Columbia public meetings in 2021
55 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council
The council will discuss COVID-19 updates and revisions to code enforcement policy. The meeting also includes votes on various contracts for police equipment, water utility maintenance, and employee health services.
- $1,172,504.76 contract for Employee Health Center medical services
- $409,528.17 contract to upfit 36 Tahoes for the Columbia Police Department
- $190,209.60 purchase of in-car camera systems for the Columbia Police Department
- $850,333.16 contract for a feed system at the Metro Wastewater Treatment Plant
- $1,770,400.00 contract amendment for Stormwater Bond Program Management Services
Affordable Housing Task Force
The Columbia Affordable Housing Task Force will discuss the Columbia Equity Survey (Housing) and affordable housing unit goals. The meeting includes reports from committees regarding outreach, partnerships, legal and zoning, financing, and accessibility.
- Columbia Equity Survey (Housing) discussion
- Affordable Housing Unit Goal discussion
- Public Education & Awareness Committee report
- Legal & Zoning committee report
- Financing committee report
City Council
The City Council is meeting to discuss administrative updates and ordinance amendments. The agenda includes several large contracts for public safety equipment, park improvements, and water utility projects.
- $1,500,000 contract for Finlay Park design services
- $1,326,459 purchase of a Pierce Custom Enforcer fire truck
- $635,481 for grant management services related to FEMA and flood recovery
- $310,025 contract for a new side loader for the Solid Waste Division
- Honorary naming of several streets and corners in Columbia
City Council
The Columbia City Council will conduct a budget workshop to discuss the fiscal year 2022/2023 budget process and priorities. The agenda includes updates on American Rescue Plan funds and priority projects. A water and sewer rate study will also be presented.
- Fiscal Year 2022/2023 Budget Kickoff
- American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds update
- Columbia Water and Sewer Rate Study presentation
- Proposed 2022 City Council meeting schedule
City Council
The council will review several large contracts for police equipment and software maintenance. They will also discuss the replacement of the Olympia Fire Station and various utility relocation projects. Additionally, the council will consider zoning changes for properties on Garners Ferry Road and River Drive.
- Purchase of 36 Chevrolet Tahoes for $1,369,656.00
- Agreement for Olympia Fire Station Replacement design services up to $681,956.00
- Contract for I-126 Elmwood Avenue Bridge utility relocation up to $1,342,490.00
- Purchase of 75 body armor jackets for $71,199.00
- Annexation and zoning change for 7800 Garners Ferry Road
Economic and Community Development Committee
The committee will conduct an appeal hearing regarding objections to the City Center Business Improvement District Assessment. No other agenda items are listed for this meeting.
- Appeal hearing for City Center Business Improvement District Assessment objections
Administrative Policy Committee
The Columbia Administrative Policy Committee is scheduled to meet on October 29, 2021. The agenda includes a discussion regarding a proposal for a Chief Health Officer.
- Chief Health Officer Proposal
Public Safety Committee
The Columbia Public Safety Committee will conduct a discussion regarding code enforcement policies. David Hatcher, a housing official for the Code Enforcement Division, is scheduled to present a review.
- Review of Code Enforcement Policies
Environment And Infrastructure Committee
The Columbia Environment and Infrastructure Committee will discuss a quarterly update from the Climate Protection Action Committee. The meeting also includes a discussion regarding the disposal of grass and leaf debris.
- Climate Protection Action Committee Quarterly Update
- Disposal of Grass and Leaf Debris
City Council
The council will review several contracts for city services, including fire equipment and waste management. They will also consider ordinances regarding business licenses and the sale of land at Capital City Stadium. Additionally, the Housing Authority seeks approval for multiple multifamily housing revenue notes.
- $4,200,000.00 contract amendment for Consent Decree Program Management Services
- $460,728.00 purchase of 180 sets of Globe Bunker Gear
- $9,000,000.00 equipment lease purchase agreement
- $129,564.00 contract for a new water main extension along Rocky Point Drive
- $22,000,000 in revenue notes for the Haven at Palmer Pointe project
Affordable Housing Task Force
The Columbia Affordable Housing Task Force will meet to approve the minutes from the September 14, 2021 meeting. The agenda includes a presentation on Affordable Housing Trust Funds and progress reports from several subcommittees.
