City Council highlights | Tuesday, August 19, 2025

The City Council Meeting on August 19, 2025 started out with several proclamations, as well as special Key to the City presentations.

To begin, At-Large Councilwoman Aditi Bussells read a proclamation that proclaimed August as Breastfeeding Awareness Month, joining the national recognition of this observance to highlight the importance of breastfeeding education, support, and access to safe, informed infant feeding practices for all families. The City of Columbia is dedicated to improving maternal and child health outcomes and affirms that equitable access to breastfeeding resources is not only a public health priority, but also an economic and racial justice issue that impacts the well-being of our entire community. (Item #3)

Next, Mayor Rickenmann presented a Key to the City to Columbia resident Joshua Shumak, a nationally and internationally recognized leader, advocate, and public servant. Shumak has partnered with city agencies and cultural institutions to advance equity, cultural preservation, and public service, while also representing South Carolina’s Native American communities on global stages such as the United Nations. His leadership has brought resources, recognition, and lasting impact to Columbia and communities across the state. (Item #4)

The next Key to the City was presented to Arthur Faust, who recently celebrated 50 years of dedicated service to the City of Columbia. Since beginning his career as a Groundskeeper in 1975, Faust has served in multiple roles within Parks and Recreation, including Vehicle Maintainer, Small Engine Repairer, Community Parks Pool Maintainer, and currently Maintenance Technician. His half-century of service reflects an unwavering commitment to excellence, helping shape the City’s legacy while enriching the lives of countless residents. (Item #5)

During the consent agenda portion of the City Council Meeting, Council approved the Louisa Street Stormwater Pond Retrofit and Sewer Replacement Project, a nearly $3 million investment to rehabilitate a City-owned stormwater detention pond and replace and relocate existing sanitary sewer infrastructure. The project is designed to improve water quality in Smith Branch, one of Columbia’s largest urban streams. (Item #11)

Key components include converting the existing dry detention basin into a wet retention basin with added stormwater capacity, removing old fencing, vegetation, and debris, installing new fencing and a pond control structure, revegetating the site, and relocating sewer infrastructure to support the retrofit. Construction is expected to begin in the coming months and be completed by fall 2027.

Another key item approved for Columbia Water’s wastewater infrastructure was a $8.5 million contract renewal to support the annual rehabilitation of sanitary sewer lines across the City. This ongoing investment is critical to maintaining reliable wastewater services and ensures that the City’s infrastructure keeps pace with long-term growth and community needs. (Item #14).

The City of Columbia City Council also appointed several individuals to serve on various boards and commissions, including the Board of Zoning Appeals, Columbia Museum of Art, and Planning Commission. Service on these boards and commissions plays a vital role in shaping policy, guiding community priorities, and ensuring that residents have a voice in decisions that impact Columbia’s growth, quality of life, and future development. (Items #23-28).

To watch the full City Council meeting, visit: https://youtube.com/live/p2eBDJLEtcE.

To view all City Council agendas, visit: https://columbiacitysc.iqm2.com/Citizens/calendar.aspx

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