Economic and Community Development Committee — Columbia, SC
Date: 2022-09-13
Time: 13:00

COLUMBIA ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
 MEETING AGENDA
 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2022


The Columbia Economic and Community Development Committee will conduct a meeting on
Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at City Hall (Mayor’s Conference Room), 1737 Main
Street, Columbia, SC 29201. For questions regarding the meeting, please contact the City Clerk
at (803)545-3045 or cityclerk@columbiasc.gov.

 The Honorable Joe E. Taylor, Jr., Chair
 The Honorable Will Brennan and The Honorable Tina N. Herbert

CALL TO ORDER
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION

1. Columbia Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (CDBE) Enhancement Program Report -
 Ms. Diane Sumpter, Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of DESA, Inc.

2. Mobile Food Market – Ms. Ashley Page Bookhart, MSW, Food Policy Committee

3. Grease Trap Rebate Program - Mr. Jeff Palen, Assistant City Manager/Chief Financial
 Officer and Mr. Clint Shealy, P.E., Assistant City Manager for Columbia Water

4. City Council Proposed Zoning Public Hearing Schedule - Ms. Krista Hampton, Planning
 and Development Services Director

5. Columbia Economic Development Department Action Plan Update - Mr. Ryan Coleman,
 Economic Development Director

EXECUTIVE SESSION

6. Discussion of matters relating to the proposed location, expansion, or provision of
 services encouraging location or expansion of industries or other businesses in the area
 served by the public body pursuant to §30-4-70(a)(5)

  Project Framework
  Wells Fargo
  Naman Hotel Vista
  Revisions to Programs Encouraging Commercial Development

ADJOURNMENT


 Page 1 of 1

COLUMBIA ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
 MEETING AGENDA
 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2022


The Columbia Economic and Community Development Committee will conduct a meeting on
Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at City Hall (Mayor’s Conference Room), 1737 Main
Street, Columbia, SC 29201. For questions regarding the meeting, please contact the City Clerk
at (803)545-3045 or cityclerk@columbiasc.gov.

 The Honorable Joe E. Taylor, Jr., Chair
 The Honorable Will Brennan and The Honorable Tina N. Herbert

CALL TO ORDER
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION

1. Columbia Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (CDBE) Enhancement Program Report -
 Ms. Diane Sumpter, Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of DESA, Inc.

2. Mobile Food Market – Ms. Ashley Page Bookhart, MSW, Food Policy Committee

3. Grease Trap Rebate Program - Mr. Jeff Palen, Assistant City Manager/Chief Financial
 Officer and Mr. Clint Shealy, P.E., Assistant City Manager for Columbia Water

4. City Council Proposed Zoning Public Hearing Schedule - Ms. Krista Hampton, Planning
 and Development Services Director

5. Columbia Economic Development Department Action Plan Update - Mr. Ryan Coleman,
 Economic Development Director

EXECUTIVE SESSION

6. Discussion of matters relating to the proposed location, expansion, or provision of
 services encouraging location or expansion of industries or other businesses in the area
 served by the public body pursuant to §30-4-70(a)(5)

  Project Framework
  Wells Fargo
  Naman Hotel Vista
  Revisions to Programs Encouraging Commercial Development

ADJOURNMENT


 Page 1 of 1
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MEETING DATE: September 13, 2022

DEPARTMENT: City Clerk

FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk

SUBJECT: Columbia Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (CDBE)
 Enhancement Program Report - Ms. Diane Sumpter, Founder,
 President and Chief Executive Officer of DESA, Inc.
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:


ATTACHMENTS:
  CDBE Enhancement Progam Final (PDF)




Updated: 9/9/2022 4:28 PM Page 1
 Packet Pg. 2
 CDBE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM



 1.a
 WATER PROJECT
Packet Pg. 3

 Attachment: CDBE Enhancement Progam Final (7878 : CDBE Enhancement Program Report)
 1.a



 CDBE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM REPORT




 Attachment: CDBE Enhancement Progam Final (7878 : CDBE Enhancement Program Report)
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
Overview 2
Columbia Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program (CDBE) 2
Labor, Licensing, Regulation (LLR) 3
Main Line Tap & Meter Installation 4
CDBE Subcontractor Program 4
Future Opportunities 5
Additional Resources 6
Taps Training & Demonstration Photos 7




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 Packet Pg. 4
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 CDBE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM REPORT




Overview
For more than a decade, the need for a diversified group of




 Attachment: CDBE Enhancement Progam Final (7878 : CDBE Enhancement Program Report)
utility contractors has increased consistently. City of Columbia
has worked diligently to attract qualified contractors.

