Health Social and Environmental Affairs Committee

HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA TUESDAY, MAY 28, 2024 The Health, Social and Environmental Affairs Committee will conduct a meeting on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 1:00 p.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 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 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of 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 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 COMMITTEE DISCUSSION 4. Yard Trash Policy - Mr. Robert Anderson, Director of Public Works 5. Columbia Signage - The Honorable Aditi Bussells ADJOURNMENT Page 1 of 1  1 MEETING DATE: May 28, 2024 DEPARTMENT: City Clerk FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk SUBJECT: Approval of February 27, 2024 Health, Social, and Environmental Affairs Committee Meeting Minutes FUNDING SOURCE & ORIGINAL BUDGET: ATTACHMENTS:  HSEAC_MN_02272024 (DOCX) Updated: 4/30/2024 2:34 PM Page 1 Packet Pg. 2  1.a Attachment: HSEAC_MN_02272024 (9261 : Approval of February 27, 2024 Health, Social, and Environmental Affairs Committee Meeting 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 Page 1 of 3 Packet Pg. 3  1.a Attachment: HSEAC_MN_02272024 (9261 : Approval of February 27, 2024 Health, Social, and Environmental Affairs Committee Meeting HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2024 said in 2023, South Carolina was the number one state that people moved to and 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. Page 2 of 3 Packet Pg. 4  1.a Attachment: HSEAC_MN_02272024 (9261 : Approval of February 27, 2024 Health, Social, and Environmental Affairs Committee Meeting HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2024 There was consensus of the Committee to forward the revised bylaws to a future City Council meeting. 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 Packet Pg. 5  2 MEETING DATE: May 28, 2024 DEPARTMENT: City Clerk FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk SUBJECT: Approval of March 26, 2024 Health, Social, and Environmental Committee Meeting Minutes FUNDING SOURCE & ORIGINAL BUDGET: ATTACHMENTS:  HSEAC_MN_03262024 (DOCX) Updated: 4/30/2024 5:26 PM Page 1 Packet Pg. 6  2.a Attachment: HSEAC_MN_03262024 (9264 : Approval of March 26, 2024 Health, Social, and Environmental Affairs Committee Minutes) HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2024 CALL TO ORDER The Health, Social and Environmental Affairs Committee conducted a meeting on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. 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. Attendee Name Title Status Aditi Bussells Chair Present Edward H. McDowell Member Remote Tyler D. Bailey Member Present COMMITTEE DISCUSSION 1. Columbia Tree and Appearance Commission Update - Mr. Russell Jeter and Ms. Kristin Dow, Co-Chair and Member of Columbia Tree and Appearance Commission – Received as information Ms. Kristin Dow, Member of the Columbia Tree and Appearance Commission said heat risks are not well integrated into emergency management. One way of addressing heat is by having adequate shade. Within the boundaries of the city, approximately 21% of tree canopy was lost due to cutting, dying, removal or clearing for different purposes. We are not able to see the efforts of the city to replace those large canopy trees. We joined a heat mapping campaign, which allows us to pursue an understanding of heat risks that we’re exposed to. We were able to get a grant with the support of the Richland County Conservation Commission, Climate Protection Action Committee and many others. Volunteers took instruments onto prescribed routes around the city to collect data. They looked at air temperature and humidity at the level people experience it. On a 93 degree day in the summer, you can see certain areas of the city are in danger. According to the National Weather Service, this means there is a probability of experiencing heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Mr. Russ Jeter, Co-Chair of the Columbia Tree and Appearance Commission said Dr. Dow has helped us focus on where we think the city can best spend its limited funds. We focused our efforts on where the money is and helpful solutions that won’t break the budget. The main objective of the proposed ordinance is to prohibit new utilities above ground where we’ve successfully undergrounded. This would apply to all new projects or renovations of a certain size. The ordinance would also strongly encourage or require the planting of trees where undergrounding has been accomplished. We would like to see the city do smaller projects that people will see. We think it will have a greater impact on the citizens. We would also request that city staff determine Page 1 of 3 Packet Pg. 7  2.a Attachment: HSEAC_MN_03262024 (9264 : Approval of March 26, 2024 Health, Social, and Environmental Affairs Committee Minutes) HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2024 the cost of an additional water truck, employee, and all the related costs. We’re asking you to consider funding to underground one to two blocks annually. There was discussion about the potential assessment of citizens in each district, grants and federal dollars, and bandwidth within the intern program. 