- Approval of September 14, 2021, meeting minutes
- Presentation on Affordable Housing Trust Funds by Michael Anderson
- Public Education & Awareness Committee outreach plan report
- Committee reports regarding partnerships, legal and zoning, financing, and accessibility
Public Safety Committee
The committee will discuss a review of Code Enforcement Policies. The discussion will be led by David Hatcher, a housing official for the Columbia Police Department's Code Enforcement Division.
- Review of Code Enforcement Policies
City Council
The Columbia City Council will review COVID-19 updates and business license reports. The agenda also includes several contract approvals for water infrastructure and city equipment.
- Contract Amendment #2 for police security guard services in the amount of $800,000.00
- Purchase of an Elgin Pelican Dual Sweeper for $229,013.00
- Yacht Cove Force Main Replacement contract up to $169,995.90
- Purchase of vehicle tires in the amount of $216,000.00
- Extension of Emergency Ordinance No. 2021-078 related to COVID-19
Advisory Committee On Equality
The Columbia Advisory Committee on Equality will meet via video conference to conduct introductions and discuss its mission. The agenda also includes an open forum for matters for consideration.
- Discussion of the committee's mission
- Open forum on matters for consideration
Arts and Historic Preservation Committee
The committee will discuss recommendations from Amplify Columbia and One Columbia for Arts and History. The discussion includes various models for a Local Arts Agency structure and cultural policy.
- Amplify Columbia recommendations
- One Columbia for Arts and History suggestions
- Models for a Local Arts Agency structure and cultural policy
Tax Study Committee
The Columbia Tax Study Committee will review a property tax capacity analysis. Presentations will be delivered by Stephen J.K. Walters, Ph.D., James B. London, Ph.D., and Holley Ulbrich, Ph.D. The committee will then hold a discussion.
- Review of the City of Columbia Property Tax Capacity Analysis
City Council
The City Council will review public safety and COVID-19 updates. The agenda includes decisions on several service contracts, including police radio leases and street lighting projects. Council will also consider amendments to the city's zoning map.
- Motorola radio lease renewal for $327,101.78
- Economic development grant of $100,000 to Bierkeller, LLC
- Western Star truck purchase for $268,017.00
- Zoning map amendment (Ordinance 2021-071)
- State lobbying services contract up to $54,000
Affordable Housing Task Force
This meeting consists of procedural items and committee reports. The task force will review minutes from May and August 2021 meetings and hear updates from five committees.
- Approval of May 11, 2021 meeting minutes
- Approval of August 10, 2021 meeting minutes
- Committee reports on financing, legal & zoning, accessibility, partnerships, and public education
Economic and Community Development Committee
The Economic and Community Development Committee will discuss student housing incentives and the Columbia Technology Plan. These items will be presented by Economic Development Director Ryan Coleman.
- Review of Student Housing Incentives
- Columbia Technology Plan
City Council
The Columbia City Council will hold an emergency meeting via video conferencing. The council is scheduled to consider Ordinance No. 2021-078, which enacts certain emergency ordinances related to COVID-19.
- Emergency Ordinance No. 2021-078 regarding COVID-19
Administrative Policy Committee
The Administrative Policy Committee will discuss a proposal regarding a Chief Health Officer. The meeting is scheduled to be held via video conferencing technology.
- Chief Health Officer Proposal
City Council
The Columbia City Council will review COVID-19 situational reports and related policies, including premium pay and vaccination incentives. The meeting also includes discussions on hospitality tax allocations and various service contracts.
- $845,627.33 contract for the Chestnut Hills Paving Project
- Resolution to name part of Richland Street 'Trinity Baptist Church Way'
- $129,600 purchase of Palmetto 800 MHz Radio Airtime
- $74,466 sewer extension at 519 Winmet Drive
- $212,000 contract for citywide safety shoes and boots
City Council
The council will receive a COVID-19 situational report and discuss a proposal for a Chief Health Officer. Members will also consider several contract renewals regarding economic development, public safety, and water infrastructure.
- $480,000 contract for citywide uniform rental services
- Up to $759,761.71 amendment for a water valve and hydrant survey
- $238,460.76 purchase of water meters and registers
- Up to $634,768 amendment for wastewater plant rehabilitation
- COVID-19 situational report from the Emergency Management Director
Affordable Housing Task Force
The Columbia Affordable Housing Task Force will review minutes from May 11, 2021. The committee will also discuss revisions to the definition of affordable housing and receive a Vision 2030 update from Columbia Housing.
