Report to the Community: 2014-2015 Fiscal Year by City of Columbia

Report to the Community 2014-2015 Fiscal Year www.ColumbiaSC.net

Columbia, South Carolina

The City of Columbia was founded by the General Assembly in 1786. Columbia was South Carolina's first planned city. As the state capital and largest city, Columbia’s population has reached approximately 133,358 (2010 U.S. Census). The City of Columbia has approximately 2200 employees on staff. The City of Columbia is dedicated to providing the highest quality services to our citizens.

Our Mission The City of Columbia’s mission is to provide bold leadership and exemplary services to advance the quality of life for everyone.

Our Vision We Are Columbia…together we will build a world-class city.

Table of Contents City Department Highlights - 2014-2015 Fiscal Year Columbia Empowerment Zone, Inc.

Columbia Fire Department

Columbia Police Department

Columbia Richland 9-1-1 Communications

Community Development Department

Eau Claire / North Columbia Development Corporation

Finance Department

Information Technology Department

Office of Business Opportunities

Parking Services Department

Parks and Recreation Department

Planning & Development Services Department

Public & Media Relations Department

Public Works Department

Utilities and Engineering Department

Columbia Empowerment Zone, Inc. True to our City's "We Are Columbia" motto, Columbia Empowerment Zone, Inc. (CEZ) is focused on encouraging and nurturing small business growth, with an overarching goal of creating jobs and improving quality of life across all sectors of our community. CEZ, Inc. currently holds a portfolio of ready-to-lease properties ideal for new and minority-owned businesses, including multi-business locations, as well as a number of properties for development by interested, qualified developers.

Lady Street Suites

Lady Street Suites The Columbia Empowerment Zone, Inc. Board of Directorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s celebrated the completion of the recent renovations and up-fit of the Lady Street Suites located at 1509 Lady Street in Downtown Columbia, South Carolina with a Grand Opening on October 9, 2014. The Lady Street Suites project provides a place to promote new job creation and retention of jobs in the Columbia Empowerment Zone while enabling the CEZ, Inc. to continue to work towards meeting its vision of establishing a socially and economically vibrant community with sustainable jobs and thriving small businesses.

The Lady Street Suites provides below market rental space and necessary technology with shared access to public spaces and equipment to new and start-up companies in Columbia to grow and expand services. The Lady Street Suites is a 9,500+ sq. ft. commercial multi-tenant office building in the heart of Columbia’s Downtown Business District. It is ADA accessible, has a modern conference and training room that is also available as shared space for small businesses, a reception area, four bathrooms, and a kitchen/break-room area.

North Main Plaza

The CEZ, Inc. continues to develop its commercial & retail Plaza located at 3800 & 3730 N. Main Street. During the reporting year several improvements were made to the Plaza included resurfacing of the side-walks and parking lot, installation of larger grease trap (restaurant space), and installation of new parking and way-finding signage to improve the aesthetics and visual awareness for the Plaza. Three (3) new businesses have relocated to the Plaza, Ella’s Café, Eau Claire Family Dentistry and Eau Claire Family Podiatry. Eau Claire Cooperative Health Centers completed the renovation for the two new medical practices that yielded a $400,000.00 investment and created five (5) new jobs.

3400 Harden Street CEZ, Inc. owns and continues to manage commercial property located at 3400 Harden Street Extension. The property is currently occupied by Alala, LLC. Alala was established on February 9, 2006, as a premier post-surgical support and services company and has become the focal point for cancer survivors in South Carolina. Alala is a leading pioneer service company in Columbia offering patients custom fittings for breast prosthetics, mastectomy bras, wigs, lymphedema pumps, and compression garments with a unique personal approach. CEZ, Inc. began working with Alala while they were located in the USC Small Business Incubator and worked with them to establish their headquarters in Columbia.

Columbia Fire Department The Fire Department is responsible for enforcing fire codes, providing public fire safety education programs, investigating arson, and responding – fast – not only to fires but also to rescue situations, hazardous materials leaks and natural disasters. The Fire Department is the sole provider of those services for the City of Columbia and a 660 square mile area of Richland County that includes the towns of Blythewood, Arcadia Lakes, Eastover and Forest Acres.

