City News | July 2021

City News July 2021

City of Columbia Municipal Election

Tuesday, November 2, 2021

The Municipal Election Commission of the City of Columbia announces the general election for the City of Columbia to be held on Tuesday, November 2, 2021. The filing period opens on Monday, August 2, 2021 at noon and closes on Friday, August 13, 2021 at noon. The following candidates shall be included in this election for terms ending on December 31, 2025:

Mayor

Councilmember At-Large

Councilmember District 1

Councilmember District 4

The filing fee for the office of Council is $530.00.

The filing fee for the office of Mayor is $1,000.00.

For additional information please contact the Office of the City Clerk at (803)545.3045, [email protected], or visit www.columbiasc.net/elections.

City Officials Commemorate Grand Opening of Page Ellington Park

On Monday, June 21, 2021, Mayor Steve Benjamin gathered with City officials to commemorate the grand opening of Page Ellington Park, dedicated to Page Ellington.

Page Ellington was born in North Carolina but according to memoirist J.F. Williams, was enslaved by a “Mr. McCully” in Columbia. He married Sallie Ellington in 1872. He joined University of South Carolina professor Richard T. Greener as a member of the Columbia Board of Health in 1875. He was a member of Washington Street Methodist, Bethel AME Church and then Ladson Presbyterian Church where he served as superintendent of the Sunday School. He ran for City Council and served as an election manager for Ward 4. His home still stands in the Arsenal Hill community.

Ellington’s contemporaries—Black and White— recognized his skill as both a builder and self-taught architect. In 1910, The State detailed his close partnership with Dr. James W. Babcock thusly: He has assisted Dr. Babcock with all of the new buildings at the State Hospital and it will be observed that the towers all differ in appearance. Page Ellington has through postal cards and encyclopedias informed himself upon the detail of the most renowned turrets and steeples and spires and towers in all parts of the world and has exhibited not a little taste in fitting designs to new buildings.

Page Ellington Park is a 20-acre public park located on the Bull Street property. It includes running and walking paths, a dog park, shelters and natural water habitat featuring a two-acre pond. The park also includes the day lighted Smith Branch Creek.

Overhead photo of Page Ellington park on the Bull Street property

Page Ellington

Columbia-Richland Fire Department Once Again Named a ‘Fire Safe South Carolina’ Community

For the second year in a row CRFD’s fire prevention work in our communities has earned the department statewide recognition.

Fire Safe South Carolina recently named CRFD a ‘Fire Safe South Carolina’ community for the year 2020. In all 80 fire departments in 33 Palmetto State counties were recognized.

“I am incredibly proud of our department for earning this honor for the second year in a row,” said Columbia-Richland Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins, “It is a true testament to the many men and women we have who work to prevent fires and other emergencies in our communities. Arming our citizens with knowledge is the best tool we have to keep people safe. I applaud our CRFD members on their commitment to that mission.”

For Fire Safe South Carolina, designated communities continually work to reduce fire-related injuries in our state, thereby decreasing the risks for residents and firefighters. They also promote consistent fire safety messaging and stress the importance of providing all relative data collected at fire scenes.

“The enthusiasm for obtaining this designation continues to grow, and we remain encouraged by active participation,” Community Risk Reduction Chief Josh Fulbright said. “We congratulate the 80 designees and, even with the pandemic, are excited to see a 40 percent increase from last year.”

Despite challenges associated with the pandemic, it is clear these fire departments continue to provide fire and life safety information to their local citizens.

Specifically, FSSC-designated communities took creative as well as virtual approaches to community risk reduction and documented outreach educational opportunities for nearly 55,000 citizens. In response to COVID-19 the Columbia-Richland Fire Department began using virtual video conferencing programs to carry out many duties of the fire prevention office during 2020. This included conducting virtual fire safety inspections, home safety surveys and smoke alarm installations.

Over the course of 2020 CRFD fire prevention staff conducted 21 virtual fire education presentations as well as 106 virtual home fire safety surveys. The department also maintained its community presence by taking part in 146 parades during the year. Deputy fire marshals also conducted more than 2,100 fire inspections in 2020.

Additionally, more than 1,300 fire service members were trained through the Community Risk Reduction curriculum, and more than 80 fire departments were represented during the annual Life Safety Education Conference.

Fulbright acknowledges the program is effective because of its dedicated community partners.

“With fire departments receiving more than 9,000 smoke alarms donated from their growing list of community partners, these relationships are an important part of this life-saving program.”

