Columbia public meetings in 2024

City Council

The City Council will consider a consent agenda including over $3 million in vehicle and heavy equipment purchases for several departments, a $656,511 contract amendment for the Lower Crane Creek Equalization Storage project, and an ordinance on repurposed modular building units. Public hearings will be held on three annexation and rezoning proposals: 549 Old Woodlands Road, two parcels on Broad River Road, and 5325 Fairfield Road (second reading). The council will also vote on resolutions authorizing mutual aid agreements for police, a license agreement for the Williams Street Extension, support for the USC football team's playoff inclusion, and installation of public art in the Lincoln Street Tunnel and on a Park Street trash enclosure.

• Purchase of vehicles and heavy equipment for Parks, Solid Waste, Fire, Forestry, Traffic Engineering, and Support Services — $3,074,012.07 from multiple vendors
• Contract Amendment #4 for Lower Crane Creek Equalization Storage project — $656,511 to Hazen and Sawyer, extending contract to Dec 31, 2026
• Public hearing and first reading: Annexation of 549 Old Woodlands Road for single-family zoning (RSF-1)
• Public hearing and first reading: Annexation of 3.56 and 0.516 acres on Broad River Road for Light Industrial (LI) zoning
• Second reading: Annexation of 5325 Fairfield Road for Residential Mixed District (RM-2) zoning

The council approved a $3.07M consent agenda for vehicles and heavy equipment, a $656,511 contract amendment for the Lower Crane Creek Equalization Storage project, and a $143,400 amendment for the Food Insecurity Solutions Initiative. It also approved first readings for two annexations and zoning changes, and formed a Homeless Services Adhoc Committee. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved $3,074,012.07 for vehicles and heavy equipment (unanimous)
• Approved $656,511 contract amendment for Lower Crane Creek Equalization Storage (unanimous)
• Approved $143,400 amendment for Food Insecurity Solutions Initiative (unanimous)
• Approved $856,862 asbestos abatement and demolition contract (unanimous)
• Approved first reading for annexation and zoning at 549 Old Woodlands Road (unanimous)
• Approved first reading for annexation and zoning on Broad River Road (unanimous)
• Approved formation of Homeless Services Adhoc Committee (unanimous)
• Approved ARPA fund amendments for food insecurity and blight elimination (unanimous)

Health Social and Environmental Affairs Committee

The Health, Social and Environmental Affairs Committee will review an update on the Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Fund. Members will also discuss late-night food trucks with a representative from the Office of Business Opportunities.

• Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Fund update
• Discussion on late-night food trucks

The committee unanimously approved the October 22, 2024 meeting minutes. Members received informational updates on the Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Fund, including a $100,000 Phase 2 award, and discussed a potential late-night food truck initiative in entertainment districts. No formal decisions were made on these topics.

• Approved October 22, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Arts, Historic Preservation and Philanthropy Committee

The Arts, Historic Preservation & Philanthropy Committee will discuss the Persimmon Peace Pole Project, presented by the Columbia Peace Pole Initiative. The committee also will vote to approve the minutes from its November 19, 2024 meeting. No other business is scheduled.

• Approval of November 19, 2024 meeting minutes
• Discussion of Persimmon Peace Pole Project by Elaine Frick of the Columbia Peace Pole Initiative

The Arts, Historic Preservation & Philanthropy Committee approved the minutes of its November 19, 2024 meeting. The committee received information about the Persimmon Peace Pole Project, a public art installation tied to a Hiroshima tree at the Vista Greenway, and reached consensus to endorse the project, referring it to One Columbia for review. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved November 19, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Endorsed Persimmon Peace Pole Project and referred to One Columbia for review

City Council

The City Council holds a work session to hear a presentation on the University of South Carolina Health Sciences Campus, receive federal and state legislative updates, and discuss contractual negotiations and legal advice in executive session. No votes are scheduled.

• Presentation on USC Health Sciences Campus by Restoration 52 LLC
• Federal legislative update from CapitalEdge LLC
• State legislative watchlist for 2025 presented by multiple consultants
• Executive session discussion of contractual arrangements related to 'Transitions'
• Executive session receipt of legal advice on 'Modular Homes'

City Council

The Columbia City Council will consider approving contracts for water infrastructure, fire safety systems, and vehicle purchases. The meeting also includes proclamations and the approval of prior meeting minutes.