The Request
Mayor Rickenmann is dedicated to ensuring inclusion and diversity. After a meeting with Todd
Corley of Corley Construction and understanding his journey, the drive for a more diverse
market in main line taps and meter installation became a priority. Mayor Rickenmann solicited
the help of several city officials and local business owners by calling a roundtable to discuss the
concern. In attendance were Assistant City Manager for Columbia Water, Clint Shealy; District 1
Councilwoman Tina Herbert; Tony Lawton of The CEBA Group; Todd Corley and Markus
Corley of Corley Construction; and Diane Sumpter of DESA, Inc.


As the team brainstormed ways to create an effective plan of action, Mayor Rickenmann asked
how do we attract a more diversified market of approved utility contractors. As it stood, the
issue that constrained most business lie within the qualifications criteria. Mayor Rickenmann
charged the group with creating a plan to increase the approval rate of qualified utility
contractors.


Columbia Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (CDBE)
After the roundtable discussion, the team began creating a plan to identify eligible contractors.
City of Columbia’s Office of Business Opportunities (OBO) suggested utilizing CDBE as a tool.


Created in December 2016, the Columbia Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program (CDBE)
was established to create a firm policy against discrimination in City-related business. As of
August 2022, the CDBE list provides approximately 90 approved businesses ranging from
professional and support services to construction and engineering.


Upon further review of the CDBE approved list, DESA learned that most of the usage by City of
Columbia had been construction related. Of the 45 listed contractors on the list, DESA contacted
those with waterline classifications through LLR.

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 Packet Pg. 5
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 CDBE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM REPORT


Labor, Licensing, and Regulation (LLR)
South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation provides licensure for
professional and trade workers. From medical doctors to barbers and plumbers, this department
has been assigned to ensure safe and healthy work environments. LLR certifies professionals
through training and examinations for their industries. To ensure the proper steps are taken, LLR




 Attachment: CDBE Enhancement Progam Final (7878 : CDBE Enhancement Program Report)
has created licensure requirements that professionals must comply with in accordance with state
guidelines.


State licensing requirements for general contractors to install water and sewer lines (WL) are:
  successful completing of technical exam
  a business management/law exam
  two years of experience within the last 5 years


Obtaining a WL license ensures that contractors are professionally trained and educated on the
dos and don’ts of the industry. Of the eligible and interested contractors contacted by DESA,
three, The Centric Group, A. James Global Services, and Farmer Construction, have moved
forward to begin the WL licensing process.

Main Line Tap & Meter Installation
Taps Requirements
 In addition to CDBE certification and LLR licensing, contractors must also obtain
 approval to be added to the Approved Contractors list. Criteria for the Approved
 Contractors list are five installations inspected by City of Columbia and a certificate of
 insurance.


Taps Training
 Todd Corley, who has previously installed taps, worked diligently in collaboration with
 DESA to coordinate a training session for utility contractors. DESA identified interested
 contractors while Corley coordinated with Ferguson Waterworks to organize the taps
 training demonstrations.


 On June 14, 2022, Ferguson Waterworks facilitated a live taps demonstration. In addition
 to the contractors, Mayor Rickenmann, Clint Shealy, OBO staff, and DESA staff attended
 the training. Todd Corley provided use of his equipment while Pat Ferguson and
 Hamilton Cox of Ferguson Waterworks created a tap.


 3

 Packet Pg. 6
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 CDBE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM REPORT



 The attending contractors were able to view a live demonstration of how taps are
 performed. They were able to ask questions about the equipment, materials, and process.
 Contractors included AOS Specialty Contractors, Inc., Carbra Construction & Design,
 Inc., The Centric Group, A. James Global Services, Inc., and CL Construction, LLC.




 Attachment: CDBE Enhancement Progam Final (7878 : CDBE Enhancement Program Report)
 Following the live demonstration, DESA continued to provide resources to the
 contractors who would like to become approved tap providers. DESA has identified
 Contractor Seminar in Ridgeway, SC as a resource for those who need assistance with
 exam preparation.

CDBE Subcontractor Program
City of Columbia and DESA have been working together to resolve concerns of approval
requirements and anticipate the CDBE Subcontractor Program being able to provide some relief.
The program’s focus is facilitating teams to bid on upcoming work, followed by inspections
from City of Columbia.


