Health Social and Environmental Affairs Committee

Regular Meeting

Columbia, SC · August 27, 2024

Minutes

HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2024 CALL TO ORDER The Health, Social and Environmental Affairs Committee conducted a meeting on Tuesday, August 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 1:00 p.m. Attendee Name Title Status Aditi Bussells Chair Present Edward H. McDowell Member Remote Tyler D. Bailey Member Present APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of May 28, 2024 Health, Social, and Environmental Committee Meeting Minutes Upon a motion made by Mr. Bailey and seconded by Mr. McDowell, the committee voted unanimously to approve the May 28, 2024 Health, Social, and Environmental Committee Meeting Minutes. COMMITTEE DISCUSSION 2. Animal Services Update - Ms. Victoria Riles, Animal Services Superintendent Ms. Victoria Riles, Animal Services Superintendent, summarized the fiscal year, noting decreased intake and euthanasia rates, despite stagnant national figures. The department has adopted programs from Charleston and Greenville, which have greater capacity and staffing. She proposed a one-time license fee for fully vetted animals, shifting from a $100 annual fee to encourage spaying/neutering without mandates, particularly in under-resourced communities. An online pet licensing portal has also been soft-launched. Additionally, proposed ordinance changes aim to eliminate the spay/neuter exemption for service animals due to misuse of the ADA. They also include language to support the abandonment of animals. These proposals are being drafted by Legal. There is a free microchipping event on September 22, 2024. It is limited to City residents and is a part of the Best Friend’s Home to Home Grant Challenge. Fulfilling this requirement, we could eligible to receive a grant for $10,000. Page 1 of 2 HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2024 There was discussion about funds from Richland County; overhead cost of shelter; intergovernmental agreement with Fort Jackson; more proportionate funding based off data; financial constraints; nationwide euthanasia rates vs. local; connecting with Community Development, Public Works, and Columbia Council of Neighborhoods; and differential licensing and ordinance revisions. Dr. Bussells requested staff provide differences between Lexington County, Richland County, and the City of Columbia. 3. Planted Wildlife Gardens Ordinance Update - Ms. Jessica Kinard, Esq., Senior Assistant City Attorney Ms. Jessica Kinard, Senior Assistant City Attorney shared a referral from the Mayor, where constituents were interested in planting environmentally friendly gardens that don’t fit into the aesthetic portions of the ordinance. The suggested ordinance modifications have already been approved by Legal. We are trying to figure out how to look toward enforcement of this to make it easier for Code Enforcement. She suggested creating a list of certified gardens by different organizations. Ms. Trish German, South Carolina Native Plants Society (Midlands Chapter) said several members of the society have wildlife friendly gardens that were getting citations. She suggested the usage of cues to care – a pathway, signage, borders, and bird baths for example. Things that indicate that it is planned. There are several certifications that could help including a Backyard Wildlife Habitat Program. There was discussion about local examples of native gardens; certification programs; and cost to citizens. There was consensus of the committee to have staff make language adjustments in the ordinance and bring back to committee for final review. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 1:34 p.m. Respectfully submitted: Erika D. Moore Hammond, CMC City Clerk Page 2 of 2

