City Manager’s Spotlight for February 2017
February 1, 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 February 2017 reflects important initiatives that will highlight major projects in the City of Columbia. Here is a snapshot of the January Spotlight.
City Council’s Vision for Columbia
#EnvisionColumbia
Hundreds gathered on Tuesday, January 31 for Mayor Steve Benjamin’s State of the City Address at the Darla Moore School of Business. At the address, Mayor Benjamin highlighted the city’s many successes in 2016. He also unveiled City Council’s Vision Statement and mentioned that citizens should look forward to plans for 2017. Attendees were thrilled to see everything that the City has planned to help spur future growth and sustainability.
Over the course of 2016, City Council members worked diligently to come up with a strategic plan to improve the overall quality of life in the city. That strategic plan, known as City Council’s Vision Statement, describes what their ideal state for citizens, businesses, students and tourists will be in the future. It poses as a detailed roadmap that has distinct directions from one destination to the next. It is a complete layout of new ideas and goals for Columbia to reach its full potential.
The Vision Statement consists of seven different focus areas and a set of five goals as desired future states that City Council hopes to achieve by 2036. Each Council member has endorsed one of the focus areas and will act as a lead spokesperson that will work on communicating/implementing the objectives of that area. New projects and initiatives will be created to incorporate the goals of the statement. Council agenda items that involve vision statement projects will be recognized and updated to notify the public of the progression that City Council has made.
Focus areas are explained below as the desired future states Council hopes to achieve by 2036:
- Attracting and Retaining Talent This focus area recognizes Columbia as the center of global knowledge economy and the leading hub of insurance technology of the world. It attracts business interests and investment from around the globe.
- Planning Together This area focuses on offering superior, cost effective basic services to citizens and businesses with a well-balanced, growing tax base. The success of this new government is largely the result of engaged citizens and visionary leaders.
- Connecting our Community With three beautiful rivers running through the heart of the City, three interstate highways that connect the region to over 75% of the American economy, and a historically designated and well-planned urban core, Columbia is recognized as the economic engine of the South.
- Empowering our Residents Columbia is an inclusive, caring, and compassionate city that embraces diversity. We provide a variety of services and resources that develop human potential and invest in the growth and development of all residents. High level medical services, abundant recreational amenities, and a beautiful and safe natural environment allow citizens to live healthy and active lives.
- Economic Prosperity-Endless Possibilities Columbia is a capital city of endless possibilities! A balance between fiscally responsible government and strategic investment has encouraged desirable private sector growth. The City has an internationally recognized business friendly environment that has produced a sustainable revenue stream to support reinvestment in our public infrastructure, schools, neighborhoods, and our arts and cultural community.
- Enhancing Columbia’s Neighborhoods The City protects and honors the uniqueness and character of its history. Columbia attracts employees and families that desire a safe, sustainable, and accessible community. It has distinguished itself by managing growth to protect and improve its valued quality of life.
- Leading the Way in Innovative and High Quality Municipal Services Long considered a leader in municipal service delivery, the City of Columbia embraces new technologies and is committed to the highest level of customer care and constituent service for residents and visitors.
Goals to Achieve the City Council 2036 Vision:
GOAL 1 – Grow opportunities for entrepreneurship, business development and a skilled workforce to achieve a healthy economy
GOAL 2 – Connect the City’s neighborhoods and business districts through cohesive land use, infrastructure development, and transportation planning
GOAL 3 – Foster a healthy quality of life focusing on safety, culture, and recreation
GOAL 4 – Collaborate and partner with entities within the Midlands region to become the state’s prime destination for residents, visitors, and businesses
GOAL 5 – Provide high quality municipal services, efficiently, effectively, and responsively
To view the full City Council Vision Statement, please go to http://www.columbiasc.gov/vision.
City to Hold Go Red Columbia Press Conference
WHAT: Let’s have a heart to heart, about heart disease. The public is invited to participate in National Wear Red Day to help and support the women affected by heart disease, the number 1 killer of women. The Go Red For Women movement encourages awareness of this issue and action to help save lives. A press conference and community photography session will be held and both men and women are encouraged to wear red. National Wear Red Day will be celebrated on Friday February 3rd, however the City will hold a press conference on the day before in order to encourage all citizens to wear red the next day.
WHERE: City Hall, 1737 Main Street Columbia, SC, Council Chambers 3rd Floor
WHO: The public and media are invited to attend.