When identifying qualified companies, the goal is to identify companies that are CDBE-
approved as well as have waterline classification for possible partnership. Current partnerships
are:
 (1.) Corley Construction and Carolina Tap & Bore,
 (2.) AOS Specialty Contractors and GH Smith Construction,
 (3.) Capital City Utilities and Lake Murray Utilities

Companies considering partnering together are Master Builder Constructors and McClam &
Associates. Farmer Construction and The Centric Group are preparing to that the waterline exam
while Carbra Construction & Design considering the opportunity.


DESA continues to aid the qualification quest by keeping open communication with the
businesses and working with them to become licensed and approved. City of Columbia and
DESA continue to work together to address insurance requirements. DESA fully expects a
resolution that will be satisfactory to all parties.


Current Progress
Corley Construction and Carolina Tap and Bore currently have a contract to install a tap on a
church in Horrell Hill. They have requested City of Columbia to inspect the tap.


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 Packet Pg. 7
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 CDBE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM REPORT


Future Opportunities
City of Columbia expect to release the following projects under the CDBE Enhancement
Program.
  WM4690 Banbury (Whitehall): Design expected to complete mid-September.




 Attachment: CDBE Enhancement Progam Final (7878 : CDBE Enhancement Program Report)
 Expected to be routed to OBO and Procurement for to post for bid in late September.

  WM4683 Willow Run Apartments: Design expected to be complete by end of this
 month. CDBE participation calculations and review pending. Anticipate forwarding to
 OBO and Procurement for bidding in October.

  WM4679 Jefferson Place (St. Andrews): Design expected to be complete October.
 Anticipate forwarding to OBO and Procurement for bidding in November, possibly
 earlier.



Additional Resources and Attachments:
  CDBE Directory Chart - CDBE-Directory-08.25.2022.xlsx (live.com)

  LLR Website - SCLLR

  Approved Contractor’s Criteria - CDBE Criteria.pdf




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 Packet Pg. 8
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 CDBE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM REPORT


Taps Demonstration Photos




 Attachment: CDBE Enhancement Progam Final (7878 : CDBE Enhancement Program Report)
Left to right: Todd Corley, Corley Construction, Pat Ferguson, Ferguson Waterworks, Mayor
Daniel Rickenmann, Hamilton Cox, Ferguson Waterworks




Left to right: Pat Ferguson, Todd Corley, Hamilton Cox


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 Packet Pg. 9
 1.a



 CDBE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM REPORT




 Attachment: CDBE Enhancement Progam Final (7878 : CDBE Enhancement Program Report)
Left to right: Todd Corley, Corley Construction, Pat Ferguson, Ferguson Waterworks &
Hamilton Cox, Ferguson Waterworks




Pat Ferguson, answering questions of Mayor Rickenmann. Also pictured, city officials and
contractors in attendance.



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 Packet Pg. 10
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 CDBE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM REPORT




 Attachment: CDBE Enhancement Progam Final (7878 : CDBE Enhancement Program Report)
DESA, Inc. Diane Sumpter, engaging in the demonstration discussion.




 8

 Packet Pg. 11
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 CDBE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM REPORT




 Attachment: CDBE Enhancement Progam Final (7878 : CDBE Enhancement Program Report)




Asst. City Manager, Clint Shealy presents mainline tap program.




 9

 Packet Pg. 12
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MEETING DATE: September 13, 2022

DEPARTMENT: City Clerk

FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk

SUBJECT: Mobile Food Market - Ms. Ashley Page Bookhart, MSW, Food
 Policy Committee
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:




Updated: 9/9/2022 5:43 PM Page 1
 Packet Pg. 13
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MEETING DATE: September 13, 2022

DEPARTMENT: City Clerk

FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk

SUBJECT: Grease Trap Rebate Program - Mr. Jeff Palen, Assistant City
 Manager/Chief Financial Officer and Mr. Clint Shealy, P.E.,
 Assistant City Manager for Columbia Water
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:




Updated: 9/7/2022 10:00 AM Page 1
 Packet Pg. 14
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MEETING DATE: September 13, 2022

DEPARTMENT: City Clerk

FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk

SUBJECT: City Council Proposed Zoning Public Hearing Schedule - Ms.
 Krista Hampton, Planning and Development Services Director
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:


ATTACHMENTS:
  ZPH Hearing Schedule Memo (PDF)




Updated: 9/9/2022 10:29 AM Page 1
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Memo




 Attachment: ZPH Hearing Schedule Memo (7900 : City Council Proposed Zoning Public Hearing Schedule)
To: Teresa Wilson, City Manager and Erika Hammond, City Clerk
From: Krista Hampton, Director of Planning and Development Services
Date: September 8, 2022
CC: Missy Gentry, ACM - Development
RE: Zoning Public Hearing Schedule Proposal

