Health Social and Environmental Affairs Committee — Columbia, SC
Date: 2025-09-30
Time: 18:00

HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
 MEETING AGENDA
 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2025


The Health, Social and Environmental Affairs Committee will conduct a meeting on
Tuesday, September 30, 2025 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

CALL TO ORDER

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. Approval of July 15, 2025 Health, Social, and Environmental Affairs
 Committee Meeting Minutes

COMMITTEE DISCUSSION

2. Animal Services Update: Enforcement Staffing - Mr. Robert Anderson,
 Director of Public Works

3. City of Columbia Gateway Signage Update - Mr. Robert Anderson, Director of
 Public Works

4. Midlands Business Leadership Group Gateway Beautification Project – Mr.
 Robert Anderson, Director of Public Works

5. Canal Recovery: Resilient Water Supply Project - Mr. Clint E. Shealy, P.E.,
 Assistant City Manager for Columbia Water

ADJOURNMENT




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HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
 MEETING AGENDA
 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2025


The Health, Social and Environmental Affairs Committee will conduct a meeting on
Tuesday, September 30, 2025 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

CALL TO ORDER

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. Approval of July 15, 2025 Health, Social, and Environmental Affairs
 Committee Meeting Minutes

COMMITTEE DISCUSSION

2. Animal Services Update: Enforcement Staffing - Mr. Robert Anderson,
 Director of Public Works

3. City of Columbia Gateway Signage Update - Mr. Robert Anderson, Director of
 Public Works

4. Midlands Business Leadership Group Gateway Beautification Project – Mr.
 Robert Anderson, Director of Public Works

5. Canal Recovery: Resilient Water Supply Project - Mr. Clint E. Shealy, P.E.,
 Assistant City Manager for Columbia Water

ADJOURNMENT




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MEETING DATE: September 30, 2025

DEPARTMENT: City Clerk

FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk

SUBJECT: Approval of July 15, 2025 Health, Social, and
 Environmental Affairs Committee Meeting Minutes
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:


ATTACHMENTS:
  #a: HSEAC_MN_071525 (DOCX)




Updated: 9/19/2025 8:31 PM Page 1
 Packet Pg. 2
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 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.

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.

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


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.

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.




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


ADJOURNMENT

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

Respectfully submitted:



Erika D. Moore Hammond, CMC, CPM
City Clerk




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MEETING DATE: September 30, 2025

DEPARTMENT: City Clerk

FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk

SUBJECT: Animal Services Update: Enforcement Staffing - Mr.
 Robert Anderson, Director of Public Works
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:


ATTACHMENTS:
  #a: Gateway -MBLG Updates (PPTX)




Updated: 9/19/2025 1:26 PM Page 1
 Packet Pg. 6
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City of Columbia
  Public Works
 Animal Services




 Packet Pg. 7
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 Staffing
• Enforcement Staffing Consists of 5 Positions
  • 1- Officer Supervisor (Vacant)
  • 4- Officers (Filled)
 • 2 in Training
  • 1 Part-Time Veterinarian
  • 1-Kennel Supervisor
• New Web Page Design
• 2024 Live Release Rate
  • 82%
• Comprehensive Update

 2




 Packet Pg. 8
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City of Columbia
  Public Works
 Gateway Signage




 Packet Pg. 9
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4




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5




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 Installation Dates
• North Main at I-20
  • Secondary Non-lit sign
  • Currently set for October 30th
  • Press Conference
• Bull Street, Harbison and I-126 and Huger Street
  • Bull Street Lit
  • I-126 and Huger Street Lit
  • Harbison Non-lit
  • Foundations on November 12th – 14th
  • Sign installs on November 17th - 19th

Weather Dependent
 6




 Packet Pg. 12
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City of Columbia
  Public Works
Midlands Business Leadership Group
 MBLG




 Packet Pg. 13
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 MBLG Update
• Discussions 2019
 • Enhancement of Columbia's and Surrounding Area Corridors
 • Committee Selected 8 Areas
 • 302, From I-26 to entrance to Airport
 • Forest Drive at I-77, City of Columbia
 • Lexington I-20 at US 1, Lexington County
 • Harbison Blvd at I-26, Richland County and City of Columbia
 • Downtown Connector I-20 at I-277
 • I-26 at I-20, Richland and Lexington County
 • I-26 at I-77, Cayce
 • I-20 at I-77, Richland County
 • Funding
 • Hardware and Plantings
 • Lexington County $500,000 for Highway 302
 • MBLG Raised Additional Funding from Private Sources
 • Maintenance
 • Prorated Share Based on Population for Participating Agency's

 • COG (2022)
 • Taking the Project Lead
 • 302 has been Bid
 • October 10th Meeting
 • Discuss Project Timeline
 • Participating Agency’s/IGA’s
 • Future Projects/Funding