• Approve $50,000 contract for talent attraction and retention
• Approve $154,388 for 14 T2 Cosmo Pay Stations
• Approve $580,983 for vehicle and heavy equipment purchases
• Approve $1,298,565 for six emergency water and sewer procurements
• Approve $101,473 contract amendment for Saluda River Force Main Extension

Arts, Historic Preservation and Philanthropy Committee

The Arts, Historic Preservation & Philanthropy Committee will discuss the Vista Guild Lincoln Street Tunnel Public Art Project and the Park Street Public Art Project, along with the Community Reinvestment Act. The meeting includes approval of minutes from October 29, 2024.

• Discussion of Vista Guild Lincoln Street Tunnel Public Art Project
• Discussion of Park Street Public Art Project
• Discussion of Community Reinvestment Act
• Approval of October 29, 2024 meeting minutes

Bull Street Commission

The Bull Street Commission will meet to hear presentations on the Midtown at Bull Attainable Housing Project and the Columbia Fireflies 2024 season recap. The commission will also approve minutes from the September 16 meeting and confirm the next meeting date.

• Presentation on Midtown at Bull Attainable Housing Project by Connelly Builders
• Presentation on Columbia Fireflies 2024 season recap and event highlights
• Approval of September 16, 2024 meeting minutes
• Confirm next meeting date

City Council

The Columbia City Council will hold a work session on November 7, 2024. Council members will receive an update on short‑term rentals. In an executive session they will discuss negotiations for proposed contractual arrangements related to the Convention Center and Finlay Park. Additional executive‑session items include legal advice on a parking rate study and related properties, and a discussion of employment for an administrative employee.

• Short‑Term Rentals update presented by the Director of Code Enforcement
• Negotiations for proposed contracts concerning the Convention Center
• Negotiations for proposed contracts concerning Finlay Park
• Receipt of legal advice on the Parking Rate Study, 1401 Main Street, and 400 Laurel Street
• Discussion of employment of an employee in the Administration

Arts, Historic Preservation and Philanthropy Committee

The Arts, Historic Preservation & Philanthropy Committee will meet on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at City Hall in Columbia. The committee will approve the minutes from the July 9 and September 17, 2024 meetings. Members will discuss the Vista Guild Public Art Placement Plan presented by Ms. Abby Anderson. They will also discuss the Fire Station 9 Public Art Project presented by Mr. Mickey Folsom.

• Approval of July 9, 2024 meeting minutes
• Approval of September 17, 2024 meeting minutes
• Discussion of Vista Guild Public Art Placement Plan
• Discussion of Fire Station 9 Public Art Project

Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee

The Economic Development & Infrastructure Committee will meet to approve previous meeting minutes. The session includes presentations on the Southeast Innovation Tour and the Reaching Riverbanks Community Mobility Plan.

• Approval of August 13, 2024 and September 24, 2024 meeting minutes
• Shaw Circle's Southeast Innovation Tour Report presentation by CEO Jordan Fowler
• Reaching Riverbanks Community Mobility Plan presentation by Toole Design

Health Social and Environmental Affairs Committee

The Health, Social and Environmental Affairs Committee will meet to receive presentations on youth climate action and animal shelter health. The body will also discuss an update to the Planted Wildlife Gardens Ordinance.

• Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Program presentation
• Animal Shelter update regarding Canine Pnuemovirus
• Planted Wildlife Gardens Ordinance update

Administrative Policy Committee

The Administrative Policy Committee will meet to review boards and commissions, the plurality voting system, and vehicles for hire. The committee will also seek approval for the June 18, 2024 meeting minutes.

• Discussion on Boards and Commissions
• Discussion on Plurality Voting System
• Discussion on Vehicles for Hire
• Approval of June 18, 2024 meeting minutes

City Council

Columbia City Council will review several contract renewals and new service agreements. The body is also considering a budget amendment and multiple zoning and annexation requests.

