Health Social and Environmental Affairs Committee

HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2024 The Health, Social and Environmental Affairs Committee will conduct a meeting on Tuesday, October 22, 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 the August 27, 2024 Health, Social, and Environmental Affairs Committee Minutes. PRESENTATIONS 2. Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Program - Ms. Mary Pat Baldauf, Sustainability Administrator and Ms. Payton Lang, Policy and Programs Advisor 3. Animal Shelter Update: Canine Pnuemovirus - Ms. Victoria Riles, Animal Services Superintendent COMMITTEE DISCUSSION 4. Planted Wildlife Gardens Ordinance Update - Ms. Jessica Kinard, Esq., Senior Assistant City Attorney ADJOURNMENT Page 1 of 1  1 MEETING DATE: October 22, 2024 DEPARTMENT: City Clerk FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk SUBJECT: Approval of the August 27, 2024 Health, Social, and Environmental Affairs Committee Minutes. FUNDING SOURCE & ORIGINAL BUDGET: ATTACHMENTS:  #a: HSEAC_MN_08272024 (DOCX) Updated: 10/18/2024 4:05 PM Page 1 Packet Pg. 2  1.a 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 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 provided an Animal Services update, 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 an $100 annual fee to encourage spaying/neutering without mandates, particularly in under-resourced communities. An online pet licensing portal has been launched. Additional proposed ordinance changes aim to eliminate the spay/neuter exemption for service animals due to misuse of the ADA. The changes also include language to support the abandonment of animals. These proposed changes 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. By fulfilling this requirement, we could eligible to receive a grant for $10,000. There was discussion about funds from Richland County; overhead cost of the shelter; intergovernmental agreement with Fort Jackson; more proportionate funding based on data; financial constraints; nationwide euthanasia rates versus local; connecting Page 1 of 2 Packet Pg. 3  1.a HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2024 with Community Development, Public Works, and Columbia Council of Neighborhoods; and differential licensing and other ordinance revisions. Dr. Bussells requested staff provide differences between Lexington County, Richland County, and the City of Columbia ordinances. 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 are interested in planting environmentally friendly gardens that don’t fit into the aesthetic portions of the ordinance. The suggested ordinance modifications have been approved by Legal. We are reviewing how to enforce this. Ms. Trish German, South Carolina Native Plants Society Midlands Chapter said several members of the society were getting citations for their wildlife friendly gardens. She suggested the usage of cues to care for wildlife gardens. For example pathways signage, borders, and bird baths and things that indicate that it is planned. There was discussion about local examples of native gardens; various 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 Packet Pg. 4  2 MEETING DATE: October 22, 2024 DEPARTMENT: Office of the Mayor FROM: Daniel Rickenmann, Mayor SUBJECT: Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Program - Ms. Mary Pat Baldauf, Sustainability Administrator and Ms. Payton Lang, Policy and Programs Advisor FUNDING SOURCE & ORIGINAL BUDGET: Grantees Selected for City of Columbia Youth Climate Action Fund Supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies August 21, 2024 The City of Columbia, in collaboration with Bloomberg Philanthropies, is proud to announce the grantees for the 2024 Youth Climate Action Fund microgrant program. This initiative, spearheaded by the Office of the Mayor and facilitated by the Office of Sustainability and Climate Protection Action Committee (CPAC), underscores the City’s commitment to empowering our youth in the fight against climate change. According to Bloomberg Philanthropies, over 60 percent of young people feel their government needs to do more to avoid climate catastrophes. This program aims to fund youth-led and youth- targeted environmental and sustainably focused projects to empower youth to be a part of the solution. Following an open call for applications, the selection committee has selected nine projects and initiatives that will receive a microgrant. Below are the 2024 grantees for the City of Columbia’s 2024 Youth Climate Action Fund. Dreher High School Botany Club Raised Bed Gardens Columbia College Greenhouse Gills Creek Watershed Association Water Quality Testing Indian Waters Council/Scouting America Storm Drain Marking Ride the Bus, Save the Planet Campaign South Carolina Public Health Association Resilience Week Sowing Seeds in the Midlands University of South