City Briefing and COVID-19 Updates

May 29, 2020

City Briefing is a review of news and information released during the week.
Resilient Columbia Economic Recovery Task Force Meeting Summary

Virtual Meeting
Thursday, May 28, 2020 11:00 AM


Mayor Steve Benjamin to Deliver Testimony on Columbia’s COVID-19 Response Measures and Current Assistance Needs Before US Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis on Friday, May 29

Mayor Benjamin and a small group of US mayors addressed what their cities require to stabilize their economies, protect the health and well-being of their residents, and safely re-open their communities.

Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin provided testimony to a U.S. House of Representatives Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis video briefing on Friday, May 29 at 12:00 noon. The Coronavirus Crisis Subcommittee is chaired by U.S. Congressman James Clyburn (SC 6 th District), and the briefing offered mayors who are on the front lines of the response to the coronavirus pandemic an opportunity to provide testimony on what cities need to stabilize local economies, protect the health and well-being of their residents, and safely re-open their communities.  

During his five-minute testimony, Mayor Benjamin detailed how the coronavirus crisis has impacted Columbia area residents and businesses, how City of Columbia officials have responded with efforts to support the local business community as well as public safety staff and other first responders, and addressed how the Federal Government can best assist Columbia and cities across the country as the pandemic crisis continues.

The briefing was recorded and livestreamed for the public on YouTube and over the Select Subcommittee website at coronavirus.house.gov/ .

Media note: See an attached copy of Mayor Benjamin's written testimony for the US House Select Committee on the Coronavirus member briefing. The briefing can be viewed here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odBmO-zgJ78&feature=youtu.be .
City of Columbia launches Resilient Columbia Pledge Challenge for Small Business Owners

The City of Columbia has launched a Resilient Columbia pledge challenge for small business owners as businesses in the City continue to open.

We encourage citizens to visit our website in order to view the pledge map to see the list of businesses that have taken the pledge.

By taking the pledge, a business declares that it is taking steps based upon guidance from the CDC and DHEC to:

• Monitor the health of their employees
• Clean high touch areas frequently
• Encourage the use of face coverings and promote regular hand washing
• Limit the number of people, both inside our building and in our outdoor spaces (if applicable)
• Promote social distancing at all times to include the public right of way adjacent to our business

While we encourage all businesses to take the pledge, this pledge is a good faith effort to ensure business owners and patrons remain safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information on the pledge and the pledge map, please visit the “Business” tab on https://resilient.columbiasc.gov/

Columbia Water Provides Tips for Reopening Businesses
The COVID-19 pandemic has left numerous buildings closed and vacant for long periods of time, causing water in plumbing systems to become stagnant and unhealthy .

In accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other industry guidance, Columbia Water recommends the following steps be taken to restore normal water quality in plumbing system before reopening any closed building for occupation:

  • Flush the entire plumbing system by opening all taps, including faucets, drinking water fountains and bottle fillers, showers and tubs, and by flushing all toilets and urinals. Both hot and cold water taps should be flushed until they reach a steady temperature. This may take up to ten minutes in large buildings for taps that are far from the location where the water service line enters the building. Be careful not to create a lot of splashing when flushing taps, as aerosols from flushing can contain unhealthy bacteria.

  • Empty ice-makers and dispose of their contents. Flush the water line to each ice-maker and also dispose of any ice made within the first 24 hours after flushing.

  • Drain and clean water storage facilities and hot water heaters.

  • In order to maintain continued protection against the coronavirus, regularly disinfect frequently touched areas of water fixtures like faucet handles, water fountain and bottle filler push buttons/bars and spouts, and toilet and urinal flush handles.
Planning Commission | Monday, June 1, 2020
 
In the interest of public health and authorized by City Council Ordinance 2020-032, the City of Columbia Planning Commission will conduct a virtual meeting on Monday, June 1, 2020 at 5:15 p.m.
 