• Proposed issuance of waterworks and sewer system revenue bonds not exceeding $66,000,000
• Sole source contract for fitness equipment at Heathwood Park and Maxcy Gregg Park for $302,400.00
• Professional services contract for Columbia Water Capacity Assurance Program not to exceed $209,500.00
• Purchase of 80 Safariland Body Armor Panel Sets for $89,317.73
• Zoning and annexation requests for 2318 Newell Road, 713 Percival Road, and 513 S. Saluda Avenue

Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee

The Economic Development & Infrastructure Committee will meet to approve previous meeting minutes and hear two presentations. The session includes reports on community mobility and an innovation tour.

• Presentation on Reaching Riverbanks Community Mobility Plan by Toole Design
• Presentation of Shaw Circle's Southeast Innovation Tour Report

City Council

The Columbia City Council will hold a work session to review updates on the Olympia Fire Station replacement project, the Parks & Recreation Master Plan, and the Metro Wastewater Treatment Plant biogas project. The meeting also includes a discussion on Gateway Signage and an executive session regarding potential business incentives and legal advice on traffic cameras.

• Olympia Fire Station Replacement Project Overview
• Parks & Recreation Master Plan
• Gateway Signage Update: Final Design and Placement
• Metro Wastewater Treatment Plant Biogas to Renewable Natural Gas Update
• Executive Session: Business incentives at 2725 Drayton Street

Community Development Committee

The Community Development Committee will meet to discuss pending development projects, housing assistance programs, and receive legal advice on affordability provisions. The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at City Hall.

• Discussion of pending development projects
• Review of housing assistance programs
• Receipt of legal advice on affordability provisions
• Review of housing assistance programs (executive session)

Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee

The Economic Development & Infrastructure Committee will discuss and review contracts with economic development partners for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting will also include an executive session to discuss negotiations related to proposed contractual arrangements and matters concerning the Convention Center and potential business expansions at 2725 Drayton Street.

• Economic Development Partner Contracts for Fiscal Year 2024/2025
• Discussion of negotiations for proposed contractual arrangements
• Convention Center matters
• Proposed business expansion at 2725 Drayton Street

Council Legislative Committee

The Council Legislative Committee is meeting to discuss automated traffic safety cameras and state legislative priorities for the 2025 session. The committee will also review existing fines for littering.

• Discussion on Automated Traffic Safety Cameras with The Southern Group
• Discussion on State Legislative Priorities for 2025 Session
• Review of littering fines under Chapter 8, Article V of the Code of Ordinances

City Council

City Council will review several infrastructure contracts for water and wastewater facilities. The body is also deciding on property conveyance, telecommunications renewals, and zoning amendments.

• Contract for Lake Murray Water Treatment Plant Taste and Odor Treatment System with M. B. Kahn Waterworks, LLC not to exceed $3,951,008.25
• Contract for Canopy Storage Area at Beltline Wastewater Management Facility with Hammer Construction, LLC not to exceed $905,573.90
• Purchase of vehicle equipment and accessories for Columbia Police Department totaling $617,027.32
• Annexation and zoning of 28.50 acres E/S Broad River Road to Residential Mixed District (RM-2)
• Ordinance to permit veterinary hospitals or clinics as a conditional use in the Mixed-Use (MU-1) District

Arts, Historic Preservation and Philanthropy Committee

The Arts, Historic Preservation & Philanthropy Committee will meet on September 17, 2024 at City Hall. The committee will discuss the Vista Public Art Project. The committee will also discuss the Community Reinvestment Act Fund. No decisions are noted on the agenda.

• Vista Public Art Project discussion
• Community Reinvestment Act Fund discussion

The Arts, Historic Preservation & Philanthropy Committee endorsed the Vista Public Art Project, a proposed light installation inside the Lincoln Street Tunnel funded by a $150,000 donation to the Vista Guild. The endorsement is for consideration by One Columbia for Arts and History, which will assess the application and return a recommendation to the committee for a final recommendation to City Council. The Community Reinvestment Act Fund item was deferred.

