Health Social and Environmental Affairs Committee

Regular Meeting

Columbia, SC · February 27, 2024

Minutes

HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2024 CALL TO ORDER The Columbia Health, Social, and Environmental Affairs Committee conducted a meeting on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at City Hall (Mayor’s Conference Room), 1737 Main Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29201. The Honorable Aditi Bussells, Chair called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m. Attendee Name Title Status Aditi Bussells Chair Present Edward H. McDowell Member Remote Tyler D. Bailey Member Present COMMITTEE DISCUSSION 1. Animal Services Ordinance Update - Ms. Victoria Riles, Animal Services Superintendent – Received as information Ms. Victoria Riles, Superintendent of Animal Services said we focused on bully-type breeds, as these do get targeted to be the problem, especially in shelter environments. However, without DNA testing there is no way to verify what breed the dog is. The city shifted from this mandate because it’s unfunded, criminalizes poverty, and contradicts with positive community engagement efforts for Animal Control. We propose a modification to our differential licensing ordinance, allowing a pet owner of a spay/neutered and micro chipped pet to get a one-time, lifetime license at the cost of $25 versus an annual fee of $100. We have already had this ordinance reviewed by Council and are requesting an enactment date of July 1, 2024. We also propose a Pet Fix N Return program to increase spay/neuters within zip codes that most contribute to shelter intake. Our goal would be to spay/neuter a minimum of 150 animals annually within these targeted zip codes. There was discussion about enforcement mechanisms and collaborative efforts with Richland County and Lexington County. 2. Update from Pawmetto Lifeline - Ms. Denise Wilkinson, Chief Executive Officer – Received as information Ms. Denise Wilkinson, Chief Executive Officer of Pawmetto Lifeline gave the history of Pawmetto Lifeline's work, including their operations and how they address the homeless pet population. She said in 2023, South Carolina was the number one state that people moved to and Page 1 of 3 HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2024 now 62% of all households have pets. We recommend that the city and the county have a spay- neuter-microchip ordinance for cats and dogs that is complaint driven. Once the complaint is filed, we would like to mandate that the dog or cat be altered. Having an enforced pet licensing program will provide a revenue source to fund the spay/neuter needs. Having managed intake means you don’t take more animals into your facility than you can care for. We are asking to establish a staff-to- animal ratio that ensures certain standards of care. When shelters are full, we are asking to issue a temporary moratorium on intakes. There was a discussion about responsible pet ownership, defining complaint driven, the pros and cons of managed intake, counties with similar ordinances, and statewide euthanasia rates. 3. Update from Final Victory Animal Rescue - Ms. Katy Cowan, Founder & Director – Received as information Ms. Katy Cowan, Founder & Director of Final Victory Animal Rescue shared her history, the organization’s background, and their current community outreach efforts. Last year, we did 1,200 adoptions, we pulled cats and dogs from 15 different South Carolina shelters, 350 from Columbia Animal Services, and another good chunk from Lexington. It’s great to see all of us working together with rescues to pull these animals out and bring down the euthanasia list. Our magic is that we adopt 75% to 85% of our dogs from the Northeast United States. Right now we’re at 919 North Lucas Street in West Columbia. We focus on those large, hard to place dogs. We work with animal transport companies and we transport between 15-25 animals per week. Our goals are to expand the reach of our mobile spay-and-neuter van, to acquire a van to transport animals to adopters, and to secure a secondary facility. There was discussion about partnerships and other collaborative efforts. 