Carolina Food Management Intern University of South Carolina Home Weatherization Program Updated: 10/18/2024 4:05 PM Page 1 Packet Pg. 5  2 Action Item (ID # 9560) Meeting of October 22, 2024 The chosen projects address and target critical areas of the City’s Climate Action Plan, such as mitigating storm water drain systems, reducing emissions, and expanding sustainability education. The grantees will provide reporting to ensure the success of their respective projects. In January 2025, each grantee will make a summary presentation of their project. The Youth Climate Action Fund aims to provide technical and monetary support for projects and initiatives that leave a lasting impact in their community. As part of this program, the City of Columbia has received $50,000 in funding and has the opportunity to receive an additional $100,000 in funding to support additional projects in 2025. Mayor Rickenmann Announces City of Columbia Joins Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Youth Action Fund to Activate Young People In Driving Sustainability Solutions May 7, 2024 City of Columbia, SC one of 100 cities that will receive funding and technical assistance to spur a groundswell of youth-driven climate action With 84 percent of youth around the world reporting that they are worried climate change threatens people and the planet, Mayor Daniel Rickenmann announced today that the City of Columbia, South Carolina will join Bloomberg Philanthropies’ new Youth Climate Action Fund, which will provide technical assistance and funding for 100 mayors to activate tens of thousands of young people ages of 15 - 24 years to design, produce, and govern urgent climate solutions in cities across the globe. Columbia joins the Fund alongside other cities from around the world, which together spans 38 countries across six continents, representing over 62 million residents. As part of this program, the City of Columbia will receive $50,000 to distribute as microgrants to fund a groundswell of youth-led sustainability initiatives. From mobilizing tree-planting or public education campaigns to launching recycling or waste reduction initiatives to participating in mitigation planning or preparedness programs, efforts stemming from the new Youth Climate Action Fund will advance critical community goals such as meeting decarbonization commitments or reducing consumption-based emissions. Cities that respond to the urgency of the moment and commit the initial $50,000 within six months will receive an additional $100,000 to support more youth-driven projects over the course of one year. Young residents ages 15 - 24 years are encouraged to visit the webpage here to learn more about the Youth Climate Action Fund, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, and how to submit ideas for the opportunity to receive funding. “The City of Columbia is continuing to look for ways to preserve our natural assets and community. We want be good stewards and embrace innovation and sustainability while ensuring our hikers, kayakers, fisherman, and hunters continue to have preserved ecosystems to enjoy,” said Mayor Daniel Rickenmann. “Camo is the new green and we are excited to bring Columbia’s youth into the sustainability conversation with the Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action fund.” Updated: 10/18/2024 4:05 PM Page 2 Packet Pg. 6  2 Action Item (ID # 9560) Meeting of October 22, 2024 “Climate change is an all-hands-on-deck challenge, and it’s critical that young people - who have the most at stake - help lead the way,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, UN Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions and 108th mayor of New York City. “This new fund will help mayors mobilize and empower tomorrow’s leaders to take action today.” Climate change poses a threat to communities, and mayors are the first and last mile of response: tackling emergencies and trialing interventions from the frontlines. Over the last decade, local governments have played a critical role in climate mitigation and adaptation. Many cities are reducing per capita emissions faster than their national governments. In the coming decade, municipalities’ role will grow as they continue to combat ongoing climate challenges. However, with more than 60 percent of young people saying that the government is not doing enough to avoid climate catastrophe or taking their concerns seriously enough, few city halls have the organizational capacity, capabilities, and confidence to unleash youth energy on solution-building. Kickstarted at the Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Innovation Studio at COP28, as a part of the Local Climate Action Summit, the Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund will provide the cities with the tools, techniques, and supports to leverage innovation approaches that invite