City Council Highlights June 20, 2023

In the presentation portion of the City Council meeting, City Manager Teresa Wilson presented a check to the American Heart Association. This money was raised through multiple fundraisers from City of Columbia employees, including a popcorn and lemonade sale, t-shirt sale, and a Heart Health Awareness initiative spearheaded by Parking Services. In addition, the City’s team participated in the Heart Walk on March 25.

This Council Meeting included Budget Ordinances- Second Reading, to raise revenue and adopt the budget for the City of Columbia for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2024.

City Council approved several items on the consent agenda that allow funding for repairs and renewals for Columbia Water.

City Council approved funding for water main repair and asphalt and concrete restoration services for this coming fiscal year. Four contractors will receive renewals to assist Columbia Water in repairing waterline leaks and malfunctioning fire hydrants as well as assist with asphalt and concrete restoration services following water and sewer infrastructure repairs (Items #22 and 23). The methodology of utilizing private sector resources continues to assist in providing increased response times and improved customer service.

City Council approved funding for renewals, extensions and new agreements for goods and Services for Columbia Water. Approval was granted to fund service agreements, including maintenance services for equipment at Columbia Water’s two treatment plants and wastewater treatment plant, as well as remote pumping stations. Necessary professional service agreements to support the operations of the water and wastewater utility were also included in the package. The funding also covers the purchase of required treatment compounds for the Columbia Water treatment plants to ensure excellent water quality and protect public health and the environment (Items #24, 25, 26).

City Council also approved a City-wide ban on the use of high PAH coal tar sealants. Effective July 1, 2023, the use of asphalt sealants and pavement products containing high polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), also known as high PAH coal tar sealants, are banned from use within the City limits (Item #27).  These products can be dangerous to public health and the environment, and alternate sealant products that are equally effective and do not contain the harmful PAHs are readily available. 

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/k5Wv4r37ULE

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