Launched in 2017, Fire Safe SC has many partners including the S.C. State Firefighters’ Association, the S.C. State Association of Fire Chiefs, and the S.C. Fire Marshal Association.

CRFD Reminding Citizens to Exercise Caution While Using Fireworks

Consumer fireworks cause thousands of injuries each July 4th

The 2021 July 4th Weekend is likely to bring a spike in family parties and community gatherings as more and more restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic continue to be lifted.

Keeping that in mind the Columbia-Richland Fire Department is once again encouraging area residents to use extreme caution and attentiveness if they plan to set off consumer fireworks.

“Every year the fact remains the same that there is an inherent risk and danger to using consumer fireworks,” said Columbia-Richland Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins, “While we don’t want to discourage people from buying fireworks for use at their family parties and cook outs, we do want to stress the importance of following all safety instructions on what you buy. Not doing so could place you and your loved ones at greater risk of suffering a fireworks-related injury.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) more than 19,500 fires are started by fireworks annually. Sparklers alone can burn at 1200 degrees Fahrenheit and account for roughly one quarter of emergency room fireworks injuries.

CRFD is encouraging everyone to put safety first when using any fireworks by following these safety tips.

Attend a professional show instead of holding your own. Always read and follow directions on each firework. Only use fireworks outdoors, away from homes, dry grass, and trees. Keep a bucket of water, a fire extinguisher or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap. Always have an adult present when shooting fireworks. Store fireworks in a cool, dry place. Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks. Wear protective eye glasses and gloves. Never hold a lit firework item in your hand. Adults should always handle fireworks and not children.

Also, if your plans for the July 4th holiday include a cookout, please keep these tips in mind for outdoor grilling:

Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors. The grill should be placed at least 10 feet away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. DO NOT grill on your deck! Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area. Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill. Never leave your grill unattended. Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it. Always have a fire extinguisher handy in case of an emergency.

For charcoal grills:

There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel. If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire. Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources. There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use. When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.

City Offices Closed on Independence Day

In observance of July 4/ Independence Day Holiday, the City of Columbia offices will be closed on Monday, July 5, 2021. All garbage, recycling and yard trash collection routes will remain on regular schedule. Emergency police, fire and rescue services may be reached by calling 9-1-1.

The City of Columbia invites YOU to participate in Columbia’s 6^th Annual Park(ing) Day!

PARK(ing) Day is an annual open-source global event where citizens, artists and activists collaborate to temporarily transform metered parking spaces into “PARK(ing)” spaces: temporary public places. The mission of PARK(ing) Day is to call attention to the need for more urban open space, to generate critical debate around how public space is created and allocated, and to improve the quality of urban human habitat … at least until the meter runs out! See More.

City’s Misting Stations to Operate During Summer Heat

The City of Columbia will operate misting stations in several of the City’s parks to help guests stay cool on days when the heat index reaches 90 degrees or higher.

Misting stations will operate from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., at the following locations:

Misting Stations:

Granby Park, 100 Catawba Street
Martin Luther King, Jr., 2300 Greene St.
Owens Field Park, 1351 Jim Hamilton Blvd.
Riverfront Park, 312 Laurel St. and 4122 River Dr.
Rosewood Park, 901 South Holly St.
Southeast Park, 951 Hazlewood Rd.

For more information, call the Columbia Parks & Recreation Department at 803-545-3100.

City Pools for the Recreational Swim Season are Open!

The recreational swim season for the City of Columbia’s outdoor pools and splash pads/spray pools began Saturday, May 29, 2021.

Both Maxcy Gregg Pool and Greenview Pool will be open for recreational swimming on the following holidays: Independence Day (July 4) and Labor Day (Sept. 6) from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The recreational swim season will remain open until Monday, Sept. 6 (Labor Day).

Click here to view the pool schedules and more.

Board of Zoning Appeals | Thursday, July 1, 2021

In the interest of public health and authorized by City Council Ordinance 2020-032, the City of Columbia Board of Zoning Appeals will conduct a virtual meeting on Thursday, July 1, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. See More.

Registration Period Open for City’s Fall Adult Sports Leagues

The Columbia Parks & Recreation Department is accepting registrations for adult kickball and adult softball leagues beginning Monday, June 14, 2021.

