Administrative Policy Committee — Columbia, SC
Date: 2025-06-17
Time: 11:00

ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA
 TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2025


The Administrative Policy Committee will conduct a meeting on Tuesday, June 17,
2025 at 11:00 a.m. at City Hall (Mayor’s Conference Room), 1737 Main Street,
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 the meeting.

 The Honorable Edward H. McDowell, Jr., Chair
 The Honorable Aditi Bussells, At-Large ▪ The Honorable Peter M. Brown, District IV

Prior to entering the meeting, please silence all electronic communication devices. All presenters are asked to speak directly
 into the microphone for recording purposes.


CALL TO ORDER

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. October 15, 2024 Administrative Policy Committee Meeting Minutes

COMMITTEE DISCUSSION

2. Building Board of Adjustments and Appeals - Ms. Pamela Benjamin,
 CPM, Assistant City Manager for Administrative Services and Ms.
 Ashley Jenkins, MPA, Special Projects Coordinator

3. Renaming the Minority Business Advisory Council - Ms. Ayesha
 Driggers, Director of the Office of Business Opportunities

ADJOURNMENT




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ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA
 TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2025


The Administrative Policy Committee will conduct a meeting on Tuesday, June 17,
2025 at 11:00 a.m. at City Hall (Mayor’s Conference Room), 1737 Main Street,
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 the meeting.

 The Honorable Edward H. McDowell, Jr., Chair
 The Honorable Aditi Bussells, At-Large ▪ The Honorable Peter M. Brown, District IV

Prior to entering the meeting, please silence all electronic communication devices. All presenters are asked to speak directly
 into the microphone for recording purposes.


CALL TO ORDER

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. October 15, 2024 Administrative Policy Committee Meeting Minutes

COMMITTEE DISCUSSION

2. Building Board of Adjustments and Appeals - Ms. Pamela Benjamin,
 CPM, Assistant City Manager for Administrative Services and Ms.
 Ashley Jenkins, MPA, Special Projects Coordinator

3. Renaming the Minority Business Advisory Council - Ms. Ayesha
 Driggers, Director of the Office of Business Opportunities

ADJOURNMENT




 Page 1 of 1
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MEETING DATE: June 17, 2025

DEPARTMENT: City Clerk

FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk

SUBJECT: October 15, 2024 Administrative Policy Committee
 Meeting Minutes
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:


ATTACHMENTS:
 • APC_MN_10152024 (PDF)




Updated: 6/13/2025 12:56 PM Page 1
 Packet Pg. 2
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 ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2024




 Attachment: APC_MN_10152024 (9840 : October 15, 2024 Administrative Policy Committee Meeting Minutes)
CALL TO ORDER

The Administrative Policy Committee conducted a meeting on Tuesday, October 15,
2024 at City Hall (Mayor’s Conference Room), second floor, 1737 Main Street,
Columbia, South Carolina 29201. The Honorable Edward H. McDowell, Jr., Chair
called the meeting to order at 1:10 p.m.

 Attendee Name Title Status
 Edward H. McDowell Chair Present
 Aditi Bussells Member Present
 Peter M. Brown Member Present

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. Approval of the June 18, 2024 Administrative Policy Committee Meeting
 Minutes

Upon a motion made by Dr. Bussells and seconded by Mr. Brown, committee
members voted unanimously to approve the June 18, 2024 Administrative Policy
Committee Meeting Minutes.

COMMITTEE DISCUSSION

2. Boards and Commissions - Ms. Pamela Benjamin, CPM, Assistant City Manager
 for Administrative Services and Ms. Ashley Jenkins, MPA, Special Projects
 Coordinator

Ms. Pamela Benjamin, CPM, Assistant City Manager for Administrative Services
provided an update on the current status of boards and commissions. She noted
challenges with a lack of applicants. She suggested a work session to review the
handbook and emphasized the need for internal staff discussions to increase
awareness and broaden outreach to citizens.

Dr. Bussells asked that additional reminders be sent to Council for appointments to
boards and commissions.

There was discussion about the transition to online applications; committee
nomination process; vetting procedures; and the internal approval queue.




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 Packet Pg. 3
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 ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2024




 Attachment: APC_MN_10152024 (9840 : October 15, 2024 Administrative Policy Committee Meeting Minutes)
3. Plurality Voting System - Ms. Erika Hammond, CMC, City Clerk

Ms. Erika Hammond, CMC, City Clerk reviewed the current voting system and the
benefits and challenges of potentially changing it. The City of Columbia currently uses
the majority voting system which requires candidates to secure over 50% of the vote,
leading to runoff elections when no candidate achieves a majority vote. This system
has resulted in additional costs and can cause voter fatigue. South Carolina law also
allows for a plurality voting system where the candidate with the most votes win,
thereby eliminating the need for runoff elections.

