Health Social and Environmental Affairs Committee — Columbia, SC
Date: 2024-10-22
Time: 18:00

HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
 MEETING AGENDA
 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2024


The Health, Social and Environmental Affairs Committee will conduct a meeting on
Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at City Hall (Mayor's Conference Room),
1737 Main Street, Second Floor, Columbia, SC 29201. Members of the public may
view the meeting online at www.columbiasc.gov. Please contact the City Clerk’s
Office at (803)545-3045 or cityclerk@columbiasc.gov if you have questions
regarding this meeting.

 The Honorable Aditi Bussells, Chair
The Honorable Edward H. McDowell, Jr., District II  The Honorable Tyler D. Bailey,
 At-Large

Prior to entering the meeting please turn all electronic communication devices to the silent, vibrate or off position.
 All presenters should speak directly into the microphone for recording purposes.



CALL TO ORDER

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. Approval of the August 27, 2024 Health, Social, and Environmental
 Affairs Committee Minutes.

PRESENTATIONS

2. Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Program - Ms. Mary Pat Baldauf,
 Sustainability Administrator and Ms. Payton Lang, Policy and Programs
 Advisor

3. Animal Shelter Update: Canine Pnuemovirus - Ms. Victoria Riles,
 Animal Services Superintendent

COMMITTEE DISCUSSION

4. Planted Wildlife Gardens Ordinance Update - Ms. Jessica Kinard, Esq.,
 Senior Assistant City Attorney

ADJOURNMENT




 Page 1 of 1

HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
 MEETING AGENDA
 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2024


The Health, Social and Environmental Affairs Committee will conduct a meeting on
Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at City Hall (Mayor's Conference Room),
1737 Main Street, Second Floor, Columbia, SC 29201. Members of the public may
view the meeting online at www.columbiasc.gov. Please contact the City Clerk’s
Office at (803)545-3045 or cityclerk@columbiasc.gov if you have questions
regarding this meeting.

 The Honorable Aditi Bussells, Chair
The Honorable Edward H. McDowell, Jr., District II  The Honorable Tyler D. Bailey,
 At-Large

Prior to entering the meeting please turn all electronic communication devices to the silent, vibrate or off position.
 All presenters should speak directly into the microphone for recording purposes.



CALL TO ORDER

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. Approval of the August 27, 2024 Health, Social, and Environmental
 Affairs Committee Minutes.

PRESENTATIONS

2. Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Program - Ms. Mary Pat Baldauf,
 Sustainability Administrator and Ms. Payton Lang, Policy and Programs
 Advisor

3. Animal Shelter Update: Canine Pnuemovirus - Ms. Victoria Riles,
 Animal Services Superintendent

COMMITTEE DISCUSSION

4. Planted Wildlife Gardens Ordinance Update - Ms. Jessica Kinard, Esq.,
 Senior Assistant City Attorney

ADJOURNMENT




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MEETING DATE: October 22, 2024

DEPARTMENT: City Clerk

FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk

SUBJECT: Approval of the August 27, 2024 Health, Social, and
 Environmental Affairs Committee Minutes.
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:


ATTACHMENTS:
  #a: HSEAC_MN_08272024 (DOCX)




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 HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING
 MINUTES
 TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2024


CALL TO ORDER
The Health, Social and Environmental Affairs Committee conducted a meeting on
Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at 1737 Main Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29201. The
Honorable Aditi Bussells, Chair called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m.


 Attendee Name Title Status
 Aditi Bussells Chair Present
 Edward H. McDowell Member Remote
 Tyler D. Bailey Member Present
APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. Approval of May 28, 2024 Health, Social, and Environmental Committee
 Meeting Minutes

Upon a motion made by Mr. Bailey and seconded by Mr. McDowell, the committee
voted unanimously to approve the May 28, 2024 Health, Social, and Environmental
Committee Meeting Minutes.

