Health Social and Environmental Affairs Committee
Regular MeetingColumbia, SC · December 17, 2024
Minutes
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.
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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.
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HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2024
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.
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
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Agenda
HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
MEETING AGENDA
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2024
The Health, Social and Environmental Affairs Committee will conduct a
meeting on Tuesday, December 17, 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, 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 should speak directly into the microphone for recording purposes.
CALL TO ORDER
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. 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
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
3. Late-Night Food Trucks - Ms. Kalenna Ginyard, Program Compliance
Specialist / Office of Business Opportunities
ADJOURNMENT
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Packet
HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
MEETING AGENDA
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2024
The Health, Social and Environmental Affairs Committee will conduct a
meeting on Tuesday, December 17, 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, 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 should speak directly into the microphone for recording purposes.
CALL TO ORDER
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. 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
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
3. Late-Night Food Trucks - Ms. Kalenna Ginyard, Program Compliance
Specialist / Office of Business Opportunities
ADJOURNMENT
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MEETING DATE: December 17, 2024
DEPARTMENT: City Clerk
FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk
SUBJECT: October 22, 2024 Health, Social, and Environmental
Affairs Committee Meeting Minutes
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:
ATTACHMENTS:
#a: HSEAC_MN_10222024 (DOCX)
HISTORY:
11/19/24 Health, Social and Environmental Affairs Committee MEETING CANCELLED
Next: 12/17/24
Updated: 11/13/2024 2:12 PM Page 1
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HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2024
CALL TO ORDER
The Health, Social and Environmental Affairs Committee conduced 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. The Honorable Aditi Bussells,
Chair called the meeting to order at 1:17 p.m.
Attendee Name Title Status
Aditi Bussells Chair Present
Edward H. McDowell Member Present
Tyler D. Bailey Member Absent
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Approval of the August 27, 2024 Health, Social, and Environmental Affairs
Committee Meeting Minutes.
Upon a motion made by Dr. Bussells and seconded by Mr. McDowell, the committee
voted unanimously to approve the August 27, 2024 Health, Social, and Environmental
Affairs Committee Meeting Minutes.
PRESENTATIONS
2. Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Fund - Ms. Mary Pat Baldauf, Sustainability
Facilitator and Ms. Payton Lang, Policy and Programs Advisor – Received as
information.
Ms. Payton Lang, Policy and Programs Advisor explained that Mayor Rickenmann
attended COP 28 (UN Climate Change Conference) in Dubai last year. Bloomberg
opened up a challenge to include future leaders in the conversation by introducing
the Youth Climate Action Fund. Its purpose is to activate and fund youth led climate
initiatives. A selection committee was formed for the allocation of $50,000 in funding.
Ms. Mary Pat Baldauf, Sustainability Facilitator shared about the YCAF award
recipients:
Columbia College - repairing an outdated greenhouse
Dreher High School - establishing native plant garden beds and educational
programs
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HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2024
Gills Creek Watershed Association - assessing water quality at Devil's Ditch
Indian Waters Council, Boy Scouts of America - marking storm drains
Jake Wehman of Ben Lippen School - educating students on mass transit
impacts on environment
South Carolina Public Health Association - conducting workshops during
Climate Resilience Week
Sowing Seeds into the Midlands: installing hydro solar panels to provide water
to Skylar's garden
USC Office of Sustainability
o Food Systems: sponsoring undergraduate interns to engage with USC
peers raise awareness of the need for more sustainable food system
practices.
o Home Weatherization – creating a free home weatherization program
for Columbia residents.
The next steps are to submit midterm reports by October 31, and for the groups to
complete their projects by December 31. We have also applied for an additional
$100,000 allotment for current grantees and additional applicants.
3. Animal Shelter Update: Canine Pnuemovirus - Ms. Victoria Riles, Animal
Services Superintendent – Received as information.
Ms. Victoria Riles, Animal Services Superintendent provided an update on the current
outbreak of canine pneumovirus, which is detected generally by a severe strain of
kennel cough. The virus is easy to disinfect and dogs cannot be re-infected. There is
no vaccine or test for new incoming animals. The action plan includes consulting with
experts and other municipal shelter directors; limiting intakes to emergencies only;
creating isolated spaces for new arrivals; and implementing quarantine measures.
We are keeping new intakes out of the building and will resume normal operations in
two to three weeks.
There was discussion about symptoms; contagion risks; and community-based
sheltering during the closed intake period.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
4. Planted Wildlife Gardens Ordinance Update - Ms. Jessica Kinard, Esq., Senior
Assistant City Attorney – Endorse for City Council Consideration.
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HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2024
Ms. Jessica Kinard, Esq., Senior Assistant City Attorney provided an update on the
revised ordinance, noting changes to the certification and naming process for
gardens. Homeowners will be required to register their gardens with Code
Enforcement. By using cues to care, these types of garden can be identified easier.
We will have an existing list of people who are growing this kind of garden. Property
owners are also encouraged to get certified through organizations, such as the South
Carolina Wildlife Federation, and others that will be listed in the ordinance. Code
Enforcement will retain the authority to issue notices for overgrown gardens.
There was discussion focused on defining cues to care and educating Code
Enforcement staff.
The committee reached a consensus to endorse the ordinance for City Council’s
consideration.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 1:57 p.m.
Respectfully submitted:
Erika D. Moore Hammond, CMC
City Clerk
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MEETING DATE: December 17, 2024
DEPARTMENT: City Clerk
FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk
SUBJECT: Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Fund Update - Ms.
Mary Pat Baldauf, Sustainability Administrator /
Public Works Department
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:
ATTACHMENTS:
#a: Bloomberg Update (PPTX)
Updated: 12/13/2024 5:09 PM Page 1
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Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Fund
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Participant Information
• Nine groups selected
• Three college groups; six high school groups
• Total funding awarded: $43,000
• First reports submitted October 31, 2024
• Final reports due December 31, 2024
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Projects
• Water quality testing
• Greenhouse renovation
• Home weatherizations
• Save the Planet! Ride a Bus! Awareness campaign
• College “Resilience Week” programs
• Storm drain marking
• Food Systems Internship
• Biodiversity gardens
• Community garden solar watering
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You’re Invited
Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Fund Showcase
Tuesday, January 14
City Hall Lobby
2:30 to 4 p.m.
• Meet the passionate young change makers
• Learn about their projects face to face
• Be inspired by their stories
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Special Announcement
Bloomberg Philanthropies has selected the City of
Columbia for Phase Two of the Youth Climate Action
Fund for $100,000.
Program will kick off in January, 2025.
Details are coming soon!
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MEETING DATE: December 17, 2024
DEPARTMENT: City Clerk
FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk
SUBJECT: Late-Night Food Trucks - Ms. Kalenna Ginyard,
Program Compliance Specialist / Office of Business
Opportunities
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:
Updated: 12/13/2024 5:13 PM Page 1
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