Columbia City Council Regular Meeting - September 15, 2026

The Columbia City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at City Hall Council Chambers (1737 Main Street). The meeting was called to order at 4:38 p.m. and adjourned at 6:17 p.m. All seven council members were present. Mayor Daniel J. Rickenmann presided. The agenda included proclamations, public comments, consent items, zoning amendments, ordinance readings, resolutions, appointments, and committee reports.

Special Tributes and Proclamations

• Leshia Utsey Remembrance Day: City Manager Teresa Wilson and Councilor Edward H. McDowell Jr. honored the life and 27-year career of former Public Relations Director Leshia Utsey, who passed away on September 2, 2026. A video tribute was shown. The council proclaimed September 15, 2026 as Leshia Veronica Elaine Utsey Remembrance Day.
• Harper Truslow Day: The council recognized Harper Truslow, Little Miss South Carolina's Overall Queen, for her community service through Harper's Homefront Heroes program. September 15, 2026 was proclaimed Harper Truslow Day.
• Sickle Cell Awareness Day: Dr. Hilton Cooper of the James R. Clark Sickle Cell Foundation reported over 500 patients in Columbia rely on daily care-coordination. September 12, 2026 was proclaimed Sickle Cell Awareness Day.
• National Hispanic Heritage Month: Tanya Rodriguez-Hodges emphasized Latino contributions and urged year-round commitment. September 2026 was proclaimed National Hispanic Heritage Month.
• Constitution Week: Nancy Corbett of the Daughters of the American Revolution noted the 239th anniversary. September 17–23, 2026 was proclaimed Constitution Week.
• Good Neighbor Day: Kay Patterson and Adam Negler of the Columbia Council of Neighborhoods highlighted CCN's work since 1977. September 28, 2026 was proclaimed Good Neighbor Day.
• Alopecia Awareness Day: Dr. Alicia P. Harris raised awareness about alopecia affecting an estimated 10,000 South Carolinians. September 19, 2026 was proclaimed Soulful Journey with Alopecia Day.
• Community Partnership Recognition: Mykle Bowman of ASC Management Group presented an award to Mayor Rickenmann for economic development and neighborhood revitalization.

Public Comments (First Period)

• Ellen Anderson, President of the Forest Heights Community Association, spoke on Item 26 (annexation for Windy Hills North). She requested traffic signals, sidewalks, street lights, a fire station, and an activity center for youth, noting that about 45% of residents are seniors.

Approval of Minutes and Consent Calendar

• Council unanimously approved the September 1, 2026 work session and regular meeting minutes (Item 9).
• Council unanimously approved Consent Agenda Items 10–22, including contract amendments for grant services, beaver mitigation, wastewater projects, and construction; purchase of police vehicles and radios; equipment lease up to $15 million; a telecommunications franchise; and consent to property inclusion in an industrial park.

Zoning and Planning Matters

First Reading (Items 23–25):

• 2359 Washington Street: Unanimously approved first reading to rezone to Residential Mixed District with a Historic Preservation Overlay, establishing the property as a City of Columbia landmark. (Staff and Planning Commission recommended approval; Historic Preservation Design Review Committee also approved.)
• 617 Richland Street: Unanimously approved first reading to rezone from Regional Activity Center to Residential Mixed District, remaining within the Downtown Columbia Overlay.
• Parcels on N. Main Street (Clear Dot Charter School): Unanimously approved first reading to rezone the former Lutheran Theological Seminary campus to Institutional General, Neighborhood Activity Center, and Residential Mixed districts, with existing historic overlays retained. Councilor Herbert clarified that some parcels east of Ensor Avenue will remain in the original Planned Development.

Second Reading (Items 26–27):

• Windy Hills North Annexation (Item 26): Unanimously approved second reading to annex approximately 128.91 acres and additional parcels along Blue Ridge Terrace, Monticello Road, and adjacent streets. The property will be assigned multiple land use classifications and zoning districts. Mayor noted future coordination with Richland County on infrastructure concerns.
• 1920 Pineview Drive (Item 27): Unanimously voted to defer at the applicant's request.

Ordinances – First Reading

• 1507 Harden Street (Royal Motel): Unanimously approved first reading authorizing sale to Sellers Real Estate Holdings, LLC. Councilor Brennan expressed excitement about preserving this historic Green Book hotel.
• 2725 Main Street: Unanimously approved first reading authorizing sale to RJL2 LLC.

Public Hearing and Resolutions

• City Club Neighborhood Parking Permit District (Item 30): Unanimously approved following a public hearing with no speakers.
• Senate Street Median Public Art (Item 31): Unanimously approved resolution supporting a public art project by the Congaree Vista Guild.
• Devine Night Out Beer/Wine Permit (Item 32): Unanimously approved resolution authorizing beer and wine consumption on November 12, 2026.

Appointments

• Columbia Town & Gown Committee (Item 33): Unanimously approved reappointments of Michael Anzelmo, Bambi Gaddist, and Robby Thomas as neighborhood representatives, and appointments of Todd Hudak (neighborhood representative) and Joseph Forturne (hospitality representative), for two-year terms.

Other Matters

• Speed Hump on Heyward Street (Item 34): Unanimously approved installation of a speed hump on the 1700 block, as requested by the Hollywood Rose Hill Neighborhood Association.

Committee Reports

• Homeless Services: Councilor Will Brennan reported that the Homeless Services Advisory Committee reviewed draft recommendations from consultant Health Management Associates. Homeless Services Director Kameisha Heppard, LMSW, reported FY25-26 outcomes: 417 individuals assisted, 169 clients served through Rapid Shelter Columbia, 29 placed into permanent housing, 130 positive or stabilization exits, and street outreach engaged 73% of unsheltered individuals. She invited the public to a screening of 'Beyond the Bridge: A Solution to Homelessness.'
• Community Development: Councilor Tina N. Herbert reported that the Community Development Committee received guidance from South Carolina State Housing on competitive project funding, and that the Housing Authority received state funding to begin replacement work for the former Allen Benedict Court site. The committee also reviewed the City's NOFA process.

Public Comments (Second Period)

• George Crouch presented ideas for beautifying the Assembly Street corridor medians, including a low wall, palmetto trees, coordinated planters, uplighting, and an 'adopt a median' program. He shared AI-generated visuals.