COMMITTEE DISCUSSION

2. Animal Services Update - Ms. Victoria Riles, Animal Services Superintendent

Ms. Victoria Riles, Animal Services Superintendent provided an Animal Services
update, noting decreased intake and euthanasia rates despite stagnant national
figures. The department has adopted programs from Charleston and Greenville,
which have greater capacity and staffing. She proposed a one-time license fee for
fully vetted animals, shifting from an $100 annual fee to encourage
spaying/neutering without mandates, particularly in under-resourced communities.
An online pet licensing portal has been launched. Additional proposed ordinance
changes aim to eliminate the spay/neuter exemption for service animals due to
misuse of the ADA. The changes also include language to support the abandonment
of animals. These proposed changes are being drafted by Legal. There is a free
microchipping event on September 22, 2024. It is limited to City residents and is a
part of the Best Friend’s Home to Home Grant Challenge. By fulfilling this
requirement, we could eligible to receive a grant for $10,000.

There was discussion about funds from Richland County; overhead cost of the shelter;
intergovernmental agreement with Fort Jackson; more proportionate funding based
on data; financial constraints; nationwide euthanasia rates versus local; connecting

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 HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING
 MINUTES
 TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2024


with Community Development, Public Works, and Columbia Council of
Neighborhoods; and differential licensing and other ordinance revisions.

Dr. Bussells requested staff provide differences between Lexington County, Richland
County, and the City of Columbia ordinances.

3. Planted Wildlife Gardens Ordinance Update - Ms. Jessica Kinard, Esq., Senior
 Assistant City Attorney

Ms. Jessica Kinard, Senior Assistant City Attorney shared a referral from the mayor,
where constituents are interested in planting environmentally friendly gardens that
don’t fit into the aesthetic portions of the ordinance. The suggested ordinance
modifications have been approved by Legal. We are reviewing how to enforce this.

Ms. Trish German, South Carolina Native Plants Society Midlands Chapter said several
members of the society were getting citations for their wildlife friendly gardens. She
suggested the usage of cues to care for wildlife gardens. For example pathways
signage, borders, and bird baths and things that indicate that it is planned.

There was discussion about local examples of native gardens; various certification
programs; and cost to citizens.

There was consensus of the committee to have staff make language adjustments in
the ordinance and bring back to committee for final review.

ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 1:34 p.m.
Respectfully submitted:




Erika D. Moore Hammond, CMC
City Clerk




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MEETING DATE: October 22, 2024

DEPARTMENT: Office of the Mayor

FROM: Daniel Rickenmann, Mayor

SUBJECT: Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Program - Ms.
 Mary Pat Baldauf, Sustainability Administrator and
 Ms. Payton Lang, Policy and Programs Advisor
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:

Grantees Selected for City of Columbia Youth Climate Action Fund Supported by
Bloomberg Philanthropies
August 21, 2024
The City of Columbia, in collaboration with Bloomberg Philanthropies, is proud to announce the
grantees for the 2024 Youth Climate Action Fund microgrant program. This initiative,
spearheaded by the Office of the Mayor and facilitated by the Office of Sustainability and
Climate Protection Action Committee (CPAC), underscores the City’s commitment to
empowering our youth in the fight against climate change.

According to Bloomberg Philanthropies, over 60 percent of young people feel their government
needs to do more to avoid climate catastrophes. This program aims to fund youth-led and youth-
targeted environmental and sustainably focused projects to empower youth to be a part of the
solution.

Following an open call for applications, the selection committee has selected nine projects and
initiatives that will receive a microgrant. Below are the 2024 grantees for the City of Columbia’s
2024 Youth Climate Action Fund.

 Dreher High School Botany Club Raised Bed Gardens
 Columbia College Greenhouse
 Gills Creek Watershed Association Water Quality Testing
 Indian Waters Council/Scouting America Storm Drain Marking
 Ride the Bus, Save the Planet Campaign
 South Carolina Public Health Association Resilience Week
 Sowing Seeds in the Midlands
 University of South Carolina Food Management Intern
 University of South Carolina Home Weatherization Program




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Action Item (ID # 9560) Meeting of October 22, 2024




The chosen projects address and target critical areas of the City’s Climate Action Plan, such as
mitigating storm water drain systems, reducing emissions, and expanding sustainability
education. The grantees will provide reporting to ensure the success of their respective projects.
In January 2025, each grantee will make a summary presentation of their project.

The Youth Climate Action Fund aims to provide technical and monetary support for projects and
initiatives that leave a lasting impact in their community. As part of this program, the City of
Columbia has received $50,000 in funding and has the opportunity to receive an additional
$100,000 in funding to support additional projects in 2025.

