City Weekly Briefing | May 3, 2021

City

Updates

Planning Commission | Monday, May 3, 2021

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, May 3, 2021 at 5:15 p.m.

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

a) Watch: https://www.youtube.com/ColumbiaSCGovernment

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: 7921.

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 Lucinda.Statler@ColumbiaSC.gov. For additional information, please visit our website at www.columbiasc.net/planning-boards-commissions.

Please see the full agenda here.

City Council Meeting | Tuesday, May 4, 2021

In the interest of public health, the Columbia City Council will conduct a virtual meeting using video conferencing technology on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.

View the meeting agenda: Download PDF Agenda | View Web Agenda

Accordingly, members of the public and/or media who want to observe the meetings may do so remotely by one of the following options:

Watch: The public may stream the meetings through CityTV accessed at https://www.youtube.com/ColumbiaSCGovernment.

Listen: The public may participate via phone. You may call: 855-925-2801. The meeting code: 5073.

Those participating by phone will receive three options on how to participate:

• (star one) *1 will allow you to listen

• (star two) *2 will allow you to record a voice message that will be read into the record.

• (star three) *3 will allow a participant to be placed in a queue, so they may speak live when prompted.

For additional meeting information visit www.columbiacitysc.iqm2.com. You may also register at this site to post comments related to items on the agenda.

For questions regarding the meeting portal, please contact the City Clerk at (803) 545-3043 or CityClerk@columbiasc.gov.

For City of Columbia information, please visit our website www.ColumbiaSC.gov.

Please see full agenda here.

Board of Zoning Appeals | Thursday, May 6, 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, May 6, 2021 at 4:00 p.m.

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

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/ColumbiaSCGovernment

E-Mail: Submit letters and statements to COCBoardMeeting@ColumbiaSC.gov leading up to and/or during the meeting.

Phone: Call 855-925-2801. When prompted, please enter the meeting code: 9600.

(star one) *1 will allow you to listen

(star two) *2 will allow you to record a voice mail message that will be read into the record.

(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.

Pleas see full agenda here.

Parks and Recreation Department moves into Phase IV and V Re-opening Plan Effective May 3, 2021

In 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 on May 3, 2021. The following outlines the plan to re-open parks and amenities for citizens to enjoy with restrictions.

Community Centers: Greenview Park, Hyatt Park, Lorick Park, Pinehurst Park, ML King Park, Woodland Park, and Katheryn Bellfield Center

Hours of Operations: Monday – Thursday; 10am-9pm (Greenview and Hyatt Park)

Monday – Thursday; 2pm- 9pm (Lorick, Pinehurst, MLK and Woodland Park)

Monday- Friday; 9am-8pm (Katheryn Bellfield Center)

Friday close at 8pm (All parks)

Saturday: 10am-6pm (All Parks)

Sunday: 2pm-7pm (MLK Park and Hyatt Park only)

Neighborhood Centers: St. Anna’s Park, Melrose Park, Emily Douglas Park, Heathwood Park, Hampton Park, S. Edisto Park, Sims Park and Busby

Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday 2pm- 6pm (All Neighborhood Centers)

Drew Wellness Center: Re-Opens May 3, 2021

Members to bring their own towel until further notice.
No individual swim lessons.
Instructor fitness classes begin by May 17, 2021.

Art Center:

Hours of Operation: Monday - Thursday 9am-9pm

Friday 9am -5pm

Saturday 10am - 5pm

Youth Baseball: Modified youth baseball season to begin early May

Ages-5 & 6 T-Ball

Ages- 7 & 8 Coaches Pitch

Clinics: Pitching mechanics, Batting, Fielding and Throwing

Ages 9 & 10

Ages 11 & 12

Youth and Adult Summer Basketball leagues: Registration begins mid-April. League play starts the first week in June for youth and adults.

For all athletics information, please contact 803-563-4300 or 803-545-3113

Facility Reservation: Facility reservations to go into effect May 3, 2021. Modified occupancy will be followed according to Fire Marshall.

Summer Camp: Summer Camp will be postponed in the best interest of health and safety of our children at this time.

Pool Season: All outdoor pools open Memorial Day weekend. (May 29, 2021)

Drew Splash Pad, Maxcy Gregg Pool and Greenview Pool
No individual swim lessons

Summer Concerts: Summer Concerts and Movies in the Park postponed until further notice in the best interest of health and safety of the public.

Specialty Camps: Golf Center and Columbia Tennis Center will remain as scheduled

Greenways: Remain open as already scheduled

Parks and Recreation guidelines to facilities re-opening:

Required to wear masks when interacting with the City of Columbia Parks & Recreations staff

Maintain Social Distancing of 6ft. at all times

Citizen visitation to park facilities will be limited based on our ability to maintain social distancing requirements

Park staff reserves the right to disband gatherings and/or solicit support from local law enforcement as needed

City Celebrates National Public Service Recognition Week

May 2 - 8 is National Public Service Recognition Week. During this week, the City of Columbia will honor, recognize and celebrate those who work to provide services to our citizens. Our leaders, managers and employees are the foundation of our operations and it is because of their diligence and resilience that our city has continued to function effectively, even during the pandemic. Please check out our website and social media platforms, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for information and updates this week from our Public Relations, Media and Marketing Department.