2015 Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Boot Drive The Columbia Fire Department announced the 2015 MDA Boot Drive on March 17, 2015, during the City Council meeting. Fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins and Trent Tomco, SC Muscular Dystrophy Association’s (MDA) Ambassador kicked off this year’s campaign by passing around the boot to City Council, City staff and citizens during the meeting. MDA’s relationship with the Columbia Fire Department goes back more than 50 years. The drive grew in the late 1990’s when they were allowed to collect in the intersections and on duty. At that time, the department was inspired by the grandson of Retired Battalion Chief Taylor McEntire who was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. Taylor’s spirit continues to be a driving force behind the drive that has helped families throughout the Midlands. For more information about the MDA, visit www.mda.org.

2015 Smoke Alarm Blitz

On January 26, 2015, Columbia Fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins announced the success of the 2015 Smoke Alarm Blitz. The Columbia Fire Department was one of ten fire departments selected to participate in the grant-funded “2015 Smoke Alarm Blitz” by the South Carolina Division of Fire and Life Safety, Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM). The OSFM was awarded the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The Columbia Fire Department received 400, 10-year lithium battery smoke alarms and over 160 carbon monoxide alarms to be installed. The Standish Acres and the College Place communities were selected based on National Fire Incident Re-porting System (NFIRS) data, social vulnerability index score, fire fatalities (per capita) and other application information. If residents were not at home during the blitz, information was left in the form of a door hanger at their residence that explains how to schedule a fire alarm installation. To see if you qualify for a free smoke alarm and installation, please contact the Columbia Fire Department’s Public Fire Education Division at 803-545-3717 or visit columbiarichlandfire.net/request-a-smoke-alarm/ to complete an online smoke alarm installation form.

Columbia Police Department The Columbia Police Department is an integral part of the community, and it’s very, very important that our community feels connected to the police department. The nearly 400 officers are well educated, well trained, motivated to serve and, above all, respectful of the people they are sworn to protect.

2015-2019 STRATEGIC PLAN and 2014 Internal Affairs Report During FY 2014 – 2015, Columbia Police Chief William “Skip” Holbrook announced the completion of the Columbia Police Department’s 5 year Strategic Plan and released the department’s Internal Affairs Report. The CPD 2015-2019 Strategic Plan sets forth the direction of the Police Department for the next five (5) years. Included in the plan is an outline of some of the challenges and opportunities currently before the department. The goals outlined in the plan are focused on four key areas: • • • •

Staffing and Facilities Professional Development Policing Equipment and Technology

The goals and strategies outlined in the Strategic Plan will provide the direction and support for the necessary growth and advancement of the Columbia Police Department. The CPD 2014 Internal Affairs Report was provided in an effort to demonstrate transparency, improve performance and increase accountability. The report is a complete overview of the internal affairs activities along with supporting data and information.

Visit Our Website For more information or to download the CPD 2015-2019 Strategic Plan or 2014 Internal Affairs report, visit ColumbiaPD.net.

Additional 2014 - 2015 Fiscal Year Highlights

Announcement of Citizens Police Advisory Panel Body Cameras and additional patrols in Hospitality / Entertainment Districts Body Camera Test Pilot Initiative Comprehensive Recruiting/Retention Campaign Cultural Diversity and Conflict Resolution Training Implementation of a 90-day Action Plan National Night Out award winners â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6 consecutive years Seeking national accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies White House Data-Sharing of Police Operations

Columbia Richland 9-1-1 Communications

The Columbia-Richland 9-1-1 Communications (CRC) provides 24/7/365, 9-1-1 Emergency Dispatch and Public Service response to citizens and user agencies for both the City of Columbia and Richland County.

On average, CRC personnel answer more than 3,000 calls per day. CRC is a Nationally Accredited Agency, and one of the first to be recognized in South Carolina. City of Columbia and Richland County partnered to provide Columbia-Richland Alerts, a time-sensitive information alert system for public safety and community awareness.

Community Development Department The Community Development (CD) Department is the fuel that supports the local economy by providing resources and opportunities for growth in the City of Columbia. The CD Department administers federal, state and local funds that ensures compliance; increases homeownership; and builds neighborhood capacity.