Members of the public and/or media who want to observe the meetings may do so remotely, by
 
2.       E-Mail: Submit letters and statements to COCBoardMeeting@ColumbiaSC.gov leading up to and/or during the meeting.
3.       Phone: Call 855-925-2801 . When prompted, please enter the meeting code: 8947 . 
1.      (star one) *1 will allow you to listen
2.      (star two) *2 will allow you to record a voice mail message that will be read into the record.
3.      (star three) *3 will allow a participant to be placed in a queue, so they may speak live when prompted
 
As this is an ever-evolving situation, please continue to monitor www.columbiasc.gov for additional information.
 
Questions can be directed to Zoning by calling (803) 545-3333 or by e-mailing John.Fellows@ColumbiaSC.gov . For additional information, please visit our website at www.columbiasc.net/planning-boards-commissions .
Board of Zoning Appeals | Thursday, June 4, 2020
 
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, June 4, 2020 at 4:00 p.m.

Members of the public and/or media who want to observe the meetings may do so remotely, by

b)  E-Mail: Submit letters and statements to COCBoardMeeting@ColumbiaSC.gov leading up to and/or during the meeting.
c)   Phone: Call 855-925-2801 . When prompted, please enter the meeting code: 8946 . 
1)  (star one) *1 will allow you to listen
2)  (star two) *2 will allow you to record a voice mail message that will be read into the record.
3)  (star three) *3 will allow a participant to be placed in a queue, so they may speak live when prompted
As this is an ever-evolving situation, please continue to monitor www.columbiasc.gov for additional information.

Questions can be directed to Zoning by calling (803) 545-3333 or by e-mailing Zoning@ColumbiaSC.gov . For additional information, please visit our website at www.columbiasc.net/planning-boards-commissions
City of Columbia Community Development Department releases COVID Cares Act (Community Development Block Grant) Survey
 
The City of Columbia has been allocated $611,921.00 as a result of Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act” (CARES Act) funding to provide additional resources in response to COVID-19 impacts.
 
The City of Columbia Community Development Department is seeking your feedback on the greatest community needs related to COVID-19 to help guide investment priorities of these federal resources awarded to the City through the Community Development Block Grants-Coronavirus (CDBG-CV). The City may use CDBG-CV funds to prevent, prepare for and respond to the coronavirus pandemic.
 
Participants will have one week to complete the survey beginning on Monday, June 1, 2020 and ending on Friday, June 5, 2020.
 
Please visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Columbia_COVID_Needs to complete the survey. If you do not have internet access, please call 803-545-3082 and someone will assist you via phone in recording your survey responses.
City of Columbia develops Microsite and Communications Tools to Assist Small Businesses during COVID-19 Pandemic
 
The City of Columbia Public Relations, Media and Marketing Department is excited to announce the new release of our microsite, Resilient Columbia.
 
Under the direction of the Mayor, City Council and the City Manager, staff in multiple City departments are working with local businesses to ensure that information on public safety and public health are a priority as our City leadership opens up our local economy as businesses follow state and local guidelines.
 
Features of the website include, information about business resources for City departments, Resilient Columbia Economic Recovery Task Force meetings and presentations, COVID-19 mobile testing clinics and the Sustainability Plan.
 
The City of Columbia has compiled a Resilient Columbia Business FAQ’s document that may be helpful in assisting small business owners working to reopen their businesses during the pandemic.
 
Additional communications tools that will be developed includes a #ResilientColumbia social media campaign, public service announcements featuring City leaders, as well as social distancing signage and sidewalk decals.
 
The Resilient Columbia website serves as the online hub for economic recovery information, business resources and COVID-19 safety guidelines. For more information regarding Resilient Columbia business resources and information, please visit resilient.columbiasc.gov 
City of Columbia Launches Channels on Roku and Amazon Fire TV
 
In an effort to provide more access to City of Columbia information, the City of Columbia’s Public Relations, Media & Marketing Department has launched channels on Roku and Amazon Fire TV . As video viewership continues to trend towards streaming devices and on-demand applications, the City of Columbia wants to ensure citizens have the ability to gain access to essential information through streaming services.

