Columbia, SC

General

General

City Council Standing Committee

City Council

City Council

Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee

Planning Commission

City Council

City Council

City Council

Planning Commission

Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee

City Council

City Council

City Council

Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee

Planning Commission

City Council

City Council

City Council

Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee

Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee

Planning Commission

City Council

City Council

City Council

Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee

Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee

Planning Commission

City Council

City Council

City Council

Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee

Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee

Planning Commission

City Council

City Council

City Council

Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee

Planning Commission

City Council

City Council

Planning Commission

Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee

Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee

Planning Commission

Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee

Planning Commission

Planning Commission

Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee

Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee

City Council

The Columbia City Council will hold a regular meeting with public input, consent agenda items, and multiple public hearings and votes on zoning and annexation requests. Key actions include approving contracts for software, elevator maintenance, police services, vehicles, and road resurfacing, as well as several property annexations and rezonings. The agenda also includes a proposed moratorium on certain residential intensification and several event alcohol permits.

• Contract awards totaling $2,253,416.87 for software, elevators, police services, vehicles, and road resurfacing
• Annexation and rezoning of 4116 Farrow Road, 551 Spears Creek Church Road, and 1215 Mason Road
• Rezoning of 1700 block Rosewood Drive from NAC to RM-2
• Major amendment to Harbison Planned Development to allow tattoo and body piercing establishments
• First reading of ordinance to establish temporary moratorium on residential intensification

General

The Arts, Historic Preservation and Philanthropy Committee is meeting to discuss a single agenda item: the Vista Guild Senate Street Public Art Project, presented by Abby Anderson, Executive Director of the Congaree Vista Guild. No votes or decisions are listed on the agenda; the item is listed for committee discussion only.

• Discussion of Vista Guild Senate Street Public Art Project with Abby Anderson, Executive Director of Congaree Vista Guild

General

The Community Development Committee will meet to approve the minutes from its June 16, 2026 meeting and discuss the 2025 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER), presented by Community Development Director Felicia Kilgore. The CAPER summarizes the city's use of federal community development funds. No votes on new projects or policies are scheduled.

• Approval of June 16, 2026 meeting minutes
• Discussion of 2025 CAPER report

Planning Commission

City Council

The City Council will hold a work session to discuss infrastructure projects and technology initiatives. The meeting includes presentations on district lighting, traffic signal analysis, and artificial intelligence. An executive session is scheduled for contractual negotiations and legal advice.

• Main Street District Lighting Project presentation
• Columbia Traffic Signal Analysis by SCDOT
• City of Columbia Artificial Intelligence Initiatives
• CRC 911 Communications Agreement negotiations
• Legal advice regarding 120 Clemson Road and the Vista Business Improvement District

The City Council held a work session with no formal votes. They received updates on the Main Street District lighting project, a Columbia traffic signal analysis by SCDOT, and municipal AI initiatives. The council unanimously entered executive session to discuss contractual and legal matters, then adjourned.

• Adopted the agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Entered executive session for contractual and legal discussions (unanimous)

City Council Standing Committee

The Arts, Historic Preservation and Philanthropy Committee will convene to approve minutes from prior meetings and receive updates on local arts initiatives, including the Gemini Arts project, the Vista Guild Senate Street Public Art Project, and the Columbia Art Center.

• Approval of February 9, 2026 and April 28, 2026 committee meeting minutes
• Gemini Arts Update presentation by Dr. Shirley Smith and Mr. Michael Krajewski
• Vista Guild Senate Street Public Art Project presentation by Mr. Joseph Kendrick
• Columbia Art Center Update by Mr. Kenya Bryant and Ms. Bohumila Augustinova

General

The Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee is meeting to approve prior minutes and then enter a closed executive session. The closed session will discuss economic development projects, including specific properties and unnamed business recruitment efforts, under state law allowing private discussion of business location or expansion.

• Approval of May 12, 2026 meeting minutes
• Executive session on business location/expansion incentives (S.C. Code §30-4-70(a)(5))
• Discussion of Bull and Taylor property
• Discussion of 1950 Gervais Street property
• Discussion of 2001 Taylor Street property and projects Stoa, Kick, Astral, WF

Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee

City Council

Columbia City Council will vote on several infrastructure contracts, including a $2.05 million stormwater project. The body is also reviewing multiple property annexations, zoning amendments, and contracts for homeless and behavioral health services.

