City Manager’s Spotlight for April 2017

The City Manager’s Spotlight provides details about what is happening in the City of Columbia in an effort to keep citizens informed about City operations. The City Manager’s Spotlight on April 2017 reflects important initiatives that will highlight major projects in the City of Columbia. Here is a snapshot of the April Spotlight.

 

Volunteers Needed to Help Mark Storm Drains

The City of Columbia and Richland County are seeking community volunteers to help mark storm drains in April as a part of the “My River Starts Here” campaign.

Local waterways – creeks, streams, lakes and rivers – are affected by pollutants that flow into storm drains. To alert the public that rainwater is the only thing that should go down storm drains, volunteers will adhere round medallions to drains during Storm Drain Marking Month.

While the medallions for each local government differ slightly, both include the image of a fish and water with “No Dumping/Drains to River” stamped in large letters.

“It is important for the community to understand where our water goes after a heavy rain or flood event,” says Jennifer Satterthwaite, Utility Communication Coordinator for the City of Columbia. “It’s also important for residents to understand that litter, over fertilizing their gardens and lawns, and other pollutants left on the ground or poured into storm drains has a negative impact on our local streams and rivers.”

Stormwater pollutants – such as motor oil, construction run-off, chemicals, cigarette butts, and pet waste – can end up in local waterways and negatively affect water quality and harm aquatic plants and fish.

Another way City residents can help protect area waterways is to help keep storm drains free of debris.

“Leaves, litter, and yard waste can clog drains and lead to flooding,” Satterthwaite said. “Taking a few moments to unblock a storm drain in your neighborhood by sweeping or raking away debris can help prevent street flooding and also protect nearby creeks and streams.”

To volunteer to mark storm drains, contact the City at 803-545-0184 or email [email protected]. To learn more about how to keep waterways clean or where to report a stormwater concern, visit www.MyRiverStartsHere.org.

 

 

City Community Development to Host Two-Part Homebuyer Workshop

The City of Columbia Community Development Department will host a two-part Homebuyer Workshop on Tuesday, April 4th and Wednesday, April 5th at the Richland County Library Southeast branch, located at 7421 Garners Ferry Rd., from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Two-Part Homebuyer workshop is 4 hours collectively. During the workshop participants will gain knowledge about the home buying process, and how to develop the skills needed to tackle money management, barriers to credit, and getting a mortgage loan.

This workshop is free and open to the public. Registration is required.

To register please visit http://gate.columbiasc.gov/hbw2017/ or contact Community Development at 803-545-3373.

 

 

Columbia to Host National Youth Violence Prevention Week Activities

In recognition of National Youth Violence Prevention Week, the Columbia Parks and Recreation Department and the Columbia Police Department have partnered to host two events to bring the community together in the fight against youth violence.

National Youth Violence Prevention Week, which will be held April 3-7, was created to raise awareness and educate students, teachers, school administrators and staff, school resource officers, parents and the public about effective ways to prevent and reduce youth violence.

Schedule of Events

Wednesday, April 5

National Youth Violence Prevention Community Event

5:30 p.m.

The Colony (Bailey Street)/ Bethel Bishop

Columbia Parks & Recreation staff and officers with the Columbia Police Department will visit local communities to engage youth in positive interactions with law enforcement. There will be speakers on bullying and gang violence, kickball game and refreshments.

 

Friday, April 7

Talent Showcase and Youth Violence Prevention Fair

6 p.m.

Hyatt Park, 950 Jackson Ave.

Local youth and Columbia Police Department officers will perform at the community talent show. Agencies and organizations will be on hand to provide information on a variety of programs, resources, activities and events that will assist youth in making better life choices.

Both events are free and open to the public. Youth, adults, parents, mentors and youth leaders are encouraged to attend.

For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 803-545-3100.

 

Drew Park Basketball Court Ribbon Cutting

The City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Department will unveil a new outdoor basketball court at Drew Park on Saturday, April 8. The department recently completed the project which also included new bleachers and refurbished walking trail.

WHAT: Drew Park Basketball Court Ribbon Cutting

WHO: Councilwoman Tameika Isaac Devine, Councilman Ed McDowell, Jr. and City staff

WHERE: Drew Park beside the Charles R. Drew Wellness Center, 2101 Walker Solomon Way

WHEN:  Saturday, April 8, at 11 a.m.

For more information, call the Parks and Recreation Department at 803-545-3100.

