The Columbia Board of Aldermen meeting started off Tuesday with a scary tale from a Columbia woman.
Melissa McKenzie, wife of Fire Chief Jeff McKenzie, addressed the board as a citizen. “On Aug. 30, my husband walked outside of our home sometime after 1 a.m. and found a male subject standing in our carport, who fled when realized he was caught. He (McKenzie) immediately contacted the Columbia Police Department to report his findings, within minutes three officers arrived at our residence to canvas the area in hopes of making contact and apprehending with said subject.
“Although negative contact was made, the three officers continued to remain in our area for the remainder of their shifts. This incident left us clearly shaken as a family.”
She continued to say the next evening her husband was out of town when her 9-year old son said there was a knock on the door at 11 p.m. She asked who it was and to her relief it was the police. The officer identified himself as one of the officers who had been at the house the night before. He was letting her know he would be patrolling the area again that night and he would get out and walk around to make sure everything was secured.
“I would like to take this moment and publicly commend Officer Roderick Frelix for his excellent performance and duty during this very troubling event in our lives. His efforts extended far beyond his duties,” McKenzie said.
At this point Police Chief Michael Kelly, assisted by Melissa McKenzie, presented a certificate and a letter of commendation to Frelix.
In other business, Kelly advised the department had to implement Narcan for the first time in September. He advised it has since been administered a total for four times, illustrating the seriousness of the drug problem in Columbia.
$142K grant
Fire Chief Jeff McKenzie reported the fire department is in receipt of a Homeland Security grant for $142,000. The grant will pay 95 percent with the city paying 5 percent for new air packs and equipment for the fire department.
Veteran’s home demolition decision
A resolution for the demolition of 917 Gill St. was put on hold until the next meeting. Veterans Service Officer Kathryn Moore requested time to determine if the house is salvageable and if so to get it cleaned. She said the home belongs to a disabled veteran who would otherwise be homeless. On a vote 3-2 with Aldermen Mike Smith and Jason Stringer and Alderwoman Anna Evans voted for putting the resolution on hold with Aldermen Edward Hough and Wendell Hammond opposed.
Duckworth Park renovations
Chaney Cherry with Duckwork Park Renew asked about the status of the work requested at Duckworth Park. Mayor Justin McKenzie advised the grant for the walking trail was denied. The city has had to deal with air conditioning problems in several buildings, which is why it hasn’t gotten to move the air conditioner unit from the roof at Duckworth. McKenzie requested Hammond, a plumber by trade, go to inspect the plumbing at the building to see what needs to be done to fix the water issue.
Garbage collection switches over
McKenzie advised the first day of garbage collection went very well with only limited problems. The city took over service from Waste Pro beginning Oct. 1. A hydraulic line broke on the truck toward the end of the day but that was the only issue, the mayor said. The line was fixed and able to run on Wednesday. The board hired Jamar Whalum and Rajel Dillon, both as hoppers on the city garbage truck.
Trick or treating hours set
The board set trick or treating to be Thursday, Oct. 31 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.