and foster robust youth collaboration in climate problem- solving and policymaking. The program will be delivered by United Cities and Local Governments in partnership with the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University. C40 Cities and the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy will collaborate as learning partners. “United Cities and Local Governments is thrilled to join Bloomberg Philanthropies in celebrating the cities around the world that are joining the Youth Climate Action Fund-and partnering with the organization on this work,” said Emilia Sáiz, Secretary General for United Cities and Local Governments. “Youth today are the guardians of our future, and in bringing them together with local governments through this groundbreaking initiative, we will see cities reach newfound progress in shaping more resilient and regenerative communities that can act on the climate emergency in entirely new ways.” “In order for cities to catalyze ever broadening, ever more ambitious efforts, they’ll need to continue to shift away from traditional, top-down models to those that solicit ideas and crowd in energy from across the community, including and especially from young people who are so vested in solving the climate crisis,” said James Anderson, who leads the Government Innovation program at Bloomberg Philanthropies. “Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Youth Climate Action Fund will provide a springboard for mayors worldwide to put these lessons to work and launch a tidal wave of youth-driven activity that takes local climate action to the next level.” “The most successful climate action centers people,” said Antha Williams, who leads the Environment program at Bloomberg Philanthropies. “Mayors must marshal a new era of engagement with local youth - harnessing their perspective, talents, and influence to drive progress in their communities. The Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund will provide these cities with both the technical expertise and funds to mobilize the hope and Updated: 10/18/2024 4:05 PM Page 3 Packet Pg. 7  2 Action Item (ID # 9560) Meeting of October 22, 2024 determination of young people to address the climate crisis head-on and help build resilient, more sustainable cities for generations to come.” As part of the Youth Climate Action Fund, Mayor Rickenmann is empowering ambitious climate efforts led by young people. Project ideas may include: Youth-led awareness, education, research, and development initiatives, including: youth-led climate education programs; youth climate hackathons; youth-developed climate surveys and research; youth-informed clubs or curriculum; and youth-designed public art and awareness campaigns. Youth-driven climate mitigation and adaptation projects, including: youth-led community gardening, tree planting, reforestation, and urban farming campaigns; youth-managed recycling and waste reduction programs; and youth-produced climate resilience workshops and disaster preparedness programs. Co-governed youth climate action plans, including: partnerships between city leaders and youth groups to inform climate-related policy ideas, decisions, or actions or the formation of youth climate ambassadors or advisory boards. The 100 cities selected to participate in the Youth Climate Action Fund include: Accra, Ghana; Allentown, Pennsylvania; Allerød, Denmark; Alor Gajah, Malaysia; Athens, Greece; Atlanta, Georgia; Avellaneda, Argentina; Banjul, The Gambia; Belmopan, Belize; Billund, Denmark; Bo, Sierra Leone; Boise, Idaho; Borongan, Philippines; Bristol, United Kingdom; Broward County, Florida; Bulawayo, Zimbabwe; Casablanca, Morocco; Cerro Navia, Chile; Chefchaouen, Morocco; Cincinnati, Ohio; Columbia, South Carolina; Columbus, Ohio; Córdoba, Argentina; Cuenca, Ecuador; Curvelo, Brazil; Despeñaderos, Argentina; Dubuque, Iowa; Embu, Kenya; Esteban Echeverria, Argentina; Flint, Michigan; Freetown, Sierra Leone; Glasgow, United Kingdom; Guarulhos, Brazil; Guatemala City, Guatemala; Guelph, Canada; Haderslev, Denmark; Halifax, Canada; Hang Tuah Jaya, Malaysia; Hastings-on-Hudson, New York; Hobart, Australia; Hoboken, New Jersey; Hudson Valley, New York; Irbid, Jordan; Kampala, Uganda; Kerewan, The Gambia; Kitchener, Canada; Kitwe, Zambia; Kumasi, Ghana; La Crosse, Wisconsin; Lansing, Michigan; Long Beach, California; Luján de Cuyo, Argentina; Lusaka, Zambia; Madison, Wisconsin; Madugandí, Panamá; Maipú, Chile; Mansa, Zambia; Masaka City, Uganda; Melbourne, Australia; Mendoza, Argentina; Menjez, Lebanon; Mesa, Arizona; Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil; Montego Bay, Jamaica; Mykolaiv, Ukraine; Nansana, Uganda; New Orleans, Louisiana; New Westminster, Canada; Newcastle, Australia; Norddjurs, Denmark; Nouakchott, Mauritania; Oakville, Canada; Oberlin, Ohio; Paterson, New Jersey; Pérez, Argentina; Pikine, Senegal; Puerto