Columbia City Council Regular Meeting - July 21, 2026

The Columbia City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at City Hall, 1737 Main Street, Columbia, SC. The meeting was called to order at 4:39 p.m. by Mayor Daniel J. Rickenmann. Council members present: Edward H. McDowell Jr., Tina N. Herbert (Mayor Pro-Tempore), Peter M. Brown, Tyler D. Bailey, and Sam P. Johnson. Councilman Will Brennan was absent. City Manager Teresa Wilson and City Clerk Erika D. Moore Hammond were also present. The agenda was adopted unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.

Consent Calendar

• Items 5–33 were approved unanimously via a single motion. These included:
  • Purchase of production and sound services for Songbird 26 ($68,506.13)
  • State and federal lobbying services agreements for FY 2026/2027 (totaling up to $344,000 across four firms: Due South Advocacy, Jet Corp Consulting, Kyle Michel Law Firm, CapitalEdge Strategies)
  • Independent consultant agreement for Congaree Riverfront District Project ($165,000)
  • Davis-Bacon and Section 3 compliance services for Canal Head Gates Project ($82,995)
  • Computer and job skills training contract with Fast Forward ($90,000)
  • Cisco Umbrella City Security Enterprise Platform ($107,725.74)
  • Heavy equipment purchases ($150,641.70)
  • Grounds maintenance within entryways ($263,413)
  • Workers compensation and property insurance renewals ($285,611 and $527,201)
  • Security guard services for Homeless Services Department ($949,022.39)
  • Multiple water and sewer infrastructure contracts (e.g., Havana Court Water Main Upgrade, Pitney Road water main repair, Hobart Pump Station valve repair, Broad River Road water line design, Shady Lane force main extension, MS4 support services, Manse Street channel rehabilitation, PFAS removal pilot Phase 2)
  • Encroachment ordinances for Hampton & Main LLC and Michael McMullen (second reading)
  • Annexation and zoning approvals for 3956 Fernandina Road and Dreyfus Road properties (second reading)

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kay Moore expressed concerns about Consent Agenda Items 6–9 (lobbying contracts) and Item 29 (PFAS removal technology pilot project). She asked for transparency and accountability, questioning the measurable outcomes of lobbying efforts and the results of PFAS Phase 1 testing. Mayor Rickenmann responded that the lobbying contracts have paid dividends and offered to provide detailed information. He noted that legal action is pending regarding PFAS contamination sources and that some information may be restricted due to ongoing litigation.
• Wade Fulmer voiced concerns during the public hearing for Ordinance 2026-053 (Animals) about the removal of language addressing excessive barking in Section 4-10. He urged restoration of the removed provisions. City Council directed him to share his points with the City Attorney.
• Multiple speakers testified on Item 42 (UDO amendment for re-establishment of nonconforming non-depository personal credit institutions):
  • Gray Taylor, Cottontown-Bellevue neighborhood, urged rejection, stating the nonconforming use should stay nonconforming.
  • Denise Wellman, President of Cottontown-Bellevue Historic District Neighborhood Association, warned of dangerous precedent and potential impact on other businesses.
  • Betsy Newman cited a petition with over 200 signatures and opposition to a gas station that conflicts with the North Columbia Master Plan.
  • Bob Petrulis, Hyatt Park–Keenan Terrace Neighborhood Association, said the amendment conflicts with the master plan and city policies to reduce predatory businesses.
  • Basil Garcia, Elva Stinson, and Heather Wilson also spoke against the amendment, citing safety and quality-of-life concerns.
  • Kit Smith challenged the process, stating that the agenda advertised a public hearing and first reading with a vote, and that deferring the vote without a formal motion was a transparency issue. The council subsequently voted to defer the item.
• Testimony on Item 38 (Wilson Boulevard annexation): Willie Williams, Patricia Moorer (Meadowlake Neighborhood Association president), and James McLawhorn opposed the proposed truck-stop parking lot, citing noise, safety, and lack of community outreach. Councilor Herbert clarified that the vote would be deferred pending neighborhood outreach by the applicant.
• General public input (non-agenda):
  • Mama G announced her retirement from Parks and Recreation after 23 years.
  • Joshua Croffie, Palmetto Pride Youth Ambassador, promoted litter cleanup efforts and reported collecting 200 pounds of litter from two events. His presentation was referred to the Health, Social and Environmental Affairs Committee.
  • Joseph Phillips, Artistic Director of Columbia Classical Ballet, announced the opening of a new dance studio at 610 Harden Street in Five Points.
  • Carmen Pendergrass shared her experience overcoming homelessness and advocated for improvements at the Transitions Women’s Emergency Shelter (infestation, lack of hot water) and reliability of COMET buses.