Celebrating 40 Years In May 2015, the Community Development Department commemorated 40 years of service to the Midlands. A screening of the Community Development Department’s 40th Anniversary Documentary was held at the Nickelodeon Theater on Monday, May 18, 2015. View our brochure online: http://columbiasc.gov/communitydevelopment

Since its inception, CD’s impact on the community includes: · More than 3,600 clients served · Over $14.5 million in outstanding loan balances · Delinquency rate of only 1% Additionally, CD has used more than $200 million to leverage well over $1 billion in investments throughout the city. This includes residential and business loans, funding for parks and comprehensive training programs for Columbia citizens. The CD Department is committed to making the City of Columbia and its neighborhoods a better place to live, work and play.

Eau Claire / North Columbia Development Corporation

The Eau Claire/North Columbia Development Corporation’s mission is to be a catalyst for economic development through job creation, commercial/retail development and residential renovation and/or creation in the North Columbia area.

ECDC Projects and Initiatives: Commercial / Retail Facilitating

Several collaboration efforts are underway with various developers and economic development partners to bring more commercial and retail establishments to the area. Various feasibility studies have been commissioned to determine the practicality of an assortment of retailers to North Columbia. As these projects complete their due diligence phases and working capital is identified, more information will be forthcoming.

Redevelop / Create Housing ECDC obtained $650,000 in Federal HOME funding to construct 6 new homes in the Burton Heights Phase II subdivision off of Farrow Road. This was a planned development to create 26 residential homes in 2008 at the former Burton Heights Elementary School site. To date 25 of the 26 homes have been constructed and sold. The price of the homes range from $120,000 - $134,000 and include 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, hardwood floors, one car garage, energy efficient appliances and “smart touch” wireless technology. To date, the entire project constitutes over $2,200,000 investment into the Farrow Road (North Columbia) area in housing. The homes were completed in September 2014 and 2 have been sold within the last 60 days.

Created Jobs and Opportunities Through a joint collaboration, TN Development Corporation and ECDC created a job training program called Work It Up. The purpose is to assist citizens in the City of Columbia who are unemployed or underemployed gain the experience needed to obtain jobs earning a livable wage and benefits, thereby improving the quality of life for families while strengthening communities. Each qualified applicant can receive up to $4,000 in grant funds to cover the cost of tuition, books, some child care, and transportation. The Work it Up Job Training Scholarship Program is a grant funded program designed to help individuals gain training through the Midlands Technical College Quick Jobs Courses. Other partners included Richland One Adult Education. To date Eighty-six (86) individuals were successfully accepted into the program, twenty-seven (27) completed and to date, seven (7) individuals have become gainfully employed.

Finance Department The Finance Department serves Columbia's citizens, visitors, investors and employees through four divisions: Financial Reporting, Business Licensing, Purchasing and the Payment Center. Finance is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the City's financial records and for being compliant with generally accepted accounting principles and the practices of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board.

The Finance Department is comprised of four divisions: Financial Reporting Business Licensing

Purchasing Payment Center

Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting City Manager Teresa Wilson recognized the Finance Department’s staff in September 2014 for their efforts in receiving the Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting. The Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. This was the first time since 2005 that the City received this award. The CAFR was judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program including demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR.

“It was my honor to recognize and thank our staff for their hard work and commitment. I could not be more proud of this outstanding achievement. This has been a collective effort between our city’s leaders, management and the Finance Department’s team. We will continue to work diligently to sustain our strong foundation and be good stewards of the City of Columbia’s finances.”

~City Manager Teresa Wilson

Information Technology Department The Information Technology (IT) Department provides services to City of Columbia departments to aid in the effective delivery of IT services that support the business needs of the City. The IT Department is a vital part of the City, providing faster and better ways for our employees to do their jobs and for our residents to access our services. Services offered by the IT Department include; Telecommunications, Citywide Network, Data Center (servers, storage, backups, etc.), Desktop PC support (2000+ computers, 2300 users), Web Design, GIS, Application Support and Security.

Ma jor Initiatives: Utility Billing System (Banner) Upgrade An upgrade of the City’s Utility Billing System was completed and went into production on May 4, 2015. This upgrade provides the following new functionality: • • • • • •

Web-based billing system with enhanced stability and reduced downtime. Upgraded software tools with easy navigation for enhanced customer servicing. Enhanced Bill Presentation (13 months graph, pay arrangements). Electronic Communication (welcome, bill alerts). Aesthetically enhanced online Customer Web Access portal. Heightened Security encryption / Red Flag alerts to protect sensitive information.