Mayor Rickenmann Announces City of Columbia Joins Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Youth
Action Fund to Activate Young People In Driving Sustainability Solutions
May 7, 2024
City of Columbia, SC one of 100 cities that will receive funding and technical assistance to spur
a groundswell of youth-driven climate action

With 84 percent of youth around the world reporting that they are worried climate change
threatens people and the planet, Mayor Daniel Rickenmann announced today that the City of
Columbia, South Carolina will join Bloomberg Philanthropies’ new Youth Climate Action Fund,
which will provide technical assistance and funding for 100 mayors to activate tens of thousands
of young people ages of 15 - 24 years to design, produce, and govern urgent climate solutions in
cities across the globe. Columbia joins the Fund alongside other cities from around the world,
which together spans 38 countries across six continents, representing over 62 million residents.

As part of this program, the City of Columbia will receive $50,000 to distribute as microgrants to
fund a groundswell of youth-led sustainability initiatives. From mobilizing tree-planting or
public education campaigns to launching recycling or waste reduction initiatives to participating
in mitigation planning or preparedness programs, efforts stemming from the new Youth Climate
Action Fund will advance critical community goals such as meeting decarbonization
commitments or reducing consumption-based emissions.

Cities that respond to the urgency of the moment and commit the initial $50,000 within six
months will receive an additional $100,000 to support more youth-driven projects over the
course of one year.

Young residents ages 15 - 24 years are encouraged to visit the webpage here to learn more about
the Youth Climate Action Fund, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, and how to submit
ideas for the opportunity to receive funding.

“The City of Columbia is continuing to look for ways to preserve our natural assets and
community. We want be good stewards and embrace innovation and sustainability while
ensuring our hikers, kayakers, fisherman, and hunters continue to have preserved ecosystems to
enjoy,” said Mayor Daniel Rickenmann. “Camo is the new green and we are excited to bring
Columbia’s youth into the sustainability conversation with the Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth
Climate Action fund.”


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Action Item (ID # 9560) Meeting of October 22, 2024




“Climate change is an all-hands-on-deck challenge, and it’s critical that young people - who have
the most at stake - help lead the way,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, UN Special Envoy on
Climate Ambition and Solutions and 108th mayor of New York City. “This new fund will help
mayors mobilize and empower tomorrow’s leaders to take action today.”

Climate change poses a threat to communities, and mayors are the first and last mile of response:
tackling emergencies and trialing interventions from the frontlines. Over the last decade, local
governments have played a critical role in climate mitigation and adaptation. Many cities are
reducing per capita emissions faster than their national governments. In the coming decade,
municipalities’ role will grow as they continue to combat ongoing climate challenges.

However, with more than 60 percent of young people saying that the government is not doing
enough to avoid climate catastrophe or taking their concerns seriously enough, few city halls
have the organizational capacity, capabilities, and confidence to unleash youth energy on
solution-building. Kickstarted at the Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Innovation Studio at
COP28, as a part of the Local Climate Action Summit, the Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth
Climate Action Fund will provide the cities with the tools, techniques, and supports to leverage
innovation approaches that invite and foster robust youth collaboration in climate problem-
solving and policymaking. The program will be delivered by United Cities and Local
Governments in partnership with the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins
University. C40 Cities and the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy will
collaborate as learning partners.

“United Cities and Local Governments is thrilled to join Bloomberg Philanthropies in celebrating
the cities around the world that are joining the Youth Climate Action Fund-and partnering with
the organization on this work,” said Emilia Sáiz, Secretary General for United Cities and Local
Governments. “Youth today are the guardians of our future, and in bringing them together with
local governments through this groundbreaking initiative, we will see cities reach newfound
progress in shaping more resilient and regenerative communities that can act on the climate
emergency in entirely new ways.”

“In order for cities to catalyze ever broadening, ever more ambitious efforts, they’ll need to
continue to shift away from traditional, top-down models to those that solicit ideas and crowd in
energy from across the community, including and especially from young people who are so
vested in solving the climate crisis,” said James Anderson, who leads the Government
Innovation program at Bloomberg Philanthropies. “Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Youth Climate
Action Fund will provide a springboard for mayors worldwide to put these lessons to work and
launch a tidal wave of youth-driven activity that takes local climate action to the next level.”