There was discussion about the price differential for runoff elections; voter
participation; citizen benefits; voter commitment and engagement; and a citizen
survey.

There was consensus of the committee to consider a survey for citizen feedback on
changing the city’s voting system in the future.

4. Vehicles for Hire - Mr. William "Skip" Holbrook, Columbia Police Chief

Mr. William "Skip" Holbrook, Columbia Police Chief briefly addressed concerns from
a longtime taxi driver about the differences between taxicabs and ride-sharing
programs. The current taxicab regulations and requirements are outdated and some
fees are deemed unnecessary. He emphasized the need to maintain a registry for
individuals authorized to operate a taxicab within the city.

Sergeant Robert Uhall, Traffic Unit/Columbia Police Department shared the current
rideshare rules. In South Carolina, rideshares are considered Transportation Network
Companies and the regulations are similar to the city's existing rules. To drive for a
rideshare company in Columbia, drivers need to get a chauffeur's license from the
Columbia Police Department. Requirements include a South Carolina driver's license,
10-year driving record, criminal background check, notarized application, physical
exam, negative Tuberculosis test and drug test, and a hospitality class certificate. All
chauffeur’s permits must be renewed every three years and vehicles must be
inspected annually. He recommended extending the renewal period from three years
to 10 years.

There was discussion about the regulations for rideshare drivers; next steps for
incorporating changes in the ordinance; and a timeline for implementing changes.




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 Packet Pg. 4
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 ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2024




 Attachment: APC_MN_10152024 (9840 : October 15, 2024 Administrative Policy Committee Meeting Minutes)
ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 1:50 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:



Erika D. Moore Hammond, CMC
City Clerk




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 Packet Pg. 5
 2




MEETING DATE: June 17, 2025

DEPARTMENT: City Clerk

FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk

SUBJECT: Building Board of Adjustments and Appeals - Ms.
 Pamela Benjamin, CPM, Assistant City Manager for
 Administrative Services and Ms. Ashley Jenkins,
 MPA, Special Projects Coordinator
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:




Updated: 6/12/2025 9:25 AM Page 1
 Packet Pg. 6
 3




MEETING DATE: June 17, 2025

DEPARTMENT: City Clerk

FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk

SUBJECT: Renaming the Minority Business Advisory Council -
 Ms. Ayesha Driggers, Director of the Office of
 Business Opportunities
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:


ATTACHMENTS:
 • OBO MSBAC Memo (DOCX)
 • OBO_Minority _Business_Advisory_Council_Presentation_061725
 (PPTX)




Updated: 6/13/2025 10:56 AM Page 1
 Packet Pg. 7
 3.a




 Office of Business Opportunities
 1401 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201 • Phone: 803-545-3955




Date: June 12, 2025

To: City Council Administrative Policy Committee




 Attachment: OBO MSBAC Memo (10070 : Minority Business Advisory Council Update)
From: Ayesha Driggers, OBO Director

Re: Renaming of the Minority Business Advisory Council to the Mayor’s Small
 Business Advisory Council


The Minority Business Advisory Council (MBAC) was created in 2013. The purpose of the
Council is to collaborate with the City of Columbia’s Office of Business Opportunities
(OBO) to carry out responsibilities in the areas of economic development, employment,
procurement, training, and other matters affecting the economic vitality of the small
business community.

In light of recent changes with the current federal government administration, the
Minority Business Advisory Council wants to ensure the council continues its mission of
serving small businesses in Columbia. On April 9, 2025, the council took a vote to
rename the Minority Business Advisory Council to the Mayor’s Small Business
Advisory Council (SBAC). The vote was approved unanimously by the council.

Additionally, we would like to combine the Minority Business Advisory Council with the
Mentor Protégé Program (MPP) Advisory Committee. We have members of MBAC who
currently serve as members of the MPP Advisory Committee and both committees serve
the purpose of making recommendations to OBO for small businesses. This change will
assist SBAC in making recommendations regarding the Mentor Protégé Program with
insight from those who currently participate as a mentor or protégé.

We thank you for the consideration of this recommendation and if you need any
additional information, please let us know.

