Columbia City Council meeting agenda Tuesday, October 7, 2025

The Columbia City Council will conduct a Regular Meeting on Tuesday,  October 7, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at City Hall (Council Chambers), 1737 Main  Street, Third 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 [email protected] if you have questions  regarding this meeting. 

The Honorable Daniel J. Rickenmann, Mayor 

The Honorable Edward H. McDowell, Jr., District II ▪ The Honorable William Brennan, District  III ▪ The Honorable Aditi Bussells, At-Large ▪ The Honorable Tina N. Herbert, District I The Honorable Peter M. Brown, District IV ▪ The Honorable Tyler D. Bailey, At-Large 

CALL TO ORDER 

EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 2:00 P.M. 

1. Discussion of negotiations incident to proposed contractual arrangements  pursuant to S. C. Code §30-4-70(a)(2)  

• Transit Center 

2. Receipt of legal advice relating to matters covered by attorney-client  privilege pursuant to S.C. Code §30-4-70(a)(2)  

• Ordinance No.: 2025-055 – Amending the 1998 Code of Ordinances of the  City of Columbia, South Carolina, Chapter 15, Parks and Recreation, Sec. 15- 5 User Fees 

3. Receipt of legal advice relating to a pending, threatened or potential claim  pursuant to S.C. Code §30-4-70(a)(2)  

• Elias F. Naassan v. City of Columbia (2024-CP-40-01736) 
• Estate of Muller v. City of Columbia v. Irmo Fire District (2025-CP-40-02870) • Stanley Smith, et al. v. City of Columbia (2021-CP-40-01317) 

REGULAR MEETING AT 4:00 P.M. 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 

INVOCATION

ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA 

PUBLIC INPUT 

Individuals are allotted up to three minutes to address City Council about items on  the agenda. Items requiring a public hearing cannot be addressed at this time. 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES 

4. Council is asked to approve the September 16, 2025 Work Session and  Regular Meeting Minutes.  

PRESENTATIONS 

5. Special Recognition – Mr. William “Skip” Holbrook, Police Chief / Columbia  Police Department  
6. Latino-Hispanic Business Day Proclamation – The Honorable Daniel J.  Rickenmann, Mayor  
7. Customer Services Week Proclamation – The Honorable Daniel J.  Rickenmann. Mayor  
8. Fire Safety Month Proclamation – The Honorable Daniel J. Rickenmann, Mayor  
9. National Community Planning Month Proclamation – The Honorable Daniel J.  Rickenmann, Mayor  
10. Black Expo Update – Mr. Darrin Thomas, President of Thomas Media Group,  LLC  

CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS 11 THROUGH 28 

11. Council is asked to approve the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Contract Renewal for  services related to the retention of Military Personnel, Services and  Operations located at Fort Jackson, as requested by the Economic  Development Department on August 26, 2025. Award to the Greater  Columbia Chamber of Commerce in the amount of $53,500.00. This firm is  located in Columbia, SC.  

Funding Source: Economic Development – Special Projects (5518419-638500). The  original budget amount is $53,500.00.

12. Council is asked to approve the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Contract Renewal for  Professional Services for Improvement and Operational Services within the  Downtown Business Improvement, as requested by the Economic  Development Department on August 26, 2025. Award to the City Center  Partnership in the amount of $70,000.00. This firm is located in Columbia,  SC.  

Funding Source: Economic Development – Special Contracts (5511301-638300). The  original budget amount is $70,000.00. 

13. Council is asked to approve a new Contract for Utilities and Operations at the  Recovery Community Center at Hope Plaza, as requested by the Homeless  Services Department on September 26, 2025. Award to Christ Central  Ministries, Inc., in the amount of $87,800.00. This vendor is located in  Columbia, SC.  

Funding Source: Rapid Shelter Homeless – Special Contracts (1014501-638300)  $87,800.00. The original budget amount is $87,800.00. This contract is funded  through the South Carolina Opioid Recovery Fund. 

14. Council is asked to approve the Contract Renewal for Emergency Notification  System Services, as requested by Columbia-Richland 911 Communications  on September 2, 2025. Award to Everbridge Systems, in the amount of  $115,565.03. The term of the contract is October 1, 2025 to September 30,  2026. This vendor is located in Columbia, SC.  

Funding Source: City of Columbia – Maintenance and Cloud Based Software Solutions  (1012701-632170) $57,782.52; Richland County – Maintenance and Cloud Based  Software Solutions (2082702-632170) $57,782.51. The original budget amount is  $115,565.03. 