“The most successful climate action centers people,” said Antha Williams, who leads the
Environment program at Bloomberg Philanthropies. “Mayors must marshal a new era of
engagement with local youth - harnessing their perspective, talents, and influence to drive
progress in their communities. The Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund will
provide these cities with both the technical expertise and funds to mobilize the hope and


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Action Item (ID # 9560) Meeting of October 22, 2024




determination of young people to address the climate crisis head-on and help build resilient,
more sustainable cities for generations to come.”

As part of the Youth Climate Action Fund, Mayor Rickenmann is empowering ambitious climate
efforts led by young people. Project ideas may include:

Youth-led awareness, education, research, and development initiatives, including: youth-led
climate education programs; youth climate hackathons; youth-developed climate surveys and
research; youth-informed clubs or curriculum; and youth-designed public art and awareness
campaigns.
Youth-driven climate mitigation and adaptation projects, including: youth-led community
gardening, tree planting, reforestation, and urban farming campaigns; youth-managed recycling
and waste reduction programs; and youth-produced climate resilience workshops and disaster
preparedness programs.
Co-governed youth climate action plans, including: partnerships between city leaders and youth
groups to inform climate-related policy ideas, decisions, or actions or the formation of youth
climate ambassadors or advisory boards.

The 100 cities selected to participate in the Youth Climate Action Fund include: Accra, Ghana;
Allentown, Pennsylvania; Allerød, Denmark; Alor Gajah, Malaysia; Athens, Greece; Atlanta,
Georgia; Avellaneda, Argentina; Banjul, The Gambia; Belmopan, Belize; Billund, Denmark; Bo,
Sierra Leone; Boise, Idaho; Borongan, Philippines; Bristol, United Kingdom; Broward County,
Florida; Bulawayo, Zimbabwe; Casablanca, Morocco; Cerro Navia, Chile; Chefchaouen,
Morocco; Cincinnati, Ohio; Columbia, South Carolina; Columbus, Ohio; Córdoba, Argentina;
Cuenca, Ecuador; Curvelo, Brazil; Despeñaderos, Argentina; Dubuque, Iowa; Embu, Kenya;
Esteban Echeverria, Argentina; Flint, Michigan; Freetown, Sierra Leone; Glasgow, United
Kingdom; Guarulhos, Brazil; Guatemala City, Guatemala; Guelph, Canada; Haderslev,
Denmark; Halifax, Canada; Hang Tuah Jaya, Malaysia; Hastings-on-Hudson, New York; Hobart,
Australia; Hoboken, New Jersey; Hudson Valley, New York; Irbid, Jordan; Kampala, Uganda;
Kerewan, The Gambia; Kitchener, Canada; Kitwe, Zambia; Kumasi, Ghana; La Crosse,
Wisconsin; Lansing, Michigan; Long Beach, California; Luján de Cuyo, Argentina; Lusaka,
Zambia; Madison, Wisconsin; Madugandí, Panamá; Maipú, Chile; Mansa, Zambia; Masaka City,
Uganda; Melbourne, Australia; Mendoza, Argentina; Menjez, Lebanon; Mesa, Arizona; Mogi
das Cruzes, Brazil; Montego Bay, Jamaica; Mykolaiv, Ukraine; Nansana, Uganda; New Orleans,
Louisiana; New Westminster, Canada; Newcastle, Australia; Norddjurs, Denmark; Nouakchott,
Mauritania; Oakville, Canada; Oberlin, Ohio; Paterson, New Jersey; Pérez, Argentina; Pikine,
Senegal; Puerto Barrios, Guatemala; Quelimane, Mozambique; Quillota, Chile; Recife, Brazil;
Reykjavik, Iceland; Rosario, Argentina; San Francisco, Camotes, Cebu, Philippines; Santiago,
Chile; Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana; Skopje, North Macedonia; Sobral, Brazil; Tandil, Argentina;
The Blue Mountains, Canada; Tirana, Albania; Tolhuin, Argentina; Trujillo, Honduras; Turin,
Italy; Turku, Finland; Vejen, Denmark; Walvis Bay, Namibia; West Palm Beach, Florida; West
Sacramento, California; White Plains, New York; and Zanzibar, Tanzania.