2. Rental Housing Ordinance - The Honorable Tyler D. Bailey – Received as information Councilor Bailey said I started looking at the residential rental ordinance that we have in place to give the City Attorney’s Office more tools when there are emergency situations. Ms. Jessica Kinard, Senior Assistant City Attorney said Councilman Bailey asked for an ordinance to help people that are displaced, especially in situations due to landlord neglect. In the City of Columbia, we do not have a civil cause of action. We only have criminal enforcement procedures and a criminal court. If we wanted to go after them, it would have to go to the Court of Common Pleas. Councilman Bailey provided us with ordinances from places around the country that are starting to require emergency plans from the landlords. If a major event occurs due to your neglect or issues that you’ve allowed to go unchecked, you have to be responsible for housing the tenants. For units or complexes that are deemed high risk, they will also have to file an emergency operations plan, which will include how to notify the tenants, defines the emergency, how the management company will take steps to ensure the tenants have a safe place to reside, remediation for the underlying cause of the event, and the owner’s plan to reintroduce the tenants to their prior living arrangements. This would have to include a copy of the certificate of insurance. If there is no insurance, the owner or property manager has to inform the tenants in writing. There was discussion about the connection with the Tenant’s Bill of Rights and sharing information with the Administrative Policy Committee, State Housing, and Community Development. 3. Update on Perfluorinated Substances in Drinking Water - Mr. Clint Shealy, Assistant City Manager for Columbia Water – Received as information Dr. Bussells said Clint and his team introduced PFAS to myself, Councilman Duvall, and Councilman McDowell a few months ago. Since then, there has been a lot of attention around it. As the science is emerging, we wanted to get an update given that there are potential regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency that could affect us. Page 2 of 3 Packet Pg. 8  2.a Attachment: HSEAC_MN_03262024 (9264 : Approval of March 26, 2024 Health, Social, and Environmental Affairs Committee Minutes) HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2024 Mr. Clint Shealy, Assistant City Manager for Columbia Water introduced the Utility Operations Director Frank Eskridge and Dr. Alejandra Beier, Water Compliance Manager. We wanted to make our customers and citizens aware that PFAS compounds are not something that we’re adding in the water. These are compounds that have been used in manufacturing and personal care products for years. We can see them at lower concentrations now because the analytical methods are getting better. That is what has prompted the EPA to move forward to propose this draft regulation. The average of all the data gathered shows that we are slightly below that regulatory threshold. This regulation may be finalized by mid-April of 2024. The data is readily available on our website and we have been transparent about the significant investment in treatment technology as well. We’re advocating strongly that these compounds be regulated out of our economy so they can’t be put into our receiving streams. They will pollute our waterways and that’s not good for our aquatic environment, fish consumption, or recreational use. There was discussion about investment in treatment technology in relation to the upcoming election, safe drinking water, and early detection of substances. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 1:52 p.m. Respectfully submitted: Erika D. Moore Hammond, CMC City Clerk Page 3 of 3 Packet Pg. 9  3 MEETING DATE: May 28, 2024 DEPARTMENT: City Clerk FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk SUBJECT: Forestry and Beautification Tree Planting Program Update - Mr. Robert Anderson. Director of Public Works and Mr. Brian Neiger, Superintendent of Forestry and Beautification FUNDING SOURCE & ORIGINAL BUDGET: ATTACHMENTS:  Reforestation Program updated (PPTX) Updated: 4/18/2024 1:18 PM Page 1 Packet Pg. 10  Forestry & Beautification Right Tree, Right Place May 28, 2024 Reforestation Program Packet Pg. 11 3.a Attachment: Reforestation Program updated (9239 : Forestry and Beautification Tree Planting