In recent discussions on measures available to speed development approval, the schedule of meetings
for land use approvals, to include City Council Zoning Public Hearing (ZPH), came up as a topic for
review. Cases presented at ZPH meetings generally include text amendments and map amendments
(rezoning). Planning Commission hears and makes a recommendation on these matters prior to the
ZPH. While Planning Commission meets monthly, ZPH meetings only are held bi-monthly. This
schedule can lead to lost time for cases heard by Planning Commission in month one that are required
to wait until month three for the ZPH. A solution is to hold a ZPH every month. A few logistical
matters would need to be addressed to include the current City requirement to physically post and
advertise these matters 30 days in advance of the hearing.

If Council and Administration is amenable to this change, staff can develop a calendar and steps
necessary to implement the change.




 1136 Washington Street, Columbia SC 29201  T: 803.545.3425  KRISTA.HAMPTON@COLUMBIASC.GOV


 Packet Pg. 16
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MEETING DATE: September 13, 2022

DEPARTMENT: City Clerk

FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk

SUBJECT: Columbia Economic Development Department Action Plan
 Update - Mr. Ryan Coleman, Economic Development Director
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:


ATTACHMENTS:
  Economic Development Plan 09122022 (PDF)




Updated: 9/9/2022 5:43 PM Page 1
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Columbia, SC Economic Development Plan – July 2022

In April 2022, City Council finalized a set of seven Strategic Outcomes that focus on priorities to secure




 Attachment: Economic Development Plan 09122022 (7885 : Columbia Economic Development Department Action Plan Update)
the successful future of the City of Columbia. The following outcome is included that incorporates
aspirational goals for Economic Development.

Economic Growth - Columbia is a capital city with a competitive tax and fee structure that welcomes
new investment. The city’s business recruiters specialize in urban economic development and are willing
to go where it takes to bring back the best hospitality, retail, corporate opportunities, and investment
capital to Columbia, while project managers work simultaneously to help our small businesses and
entrepreneurs as well as those who have chosen to locate here.

Business Friendly Improvements

 1. Economic Development will proceed with assembling a ~15 person advisory board that will consist
 of a mix of existing business owners of various business size/types, developers, commercial
 brokers, geographies, and various other business community leaders. The group will also include
 members from the Columbia Council of Neighborhoods and a member from the Mayor’s Minority
 Business Advisory Council. The group will meet once per quarter to provide recommendations
 and feedback on where the City can continue to improve business friendly processes and
 procedures.
 2. Staff will provide increased support to create more predictability on the timing of permitting of
 projects to determine what steps the City can take to improve our customer interactions with
 developers and investors, and increase speed of approvals. Help determine if staffing levels are
 commensurate with where they need to be in order to maximize efficiency. Look at where we can
 more effectively utilize technology to increase efficiency. Determine and define optimum
 turnaround times for small, medium, and large project sizes.
 3. Relocation of the Economic Development Department to City Hall, which will provide better
 access to the Mayor and City Manager when working with prospects. Better leverage our
 leadership and key decision makers as an integral part of our business and investment recruitment
 process.
 4. Business Liaison position created in 2021 and moved to Economic Development staff.
 5. Keep City Council and the City Manager better apprised of issues that affecting business growth
 and development. Coordinate with other business facing City Departments such as the Office of
 Business Opportunities to make sure that we are identifying and addressing these challenges in a
 comprehensive manner.

Recruitment

 1. Prioritize the importance of our urban development targets and new capital
 a. Restaurant
 b. Urban residential
 c. Hotels
 d. Corporate office/Back Office
 e. Retail/shopping centers
 f. Grocery and food stores
 g. New capital and investment
 h. Businesses which utilize university for talent and operates in an urban environment



 Packet Pg. 18
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 2. Fill the newly created Business Recruitment position and structure the office to support the
 recruitment of urban infill projects and start-up recruitment. Create more recruitment and




 Attachment: Economic Development Plan 09122022 (7885 : Columbia Economic Development Department Action Plan Update)
 engagement opportunities that will involve the Mayor and City Manager into that process.
 3. Create data set to sell the City. Tap into our local higher education expertise such as the Darla
 Moore School of Business to create modern data sets and demographics that will aid in soliciting
 urban development targets. Use this information to create the newly updated pitch book for the
 City of Columbia.
 4. Targeted geographic development efforts, focused on a strong core and corridors where
 opportunities are most prevalent. Include priorities for developing high traffic pin corners and
 nodes. Focus on areas of opportunity for future growth such as North Main and Broad River Road,
 which are just as important as the continued focus on growing our downtown core.
 5. Leverage USC and our other local colleges for recruitment opportunities, targeting alumni,
 student parents, university affiliates, and others. Make sure that we are incorporating and
 involving all of our local colleges as much as possible. Include local college interns who can help
 assist with program development and execution. Identify opportunities to sell to students and
 others who have historical ties to Columbia.
 6. 2022 Targeted Conferences and Trade Shows – Identify and coordinate recruitment opportunities
 that the Mayor and City Manager can participate in as well.