4. Revisions to the Climate Protection Action Committee's Bylaws - Ms. Mary Pat Baldauf, Sustainability Facilitator – Endorsed for City Council Consideration Ms. Mary Pat Baldauf, Sustainability Facilitator said changes to the bylaws were drafted to go into effect along with the handbook for boards and commissions. They include the removal of non-voting appointees and advisory members and the adoption of city residency requirements. We increased the number of appointees to 11 and we changed the attendance requirements to match the handbook. After you review and endorse the bylaws today, these will go to Council for a vote. There was consensus of the Committee to forward the revised bylaws to a future City Council meeting. Page 2 of 3 HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2024 PRESENTATIONS 5. Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) Update - Ms. Mary Pat Baldauf, Sustainability Facilitator – Received as information Ms. Mary Pat Baldauf, Sustainability Facilitator said since August, the Central Midlands Council of Governments has taken the lead on the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant. This is a regional grant for the Columbia Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) and includes the counties of Calhoun, Fairfield, Lexington, Kershaw, Richland and Saluda. Our priority climate action plan (PCAP) is due on March 1, 2024. It will focus on specific sectors for greenhouse gas sources. It is a first draft with a limited set of requirements. It can be built on previous climate planning efforts. On April 1, 2024, the regional implementation grant application is due. These competitive grants will range from $2 million to $500 million and will be used in the PCAP. We gathered input from organizations and individuals in the MSA and got a list of possible grant project ideas. Most likely, we’re going to move forward with three projects for the implementation grant: regional solar, local government energy audits, and smart surface projects. There was discussion about the reduction of single use plastics in combination with existing initiatives, a regional green transportation system, building green spaces and walkability, and additional EV chargers. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 12:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted: Erika D. Moore Hammond, CMC City Clerk Page 3 of 3

Agenda

Packet

COLUMBIA HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2024 The Columbia Health, Social and Environmental Affairs Committee will conduct a meeting on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at City Hall (Mayor's Conference Room), 1737 Main Street, Second Floor, Columbia, SC 29201. The meeting can be viewed online at www.columbiasc.gov. Please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (803)545-3045 or cityclerk@columbiasc.gov if you have questions regarding the meeting. The Honorable Aditi Bussells, At-Large, Chair The Honorable Edward H. McDowell, Jr., District II  The Honorable Tyler D. Bailey, At-Large Prior to entering the meeting please turn all electronic communication devices to the silent, vibrate or off position. All presenters are asked to speak directly into the microphone for recording purposes. CALL TO ORDER COMMITTEE DISCUSSION 1. Animal Services Ordinance Update - Ms. Victoria Riles, Animal Services Superintendent 2. Update from Pawmetto Lifeline - Ms. Denise Wilkinson, Chief Executive Officer 3. Update from Final Victory Animal Rescue - Ms. Katy Cowan, Founder & Director 4. Revisions to the Climate Protection Action Committee's Bylaws - Ms. Mary Pat Baldauf, Sustainability Facilitator PRESENTATIONS 5. Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) Update - Ms. Mary Pat Baldauf, Sustainability Facilitator ADJOURNMENT Page 1 of 1 1 MEETING DATE: February 27, 2024 DEPARTMENT: City Clerk FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk SUBJECT: Animal Services Ordinance Update - Ms. Victoria Riles, Animal Services Superintendent FUNDING SOURCE & ORIGINAL BUDGET: ATTACHMENTS:  Animal_Services_Ordinance_Update (PDF) HISTORY: 12/12/23 Health, Social and Environmental Affairs Committee MEETING CANCELLED Next: 02/27/24 Updated: 1/8/2024 12:51 PM Page 1 Packet Pg. 2 Ordinance Change Status Update Columbia Animal Services 1.a Packet Pg. 3 Attachment: Animal_Services_Ordinance_Update (8956 : Animal Services Ordinance 1.a Spay and Neuter Mandate Discussion Attachment: Animal_Services_Ordinance_Update (8956 : Animal Services Ordinance All Pets • Legalities pertaining to professional and responsible breeding • Not supported on a national level Bully Breeds • 75% of dog breeds are inaccurately guessed without DNA testing • Significant resistance on legislative level (HSUS, ASPCA, Best Friends) Reasons this is not supported • Unfunded mandate on citizens • Criminalizes poverty • Will contradict positive community engagement efforts • Possible intake increase Recommendations National groups recommend municipalities support an infrastructure that incentivizes the procedure and provides all community members access to spay/neuter services. Packet Pg. 4 1.a Numbers and Re-Cap of Proposed Ordinance Changes Attachment: Animal_Services_Ordinance_Update (8956 : Animal Services Ordinance • City of Columbia will offer a $25.00 one-time lifetime pet license if pet is spayed/neutered, vaccinated for “Any owner of a dog in which is trained and certified to be rabies, and an assistance dogmicrochipped for its owner.” • $5 pet annual license still in place for altered, un-microchipped pets PAALS (Palmetto • $100 annualAnimal fee ifAssisted the petLife) is not spayed/neutered • Language changes to spay/neuter exemptions to make this area more clear and concise. • Ordinance draft has been reviewed by City Council • Online licensing option • Request to defer out to council for enactment July 1, 2024 • Meeting with Richland County • Richland County is in support of licensing changes and will explore similar changes of their own with their council during budget review, early 2024. • Discussed meeting options for City, Richland, and Lexington to explore ordinance review, spay and neuter mandates. Packet Pg. 5 1.a Preparation for Implementation Attachment: Animal_Services_Ordinance_Update (8956 : Animal Services Ordinance 1. Met with Chameleon Team • Discuss online licensing options and capabilities 2. Met with City’s IT, payment, accounting, and database administrator departments • Determine which payment service will be used • Determine security aspects and labilities to ensure online licensing is in line with the City’s security parameters. 3. Legal Review & Quote • Legal review will determine if there is a contract and what it’s terms and conditions are • Budgetary review for purchase 4. Launch - underway • Chameleon and IT are working together to install and launch the software. 5. Proposed start date of ordinance change July 1, 2024 • Allow RC time to follow suit = complete Packet Pg. 6 1.a Pet-fix & Return Pilot Program Attachment: Animal_Services_Ordinance_Update (8956 : Animal Services Ordinance Program Goals & Objective • To increase spay and neuter within zip codes that most contribute to shelter intake. Success Metrics • To spay/neuter, vaccinate, and microchip a minimum of 50 community animals within 29203 by the end of 2024. Benefits • Prevent birth of approximately 175 puppies  25 females; 7 puppies per litter, on average • Increase public safety  Studies show 60-80% of dog bites are by intact males or pregnant/nursing females  Intact males have higher tendencies to roam due to marking instincts, especially if there is an in heat female nearby.  Unaltered male dogs between 1.5-2 years (sexual maturity) are more likely to display aggressive behaviors and fight with other dogs. • Creates positive community engagement resulting in willingness to comply, verses policed mandates. Packet Pg. 7 2 MEETING DATE: February 27, 2024 DEPARTMENT: City Clerk FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk SUBJECT: Update from Pawmetto Lifeline - Ms. Denise Wilkinson, Chief Executive Officer FUNDING SOURCE & ORIGINAL BUDGET: ATTACHMENTS:  Pawmetto Lifeline Update (PDF) Updated: 1/17/2024 9:34 AM Page 1 Packet Pg. 8 2.b We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) animal welfare organization formed in 1999 to proactively address the Attachment: Pawmetto Lifeline Update (8961 : Update from Pawmetto Lifeline) companion pet overpopulation problem in South Carolina. Create a No-Kill community, meaning no healthy, treatable, adoptable pet will be euthanized simply because they are homeless ( Packet Pg. 9 2.b Attachment: Pawmetto Lifeline Update (8961 : Update from Pawmetto Lifeline) 10,000 humans are born in the U.S. every day. (3.6 million per year) 70,000 puppies and kittens are born every day. (25 million per year) (Source: North Shore Animal League) South Carolina was one of the TOP THREE states that people moved to post COVID. 