• Endorsed Vista Public Art Project for One Columbia consideration (consensus)
• Deferred Community Reinvestment Act Fund item

Bull Street Commission

The Bull Street Commission will meet to receive progress reports on the Bull Street Development Project and the University of South Carolina Health Sciences Campus Project. Members will also discuss areas of interest for commission support and set a future meeting schedule.

• Bull Street Development Project update from Hughes Development
• Bull Street Development Housing update from Hughes Development
• University of South Carolina Health Sciences Campus Project update from Restoration 52 LLC

The commission received updates on Bull Street development, housing, and the USC Health Sciences Campus, with no formal votes or decisions taken. Members agreed to meet quarterly on the third Monday at 2:00 p.m., with the next meeting tentatively set for November 18, 2024.

• Agreed to meet quarterly on third Mondays at 2:00 p.m. (consensus)
• Tentatively scheduled next meeting for November 18, 2024

City Council

The council will approve the August 20 meeting minutes, an honorary street naming, and several proclamations. It will vote on consent agenda items totaling over $1.2 million, including software licenses, water fees, police ammunition, network hardware, and a $784,268 purchase of vehicles and equipment. The meeting also includes multiple zoning map amendments and annexations affecting various parcels.

• Approve $784,268.30 purchase of vehicles and equipment for city departments
• Approve $198,911.98 purchase of Cisco network equipment for 400 Laurel Street
• Approve $81,573.58 purchase of ammunition for the Columbia Police Department
• Zoning map amendment to rezone 2.14 acres on Kings Grant Drive @ I-77
• Annexation of 100 and 108 Bluff Road into the City of Columbia

Community Development Committee

The Columbia Community Development Committee will meet to discuss updates on local economic development programs, including the Let's Build Together Program, grocery store incentives, and a mobile market update. The committee will also review the 2023/2024 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER).

The Community Development Committee met and approved the June 4, 2024 meeting minutes unanimously. They received updates on the Let's Build Together program, grocery store incentives, the Mobile Market, and the 2023-2024 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER). No formal decisions were made beyond the minutes approval.

• Approved June 4, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Health Social and Environmental Affairs Committee

The Health, Social and Environmental Affairs Committee will meet to approve prior minutes and receive updates on animal services and a planted wildlife gardens ordinance.

• Approval of May 28, 2024 Committee minutes
• Animal Services Update presentation
• Planted Wildlife Gardens Ordinance Update

City Council

Columbia City Council will review several professional service agreements for lobbying and water infrastructure. The body is also deciding on vehicle purchases for city departments and various right-of-way encroachment ordinances.

• Proposed contract for Lower Kinley Creek Sewer Improvements with McClam and Associates, Inc. not to exceed $11,795,072.30
• Purchase of vehicles and equipment for Police, Fire, and Solid Waste departments totaling $446,559.80
• Ratification of three emergency water and wastewater repairs totaling $874,193.70
• Professional services agreements for state and federal lobbying ranging from $72,000 to $90,000
• Encroachment ordinances for the 1400 block of Pendleton Street, 1100 block of Miller Avenue, and 1500 block of Main Street

Prepares Advisory Committee

The Columbia Prepares Advisory Committee will hold its quarterly meeting via video conference to review past minutes, introduce staff and members, and receive updates on grant programs and budgets. No formal decisions are listed on the agenda.

Council Legislative Committee

The committee will discuss federal, local, and state intergovernmental updates. These discussions include reports on Fiscal Year 2024/2025 earmarks and the Penny Tax.

• Federal Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Earmarks Update
• Penny Tax Update
• State Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Earmark Results
• Municipal and County updates

Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee

The Economic Development & Infrastructure Committee will review partner contracts for fiscal year 2024/2025 and receive an update from the Central SC Alliance. The committee will also enter executive session to discuss Project Sparrow and negotiations with Trinity Partners.

• Economic Development Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Partner Contracts
• Central SC Alliance update
• Executive session regarding Project Sparrow
• Executive session regarding Trinity Partners negotiations

City Council

The Columbia City Council will hold a special called meeting to consider Ordinance 2024-071, which proposes adding Article V (Golf Carts) to Chapter 12 of the city’s 1998 traffic ordinances. This is a first reading of the ordinance, meaning no final decision will be made at this meeting.