- Revision to the Definition of Affordable Housing
- Columbia Housing Update: Vision 2030
City Council
The Columbia City Council will hold an emergency meeting on August 5, 2021. The council is scheduled to consider ratifying the Mayor’s declaration of a State of Emergency for the city.
- Ratification of Ordinance No. 2021-069 regarding the Mayor's State of Emergency declaration
City Council
The Council will discuss COVID-19 updates and the Hospitality Tax Grant Program. The agenda includes decisions on several professional service agreements, software renewals, and water utility contracts. Multiple property annexations and zoning changes are also scheduled for consideration.
- Water main construction at Broadmore Street and Kistler Avenue up to $199,152.00
- Contract amendment for Columbia Canal Head Gates repairs with a revised budget of $1,848,362.00
- Purchase of Badger A/M Meters in the amount of $661,343.40
- Federal lobbying services contract award up to $83,750.00
- Annexation and zoning for 26.36 acres at S/S Technology Circle
Environment And Infrastructure Committee
The Columbia Environment and Infrastructure Committee will receive a quarterly update from the Climate Protection Action Committee (CPAC). The presentation will be led by Sustainability Administrator Mary Pat Baldauf and CPAC Vice-Chair Robert Petrulis.
- Quarterly update from the Climate Protection Action Committee (CPAC)
City Council
The Columbia City Council will receive updates on COVID-19 and the American Rescue Plan. The agenda includes decisions on several service contracts for public safety, technology, and water utilities. The council will also consider a resolution to name a conference room at City Hall.
- $737,511.94 purchase of a 2022 Enforcer Pumper for the Fire Department
- $622,500.00 agreement for lead-based paint and asbestos testing
- $651,092.77 Microsoft Enterprise Software Services agreement
- $289,843.20 contract for school crossing guard security services
- Resolution to name the City Hall conference room the 'Frank B. Washington Room'
Economic and Community Development Committee
The Economic and Community Development Committee will conduct a review of student housing incentives. This discussion will be led by Economic Development Director Ryan Coleman.
- Review of Student Housing Incentives
City Council
The council will review COVID-19 updates and business opportunity program updates. Members are also considering several infrastructure contracts and multiple annexation and rezoning requests.
- Contract for Rimer Pond Road and Hardscrabble Road waterline extension up to $11,910,999.98
- Agreement with SCDOT for utility relocation on Leesburg Road and Patricia Drive ($4,943,748.11)
- Ratification of emergency water main installations totaling $689,395.13
- Upfitting two K-9 and two Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles for $73,437.80
- Rezoning request for Congaree Pointe PUD from PUD-R to RG-2 and C-3
Economic and Community Development Committee
The Columbia Economic and Community Development Committee will meet via video conference on May 25, 2021. The agenda includes a review of student housing incentives presented by Economic Development Director Ryan Coleman.
- Review of Student Housing Incentives
City Council
The council will discuss COVID-19 updates and the Columbia Housing Vision 2030. Members are also reviewing several contract amendments for water, sewer, and street maintenance. Additionally, the agenda includes second readings for the FY 2022 budget and utility rate changes.
- $1,309,250.00 contract amendment for Major Sewer Pipe Rehabilitation Project
- $202,000.00 agreement for pavement survey services for city streets
- Transfer of several city-owned streets to the South Carolina Department of Transportation
- $93,031.89 renewal for police vehicle software and hardware
- Second reading of the FY 2022 budget ordinance
Affordable Housing Task Force
The Columbia Affordable Housing Task Force will meet to discuss several items regarding local housing policy and programs. Topics include revisions to the definition of affordable housing and a presentation on the City of Charleston Housing Court Program. The committee will also receive a report from the Public Education & Awareness Committee.
- Revision to the definition of affordable housing
- City of Charleston Housing Court Program presentation
- Public Education & Awareness Committee Report
- Approval of April 13, 2021 meeting minutes
City Council
The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding the proposed Fiscal Year 2021/2022 budget. The agenda also includes first readings of ordinances to amend water and sewer service rates, fees, and plant expansion costs. Additionally, the council will consider property inclusion for Project Catawba in an industrial park.