WHEN: Thursday February 2, 2017 at 12:00 pm
More Information: Contact the Public Relations and Media Department at 803-545-3020
Karamu Statewide Black History Parade and Festival
WHAT: Celebrate Black History Month at the 13th Annual Karamu Statewide Black History Parade and Festival, which will feature the National Buffalo Soldiers. The festival will be held at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park and will include contemporary history makers, live entertainment and more.
WHEN: Saturday, February 4, 2017 from 12-4 p.m.
WHERE: The parade will kick off at the corner of Harden and Gervais streets and will travel south on Harden Street and end at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park located at 2300 Greene St.
The event is free and open to the public.
For more information, please call Ovetta Glover at 803-361-5470, King Park at 803-733-8452 or visit www.fundsinc1.org.
City to host Christ Court Structures Demolition Ceremony
Mayor Steve Benjamin, City Council members, and City of Columbia Housing Development Corporation will host a demolition ceremony for Christ Court Structures. Christ Court is located at 2436-2440 Waites Road which includes eight (8) buildings which are duplexes consisting of 16 units. In early February of 2016, residents of Christ Court were relocated to more safe, clean and sanitary homes within the City of Columbia. The Columbia Housing Development Corporation purchased the Christ Court Structures on Friday, March 18, 2016.
What: Christ Court Structures Demolition Ceremony
Who: Mayor Steve Benjamin, City Council members, City of Columbia Housing Development Corporation, City of Columbia staff, and Jones McDonald Neighborhood Association
Where: 2436 Waites Road Columbia, SC 29204
When: Monday, February 6, 2017 at 9 am
The demolition ceremony will include the following speakers:
- Mayor Steve Benjamin
- City Council members
- Jones McDonald Neighborhood Association Vice President, Alexzena Furgess
After the short ceremony a demonstration will be shown on how the eight (8) buildings will be demolished.
For additional information, please contact the Columbia Housing Development Corporation at 803-545-3769.
Envision Columbia At-Large Open House | February 8
WHO: Councilwoman Tameika Isaac Devine and Councilman Howard Duvall, Jr.
WHAT: Meet with Councilwoman Tameika Isaac Devine and Councilman Howard Duvall, Jr. to have a detailed discussion about City Council’s new Vision Statement and the future of Columbia
WHEN: Wednesday, February 8 from 5 – 8 p.m.
WHERE: City Hall, 1737 Main Street
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 803-545-3061.
Columbia Councilmembers to Hold Social Media Town Hall for an #EnvisionPowerHour
What: Columbia City Council members are asking citizens of Columbia to join them for their very first Social Media Town Hall to discuss and answer questions about their new Vision Statement. The #EnvisionPowerHour will take place on Twitter and Facebook live on February 9 from 1PM to 2PM. The idea is for interested parties, as well as the public, to gather and share information in a town hall setup.
Who: Columbia City Council
When: February 9, 2017, 1PM- 2PM
Where: Facebook (www.facebook.com/CityofColumbia) & Twitter (https://twitter.com/CityofColumbia)
Note: Please prepare questions in advance, tag the City in your question and use #EnvisionPowerHour or #EnvisionColumbia in your post.
For more information, please contact the Public and Media Relations Department at (803) 545-3020.
The First Tee of Columbia Spring Golf Sessions for Children
The First Tee of Columbia at the James E. Clyburn Golf Center will hold its Spring Golf Session for children ages 5-17 from March 14 through May 20. The golf center is located at 2091 Slighs Avenue.
Coaches will introduce participants to the game of golf through The First Tee curriculum. Coaches will teach participants golf skills, the rules of the game and etiquette while reinforcing The Nine Core Values such as Sportsmanship, Honesty and Responsibility.
Registration information
WHAT: Peewees
WHEN: Thursdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
AGES: 5-6
FEE: $20 per child
WHAT: PLAYer (First time or returning participants)
WHEN: Wednesdays from 5:15-6:45 p.m. or Saturdays from 8:30-10 a.m.
AGES: 7-17
FEE: $50 per child
WHAT: Par (Must be a Certified PLAYer to participate)
WHEN: Saturdays from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
AGES: 7-17
FEE: $50 per child
WHAT: Birdie (Must be a Certified PLAYer to participate)
WHEN: Saturdays from 8:30-10 a.m. at Riverside Par-3
AGES: 11 and up
FEE: $50 per child
The sessions are open to all skill levels. No equipment is needed. Financial scholarships are available for those who qualify.
