Health Social and Environmental Affairs Committee

Regular Meeting

Columbia, SC · January 28, 2025

Minutes

HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2025 CALL TO ORDER The Columbia Health, Social, and Environmental Affairs Committee conducted a meeting on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at City Hall (Mayor’s Conference Room), 1737 Main Street, Second Floor, Columbia, SC 29201. The Honorable Aditi Bussells, Chair called the meeting to order at 1:01 p.m. and the following members were present: Attendee Name Title Status Aditi Bussells Chair Present Edward H. McDowell Member Present Tyler D. Bailey Member Absent APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. December 17, 2024 Health, Social, and Environmental Affairs Committee Meeting Minutes - Approved Upon a motion made by Dr. Bussells and seconded by Mr. McDowell, the Committee voted unanimously to approve the December 17, 2024 Health, Social, and Environmental Affairs Committee Meeting Minutes. PRESENTATIONS 2. Environmental Priorities and Strategies for 2025 - Mr. Clint Shealy, P.E., Assistant City Manager of Columbia Water and Ms. Mary Pat Baldauf, Sustainability Facilitator – Received as information. Mr. Clint Shealy, P.E., Assistant City Manager of Columbia Water emphasized the continued importance of maintaining compliance with drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater regulations. This includes addressing sanitary sewer overflows, improving water quality, and investing in infrastructure upgrades. He shared about the efforts to extend project timelines with the EPA due to challenges like the 2015 flood and COVID-related delays. The team is working on more consistent notifications to customers, especially during water main breaks. Infrastructure upgrades are ongoing, with a focus on replacing old pipes to reduce service disruptions. Page 1 of 4 HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2025 There was discussion about time extensions; metal plates on the streets and backlogged work orders; line replacing; internal staff communications; and proactive approaches. Dr. Bussells suggested the additional option of an “Active Alerts” button to the MyColaSC mobile application with the same functionality of reporting concerns or paying utility bills. If a water concern has information that has changed rapidly, it can be seen on the app in real time. Mr. Clint Shealy, P.E., Assistant City Manager of Columbia Water said that ongoing litigation regarding the regulation of perfluorinated substances in drinking water, with the team continuing to study the potential impacts and costs. Recently, a proposal for regulating wastewater effluent and bio solids was frozen under the new administration, but the team remains committed to pursuing litigation to ensure that polluters are held accountable for removing these substances. The team is also exploring value engineering to mitigate costs while maintaining progress on essential projects. There was discussion about process of biogas recovery; embankment repair and head gate replacement at the Metro Wastewater Treatment Plant; and anticipated timeline. Ms. Mary Pat Baldauf, Sustainability Facilitator shared the most recent grant opportunities received by the city:  Community Development Block Grant- $105,165 for decorative street lights in the Edisto Court community through June 30, 2025.  Urban and Community Forestry Inflation Reduction Act - $290,015, funding covers tree costs, tree diapers, and catering for free tree planting lunch and learn events through June 30, 2029.  Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) - $198,460 will retrofit city streetlights to LED bulbs through March 28, 2027.  Climate Pollution Reduction Grant - $9 million to develop a climate action plan for the region, with implementation funds potentially supporting a solar farm. Page 2 of 4 HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2025  Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Grant – $100,000 through October 31, 2025. Ms. Tina-Marie Sandoval, University of South Carolina student and Youth Climate Action Fund recipient organized a service day with fellow students in North Columbia's Meadow Lake neighborhood. They weatherized six homes to improve energy efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions by air-sealing, caulking windows, and installing door weatherization strips. Thirty students volunteered, gaining hands-on experience and connecting with the community. If selected for the next round of funding, the project will return to these homes to update attic insulation with a third-party contractor. There was discussion about servicing different locations. Ms. Beata Dewitt, SC Carolina Public Health Association and Youth Climate Action Fund recipient shared about the launch of College Climate Action Resilience Week. Events included a Climate Café discussing urbanization, a Tree Planting Initiative at MLK Jr. Park on Election Day, a "Don’t Waste Food SC" cooking demo, a Sustainable Art exhibit on issues like fast fashion, and a Green Networking Breakfast focused on youth and sustainability. A total of 45 students participated. There was discussion about collaborative efforts in organizing the events throughout the week. Ms. Mary Pat Baldauf, Sustainability Facilitator highlighted ongoing initiatives with CPAC, including bi-weekly core group and monthly full committee meetings. The team is focused on implementing the Ready for 100 Project Resolution 2.0, developing a tracking dashboard for upcoming launch, and prioritizing energy audits and efficiency improvements. The city’s 45-year Tree City designation is also a key focus, with the application for the 46th designation being processed, and 500 trees planted annually to maintain the status. There was discussion funding for additional tree planting. 3. Greenway and Trails Update - Ms. Dana Higgins, P.E., LEED AP, Director of Engineering for Columbia Water – This item was discussed. No action was taken. Page 3 of 4 HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2025 Ms. Dana Higgins, P.E., LEED AP, Director of Engineering for Columbia Water shared an update on the city’s trail and greenway connections, including key projects and future opportunities. Phase 3 of the Vista Greenway is progressing from Elmwood to North Main, with Phase 4 planned to extend to Page Ellington Park. Richland County’s Penny projects, including the Gill Creek, Crane Creek, and Rocky Branch Greenways, are ongoing, with Crane Creek expected to finish by next spring. The River Alliance is working on a project connecting Boyd Island to Riverfront Park, set for completion by 2027. The team is also exploring grant funding to enhance connectivity. Dr. Bussells requested staff for a walkthrough of Finlay Park. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 1:58 p.m. Respectfully submitted: Erika D. Moore Hammond, CMC City Clerk Page 4 of 4