 ICSC Southeast (retail) October 13-14 Atlanta
 ULI Fall Meeting October 24-27 Dallas
 Retail Live! Nashville October 26 Nashville
 SEDC Meet the Consultants November 16-17 Atlanta
 Area Development (Central SC) December 4-6 St. Petersburg
 Economix (site consultants) December 6-8 Dallas


Marketing – Establish Columbia’s competitive edge

 1. Per Council’s instruction, develop a new marketing strategy and collateral, using data set to sell
 Columbia.
 a. Leverage and continue promotion of the Business Friendly Improvements and Tax
 Modernization initiative
 b. A restaurant recruitment program is currently under development, and we will follow up
 upon draft of that with a new general recruitment packet for the City. Targeted
 recruitment efforts focused on markets within driving distance where staff can identify
 smaller, local or regional prospects with an interest in expanding to Columbia
 c. Reinstate video production projects such as the Developers Takes series, individual
 business showcases
 d. Leverage relationships with six colleges to help develop the strategy and program
 2. Implementation of the new email automation system (Pardot for Salesforce) is currently
 underway.
 3. Look for creative ways to promote inner city neighborhoods and to promote small business and
 make areas fun and walkable.
 4. Potential future addition of a research staff member to help assemble recruitment collateral.




 Packet Pg. 19
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Entrepreneurship – Tech, talent, and innovation, become a hub for creative business

 1. Continued support for GrowCo of the Boyd Community Innovation Center, partnerships with USC




 Attachment: Economic Development Plan 09122022 (7885 : Columbia Economic Development Department Action Plan Update)
 in tech and cybersecurity.
 2. Support and involvement with new initiatives such as the Builders and Backers program.
 3. Direct office involvement with the Growth Summit coming up on October 21-22.
 4. Concept for a Pitch Pilot – Where City and/or major employers present their most urgent unsolved
 problems in need of innovative solutions to local entrepreneurs and investors. A HBCU oriented
 pitch competition would also be a great concept to implement.
 5. Ongoing efforts to identify small business growth opportunities, and direct City staff and City
 Council support where needed to provide assistance and make policy changes.
 6. Finding ways to promote Founders Success Stories.

Existing business retention/expansion – Ensure community vitality

 1. Business retention and expansion outreach efforts that reach out to businesses of all types, sizes,
 and locations across our community and that also focus on assisting the growth of small, women,
 and minority owned businesses. Include City leadership in our retention calls and outreach efforts.
 2. Increased outreach to commercial realtors and developers.

Support City Council in the process of finding a solution to reduce the burden of commercial taxes

Measures of success:

  Business license number growth, year over year – quarterly updates
  Announced number of new jobs and capital investment (only tax paying)
  City center population growth year over year (quarterly updates), counted by new living units
 announced
 o Delivered within a specific boundary area, TBD
  Increased City revenue streams, property tax, accommodations tax, hospitality tax, water and
 sewer revenue increase, (taps and consumption from within city projects only)
 o Utilize targeted annexation efforts to maximize the impact of targeted growth




 Packet Pg. 20
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MEETING DATE: September 13, 2022

DEPARTMENT: City Clerk

FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk

SUBJECT: Discussion of matters relating to the proposed location,
 expansion, or provision of services encouraging location or
 expansion of industries or other businesses in the area served
 by the public body pursuant to §30-4-70(a)(5)
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:

PURPOSE:
Project Framework
Wells Fargo
Naman Hotel Vista
Revisions to Programs Encouraging Commercial Development




Updated: 9/9/2022 9:33 AM Page 1
 Packet Pg. 21

COLUMBIA ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
 MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2022

The Columbia Economic and Community Development Committee met on Tuesday, September
13, 2022 at City Hall (Mayor's Conference Room), 1737 Main Street, Columbia, SC. The
Honorable Joe E. Taylor, Jr., Chair called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. and The Honorable
Will Brennan and The Honorable Tina N. Herbert were present.