Discussion Items

• Presentations/Proclamations:
  • Logan Wells, Miss South Carolina's Teen Day (July 21, 2026): Miss Wells described her “Fresh Friends” initiative promoting youth community service and her national platform “The Serve Spot.” Councilman Johnson praised her poise and commitment.
  • 803 Day Proclamation (August 3, 2026): Kahli Gallman presented the initiative, which includes a mixer, 5K, citywide scavenger hunt, and community celebration. Representative Hamilton Grant presented a House resolution recognizing her work.
  • National Parks and Recreation Month (July 2026): Presented by Mayor Rickenmann. Director Kenya Bryant thanked staff and invited the public to the inaugural Park Palooza on July 25 at Finlay Park.
  • Recognition of Collegiate Academy Interns: City Manager Wilson recognized the summer cohort; 162 applications received, 8 departments participated, 34 college interns hired. Also recognized Payton Lang, outgoing Mayor’s Policy and Programs Advisor.
• Items 34–35: Metro Wastewater Treatment Plant Thickening Improvements:
  • Contract Amendment #3 with Hazen and Sawyer for $2,746,913 (professional services) approved unanimously.
  • New construction contract with M.B. Kahn Waterworks, LLC for $34,203,485 (including contingency) approved unanimously.
• Items 36–42: Public Hearings for Zoning/Planning Matters:
  • Item 36: Annexation of 2423-2425 Kent Street (MU-2 zoning) – first reading approved unanimously.
  • Item 37: Annexation of 3801 and 3719 Old Leesburg Road (GC zoning) – first reading approved unanimously.
  • Item 38: Annexation of Wilson Boulevard properties (proposed LI and RSF-2 zoning) – public hearing held; council deferred the vote pending neighborhood outreach.
  • Item 39: Annexation of 1920 Pineview Drive (MU-2 zoning) – first reading approved unanimously.
  • Item 40: Rezoning of 513 S. Saluda Avenue (RM-2) – public hearing held; vote deferred per council request.
  • Item 41: Rezoning of 705 Saluda Avenue (removing Five Points overlay) – first reading approved unanimously (Herbert not present for vote).
  • Item 42: UDO amendment for re-establishment of nonconforming non-depository personal credit institutions – public hearing held; council voted to defer.
• Item 43: Animals Ordinance Amendment (Chapter 4) – first reading approved unanimously after public hearing.
• Items 44–46: Encroachments/Easements – first readings approved unanimously.
• Items 47–52: Resolutions – all approved unanimously (sewer easement releases, acceptance of lift station, abandoned building certification, workers comp and tort liability administration amendments).
• Item 53: Event Resolution – beer/wine/liquor consumption at 803 Day approved unanimously.
• Items 54–55: Appointments:
  • Climate Protection Advisory Committee: Appointed Sarah Khan, Betsey Newman, Tania Shelley; reappointed David Voyles and Dennis Wiehl (three-year terms).
  • Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports, and Tourism: Appointed Douglas O'Flaherty; reappointed Andrew Lucas, Dr. Rich Harrill, and Janice Marshall (three-year terms).
• Items 56–58: Other Matters:
  • $150,000 funding for Antioch Senior Center Senior Program and Operations.
  • $150,000 funding for Midlands Community Development Corporation Dream Keepers Senior Program.
  • Installation of two speed humps on Bernardin Avenue between Laurel Street and Forest Drive, as requested by MUSC Health.
• Items 59–60: Referrals:
  • Presentation from City of Columbia Art Center referred to Arts, Historic Preservation and Philanthropy Committee.
  • Presentation from Harvest Hope Food Bank referred to Health, Social and Environmental Affairs Committee.

Key Outcomes

• All consent agenda items (5–33) approved unanimously.
• Item 34 (Hazen and Sawyer contract amendment) approved unanimously.
• Item 35 (M.B. Kahn construction contract) approved unanimously.
• Item 36 (Kent Street annexation) – first reading approved unanimously.
• Item 37 (Old Leesburg Road annexation) – first reading approved unanimously.
• Item 38 (Wilson Boulevard annexation) – public hearing held; vote deferred. Council directed applicant to conduct neighborhood outreach.
• Item 39 (Pineview Drive annexation) – first reading approved unanimously.
• Item 40 (513 S. Saluda Avenue rezoning) – public hearing held; vote deferred.
• Item 41 (705 Saluda Avenue rezoning) – first reading approved unanimously (Herbert absent).
• Item 42 (UDO amendment for credit institutions) – public hearing held; council voted unanimously to defer.
• Item 43 (Animals ordinance) – first reading approved unanimously.
• Items 44–46 (encroachments/easements) – first readings approved unanimously.
• Items 47–52 (resolutions) – approved unanimously.
• Item 53 (803 Day alcohol consumption) – approved unanimously.
• Items 54–55 (appointments) – approved unanimously.
• Items 56–58 (funding and speed humps) – approved unanimously.
• Items 59–60 (referrals) – approved unanimously.