On both Roku and Amazon Fire TV , audiences are able to watch video content that includes: city news, city events, city information, Columbia City Council meetings and other public meetings, public service announcements, and emergency information (including the City of Columbia’s response to COVID-19).

To access the City of Columbia channel on Roku or Amazon Fire TV, please follow these simple steps:

Roku
1.   At the “Home” Screen, scroll down and click the “ Search ” tab
2.   Type in “ City of Columbia SC ”
3.   In the results, click the icon that reads “ City of Columbia SC ”
4.   You can then click “ Add channel ” to save it to your “Home” screen or click “ Go to channel ” to start viewing the channel.

Amazon Fire TV
1.   At the “Home” Screen, scroll over and click the “ Search ” bar
2.   Type in “ City of Columbia SC ”
3.   In the results, click the icon that reads “ City of Columbia SC ” under Apps & Games.
4.   Click “ Get-Free to download ” to add the channel to Amazon Fire TV.
5.   Once installed, you can now open the app or access through “ Your Apps & Channels ” on the “Home” screen.

In additions to the new streaming channels on Roku and Amazon Fire TV, the public can view City of Columbia video content on our public access channel on Spectrum ( CityTV, Channel 1301 ) and our YouTube site ( www.YouTube.com/ColumbiaSCGovernment ).

The public is encouraged to stay connected to the City of Columbia through our social media platforms; Facebook ( @CityofColumbia ), Twitter ( @CityofColumbia ) and Instagram ( @WeAreColumbia ).

For additional information, please visit our website at www.ColumbiaSC.gov .
City of Columbia Placing Social Distancing Decals in Front of Local Businesses
The City of Columbia has begun placing social distancing decals in front of local businesses as a safety precaution guideline for customers. Watch the video below to learn more!

Mayor Benjamin Welcomes 2020 Summer Mayor’s Fellows
 
Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin welcomes five students to the 2020 Summer Semester class of the City of Columbia Mayor’s Fellows program. Due to COVID-19, this summer’s fellows will be the first to conduct the fellowship virtually.
 
Upon taking office, Mayor Benjamin launched the program that has welcomed over 300 students to date. It is open to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, and provides them an opportunity to actively participate in the municipal government process.
 
Students that are interested in applying or would like additional information can access the program online http://www.comlumbiasc.net/mayor/get-involved/mayors-fellows . For any questions regarding the program, please contact Ariel Cathcart at 803-545-4189 or ariel.cathcart@columbiasc.gov .
 
The Summer 2020 Mayor’s Fellows are:
 
Arteria Gibson (Columbia, SC) is a sophomore Mass Communications major with a Business Administration minor at Claflin University. After graduation, Arteria plans to earn her master’s degree in Supply Chain Management. She hopes to contribute to the increasing amount of global supply chains by working as a Logistics Operations Manager in corporate America. Arteria is active in her community as well as on-campus having hosted a variety of events including events for the Mass Communication Society and Claflin’s Honors College. She was also a part of the Maccabee Task Force First Cohort Black Student Leader Trip to Israel where she learned the global impact of anti-Semitism and experienced the Israeli culture firsthand. She hopes that being a part of the Mayor’s Fellow program will expand her leadership abilities and help her understand the impact a municipal government has on our state and country as a whole. In her spare time, she loves to play volleyball, search for new recipes to cook with her family, and take on new DIY projects.
 