• North Tanglewood Stormwater Infrastructure Improvements contract with McClam and Associates, Inc. for $2,052,319.20
• Citywide Multifunctional Copier Renewal Services contract with Ricoh USA, Inc. for $398,674.44
• Behavioral Health, Recovery and Clinical Support Services contract with Innovation Solutions Counseling Center up to $490,875.00
• Motorola Flash Mobile Software Upgrade for Police Department radios for $165,745.44
• Annexation and zoning requests for 2423 and 2425 Kent Street, 3801 and 3719 Old Leesburg Road, and 7601 Wilson Boulevard

City Council unanimously affirmed the original Vista Business Improvement District assessments after hearing objections from property owners, with one council member abstaining. The council also approved a consent agenda including contracts for parking software, police radio upgrades, water main extensions, and stormwater improvements, and gave first reading to two affordable housing land sales.

• Affirmed Vista BID assessments (unanimous, Brown abstained)
• Approved $88,568.39 T2 parking enforcement software purchase
• Approved $165,745.44 Motorola radio upgrade
• Approved $398,674.44 copier renewal contract
• Approved $63,000 Recovery Community Center contract
• Approved $490,875 behavioral health services contract
• Approved $98,298.90 water main extension contract
• Approved $2,052,319.20 stormwater improvements contract

General

The Columbia Executive Management Committee will meet to discuss a new strategic framework presented by Chair Peter M. Brown that aligns future city priorities. The session is procedural with no public votes or decisions scheduled.

City Council

The council will adopt the agenda, approve minutes from recent meetings, and receive three proclamations. The consent agenda authorizes a series of professional‑services and procurement contracts for FY 2026‑2027. Key items include a $949,022 security guard services contract for the Homeless Services Department, a $527,201 renewal of citywide property insurance policies, and several state lobbying contracts ranging up to $80,000.

• $68,506 purchase of production and sound services for Songbird 26 (ACS Sound and Lighting)
• Three state lobbying service contracts each up to $72,000 (Due South Advocacy, Jet Corp Consulting Group, Kyle Michel Law Firm)
• $949,022 security guard services contract for Homeless Services (SecurTec of South Carolina, LLC)
• $150,641 purchase of heavy equipment for fleet services (Claw Bucket Truck parts and Fire Truck engine)
• $527,201 renewal of property insurance policies for city buildings and the Canal Hydroelectric Facility (Chubb and Landmark/RSUI)

Council authorized a $34.2M construction contract for Metro Wastewater Treatment Plant thickening improvements. Several annexation and zoning requests received first reading approval, while a proposed amendment regarding non-depository personal credit institutions was deferred. Council also approved funding for two senior programs and various infrastructure contracts.

• Approved $34.2M contract to M.B. Kahn Waterworks, LLC for Metro Wastewater Treatment Plant improvements
• Approved $2.2M PFAS Removal Technology Pilot Project contract to Black and Veatch Corporation
• Approved $150,000 funding for Antioch Senior Center and $150,000 for Dream Keepers Senior Program
• Deferred amendment to Unified Development Ordinance regarding non-depository personal credit institutions
• Approved first reading for annexations at 2423/2425 Kent St, 3801/3719 Old Leesburg Rd, and 1920 Pineview Dr
• Approved first reading for animal ordinance amendments (Ordinance No. 2026-053)
• Approved installation of two speed humps on Bernardin Avenue
• Certified 911 Gervais Street as an Abandoned Building

City Council

The Columbia City Council will review the proposed road diet for Taylor Street and Laurel Street. In an executive session, the council will receive legal advice and consider several agenda items, including repealing the animal ordinance, the Forest Acres franchise fee, PFAS issues, AI use in city operations, and relocating the municipal court. The council will also discuss negotiations for contracts such as Busted Plug, Columbia‑Richland 911 communications, and 1112 Washington Square.

• Taylor Street and Laurel Street Road Diet
• Repealing and Replacing Chapter 4 – Animals of the 1998 Code of Ordinances
• Forest Acres Franchise Fee
• Per‑ and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) discussion
• Use of Artificial Intelligence in City Operations

Council held a work session with no formal votes on substantive items. They discussed a proposed $6 million road-diet project for Taylor and Laurel Streets to improve safety and add parking near Finlay Park, heard preliminary concepts and cost estimates, and unanimously entered executive session to discuss legal and contractual matters. No binding decisions were made.