Parking Garage Control System

A major upgrade of parking control equipment was installed at several City garages, including; Sumter Street, Lady Street and Cannon Garages. This included Pay-In-Lane devices, which allow for credit card payments.

Citywide Building Security Phase 1 This system involves 24-hour video surveillance and card access controls of vulnerable and high-profile City of Columbia locations. The implementation of 90 cameras and 71 card readers was completed December 2014.

Geographical Information System (GIS) Initiatives: Public Facing GIS Web Applications: Six web applications have been developed and tested internally. 1. 2. 3.

Annexation History City Information Viewer City Landmarks

4. 5. 6.

Code Violation Properties Curbside Collection Information Park Finder

Office of Business Opportunities The Office of Business Opportunities has three divisions that are designed to help meet the needs of small, minority and women-owned businesses in the City of Columbia: (1) Commercial Lending; (2) Technical Assistance, Education and Advocacy; and (3) Contractor and Supplier Diversity.

Small Business Week The Office of Business Opportunities (OBO) held its third annual Small Business Week Conference on Tuesday, May 5, 2015. OBO’s Small Business Week Conference is designed to provide insight and resources to current and potential small business owners, while providing the opportunity to network with their peers. Nearly 200 people attended, including Columbia City Council members, City Manager Teresa Wilson, small business owners and local celebrities.

Business Spotlights Through the Business Spotlight Program, selected businesses receive marketing support and a one-year membership with the Columbia Chamber. • City Arts • Alala • Toliver’s Mane Events

Commercial Revolving Loan Fund Borrower Demographics 29%

34%

Female African American

12%

25%

Non-Minority Asian

Main Street

Main Street Capital Program The Main Street Capital Program was created to encourage a diverse mix of retail businesses on Main Street between the 1200 and 1700 blocks. Applicants were eligible for loans up to $50,000 and loans were to be paid off over 10 years. If all of the requirements of the program have been met after five years, the balance of the loan will be forgiven. Businesses that were selected for Main Street Capital Program funds include Yoga Masala at 1604 Main St. and Jeff Morris Furniture at 1645 Main St. The Main Street Capital Program leveraged over $214,000 in private investment or $2.50 for every $1 in public funds. Overall, the Commercial Revolving Loan Fund has leveraged over $2.8 million in private investment or nearly $4 in private funds for every $1 invested in public funds. These loans are projected to create 14.5 Full-time Equivalent jobs and retain 19 Full-time Equivalent jobs.

Façade Program Through the Façade Improvement Program, eligible businesses in targeted areas can receive a five-year forgivable loan to improve the front exterior of commercial buildings. After conclusion of the successful Façade Improvement Program on Main/N Main Corridor in June 2014, OBO transitioned to the next target area and launched on Two Notch Road in February 2015.

Main/North Main Corridor Façade Program Highlights Amount of Public Investment Amount of Private Investment Total Amount of Investment (Public & Private) Other Private Investment* Number of Forgivable Grants Number of Forgivable Loans Number of Jobs New/Retained Number of New Businesses Number of Awardees Receiving Technical Assistance from ECI

$ 289,398 $ 369,121 $ 658,520 $ 380,350 6 25 178 3 8

* Additional private investment made along the corridor by property owners, not part of the Façade Improvement Program. Façade project sites recognized by other organizations: • Kleen Kare Dry Cleaners, 4011 North Main – Yard of the Month by Seminary Ridge Neighborhood Association • Toliver’s Mane Event Barber Shop, 6102 North Main – Columbia Choice Awards 2014 Winner “Best Renovation and Reuse” by Columbia Green and Columbia Tree & Appearance Commission

Supplier Diversity Contractor and Supplier Diversity is designed to increase the capacity of businesses to compete for government contracts through several programs, including Mentor Protégé and Subcontractor Outreach programs • Increased contracting dollars to Disadvantaged Business Enterprises in City’s Mentor Protégé Program from 8% in 2013 to 15% in 2014. • Staff recommended 10% Minority/Women-Owned Business Enterprises spending goal beginning FY15-16 approved by City Manager and endorsed by Council.