COMMITTEE DISCUSSION

1. Columbia Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (CDBE) Enhancement Program Report -
 Ms. Diane Sumpter, Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of DESA, Inc.

Ms. Diane Sumpter, Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of DESA, Inc. said we have
been working on the CDBE Enhancement Program Project for a long time. We have Todd
Corley, Diane Rushing and Mary Bell here. They are CDBE firms, licensed by LLR and ready to
go. The Mayor called us together to see how we can move this forward. It was determined that
the City of Columbia has a CDBE Program. There is a list of tap providers but there is no
diversity. We were charged with getting CDBE firms ready to lay taps. We used Mr. Ferguson’s
facility to demonstrate how to lay a tap. It is extremely costly to get insurance under the city’s
requirements. Clint and I met to see how we could get insured and licensed contractors to partner
with CDBE contractors. The city’s Engineering Department has sent several projects that are
ready to go. DESA was asked to put a program together and we worked with the Office of
Business Opportunities, the Engineering Department, and Clint Shealy. Today, we have three
projects and three diverse CDBE firms that are ready to go.

Councilor Herbert asked about the significance of being on the tap list.

Mr. Clint Shealy, P.E., Assistant City Manager for Columbia Water said we are very particular
about making live taps on our water system. We are protecting public health. We have a set of
qualifications and criteria. We have some folks who are well positioned to do that. We were not
realizing the opportunity for folks to demonstrate that they can purchase the equipment and that
they had the capabilities. This opens up a window of opportunity for folks to demonstrate that
capability then get on the tap list. Once they do, it is an entry to bid on any of our work and be
successful in pursuing that. I am excited about how we might move forward.

Councilor Brennan said this is wonderful for the taps. Will this same format overlay projects for
patching roads, water main leaks and other processes? I know we have subcontractors in place.
Can we use this same approach with that opportunity?



 Economic and Community Development Committee September 13, 2022 Meeting Minutes
 Page 1 of 8
 COLUMBIA ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
 MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2022

Mr. Clint Shealy, P.E., Assistant City Manager for Columbia Water said yes, we can. In order to
make main line repairs and fix our leaks, you need to be on that approved list because you may
have to do some wet work. Getting on the tap list is the first step then firms can become part of
our indefinite delivery contracting program. This expands our opportunities, as well.

Ms. Diane Sumpter, Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of DESA, Inc. added that
the city will send inspectors to inspect five projects in order to know that it is done well. We
have businesses ready to go. There may be a quicker path forward to what you are talking about.
Corley did taps with Trussell Brothers ten years ago. The contract will be awarded to the prime
with a large CDBE requirement. Corley is already on a project with a prime and the city will be
sending out an inspector. Give us three months, and you will see a complete and diverse tap list.

Councilor Taylor said I hope we build on the success of the tap program with some of the easier
things we do. The more of this we can subcontract to small, minority and startup businesses, the
better. The money was approved for Finlay Park and Mr. Simons is here. I hope we are able to
showcase our small and minority businesses throughout the City of Columbia and downtown.

2. Mobile Food Market - Ms. Ashley Page Bookhart, MSW, Food Policy Committee

Councilor Herbert said the city’s Food Policy Committee has been meeting for several years.
They recently rolled out the Food Service GIS map. It is time for the mobile food market project
to come to fruition. Ms. Page will give an overview of where they are currently. I recommend
that we send this to the Office of Business Opportunities or the Community Development
Department to come back with the best model for moving forward with this.

Ms. Ashley Page Bookhart, MSW, Food Policy Committee said we have seen a lot of grocery
store closures all over the United States. We want to bring in permanent grocery stores, but that
can take a while. This concept is in addition to recruiting and retaining more prominent grocery
store options across the city. A mobile food market is like a grocery store on wheels that can
bring fruit, vegetables, dairy, and other staple items to neighborhoods. We are hoping to have
meat, as well. We need to prioritize communities that don’t have access to healthy goods and
have lost grocery stores over the past few years. We have worked on this project for three years.
We drafted a business plan last year. The budgetary numbers are outdated and can be reduced to
make it more affordable. There are other funding sources available. We are hoping to work with
city staff to move forward. This ties in with our policy recommendations. People care about
healthy food access and entrepreneurship activities related to food. We want to work with a non-
profit or small business to move the mobile market forward.

 Economic and Community Development Committee September 13, 2022 Meeting Minutes
 Page 2 of 8
 COLUMBIA ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
 MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2022

Councilor Taylor asked the committee to consider the business friendly initiatives City Council
recently passed. These could help if people wanted to open neighborhood stores. We have made
it more economical. Look at recreating mom and pop type food stores in some of the areas.