Agenda

Packet

HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2025 The Health, Social and Environmental Affairs Committee will conduct a meeting on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 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, At-Large, Chair The Honorable Edward H. McDowell, Jr., District II  The Honorable Tyler D. Bailey, At-Large Prior to entering the meeting please silence all electronic communication devices. All presenters are asked to speak directly into the microphone for recording purposes. CALL TO ORDER APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. December 17, 2024 Health, Social, and Environmental Affairs Committee Meeting Minutes PRESENTATIONS 2. Environmental Priorities and Strategies for 2025 - Mr. Clint Shealy, P.E., Assistant City Manager of Columbia Water and Ms. Mary Pat Baldauf, Sustainability Facilitator 3. Greenway and Trails Update - Ms. Dana Higgins, P.E., LEED AP, Director of Engineering for Columbia Water ADJOURNMENT Page 1 of 1 1 MEETING DATE: January 28, 2025 DEPARTMENT: City Clerk FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk SUBJECT: December 17, 2024 Health, Social, and Environmental Affairs Committee Meeting Minutes FUNDING SOURCE & ORIGINAL BUDGET: ATTACHMENTS:  #a: HSEAC_MN_12172024 (DOCX) Updated: 1/14/2025 8:54 AM Page 1 Packet Pg. 2 1.a HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2024 CALL TO ORDER The Health, Social and Environmental Affairs Committee conducted a meeting on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at City Hall (Mayor's Conference Room), 1737 Main Street, 2nd floor, Columbia, SC 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 Present Tyler D. Bailey Member Present APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. October 22, 2024 Health, Social, and Environmental Affairs Committee Meeting Minutes – Approved Upon a motion made by Mr. McDowell and seconded by Mr. Bailey, the Committee voted unanimously to approve the October 22, 2024 Health, Social, and Environmental Affairs Committee Meeting Minutes. PRESENTATIONS 2. Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Fund Update - Ms. Mary Pat Baldauf, Sustainability Administrator / Public Works Department – Received as information Ms. Mary Pat Baldauf, Sustainability Administrator/Public Works Department provided the latest update on the Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Fund. There are nine participants: three college groups and six high school groups with a total funding award of $43,000. The first reports were submitted on October 31, 2024 and final reports are due by December 31, 2024. Additionally, the City of Columbia has been selected by Bloomberg Philanthropies for Phase 2 of the Youth Climate Action Fund, securing $100,000. To highlight these efforts, a showcase will be held on January 14, 2025 in the City Hall Lobby from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. This event offers an opportunity to learn about each project and be inspired by the passionate stories of these young change makers. Page 1 of 3 Packet Pg. 3 1.a HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2024 COMMITTEE DISCUSSION 3. Late-Night Food Trucks - Ms. Kalenna Ginyard, Program Compliance Specialist / Office of Business Opportunities – Received as information Dr. Bussells explained that the idea for late-night food trucks came from an experienced food truck operator, who pointed out the limited dining options available after 11 p.m. on weekends, as most kitchens are closed. She recommended exploring a similar concept in our entertainment districts after that time while ensuring that it doesn't compete with existing brick-and-mortar businesses. Ms. Kalenna Kinyard, Program Compliance Specialist/Office of Business Opportunities explained that the initiative aims to expand food truck availability and create opportunities for vendors to grow their customer base. Challenges include the need for vendors to designate well-lit areas for food trucks to set up as well as collaborating with the Columbia Police Department and Richland County to plan regular patrols and establish effective crowd management strategies. Current potential locations include The Vista, which could attract residents and visitors during evening hours and Five Points, which could attract college students and young professionals. There was discussion about city owned property being used as potential locations; avoiding close proximity to restaurants; proposed timeframe; exploring options; time of operation; coordinating with the hospitality districts; researching successful programs in other states; and adding lighting and security at Page Ellington Park. Dr. Bussells explained that Councilor Brennan is proposing a motion to create an ad hoc committee within the larger committee to focus on some of the homeless initiatives that have been under discussion. This will provide Kameisha and her team with a direct line of communication and dedicated time to address that specific issue. Additionally, the goal for the beginning of the year is to develop a map of health initiatives for 2025, focusing on two to three key items, allowing staff adequate time for preparation. She highlighted the importance of environmental priorities and strategies, especially in light of the new administration and available funding opportunities. There was discussion about the status of PFAS for 2025; exploring ways to hold responsible parties accountable for environmental pollution; and electric vehicle sustainability in relation to the arrival of Scout Motors. Page 2 of 3 Packet Pg. 4 1.a HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2024 Dr. Bussells requested an update on the Blue Bike vendor replacement, in anticipation of the opening of the greenway and Finlay Park. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 1:29 p.m. Respectfully submitted: Erika D. Moore Hammond, CMC City Clerk Page 3 of 3 Packet Pg. 5 2 MEETING DATE: January 28, 2025 DEPARTMENT: City Clerk FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk SUBJECT: Environmental Priorities and Strategies for 2025 - Mr. Clint Shealy, P.E., Assistant City Manager of Columbia Water and Ms. Mary Pat Baldauf, Sustainability Facilitator FUNDING SOURCE & ORIGINAL BUDGET: Updated: 1/23/2025 1:15 PM Page 1 Packet Pg. 6 3 MEETING DATE: January 28, 2025 DEPARTMENT: City Clerk FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk SUBJECT: Greenway and Trails Update - Ms. Dana Higgins, P.E., LEED AP, Director of Engineering for Columbia Water FUNDING SOURCE & ORIGINAL BUDGET: Updated: 1/23/2025 1:27 PM Page 1 Packet Pg. 7