Agenda

Packet

HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2024 The Health, Social and Environmental Affairs Committee will conduct a Meeting on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at City Hall (Mayor's Conference Room), 1737 Main Street, Second Floor, Columbia, SC 29201. Members of the public may view the meeting 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 this meeting. The Honorable Aditi Bussells, 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 should speak directly into the microphone for recording purposes. CALL TO ORDER APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of May 28, 2024 Health, Social, and Environmental Committee Meeting Minutes COMMITTEE DISCUSSION 2. Animal Services Update - Ms. Victoria Riles, Animal Services Superintendent 3. Planted Wildlife Gardens Ordinance Update - Ms. Jessica Kinard, Esq., Senior Assistant City Attorney ADJOURNMENT Page 1 of 1 1 MEETING DATE: August 27, 2024 DEPARTMENT: City Clerk FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk SUBJECT: Approval of May 28, 2024 Health, Social, and Environmental Committee Meeting Minutes FUNDING SOURCE & ORIGINAL BUDGET: ATTACHMENTS:  #a: HSEAC_MN_05282024 (PDF) Updated: 7/2/2024 11:56 AM Page 1 Packet Pg. 2 1.a HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, MAY 28, 2024 CALL TO ORDER The Health, Social, and Environmental Affairs Committee conducted a meeting on Tuesday, May 28, 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 1:02 p.m. Attendee Name Title Status Aditi Bussells Chair Present Edward H. McDowell Member Absent Tyler D. Bailey Member Present APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of February 27, 2024 Health, Social, and Environmental Affairs Committee Meeting Minutes – Approved Upon a motion made by Mr. Bailey and seconded by Dr. Bussells, the Committee voted unanimously to approve the February 27, 2024 Health, Social, and Environmental Affairs Committee Meeting Minutes. 2. Approval of March 26, 2024 Health, Social, and Environmental Affairs Committee Meeting Minutes – Approved Upon a motion made by Mr. Bailey and seconded by Dr. Bussells, the Committee voted unanimously to approve the March 26, 2024 Health, Social, and Environmental Committee Meeting Minutes. PRESENTATION 3. Forestry and Beautification Tree Planting Program Update - Mr. Robert Anderson. Director of Public Works and Mr. Brian Neiger, Superintendent of Forestry and Beautification – Received as information. Mr. Brian Neiger, Superintendent of Forestry and Beautification shared a presentation on the City's reforestation program. The program goals include planting 500 trees annually, managing the City's canopy effectively, and diversifying tree species to enhance resilience. Coordinator Weston Beck was hired six months ago and is supported by certified arborists. Their focus is on replanting removed trees and collaborating with local organizations for beautification. Site selection Page 1 of 3 Packet Pg. 3 1.a HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, MAY 28, 2024 considers utility infrastructure and state regulations, while an updated tree selection list prioritizes local soil-resilient species. Community involvement includes resident notifications and collaborative tree selection. The Beat the Heat Grant kickoff will be held on July 13, 2024. There will also be an educational event where tree vouchers will be given to private property owners. The reforestation program is instrumental in Columbia maintaining its 45-year designation as a Tree City USA. There was discussion about concerns with managing invasive species; addressing neighborhood- specific planting challenges due to underground cabling; improving tree survival rates; exploring partnerships to expand tree coverage on private property; and adjusting planting strategies to accommodate changing climate zones. Dr. Bussells requested follow-up on questions in relation to tree plantings in Melrose Heights. COMMITTEE DISCUSSION 4. Yard Trash Policy - Mr. Robert Anderson, Director of Public Works – Received as information. Dr. Bussells said this discussion is in direct response to Councilwoman Herbert’s referral to this committee at our last City Council meeting. Mr. Robert Anderson, Director of Public Works explained the Solid Waste Division’s current operational details in regards to yard trash. Specific requirements for service eligibility, such as the 51% owner-occupied rule for residential properties using front loader dumpsters, were outlined. The rate structure has not been revised since 1994 and it includes provisions for different service levels and special circumstances like construction projects. The City of Columbia does not provide free collection services to tax-exempt entities. Materials left on the curb without prior arrangement are subject to a payment process overseen by City of Columbia supervisors, with non- compliance potentially leading to involvement from the Code Enforcement Division. There was discussion about past practices and enforcement procedures related to yard debris and construction waste. Page 2 of 3 Packet Pg. 4 1.a HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, MAY 28, 2024 5. Columbia Signage - The Honorable Aditi Bussells – Received as information. Dr. Bussells said this is a follow-up discussion on a longtime project. There’s going to be several iterations of the new signage to replace the signs across the city and to be more cohesive. Mr. Robert Anderson, Director of Public Works presented updated signage designs aimed at enhancing welcoming aesthetics. The designs include primary, secondary, and tertiary versions, with considerations for nighttime illumination. There was discussion about removal of old signs; potential locations utilizing initial funding; the biggest gateways for sign placement; the wave motif and fonts; and the overall appearance. There was consensus of the committee for staff to review the recommended changes with the vendor and to continue the discussion at a Work Session. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 1:44 p.m. Respectfully submitted: Erika D. Moore Hammond, CMC City Clerk Page 3 of 3 Packet Pg. 5 2 MEETING DATE: August 27, 2024 DEPARTMENT: City Clerk FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk SUBJECT: Animal Services Update - Ms. Victoria Riles, Animal Services Superintendent FUNDING SOURCE & ORIGINAL BUDGET: Updated: 8/26/2024 11:28 AM Page 1 Packet Pg. 6 3 MEETING DATE: August 27, 2024 DEPARTMENT: City Clerk FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk SUBJECT: Planted Wildlife Gardens Ordinance Update - Ms. Jessica Kinard, Esq., Senior Assistant City Attorney FUNDING SOURCE & ORIGINAL BUDGET: Updated: 8/23/2024 5:27 PM Page 1 Packet Pg. 7