Councilor Herbert said we are working with the HBCU technology challenge. We are trying to
see what certain communities need to do to become competitive for chain grocery stores with
respect to census numbers and per capita income.

Councilor Taylor said as a new process, we are going to vote on referrals for the record.

Upon a motion made by Ms. Herbert and seconded by Mr. Brennan, committee members voted
unanimously to refer the Mobile Food Market concept to the Office of Business Opportunities
for review. Recommendations on a path forward will be presented to the Economic and
Community Development Committee.

3. Grease Trap Rebate Program - Mr. Jeff Palen, Assistant City Manager/Chief Financial
 Officer and Mr. Clint Shealy, P.E., Assistant City Manager for Columbia Water

Mr. Jeff Palen, Assistant City Manager/Chief Financial Officer said we had discussions in
previous meetings on the Fats Oils and Grease (FOG) Forgivable Loan Program. Based on those
discussions, I met with staff in various departments to review improvements to the program. The
current program is a forgivable loan that covers half the cost at a maximum of $5,000. It is
funded through an allocation from the water and sewer fund. The new program will require City
Council's authorization through a resolution. It will still be for all food providers in the city. This
will be a rebate to cover the full cost at a maximum of $10,000. Funding will come from
hospitality tax collections from that particular food service provider. We will utilize half of their
actual monthly collections. For example, if they collected $1,000, the rebate to the provider is
$500 until we cover the full cost or the maximum amount of $10,000.

Councilor Brennan asked for the average amount a restaurant pays in hospitality taxes.

Councilor Taylor said more than $1,000 is collected in hospitality taxes in a year.

Councilor Brennan asked if this is for new systems.

Mr. Jeff Palen, Assistant City Manager/Chief Financial Officer said yes.



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Councilor Herbert asked if we will set a maximum number that will be allowed since we will be
pulling from the hospitality tax budget. There will be a budgetary impact because we won't be
collecting what we were collecting.

Councilor Taylor said the plan is to make this available to anybody that starts up. It has no
negative fiscal impact to the city. If it wasn't there; we wouldn't be collecting money. In the past,
we were taking money out of water and sewer and loaning it. It is a better program for our small
businesses. A grease trap can be the toughest thing to do. Today, it is difficult for a grocery
operator to not have some type of prepared food outlet. This will impact our ability to recruit
those small businesses, too.

Mr. Jeff Palen, Assistant City Manager/Chief Financial Officer said if you are good with moving
this program forward from the committee to Council, we will bring back a resolution to City
Council. Staff will complete the process and program changes and begin marketing the new
program. We will need direction from Council on how to utilize the remaining funds whether it
goes back into the water and sewer fund or utilized for this program. We anticipate full
implementation by January 1, 2023.

Councilor Herbert asked how many businesses have utilized the current program.

Mr. Clint Shealy, P.E., Assistant City Manager for Columbia Water said around eight. We rolled
it out during the pandemic and it wasn’t highly utilized. The original program was not for new
establishments; it was for remodels and that limited penetration. There’s over $70,000 remaining
from the original $100,000 in seed money.

Mr. Jeff Palen, Assistant City Manager/Chief Financial Officer suggested that we review the
current program with City Council, outline the advantages of the new program, and then bring
back a resolution for approval.

Upon a motion made by Mr. Taylor and seconded by Mr. Brennan, committee members voted
unanimously to refer a presentation of the Grease Trap Rebate Program to City Council for
review and consideration with the recommendation to return unused funds from the current
program back to the water and sewer fund.




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4. City Council Proposed Zoning Public Hearing Schedule - Ms. Krista Hampton, Planning
 and Development Services Director

Ms. Krista Hampton, Planning and Development Services Director said in discussing our
business friendly efforts, the issue of streamlining zoning public hearings came up. We only hold
the hearings every other month. Our ordinance requires us to advertise zoning public hearings for
30 days in advance of the meeting. The Planning Commission hears the matter that comes to
your zoning public hearing first and then it comes to City Council. Currently, if you come to the
Planning Commission in November, you have to wait until January to go to a zoning public
hearing. The idea is to hold a zoning public hearing every month. You will potentially get
projects through faster. Largely, they are rezonings and text amendments.

Councilor Brennan asked how that affects public notice signs on properties. What is the change
in time frame for that?