Barrios, Guatemala; Quelimane, Mozambique; Quillota, Chile; Recife, Brazil; Reykjavik, Iceland; Rosario, Argentina; San Francisco, Camotes, Cebu, Philippines; Santiago, Chile; Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana; Skopje, North Macedonia; Sobral, Brazil; Tandil, Argentina; The Blue Mountains, Canada; Tirana, Albania; Tolhuin, Argentina; Trujillo, Honduras; Turin, Italy; Turku, Finland; Vejen, Denmark; Walvis Bay, Namibia; West Palm Beach, Florida; West Sacramento, California; White Plains, New York; and Zanzibar, Tanzania. Updated: 10/18/2024 4:05 PM Page 4 Packet Pg. 8  2 Action Item (ID # 9560) Meeting of October 22, 2024 ATTACHMENTS:  #a: MPB_Bloomberg HSEA_for 10_22 (PDF) Updated: 10/18/2024 4:05 PM Page 5 Packet Pg. 9  2.a Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Program Packet Pg. 10  2.a Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Fund Mayors at COP 28 in Dubai Packet Pg. 11  2.a Columbia’s Participation in the Youth Climate Action Fund • Applied for, received Bloomberg YCAF grant. • Created an application. • Received applications. • Created a selection committee. • Used a scoring rubric from Bloomberg. • Scored the applications. • Selected the highest scores as recipients. • All recipients were required to have a 501(c)3 to administer the grant. Packet Pg. 12  2.a Columbia College ($4996) • Goal: To repair an outdated greenhouse on Columbia College campus to create a space for students to cultivate plants. • Start a campus garden club to engage students to plant herbs. • Coordinate a greenhouse-to-table program with herbs grown by students in the greenhouse to be used at the campus cafeteria. Packet Pg. 13  2.a Dreher High School ($4320) • Goal: To install raised educational gardening beds at Dreher High School and an area City of Columbia park. • Cultivate native plants in the beds. • Present educational workshops for peers and young children. • Target students who are eager to learn and teach them how they and their families can positively impact the environment. Packet Pg. 14  2.a Gills Creek Watershed Association ($4484) • Goal: To assess the current water quality conditions downstream from the soon-to- come stormwater enhancements in Shandon and Rosewood. • Developed monitoring protocols, on boarded student interns, purchased all equipment. • First monitoring session was held in late September. • Data will be shared with GCWA and Adopt-A-Stream as appropriate. Packet Pg. 15  2.a Indian Waters Council, Boy Scouts of America ($5000) • Goal: To conduct a city-wide storm draining marking project on November 16. • Program will educate youth on nonpoint source pollution. • Each attendee will receive a collectible merit badge. • Storm drains will be marked with the City’s standard storm drain marker and a commemorative one from the event. Packet Pg. 16  2.a Jake Wehman, Ben Lippen School ($4420) • Goal: To educate students about the environmental impacts of using mass transit. • Hosted by Keep the Midlands Beautiful. • Project consists of community outreach, ads, promotions and events to familiarize students with The Comet. • Will distribute free passes to encourage bus riding. • Web site is complete, and group is making plans to table at local colleges and universities. • Project was recently featured on WIS TV’s Soda City Live. Packet Pg. 17  2.a SC Public Health Association ($5000) • Goal: To raise climate awareness among the college-aged group. This youth-led initiative empowers local change makers to address climate concerns for a sustainable future. • With 84% of global youth worried about climate change, SCPHA seeks to identify their concerns to shape future decisions and research. • Activities will address critical climate issues, including extreme heat and weather, recycling, food insecurity and the mental health impacts of climate disasters. • Four youth are organizing the events, and the group hopes to reach hundreds of students. Packet Pg. 18  2.a Sowing Seeds into the Midlands ($5000) • Goal: To install hydro solar panels to provide water to Skylar’s garden. • The panels will utilize clean, renewable, low-cost energy to water the garden, located on the grounds of a City of Columbia police substation. • A community service garden where youth are able to complete court-ordered community service hours without a parent or guardian present. • Also serving as a Green Workforce Development project. Packet Pg. 19  2.a USC Office of Sustainability Food Systems Intern ($5000) • Goal: To sponsor an undergraduate intern to engage with USC peers to raise awareness of the need for more sustainable food system practices. • Assist with the expansion of campus food recovery programs. • Coordinate a sustainable food production workshop. • Initiate a demonstration hydroponic/aeroponic gardening program. Packet Pg. 20  2.a USC Office of Sustainability Home