City Manager Spotlight – February 2018

By Teresa Wilson

 

The City Manager’s Spotlight provides details about what is happening in the City of Columbia in an effort to keep citizens informed about City operations. The City Manager’s Spotlight on February 2018 reflects important initiatives that will highlight major projects in the City of Columbia as well as events and upcoming meetings. Here is a snapshot of the February Spotlight.

 

1 February, 2018

City to Host fourth Quarterly Conversation on Fair Housing and Equal Access

The Community Development Department will host their fourth session of a quarterly conversation called “Speak Out! A Conversation on Fair Housing and Equal Access.” The quarterly conversations will address different issues regarding Equal Access/Fair Housing/Equal Opportunity.

During the fourth quarterly session the conversation will focus on Poor Credit History Preventing Homeownership Opportunities.

“Speak Out!” is a conversation with industry professionals, citizens and community activists aimed at addressing best practices and innovative techniques in educating the public on their Fair Housing rights.

What: City Community Development Fourth Quarterly Session of “Speak Out!”

Who: City of Columbia Community Development Department

When: Thursday, February 1, 2018 from 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM

Where: 3730 North Main Street, Columbia, SC 29203 (Woodforest National Bank Office)

For more information, please call the Community Development Department at 803-545-3373.

 

 

 

2 February, 2018

City to Hold Go Red Columbia Press Conference and Community Photo

What: Let’s have a heart to heart, about heart disease. The public is invited to participate in the City of Columbia’s Go Red for Women press conference and community photo op to help and support the women affected by heart disease, the number 1 killer of women.  This year’s press conference will be held on National Wear Red Day, Friday, February 2. The press conference will be hosted by Councilwoman Tameika Isaac Devine and a woman who is a heart attack survivor will be speaking to share her story. The Go Red for Women movement encourages awareness of this issue and action to help save lives. Both men and women are encouraged to wear red the day of the conference.

Where: City Hall, 1737 Main Street Columbia, SC, Council Chambers 3rd Floor

Who: The public and media are invited to attend.

When: Friday, February 2, 2018 at 12:00 pm

More Information: Contact the Public Relations and Media Department at 803-545-3020

 

 2 February, 2018

Eligible donors urged to join lifesaving team this winter: Help save lives at the Columbia Lifesavers ‘Hoop it Up’ Blood Drive on Feb. 2

Community members are invited to join the American Red Cross, City of Columbia and Mayor Steve Benjamin at the 8th annual ‘Hoop It Up’ Blood Drive. Donors are encouraged to roll up their sleeves at the blood drive on Friday, Feb. 2 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln St.

This blood drive comes as the Red Cross faces a winter blood shortage. Winter storms this month have forced many blood drives to cancel causing thousands of blood and platelet donations to go uncollected. Blood donations are urgently needed now so patients can continue to receive the lifesaving treatments they need. Right now, blood products are being distributed to hospitals as fast as they are coming in.

Blood is needed every day for patients with many serious medical conditions. Accident and burn victims, heart surgery patients, organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease may need blood products.

“We will always prioritize the health and wellness of our citizens,” said Mayor Benjamin. “I encourage everyone to come out on Feb. 2 and give the gift of life by donating blood in the annual ‘Hoop it Up’ blood drive. Your donation will make a difference.”

All presenting donors will receive an American Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

For more information or to schedule an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code famouslyhot.

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross. 

 

 

12-17 February, 2018

Fur-Ever Yours Pet Adoption Special

What: The Columbia and Lexington Animal Services will be holding a Fur-Ever Yours pet adoption special for $14 on February 12 – 17. The adoption fee includes spay/neuter, microchip, Feline Leukemia/Heartworm Test, initial vaccines and deworming.

Where: Columbia Animal Services, 127 Humane Lane, Columbia, SC and Lexington Animal Services, 321 Ball Park Rd, Lexington, SC

When: Monday, February 12 – Saturday, February 17, 2018

Cost: $14 per pet

Note: All of our pets need loving homes! To view other animals available for adoption, visit Columbia Animal Services at 127 Humane Lane, our Facebook page or Petfinder.com. Please refer to the ID number listed above when visiting the website.

 For more information about the adoption specials please call Columbia Animal Services (803) 776-7387 or Lexington Animal Services (803) 785-8149.

Upcoming Meetings

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals meeting will take place on February 13, 2018, at 10 a.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall.

Design and Development Review Commission 

The Design and Development Review Commission meeting will take place on February 8, 2018, at 4 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall

City Council Meeting

On February 6, 2018 City Council will hold work session starting at 2:00 p.m. and a City Council Meeting at 6:00 p.m., in the City Council Chambers.

On February 20, 2018 City Council will hold work session starting at 2:00 p.m. and a City Council Meeting at 6:00 p.m., in the City Council Chambers.

BPAC

On February 12, 2018 the monthly Bike Pedestrian Advisory Committee meeting will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Main Richland Public Library, 1431 Assembly St., in Room 213.