15. Council is asked to approve the Purchase of Globe Turnout Gear, as  requested by the Columbia Fire Department on September 16, 2025. Award  to Newton Fire and Safety Equipment, Inc. using the HGAC Cooperative  Contract in the amount of $390,420.00. This vendor is located in Graham,  NC. 

Funding Source: City of Columbia – Fire Suppression- Safety Clothing and Supplies  (1012303-625900) $156,168.00; Richland County – Fire Administration – Safety  Clothing and Supplies (2082301-625900) $234,252.00. The original budget amount  is $390,420.00.

16. Council is asked to approve a new Contract for Uniform Apparel and Floor  Mat Rental Services, as requested by several City Departments on  September 15, 2025. Award to UniFirst Corporation using the Sourcewell  Cooperative Contract in an amount not to exceed $422,328.72. The initial  term of the contract will take effect upon issuance of the Notice to Proceed  with an end date nine (9) months from commencement and the option to  renew for four (4) additional one-year periods. This vendor is located in  Lexington, SC.  

Funding Source: Supplies – Uniforms and Clothing (6208956-624100). The original  budget amount is $422,328.72. 

17. Council is asked to approve new Sole Source Contracts for several City  Departments. Award to multiple vendors in the total amount of $622,710.00.  The initial term of the contract will take effect upon issuance of the Notice to  Proceed with an end date on June 30, 2026 and the option to renew for one  (1) additional one-year period. 

Item	Vendor and Location	Description	Amount
a.	Transworld, Inc.  North Charleston, SC	De-Energizing Testing for the Lake  Murray Water Treatment Plant, as  requested by Columbia Water on  September 5, 2025.	$57,750.00
Funding Source: Utilities Lake Murray Water Treatment Plant – Maintenance and Service  Contract (5516207-638200). The original budget amount is $57,750.00.
b.	Keefer Engineering, LLC  Columbia, SC	Concurrent Sewer Assessment and  Rehabilitation (CSAR-AI)   Investigation and Rehabilitation  Pilot program, as requested by  Columbia Water on September 17, 2025.	$462,000.00
Funding Source: Water and Sewer Capital Projects – Concurrent Sewer Assessment and Rehabilitation Investigation and Rehabilitation – Capital Project Costs. The original budget  amount is $462,000.00.
c.	G & I Security Company,  LLC  Columbia, SC	Security Services, as requested by  the Homeless Services Department  on September 25, 2025.	$102,960.00
Funding Source: Rapid Shelter Homeless – Special Contracts (1014501-638300). The  original budget amount is $102,960.00. This contract is funded through the South  Carolina Opioid Recovery Fund.
Total			$622,710.00

18. Council is asked to approve the Purchase of Vehicles for several City  Departments, as requested by the Fleet Services Division. Award to multiple  vendors using the North Carolina Sheriff’s Association Cooperative Contract  and South Carolina State Contract in the total amount of $791,775.00.  

Item	Vendor	Vehicles	Procurement   Method	Amount
a.	Versalift North  Carolina, LLC  dba Versalift   Southeast   Burlington, NC	One (1) 2024   Ford F-600   Versalift Aerial  Truck for the Fleet  Services Division,  as requested on  September 5,   2025.	North Carolina   Sheriffs’ Contract  #26-10-0422	$190,770.00
Funding Source: Capital Replacement – Auto, Trucks, Heavy Equipment-Capital (6308972-658500). The original budget amount is $190,770.00.
b.	AllSource   Enterprises, LLC dba Safe   Industries   Piedmont, SC	One (1) Rehab  Rescue Truck for  the Columbia Fire  Department, as  requested on   September 10,  2025.	North Carolina   Sheriffs’ Contract  #FES24-03-  Commercial Heavy  Rescue	$534,435.00
Funding Source: Capital Replacement – Auto, Trucks, Heavy Equipment-Capital (6308972-658500). The original budget amount is $534,435.00.
c.	COS Chevrolet,  LLC dba   Hendrick   Chevrolet  Charlotte, NC	Two (2) 2026   Chevrolet Equinox  LT for the   Wastewater   Treatment Plant,  as requested on  September 4,   2025.	SC State Contract  #4400037566	$66,570.00
Funding Source: Wastewater Compliance – Auto, Trucks, Heavy Equipment Capital (5516231-658500). The original budget amount is $66,570.00.
Total				$791,775.00

19. Council is asked to approve a new Professional Services Contract for Project  SS7664; Project Management and Oversight Services for Capital  Improvement Projects and Operations and Maintenance Projects, as  requested by Columbia Water on July 7, 2025. Award to Michael Baker  International, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $150,000.00. The initial term  of the contract will take effect upon issuance of the Notice to Proceed with an  end date two (2) years from commencement and the option to renew for one  (1) additional one-year period. This contractor is located in Columbia, SC.  

