The City of Columbia City Council met for a Work Session on Wednesday, January 14, 2004 in the City Hall Council Chambers at 1737 Main Street, Columbia, South Carolina.  Mayor Robert D. Coble called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m.  Council members present were The Honorable E. W. Cromartie, II, The Honorable Jim D. N. Papadea, The Honorable Anne M. Sinclair, The Honorable Hamilton Osborne, Jr., The Honorable Sam Davis and The Honorable Tameika Isaac Devine.  Also present were Mr. Charles P. Austin, Sr., City Manager and Ms. Erika D. Moore, City Clerk.

CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION / ACTION

A. SC Competitiveness Initiative Briefing – Mr. Lee Bussell

Mr. Lee Bussell presented an overview of the South Carolina Competitiveness Initiative Monitor Group’s recommendations.  He stated that nine (9) business leaders came together to identify a process that would lead to a vision for South Carolina.  Mr. Bussell stated the long-term vision is to improve the per capita income for South Carolina. Mr. Bussell informed the members of Council that the average wages in South Carolina are 80% of the national average.  He insisted that quality education is the foundation of increasing per capita income.  Mr. Bussell identified other key components as being Economic Development Clustering, Research Universities, Workforce Development and Early Childhood Development.
 
B. Hendley Homes Project – Mrs. Julia Prater, Columbia Housing Authority
 
 Ms. Julia Prater, Deputy for Affordable Housing and HOPE VI Coordinator, presented the proposed Rosewood Hills Community to the members of City Council.  She stated that the former Hendley Homes site would be developed into 187 dwelling units with recreational, retail and commercial space.  Ms. Prater requested assistance from the City of Columbia in the amount of $3.5 million to help with storm drainage and various site issues.  She stated that it was important for the Columbia Housing Authority to demonstrate a strong working relationship with the City of Columbia to HUD.

Upon motion by Ms. Sinclair, seconded by Mr. Cromartie, Council voted unanimously to authorize Mr. Charles P. Austin, Sr., City Manager to compose a letter outlining the City of Columbia’s additional support of this project in the amount of $3.5 million for infrastructure cost.  This letter should outline any and all prior commitments from the City of Columbia in regards to this project.

· Mayor Coble adjourned the Work Session at 9:53 a.m.

· Mayor Coble reconvened the Work Session at 11:07 a.m.

Upon motion by Mr. Cromartie, seconded by Mr. Papadea, Council voted unanimously to go into Executive Session at 11:09 a.m. for the discussion of Item C. and D. as amended.

EXECUTIVE SESSION DISCUSSION

C.  Receipt of legal advice, which relates to a matter covered by attorney – client privilege
  Items were discussed in Executive Session no action was taken.

D.  **Discussion of negotiations incident to proposed contractual arrangements
  Items were discussed in Executive Session no action was taken.

Mayor Coble adjourned the meeting at 1:03 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by:
Erika D. Moore
City Clerk