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Action Item (ID # 9560) Meeting of October 22, 2024




ATTACHMENTS:
  #a: MPB_Bloomberg HSEA_for 10_22 (PDF)




Updated: 10/18/2024 4:05 PM Page 5
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Bloomberg Youth Climate
 Action Program




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Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Fund




 Mayors at COP 28 in Dubai


 Packet Pg. 11
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Columbia’s Participation in the Youth Climate
 Action Fund
 • Applied for, received Bloomberg YCAF grant.
 • Created an application.
 • Received applications.
 • Created a selection committee.
 • Used a scoring rubric from Bloomberg.
 • Scored the applications.
 • Selected the highest scores as recipients.
 • All recipients were required to have a 501(c)3 to administer the grant.




 Packet Pg. 12
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 Columbia College ($4996)

• Goal: To repair an outdated
 greenhouse on Columbia College
 campus to create a space for students
 to cultivate plants.

 • Start a campus garden club to
 engage students to plant herbs.

 • Coordinate a greenhouse-to-table
 program with herbs grown by
 students in the greenhouse to be
 used at the campus cafeteria.




 Packet Pg. 13
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Dreher High School ($4320)

 • Goal: To install raised educational gardening
 beds at Dreher High School and an area City
 of Columbia park.

 • Cultivate native plants in the beds.

 • Present educational workshops for peers
 and young children.

 • Target students who are eager to learn
 and teach them how they and their
 families can positively impact the
 environment.




 Packet Pg. 14
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 Gills Creek Watershed Association ($4484)

• Goal: To assess the current water quality
 conditions downstream from the soon-to-
 come stormwater enhancements in Shandon
 and Rosewood.

 • Developed monitoring protocols, on
 boarded student interns, purchased all
 equipment.

 • First monitoring session was held in late
 September.

 • Data will be shared with GCWA and
 Adopt-A-Stream as appropriate.




 Packet Pg. 15
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 Indian Waters Council, Boy Scouts of America
 ($5000)
• Goal: To conduct a city-wide storm
 draining marking project on
 November 16.

 • Program will educate youth on
 nonpoint source pollution.

 • Each attendee will receive a
 collectible merit badge.

 • Storm drains will be marked with
 the City’s standard storm drain
 marker and a commemorative one
 from the event.


 Packet Pg. 16
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Jake Wehman, Ben Lippen School ($4420)
 • Goal: To educate students about the
 environmental impacts of using mass transit.

 • Hosted by Keep the Midlands Beautiful.

 • Project consists of community outreach,
 ads, promotions and events to familiarize
 students with The Comet.

 • Will distribute free passes to encourage
 bus riding.

 • Web site is complete, and group is
 making plans to table at local colleges
 and universities.

 • Project was recently featured on WIS TV’s
 Soda City Live.



 Packet Pg. 17
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 SC Public Health Association ($5000)
• Goal: To raise climate awareness among the
 college-aged group. This youth-led initiative
 empowers local change makers to address
 climate concerns for a sustainable future.

• With 84% of global youth worried about
 climate change, SCPHA seeks to identify their
 concerns to shape future decisions and
 research.

• Activities will address critical climate issues,
 including extreme heat and weather,
 recycling, food insecurity and the mental
 health impacts of climate disasters.

• Four youth are organizing the events, and the
 group hopes to reach hundreds of students.




 Packet Pg. 18
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Sowing Seeds into the Midlands ($5000)

 • Goal: To install hydro solar panels to provide
 water to Skylar’s garden.

 • The panels will utilize clean, renewable,
 low-cost energy to water the garden,
 located on the grounds of a City of
 Columbia police substation.

 • A community service garden where
 youth are able to complete court-ordered
 community service hours without a
 parent or guardian present.

 • Also serving as a Green Workforce
 Development project.




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USC Office of Sustainability Food Systems Intern
 ($5000)
 • Goal: To sponsor an undergraduate intern to
 engage with USC peers to raise awareness of
 the need for more sustainable food system
 practices.

 • Assist with the expansion of campus food
 recovery programs.

 • Coordinate a sustainable food production
 workshop.

 • Initiate a demonstration
 hydroponic/aeroponic gardening
 program.




 Packet Pg. 20
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 USC Office of Sustainability Home Weatherization
 ($4779)
• Goal: To create a free home weatherization
 program for Columbia residents.