• Adopted agenda as amended to include Boyd Plaza and Ordinance 2026-039 (unanimous)
• Entered executive session to discuss legal advice and contract negotiations (unanimous)

Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee

General

The Columbia Prepares Advisory Committee will meet to discuss project activities and review an updated budget summary and timeline. The agenda includes the approval of previous meeting minutes and a status update from the Community Development Department.

• Approval of August 20, 2025 meeting minutes
• Project Activities Status Update
• Updated Budget Summary, Project Timeline and Activities

Health Social and Environmental Affairs Committee

The Health Social and Environmental Affairs Committee will meet to approve minutes from May 26 and receive two presentations: an update from the Eau Claire Cooperative Health Center and a citywide energy savings project update. No ordinances or votes on policy changes are scheduled; the agenda is informational and procedural.

• Approval of May 26, 2026 meeting minutes
• Eau Claire Cooperative Health Update by CEO Dr. John Pearson
• Citywide Energy Savings Project Update by Project Manager David Marcus

City Council Standing Committee

The Community Development Committee will discuss an update on affordable multi-family development projects presented by the Community Development Director. The committee will also vote on approving minutes from previous meetings in April and May 2026.

• Update on Affordable Multi-family Development Projects by Director Felicia Kilgore
• Approval of minutes from April 21, 2026 and May 19, 2026 committee meetings

The Community Development Committee unanimously approved the April 21 and May 19, 2026 meeting minutes as amended. The committee discussed updates on affordable multi-family projects, including LIHTC-funded developments and projects seeking support, and reached consensus to revisit State Housing criteria and explore non-monetary support options. No formal decisions were made on housing projects.

• Approved April 21 and May 19, 2026 meeting minutes as amended (unanimous)
• Reached consensus to revisit State Housing criteria and explore non-monetary support options

General

The committee will receive a municipal court update from the Court Administrator. The meeting includes an executive session to discuss proposed contractual arrangements and potential employee employment.

• Municipal Court Update by Shawn Grant
• Discussion of proposed contractual arrangements
• Discussion regarding the employment of an employee

City Council

City Council will hold second reading on the FY2027 budget ordinance and several water and sewer rate amendments. The consent agenda includes contracts for homeless services, police uniforms, water infrastructure, and ShotSpotter gunshot detection renewal.

• Second reading of Ordinance 2026-044 adopting the FY2027 budget
• Second reading of Ordinance 2026-041 amending water and sewer rates and fees
• Contracts for Transitions Homeless Center: outreach ($124,031), operations ($325,000), Housing First ($308,000), meal services at Rapid Shelter Columbia ($504,949)
• Purchase of police uniforms ($270,000) and renewal of ShotSpotter gunshot detection system ($565,920)
• Marion Street Flood Study contract with Kimley-Horn ($252,480) and water main construction at Devine and Blossom Streets ($141,234)

The Columbia City Council unanimously approved the FY2026-27 budget ordinance and water/sewer rate fee changes on second reading. The council also approved a consent agenda containing numerous contracts and renewals, including homeless services, police equipment, and water infrastructure projects. A proposed annexation for 730 and 800 Kennerly Road was withdrawn by the applicant. The council referred development of an interim AI procurement policy to City Administration.

• Approved second reading of Ordinance 2026-044, the FY2026-27 budget.
• Approved second reading of Ordinance 2026-041, amending water and sewer rate fees.
• Approved consent agenda items 7-29, including contracts for homeless services, police uniforms, water meters, and various renewals.
• Withdrew item 31, the annexation and zoning for 730 and 800 Kennerly Road, at the applicant's request.
• Approved first reading of annexation and zoning for 3956 Fernandina Road (Ordinance 2026-046).
• Approved first reading of annexation and zoning for Dreyfus Road properties (Ordinance 2026-048).
• Approved first reading of encroachments for Hampton & Main LLC and Michael McMullen.
• Referred development of an interim AI procurement and disclosure policy to City Administration.

General

The Columbia City Council will hold a budget workshop on June 16, 2026, to discuss fiscal year 2026/2027 special revenue funds and potential external funding requests. Assistant City Manager Missy Caughman is scheduled to present information on the Hospitality Tax Fund, Accommodations Tax Fund, Tourism Development Fee, and Liquor Permit Rebate. The council will also convene in executive session to receive legal advice regarding a franchise fee for Forest Acres.