• Ordinance 2024-071: First reading to amend traffic rules for golf carts

City Council

Columbia City Council will review several municipal contracts and infrastructure projects. The body is deciding on awards for police equipment, park improvements, and water system upgrades.

• Sole source contract for water meters and cellular endpoints from Badger Meter Incorporated for $1,169,251.19
• Contract for upfitting 35 police pursuit vehicles with Carolina Custom Upfitters for $551,689.95
• Purchase of playground equipment and splash pad for Melrose Park for $238,878.40
• Haskell Avenue Resurfacing Project construction contract with Armstrong Contractors, LLC not to exceed $160,408.80
• Ordinance 2024-051 regarding a right of way encroachment for a brick parking pad at 1932 Pendleton Street

City Council

The Columbia City Council is holding a work session to discuss a parking rate study and will enter executive session for legal advice on a pending claim and fire services contract negotiations. No votes are scheduled; the agenda is primarily discussion and legal consultation.

• Parking Rate Study presentation by Assistant City Manager Henry Simons and Parking Services staff
• Executive session: legal advice on attorney-client privilege matters
• Executive session: legal advice on Kevin Bovain v. City of Columbia claim
• Executive session: negotiations for fire services contract

Arts, Historic Preservation and Philanthropy Committee

The Arts, Historic Preservation & Philanthropy Committee will meet on July 9, 2024. The agenda includes the approval of previous meeting minutes and a discussion regarding a proposed Art Placement Policy.

• Approval of April 9 and May 14, 2024 committee minutes
• Discussion of Proposed Art Placement Policy

Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee will meet to review potential changes to the existing minor curfew. Police Chief William “Skip” Holbrook will present options regarding the expansion of these restrictions.

• Review of options to expand the current curfew for minors

Administrative Policy Committee

The Administrative Policy Committee will review an update to the Vape and CBD Signage Ordinance. The committee will also discuss a proposed policy regarding the issuance of proclamations and keys to the city.

• Vape and CBD Signage Ordinance Update
• Proposed Policy Related to the Issuance of Proclamations and Keys to the City

City Council

The City Council will conduct a budget workshop regarding fiscal year 2024/2025 special revenue allocations. The discussion includes advisory committee recommendations and external requests for funding.

• Hospitality Tax Advisory Committee Recommendations
• State Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee Recommendations
• Tourism Development Fee
• Liquor Rebate Fund
• External Requests: Three Rivers Music Festival and Silicon South

Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee

The committee will review previous meeting minutes and receive a retail recruitment strategy update. Discussion items include city brand guidelines, the Shaw Circle's Innovation Tour Playbook, and proposed revisions to the business license ordinance.

• Retail Recruitment Strategy Update by Charles Parker
• City of Columbia Brand Guidelines and Marketing Requirements discussion
• Shaw Circle's Innovation Tour Playbook discussion
• Proposed Business License Ordinance Revisions

City Council

The Columbia City Council will conduct a work session regarding affordable housing plan and strategies. The meeting is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. at the Busby Street Community Center.

• Affordable Housing Plan and Strategies discussion

City Council

The City Council will conduct a budget public hearing for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. The agenda includes several large-scale construction contracts for water and sewer projects, as well as various property annexations and street naming resolutions.

• Budget Public Hearing: Ordinance No. 2024-043 to adopt the city budget for fiscal year ending June 30, 2025
• Construction Contract: $69,192,614.40 for Lower Crane Creek Equalization Storage Facility awarded to Ruby-Collins, Inc.
• Construction Contract: $827,428.00 change order for Upper Kinley Creek Sanitary Sewer Improvements awarded to LAD Construction, LLC
• Police Purchase: $187,034.68 for weapons awarded to Lawmen's Distribution, LLC
• Fire Station Contract: $99,400.00 for roof replacement at Fire Station #16 awarded to Watts & Associates Roofing, Inc.

Community Development Committee

The committee will hold a public hearing regarding the 2024 Annual Action Plan. Discussion items include city-owned vacant lot strategies, property affordability requirements, and updates on economic development and mobile markets.