67% of those families have pets, Packet Pg. 10 THE SOLUTION Packet Pg. 11 2.b Attachment: Pawmetto Lifeline Update (8961 : Update from Pawmetto Lifeline) 2.b Attachment: Pawmetto Lifeline Update (8961 : Update from Pawmetto Lifeline) Between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022 8,415 homeless dogs and cats entered municipal animal shelters in Richland & Lexington counties. 1,656 (or approximately 20%) of animals that entered these shelters were euthanized. 1999: 90% The 2015: 51% Euthanasia 2018: 32% rate for large 2020: 25% breed dogs 2021: 15% continues to 2022: 20% rise 2023: 26% Packet Pg. 12 2.b Attachment: Pawmetto Lifeline Update (8961 : Update from Pawmetto Lifeline) 60-70% of dogs being euthanized in shelters are pit bull type dogs. They are dying at the highest rate in municipal shelters statewide and nationwide. Adoptions will not solve the problem. Spaying and neutering will create a balance between supply and demand. Licensing will create a revenue stream for spaying/neutering. Pawmetto Lifeline will alter any large breed dog/pit that receives a citation at a discount or free. Together we can solve this problem. Packet Pg. 13 3 MEETING DATE: February 27, 2024 DEPARTMENT: City Clerk FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk SUBJECT: Update from Final Victory Animal Rescue - Ms. Katy Cowan, Founder & Director FUNDING SOURCE & ORIGINAL BUDGET: Updated: 1/17/2024 9:34 AM Page 1 Packet Pg. 14 4 MEETING DATE: February 27, 2024 DEPARTMENT: Legal Department FROM: Teresa Knox, City Attorney SUBJECT: Revisions to the Climate Protection Action Committee's Bylaws - Ms. Mary Pat Baldauf, Sustainability Facilitator FUNDING SOURCE & ORIGINAL BUDGET: FOCUS AREAS: Planning Together ATTACHMENTS:  R-2023-094 - CPAC adopt amended by-laws (PDF)  CPRG UPDATE (PPTX) Updated: 1/8/2024 1:22 PM Page 1 Packet Pg. 15 4.a RESOLUTION NO.: R-2023-094 Attachment: R-2023-094 - CPAC adopt amended by-laws (8922 : Resolution No.: R-2023-094 - By-Laws of the Climate Protection Act Adopting the By-Laws of the Climate Protection Action Committee Last Revised July 29, 2023 BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and City Cou ncil this ___ day of _ _ _ _ _ _, 2023 that the attached By-Laws of the Climate Protection Action Committee , Last Revised July 29, 2023 are hereby adopted. Requested by : Councilmember Bussells Mayor Approved by: City Manager ATTEST: City Clerk Introduced : Final Reading : Last rev1sed 11 /30/2023 23019267 Packet Pg. 16 CPAC By-Laws Update Packet Pg. 17 4.b Attachment: CPRG UPDATE (8922 : Resolution No.: R-2023-094 - By-Laws of the Climate Protection Act 4.b Attachment: CPRG UPDATE (8922 : Resolution No.: R-2023-094 - By-Laws of the Climate Protection Act Proposed Changes to By-Laws Changes were drafted to bring the by-laws into compliance with City Council’s new Boards and Commissions manual and include: • Deletion of non-voting appointees. • Deletion of advisory members. • Adoption of City residency requirements. • Increased number of appointees to eleven, the maximum number allowed on any board, commission or committee. • Changed attendance requirements to the version approved in the handbook (two consecutive unexcused absences will be reported to City liaison; three consecutive unexcused absences will result in automatic termination.) Packet Pg. 18 4.b Attachment: CPRG UPDATE (8922 : Resolution No.: R-2023-094 - By-Laws of the Climate Protection Act Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) Update Health, Social and Environmental Affairs Committee December 12, 2023 Packet Pg. 19 4.b Attachment: CPRG UPDATE (8922 : Resolution No.: R-2023-094 - By-Laws of the Climate Protection Act Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Refresher • $1 million EPA grant to fund reduction of greenhouse gases. • Grant lead: Central Midlands Council of Governments. • Regional grant consisting of the Columbia metropolitan statistical area (MSA) of Calhoun, Fairfield, Lexington, Kershaw, Richland and Saluda counties. The City of Columbia is the largest city in the MSA, and is the reason the MSA was chosen for this grant opportunity. • Full-time program coordinator started December 1. Part-time intern from Benedict College is currently aboard as well. • Robert