• Discussion of FY2026/2027 special revenues, including the Hospitality Tax Fund and Accommodations Tax Fund
• Review of external funding requests presented by Assistant City Manager Missy Caughman
• Executive session on legal advice concerning the Forest Acres franchise fee

The Columbia City Council held a budget workshop to review proposed allocations for FY2026/27, including special revenue funds and external funding requests. No formal votes were taken on the budget items; the council discussed allocations and heard public comment. The council reached consensus to have staff review the Sally R. Brasley Foundation request and bring it back at the July 21, 2026 meeting. The meeting adjourned after an executive session.

• Adopted agenda with added executive session items (unanimous)
• Consensus to review Sally R. Brasley Foundation request and revisit at July 21, 2026 meeting
• Entered executive session for legal advice and contract negotiations (unanimous)

General

City Council will conduct a public hearing to adopt the budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. The body will also consider updates to water and sewer rates and various infrastructure contracts.

• Ordinance 2026-044 to adopt the FY 2027 budget
• Ordinance 2026-041 regarding water and sewer rate changes
• Contract for solar power system at Metro Wastewater Treatment Plant not to exceed $8,948,625.00
• Police Department purchases: firearms ($139,943.42) and laptops/equipment ($56,879.42)
• Resolution R-2026-025 to establish a Vision Zero traffic safety policy

Council held a budget public hearing and unanimously gave first reading to the FY2027 budget ordinance (Ordinance 2026-044), which includes a $203M general fund with no property tax increase and a 5% water/sewer rate adjustment. A related water/sewer rate ordinance also received first reading. Consent items approved included police laptop/vehicle/firearm purchases and a satellite sewer agreement for the Scout Motors project. Items 12 and 14 (annexation and rezoning) were deferred; a solar contract item (Item 10) was pulled from the consent agenda but not voted on.

• Approved first reading of FY2027 budget ordinance (unanimous), no property tax increase, 5% water/sewer rate increase
• Approved first reading of water/sewer rate ordinance (unanimous), amending several fee sections
• Approved consent items: police laptops $56,879 (PCN Strategies), two trucks $87,824 (Hendrick Chevrolet), firearms $139,943 (AmChar), satellite sewer agreement for Scout Motors
• Deferred Item 12 (annexation & zoning for NX Shop Road) and Item 14 (rezoning at 1700 block Rosewood) at applicant request
• Removed Item 10 (solar PV contract for Metro WWTP, $8.95M to CMTA) from consent agenda; no subsequent vote recorded

General

The City Council is holding a budget workshop to discuss special revenues for the upcoming fiscal year. The discussion includes hospitality and accommodations tax funds, tourism development fees, and liquor permit rebates.

• Hospitality Tax Fund discussion
• Accommodations Tax Fund discussion
• Tourism Development Fee discussion
• Liquor Permit Rebate discussion
• Proposed special revenue allocations

The Columbia City Council held a budget workshop reviewing FY 2026/2027 special revenue funds, including a proposed $17.4 million hospitality tax budget and $3.9 million accommodations tax budget. Advisory committee recommendations were presented, including $2,398,596 for Experience Columbia and $432,832 for Lake Murray Country, and $4,612,025 in hospitality tax funding. No formal votes were taken on these items; discussion was deferred to the June 16, 2026 budget workshop. The council unanimously entered executive session to discuss contractual negotiations.

• Adopted meeting agenda unanimously
• Entered executive session unanimously to discuss contractual negotiations
• Amended executive session item to include Vista Business Improvement District (BID)
• Deferred discussion of external funding requests to June 16, 2026 workshop

City Council

The City Council will discuss the proposed Fiscal Year 2026/2027 budget, including the General Fund with public safety priorities, as well as Water & Sewer, Storm Water, and Parking funds. The meeting is a workshop; no formal votes are scheduled. The Council will also hold an executive session to discuss the potential sale of properties at 801 Blossom Street and 816 Greene Street.

• Discussion of FY 2026/2027 proposed budget led by Assistant City Manager Missy Caughman
• General Fund recap with focus on Public Safety Priorities
• Review of Water & Sewer Fund
• Review of Storm Water Fund and Parking Fund
• Executive session on sale of 801 Blossom Street and 816 Greene Street

The City Council held a budget workshop to discuss the proposed FY2026/2027 budget, covering the general fund, water and sewer, stormwater, and parking funds. No formal decisions were made; the workshop was for discussion only. The next budget workshop and public hearing are scheduled for June 9, 2026, with final approval expected on June 16.

