City Council Highlights | July 18, 2023

During the presentation portion of the City Council meeting, a proclamation was presented for National Parks and Recreation Month. The City’s Parks and Recreation Department wants to recognize several events held in July. The Prime Time in the Parks GLOW Golf Party for teens took place on July 7 at the James Clyburn Golf Center, the 2023 Greenview Park Back to School Bash Build a Backpack event took place on July 15 and the Family and Friends Field Day Community Event for all ages that will take place on July 21 at Pinehurst Park. The Charles R. Drew Wellness Center was also recognized by the Free Times as “The Best Community Center in Columbia” as part of the “Best of Columbia” Contest 2023.

Also during the presentation portion of the City Council meeting, the City of Columbia announced that is has received a Gold Certification from the United States Building Council’s LEED for Cities Program. Columbia is the only City in South Carolina to achieve Gold certification and was the highest rated City in its cohort of peers participating in the program.

During the consent agenda portion of the meeting, City Council approved new contracts and amendments to continue investment in the water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure throughout the City and Columbia Water service area. Approved projects include water main improvements, sewer line rehabilitation and replacement, wastewater lift station improvements, thickening and chemical feed improvements at the Metro Wastewater Treatment Plant and the addition of stormwater bioretention basins.

City Council adopted a resolution to Incorporate Energy Efficiency Measures and Power all City of Columbia Owned and Operated Investments and Infrastructures with the Generation of an additional 75 MW of Energy from Non-Combustion Based Renewable Sources by 2036 (Item #46).  This resolution builds upon and adds some interim milestones to the previous resolution from June of 2017, often referred to as the Ready for 100 pledge.

Mayor Daniel J. Rickenmann also shared a brief video recap of some of the items discussed at the City Council meeting. View the recap here: https://youtu.be/G6ztxjCbFDY

For more information about upcoming City Council meetings or general information about the City of Columbia, please visit www.ColumbiaSC.gov.