 

Mayor Benjamin, ColumbiaSC63, Historic Columbia and Richland Library to host Bring Your Own History (BYOH)

Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin, ColumbiaSC63, Richland Library and Historic Columbia will provide residents of the Edgewood community the opportunity to archive their pieces of the neighborhood’s history on April 29.

The event will take place from 10 a.m.– 2 p.m. on April 29 at Second Nazareth Baptist Church (2336 Elmwood Ave) in the Bowman Auditorium.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Edgewood to not only ensure we don’t lose any bit of history but also use what’s collected for the purposes of the library’s new location,” said Mayor Benjamin. “There are so many incredible stories, photos and works in peoples’ homes that have never been shared with the world; we want this project to compile these pieces of history so they aren’t forgotten.”

The event, Bring Your Own History (BYOH), is an opportunity for Edgewood residents to share old photos, old documents, etc. that are essential to the neighborhood’s story. Once the donations are collected, some of the selected pieces will be housed in Richland Library’s new Edgewood location and some will be archived in the library’s “Midlands Memories” collection.

“Columbia SC 63 is very pleased to join Mayor Benjamin and community partners in capturing and documenting new chapters in the history of our city,” said Dr. Bobby Donaldson. “This is an opportunity to fill in missing details and a chance to illuminate untold stories about families, neighborhoods and institutions throughout Columbia.”

Robin Waites, Historic Columbia’s executive director, said, “Documenting the stories of our residents is a vital component of preserving Columbia’s history. Everyone has a story and everyone’s story deserves to be told. We hope this project will allow individual experiences and memories to live on for future generations.”

Having local residents document memories, photos and artifacts is important to understanding the history of an area,” said Debbie Bloom, Walker Local and Family History Center Manager. “Richland Library looks forward to telling the story of the Edgewood community through the eyes and ears of the people who live there. It’s an initiative that we hope to continue as a new Richland Library location returns to the Edgewood community in 2018.”

On-site at the event will be portable scanners, which will make a copy of the residents’ pieces and scan them into the library’s system.

For information, please contact Lauren Harper at [email protected].

About ColumbiaSC63:

In January 2012, the mayors of seven southern cities agreed to a joint initiative recognizing and commemorating the 50th anniversary of 1963 – the height of the American Civil Rights Movement. By telling these stories in unison, the goal was to assemble a more complete record of the movement that changed America.

For Columbia, SC, this undertaking was especially important and extraordinarily valuable. In the decades leading up to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Black South Carolinians waged an intense campaign for self-determination and equality. But the stories of their contributions were lost or forgotten in the decades since.

Columbia SC 63 is comprised of a diverse coalition of community leaders, educators, students and others. Its mission is to gather, preserve and showcase images, artifacts, and testimony to ensure that the deeper, multifaceted story of the struggle for freedom and justice in our city is told.

About Historic Columbia:

Historic Columbia is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Columbia and Richland County’s historic and cultural heritage.

Historic Columbia works closely with city and county officials to protect structures with historical significance and places that matter to our community.

Historic Columbia supports and protects the historical and cultural heritage of Columbia and Richland County through advocacy, education and preservation. Visit historiccolumbia.org or find us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube for more details.

 

City of Columbia Water and Sewer Staff Honored at South Carolina Environmental Conference

Congratulations to all of the City of Columbia employees honored at the 2017 South Carolina Environmental Conference (SCEC) from March 11-15, 2017. The following drinking water and wastewater employees were honored

• Directory of Utility Operations Clint Shealy received the South Carolina Chapter of the American Water Works Association (SCAWWA) Herman F. Wiedeman Award for his contributions to the drinking water industry

• Wastewater maintenance manager Ashley Dove received the Water Environment Association of South Carolina (WEASC) Golden Manhole Award for his service to the wastewater industry

• Laboratory analyst Melissa Engle received the WEASC Laboratory Analyst of the Year Award

• Laboratory analyst Jill Martinez and drinking water operator Chris Williams won the SCAWWA  Top Ops Quiz Bowl

• Wastewater laboratory manager Sarah Hickman, Melissa Engle, laboratory analyst Rachel Furtick and wastewater operator Candace Mathis earned Second Place in the Process Control Event of the Operations Challenge.

• Sarah Hickman was named Chair of the WEASC Laboratory Committee with drinking water laboratory manager Ketki Sheth serving as co-chair.

The City’s water and wastewater programs were also well-represented at the SCEC conference with 12 papers presented on topics ranging from customer service during the October 2015 floods to using data-driven decision-making to manage $400 Million worth of capital improvement projects.