• Adopted agenda with added legal advice item (unanimous)
• Entered executive session to discuss property sales and legal claim (unanimous)

City Council Standing Committee

This committee meeting features three presentations: an update from the Climate Protection Action Committee, a potential stormwater mitigation project under a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, and an update on the Metro Wastewater Treatment Plant Solar Project. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the agenda is limited to receiving information and approving prior meeting minutes.

• Climate Protection Action Committee update presented by Chair Cameron Cohran
• Hazard Mitigation Grant Program stormwater mitigation project opportunity presented by Engineering Director Dana Higgins
• Metro Wastewater Treatment Plant Solar Project update presented by Assistant City Manager Clint Shealy

The committee unanimously approved the minutes from its April 28, 2026 meeting. The remainder of the meeting consisted of informational presentations and discussion: an update on the Climate Protection Action Committee's goals and public engagement efforts; a briefing on a $19 million Hazard Mitigation Grant for stormwater improvements aimed at reducing flooding in Five Points; and a report on a proposed solar farm at the Metro Wastewater Treatment Plant, with a contract planned for the June 9 City Council meeting. No other formal votes were taken.

• Approved April 28, 2026 committee meeting minutes (unanimous)

City Council

Columbia City Council will review several infrastructure contracts, including sewer rehabilitation and water system improvements. The body is also considering an ordinance regarding a pedestrian crosswalk on Main Street.

• Contract amendment for Smith Branch Pump Station and Phase 1 Force Main not to exceed $3,190,055.00
• Construction contract for trenchless sanitary sewer rehabilitation with Gulf Coast Underground, LLC for $2,500,000.00
• Design services for Beltline Boulevard Community Enhancement Project - Phase II not to exceed $544,349.00
• Design services for Public Safety Complex at 400 Laurel Street - Phase II not to exceed $299,145.00
• Ordinance No. 2026-014 for a University of South Carolina pedestrian crosswalk on the 300 block of Main Street

City Council unanimously approved a consent agenda including funding for vehicle purchases, software renewals, and professional design services. The Council also issued several proclamations recognizing community figures and heritage months.

• Approved $77,808.90 for solid waste refuse truck repairs (unanimous)
• Approved $132,681.34 for two new Chevrolet Silverado trucks (unanimous)
• Approved $161,100.00 for UKG Pro workforce management software renewal (unanimous)
• Approved $169,319.38 for asset tracking units from Samsara, Inc. (unanimous)
• Approved design services for Public Safety Complex Phase II not to exceed $299,145.00 (unanimous)
• Approved $386,955.00 contract amendment for CDBG-MIT program management (unanimous)
• Approved design services for Beltline Boulevard Community Enhancement Phase II not to exceed $544,349.00 (unanimous)
• Proclaimed May 19, 2026 as Sara Kay Wrenn, Miss South Carolina 2025 Day

General

The City Council will hold a work session to discuss the Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Proposed Budget, including the General Fund. The meeting also includes executive sessions for legal advice on pending claims, contractual negotiations, and employee compensation.

• Discussion of Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Proposed Budget
• Executive session on CRC 911 Communications Agreement contract negotiations
• Executive session on legal advice for Lake Windermere Dam and Ballpark, LLC v. City of Columbia litigation
• Executive session on legal advice for Forest Acres Franchise Fee, Washington Square leases, and Green Street Bridge
• Executive session on Municipal Court employee compensation

The Columbia City Council held a budget workshop to discuss the Fiscal Year 2026/2027 proposed budget. The meeting focused on financial gaps, staffing levels, and potential revenue sources, but no final decisions or votes were recorded.

• Agenda adopted unanimously (7-0)
• Council voted unanimously to enter executive session

Community Development Committee

The Community Development Committee will discuss the 2026/2027 Annual Action Plan, which outlines federal and local funding for housing and community development. They will also review the Five-Year Residential Development Strategy, including a focus on redeveloping city-owned vacant lots. No votes are scheduled; this is a discussion-only session.

• Discussion of the 2026/2027 Annual Action Plan for community development funding
• Presentation of a Five-Year Residential Development Strategy
• Review of City of Columbia vacant lots for redevelopment
• Presentations by Community Development Director Felicia Kilgore and Special Projects Coordinator Ashley Jenkins

The Community Development Committee voted unanimously to approve the agenda with the addition of an overview of Contract Amendment No. 3 for the CDBG-MIT Program. Discussions included an update on the 2026/2027 Annual Action Plan, a five-year residential development strategy, and a proposed contract renewal with ICF Incorporated for disaster recovery program management. No voting decisions were made on these items; only the agenda was formally adopted.