 8




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Questions/Discussion




 Packet Pg. 15
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MEETING DATE: September 30, 2025

DEPARTMENT: City Clerk

FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk

SUBJECT: City of Columbia Gateway Signage Update - Mr.
 Robert Anderson, Director of Public Works
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:




Updated: 9/19/2025 1:31 PM Page 1
 Packet Pg. 16
 4




MEETING DATE: September 30, 2025

DEPARTMENT: City Clerk

FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk

SUBJECT: Midlands Business Leadership Group Gateway
 Beautification Project – Mr. Robert Anderson,
 Director of Public Works
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:




Updated: 9/19/2025 1:28 PM Page 1
 Packet Pg. 17
 5




MEETING DATE: September 30, 2025

DEPARTMENT: City Clerk

FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk

SUBJECT: Canal Recovery: Resilient Water Supply Project -
 Mr. Clint E. Shealy, P.E., Assistant City Manager for
 Columbia Water
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:




Updated: 9/19/2025 1:33 PM Page 1
 Packet Pg. 18

HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
 MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2025


CALL TO ORDER

The Health, Social and Environmental Affairs Committee conducted a meeting on
Tuesday, September 30, 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 1:07 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 July 15, 2025 Health, Social, and Environmental Affairs
 Committee Meeting Minutes – Approved

Upon a motion made by Mr. Bailey and seconded by Mr. McDowell, the Committee
voted unanimously to approve the July 15, 2025 Health, Social, and Environmental
Affairs Committee Meeting Minutes.

COMMITTEE DISCUSSION

2. Animal Services Update: Enforcement Staffing - Mr. Robert Anderson,
 Director of Public Works – Received as information.

Mr. Robert Anderson, Director of Public Works provided an update on Animal
Services staffing and operations. The division currently has five enforcement
positions, with four filled and one supervisory vacancy. Recruitment has improved
following salary adjustments to match regional levels. A part-time veterinarian and
kennel supervisor positions remain open due to statewide shortages. The
department’s live release rate stands at 82%, with a goal to reach 85% next year.
He also noted the successful launch of the redesigned Animal Services webpage and
announced that Dr. Bonovich was recently recognized as the State’s Best
Veterinarian.

There was consensus of the committee to receive a compressive update in October.




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 HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
 MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2025


3. City of Columbia Gateway Signage Update - Mr. Robert Anderson, Director of
 Public Works – Received as information.

Mr. Robert Anderson, Director of Public Works presented visuals of the new
gateway and tertiary signage to be installed throughout the City. The presentation
included renderings of signs for North Main, Bull Street, Harbison, I-126, and Huger
Street, as well as new city logo signs to be mounted on light poles along Main
Street. He announced that the North Main sign near I-20 is scheduled for
installation on October 30, 2025 with additional sign installations at Bull Street,
Harbison, and I-126 planned for November 17–19, 2025.

There was discussion about the press conference; placement of light pole signs;
lighting signs; and plans for maintenance.

4. Midlands Business Leadership Group Gateway Beautification Project – Mr.
 Robert Anderson, Director of Public Works – Received as information.

Mr. Robert Anderson, Director of Public Works provided an update on the Midlands
Business Leadership Group (MBLG) beautification initiative. Formed under former
Mayor Benjamin, the group identified eight sites. The first project, along Highway
302 in Cayce, received about $1.2 million in funding, including $500,000 from
Lexington County. Regional partners include Columbia, West Columbia, Cayce,
Lexington, Richland County, and Forest Acres. He noted that the Forest Drive/I-77
project is next, with maintenance costs to be shared among participating
jurisdictions.

There was discussion about meeting with Council of Governments and overlapping
of signage.

5. Canal Recovery: Resilient Water Supply Project - Mr. Clint E. Shealy, P.E.,
 Assistant City Manager for Columbia Water – Received as information.

Mr. Clint Shealy, P.E., Assistant City Manager for Columbia Water provided an
update on the City’s Resilient Water Supply and recovery projects. Three major
efforts are underway to improve infrastructure following the 2015 flood:
replacement of the canal head gates, repair of the embankment and hydroelectric
station, and construction of an independent resilient water supply. The $12 million
head gate project, partially funded by a federal mitigation grant, is set to move
forward by year’s end following recent federal approval.

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 HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
 MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2025


The embankment repair, estimated at $60–80 million, will be fully funded by FEMA
and state matching funds with construction anticipated to begin in early 2026. The
$62 million resilient water supply project began construction in January 2025 and is
expected to reach substantial completion by spring 2027.

There was discussion about both alternative and supplemental funding.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 1:46 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:



Erika D. Moore Hammond, MMC, CPM
City Clerk




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