Candace Mathis (top left), Rachel Furtick (top middle), Sarah Hickman (top right), and Melissa Engle (bottom), competed as team Charlie’s Angels in the SCEC Operations Challenge. The smiley face tank at the wastewater treatment plant is known to staff as “Charlie.”

Charlie’s Angels teammates Sarah Hickman, Melissa Engle, Rachel Furtick and Candace Mathis compete in the SCEC Operations Challenge bypass pumping event.

 

Jill Martinez (left) and Chris Williams (right) display their SCAWWA Top Ops Quiz Bowl trophy.

 

Clint Shealy (right) accepts the SCAWWA Herman F. Wiedeman Award.

Melissa Engle is honored as WEASC Lab Analyst of the Year.

 

Ashley Dove’s Golden Manhole Award certificate

 

Water works engineer Jonathan Sherer (left) presents Service With A Smile, explaining how the City of Columbia responded to customer service needs during the October 2015 flooding.

 

Ketki Sheth judges a team in the SCEC Operations Challenge laboratory event.

 

Sarah Hickman (right) was named Chair of the WEASC Laboratory Committee with Ketki Sheth (left) serving as co-chair.

 

Community Development to Host Annual Action Plan Public Hearing

The Community Development (CD) Department is committed to making the City of Columbia and its neighborhoods a better place to live, work and play.  It administers federal, state and local funds and ensures compliance; increases home ownership; and builds neighborhood capacity through excellent customer service. The Fiscal Year 2017 Annual Action Plan (Action Plan) identifies the proposed programs and projects to be funded during the City’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2017. There are three (3) HUD entitlement grants that are covered in the Action Plan: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG); HOME Investment Partnerships Program; and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA).

Citizens will have the opportunity to review and comment on the proposed Annual Action Plan during the public hearings and during the 30-day public comment period: April 10, 2017 – May 11, 2017.  A summary of citizen comments will be included in theFY2017-2018 Annual Action Plan to be submitted to HUD.

The draft Annual Action Plan will be available April 10, 2017 on the City’s website at www.columbiasc.net/communitydevelopment/federal-entitlement-complance. Public comments regarding the Annual Action Plan Report should be mailed to Dollie Bristow, Community Development Department, 1225 Lady St., Suite 102, Columbia, SC 29201, e-mailed to [email protected] or faxed to (803) 255-8912.

For more information, please contact the Community Development Department at (803) 545-3373.

Two (2) Public Hearings will be held:

• Thursday, April 13, 2017 at the Empowerment Zone Suites, 1509 Lady St. Columbia, SC 29201 @ 6:00 p.m.  
• Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at City Council Meeting, City Hall 3rd Floor, 1737 Main St., Columbia, SC, 29201 @ 6:00 p.m.

 

Walk/Bike City & Campus Celebration

USC Student Health Services, Sustainable Carolina, University Facilities and the City of Columbia will host a Walk/Bike City & Campus Celebration on Monday, April 17, to promote physically active and sustainable transportation. The University and City’s pedestrian- and bike-friendly routes encourage increased physical activity and strengthen these communities.

The celebration will begin at 11:30 a.m. with a walk/bike route starting on Greene Street in front of Preston Hall headed westbound on Greene Street to the newly opened Foundation Square. USC President Harris Pastides, First Lady Patricia Moore-Pastides, Mayor Steve Benjamin and Richland County Director of Transportation, Rob Perry will provide remarks to commemorate the campus and City’s commitment to wellness and sustainability. Raffle prizes, live music and healthy refreshments will be provided in Foundation Square. Bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes or your own bicycle and helmet and get ready to celebrate this movement to alternative active transportation! All students, faculty, staff and members of the Columbia community are welcome to attend this event in support of the vision of a Healthy Carolina community!

If you are interested in volunteering as a walk or bike leader, please go to https://goo.gl/forms/kEZ1FPNxybBqyL672 and complete the volunteer form.

This event will take place on Monday, April 17, 2017 in rain or sunshine.

WHAT: Walk/Bike City & Campus Celebration

WHEN: Monday, April 17, 2017, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm

WHERE: along Greene Street starting at Preston Hall and ending at Foundation Square

WHO: Open to the public

For more information, visit https://www.sa.sc.edu/healthycarolina/initiatives/al/ or contact the Planning and Development Services Department at 803-545-3222 for more information.

 

Mayor Benjamin to continue Move with the Mayor walks in April

Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin will continue his Move with the Mayor walks in April.