• Approved agenda with addition of Item 3 (CDBG-MIT contract overview) (unanimous)

Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee

The Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee will hear a presentation on the Commercial Development Incentive Policy from the Assistant City Manager and Economic Development Director. The committee will also hold an executive session to discuss legal advice on RockBlock Consulting, potential business expansions at several sites including 1950 Gervais Street and Capital City Ball Park, and negotiations for a Project WF Parking Agreement. Approval of minutes from the April 14 meeting is also on the agenda.

• Presentation on Commercial Development Incentive Policy
• Executive session: legal advice on RockBlock Consulting
• Executive session: discussion of business expansion at 1950 Gervais Street
• Executive session: discussion of Capital City Ball Park and 2001 Taylor Street
• Executive session: negotiations for Project WF Parking Agreement

The committee heard a presentation on a proposed Commercial Development Incentive Policy, discussing tax disparities with peer cities and the need for criteria. No formal decision was made on the policy. The committee then voted unanimously to enter executive session to discuss legal advice and economic development matters, and adjourned without taking further public action.

• Approved April 14, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Entered executive session for items 3-5 (unanimous)

Public Safety Committee

The Columbia Public Safety Committee will discuss several items, including a Parental Accountability Resolution and an update on the Sharing the Road planning process and Vision Zero Resolution. Members will also review regulations for group living uses and vehicular noise within hospitality districts. The meeting includes approval of prior minutes and is a discussion-only session.

• Parental Accountability Resolution presented by Councilmember Tyler D. Bailey
• Update on Sharing the Road planning process and Vision Zero Resolution by Planner Leigh DeForth
• Review of Group Living Uses by Zoning Administrator, Code Enforcement, and Business License Administration
• Review of Vehicular Noise Within Hospitality Districts by Police Chief William 'Skip' Holbrook
• Approval of March 10, 2026 Public Safety Committee meeting minutes

General

The City Council meets for a budget workshop to discuss the proposed Fiscal Year 2026/2027 budget, with a focus on the General Fund and public safety priorities. Following the public discussion, Council will enter executive session to consider negotiations for contractual arrangements involving We Love Five Points, LLC, the Congaree Riverfront District Business Park, and other entities, and to receive legal advice regarding a lawsuit.

• Discussion of Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Proposed Budget
• Executive session: negotiations for contractual arrangements (We Love Five Points, LLC, Congaree Riverfront District Business Park, Convention Center District Business Park)
• Executive session: negotiations related to Intergovernmental Fire Agreement and CRC 911 Communications Agreement
• Executive session: receipt of legal advice on Brittany Ruffin as PR of the Estate of JR v. City of Columbia

City Council conducted a budget workshop to review the proposed Fiscal Year 2026/2027 General Fund budget and public safety needs. Members discussed long-term planning for fire stations, police equipment costs, and the progress of the Public Safety Complex. No formal votes were taken on budget allocations during this session.

• Adopted the meeting agenda (unanimous)

City Council

City Council will review several high-value infrastructure contracts, including water main relocations and sewer repairs. The body is also deciding on the establishment of the Vista Business Improvement District and a zoning change for Bluff Road.

• Contract amendment for Carolina Crossroads engineering services with CDM Smith, Inc. up to $1,985,278.00
• Construction contract for Saluda River Comfort and Public Restroom Facility with First Class Construction, LLC up to $463,210.67
• Purchase of Solid Waste Division vehicles from multiple vendors for $793,728.00
• Ordinance 2026-023 to establish the Vista Business Improvement District
• Zoning map amendment for 84, 92, 94, 100 and 108 Bluff Road from RD-MV to RM-1

Council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included over $1.76 million in purchases and contracts for police, fire, parks, and solid waste. An ordinance to establish the Vista Business Improvement District was deferred to the next meeting. Presentations and proclamations were also made.

• Approved consent agenda (Items 7-17, 19-21) unanimously
• Deferred Item 18 (Vista Business Improvement District ordinance) to next meeting
• Approved $61,036.71 for police Axon camera kits
• Approved $62,550 for firing range parking lot paving
• Approved $84,500.28 for fire department software renewal
• Approved $293,200 for design services at 1213 Flora Street
• Approved $463,210.67 for Saluda River restroom facility construction
• Approved $793,728 for solid waste vehicles