Weatherization ($4779) • Goal: To create a free home weatherization program for Columbia residents. • Prioritizing low income households and homes in Columbia heat islands. • Providing low cost, high impact retrofits. • Increasing household energy efficiency by preventing elements of climate change from entering the home. • Currently establishing a partnership with Dominion Energy and identifying participants for the program. Packet Pg. 21  2.a What’s Next • Groups will complete their projects by December 31. • Reports are due in October and January. • Groups will be doing pubic project presentations in January, TBD. • We have applied for the additional $100,000 allotment. If and when we receive it, we will be ready to start recruiting new groups. Packet Pg. 22  3 MEETING DATE: October 22, 2024 DEPARTMENT: City Clerk FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk SUBJECT: Animal Shelter Update: Canine Pnuemovirus - Ms. Victoria Riles, Animal Services Superintendent FUNDING SOURCE & ORIGINAL BUDGET: ATTACHMENTS:  #a: 2024_Oct22_CommitteeMeeting (PDF) Updated: 10/18/2024 11:56 AM Page 1 Packet Pg. 23  3.a Columbia Animal Services Pneumovirus Outbreak Packet Pg. 24  3.a What is Pneumovirus? • Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (CIRD), also know as kennel cough, encompasses many different pathogens, one of which is Pneumovirus (CnPnV). • Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, and in some cases- pneumonia. • Virus is easy to disinfect, but hard to control in overpopulated environments due to rapid transmission of aerosolized bacteria. • No vaccine, and no test without PCR paneling. • Shelters should invest in diagnostic testing when:  The number of affected dogs increases above average baseline for shelter  Explosive spread throughout population for a period of 2 weeks of longer  Duration of illness is more prolonged  Increased frequency of complaints from community 2 Packet Pg. 25  3.a Action Plan • Spoke with experts and other municipal shelter directors  Cynda Crawford, DVM, PhD – University of Florida  Shelly Simmons, CAWA – Greenville County Animal Care  Whitney Boylston, MPA – Lake County Animal Shelter • Limit intakes to emergencies only  Sick, injured, animal cruelty, and legitimately aggressive • Create isolation space for new intakes  Critically important that new intakes are not mingled with infected or exposed population • Quarantine, monitor and treat infected population  Synchronize the infection by keeping infected and exposed together  Considered cleared after 14 consecutive days with no new infected cases 3 Packet Pg. 26  3.a Current Status • Thus far the shelter has been able to successfully isolate all new intakes  Thank you to the community for your understanding  Thank you to Richland County for their compliance with our current requirements  Thank you to our hard working staff who have embraced this challenge with grace • Currently, our population is segregated by dogs that have cleared the virus and those that are still receiving supportive care. • Based on the infection rate, we anticipate to be cleared and back to normal operations within the next 2-3 weeks.  This is pending continuous cooperation from the community and our partners. 4 Packet Pg. 27  3.a Questions/Comments? Packet Pg. 28  4 MEETING DATE: October 22, 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: ATTACHMENTS:  #a: Naturalistic landscaping (DOCX) Updated: 10/17/2024 2:22 PM Page 1 Packet Pg. 29  4.a ORDINANCE NO.: 2024-076 Amending the 1998 Code of Ordinances of the City of Columbia, South Carolina, Chapter 8, Environmental Health and Sanitation, Article VII, Weeds and Debris, Sec. 8-301, et seq. BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Council this ____ day of ____________, 2024, that the 1998 Code of Ordinances of the City of Columbia, South Carolina, Chapter 8, Environmental Health and Sanitation, Article VII, Weeds and Debris, Sec. 8-301, et seq,. is amended to read as follows: Sec. 8-301. - Removal required. It shall be unlawful for the owner and/or occupant of property to fail to cut grass, weeds and other overgrowth vegetation on property when the grass, weeds and other overgrowth vegetation is of a greater height than one foot on the average, or to permit the property to serve as a breeding place for mosquitoes, as a collecting place for trash and litter, or as a fire hazard, any one of which situations is declared to be a nuisance. However, in accordance with Sec. 8-306 (below), if the area in question is a planned and managed naturalistic landscape, designed to support pollinators, birds and other wildlife, these restrictions do not apply. It shall be the duty of the owner and occupant to cut and remove all grass, weeds and other overgrowth vegetation as often as necessary so as to comply with this section, unless the vegetation has been installed and