The City Manager’s Spotlight – May 2019

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 May 2019 reflects important initiatives that will highlight major projects in the City of Columbia as well as events and upcoming meetings. Here is a snapshot of the May Spotlight.

 

1-31 May, 2019

City of Columbia Celebrates National Bike Month

The month of May has been recognized as National Bike Month. The City of Columbia’s Planning and Development Services Department and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee are pleased to announce National Bike Month activities. All Bike Month events are free and open to the public.

Special Events

• Bike Month Proclamation – May 7. 2019 at 6 p.m.| City Hall Council Chambers
• Preservation Bike Ride – May 19, 2019 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Washington and Main Streets
• Mayor’s Bike Ride – May 29, 2019 at 7 p.m. | City Hall

All Bike Month events have been created on Facebook. See the full list here: https://www.facebook.com/pg/BikePedestrianAdvisoryCommitteebpac/events/?ref=page_internal

For more information about Bike Month, contact the Columbia Planning and Development Services Department at 803-545-3222.

1-31 May, 2019

City celebrates National Historic Preservation Month in May

The month of May has been proclaimed National Historic Preservation Month in the City of Columbia. Since its inception by the National Trust for Historic Preservation during the 1970s, National Historic Preservation Month has been a way to promote historic places. The City’s Planning staff is promoting a number of activities and events throughout the month of May that focus on the history and architecture of Columbia.

Cities of all sizes across the nation will participate in National Historic Preservation Month. Citizens of Columbia are encouraged to celebrate by participating in the following events:

• Vista Architecture Scavenger Hunt | May 1st – 31st | West Gervais Historic Commercial District
• Jane’s Walk (+Talk) | May 4th from 9:30am – 11:00am | Corner of Main and Washington Street
• Proclamation + Mable Payne Award | May 7th from 6:00pm – 7:00pm | City Hall, Council • Children’s Architecture Craft | May 11th from 10:00am – 12:00pm | Columbia Arts Center: 1227 Taylor Street
• Film Screening: Citizen Jane | May 16th from 6:00pm – 9:00pm | Columbia Museum of Art: 1515 Main Street
• Preservation Bike Ride | May 19th from 9:00am – 12:00pm | Corner of Main and Washington Street

For more information or to view the calendar of events, visit https://www.columbiasc.net/planning-preservation/historic-preservation or email the preservation staff at [email protected]. 

May, 2019

City of Columbia and Two Men and a Truck Start Movers for Moms Campaign to Seek Donations for Displaced Mothers

The City of Columbia is conducting a donation drive with Two Men and a Truck for their Movers for Moms Campaign. Movers for Moms seek to recognize moms in crisis on Mother’s Day by arranging special delivery of gifts to moms that have been displaced from Allen-Benedict Court.

Across the nation, Two Men and A Truck locations partner with local businesses and organizations to collect essential care items.  Donors donations can include: soaps, hair styling products, shampoos and conditioners, pillows, blankets, slippers, and other basic clothing items.

Once donations have been collected, Two Men and A Truck and the City of Columbia will pick up and deliver the items to the moms in need, just in time for Mother’s Day.

“Crisis is in everybody’s life. It is crucially important to share love in a very tangible way. Help us give a gift to the women that need and deserve care on Mother’s Day.” says Councilman Edward McDowell, Jr.

Local groups, organizations and agencies that would like to donate to this worthy cause can request a box by calling the City’s Public Relations, Media and Marketing Department at 545-3020 or send an email to [email protected].

Items that can be donated:

• soap | deodorant | lotion
• shampoo | conditioner
• feminine hygiene items | depends
• toilet paper | paper towels
• pampers | baby wipes
• multi-purpose cleaners
• detergent (laundry or dish)

Items can be donated at the following locations:

• City Hall, 1737 Main Street
• Columbia Fire Department, 1800 Laurel Street
• Columbia Police Department, 1 Justice Square
• 1136 Washington Street, City Administrative Offices
• 1225 Lady Street, City Administrative Offices
• 1800 Main, City Administrative Offices
• Drew Wellness Center, 2101 Walker Solomon Way

 

 5-11 May 2019

National Drinking Water Week 

8 May, 2019

May At-Large Open House | May 8

WHO: Councilwoman Tameika Isaac Devine and Councilman Howard Duvall, Jr.