Columbia Water Offers Free Events to Celebrate National Drinking Water Week

Next week’s National Drinking Water Week will offer Columbia Water customers an opportunity to learn more about the importance of water conservation and water quality through a series of free webinars. The week celebrates the work of professionals that ensure tap water is “There When You Need It.” Drinking Water Week is May 2-8 this year.

To commemorate the week, Columbia Water encourages customers to sign up for events at www.facebook.com/ColumbiaSCWater/events. Attendees can also register for the webinars at eventbrite.com. The events are free and open to the public, including.

● Protecting the Source: Conserving Water in the Midlands on Tuesday, May 4 at 2 p.m.

● Water, Wellness, & You: Water in Your Health on Wednesday, May 5 at 1 p.m.

● Ask the Water Lady: A Webinar About Drinking Water Quality Thursday, May 6 at 3 p.m.

National Drinking Water Week is observed in partnership with the American Water Works Association (AWWA). Columbia Water and partners throughout North America will observe by recognizing the vital role tap water plays in daily life, the city’s infrastructure, and the important work of water professionals “behind the scenes.”

“The work they are performing throughout the pandemic, often sacrificing time with their family, is nothing short of heroic. I am proud to be associated with them,” said American Water Works Association CEO David LaFrance.

City of Columbia Opens First Parklet

The City of Columbia is celebrating the addition of our first public parklet, an outdoor space placed in a parking space with public seating for all to use! The addition of this parklet is a continuation of the City’s efforts to enliven public spaces and make them more accommodating for residents, businesses, and visitors. The parklet is located on Washington Street between Main Street and Sumter Street in front of the historic Arcade Building. This parklet is the first of its kind in the City and will serve as a pilot project for additional similar public spaces in the future.

The project was made possible by a grant from the AARP Community Challenge program. Additional support has been given by One Columbia, City Center Partnership, and Southern Vistas. The art is original work by Frankie Zombie.

To learn more about this parklet and other ongoing projects, check out https://www.columbiasc.gov/planning-preservation.

City of Columbia Announces Second Disparity Study

The City of Columbia has retained the services of Keen Independent Research LLC to conduct the City’s second Disparity Study. The purpose of the study is to examine current policies and programs to ensure minority and women-owned business enterprises are afforded equitable opportunities to fully participate in all City of Columbia contracting and procurement practices. The last study, The Business Utilization Causation Study for the City of Columbia, was conducted in 2006. The City has implemented many of the 2006 recommendations and strengthened City programs to encourage the utilization of local businesses and Minority, and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE). Some of those implemented recommendations include:

- Annual Citywide Aspirational M/WBE Utilization Goals

- Bidder Rotation for Small Purchases

- Extension of the City’s Commercial Non-Discrimination Policy to Include Non-Discrimination in Contracting Policy for Contractors

- Implementation of the Mentor Protégé Program for Water and Sewer Projects

- Prompt Payment to Subcontractors Language Included in City Contractors

- Increased M/WBE Access to Capital

To learn more, visit our website here.

City Implements “Spring Forward Amnesty Program”

The City of Columbia Municipal Court will be implementing a “Spring Forward Amnesty Program” every Friday in May. This program will allow citizens with outstanding bench warrants and other penalties to resolve their cases without being arrested or going to jail. It gives citizens an opportunity to voluntarily resolve outstanding cases in a fair and efficient manner -- a spring cleaning of sorts.

Beginning May 7, and every subsequent Friday in May, anyone with outstanding bench warrants or unpaid fees and fines who voluntarily appears at one of the amnesty locations will have the opportunity to settle their cases without being arrested. Outstanding bench warrants will be vacated and late fines and fees will be reduced or converted to community service.

Amnesty Days will be held from 9:00 am – 5:30 pm in the following locations:

May 7 – City of Columbia Municipal Court; 811 Washington Street, Columbia SC 29201

May 14: Busby Street Community Center; 1735 Busby Street, Columbia SC 29203

May 21: Earlewood Park; 1111 Recreation Drive, Columbia, SC 29201

May 28: Transitions Homeless Center; 2025 Main Street, Columbia SC 29201

To find out if you have an outstanding bench warrant, please check the City of Columbia Municipal Court website or call the municipal court at (803)545-3166. To find out if you have outstanding fees and fines, please call (803)545-3140. Driving Under the Influence, 1^st Offense and Domestic Violence 3^rd degree charges are not included in this program.

Dominion Energy to Perform Tree Trimming Activities as Scheduled for 2021

Dominion Energy will perform tree trimming activities along overhead utility lines in the following neighborhoods for the next two weeks:

Distribution Line Tree Trimming:

Shandon Neighborhood Council

Oakwood Court Neighborhood Assoc.