Funding Source: Engineering Wastewater Systems Improvement – Professional  Services (5516221-636600). The original budget amount is $150,000.00. 

20. Council is asked to approve the Purchase of a new Hydraulic Elevator at the  Lake Murray Water Treatment Plant, as requested by Columbia Water on  August 28, 2025. Award to TK Elevator Corporation using the OMNIA  Cooperative Contract in the amount of $211,375.71. This vendor is located in  Atlanta, GA.  

Funding Source: Water and Sewer Capital Projects – Lake Murray Water Treatment  Plant Elevator Upgrade – Capital Project Costs (5529999-WM488001-658650). The  original budget amount is $211,375.71. 

21. Council is asked to approve a new Construction Contract for Project SS6786;  Sanitary Sewer Manhole Rehabilitation Annual Maintenance Contract, as  requested by Columbia Water on May 12, 2025. Award to Vortex Services,  LLC, in an amount not to exceed $2,298,725.00. The initial term of the  contract will take effect upon issuance of the Notice to Proceed with an end  date one (1) year from commencement with the option to renew for three  (3) one-year periods. This contractor is located in Greenville, SC.  

Funding Source: Water and Sewer Capital Projects – Annual Gravity Sewer Manhole  Lining – Capital Project Costs (5529999-SS678626-658650). The original budget  amount is $2,298,725.00. 

Vortex Services, LLC, will provide rock removal and subcontractor coordination  services at 80.10% ($1,841,278.73) of the total contract amount.  

The following subcontractors will provide additional services: 

ProCoat, Inc. a Minority Business Enterprise (W), located in Winston Salem, NC, will  provide manhole rehabilitation services at 2.20% ($50,571.95) of the total contract  amount. 

Keefer Engineering, LLC, a Minority Business Enterprise (W), located in Lexington,  SC, will provide manhole inspection services at 9.80% ($225,275.05) of the total  contract amount.  

D.E. Walker Construction, Co., located in Charlotte, NC, will provide open cut  manhole services at 7.90% ($181,599.27) of the total contract amount.  

22. ANNEXATION, FUTURE LAND USE MAP AMENDMENT, AND ZONING MAP  AMENDMENT for 3404 Two Notch Road, 3422 Two Notch Road, and 1138  Head Street, TMS# 14102-06-23  

Ordinance No.: 2025-074 – Annexing 3404 Two Notch Road, 3422 Two Notch Road,  and 1138 Head Street, Richland County TMS # 14102-06-23 into the City of  Columbia, South Carolina, and Incorporating said property into Columbia Compass:  Envision 2036 and the Official Zoning Map 

Proposal: Request to annex the property, assign the land use classification of  Community Activity Corridor (AC-2) and assign zoning of Community Activity  Center/Corridor District (CAC) for a pending annexation. The property is currently  classified as Mixed Residential (High Density) and zoned General Commercial (GC)  by Richland County. 

Council District: 2 

Applicant: Joseph McDougall 

Staff Recommendation: Approval 

PC Recommendation: 08/14/2025; Approval (5-0) 

First reading approval was given on September 16, 2025. 

23. ZONING MAP AMENDMENT for Portion of 151 Clemson Road, TMS# 25705- 07-27 (portion)  

Ordinance No.: 2025-075- Amending the Official Zoning Map to modify the zoning  for portion of 151 Clemson Road, Richland County TMS # 25705-07-27 (portion) 

Proposal: Request to rezone the property from Mixed Use District (MU-2) to Mixed  Use District (MU-2), Outdoor Advertising Sign Overlay District (OV-OAS) to allow an  outdoor advertising (billboard) sign. 

Council District: 4 

Applicant: Mason Sullivan, Lamar Advertising of Columbia 

Staff Recommendation: Denial  

PC Recommendation: 08/14/2025; Approval (4-2) 

First reading approval was given on September 16, 2025.  

24. Amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance to include 2608 Cardinal  Street, TMS#09114-02-24, as a Type 3 Landmark  

Ordinance No.: 2025-073 – Amending the Unified Development Ordinance of the City  of Columbia, South Carolina, Appendix C: Type 3 Landmarks 

Proposal: Amend the Unified Development Ordinance, Chapter 17, Appendix C: Type  3 Landmarks to establish the property as a City of Columbia Landmark. 

Council District: 1 

Applicant: Andrew Livengood, Zoning Administrator, Planning & Development  Services 

Staff Recommendation: Approval 

PC Recommendation: 08/14/2025; Approval (5-0) 

D/DRC Recommendation: 08/21/2025; Approval (6-0) 

First reading approval was given on September 16, 2025. 

25. Ordinance No.: 2025-071 – Approval for Conveyance of Tract 15 (0.078 Acre)  Being a Portion of the Columbia Northeast Fire & Police Station located at  446 Spears Creek Church Road to the South Carolina Department of  Transportation for Spears Creek Church Road Widening Project; Richland  County TMS#25700-02-15 (Portion); CF#250-669  

First reading approval was given on September 16, 2025. 

26. Ordinance No.: 2025-072 – Amending the Business License Ordinance of the  City of Columbia to update the class schedule as required by Act 176 of 2020  

First reading approval was given on September 16, 2025.  

27. Ordinance No.: 2025-076 – Authorizing the City of Columbia, South Carolina,  to execute and deliver an equipment lease purchase agreement in the  amount of not exceeding $4,000,000 between the City and the Lessor  thereof to defray the cost of acquiring certain equipment; and other matters  relating thereto.  

First reading approval was given on September 16, 2025.  

28. Ordinance No.: 2025-077 – Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Leases  for Hazard Mitigation Grant Program/Housing and Urban Development Flood  Properties Acquired through the FEMA Disaster Relief and Emergency  Assistance Act for 1651 Roslyn Drive  

First reading approval was given on September 16, 2025.  

PUBLIC HEARING – ORDINANCE FIRST READING 

29. Ordinance No.: 2025-055 – Amending the 1998 Code of Ordinances of the  City of Columbia, South Carolina, Chapter 15, Parks and Recreation, Sec. 15- 5 User Fees  

PUBLIC HEARING – RESIDENTIAL PARKING PERMIT DISTRICT 

30. Resolution No.: R-2025-069 – Designating Hollywood/Rosehill Neighborhood  a Residential Parking Permit District 

ORDINANCES – FIRST READING 

31. Ordinance No.: 2025-080 – Approval for Granting an Easement to Dominion  Energy South Carolina, Inc. along Circleview Road and a portion of city owned property located on the southwestern side of Circleview Road for the  Lower Crane Creek Equalization Storage Facility and Pump Station; Richland  County TMS#07414-04-01 and between TMS#07414-04 & TMS#09203-01;  CIP Project #SS7560; CF#250-673  

RESOLUTIONS 

32. Resolution No.: R-2025-063 – Authorizing the City Manager to execute the  Bull and Elmwood Relocation Services and Other Work in Progress Agreement  between the City of Columbia and Dominion Energy South Carolina Inc.  
33. Resolution No.: R-2025-070 – Approving the Installation of the Lincoln Street  Tunnel North Entrance Mural Project  

Endorsed by the Arts, Historic Preservation & Philanthropy Committee on September  23, 2025. 

EVENT RESOLUTIONS 

34. Resolution No.: R-2025-065 – Authorizing consumption of beer and wine only  at Devine Night Out at the 2700, 2800, and 2900 blocks of Devine Street on  Thursday, November 13, 2025  
35. Resolution No.: R-2025-067 – Authorizing consumption of beer, wine, and  liquor at NEON Joy in Five Points on 747 Saluda Avenue, the perimeter  around the Fountain Plaza and 727 Harden Street Parking Lot on Friday,  November 21, 2025  
36. Resolution No.: R-2025-068 – Authorizing consumption of beer, wine, and  liquor at Vista Lights Annual Holiday Festival on Thursday, November 20,  2025  

APPOINTMENTS 

37. Council is asked to approve the appointment of Ms. Cherlyn Borjes as a full time Municipal Court Judge for a four-year term effective October 25, 2025. 

CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS, REFERRALS AND NEW BUSINESS 

PUBLIC INPUT 

Individuals are allotted up to three minutes to address City Council about matters  not on the agenda. Items requiring a public hearing cannot be addressed at this  time. 

ADJOURNMENT