Parking Services Department

Image courtesy of: #LoveColumbia winner, Tony Claremont

In the fiscal year ending June 30, 2015, there were a number of enhancements in the Parking Services Department. The introduction of new technologies, a new signage program and the beginning of a new effort to improve the appearance of all eight parking garages were some of the upgrades.

New Parking Services Technology A number of major advances in technology were introduced in an effort to improve services provided for citizens and businesses. Citizens can now pay parking citations online at https://columbiasc.t2hosted.com. This service provides a convenient way to pay citations rather than mailing in payments or going to a payment site in person. The program will be enhanced by the end of FY15/16 to allow customers to review their citation and payment history. Parking control equipment has been upgraded at the garages on Sumter and Lady Streets with the introduction of Pay-In-Lane devices, which allows payments by cash, credit cards or coins 24-hours a day. In addition, all control equipment in the garages has been replaced with new units, including gates and readers.

Signage Program • All signage was replaced in the Lady Street Garage. The signs are aesthetically pleasing while also providing directions to navigate throughout the garage. • A majority of signs in the Sumter Street Garage have been updated and there are plans to expand the new signage to all City garages. • The on-street directional signs pointing to garages have been replaced with signage more visible for motorists looking for parking.

Garage Improvements Parking Services hired the engineering firm of Kimley-Horn to study the physical and aesthetic needs of its six older garages. Work has already begun to implement the capital program. • Sumter Street Garage was pressure washed on the outside, removing decades of grime and dirt and the exterior was updated with a sealant to keep the garage exterior looking clean. • Sumter and Lady Street Garages received new interior face lifts. Walls at both garages have been painted to brighten the appearance in an overall effort to improve the parking experience for the general public. • The entrance alley behind the Sumter Street Garage has been re-surfaced between Washington and Hampton streets. • New, high efficiency lighting has been added on the exterior of the Taylor Street Garage and LED lights have been added to the entrance and exit ramps at the Sumter Street Garage.

Operational Highlights Parking Services has begun contracting for security officers to assist with event parking at the Park Street and Sumter Street Garages. In addition to assisting with the flow of traffic in the garages before and after events, the security officers patrol the facilities during events to add one more level of safety for garage patrons. Parking Services staff worked closely with the MLK and Wales Garden neighborhood associations to implement residential parking permit districts in portions of those neighborhoods.

Parks and Recreation Department

Whether you live in the City, are neighbors to us in the great State of South Carolina or are just visiting, we invite you to take advantage of the great services we provide, the beautiful parks we maintain and all the wonderful indoor and outdoor activities we offer, from golf and tennis to swimming and recreation league play.

Ma jor Initiatives: Greenview Park Community Pool Groundbreaking The City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Department held a special groundbreaking ceremony for the new community pool area at Greenview Park on Saturday, April 11, 2015. City leaders, staff and community members broke ground on the $3.2 million project that features a six lane 25-yard lap pool, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activity area and water slide.

Roy Lynch Park Revitalization Project The Roy Lynch Park revitalization project will create unique recreational experiences for the entire community. The City of Columbia, Columbia Parks and Recreation, Columbia Parks and Recreation Foundation, Logan Elementary, The Junior League and the Elmwood Community would like to revitalize the park through a total redesign that would engage and benefit the entire community.

Finlay Park

Finlay Park Master Plan The City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Department held seven focus group meetings from October 6 - 8, 2014 with City staff, public safety personnel, special events staff, business leaders/developers and members of the Columbia Council of Neighborhoods. In addition, a public meeting was held on Wednesday, October 8, 2014 at Earlewood Park Community Center, where residents were able to have roundtable discussions with design team representatives from Consulting Services Inc. An online survey was also created to gather the public’s input on current features and improvements. The purpose of the focus group meetings was to identify the community’s needs and concerns for the future of Finlay Park. The focus groups suggested renovating bathrooms, incorporating public art, building a conference center or meeting space, and making a better connection between open spaces.

Completed Projects: • Columbia Tennis Center New Pad Poured for Practice Court • Emily Douglass Park Interior Renovations • Maxcy Gregg Park's Cancer Survivor Garden Statues Repaired • Sims Park New Playground Installed • Woodland Park New Tennis Courts and Parking Lot • Surveillance Cameras Installed at Bellfield Center, Lorick, Pinehurst, St. Anna’s, Melrose, Maxcy Gregg and Granby parks.