Kennedy Herndon (Spartanburg, SC) a sophomore with a Political Science major and Leadership minor at Columbia College. After graduating, she plans to attend law school and become an attorney. During her time at Columbia College, she has become a member of a philanthropy and community engagement organization called P.L.A.C.E. Fellows, a Momentum Scholar, and a Pre-Law Society member. She also has the pleasure of working for The Shiver Group as an Administrative Assistant. Through the Mayor’s Fellows Program, she hopes to strengthen her leadership abilities and gain knowledge in local government and policies that affect Columbia. She is very grateful for the opportunity Mayor’s Fellows gives young professionals who want to gain experience on a local level. In her spare time, she likes to paint, dabble in film photography, and spend time with her friends. 
Alexander “Alex” Hunter ​(Blythewood, SC) is a senior Public Health major with a Business Administration minor and an emphasis on Pre-Law at the University of South Carolina. After graduation in May 2021, he plans to attend law school to practice constitutional law at one of his dream law schools: UofSC Law, Duke Law, or Georgetown law. While at the University of South Carolina, he has served in many leadership style roles on campus. He currently serves as the sitting chairmen for the Academics committee within UofSC Student Government Senate. He’s also served on many committees within his fraternity, Tau Kappa Epsilon. He is very excited and ready to get to work as a Mayor’s Fellow and gain the necessary experience working within local government, to hopefully one day help him in his line of law work. In his free time, he enjoys listening to music, spending time with friends, and traveling.
Dillon Stone (Columbia, SC) is a junior Public Relations major and Political Science minor at the University of South Carolina. He is a member of the university’s Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) Chapter and hopes to gain experience with public and political affairs communication though the course of the Mayor’s Fellows Program. After graduation, he hopes to find himself working with government and political offices to make a positive impact within the local community. In his free time, he likes to be outdoors and enjoys gardening.
 
Emma White (Bluffton, SC) is a senior History and Political Science major and Spanish Language minor at the University of South Carolina. During her time at U of SC, she has served on Student Government and the executive board of her pre-law fraternity, Phi Alpha Delta, as well as engaging in a funded research project investigating the impact of Cold War-era federal policies on her home state of South Carolina. She is particularly interested in the interaction of federal, state, and local government structures; something she hopes to witness firsthand through the Mayor’s Fellows Program. After graduating in May 2021, she plans to attend law school. In her free time, she enjoys making playlists and watching classical ballet.
UPDATED City’s Parks and Recreation Re-Opening Plan
 
 I n an effort to provide citizens with directions regarding re-opening, the City of Columbia's Parks and Recreation Department has announced that they will re-open their parks and amenities in phases throughout the summer. The following outlines a phased plan to re-open parks and amenities for citizens to enjoy with restrictions. 

Listed guidelines expected from all citizens:
 
·        Maintain Social Distancing of 6 feet. at all times
·        Citizen visitation to park facilities will be limited based on our ability to maintain social distancing requirements
·        Follow the Governor’s Executive Order regarding gatherings, “Congregation or gatherings of people in groups of three or more is prohibited”
·        Park staff reserves the right to disband gatherings and/or solicit support from local law enforcement as needed
 
**Citizens who participate in these activities do so at their own risk due to the COVID-19 pandemic**
  
Parks Re-opening Plan - At a Glance
Phase 1
Outdoor Greenways and Open Spaces
May 12, 2020

Phase 2
Tennis Courts and Athletic Fields
May 25, 2020

Phase 3
Park Amenities
June 8, 2020

Phase 4
Recreation Facilities/Gyms/Wellness
June 22, 2020

Phase 5
Tournaments/League Play
August 3, 2020

Cancellations
Special Events, Summer Camps, Pools, and Rentals
Until Further Notice
City of Columbia to resume enforcement of on-street meter parking and off-street parking facilities

Upon the onset of COVID-19 in March, 2020, Columbia’s Parking Services Division quickly reacted as one of the first cities to suspend parking operations in support of social distancing, as well as the anticipated economic impact to our local businesses & community. This suspension included gates being raised at City Parking facilities, as well as complimentary on-street parking. Parking Services will continue to support and review the parking needs of our community as we all begin the reopening process.