 • Prioritizing low income households and
 homes in Columbia heat islands.

 • Providing low cost, high impact retrofits.

 • Increasing household energy efficiency
 by preventing elements of climate
 change from entering the home.

 • Currently establishing a partnership with
 Dominion Energy and identifying
 participants for the program.




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 What’s Next
• Groups will complete their projects by December 31.

• Reports are due in October and January.

• Groups will be doing pubic project presentations in January, TBD.

• We have applied for the additional $100,000 allotment. If and when we
  receive it, we will be ready to start recruiting new groups.




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MEETING DATE: October 22, 2024

DEPARTMENT: City Clerk

FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk

SUBJECT: Animal Shelter Update: Canine Pnuemovirus - Ms.
 Victoria Riles, Animal Services Superintendent
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:


ATTACHMENTS:
  #a: 2024_Oct22_CommitteeMeeting (PDF)




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Columbia Animal Services
 Pneumovirus Outbreak




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 What is Pneumovirus?
 • Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (CIRD), also know as kennel cough, encompasses
 many different pathogens, one of which is Pneumovirus (CnPnV).

 • Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, and in some cases-
 pneumonia.

 • Virus is easy to disinfect, but hard to control in overpopulated environments due to rapid
 transmission of aerosolized bacteria.

 • No vaccine, and no test without PCR paneling.

 • Shelters should invest in diagnostic testing when:
  The number of affected dogs increases above average baseline for shelter
  Explosive spread throughout population for a period of 2 weeks of longer
  Duration of illness is more prolonged
  Increased frequency of complaints from community
2




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 Action Plan
 • Spoke with experts and other municipal shelter directors
  Cynda Crawford, DVM, PhD – University of Florida
  Shelly Simmons, CAWA – Greenville County Animal Care
  Whitney Boylston, MPA – Lake County Animal Shelter


 • Limit intakes to emergencies only
  Sick, injured, animal cruelty, and legitimately aggressive

 • Create isolation space for new intakes
  Critically important that new intakes are not mingled with infected or exposed
 population

 • Quarantine, monitor and treat infected population
  Synchronize the infection by keeping infected and exposed together
  Considered cleared after 14 consecutive days with no new infected cases
3




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Current Status
 • Thus far the shelter has been able to successfully isolate
 all new intakes
  Thank you to the community for your understanding
  Thank you to Richland County for their compliance
 with our current requirements
  Thank you to our hard working staff who have
 embraced this challenge with grace

 • Currently, our population is segregated by dogs that have
 cleared the virus and those that are still receiving
 supportive care.

 • Based on the infection rate, we anticipate to be cleared
 and back to normal operations within the next 2-3 weeks.
  This is pending continuous cooperation from the
 community and our partners.
4




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Questions/Comments?




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MEETING DATE: October 22, 2024

DEPARTMENT: City Clerk

FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk

SUBJECT: Planted Wildlife Gardens Ordinance Update - Ms.
 Jessica Kinard, Esq., Senior Assistant City Attorney
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:


ATTACHMENTS:
  #a: Naturalistic landscaping (DOCX)




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 ORDINANCE NO.: 2024-076

 Amending the 1998 Code of Ordinances of the City of Columbia, South Carolina, Chapter 8,
 Environmental Health and Sanitation, Article VII, Weeds and Debris, Sec. 8-301, et seq.

 BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Council this ____ day of ____________, 2024, that
the 1998 Code of Ordinances of the City of Columbia, South Carolina, Chapter 8, Environmental
Health and Sanitation, Article VII, Weeds and Debris, Sec. 8-301, et seq,. is amended to read as
follows:

 Sec. 8-301. - Removal required.

 It shall be unlawful for the owner and/or occupant of property to fail to cut grass, weeds
and other overgrowth vegetation on property when the grass, weeds and other overgrowth
vegetation is of a greater height than one foot on the average, or to permit the property to serve as
a breeding place for mosquitoes, as a collecting place for trash and litter, or as a fire hazard, any
one of which situations is declared to be a nuisance. However, in accordance with Sec. 8-306
(below), if the area in question is a planned and managed naturalistic landscape, designed to
support pollinators, birds and other wildlife, these restrictions do not apply. It shall be the duty of
the owner and occupant to cut and remove all grass, weeds and other overgrowth vegetation as
often as necessary so as to comply with this section, unless the vegetation has been installed and
managed to support habitat. Vacant lots shall be cut at least three times per year, as required during
the growing season (April through September). Heavily wooded lots where equipment cannot
maneuver on the lot because of density of the area shall be trimmed within 20 feet of street right-
of-way and adjacent improved property and kept free of litter.