Program  3.a Attachment: Reforestation Program updated (9239 : Forestry and Beautification Tree Planting Program Reforestation Team • Reforestation Coordinator • 5 ISA Certified Arborists • 2 ISA Municipal Specialist Packet Pg. 12  3.a Attachment: Reforestation Program updated (9239 : Forestry and Beautification Tree Planting Program Objectives Right Tree, Right Place • 500 trees • Prioritize replanting • Tree diversification • Beautification projects Packet Pg. 13  3.a Attachment: Reforestation Program updated (9239 : Forestry and Beautification Tree Planting Program Site Selection • Significant considerations • Sidewalks and curbs • Size of right of way • Visibility • Nearby plantings • Streetlights • Utilities • Underground utilities • Overhead utilities Packet Pg. 14  3.a Attachment: Reforestation Program updated (9239 : Forestry and Beautification Tree Planting Program State roads Vs. City Roads • SCDOT/State Roads • Require encroachment permit • Maintenance agreement • Trees to avoid • Curb 1.5 feet from road • Valley gutter 10 feet from road • Location of sidewalks and utilities • City Roads • Size of right of way • Can install smaller trees closer to road • Location of sidewalks and utilities Packet Pg. 15  3.a Attachment: Reforestation Program updated (9239 : Forestry and Beautification Tree Planting Program Tree Selection Right Tree, Right Place • Living list • Trees that do well in any soil condition • Small trees (15'-25' height) • Under utility lines • Tight spaces • Medium trees (25'-40' height) • Mid-tier • Site would not support large oak • Large trees (45'+ height) • Oaks • Canopy trees Packet Pg. 16  3.a Attachment: Reforestation Program updated (9239 : Forestry and Beautification Tree Planting Program Processes • Identify Site • Inform citizen via door hanger • Tree selection (Right tree, Right place) • Flag location/811/acquire permits • Plant October to March • Water for 1 year • Young tree pruning every 3 years • Lifetime maintenance for right of way trees Packet Pg. 17  3.a Attachment: Reforestation Program updated (9239 : Forestry and Beautification Tree Planting Program Upcoming Opportunities USDA Beat the Heat – Plant a Tree Grant • $290,000 Grant from USDA through Arbor Day Foundation • Will target areas in the heat map that are identified in Justice40 Mapping • Plant 300 trees a year for five years • Quarterly meetings to promote education of tree benefits • Community partnerships with Columbia Green to supply additional trees/year for areas not covered in Justice40 mapping • Kickoff scheduled for July 13th 2024 Packet Pg. 18  Beat the Heat – Plant a Tree Grant Map Packet Pg. 19 3.a Attachment: Reforestation Program updated (9239 : Forestry and Beautification Tree Planting Program  Tree City USA 45-Year Designation Packet Pg. 20 3.a Attachment: Reforestation Program updated (9239 : Forestry and Beautification Tree Planting Program  Questions/Discussion Packet Pg. 21 3.a Attachment: Reforestation Program updated (9239 : Forestry and Beautification Tree Planting Program  4 MEETING DATE: May 28, 2024 DEPARTMENT: City Clerk FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk SUBJECT: Yard Trash Policy - Mr. Robert Anderson, Director of Public Works FUNDING SOURCE & ORIGINAL BUDGET: ATTACHMENTS:  Solid Waste Special Collections_1 (PPTX) Updated: 5/24/2024 6:54 AM Page 1 Packet Pg. 22  4.a Attachment: Solid Waste Special Collections_1 (9351 : Yard Trash Policy) City of Columbia Public Works/Solid Waste Collection Services Packet Pg. 23  4.a Attachment: Solid Waste Special Collections_1 (9351 : Yard Trash Policy) Ø Services Ø Garbage/Recycling Ø Roll Carts Ø A.M. Collections Ø P.M. Collections Ø Six-night Service Ø Litter Containers Ø Yard Trash Ø Litter Ø Street Sweeping Ø Residential Ø Commercial Ø Roll Off Ø Compost Ø Front Loader/Dumpsters 2 Packet Pg. 24  4.a Attachment: Solid Waste Special Collections_1 (9351 : Yard Trash Policy) • Early 1990s, Council discussed eleemosynary not paying for service • Developed billing system • Tax-exempt roll cart services • Churches • Parsonages • State and local • Tax-exempt front loader/dumpster services • Churches • State and local • 2009 • Council voted to eliminate front-end loader/dumpster service • Exceptions • City-owned properties • Residential front-end loader/dumpsters • Elimination of services • Dumpster and yard trash • Apartments • Businesses Vintage Roll Cart • Eleemosynary • During this period, it was decided all aspects of services would be cancelled 3 Packet Pg. 25  4.a Attachment: Solid Waste Special Collections_1 (9351 : Yard Trash Policy) Sec. 19-34. - Materials to be removed by occupant. Non-household waste. Rubbish, ashes or building materials not resulting from normal household use must be removed from the premises by the occupant. Sec. 19-39. - Retail and commercial establishments. Disposal of used appliances, used furniture, used