The City of Columbia Parking Service Division has announced that it will begin the reactivation of parking enforcement beginning Monday May 18, 2020. The detailed phased approach is listed below and was created to be business friendly and allow for proper turnover of parking as we restart Columbia. Enforcement had been limited to investigation of complaints, however parking complaints and alleged code violations have increased in the city’s downtown districts. Enforcement will continue enforcement of rules dealing with safety, such as parking in front of fire hydrants, blocked driveways and alleys, and ADA violations.

Beginning Monday May 18 - May 31, 2020 enforcement will resume in a warning capacity.
This enforcement will include all on-street parking. Parking monitors will begin issuing warning citations at all timed parking spaces in the City of Columbia from 9:00am- 6:00pm. Select parking meters will continue to be bagged for 15-minute curbside pickup. The City of Columbia has strategically selected certain meters to remained bagged that will allow business customers to park for a limited time to pick up products from the nearby businesses. The public is strongly encouraged to park for free in city owned parking decks in visitor and non-reserved spaces until June 1 st .

Beginning Monday June 1 - June 30, 2020 full enforcement will resume for paid on-street parking meters and pay stations. All City of Columbia Parking facilities gate arms will be lowered.
This enforcement will include on-street parking meter time limits during the hours of 9:00am to 6:00pm. This enforcement will also include all paid on-street parking meter time limits, City of Columbia’s off-street parking facilities, and hangtag permits. Parking garage gates will be lowered and the public is strongly encouraged to use parking decks when shopping or doing business for more than two hours. Select parking meters will continue to be bagged for 15-minute curbside pickup.

It will be necessary for those parking their vehicles to pay at on-street parking meters, to purchase parking at the pay stations, all monthly parkers are required to use monthly access card assigned to their parking facility and park in designated monthly parking areas in all municipal off-street parking facilities.

Beginning Wednesday July 1, 2020 full enforcement will continue and bagged meters for curbside pickup will be removed. Towing of vehicles for outstanding citations per City Ordinance will resume.

Parking Enforcement will honor current IN/OUT permit holders whom display the March 2020 permit until July 1, 2020. All parkers who participate in the IN/OUT Parking Program will need to secure & display a new permit beginning July 1st, 2020.

If you have canceled your Monthly Parking Agreement prior to June, 2020 and you will need to reapply via ParkingServices@columbiasc.gov .

* Please be advised that all future requests to lease a monthly parking space located in any City of Columbia owned and operated facility will be subject to availability, price and location on a first come first serve basis, unless pre-approved contractually.

The public is asked to observe posted parking signage and information located on the meters regarding rates and enforcement times. At this time, the City strongly encourages use of the Passport payment application to avoid and/or limit physical contact with the parking meter itself.

Information on how to download and use the Passport payment application can be found at passportparking.com/cola

More information regarding City of Columbia Parking Services is available https://www.columbiasc.net/parking

Up-to-date information on the City’s operations and response to COVID-19 follow us on social media #colaparking

In support of preventing the spread of COVID-19, Parking Services will continue to follow City recommendations and guidelines to promote the safety of our staff members as well as the public.
 
Follow these five easy steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19:
 
1. Sneeze or cough? Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or use your elbow.
 
2. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
 
3. Clean and disinfect surfaces around your home and work frequently.
 
4. Keep at least 6 feet between yourself and others if you must be in public.
 
5. Wear a cloth face covering over your mouth and nose when around others.
 
Remember, Safety Starts with an “S” but it begins with “YOU”.
Let’s continue to unite and fight the spread of the Coronavirus. 
Columbia City Council

Stephen K. Benjamin
Mayor
Sam Davis
Councilman District I
Tameika Isaac Devine
Councilwoman At-Large
Howard E. Duvall, Jr.
Councilman At-Large
Edward H. McDowell, Jr.
Councilman District II
Daniel J. Rickenmann
Councilman District IV
Will Brennan
Councilman District III
Teresa Wilson
City Manager