Anderson and I are representing the City on the Advisory Committee and have been actively involved. • The Regional Committee met in early December; each of the seven counties and four municipalities were represented. This group meets on a monthly basis. Packet Pg. 20 4.b Attachment: CPRG UPDATE (8922 : Resolution No.: R-2023-094 - By-Laws of the Climate Protection Act Dates of Interest March 1, 2024: Simplified version of the Priority Climate Action Plan due • Identified near-term action items to prepare for implementation grants. • Can focus on specific sectors or greenhouse gas sources. • Limited set of requirements that set foundation for informed decisions. • May build on previous climate planning efforts. April 1, 2024: Regional Implementation Grant application due Mid-2025: Comprehensive Climate Action Plan due • Includes GHG inventory, projections and reduction targets, and a larger list of measures that reduce GHG and reach targets. Packet Pg. 21 4.b Attachment: CPRG UPDATE (8922 : Resolution No.: R-2023-094 - By-Laws of the Climate Protection Act Possible Grant Project Ideas • Regional waste-to-energy plant. • Regional solar farm. • Local government energy audits. • EV chargers. • EV fleet conversion studies. • Conversion of fleets to natural gas. • Non-reimbursable weatherization grants for existing building stock. • Regional reduction of food waste and adoption of local composting programs. • Smart Surface projects, a variety of different projects that can reduce the urban heat island affect and lessen the impact of flooding. OTHER IDEAS? Packet Pg. 22 5 MEETING DATE: February 27, 2024 DEPARTMENT: City Clerk FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk SUBJECT: Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) Update - Ms. Mary Pat Baldauf, Sustainability Facilitator FUNDING SOURCE & ORIGINAL BUDGET: ATTACHMENTS:  CPRG UPDATE (PDF) HISTORY: 12/12/23 Health, Social and Environmental Affairs Committee MEETING CANCELLED Next: 02/27/24 Updated: 12/8/2023 11:50 AM Page 1 Packet Pg. 23 5.a Attachment: CPRG UPDATE (8955 : Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) Update) Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) Update Health, Social and Environmental Affairs Committee December 12, 2023 Packet Pg. 24 5.a Attachment: CPRG UPDATE (8955 : Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) Update) Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Refresher • $1 million EPA grant to fund reduction of greenhouse gasses. • Grant lead: Central Midlands Council of Governments. • Regional grant consisting of the Columbia metropolitan statistical area (MSA) of Calhoun, Fairfield, Lexington, Kershaw, Richland and Saluda counties. The City of Columbia is the largest city in the MSA, and is the reason the MSA was chosen for this grant opportunity. • Full-time program coordinator started December 1. Part-time intern will soon be hired to assist the coordinator. • Robert Anderson and I are representing the City on the Advisory Committee and will be actively involved. • The Regional Committee met last week; each of the six counties and four municipalities were represented. This group will meet on a monthly basis. Packet Pg. 25 5.a Attachment: CPRG UPDATE (8955 : Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) Update) Dates of Interest March 1, 2024: Simplified version of the Priority Climate Action Plan due • Identified near-term action items to prepare for implementation grants • Can focus on specific sectors or greenhouse gas sources • Limited set of requirements that set foundation for informed decisions • May build on previous climate planning efforts April 1, 2024: Regional Implementation Grant application due Mid-2025: Comprehensive Climate Action Plan due • Includes GHG inventory, projections and reduction targets, and a larger list of measures that reduce GHG and reach targets. Packet Pg. 26 5.a Attachment: CPRG UPDATE (8955 : Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) Update) Possible Grant Project Ideas • Regional waste-to-energy plant • Regional solar farm • Local government energy audits • EV chargers • EV fleet conversion study • Conversion of fleets to natural gas • Non-reimbursable weatherization grants for existing building stock • Regional reduction of food waste and adoption of local composting programs OTHER IDEAS? Packet Pg. 27