 Sec. 8-302. - Notice to remove.

 Whenever the public services department of the city, or its duly authorized agent or
representative, shall find that weeds or other rank vegetation has been allowed to stand upon, or
any such debris has been allowed to accumulate and remain upon, any lot or parcel of land in the
city, unless said vegetation is part of a planned and managed naturalistic landscape, the public
services department may serve notice upon the owner, lessee or occupant of the premises, or upon
the agent or representative of the owner of such land having control thereof, to comply with the
provisions of this article. It shall be sufficient notification to deliver the notice to the person to
whom it is addressed, or to deposit a copy of such notice in the United States mail properly stamped
and directed to the person to whom the notice is addressed, or to post a copy of the notice upon
such premises.
 (Code 1979, § 9-3022)


 Sec. 8-303. - Failure to comply with notice.




Last revised: 10/16/2024


 Packet Pg. 30
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 If the person to whom the notice is directed under the provisions of section 8-302 fails or
neglects to cause such weeds or other rank vegetation to be cut and removed or such debris to be
removed from any such premises within thirty days after such notice has been served, or deposited
in the United States mail, or posted upon the premises, such person shall be guilty of a
misdemeanor, punishable, upon conviction, in accordance with section 1-5.
 (Code 1979, § 9-3023)

 Sec. 8-304. - Removal by city on failure to comply with notice.

 Weeds, rank vegetation or debris existing on any property not removed pursuant to section
8-303 may be removed by a duly authorized agent of the city, and the cost of doing so shall become
a lien upon the property affected and shall be collected in the same manner as municipal taxes are
collected. This remedy shall be cumulative to other remedies, penalties or fines.
 (Code 1979, § 9-3024)


 Sec. 8-305. - Removal by city at request of owner or occupant.

 Upon the written request by the owner or the person in control of any lot or parcel of land
covered by this article, and the payment to the city for the services, the public services department
may enter upon any such lands and cut and remove the weeds or other rank vegetation or remove
such debris therefrom, the charge and cost of such service to be paid into the city treasury.
 (Code 1979, § 9-3025)

 Sec. 8-306. – Certification of naturalistic landscape or garden.

 In recognition of the environmental benefits of planned, managed, naturalistic landscapes
and gardens, the city recognizes the need for a deviation from strict code enforcement regarding
these properties.
 a) To assist with this, the city encourages any such garden to be certified as such by a
 reputable organization. Such organizations include, but are not limited to, South
 Carolina Wildlife Federation, Gills Creek Watershed Association, and Clemson’s
 Carolina Yard. Signage verifying compliance with these organizations’ standards
 is encouraged, but not required.
 b) Registration with City of Columbia Code Enforcement is required to maintain a
 naturalistic garden within the City. Owners or persons in control of such gardens
 shall contact Code Enforcement to provide vital information, such as address and
 contact information. Property owners must also provide evidence of certification
 with an organization such as those listed in subsection a or submit to a site visit by
 Code Enforcement. In such a visit, code enforcement officers shall look for “cues
 to care,” such as trimmed borders, signage, birdbaths, paths, and the like when
 attempting to determine if a potentially offensive property is actually a planned and
 managed garden.
 c) Owners or persons in control of naturalistic gardens remain subject to all other City
 ordinances regarding environmental health and sanitation as listed in the rest of



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 Packet Pg. 31
 4.a




 Chapter 8. Code enforcement retains the authority to issue notice and/or remove
 offending vegetation pursuant to both 802 and 803 above, as well as other
 subsections within this Chapter.


 Secs. 8-307-8-330. - Reserved.