• Public Hearing: 2024 Annual Action Plan
• Discussion: Five Year Real Estate Strategy for City-Owned Vacant Lots
• Discussion: Affordability Requirements for City-Owned Property
• Presentation: Columbia Council of Neighborhoods Strategic Plan
• Update: Let’s Build Together

Health Social and Environmental Affairs Committee

The Health, Social and Environmental Affairs Committee will review minutes from February and March meetings. The agenda includes a presentation on the Forestry and Beautification Tree Planting Program and discussions regarding yard trash policy and city signage.

• Forestry and Beautification Tree Planting Program update
• Yard Trash Policy discussion
• Columbia Signage discussion

Administrative Policy Committee

The committee will discuss honorary namings and a proposed memorial garden at T.S. Martin Park. Members will also review a proposed policy for issuing Keys to the City and proclamations.

• Proposed Memorial Garden at T.S. Martin Park
• Proposed Policy Related to the Issuance of Keys to the City and Proclamations
• Honorary Namings

Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee will review a year-to-date crime report from the Columbia Police Department. The committee will also discuss a proposed right-of-way signage ordinance and a municipal toolkit for fighting hate on Main Street.

• Year-to-Date Crime Report briefing
• Proposed Right-of-way Signage Ordinance
• Fighting Hate on Main Street Municipal Toolkit discussion
• Update on city cameras and vehicle pursuits

City Council

The City Council will review several large infrastructure contracts, including projects for water main upgrades and utility relocations. The agenda also includes a public hearing regarding the annexation and zoning of approximately 125 acres on Circleview Road. Additionally, the council will recognize local officials and introduce the ColaEats Collaborative.

• $6,750,000 contract for Rocky Branch Saluda Bypass and Whaley/Main improvements
• $1,402,593 purchase of a Pierce Enforcer Rescue Truck for the Fire Department
• $970,675 design services contract for Beltline Boulevard Community Enhancement Project
• Annexation and zoning changes for 125.97 acres on Circleview Road
• $508,606.82 memorandum of agreement for utility relocation along Bluff Road

Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee

The Economic Development & Infrastructure Committee will discuss proposed revisions to the Business License Ordinance and the Commercial Retention and Redevelopment Program. The meeting includes a Penny Program update from Richland County Public Works. An executive session is also scheduled regarding Astral Development.

• Proposed Business License Ordinance Revisions
• Commercial Retention and Redevelopment Program discussion
• Penny Program Update
• Executive session regarding Astral Development

City Council

The Columbia City Council will hold a budget workshop on May 14, 2024, to review proposed funding for the upcoming fiscal year. Budget Director Missy Caughman will present plans covering the water and sewer operating fund, stormwater operating fund, and the revised general fund capital improvement program. Reviewing these allocations determines how utility services and city infrastructure are funded before final budget adoption. No votes or binding decisions are scheduled for this meeting.

• Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Water and Sewer Operating Fund and Capital Improvement Program
• Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Storm Water Operating Fund and Capital Improvement Program
• Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Revised General Fund Budget

Arts, Historic Preservation and Philanthropy Committee

The committee will receive a presentation from the Executive Director of One Columbia for Arts and History. No other substantive items or decisions are listed on this agenda.

• Presentation by Xavier Blake, Executive Director of One Columbia for Arts and History

City Council

The Columbia City Council will conduct a Budget Workshop to discuss the proposed General Fund Budget for Fiscal Year 2024/2025. The meeting is scheduled to take place at the Busby Street Community Center.

• Discussion of the proposed Fiscal Year 2024/2025 General Fund Budget

Community Development Committee

The committee will discuss the Consolidated Plan timeline, Mobile Market update, Town and Gown update, and the North Main Corridor. These items are scheduled for discussion by Assistant City Manager Missy Gentry.

• Consolidated Plan Timeline discussion
• Mobile Market update
• Town and Gown update
• North Main Corridor discussion

Public Safety Committee

The committee will discuss a Right-of-way Signage Ordinance presented by the Columbia Police Department. The meeting also includes a year-to-date crime report and discussion regarding taxi cab licensing.