WHAT: Citizens are encouraged to make an appointment to meet with Councilwoman Tameika Isaac Devine and Councilman Howard Duvall, who both represent the at-large seats on City Council.

WHEN: Wednesday, May 8, 2019; 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

WHERE: City Hall, 1737 Main St., Columbia, SC 29201

An appointment must be scheduled to attend. Call (803) 545-3061 for information or scheduling purposes.

 

 

 

10 May, 2019

City to Host 7th Annual Small Business Week Conference

The City’s Office of Business Opportunities (OBO) will host the seventh annual Small Business Week Conference on Friday, May 10, 2019, at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln St., from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

The City of Columbia is committed to supporting its entrepreneurs and small businesses on a local level. Through the City of Columbia’s Small Business Week Conference, the Office of Business Opportunities highlights the impact of the City’s outstanding entrepreneurs and small business owners.

The conference promises to be a unique opportunity to network with small, medium and large business owners throughout the midlands, City and County officials, and an awesome line-up of presenters with a wealth of information for every business owner, from the “aspiring” entrepreneur to the “mature” business owner that has proven that it can stand the tests of time. This year we are focusing on Leading the Change: Opportunities, Resources, and Connections.

Speakers:

Krista Barnett is the Founder and CEO of BootBand, the company that produces and sells the only removable boot expander in the world. Krista became an entrepreneur in 2006 when she set out to create a work and life balance, pursue her entrepreneurial passions and have a flexible schedule to enjoy her family. In 2007, Krista was operating a business to help families purchase affordable clothes and gear when she was inspired to invent the BootBand. She sold this business and embarked on a three-year journey to develop this revolutionary product. Since launching in 2010, Krista has single-handedly gotten press in O, The Oprah Magazine, Woman’s Day, The Doctor’s Show, The Wall Street Journal, and has appeared live on MSNBC, CBS, and The Today Show.

Dave Britt is the Executive Director for the Greater Rosewood Merchants Association, a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote businesses on Rosewood Drive and bring tourism to the area. His responsibilities include communications with local businesses, acting as a liaison between local businesses and local government, as well as producing special events like the Rosewood Crawfish Festival, the Rosewood Art and Music Festival and the LoCo Craft Beer Jam. Dave is a graduate of the University of South Carolina. In addition to the responsibilities of his day job, Dave also owns the event planning business SOLID Entertainment, is a partner in the local music venue The White Mule and is the chair-elect for the Columbia Opportunity Resource (COR).

Featuring:

Cookies & Conversation with American Icon, Wally “Famous” Amos, the creator of the Famous Amos chocolate-chip and Cookie Kahuna gourmet cookie brands. Amos learned to bake when he was sent to live with his Aunt Della in NYC after his parents’ divorce. This special time in the kitchen with his aunt helped him overcome adversity and eventually lead to his success! As the first Black talent agent with the prestigious William Morris Agency, Amos discovered Simon and Garfunkel and worked with such musical great as Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye, who along with singer Helen Reddy became early inventors in what would end up as the Cookie Man’s legacy.

General admission tickets for the event are $35. To purchase a ticket, please visit https://obosbwconference2019.eventbrite.com

For more information, please contact the Office of Business Opportunities at 803-545-3950 or visit http://www.columbiasc.gov/obo.

 

27 May, 2019

City Offices to Close in Observance of Memorial Day

In observance of Memorial Day, the City of Columbia offices will be closed on Monday, May 27, 2019.

All garbage, recycling and yard trash collection routes will remain on regular schedule.

Emergency police, fire and rescue services may be reached by calling 9-1-1.

 

Upcoming Meetings

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals meeting will take place on May 14, 2019, at 10 a.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall.

 

Design and Development Review Commission 

The Design and Development Review Commission meeting will take place on May 9, 2019, at 4 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall

 

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission meeting will take place on May 6, 2019, at 5:15 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall.

 

City Council Meetings

On May 7, 2019 City Council will hold work session starting at 2:00 p.m. and a City Council Meeting at 6:00 p.m., in the City Council Chambers.

On May 21, 2019 City Council will hold work session starting at 2:00 p.m. and a City Council Meeting at 6:00 p.m., in the City Council Chambers.