Let’s Move! Columbia’s 5th Anniversary 2015 marked the 5th anniversary of the national Let’s Move! initiative, which was started by First Lady Michelle Obama. To celebrate this special occasion, the City hosted the Let’s Move! Columbia #GimmeFive Family Fitness Day on Saturday, May 16, 2015 at the Charles R. Drew Wellness Center. South Carolina has the 2nd highest childhood obesity rate in the country for ages 10-17 and ranks No. 10 in the country for adult obesity. Let’s Move! Columbia #GimmeFive Family Fitness Day was the perfect event to celebrate the anniversary and provide a fun day of activities for youth and their families to learn more ways they can live a healthier life.

Parks and Recreation Awards City Designated 2015 Playful City USA Community The City of Columbia was recognized as a 2015 Playful City USA Community in June 2015. In partnership with the Humana Foundation, KaBOOM! honored cities, towns and counties across the country for making their communities more playable. Columbia is one of 241 communities exhibiting playability. The City was also selected for the award in 2014.

James E. Clyburn Golf Center Recognized as LPGA-USGA Girls Golf Program Site The only national initiative of its kind, Girls Golf is administered through a partnership between the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Foundation and the United States Golf Association (USGA), both non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organizations. James E. Clyburn Golf Center is now recognized as a LPGA-USGA Girls Golf Program site. LPGA-USGA Girls Golf prepares juniors for a lifetime of enjoyment of the game and provides a solid foundation for girls who want to play for fun with friends and family, to compete at the high school, college, and/or local, state and national levels or to learn for future career purposes, both inside and outside of the golf industry.

KaBOOM! Grant

The City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Foundation (Parks and Recreation) was awarded a Let’s Play grant in the amount of $15,000 from Dr Pepper Snapple Group and KaBOOM!. Let’s Play is a community partnership led by Dr Pepper Snapple Group to help kids and families get active. The grant funding will help with construction costs at Roy Lynch Park. The City of Columbia, Columbia Parks and Recreation Department, Columbia Parks and Recreation Foundation, Logan Elementary, The Junior League and the Elmwood community have partnered to renovate the neighborhood park. The project includes a new splash pad, game board plaza, pergola, multiple walking paths, amphitheater/ picnic shelter, butterfly garden, outdoor fitness area, central green space, outdoor classroom and a nature themed playground.

Planning & Development Services Department The vision of the Planning and Development Services Department is to facilitate a safe, attractive, healthy and vibrant community for present and future generations. Our mission is to guide the development of the City in a manner that enhances quality of life, promotes distinctive neighborhoods, supports businesses and protects the environment through professional, positive, solution-oriented planning, permitting, zoning, and enforcement services.

By The Numbers $405,229,964 Building Construction Value FY 14/15 as of May 2015 9238 Number of building inspections completed 4775 Total Number of Building Permits Issued as Of June 2015 485 Building Plans Reviewed 245 Number of New Single-Family Residential Permits as of June 2015 244 Certificates of Design Approval Issued 83 Number of Acres in Annexations Facilitated 2 Newly Designated Individual Landmarks

Granby Mill Village

2014-2015 Achievements Planning staff acted as the Project Manager for the City’s first Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan (Walk Bike Columbia) which was adopted by City Council in May 2015. The project was a collaborative effort led by the Central Midlands Council of Governments with participation from the City of Columbia Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. Land Use Plan (Plan Columbia) updated and adopted by City Council setting a clear vision to rewrite the Zoning Ordinance for the first time in almost forty years. Created a new zoning ordinance classification for convenience stores that requires a special exception from the Board of Zoning Appeals to assist in facilitating safe and clean neighborhoods. Amended the historic preservation ordinance to streamline approvals and make it more customer friendly. Coordinated with Public Works to develop new street lighting standards for Innovista to reflect it as a modern, innovation district. Completed Granby Mill Village Stabilization Program. Facilitated the review, permitting, and inspection of numerous significant construction projects to include: • • • •

West Campus Housing – USC/Holder Student Housing/Retail: $57,705,151 Edwards Development Private Student Housing: $23,322,448 Park 7 Huger Street – Private Student Housing: $28,431,712 Innovation Center – 500 Assembly Street: $13,435,000

Public & Media Relations Department The City of Columbia Public and Media Relations Department is the “voice” that informs the public of everything that happens, everything that’s about to happen, and how to access virtually every service, system and opportunity available in our community.