Ms. Krista Hampton, Planning and Development Services Director said we need to make sure
there are no conflicts between the Planning Commission, the notice and City Council. State law
requires 15-days’ notice and the city does 30 days. We are not proposing to change that unless
we need to make minor adjustments.

Councilor Brennan said we hear 12 cases on average and this would streamline it to six.

Ms. Krista Hampton, Planning and Development Services Director said while there is more work
each month, it is less of that work.

Councilor Herbert asked if this is easier for staff.

Ms. Krista Hampton, Planning and Development Services Director said it will be more work, but
it is not appreciable. Getting things done quicker offsets that greatly. We will draft a calendar
and bring it back to Council. We recommend that the hearing remain on the second meeting of
the month.

Ms. Teresa Wilson, City Manager asked if Mr. Taylor is going to refer this out as part of his
report to City Council.

Councilor Taylor said we will allow the City Manager to determine if she wants to discuss
matters at a work session or take it straight to a meeting.

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Upon a motion made by Mr. Taylor and seconded by Mr. Brennan, committee members voted
unanimously to refer the proposed Zoning Public Hearing Schedule to Council for consideration.

5. Columbia Economic Development Department Action Plan Update - Mr. Ryan Coleman,
 Economic Development Director

Councilor Taylor said at our last meeting we reviewed the city's reorganization plan for the
Office of Economic Development. You are going to review what came out of the meeting as the
revised final recommendations on how we will operate next year and going forward.

Mr. Ryan Coleman, Economic Development Director said this is not a significant deviation from
the last review. The plan outlines the strategic outcomes and Council's statement for economic
growth.

Councilor Taylor said a lot of this came from the retreat where all of Council participated with
senior staff.

Mr. Ryan Coleman, Economic Development Director reviewed the updated action plan which
focuses on the business friendly improvements that are underway; recruitment; marketing;
entrepreneurship; existing business retention/expansion; and continued support for City Council
in the process of working on tax modernization efforts and helping reduce the burden of
commercial taxes. Measures of success include tracking business license growth; new jobs and
capital investment; city center population growth year over year; and city revenue streams such
as property taxes, accommodations tax, hospitality tax, and water and sewer increases.

Councilor Herbert said Mr. Taylor was right, there is such a thing as a food store. She asked if
we could resume the business spotlights. Those businesses become ambassadors for the city.
This is very good and I look forward to the implementation.

Councilor Brennan said I want to see us be proactive by going out and creating the vision for
owners of neglected properties. I talked to you about the empty Family Dollar on Rosewood,
where the owner is not engaged. I would encourage you to pursue that with your new staff
throughout all of our corridors. This is a wonderful and well thought out plan. I can't wait to see
the milestones come together.

Ms. Teresa Wilson, City Manager said it would be great to have endorsement from the full
Council. I can bring it forth at a work session.

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Councilor Brennan asked if the Economic Development Office is going to form the advisory
board.

Mr. Ryan Coleman, Economic Development Director said we are breaking it out by small,
medium and large businesses. We want representation from the four districts and the Columbia
Council of Neighborhoods. There will be terms and we are open to recommendations from
Council.

Upon a motion made by Mr. Brennan and seconded by Ms. Herbert, committee members voted
unanimously to endorse the Columbia Economic Development Department Action Plan and ask
the City Manager to present the plan to City Council at the next work session.

Councilor Herbert said the Affordable Housing Task Force is working to develop training for
churches that are land banking. They need to know the steps for developing affordable housing.

Ms. Teresa Wilson, City Manager said we appreciate your hard work on this with us. We have
learned a lot through this process. Ryan has done a good job of looking at ways to streamline
while having a nimble team. We also want to streamline the partner agreements.

Mr. Ryan Coleman, Economic Development Director distributed a list of the partners with their
work assignments, action items, and the annual cost.

Councilor Taylor asked to schedule the matter for the October 11, 2022 meeting. We are learning
that we have to tell our story. We have a great story to tell with 55,000 college students and
efforts to better the soil conditions to grow our own headquarters and small businesses.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Upon a motion made by Mr. Brennan and seconded by Ms. Herbert, committee members voted
unanimously to enter into executive session at 1:55 p.m. for the discussion of item 6.

6. Discussion of matters relating to the proposed location, expansion, or provision of
 services encouraging location or expansion of industries or other businesses in the area
 served by the public body pursuant to §30-4-70(a)(5)




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 COLUMBIA ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
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  Project Framework
  Wells Fargo
  Naman Hotel Vista
  Revisions to Programs Encouraging Commercial Development

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was closed at 2:55 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:



Erika D. Moore Hammond, CMC
City Clerk




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