Sincerely,

Ayesha Driggers, Director
Office of Business Opportunities

Karen R. Jenkins, Chairperson
Minority Business Advisory Council

 www.columbiasc.gov
 Packet Pg. 8
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 Attachment: OBO_Minority _Business_Advisory_Council_Presentation_061725 (10070 : Minority
Minority Business Advisory Council
  Administrative Policy Committee
 May 6, 2025




 Packet Pg. 9
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 Attachment: OBO_Minority _Business_Advisory_Council_Presentation_061725 (10070 : Minority
Minority Business Advisory Council
 The Minority Business Advisory Council (MBAC) was created in 2013.
 The purpose of the Council is to collaborate with the City of
 Columbia’s Office of Business Opportunities (OBO) to carry out
 responsibilities in the areas of economic development, employment,
 procurement, training, and other matters affecting the economic
 vitality of the small business community.




 Packet Pg. 10
 3.b




 Attachment: OBO_Minority _Business_Advisory_Council_Presentation_061725 (10070 : Minority
 Current Members

• Allen Brown
• Jimmy Chao
• Karen Jenkins
• Anthony Lawrence
• Vanessa Mota
• Cheryl Salley
• Ronald Taylor
• Kadenia Williams Javis




 Packet Pg. 11
 3.b




 Attachment: OBO_Minority _Business_Advisory_Council_Presentation_061725 (10070 : Minority
 Recommendation

• On April 9, 2025, the council took a vote to rename the Minority Business
  Advisory Council to the Mayor’s Small Business Advisory Council.

• The vote was unanimously approved.




 Packet Pg. 12

ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2025


CALL TO ORDER

The Administrative Policy Committee conducted a regular meeting on Tuesday, June
17, 2025 at City Hall (Mayor’s Conference Room), 1737 Main Street, Columbia,
South Carolina 29201. The Honorable Edward H. McDowell, Jr., Chair called the
meeting to order at 11:00 a.m. and the following members were present:

Attendee Name Title Status
Edward H. McDowell Chair Present
Aditi Bussells Member Absent
Peter M. Brown Member Present

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. October 15, 2024 Administrative Policy Committee Meeting Minutes –
 Approved

Upon a motion made by Mr. Brown and seconded by Mr. McDowell, the Committee
voted unanimously to approve the October 15, 2024 Administrative Policy
Committee Meeting Minutes.

COMMITTEE DISCUSSION

2. Building Board of Adjustments and Appeals - Ms. Pamela Benjamin, CPM,
 Assistant City Manager for Administrative Services and Ms. Ashley Jenkins,
 MPA, Special Projects Coordinator – Endorse for City Council Consideration.

Mr. Todd Beirs, Commercial Plans Examiner/ Planning and Development Services
explained that the purpose of the Building Board of Appeals and the Building Board
of Property Maintenance Appeals is to review cases related to interpretations of
building codes. Both contractors and homeowners may bring matters before these
boards. He clarified that the Building Board of Appeals cannot override or disregard
the building code. The Building Board of Appeals focuses on construction, life
safety, fire, and structural concerns. The Property Maintenance Board of Appeals
hears appeals on decisions made by the Housing Official or notices of violations of
the International Property Maintenance Code, primarily focusing on how buildings
are maintained. He recommended keeping the boards separate, noting that
overlapping cases are rare and the individuals that lead these boards have
expertise in vastly separate fields.




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 ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2025


There was discussion about the process of reviewing cases submitted to the boards;
previous Council discussion about board combination; and the requirements for the
boards’ existence.

There was consensus of the committee to reestablish the Building Board of Appeals;
endorse recommendations for the appointment of current applicants; and advertise
for vacancies through the current process.

3. Renaming the Minority Business Advisory Council - Ms. Ayesha Driggers,
 Director of the Office of Business Opportunities – Endorsed for City Council
 Consideration.

Ms. Ayesha Driggers, Director of the Office of Business Opportunities provided an
overview of two advisory councils: the Minority Business Advisory Council (MBAC),
established in 2013 to collaborate with OBO on procurement, training, and small
business issues and the Mentor Protégé Advisory Council (MPAC), established in
2012 to review goals and make recommendations for the Mentor Protégé Program.
OBO additionally recommended merging MPAC with the newly named council and to
fill two MBAC vacancies with members of a current Mentor Protégé team.

There was consensus of the committee to endorse the renaming of the Minority
Business Advisory Council to the Mayor’s Small Business Advisory Council and to
merge Mentor Protégé Advisory Council with the Small Business Advisory Council.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 11:19 a.m.

Respectfully submitted:



Erika D. Moore Hammond, CMC
City Clerk




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