tires, shipping units, boxes, etc., by retail and commercial establishments shall be subject to a charge when these items exceed containerization for roll carts or bulk containers. The director of public services shall notify such establishments to dispose of such items that exceed containerization by weight, type, size or quantity. Upon such notification, establishments must dispose of described materials at an approved landfill. Sec. 19-41. - Restrictions on collection. Lot clearing. No materials such as trees, shrubbery or underbrush resulting from land being cleared, either by order of the health department or otherwise, or from construction or demolition either resulting from order by the building official or otherwise, will be collected by the city without charge. Commercial cutting. The city will not collect without charge materials such as trees, shrubbery, underbrush, chips or sawdust resulting from commercial cutting operations. Commercial cutters, such as tree surgeons and landscapers, are required to dispose of waste produced by their operations promptly at no expense to the city. 4 Packet Pg. 26  4.a Attachment: Solid Waste Special Collections_1 (9351 : Yard Trash Policy) Bulk containers for multiple residential units. The owners of multiple residential units containing more than six units shall be required to furnish bulk containers for private collection service except that the City of Columbia will continue to provide bulk container service to those multiple residential units currently receiving such service which contain more than six units if more than fifty percent of the total units within the multiple residential unit complex or group are owner-occupied legal residences of the owners and are taxed on an assessment equal to four percent of the fair market value of the property. The owners or the owners' representative shall submit a written request for continuation of such service to the director of public works along with sufficient documentation proving that more than fifty percent of the total units within the multiple residential unit complex or group are owner-occupied legal residences of the owner(s) and are taxed on an assessment equal to four percent of the fair market value of the property. Waste not placed in such bulk containers must be disposed of by the owners of the property or persons responsible for the waste. Each day of failure to comply with this section shall constitute a separate offense. Bulk containers for commercial and industrial users. Commercial and industrial users shall provide bulk containers as required by regulation for private collection service. 5 Packet Pg. 27  4.a Attachment: Solid Waste Special Collections_1 (9351 : Yard Trash Policy) Sec. 19-43. - Service fees. All persons producing or having refuse collected by the city shall pay a user service fee for such service as follows: (1) Residential service: Single-family or multifamily buildings subject to ad valorem tax containing not more than six dwelling units, collection and disposal No charge (2) Tax-exempt residential property $175.00 per year (3) Commercial refuse collection (per roll cart) $34.75 per year (4) Taxable nonresidential properties: a. Non-dumpster service, disposal: 1. Basic service: Less than 1.0 cubic yard per week $34.95 per year 2. Low volume service: Less than 1.0 cubic yard per day $15.35 per month 3. Mean volume service: 1.0 to less than 3.0 cubic yards per day $30.70 per month 4. High volume service: 3.0 or more cubic yards per day $46.00 per month (5) Building material collection a. Disposal fees: Minimum truck size $50.00 ¼ truck load $75.00 ½ truck load $150.00 ¾ truck load $200.00 Full truck load $300.00 b. Residential and business customers producing more than one cubic yard of building material trash per week shall be subject to an additional collection and disposal charge. 6 Packet Pg. 28  Questions/Discussion Packet Pg. 29 4.a Attachment: Solid Waste Special Collections_1 (9351 : Yard Trash Policy)  5 MEETING DATE: May 28, 2024 DEPARTMENT: City Clerk FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk SUBJECT: Columbia Signage - The Honorable Aditi Bussells FUNDING SOURCE & ORIGINAL BUDGET: ATTACHMENTS:  Welcome Signage_1 (PPTX) Updated: 5/24/2024 6:53 AM Page 1 Packet Pg. 30  5.a Attachment: Welcome Signage_1 (9352 : Columbia Signage) City of Columbia Public Works Gateway Signage Packet Pg. 31  2 Packet Pg. 32 5.a Attachment: Welcome Signage_1 (9352 : Columbia Signage)  3 Packet Pg. 33 5.a Attachment: Welcome Signage_1 (9352 : Columbia Signage)  4 Packet Pg. 34 5.a Attachment: Welcome Signage_1 (9352 : Columbia Signage)  5 Packet Pg. 35 5.a Attachment: Welcome Signage_1 (9352 : Columbia Signage)  6 Packet Pg. 36 5.a Attachment: Welcome Signage_1 (9352 : Columbia Signage)  Questions/Discussion Packet Pg. 37 5.a Attachment: Welcome Signage_1 (9352 : Columbia Signage)