Health Social and Environmental Affairs Committee — Columbia, SC
Date: 2025-07-15
Time: 18:00

HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
 MEETING AGENDA
 TUESDAY, JULY 15, 2025


The Health, Social and Environmental Affairs Committee will conduct a meeting on
Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Busby Street Community Center, 1735
Busby Street, Columbia, SC 29203. 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 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. Approval of May 27, 2025 Health, Social, and Environmental Affairs
 Committee Meeting Minutes

PRESENTATIONS

2. EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Update – Mr. Jory Fleming, CPRG
 Planning Grant Manager; Mr. Gregory Spouse, Director of Research,
 Planning, and Development; and Ms. Jocelyn Falkenstine, CPRG
 Implementation Grant Manager/ Central Midlands Council of Governments

3. Beat the Heat, Plant a Tree: The Sequel – Mr. Brian Neiger, Superintendent,
 Forestry and Beautification

4. Bee City USA Initiative – Ms. Mary Pat Baldauf, Sustainability Facilitator

ADJOURNMENT




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HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
 MEETING AGENDA
 TUESDAY, JULY 15, 2025


The Health, Social and Environmental Affairs Committee will conduct a meeting on
Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Busby Street Community Center, 1735
Busby Street, Columbia, SC 29203. 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 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. Approval of May 27, 2025 Health, Social, and Environmental Affairs
 Committee Meeting Minutes

PRESENTATIONS

2. EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Update – Mr. Jory Fleming, CPRG
 Planning Grant Manager; Mr. Gregory Spouse, Director of Research,
 Planning, and Development; and Ms. Jocelyn Falkenstine, CPRG
 Implementation Grant Manager/ Central Midlands Council of Governments

3. Beat the Heat, Plant a Tree: The Sequel – Mr. Brian Neiger, Superintendent,
 Forestry and Beautification

4. Bee City USA Initiative – Ms. Mary Pat Baldauf, Sustainability Facilitator

ADJOURNMENT




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MEETING DATE: July 15, 2025

DEPARTMENT: City Clerk

FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk

SUBJECT: Approval of May 27, 2025 Health, Social, and
 Environmental Affairs Committee Meeting Minutes
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:


ATTACHMENTS:
 • #a: HSEAC_MN_052725 (DOCX)




Updated: 7/8/2025 4:14 PM Page 1
 Packet Pg. 2
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 HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
 MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2025


CALL TO ORDER

The Health, Social and Environmental Affairs Committee conducted a meeting on
Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at City Hall (Mayor's Conference Room), 1737 Main Street,
Second Floor, Columbia, SC 29201. The Honorable Aditi Bussells, Chair called the
meeting order at 1:01 p.m. and the following members were present:

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

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. Approval of April 22, 2025 Health, Social, and Environmental Affairs Committee
 Meeting Minutes – Approved

Upon a motion made by Mr. McDowell and seconded by Mr. Bailey, the Committee
voted unanimously to approve the April 22, 2025 Health, Social, and Environmental
Affairs Committee Meeting Minutes.

PRESENTATIONS

2. Climate Protection Action Committee Update - Mr. Bob Petriulius, Chair,
 Climate Protection Action Committee – Received as information.

Mr. Bob Petrulis, Chair/ Climate Protection Action Committee (CPAC) reported that
all CPAC seats are now filled, with Secretary Gretchen Lambert’s term ending this
year. CPAC continues to support the City’s 2036 clean energy goal by tracking
projects like the Canal Hydro Plant renovation, a proposed solar farm, city building
energy audits, and methane capture. The committee hosted a Climate Action Fair
with 300–500 attendees and is developing a public dashboard. CPAC also awarded
17 Bloomberg Youth Climate Leadership grants and advocated for updating the City’s
climate plan.

There was discussion about prioritizing benchmarks, LEED certification renewal, the
smart growth plan, and Bee Cities.




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 HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
 MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2025


COMMITEE DISCUSSION

3. Impact of Delivery Robots - Ms. Krista Hampton, Director of Planning and
 Development Services – Received as information.

Ms. Krista Hampton, Director of Planning and Development Services gave an
overview of autonomous delivery devices, which typically operate on sidewalks rather
than roadways. She noted one active operator, Starship Technologies via GrubHub
at USC and reviewed regulatory considerations, including weight, speed, automation
level, right-of-way usage, and local control.

Ms. Kelly Smith, Business License Administrator stated that the only current
requirement is a business license and the robots are restricted to campus delivery.

Mr. Clete Myers, USC Dining Services explained that the robots are maintained and
charged on campus, with human staff managing orders. The devices are programmed
to avoid pedestrians, navigate peak times like class changes, and they contribute to
campus job creation.

There was discussion about broader regulatory needs, insurance requirements,
concerns about competitive fairness, delivery radius, programming with GPS,
whether each unit needs a decal, the recording capabilities of onboard cameras,
weight of robots, damages to robots, a map of the service areas, and scheduling an
in-person demo.


ADJOURNMENT

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

Respectfully submitted:



Erika D. Moore Hammond, CMC, CPM
City Clerk




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 Packet Pg. 4
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MEETING DATE: July 15, 2025

DEPARTMENT: City Clerk

FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk

SUBJECT: EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Update –
 Mr. Jory Fleming, CPRG Planning Grant Manager;
 Mr. Gregory Spouse, Director of Research, Planning,
 and Development; and Ms. Jocelyn Falkenstine,
 CPRG Implementation Grant Manager/ Central
 Midlands Council of Governments
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:


ATTACHMENTS:
 • #a: EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Update__presentation (PDF)




Updated: 7/11/2025 3:03 PM Page 1
 Packet Pg. 5
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 EPA Climate Pollution
Reduction Grant Update




 Packet Pg. 6
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Fund for Municipal Solar + Smart Surfaces (S3)
Projects in the Midlands of South Carolina
Award: $8,739,181
Timeframe: November 2024 >>
November 2029
Awardee: Central Midlands
COG, in partnership with local
municipalities
Projects: 8 in Phase 1 (next
slide>>)
**Grant remains active and
obligated**



 2




 Packet Pg. 7
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Estimated Expenditures by Project
Partner Type/Desc IRS Direct Pay @ S3 Fund Tier S3 Fund Municipality Portion
 40% Remaining
City of Newberry Urban Tree N/A 2+3 $85,500 $57,000
 Canopy, 500
 trees @ $285
City of Columbia Public Works Cool N/A 2+3 $1,584,000 $1,060,000
 Pavements
 Pilots, 8.8MM
 ft2 @ +$0.30
Columbia Metro WWTP (Columbia 2 MW Solar @ $2,000,000 2+3 $1,800,000 $1,200,000
Water, Cayce Utilities, East Richland $5 MM
Utilities, Richland County Utilities) estimate
Kershaw County WWTP 0.5 MW Solar $430,000 3 $361,200 $283,800
 @ $2.15/watt
Town of Batesburg-Leesville WWTP 0.5 MW Solar $430,000 2+3 $387,000 $258,000
 @ $2.15/watt

Saluda County Solar 0.25 MW Solar $215,000 2+3 $193,500 $129,000
 @ $2.15/watt
Fairfield County Solar 0.25 MW Solar $215,000 2+3 $193,500 $129,000
 @ $2.15/watt
Eastover Solar 0.08 MW Solar $117,200 2+3 $105,480 $70,320
 @ $293,000
 estimate
Total $3,407,200 $4,710,180 $3,187,120




 Packet Pg. 8
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  Estimated Expenditure
Partner Type/Desc IRS Direct S3 Fund Tier S3 Fund Municipality Portion S3 Fund (W/o Tax Municipality
 Pay @ 40% Remaining Credit) Remaining Portion
 (W/oTax Credit)
Columbia Metro WWTP (Columbia 2 MW Solar @ $2,000,000 2+3 $1,800,000 $1,200,000 $3,000,000 $2,000,000
Water, Cayce Utilities, East Richland $5 MM
Utilities, Richland County Utilities) estimate



  Economic Value Map

1) Project would generate large savings
 on electric costs to power the facility.
 Simple rate of return estimated at
 ~10 years [NREL simple model]
2) Expected useful life of 30+ years
 leads to a long-term investment at an
 important facility
3) Maximizes the leverage available
 from obligated federal grant funds



 Packet Pg. 9
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 Partnership Model Tax Credit Implications
The following partners signed an MOU with no The budget bill passed by Congress and signed July 4th,
financial commitment and potential to 2025 eliminates the solar investment tax credit (ITC)
 that was planned to cover 40% of project costs.
withdrawal at any time to jointly explore the
project and issue an RFP. 1) ITC remains available IF projects “begin
 construction” by July 4th, 2026
 - Columbia Water 2) New “foreign entity of concern” requirements
 - Richland County *may* make the credit impracticable, even if it is
 - East Richland Utilities available. CMCOG is evaluating policy implications
 - City of Cayce Utilities against our grant terms and conditions (which
 require Build America, Buy America and may
The intention is for project partners to view RFP automatically avoid new FEOC rules)
submissions, and then decide on an expanded 3) Policy barriers imposed by Congress will probably
intergovernmental agreement to co-invest and impact the commercial solar sector in the next ~6
 months, which may make initial project estimates
share “profits” [i.e., avoided electricity payments] inaccurate.
proportionately.
 **In any case, the first step remains to issue an RFP
 and evaluate the project’s return on investment and
 benefits from bid submissions.** 5




 Packet Pg. 10
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Project Benefits

- Economic: project will reduce
 electricity bills at a high usage
 site for 30+ years

- Community: 15% of project’s
 energy savings will benefit local
 communities (e.g., water utility
 assistance fund)

- Health: reduced air pollution

- Land: opportunity for native
 plants and pollinator habitat
 underneath solar panels [100%
 grant funded]



 6




 Packet Pg. 11
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Estimated Project Timeline


 Inter-Governmental Post-Project Data
MOU + Pre-RFP Site Review Agreement + Contracting Collection


 Summer/Fall ‘25 Spring ‘26/Fall ‘27

 Spring/Summer ‘25 Fall ‘25 Spring ‘28/Fall ‘29


 Request for proposals Construction Oversight
 (RFP)


 7




 Packet Pg. 12
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 Jocelyn Falkenstine
 jfalkenstine@centralmidlands.org

Thank You Jory Fleming
 jfleming@centralmidlands.org

 Gregory Sprouse
 gsprouse@centralmidlands.org




 Packet Pg. 13
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MEETING DATE: July 15, 2025

DEPARTMENT: City Clerk

FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk

SUBJECT: Beat the Heat, Plant a Tree: The Sequel – Mr. Brian
 Neiger, Superintendent, Forestry and Beautification
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:


ATTACHMENTS:
 • #a: Beat the Heat_ Columbia Green Partnerships_presentation (PDF)




Updated: 7/8/2025 3:56 PM Page 1
 Packet Pg. 14
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City of Columbia
  Continued Partnership with Columbia Green
On the Beat the Heat – Plant a Tree “the Sequel”
The best time to plant a tree is 30 years ago; the second-best time is now.




 Packet Pg. 15
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 Original Beat the Heat Grant Overview
• Grant Applicant
 • City of Columbia
 • Columbia Green
• Funding:
• $295,000 USDA via Arbor Day Foundation supported by the Inflation Reduction Act
• Program/Goals:
 • 5-Year Goal:
 • 1,500 in Justice40 neighborhoods
 • 250 citywide via Columbia Green
 • 20 quarterly events:
 • Seeking 90 applicants per quarterly event
 • Lunch and education for community outreach
 2




 Packet Pg. 16
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 Beat the Heat Program Accomplishments
• Community Demand:
 • Over 1,000 tree requests in three educational and
 outreach sessions
 • 835 from outside grant coverage areas
• Columbia Green Response:
 • Overwhelming response
 • 835 trees
 • Additional Support:
 • $25,000 grants from International Paper
 • $61,200 in private donations
• Partnership Milestone:
 • 990 trees delivered in 6 months vs. 5-year
 projection
 • $43,100 of the federal grant money spent
• Grant cancelled in February of 2025 with only 3 quarterly events


 3




 Packet Pg. 17
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 Beat the Heat – Plant a Tree, “the Sequel” Proposed Plan
• Columbia Green presented a proposal to the City to continue the program
• Columbia Green Commitment:
 • Administer the program
 • Manage the application portals
 • Host quarterly educational and outreach events
 • Light refreshments
 • Pursue partnerships with other counties/municipalities
 • Actively seek additional grant funding for trees
 • Continue private fundraising through donations
 • Continue to develop educational materials


 4




 Packet Pg. 18
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 Beat the Heat – Plant a Tree, “the Sequel” Proposed Plan
• City of Columbia Responsibilities
 • Provide a venue for a quarterly educational and outreach event
 • Printing educational materials
 • Approximately $3000
 • Public Relations support
 • Logistical support for
 • Tree orders
 • Receipts
 • Delivery coordination within city limits
 • Tree delivery to property owners inside city limits
 • Approximately $4500 (Staff time and vehicle usage)
• Current funding levels can absorb the approximately $7500 costs associated with this proposal


 5




 Packet Pg. 19
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Questions




 Packet Pg. 20
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MEETING DATE: July 15, 2025

DEPARTMENT: City Clerk

FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk

SUBJECT: Bee City USA Initiative – Ms. Mary Pat Baldauf,
 Sustainability Facilitator
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:


ATTACHMENTS:
 • #a: Bee_City_Presentation (PDF)




Updated: 7/8/2025 3:59 PM Page 1
 Packet Pg. 21
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City of Columbia
 CPAC Driven
 Bee City USA Initiative
  Making the world safer for pollinators one city at a time.




 Packet Pg. 22
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 Bee City USA Overview
• Significance of the Initiative:

 • Pollinators are essential to food systems and healthy ecosystems
 • Support biodiversity, sustainability, and climate resilience
• Program Purpose:
 • Raise awareness and support for pollinator protection
 • Expand pollinator plantings on City properties
 • Increase community engagement
• Program Goals:
 • Conserve native pollinators
 • Thoughtful land management practice
 • Integrate pollinator friendly policies
 • Maintain Bee City USA commitments as outlined in the resolution
 2




 Packet Pg. 23
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 Bee City USA – Action Plan

• Designate a Sponsor and Liaison:
 • Sponsor: Climate Protection Action Committee (CPAC)

 • Liaison: City’s Sustainability Facilitator
• Form a Committee:
 • Minimum of five internal and external members
 • Chair: CPAC Appointee
 • Committee: Forestry and Beautification, Parks and Rec, CPAC, Columbia Green
 • Responsible for ensuring compliance with the Bee City USA Resolution
 • Establish a regular public meeting schedule
 • Coordinate efforts with Columbia Green



 3




 Packet Pg. 24
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 Bee City USA – Committee Responsibilities
• Committee Responsibilities:
 • Bee City USA Signage
 • At minimum one Bee City USA sign in a prominent location
 • Host an Annual Event
 • Integrate pollinator conservation into an existing City event
 • In conjunction with Beat the Heat “the Sequel”
 • Create a Dedicated Webpage
 • Attach a Bee City USA section to the CPAC website
 • Include the resolution, updates, and annual reports
 • Promote Native Plantings and Thoughtful Land Management
 • Reduce pesticide use
 • Inventory the City’s suitable properties for pollinator-friendly plantings
 • Provide a list of recommended native plant species

 4




 Packet Pg. 25
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 Bee City USA – City Council and Staff Action and Citywide Benefits
• City Council Action:
 • Resolution
 • Align with City Planning
 • Incorporate pollinator protection into Columbia Compass: Envision 2036
• Staff Action
 • Initial Application
 • $500 fee
 • Apply for Renewal
 • Each February apply for renewal of the City’s designation
 • Submit application, and the previous year’s Bee City USA report
 • $500 renewal fee
• City Benefits:
 • Help ensure the health of essential pollinators
 • Promote safe pest management
 • Heighten community awareness of biological diversity 5




 Packet Pg. 26
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Making the world safer for pollinators one city at a time.