Requested by:

Mayor Daniel Rickenmann _______________________________
 Mayor
Approved by:

_______________________________
City Manager

Approved as to form: ATTEST:


_______________________________ ________________________________
Deputy City Attorney City Clerk

Introduced:
Final Reading:




Last revised: 10/16/2024


 Packet Pg. 32
 4.a




Last revised: 10/16/2024


 Packet Pg. 33

HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
 MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2024


CALL TO ORDER

The Health, Social and Environmental Affairs Committee conduced a meeting on
Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at City Hall (Mayor's Conference Room),
1737 Main Street, Second Floor, Columbia, SC 29201. The Honorable Aditi Bussells,
Chair called the meeting to order at 1:17 p.m.

Attendee Name Title Status
Aditi Bussells Chair Present
Edward H. McDowell Member Present
Tyler D. Bailey Member Absent

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. Approval of the August 27, 2024 Health, Social, and Environmental Affairs
 Committee Meeting Minutes.

Upon a motion made by Dr. Bussells and seconded by Mr. McDowell, the committee
voted unanimously to approve the August 27, 2024 Health, Social, and
Environmental Affairs Committee Meeting Minutes.

PRESENTATIONS

2. Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Fund - Ms. Mary Pat Baldauf, Sustainability
 Facilitator and Ms. Payton Lang, Policy and Programs Advisor – Received as
 information.

Ms. Payton Lang, Policy and Programs Advisor explained that Mayor Rickenmann
attended COP 28 (UN Climate Change Conference) in Dubai last year. Bloomberg
opened up a challenge to include future leaders in the conversation by introducing
the Youth Climate Action Fund. Its purpose is to activate and fund youth led climate
initiatives. A selection committee was formed for the allocation of $50,000 in
funding.

Ms. Mary Pat Baldauf, Sustainability Facilitator shared about the YCAF award
recipients:

  Columbia College - repairing an outdated greenhouse
  Dreher High School - establishing native plant garden beds and educational
 programs

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 HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
 MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2024


  Gills Creek Watershed Association - assessing water quality at Devil's Ditch
  Indian Waters Council, Boy Scouts of America - marking storm drains
  Jake Wehman of Ben Lippen School - educating students on mass transit
 impacts on environment
  South Carolina Public Health Association - conducting workshops during
 Climate Resilience Week
  Sowing Seeds into the Midlands: installing hydro solar panels to provide
 water to Skylar's garden
  USC Office of Sustainability
 o Food Systems: sponsoring undergraduate interns to engage with USC
 peers raise awareness of the need for more sustainable food system
 practices.
 o Home Weatherization – creating a free home weatherization program
 for Columbia residents.

The next steps are to submit midterm reports by October 31, and for the groups to
complete their projects by December 31. We have also applied for an additional
$100,000 allotment for current grantees and additional applicants.

3. Animal Shelter Update: Canine Pnuemovirus - Ms. Victoria Riles, Animal
 Services Superintendent – Received as information.

Ms. Victoria Riles, Animal Services Superintendent provided an update on the
current outbreak of canine pneumovirus, which is detected generally by a severe
strain of kennel cough. The virus is easy to disinfect and dogs cannot be re-
infected. There is no vaccine or test for new incoming animals. The action plan
includes consulting with experts and other municipal shelter directors; limiting
intakes to emergencies only; creating isolated spaces for new arrivals; and
implementing quarantine measures. We are keeping new intakes out of the building
and will resume normal operations in two to three weeks.

There was discussion about symptoms; contagion risks; and community-based
sheltering during the closed intake period.

COMMITTEE DISCUSSION

4. Planted Wildlife Gardens Ordinance Update - Ms. Jessica Kinard, Esq., Senior
 Assistant City Attorney – Endorse for City Council Consideration.



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 HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
 MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2024


Ms. Jessica Kinard, Esq., Senior Assistant City Attorney provided an update on the
revised ordinance, noting changes to the certification and naming process for
gardens. Homeowners will be required to register their gardens with Code
Enforcement. By using cues to care, these types of garden can be identified easier.
We will have an existing list of people who are growing this kind of garden. Property
owners are also encouraged to get certified through organizations, such as the
South Carolina Wildlife Federation, and others that will be listed in the ordinance.
Code Enforcement will retain the authority to issue notices for overgrown gardens.

There was discussion focused on defining cues to care and educating Code
Enforcement staff.

The committee reached a consensus to endorse the ordinance for City Council’s
consideration.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 1:57 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:




Erika D. Moore Hammond, CMC
City Clerk




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