• Right-of-way Signage Ordinance discussion
• Year-to-Date Crime Report
• Taxi Cab Licensing

City Council

The City Council will conduct a budget workshop regarding special revenue funds. The discussion includes hospitality, state accommodations, tourism development, and liquor permit rebate revenues.

• Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Special Revenue Budget discussion
• Hospitality Tax review
• State Accommodations Tax review
• Tourism Development Fee review
• Liquor Permit Rebate review

Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee

The committee will hear presentations regarding a missing middle housing scan and the impacts of historic preservation in Columbia. The meeting also includes an executive session to discuss business expansion services and the Commercial Retention and Redevelopment Program.

• Missing Middle Housing Scan and Deep Dive Presentation
• Presentation on the impacts of historic preservation in Columbia
• Executive session regarding industrial or business expansion services
• Discussion of the Commercial Retention and Redevelopment Program

Arts, Historic Preservation and Philanthropy Committee

The committee will hear a presentation regarding the ColaJazz Impact Report. Members will also receive a presentation on the impacts of historic preservation in Columbia.

• ColaJazz Impact Report presentation by Mark Rapp
• Historic Preservation presentation by Amy Moore and John Sherrer

City Council

The City Council will review several high-value construction and service contracts, primarily focused on water and wastewater improvements. The agenda also includes multiple ordinances regarding property conveyances, annexations, and zoning changes.

• Construction contract for Fleet Services Emergency Generator up to $948,365.00
• Contract for East Rocky Branch Improvements Phase I up to $225,850.00
• Construction contract for Harden Street Phase IIB Improvements up to $1,538,929.80
• Professional services contract for Metro Wastewater Treatment Plant Thickening up to $2,646,980.00
• Rezoning of 10 Bluff Road from Employment Campus District to Light Industrial District

Health Social and Environmental Affairs Committee

The committee will discuss the Rental Housing Ordinance and receive an update from the Tree and Appearance Commission. Columbia Water will also provide an update regarding perfluorinated substances in drinking water.

• Rental Housing Ordinance discussion
• Update on perfluorinated substances in drinking water
• Tree and Appearance Commission update

Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee

The committee will review the February 20, 2024 meeting minutes for approval. Mr. Jackie Epps of Saint John Career Development Corporation will provide a presentation regarding the Pathway to Employment Workforce Development Program.

• Presentation: Pathway to Employment Workforce Development Program
• Approval of February 20, 2024 meeting minutes

City Council

The Columbia City Council will meet to review several consent agenda items including equipment purchases, service contracts, and construction projects. These items cover departments such as Economic Development, Police, Parks and Recreation, and Columbia Water.

• Economic Development contract renewal with Central SC Alliance for $50,000.00
• Elevator maintenance services award to Otis Elevator for $153,434.04
• Vehicle and equipment purchases for multiple departments totaling $939,248.36
• Police department funding for body cameras, tasers, and fleet cameras for $1,435,598.45
• Construction contracts for Hyatt Park and T.S. Martin Park improvements up to $357,500.00

Prepares Advisory Committee

The committee will discuss the Community Development Block Grant – Mitigation Program, including program activities and budget set-asides. The meeting also includes the election of a committee chair.

• Overview of the Community Development Block Grant – Mitigation Program
• Discussion of program activities and budget set-asides
• Election of a Committee Chair

Administrative Policy Committee

The Columbia Administrative Policy Committee will meet to discuss several administrative topics. The agenda includes discussions on ranked choice voting, the food truck policy, and revisions to the honorary naming policy.

• Ranked Choice Voting (Instant Runoff) discussion
• Food Truck Policy discussion
• Honorary Naming Policy Revisions discussion

Health Social and Environmental Affairs Committee

The committee will discuss updates to the Animal Services Ordinance and revisions to the Climate Protection Action Committee's Bylaws. Members will also receive updates from local animal rescue organizations and information regarding a climate pollution reduction grant.