“After pledging to run a 5K shirtless this year to our friends at BlueCross BlueShield [of South Carolina], I know I need to get moving for my training,” said Mayor Benjamin. “All jokes aside, physical activity is incredibly important. We know that walking just 30 minutes a day can prevent heart disease and alleviate issues related to existing health problems. I hope everyone will join me in these walks each month.”

Mayor Benjamin plans to expand the Move with the Mayor walks from Main Street to different neighborhoods throughout the city. Additionally, he plans to walk with seniors, children in the Parks and Recreation after-school programs, along the greenways and riverfronts with the Park Rangers and more.

Mayor Benjamin’s walks on April 5 and April 19 will take place from 12-12:30 p.m. They will start at City Hall (1737 Main St.), go to the State House and back to City Hall. The walk is approximately 1.2 miles.

The walks will take place throughout the months of April, May, June, July, August and September.

Each walk will have several exercise components incorporated to make it a full workout. The walk workouts will be led by James Patrick, fitness guru and host of Wellness Wednesdays for WLTX and HOT 103.9.

For information, contact Lauren Harper at 803-908-2603.

 

 

 

Gretchen Lambert Selected to Columbia Empowerment Zone Board of Directors

Gretchen Lambert, AIA, Vice President of Studio 2LR, has been elected to the Columbia Empowerment Zone (CEZ) Board of Directors.

“I am excited to join this dynamic group of professionals in their work to support economic development opportunities in the City of Columbia”, states Gretchen Lambert.  For more information on Studio 2LR, Inc. Architecture + Interiors, please visit www.studio2LR.com.

About Studio 2LR, Inc. Architecture + Interiors:

Studio 2LR, Inc. provides outstanding architectural, planning, and interior design services in an environment defined by integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to client satisfaction.

About Columbia Empowerment Zone Inc.:

CEZ, Inc. is a nonprofit economic development corporation whose mission is to efficiently, effectively and enthusiastically create and support economic development opportunities in the City of Columbia. They achieve this mission by ensuring activities create, retain and reinvest wealth in our community. The guiding principles and values are: accountability, integrity, inclusion, outcomes and stewardship.

 

 

Columbia Parks and Recreation Department Offers 2017 Senior Trips Program

The Columbia Parks and Recreation Department is offering a variety of fun, day and overnight trips for adults age 50 and older through its 2017 Senior Trips Program.

Participants will travel to the following locations:

Cherokee Indian Casino

WHEN: 6 a.m.-8 p.m. on Thursdays: July 13 and November 2

FEE: $34 per person

INFO: This single-day trip includes charter bus transportation, gaming credit and a meal voucher.

Fruit Farms Tour

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the following Tuesdays: May 9 (strawberries), June 13 (blueberries) and July 11 (peaches)

FEE: $10 per person (does not include cost for purchasing fruit)

INFO: Participants will travel to local farms in the Columbia area to purchase fresh fruit.

Lake Murray Dinner Cruise

WHEN: 5 p.m. Tuesday, August 8

FEE: $60 per person

INFO: Board the Spirit of Lake Murray for a two-hour dinner cruise on Lake Murray. Guests can enjoy watching the Purple Martins and a delicious Low-Country Shrimp Boil.

Apple picking in Hendersonville, NC

WHEN: Thursday, September 7

FEE: $34 (does not include cost of meal at local restaurant)

INFO: Pick apples in Hendersonville, NC, and visit the North Carolina State Farmer’s Market during this one-day trip.

Senior Beach Retreat (Sponsored by the S.C. Recreation and Parks Association)

WHEN: Monday, October 16 through Thursday, October 19

FEE: Based on room occupancy (Rates to be announced by April 1, 2017) *$50 deposit required to reserve trip

INFO: Join us for four days of fellowship, fun and relaxation at the Springmaid Beach Resort in Myrtle Beach. The fee includes transportation, lodging, meals and activities.

Full payment due by Friday, July 28 (partial payments accepted).

Holiday Lights/Shopping Trip

WHEN: Monday, December 4

FEE: $24 (does not include cost of meal at local restaurant)

INFO: Travel to North Charleston (Tanger Outlets) for a day of shopping and drive through the Holiday Festival of Lights on James Island.

Key West and Cozumel Cruise

WHEN: Monday, December 11 through Friday, December 15

FEE:  Based on room occupancy (inside: $468 per person/double occupancy; balcony: $593 per person/double occupancy) *$25 deposit required to reserve trip

INFO: Join us on this 4-day trip to Key West and Cozumel. Attendees will board the Carnival ship Victory in Miami, Florida. Full payment due by October 1.