Registration Information

Adult Kickball (Coed and Women’s Leagues)

AGES: 18 and older

FEE: $300 per team

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Friday, July 23

SEASON: Begins Monday, August 9; Games played on Monday or Wednesday nights; Women’s Kickball League play will be held on Thursday nights

Adult Softball (Men’s and Coed Leagues)

AGES: 18 and older

FEE: $300 per team

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Friday, July 23

SEASON: Begins Monday, August 9; Men’s League play will be held on Tuesdays; Coed League play will be held on Sundays.

Registration forms are also available online or at any City recreation center or at the Parks and Recreation Administration Office located at 1111 Parkside Drive, Columbia, SC 29203.

Make checks and money orders payable to the City of Columbia.

For more information, please call the Parks & Recreation Department at 803-545-3100.

Columbia Animal Services Recruiting Foster Pet Parents

As we move into the time of year where puppies and kittens become abundant, Columbia Animal Services is asking the public to consider becoming a foster parent. See More.

COVID-19 INFORMATION

DHEC Statement on HHS Encouraging Vaccinations for Young Adults and Eligible Children

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) supports the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) June 23 news release urging children 12 and older and young adults to get their COVID-19 vaccination.

The federal department, along with the physicians, nurses, and parents joined the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Heart Association, and more than a dozen other health organizations, in a joint statement on rare cases of mild heart inflammation some young people have experienced after getting their COVID-19 vaccination.

Specifically, their statement acknowledged reported cases of inflammation of the heart muscle and surrounding tissue called myocarditis and pericarditis following vaccinations. As the organizations stated, myocarditis, pericarditis, and other potential heart risks from COVID-19 disease are far more common and much more severe. The overwhelming majority of cases among vaccinated individuals result in mild symptoms, and recovery from these symptoms usually requires little to no treatment.

DHEC continues to strongly encourage everyone 12 and older to get vaccinated. The vaccines are safe and effective and prevent COVID-19. Make no mistake: COVID-19 continues to spread in our communities, and those who remain unvaccinated face far greater risk from the disease than rare side effects from the vaccines. If you get COVID-19, not only could you get severely ill and be hospitalized or even die, but you could infect those you love as well as others.

Given the continued rise in the spread of the Delta variant, it is more important than ever for everyone to get vaccinated. DHEC urges South Carolinians to visit the agency’s vaccine page, the CDC website, and other reliable sources to learn more about vaccinations.

City of Columbia Employees Serve as COVID-19 Vaccine Ambassadors

Over the past month, City of Columbia employees from various departments have been serving as Vaccination Ambassadors. City employees have been distributing vaccine education materials to citizens as another part of the public relations efforts and education campaign to get vaccine information to residents and visitors throughout the community.

Steven Haer, Park Ranger receiving Vaccine Education Materials from Veronica Walker, Public Relations, Media and Marketing Department Vaccination Ambassador.

Sgt. Leroy Solomon, receiving Vaccine Education Materials for Columbia Police Department CSOs from Veronica Walker, Public Relations, Media and Marketing Department Vaccination Ambassador.

Kevin Crawford, Parks and Recreation Department Public Relations Manager receiving Vaccine Education Materials from Veronica Walker, Public Relations, Media and Marketing Department Vaccination Ambassador.

Sandra Myers, Meters Operation Supervisor receiving Vaccine Education materials from Veronica Walker, Public Relations, Media and Marketing Department Vaccination Ambassador.

Monica Conyers and Kirk Miles, City’s Housing Inspectors receiving Vaccination Education materials from Veronica Walker, Public Relations, Media and Marketing Department Vaccination Ambassador.

Michael DeSumma, CFD Public Information Officer receiving Vaccination Education Materials from Veronica Walker, Public Relations, Media and Marketing Department Vaccination Ambassador.

Brandon Lewis, City Meter Reader Supervisor receiving Vaccination Education Materials from Veronica Walker, Public Relations, Media and Marketing Department Vaccination Ambassador.

Vaccination Education posters and door hangers

The City of Columbia Partners With Health Care Providers in Launching “It’s YOUR Shot, Columbia” Campaign Providing Free Vaccination Clinics to the Public

Mayor Steve Benjamin and the City of Columbia worked with DHEC and local hospitals/ health care providers to host free vaccine clinics for the public. The “It’s YOUR Shot, Columbia” campaign's goal is to inform all Midlands citizens that COVID-19 vaccinations are safe, effective, free, and thanks to multiple partners located across Richland County, easy to obtain.

During the month of June, clinics were held in Five Points and at the Drew Wellness Center, as well as a drive through clinic at 2221 Devine Street, and were open to the public.