• Animal Services Ordinance Update
• Revisions to the Climate Protection Action Committee's Bylaws
• Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) update
• Updates from Pawmetto Lifeline and Final Victory Animal Rescue

Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee

The committee will discuss a Columbia Opportunity Resource funding request and stormwater fees for annexed property. Members will also enter executive session to discuss several projects related to business and industry expansion.

• Columbia Opportunity Resource Funding Request
• Stormwater Fees on Annexed Property
• Executive session regarding Project Witchita, Project Silver Hills, Project Subtext, and 2221 Devine Street

City Council

The Columbia City Council will hold a work session on February 20, 2024. The agenda consists of executive sessions to discuss contract negotiations involving Crawford Consulting and legal advice regarding a claim involving CHC Colony Apts, LLC et al. The council will also discuss business development at 2221 Devine Street.

• Contract negotiations involving Crawford Consulting
• Legal advice regarding City of Columbia vs CHC Colony Apts, LLC et al.
• Business development discussion for 2221 Devine Street

Community Development Committee

The committee will discuss the use of funds for Federal Entitlement Programs and receive updates on the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Action Plan. The meeting also includes an update on the Five-Year Consolidated Plan process and a discussion regarding the Columbia Town and Gown Committee.

• Overview of Use of Funds for Federal Entitlement Programs
• Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Action Plan Update
• Update and Process for the Five-Year Consolidated Plan
• Columbia Town and Gown Committee discussion

City Council

The City Council will conduct a work session regarding employee engagement, organizational assessments, and the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The meeting also includes an executive session to discuss potential contractual arrangements for the Municipal Complex, DMH Surplus Property, and Northeast Sewer Service Area.

• Retention and Recruitment Strategy discussion
• Management & Organizational Assessment discussion
• Parks and Recreation Master Plan discussion
• Contractual negotiations regarding Municipal Complex
• Contractual negotiations regarding DMH Surplus Property and Northeast Sewer Service Area

City Council

The Columbia City Council is considering several new service contracts and software renewals. Items include a downtown business popup initiative and updates to 911 communications software. The council will also review ordinances for industrial parks and water system improvements.

• $2,801,463.08 change order for Rimer Pond and Hardscrabble Road water improvements
• $100,000 contract for Downtown Small Business Popup Initiative
• $123,000 contract for Downtown Columbia Strategic Master Plan and Design Guidelines
• $160,380 purchase of Intellicomm Guidecard Software for 911 communications
• Ordinance to adopt the City of Columbia budget for fiscal year ending June 30, 2024

Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee

The committee will receive updates from economic development partners GrowCo and Columbia Opportunity Resource. The meeting includes an executive session regarding industrial location or expansion at 2221 Devine Street.

• Update from GrowCo Executive Director Caroline Crowder
• Update from Columbia Opportunity Resource Board Secretary Lee Goble, Jr. and Director of Development Julia Reedy
• Executive session discussion regarding 2221 Devine Street

Community Development Committee

The committee will receive an update from Home Works of America. The agenda also includes a discussion regarding the Columbia Town and Gown Committee.

• Update from Home Works of America - Mr. Joe Huggins
• Columbia Town and Gown Committee discussion

Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee

The committee will receive updates from economic development partners GrowCo and Columbia Opportunity Resource. The meeting also includes an executive session regarding the location or expansion of businesses, specifically mentioning Project Subtext at 2221 Devine Street.

• Economic Development Partner Update from GrowCo
• Economic Development Partner Update from Columbia Opportunity Resource
• Executive session discussion regarding Project Subtext at 2221 Devine Street

City Council

The City Council will review several professional service contracts, equipment purchases, and infrastructure projects. The agenda includes multiple ordinance readings regarding industrial parks, property annexations, and zoning changes.

• Downtown Small Business Popup Initiative contract: $100,000.00 to Made With Cola Love
• Cityworks Software and License Support renewal: $109,200.00 to Azteca Systems, LLC
• Strategic Master Plan and Design Guidelines for Downtown Columbia: up to $123,000.00 to MKSK, Inc.
• Water Sealant Services at PJ Cannon Parking Garage: $165,919.44 to Watertight Systems, Inc.
• Vehicle and Heavy Equipment purchases: $387,447.00 total across multiple vendors