The trip fee includes transportation and admission fees. Unless otherwise noted, meals are considered an extra fee and the responsibility of the participant. Full payment is required at the time of registration. Partial payments are accepted only for multi-day trips (Key West and Cozumel Cruise, and Beach Retreat). The charter bus departs from the Charles R. Drew Wellness Center, 2101 Walker Solomon Way, Columbia, SC 29204, unless otherwise noted.

Registrations should be submitted no later than three weeks in advance of the day of the trip, unless otherwise noted. Early registration is advised.

To download a registration form, please visit the Parks and Recreation Department’s “Trips” page online. Registration forms are available at all City recreation centers and at the Parks and Recreation Department Administration Office located at 1111 Parkside Drive, Columbia, SC 29203.

Registrations can be made in person at any City recreation center (check or money order only) or at the Parks and Recreation Administration Office (check, cash, debit/credit card or money order). Registrations can be mailed to the Parks and Recreation Department Administration Office. Please make checks payable to the City of Columbia.

For more information, contact the Columbia Parks and Recreation Department at 803-545-3100 or email [email protected].

 

Columbia Parks & Recreation Department to Offer Free Gardening Workshop Series

The Columbia Parks and Recreation Department has partnered with the Clemson Cooperative Extension to host a series of gardening workshops designed to give participants the tools needed to start and maintain a healthy garden beginning Saturday, March 18.

The free workshops are open to beginner and experienced gardeners.

All workshops will be held at 10 a.m. at the Earlewood Park Community Center located at 1113 Parkside Drive on the following Saturdays:

Gardening Workshop Schedule

• April 15 – Topic: Soil and Fertilizer Basics

Learn how to improve your soil’s health, how to take and interpret a soil sample**, how to create a fertile organic garden, composting and more. *Free Giveaway-(5 Compost thermometers) **A horticulture agent will be on hand to interpret results of your soil samples.

• May 20 – Topic: Everything Tomato

Learn how to grow tomatoes, herbs, and more! This session will include a Spaghetti Container Garden Demo (tomato, spaghetti squash and herbs etc.) *Free Giveaway- 1 spaghetti container garden

• June 17 – Topic: Integrated Pest Management (IPM): A Sustainable Method of Controlling Pest and Diseases in the Garden

This session will explore best practices for maintaining a healthy garden. We will cover a variety of techniques that reduce weed pressure, limit plant diseases and control insects in the garden, as well as explore organic options for pest management.

• August 26 – Topic: What Vegetables Grow in Fall & Winter in South Carolina

Find out what vegetables can be grow in the fall and winter months in South Carolina.

• September 16 – Topic: Incorporating Fruit in Your Garden

Learn how to incorporate fruits, vegetables and herbs into the landscaping around your home.

• October 21 – Topic: Canning & Preserving

Learn how know to start canning at home with step-by-step instructions and demonstration.

• November 18 – Topic: Starting Seeds

Discover the four critical elements of starting seeds (water, temperature, soil and light) and why you should start your seeds indoors.

For more information, please call the Parks and Recreation Department at 803-545-3100.

 

Meetings:

April 3 – Planning Commission (PC) Meeting 5:15 p.m. City Hall, 1737 Main Street

http://www.columbiasc.gov/calendar/2241

 

April 4 – City Council Work Session, 2: 00 p.m. City Hall, 1737 Main Street

http://www.columbiasc.gov/calendar/2410

 

April 4 – City Council Meeting, 6: 00 p.m. City Hall, 1737 Main Street

http://www.columbiasc.gov/calendar/2410

 

April 11 – Board of Zoning Appeals, 10:00 a.m. City Hall, 1737 Main Street

http://www.columbiasc.net/calendar/1580

 

April 18 – City Council Work Session, 2: 00 p.m. City Hall, 1737 Main Street

http://www.columbiasc.gov/calendar/2438

 

April 18 – City Council Meeting, 6: 00 p.m. City Hall, 1737 Main Street

http://www.columbiasc.gov/calendar/2438

 

April 20 – Design/Development Review Commission (DDRC) Meeting, 4:00 p.m. City Hall, 1737 Main Street

http://www.columbiasc.gov/calendar/2421

 

 

About Teresa Wilson

Teresa Wilson is the City Manager for the City of Columbia, SC. For more details on the City Manager, visit ColumbiaSC.net/city-manager. City Manager Wilson can be reached at [email protected] or 803-545-3026. For more information about the City of Columbia, visit ColumbiaSC.net.