Lyon Street Neighborhood Association

Martian Luther King Neighborhood

Melrose Heights Neighborhood Assoc.

Old Shandon Neighborhood

Forest Hills Neighborhood

Shandon Neighborhood Council

Oakwood Court Neighborhood Assoc.

Vista Neighborhood Association

Citizens with specific questions or concerns should contact Forestry and Beautification at 803-545-3860 or Dominion Energy at 1-800-562-9308 to meet and discuss in advance of the work being completed.

City Video Hub

Find in-depth perspectives from news, updates, and recent events in the City of Columbia.

City Updates | May 3-7, 2021

Here's a look at all of the events happening in the City of Columbia on the week of May 3-7, 2021

For more information, visit publicrelations.columbiasc.gov

Twitter | https://twitter.com/CityofColumbia

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/CityofColumbia

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/WeAreColumbia

Website | https://www.ColumbiaSC.gov

E-Mail | PIO@ColumbiaSC.gov

Phone | (803) 545-3020

#WeAreColumbia

City Updates | May 3-7, 2021 | City of Columbia

Renovating the Historic Babcock Building

City of Columbia leadership and the local media recently had the chance to participate in a hard hat tour of the historic Babcock Building in the Bull St. District.

The Babcock Building is one of Columbia’s most historic buildings. The Babcock Building opened in 1885 and was added to National Register of Historic Places in 1981. The Babcock Building is one of the largest structures in the Bull Street District.

Clachan Properties, a company that specializes in historic renovations, will turn the 254,000 sq. ft. structure into 208 different apartment units. The first units in the renovated building will be available for occupancy in early 2022.

Renovating the Historic Babcock Building

Owens Field Park Bicycle Pump Track

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Welcome to Owens Field Park's New Bicycle Pump Track | City of Columbia Parks & Recreation

COVID-19 Updates

The Comet to Offer Free COVID-19 Vaccines

The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (The COMET), in partnership with Health Force, LLC, will offer free COVID-19 vaccinations beginning Monday, May 3. Vaccines are free to the public on a first come, first served basis at the COMET Central transit hub located at the corner of Laurel and Sumter Streets.

There are two vaccines that will be offered by The COMET and Health Force, LLC. One is through Janssen, a division of Johnson & Johnson and only requires one shot to be effective. The other is Moderna, which requires a follow-up shot within 28 days. Those interested will have their preference.

“We want to ensure that access to this vaccine is readily available to the public and transportation is an integral part of that conversation,” said LeRoy DesChamps, Interim Executive Director of The COMET. “As part of The COMET’s ‘Don’t Miss Your Shot’ vaccination transportation campaign, we are trying to reach as many people as we can by also providing vaccines on-site at our transit hub. Transportation’s role is that of a connector, which is why The COMET is involved.”

No appointment is necessary, however if a reservation is desired, contact: Health Force at 1–844-579-1500 or www.HealthForceUs.com .

“Health Force is pleased to work with The COMET to provide vaccines at the COMET Central location. Often, we think that urban areas are not underserved, but that is far from the truth,” said Valerie Aiken, CEO of Health Force, LLC. “While the site will be open to everyone who wants a vaccination, this location services the urban, suburban, and rural populations. Vaccine clinics should not only serve the people who drive to appointments, but also those who bike, walk, or ride,” added Aiken.

Hours of Operation

Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays: 8:00 a.m.- noon and 2:00p.m.-6:00 p.m.

Sundays: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Free Community Vaccination Clinic in Columbia Able to Give Up to One Thousand Pfizer Shots Every Day

After a Wednesday kickoff to the Community Vaccination Clinic at Columbia Place Mall, FEMA, the State of South Carolina, the City of Columbia, and Richland County are seeing immediate results in their collaborative effort to deliver up to 7,000 doses per week. Hundreds of people have already received their vaccinations at the clinic, located at 7201 Two Notch Road. The clinic will be open seven days a week for eight weeks, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Ages 16 and up will receive free shots of the Pfizer vaccine via drive-thru or walk-in stations.

No appointment is necessary to get vaccinated, and no photo ID is required. Sign language and Spanish interpreters are assisting on site, as well as technology to virtually assist in interpreting any language.

There are also accommodations for those who must have their access or functional needs met to get vaccinated.

The Comet is providing free rides the fixed route buses for everyone who is going to get their vaccine. If you are age 65 or older and/or disabled, please call 803-255-7123 and make a reservation with The COMET. All others may ride fixed routes 55, 75 or 501 free if they are getting their vaccine.

Help Promote the Clinic by

Downloading and distributing or posting the flyer (English, Spanish) and/or the postcard.
Sharing the audio or video PSAs
Sharing the good news that you've been vaccinated and encouraging others to do the same! Access the banners, badges, filters, and other vaccine social media assets we have available, and then apply them to your profiles.