managed to support habitat. Vacant lots shall be cut at least three times per year, as required during the growing season (April through September). Heavily wooded lots where equipment cannot maneuver on the lot because of density of the area shall be trimmed within 20 feet of street right- of-way and adjacent improved property and kept free of litter. Sec. 8-302. - Notice to remove. Whenever the public services department of the city, or its duly authorized agent or representative, shall find that weeds or other rank vegetation has been allowed to stand upon, or any such debris has been allowed to accumulate and remain upon, any lot or parcel of land in the city, unless said vegetation is part of a planned and managed naturalistic landscape, the public services department may serve notice upon the owner, lessee or occupant of the premises, or upon the agent or representative of the owner of such land having control thereof, to comply with the provisions of this article. It shall be sufficient notification to deliver the notice to the person to whom it is addressed, or to deposit a copy of such notice in the United States mail properly stamped and directed to the person to whom the notice is addressed, or to post a copy of the notice upon such premises. (Code 1979, § 9-3022) Sec. 8-303. - Failure to comply with notice. Last revised: 10/16/2024 Packet Pg. 30  4.a If the person to whom the notice is directed under the provisions of section 8-302 fails or neglects to cause such weeds or other rank vegetation to be cut and removed or such debris to be removed from any such premises within thirty days after such notice has been served, or deposited in the United States mail, or posted upon the premises, such person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable, upon conviction, in accordance with section 1-5. (Code 1979, § 9-3023) Sec. 8-304. - Removal by city on failure to comply with notice. Weeds, rank vegetation or debris existing on any property not removed pursuant to section 8-303 may be removed by a duly authorized agent of the city, and the cost of doing so shall become a lien upon the property affected and shall be collected in the same manner as municipal taxes are collected. This remedy shall be cumulative to other remedies, penalties or fines. (Code 1979, § 9-3024) Sec. 8-305. - Removal by city at request of owner or occupant. Upon the written request by the owner or the person in control of any lot or parcel of land covered by this article, and the payment to the city for the services, the public services department may enter upon any such lands and cut and remove the weeds or other rank vegetation or remove such debris therefrom, the charge and cost of such service to be paid into the city treasury. (Code 1979, § 9-3025) Sec. 8-306. – Certification of naturalistic landscape or garden. In recognition of the environmental benefits of planned, managed, naturalistic landscapes and gardens, the city recognizes the need for a deviation from strict code enforcement regarding these properties. a) To assist with this, the city encourages any such garden to be certified as such by a reputable organization. Such organizations include, but are not limited to, South Carolina Wildlife Federation, Gills Creek Watershed Association, and Clemson’s Carolina Yard. Signage verifying compliance with these organizations’ standards is encouraged, but not required. b) Registration with City of Columbia Code Enforcement is required to maintain a naturalistic garden within the City. Owners or persons in control of such gardens shall contact Code Enforcement to provide vital information, such as address and contact information. Property owners must also provide evidence of certification with an organization such as those listed in subsection a or submit to a site visit by Code Enforcement. In such a visit, code enforcement officers shall look for “cues to care,” such as trimmed borders, signage, birdbaths, paths, and the like when attempting to determine if a potentially offensive property is actually a planned and managed garden. c) Owners or persons in control of naturalistic gardens remain subject to all other City ordinances regarding environmental health and sanitation as listed in the rest of Last revised: 10/16/2024 Packet Pg. 31  4.a Chapter 8. Code enforcement retains the authority to issue notice and/or remove offending vegetation pursuant to both 802 and 803 above, as well as other subsections within this Chapter. Secs. 8-307-8-330. - Reserved. Requested by: Mayor Daniel Rickenmann _______________________________ Mayor Approved by: _______________________________ City Manager Approved as to form: ATTEST: _______________________________ ________________________________ Deputy City Attorney City Clerk Introduced: Final Reading: Last revised: 10/16/2024 Packet Pg. 32  4.a Last revised: 10/16/2024 Packet Pg. 33