned.