Council Legislative Committee — Columbia, SC
Date: 2025-08-19
Time: 10:00

COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA
 TUESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2025


The Council Legislative Committee will conduct a meeting on Tuesday, August 19,
2025 at 1:00 p.m. at City Hall (Mayor's Conference Room), 1737 Main Street,
Second Floor, Columbia, SC 29201. The meeting can be viewed 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 Daniel J. Rickenmann, Chair
 The Honorable William Brennan, District III ▪ The Honorable Aditi Bussells, 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 August 13, 2024 and September 17, 2024 Council Legislative
 Committee Meeting Minutes

COMMITTEE DISCUSSION

2. Federal Legislative Report - Mr. Ralph Garboushian, CapitalEdge

 i. FY 24/25 Federal Legislative Year in Review
 ii. Grant/Funding Updates
 iii. Looking Ahead


3. State Legislative Report - Mr. Kyle Michel, Kyle Michel Law Firm; Mr. Damon
 Jeter, Jet Corp Consulting Group, LLC; and Ms. Caroline Delleney, Due South
 Advocacy, LLC

 i. FY 24/25 State Legislative Year in Review
 ii. Funding Update
 iii. Looking Ahead
OTHER DISCUSSION




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 COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA
 TUESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2025

EXECUTIVE SESSION

4. Discussion of negotiations incident to proposed contractual arrangements
 pursuant to S. C. Code §30-4-70(a)(2)

 · Legislative Affairs

ADJOURNMENT




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COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA
 TUESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2025


The Council Legislative Committee will conduct a meeting on Tuesday, August 19,
2025 at 1:00 p.m. at City Hall (Mayor's Conference Room), 1737 Main Street,
Second Floor, Columbia, SC 29201. The meeting can be viewed 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 Daniel J. Rickenmann, Chair
 The Honorable William Brennan, District III ▪ The Honorable Aditi Bussells, 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 August 13, 2024 and September 17, 2024 Council Legislative
 Committee Meeting Minutes

COMMITTEE DISCUSSION

2. Federal Legislative Report - Mr. Ralph Garboushian, CapitalEdge

 i. FY 24/25 Federal Legislative Year in Review
 ii. Grant/Funding Updates
 iii. Looking Ahead


3. State Legislative Report - Mr. Kyle Michel, Kyle Michel Law Firm; Mr. Damon
 Jeter, Jet Corp Consulting Group, LLC; and Ms. Caroline Delleney, Due South
 Advocacy, LLC

 i. FY 24/25 State Legislative Year in Review
 ii. Funding Update
 iii. Looking Ahead
OTHER DISCUSSION




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 COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA
 TUESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2025

EXECUTIVE SESSION

4. Discussion of negotiations incident to proposed contractual arrangements
 pursuant to S. C. Code §30-4-70(a)(2)

 · Legislative Affairs

ADJOURNMENT




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 1




MEETING DATE: August 19, 2025

DEPARTMENT: City Clerk

FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk

SUBJECT: August 13, 2024 and September 17, 2024 Council
 Legislative Committee Meeting Minutes
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:


ATTACHMENTS:
 • CLC_MN_08132024 (DOCX)
 • CLC_MN_09172024 (DOCX)




Updated: 8/15/2025 4:47 PM Page 1
 Packet Pg. 3
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 Attachment: CLC_MN_08132024 (10355 : Approval of August 13, 2024 and September 17, 2024 Council Legislative Committee Meeting Minutes)
 COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2024

CALL TO ORDER

The Council Legislative Committee conducted a meeting on Tuesday, August 13, 2024
at City Hall (Mayor’s Conference Room) 1737 Main Street, Second Floor, Columbia,
South Carolina 29201. The Honorable Daniel J. Rickenmann, Mayor called the
meeting to order at 3:14 p.m.

Attendee Name Title Status
Daniel J. Rickenmann Chair Present
Will Brennan Member Present
Aditi Bussells Member Present

COMMITTEE DISCUSSION

1. Federal Intergovernmental Update - Ms. Debra DeHaney-Howard, CapitalEdge
 – Received as information

 i. Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Earmarks Update
 ii. Legislative and Agency Updates

Ms. Debra DeHaney-Howard, CapitalEdge, LLC shared updates on various funding
initiatives and projects. Senator Graham secured $10 million in the FY 2024
Appropriations Bill for the Assembly Street project and included an additional $3.5
million in the pending FY 2025 bill. Staff is currently working on the necessary
paperwork for these funds, with outcomes for the FY 2025 earmark expected post-
November elections. The FY 2024 Appropriations Bill also included $575,000 for the
Riverview Terrace water main replacement project. The City received four
competitive federal grants: $80,000 - Safe Streets and Roads for All Planning Grant;
$29,000 - Urban and Community Forest Grant; $8.7 million - Climate Pollution
Reduction Grants; and $5 million - Columbia Metropolitan Airport. Through the efforts
of the Mayor and City Council, further federal funding was secured including $32.6
million from Building Resistant Infrastructure and Communities Grant award, $9
million for backup generators, and $35.7 for repairs to the Columbia Canal.

There was discussion and emphasis on funding for housing; renovation and
weatherization; senior assistance; homelessness; Continuum of Care; and HUD
follow-up.

There was consensus of the committee to follow up with Congressional
representatives to advocate for strategic planning in addressing homelessness and
explore earmark opportunities for future projects.



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 Packet Pg. 4
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 Attachment: CLC_MN_08132024 (10355 : Approval of August 13, 2024 and September 17, 2024 Council Legislative Committee Meeting Minutes)
 COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2024


2. Local Intergovernmental Update - Mr. Laddie Howard, The Howard Association
 – Received as information

 i. Penny Tax Update
 ii. Municipal/County Update

Mr. Laddie Howard, The Howard Association reported that the Penny Tax has been
approved by City Council. Currently, Richland County is in the public relations phase,
focusing on community engagement. Additionally, efforts are underway to develop a
priority list that will align the needs and objectives of both Richland County and
Lexington County.

There was discussion about the penny tax committee needing representation;
funding for roads; and prioritizing connections with community partners and
neighboring municipalities.

3. State Intergovernmental Update - Mr. Kyle Michel, Kyle Michel Law Firm; Mr.
 Damon Jeter, Jet Corp Consulting Group, LLC; and Ms. Caroline Delleney, Due
 South Advocacy, LLC – Received as information

 i. Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Earmark Results
 ii. Legislative Update

Mr. Kyle Michel, Kyle Michel Law Firm shared the state budget items for Fiscal Year
2024/2025 that were secured for the City of Columbia:

 • Neighborhood Revitalization and Weatherization- $1,000,000
 • Marketplace at Congaree Pointe - $4,400,890
 • Five Points Parking Garage - $2,500,000
 • Five Points Project - $2,500,000
 • Quiet Zone – Infrastructure and Technology at Rail Crossings - $1,500,000
 • Fairwold Housing Assistance Program - $500,000
 • Belvedere & Greenview Neighborhood Revitalization - $1,000,000
 • Riverfront Park Trail Enhancements - $350,000
 • Assembly Street Railroad Grade Separation Project - $5,000,000
 • Bridge to the Greenway - $2,500,000
 • Beltline Community Improvements - $1,500,000

Dr. Bussells requested that items directly tied to the previously submitted priorities
be highlighted in the future.




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 Packet Pg. 5
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 Attachment: CLC_MN_08132024 (10355 : Approval of August 13, 2024 and September 17, 2024 Council Legislative Committee Meeting Minutes)
 COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2024

Mr. Kyle Michel, Kyle Michel Law Firm continued to report that the $13.8 million to
the local government fund within the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget was increased by
5% this year. The City of Columbia will receive $3.5 million from this fund. It was
noted that the return-to-work provisions for COVID response jobs were not included
in this year's House or Senate budgets. This reflects a shift in focus by the Governor's
Office toward moving on from the pandemic. Additionally, the recent tax exemptions
for affordable housing and rising insurance costs for restaurants were highlighted as
priorities for future discussions with lawmakers.

There was discussion about the retirement cap; effective communication with
legislators and community partners; impact on talent retention; speed/red light
cameras; working alongside DOT for funding needs; and public safety concerns.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 4:19 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:



Erika D. Moore Hammond, CMC
City Clerk




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 Packet Pg. 6
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 Attachment: CLC_MN_09172024 (10355 : Approval of August 13, 2024 and September 17, 2024 Council Legislative Committee Meeting Minutes)
 COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2024

CALL TO ORDER

The Council Legislative Committee conducted a meeting on Tuesday, September 17,
2024 at City Hall (Mayor’s Conference Room), 1737 Main Street, Second Floor,
Columbia, South Carolina 29201. The Honorable Daniel J. Rickenmann, Mayor called
the meeting to order at 10:04 a.m.

 Attendee Name Title Status
 Daniel J. Rickenmann Chair Present
 Will Brennan Member Present
 Aditi Bussells Member Present

COMMITTEE DISCUSSION

1. Automated Traffic Safety Technologies – Ms. Jessica Shand, The Southern
 Group – Endorsed for City Council Consideration

Ms. Jessica Shand, The Southern Group presented on behalf of Citizens for Safe
Streets, a non-profit advocating for Automated Road Safety Technology (ARST) to
reduce traffic deaths in South Carolina. The state leads in deaths per 100 million
vehicle miles. The technology now captures only the offender's license plate, not their
face.

There was discussion about privacy concerns; tickets enforcement in other states;
legislative pushback; need for action in school zones; potential champion to push bill
forward; bill language; and goals for the legislative session.

Mayor Rickenmann recommended presenting it to City Council as an opt-in option,
with a funding proposal and sharing a resolution with other municipalities.

Councilor Brennan suggested partnering with school districts for a pilot program.

There was consensus of the Committee to add Agenda Item 1 to Executive Session
for the October 1, 2024 City Council meeting.

2. State Legislative Watchlist for 2025 Session - Mr. Kyle Michel, Kyle Michel Law
 Firm; Mr. Damon Jeter, Jet Corp Consulting Group, LLC; and Ms. Caroline
 Delleney, Due South Advocacy, LLC – Received as information.




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 Packet Pg. 7
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 Attachment: CLC_MN_09172024 (10355 : Approval of August 13, 2024 and September 17, 2024 Council Legislative Committee Meeting Minutes)
 COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2024

Ms. Pamela Benjamin, CPM, Assistant City Manager for Administrative Services said
we are being proactive about some of the anticipated bills and state legislation on
the watch list. This is a list of staff recommendations and things from previous
legislative sessions.

Mr. Kyle Michel, Kyle Michel Law Firm provided an overview of the topics and bills
that are currently being monitored for the 2025 session.

Ms. Teresa Knox, City Attorney explained that under the current state law a dog bite
automatically results in liability, which applies primarily to pet owners but now
extends to shelters as well. There are no defenses available to the city in these cases.

Mr. Kyle Michel, Kyle Michel Law Firm explained that liquor liability insurance was
highly debated in the last legislative session, with significant challenges faced by
restaurants and entertainment venues in affording liability insurance. Currently, this
matter is under review by a study committee.

There was discussion about cities being united against effects on the hospitality
industry and small businesses; brown-bagging and disinformation; rising costs;
license reform and outdated liquor laws; businesses choosing other states; and
restaurant closings.

Mr. Kyle Michel, Kyle Michel Law Firm explained that vaping regulation has remained
on the list as a concern and asked for feedback. It was passed in the Senate but did
not move in the House.

Mayor Rickenmann raised concerns about the growing issue of illegal vaping
products. There is currently no effective regulation or enforcement in place. He
expressed particular concern about underage users.

There was discussion about the product registration; legality of vaping products and
additional federal authority in the bill.

Mr. Kyle Michel, Kyle Michel Law Firm explained H. 374, which involved municipal
election changes and trying to move elections to a different date. It passed the House
and the Senate amended and passed the bill, however the House never utilized the
Senate’s amendments to the bill.

There was discussion about reasons to change election dates.




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 Packet Pg. 8
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 Attachment: CLC_MN_09172024 (10355 : Approval of August 13, 2024 and September 17, 2024 Council Legislative Committee Meeting Minutes)
 COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2024

Mr. Kyle Michel, Kyle Michel Law Firm provided an explanation regarding S. 1017, a
bill addressing property tax exemptions for nonprofit housing corporations. He
emphasized the importance of passing this legislation to correct an oversight in a
2020 bill. The legislation aims to benefit nonprofit-owned developments that provide
affordable housing, making these projects more economically sustainable.

Mayor Rickenmann highlighted that some apartment complexes which were sold to
nonprofits are no longer being utilized for affordable housing as originally intended.
They are using the status to avoid being taxed instead of paying the full bill of sale.

Mr. Kyle Michel, Kyle Michel Law Firm discussed H. 4118 – Community Development
Tax Credits. This bill aims to extend a tax credit that expired on June 30, 2023 to
June 30, 2029. It was passed by the House in 2023 but did not move forward in the
Senate in 2024. The tax credits are used by community development organizations
to attract donations that support their funding efforts. The bill is expected to be
reintroduced in the future.

There was discussion about why it stalled in the Senate.

Mr. Kyle Michel, Kyle Michel Law Firm shared the anticipated topics for 2025:

 • S. 251 Worker’s Comp for First Responder PTSD
 • Short Term Rentals
 • Tort Claims Act Changes
 • Return to Work Proviso

Ms. Pamela Benjamin, CPM, Assistant City Manager for Administrative Services
explained that the proviso for law enforcement was removed along with provisos for
other essential employees. The proviso is important because of its impact on us as a
city. We had individuals working under the proviso before it was removed.

Dr. Tiniece Javis, Director of Human Resources noted that 13 individuals used the
proviso, which helps with recruitment, retention, and maintaining experienced
professionals. However, it poses a challenge for PEBA due to financial losses when
retirees continue working.

There was discussion about departments that utilized the proviso; recommendations
for talent retention and the retiree system; and applicable scenarios.




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 Packet Pg. 9
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 Attachment: CLC_MN_09172024 (10355 : Approval of August 13, 2024 and September 17, 2024 Council Legislative Committee Meeting Minutes)
 COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2024

Ms. Teresa Wilson, City Manager explained that lobbyists advocated for the proviso
in response to COVID. Last year, we realized that removing COVID provisions also
impacted employees' ability to return without restrictions, prompting us to focus on
removing this specific component separately.

Mr. Kyle Michel, Kyle Michel Law Firm shared the State Owned Road Maintenance
Standards.

There was discussion about leverage, partnerships, and beautification efforts.

There was consensus of the Committee to meet more often during the Legislative
session.

3. Review of Fines for Littering - The Honorable Aditi Bussells – Received as
 information

Councilor Bussells argued that a $50 fine is too low to hold people accountable for
illegal dumping and that increasing the fine would highlight its seriousness and
encourage behavioral change.

There was a discussion about the various types of littering; the challenges faced by
the city; evictions ; the approach taken by other municipalities; and the issuance of
citations.

There was consensus of the Committee on the need for improved communication
between lobbyists, staff, and committee members regarding bills and other
legislation, and agreed to meet more consistently during the legislative session to
ensure better coordination and timely updates.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 11:30 a.m.

Respectfully submitted:



Erika D. Moore Hammond, CMC
City Clerk




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 Packet Pg. 10
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MEETING DATE: August 19, 2025

DEPARTMENT: City Clerk

FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk

SUBJECT: Federal Legislative Report - Mr. Ralph Garboushian,
 CapitalEdge
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:

PURPOSE:
 i. FY 24/25 Federal Legislative Year in Review
 ii. Grant/Funding Updates
 iii. Looking Ahead




Updated: 8/15/2025 4:44 PM Page 1
 Packet Pg. 11
 3




MEETING DATE: August 19, 2025

DEPARTMENT: City Clerk

FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk

SUBJECT: State Legislative Report - Mr. Kyle Michel, Kyle
 Michel Law Firm; Mr. Damon Jeter, Jet Corp
 Consulting Group, LLC; and Ms. Caroline Delleney,
 Due South Advocacy, LLC
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:

PURPOSE:
 i. FY 24/25 State Legislative Year in Review
 ii. Funding Update
 iii. Looking Ahead




Updated: 8/15/2025 4:27 PM Page 1
 Packet Pg. 12
 4




MEETING DATE: August 19, 2025

DEPARTMENT: City Clerk

FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk

SUBJECT: Discussion of negotiations incident to proposed
 contractual arrangements pursuant to S. C. Code
 §30-4-70(a)(2)
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:

PURPOSE:
  • Legislative Affairs




Updated: 8/15/2025 4:41 PM Page 1
 Packet Pg. 13

COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2025


CALL TO ORDER

The Council Legislative Committee conducted a meeting on Tuesday, August 19, 2025
at City Hall (Mayor’s Conference Room), 1737 Main Street, Second Floor, Columbia,
SC 29201. The Honorable Daniel J. Rickenmann, Mayor called the meeting to order
at 1:10 p.m. and the following members were present:

 Attendee Name Title Status
 Daniel J. Rickenmann Chair Present
 Will Brennan Member Present
 Aditi Bussells Member Present

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. Approval of August 13, 2024 September 17, 2024 Council Legislative
 Committee Meeting Minutes – Approved

Upon a motion made by Mr. Brennan and seconded by Dr. Bussells, the Committee
voted unanimously to approve the August 13, 2024 and September 17, 2024 Council
Legislative Committee Meeting Minutes.

COMMITTEE DISCUSSION

Ms. Pamela Benjamin, CPM, Assistant City Manager for Administrative Services
acknowledged the team’s efforts during an unusual legislative year. Despite
challenges, there were several key successes. She thanked everyone for their hard
work in keeping the City’s priorities at the forefront throughout the session.

Ms. Payton Lang, Policy and Programs Advisory / Office of the Mayor shared that both
federal and state sessions were atypical and affected funding progress. She noted
that federal budget delays stalled the City’s community project requests, which have
been resubmitted. At the state level, the budget excluded earmarks to support a tax
reduction from 6.2% to 6%, though the City still received $3.703 million from the
local government fund. She emphasized the need for continued engagement and
advocacy to advance City priorities.




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 COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2025


2. Federal Legislative Report - Mr. Ralph Garboushian, CapitalEdge – Received as
 information.
 i. FY 24/25 Federal Legislative Year in Review
 ii. Grant/Funding Updates
 iii. Looking Ahead


Mr. Ralph Garboushian, CapitalEdge provided a federal legislative update. He noted
that none of the twelve FY2025 appropriations bills have passed, resulting in a
continuing resolution and no earmarks. He highlighted the Budget Reconciliation Law,
which repeals Inflation Reduction Act clean energy incentives, makes Opportunity
Zones permanent, extends New Markets Tax Credits, and raises the State and Local
Tax (SALT) deduction cap to $40,000. For FY2026, most House and Senate
appropriations bills are advancing, though completion before the September 30 fiscal
deadline appears unlikely. Both chambers plan to fund Community Block
Development Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership programs at prior-
year levels.

There was discussion about proposed Continuum of Care changes; federal
uncertainty; monitoring new legislation and executive orders; collaborating with
federal agencies on housing and homelessness; and shifts in competitive grant
funding.

3. State Legislative Report - Mr. Kyle Michel, Kyle Michel Law Firm; Mr. Damon
 Jeter, Jet Corp Consulting Group, LLC; and Ms. Caroline Delleney, Due South
 Advocacy, LLC – Received as information.

 i. FY 24/25 State Legislative Year in Review
 ii. Funding Update
 iii. Looking Ahead


Mr. Kyle Michel, Kyle Michel Law Firm highlighted several legislative updates. He
noted strong collaboration with City staff and the Columbia Legislative Delegation to
advance budget and policy priorities. He explained that all FY2025 state earmarks
were removed after action by the Senate Finance Committee and House leadership.
He also highlighted the statewide Hands Free and Distracted Driving Act which
became effective; liquor liability tort reform, which reduces insurance costs for
hospitality venues; the Underground Facility Damage Prevention Act, which grants
municipalities greater authority over utility digging enforcement; and H. 3292 Golf



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 COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2025

Cart Operation, which has been amended to give municipalities the ability to enact
golf cart operation ordinances within certain limits.

There was discussion about digital ID going into effect; liquor liability; operations for
golf carts in regards to business licensing; consolidation of state behavioral-health
and developmental-disability departments; regulation of vaping products and THC
consumables; state use of speed cameras; status of red light case study and
connecting with school districts; stiffer litter fees and penalties; increasing municipal
fines for criminal offenses; and upcoming dates for pre-filing in the House and the
Senate.

OTHER DISCUSSION

No additional items were discussed at the time.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Upon a motion made by Mr. Brennan and seconded by Dr. Bussells, the Committee
voted unanimously to enter into Executive Session at 2:35 p.m. for the discussion of
Item 4.

4. Discussion of negotiations incident to proposed contractual arrangements
 pursuant to S. C. Code §30-4-70(a)(2)

 · Legislative Affairs

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 3:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:



Erika D. Moore Hammond, MMC, CPM
City Clerk




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