 Questions




 Packet Pg. 27

HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
 MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, JULY 15, 2025


CALL TO ORDER

The Health, Social, and Environmental Affairs Committee conducted a meeting on
July 15, 2025 at the Busby Street Community Center, 1735 Busy Street, Columbia,
SC 29203. The Honorable Aditi Bussells, Chair called the meeting to order at 11:16
a.m. and the following members were present:

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

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. Approval of May 27, 2025 Health, Social, and Environmental Affairs
 Committee Meeting Minutes – Approved

Upon a motion made by Mr. McDowell and seconded by Mr. Bailey, the Committee
voted unanimously to approve the May 27, 2025 Health, Social, and Environmental
Affairs Committee Meeting Minutes.

PRESENTATIONS

2. EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Update – Mr. Jory Fleming, CPRG
 Planning Grant Manager; Mr. Gregory Spouse, Director of Research,
 Planning, and Development; and Ms. Jocelyn Falkenstine, CPRG
 Implementation Grant Manager/ Central Midlands Council of Governments –
 Received as information.

Ms. Jocelyn Falkenstine, CRPG Implementation Grant Manager/ Central Midlands
Council of Governments presented updates on the fully obligated $8.7 million S3
Fund grant, which runs from November 2024 to November 2029. Phase 1 includes
eight solar and smart surface projects, including a major solar installation at the
Columbia Metro Wastewater Treatment Plant. The project is expected to yield a 10-
year return on investment and a 30-year lifespan. She highlighted potential tax
credit impacts from recent federal legislation and a projected timeline.




 Page 1 of 3
 HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
 MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, JULY 15, 2025


There was discussion about the July 2026 deadline to secure a 40% solar tax
credit; interconnection delays with Dominion Energy; the project's potential to
reduce energy costs and air pollution; and a future pilot project for cool pavement,
guided by existing heat-mapping data.

3. Beat the Heat, Plant a Tree: The Sequel – Mr. Brian Neiger, Forestry and
 Beautification Superintendent

Mr. Brian Neiger, Forestry and Beautification Superintendent provided an update on
the original Beat the Heat, Plant a Tree grant. The goal was to give away 1,500
trees in Justice40 neighborhoods within five years and educate residents about the
importance of trees. Columbia Green also wanted to give away 250 trees in non-
Justice 40 areas within city limits. During the first six months, 990 trees were
delivered and $43,100 was expended. The grant was canceled in February 2025.
However, Columbia Green has decided to continue the program. He outlined
Columbia Green’s proposed commitment and the City of Columbia’s responsibilities.

There was discussion about tree removal along I-26; expenditure of grant funding;
funding for the sequel; the canopy program; and the removal and replacement of
Bradford pear trees.

There was consensus of the Committee to move forward with Beat the Heat, Plant a
Tree: The Sequel.

4. Bee City USA Initiative – Ms. Mary Pat Baldauf, Sustainability Facilitator –
 Endorsed for City Council Consideration

Ms. Samantha Cornell, Public Works Department intern presented an overview of
the Bee City USA initiative. She shared the proposed committee structure, annual
resolution requirements, and the environmental benefits of promoting pollinator-
friendly practices. She emphasized the program's role in biodiversity, sustainable
land management, and community engagement.

There was discussion about signage; pollinator friendly plants; fellow Bee-City
municipalities; and the resolution.




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 HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
 MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, JULY 15, 2025


There was also discussion about pending agenda items to include an update on
gateway signage; scheduling an autonomous robot demonstration and a Finlay Park
tour; update on the Three Rivers Greenway and Animal Services; and revisiting a
potential Night Market discussion.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 12:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:



Erika D. Moore Hammond, CMC, CPM
City Clerk




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