- Proposed Fiscal Year 2021/2022 budget presentation
- Ordinance to adopt the FY 2021/2022 budget
- Amendments to water and sewer service rates and fees
- Emergency ordinance extension (No. 2021-027)
- Property inclusion for Project Catawba at 919 Catawba Avenue, 318 Lincoln Street, and 312 Lincoln Street
City Council
The council will receive updates on COVID-19 and affordable housing initiatives. Members are also reviewing various contracts for software, maintenance, and equipment. Additionally, the agenda includes ordinance readings regarding local encroachments and business licenses.
- Purchase of two 2020 wheel loaders for $269,030.34
- Contract amendment for SCADA system maintenance for $50,466.58
- Ordinance to prohibit conversion therapy for minors
- Transfer of Gadsden, Calhoun, Pendleton, and Sumter streets to SCDOT
- Renewal of Trend Micro software for $57,858.47
Facilities Corporation Board Of Directors
The Board will consider organizational resolutions to establish the corporation's bylaws and elect directors and officers. The meeting also includes a resolution regarding the issuance of revenue bonds not exceeding $57,250,000.
- Adoption of Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws
- Election of Directors and Officers
- Issuance of revenue bonds not exceeding $57,250,000
Environment And Infrastructure Committee
The committee will receive a quarterly update regarding the Columbia Climate Protection Action Committee. The presentation will be delivered by the Sustainability Administrator and the CPAC Chair.
- Quarterly update from the Climate Protection Action Committee
City Council
The council will review the Fiscal Year 2021/2022 proposed budget and American Rescue Plan funds. Discussions also include COVID-19 updates and a Calhoun Street road diet project. Several contracts for water, sewer, and public safety are up for approval.
- $400,000 contract for Disparity Study II
- $460,000 renewal of ShotSpotter Flex agreement
- $947,204.06 Park Street streetscape contract
- $1,228,375.20 water main construction contract
- $599,400 purchase of two 2020 Side Loaders
Bull Street Commission
The Bull Street Commission will hear a progress report regarding the Bull Street project. The presentation will be delivered by Chandler Cox of Hughes Development Corporation.
- Bull Street Progress Report by Chandler Cox, Hughes Development Corporation
Administrative Policy Committee
The committee will hold a discussion concerning the naming of Bull Street Park in Columbia. Dr. Bobby Donaldson and Ms. Robin Waites are scheduled to participate in this item.
- Discussion on City of Columbia Bull Street Park Naming
Affordable Housing Task Force
The Columbia Affordable Housing Task Force will hear committee reports and a presentation regarding the National Housing Trust Fund. The meeting also includes the approval of minutes from the March 9, 2021, meeting.
- Approval of March 9, 2021 Meeting Minutes
- Committee reports on accessibility, financing, legal & zoning, partnerships, and public education
- Summary of National Housing Trust Fund by Dr. Bryan Grady
City Council
The Columbia City Council will hold a special called meeting to review event resolutions. These items propose authorizing the consumption of beer and wine at Boyd Plaza and Dinner on Main for various spring dates.
- Resolution R-2021-024: Beer and wine at Boyd Plaza for Trivia Night (May 25)
- Resolution R-2021-025: Beer and wine at Dinner on Main (April 11)
- Resolution R-2021-027: Beer and wine at Boyd Plaza for Live on Boyd Plaza (April 25)
- Resolution R-2021-038: Beer and wine at Boyd Plaza for Composer George Fetner (May 13)
City Council
The Columbia City Council will conduct a workshop regarding the Fiscal Year 2021/2022 budget and review proposed updates to the new zoning map. The agenda also includes discussions on COVID-19 updates and revisions to the commercial non-discrimination policy. Additionally, council will consider several contract approvals and annexation requests.
- $250,000 award to Cooperative Ministry for CDBG-CV Housing Relief Fund
- $266,800 purchase of a 2020 Peterbilt front loader refuse truck
- $162,870 agreement for teller software implementation and licensing fees
- $7,600,000 bond issuance for the Palmetto Terrace Apartments Project
- Rezoning request for 446 Clemson Road Ext to General Commercial District
Affordable Housing Task Force
The task force will meet to approve the February 9, 2021, meeting minutes. The agenda includes reports from five committees regarding accessibility, financing, legal and zoning, partnerships, and public education.
- Approval of February 9, 2021 Meeting Minutes
- Accessibility Committee report
- Financing Committee report
- Legal & Zoning Committee report
- Partnerships Committee report
City Council
The City Council will discuss COVID-19 updates and water resiliency efforts. The agenda includes votes on several major sewer and water infrastructure projects. Council will also review vehicle purchases for the Fire and Street divisions.