The deadline to register is Friday, March 3. Registration is accepted online at www.TheFirstTeeColumbia.org or in person at the James E. Clyburn Golf Center.
For more information, please contact the James E. Clyburn Golf Center at 803-255-8920 or visit www.TheFirstTeeColumbia.org.
Advertisement of Vacancies on Various Boards and Commissions
The City of Columbia is accepting applications to fill several vacancies on the following boards and commissions.
Central Midlands Council of Governments
Seeking one (1) Applicant for Re-Appointment/Appointment. Applicant must reside within the city limits.
The purpose of this Council is to prepare studies and make recommendations on matters affecting the public health, control, utilities, planning, development and such other matters as the common interest of the participating governments may dictate. Term – 3 years.
Columbia Museum Of Art
Seeking one (1) Applicant for Re-Appointment/Appointment. The Columbia Museum of Art Commission manages the investments and the maintenance, preservation and exhibition of its art collection. Term – 5 years.
Columbia Tree and Appearance Commission
Seeking five (5) Applicants for Re-Appointment/Appointment. Four (4) Applicants are considered At-Large. One (1) Applicant is considered Architect/Engineer.
The purpose of this commission is to protect, enhance and promote the City of Columbia’s natural resources and visual beauty. They oversee the development of a master plan for the beautification of the City of Columbia and its implementation. Term – 2 years.
Design/Development Review Commission
Seeking two (2) Applicants for Re-Appointment/Appointment. Applicants being sought must meet the following criteria: Community Representative; Real Estate Broker/Developer.
The purpose of the Design/Development Review Commission (DDRC) is to review and approve work proposed within the City’s historic districts, urban design areas, and upon designated landmarks. Term – 3 years.
Election Commission
Seeking one (1) Applicant for Appointment. Applicant must reside within the city limits.
The Election Commission determines the eligibility of candidates seeking office; counts and verifies absentee ballots to ensure the integrity of the election process in accordance with state statute; and certifies the results of all municipal elections. Term – 5 years.
Greater Columbia Community Relations Council
Seeking three (3) Applicants for Re-Appointment/Appointment. Applicant must reside within the city limits.
The purpose of this Council is to study and evaluate information concerning community relations issues within the community and to formulate and submit opinions and recommendations as to possible courses of action that appear in the best interest of the community as a whole. Term – 3 years.
Planning Commission
Seeking two (2) Applicants for Re-Appointment/Appointment.
The purpose of this commission is to develop and maintain a continuing planning program which will benefit City of Columbia residents; to provide a mutual forum to identify, discuss, study and address local development issues and opportunities; to foster, develop and review policies, plans and priorities in order to insure orderly growth, development, conservation and preservation; to furnish technical assistance to city government and its agents; and to review and coordinate federal, state and local programs that have an impact on the city. The Commission also advises City Council on annexations, zoning changes and approves subdivision plats/large development plans.
Term – 3 years.
Richland County Board of Assessment Appeals
Seeking one (1) Applicant.
The Board of Assessment Appeals purpose is to equalize the value of the real and personal property of Richland County and to hear all grievances and appeals from the valuation and assessments by the Assessor. Term – 3 years.
Deadline – Applications are due no later than February 23, 2016, 5 p.m.
For applications and more information contact Chanique Belton at (803) 545-3546 or send a request to [email protected]. You can also visit our website at http://www.columbiasc.net/boards-commissions to download an application.
Meetings:
February 6 – Planning Commission (PC) Meeting 5:15 p.m. City Hall, 1737 Main Street
http://www.columbiasc.net/calendar/1642
February 7 – City Council Work Session, 2: 00 p.m. City Hall, 1737 Main Street
http://www.columbiasc.net/calendar/2232
February 7 – City Council Meeting, 6: 00 p.m. City Hall, 1737 Main Street
http://www.columbiasc.net/calendar/2232
February 9 – Design/Development Review Commission (DDRC) Meeting, 4:00 p.m. City Hall, 1737 Main Street
http://www.columbiasc.net/calendar/1651
February 14 – Board of Zoning Appeals, 10:00 a.m. City Hall, 1737 Main Street
http://www.columbiasc.net/calendar/1580
February 21 – City Council Work Session, 2: 00 p.m. City Hall, 1737 Main Street
http://www.columbiasc.net/calendar/2231
February 21 – City Council Meeting, 6: 00 p.m. City Hall, 1737 Main Street
http://www.columbiasc.net/calendar/2231
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.
