City Council Highlights | November 21, 2023

During the City Council meeting, City Council approved several items on the consent agenda that continue to invest in water and sewer infrastructure. Items 16 and 17 include important work to replace older and potentially malfunctioning fire hydrants. Items 19 and 20 are amendments to provide the final funding for a major sewer capacity project.

City Council has also approved another year of capital investment in the Stormwater Program (Item 18), including program management and condition assessment services.

City Council continues to invest in our neighborhoods. City Council approved Item #11, a new Construction Contract for the Randall Avenue Pocket Park- A pocket park will be constructed utilizing Community Development Block Grant funding. The park amenities include:

• Walking path loop
• Pavers
• Picnic shelter
• Sodded Greenspace
• Irrigation
• Split Rail Fence

City Council also approved the Parks and Recreation Master Plan (Item #10). The objectives of the Master Plan are to:

• Develop a Vision: Preparing for the future, while retaining the past.
• Develop Implementable Goals and Priorities: Focusing efforts on transforming conceptual goals into achievable priorities.
• Develop an Implementation Strategy for Park Facilities and Operations
• Develop a Financially Sustainable and Innovative Park System

Riverfront Park Improvements- There are several improvements to the amenities located at Riverfront Park that are in progress. Improvements to include:

• Removing and installing new deck board on pedestrian bridge
• Installing new (23) trash receptacles throughout the park
• Repainting cast iron fencing throughout the park
• Completing the renovation of the restrooms
• Replacing lights along the trail beginning at the South entrance on Laurel Street

Memorial Park Improvements- There are also several improvements in progress at Memorial Park, to include:

• Installed new flagpoles
• Installed skateboard inhibitors to prevent skateboarders from riding on the wall
• Removal and installation of ground lights are in progress
• Removal of bricks and installation of new concrete path around memorial

Owen’s Field Improvements- Owen’s field future improvements include:

• Removal of existing grass
• Grading and surface drainage
• Application of soil amendments for turf health and heavy field use
• New irrigation system
• Fine grading for safe playing surface
• Sodding with TifTuf Bermuda grass

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