- Contract for Lower Saluda River Relief Sewer and Pipe Rehabilitation up to $16,694,600.78
- Garden Springs Sanitary Sewer Extension contract up to $2,677,972.00
- Purchase of a Ford E450 Van for the Fire Department for $61,591.00
- Purchase of a Tri Axle Dump Truck for the Street Division for $163,221.00
- Encroachment permit for Gadsden Place, LLC at 1200 block of Gadsden Street
Administrative Policy Committee
The Columbia Administrative Policy Committee will hold a discussion regarding the renaming of the Park at Bull Street. Representatives from Hughes Development Corporation are scheduled to present.
- Renaming of the Park at Bull Street
City Council
The council will review a COVID-19 update and several vehicle purchases for the Engineering and Street divisions. Members will also consider contract amendments and new agreements for Saluda River sewer projects.
- $467,000 contract amendment for Lower Saluda Relief Sewer and Major Pipe Rehabilitation
- $948,765 agreement for Saluda River 02 Engineer-Led Find and Fix Rehabilitation
- Purchase of five Chevrolet Silverado Trucks for $158,580
- Purchase of two GVWR Single Axle Dump Trucks for $218,614.22
- Encroachment ordinance for Gadsden Place, LLC on the 1200 block of Gadsden Street
Affordable Housing Task Force
The Columbia Affordable Housing Task Force will meet via video conference. The committee plans to discuss the definition of affordable housing and an affordable housing unit goal.
- Approval of January 12, 2021 meeting minutes
- Discussion on the definition of affordable housing
- Discussion on an affordable housing unit goal
Environment And Infrastructure Committee
The committee will review a progress report from the Climate Protection Action Committee. The meeting also includes a presentation regarding the Dominion Energy Lighting Conversion Program.
- Climate Protection Action Committee Progress Report
- Dominion Energy Lighting Conversion Program
City Council
The council will discuss COVID-19 updates and consider various property annexations and zoning amendments. The meeting also includes votes on contracts for 911 software maintenance, a new playground at T.S. Martin Park, and water plant chemicals.
- $277,602.12 renewal for 911 dispatch software maintenance
- $179,936.00 agreement for a new playground at T.S. Martin Park
- $105,000.00 purchase of Purate chemical for Lake Murray Water Plant
- Emergency ordinance to extend and amend COVID-19 ordinances
- Ordinance for a grease trap lease on Washington Street
Administrative Policy Committee
The Administrative Policy Committee will hold a discussion regarding the renaming of the Park at Bull Street. Assistant City Manager Henry Simons, MHA, is scheduled to lead this item.
- Renaming of the Park at Bull Street
City Council
The council will receive updates on COVID-19 and legislative matters. The agenda also includes several infrastructure contracts and multiple annexation requests.
- Sanitary Sewer Pipe Rehabilitation contract up to $6,132,745.00
- Broad River Force Main Replacement and Gravity Sewer Capacity Improvements for $1,893,943.00
- Purchase of a Light Structure System for Colony/North Pointe All-Star Ballfield ($169,700.00)
- Annexation and zoning changes for 680 Candi Lane
- Annexation of multiple University of South Carolina properties
Administrative Policy Committee
The Columbia Administrative Policy Committee will meet to discuss the renaming of the Park at Bull Street. The item is presented by Assistant City Manager Henry Simons.
- Renaming of the Park at Bull Street
Affordable Housing Task Force
The Columbia Affordable Housing Task Force will discuss its objectives for 2021. This includes discussing an affordable housing unit goal and the definition of affordable housing.
- Approval of December 8, 2020 meeting minutes
- Discussion of 2021 Affordable Housing Unit Goal
- Discussion regarding the definition of affordable housing
City Council
The council will receive a COVID-19 update and discuss business cooperation initiatives. Agenda items include several contracts for water and sewer infrastructure improvements. The meeting also covers an ordinance for an industrial park project.
- $1,133,814.12 contract for employee medical services
- $268,696.80 contract for new water main on Beacon Hill Road
- $424,750.00 agreement for wastewater manhole survey
- $200,000.00 economic development grant to First Reliance Bank
- Ordinance No. 2020-108 for Multi-County Industrial/Business Park