From information, invitations and explanations to guidance, advice, announcements and important “heads up” alerts about what’s new and what’s “news” - it’s the Public and Media Relations Department’s employees who gather the facts and do whatever it takes to get the word out to the city. They’re the City’s communicators - in print and on video, at press conferences and in media releases, via e-blasts and web content, and through any other channels that suit the subject, the audience and the deadline at hand. In short, this group is the invaluable knowledge connection that keeps everyone in touch with the fact that We Are Columbia!

Department Highlights Social Media Photo Challenge: #LoveColumbia The #LoveColumbia Photo Challenge is an annual City initiative created by the Public and Media Relations Department that encourages citizens of Columbia to submit photos via social media of the images they love in the City. Through the photo challenge, citizens are invited to explore our picturesque city. The City of Columbia Photo Challenge, #LoveColumbia, began in 2014 as a way to increase community engagement, expand public knowledge of the City’s social media sites and increase the use of technology to interact with citizens. “I enjoy seeing our citizens participate in celebrating Columbia as much as I do. This contest and the level of participation are exemplary of the pride that our citizens have for their hometown. The city, along with our citizens, business owners and the arts community, are building a world-class city together.“

~City Manager Teresa Wilson

The #LoveColumbia Photo Challenge was promoted on the City’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter sites during May 2014, where citizens were tasked with submitting images, which included landscapes, structures, buildings, historical monuments and more. Based on the total number of “likes, favorites, retweets, etc.,” there were three photos chosen from each social media account. The voting process was driven by citizen participation, which included the option to vote and comment on the photo of their choice. The winning photos will be featured on the city’s website, in the Public and Media Relations Department’s publications and on display in the Gallery at City Hall. The following winners were announced and unveiled their images on July 21, 2015, during the City Council meeting.

Frederick Austin

Salley Rickenbacker

Tony Claremont

Frederick Austin

Frederick Austin is this year’s Facebook winner. Frederick was born in Columbia, but grew up in Gilbert, SC. The goal of his photography is to show a different viewpoint of places that citizens see on a daily basis. Frederick is now a two-time #LoveColumbia winner, as his photo submission on the City’s Twitter account was selected in 2014.

Salley Rickenbacker

Salley Rickenbacker is this year’s Twitter winner. Salley Rickenbacker is a Columbia native and graduate of A.C. Flora High School and the University of South Carolina. Salley is the Social Media Manager and "Crescendo" Editor for the Symphony League of the South Carolina Philharmonic. Salley came to photography through the rise of cell phone cameras and loves the accessibility that the technology provides for sharing her hobby. She is happy to be a resident and promote the City.

Tony Claremont

Tony Claremont is this year’s Instagram winner. He was born in South Korea and grew up in West Texas before arriving in Columbia. Tony believes that his passion for photography has helped him and his wife discover Columbia and continues to help them rediscover Columbia every day.

City‘s Inaugural Go Red Fashion Show Yields $3500 for American Heart Association The Public and Media Relations Department planned the City’s Inaugural Go Red Fashion Show on March 20, 2015. Local citizens, professional models and City of Columbia officials gathered together for a night of red fashions on the runway to help support those affected by heart disease, the #1 killer of women. On April 21, 2015, the City of Columbia presented a check for $3,500 to the American Heart Association with funds donated from the proceeds of the Go Red Fashion Show. To view the City’s Inaugural Go Red Fashion Show, please visit the City of Columbia YouTube Page.

Go Red Fashion Show

PR Milestones Freedom of Information Act Requests Last fiscal year the City logged a total of 1,090 Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. This benchmark emphasizes the City’s commitment to transparency and making information accessible to the public. This is the highest volume of requests received during the fiscal year. The City of Columbia Public and Media Relations Department is working to implement a new online FOIA Request system in the new fiscal year. The new system will allow citizens to submit, track and retrieve responsive materials related to their request which will help streamline the FOIA process.

Social Media Update During FY 13/14, the City launched a redesigned website, which included one touch access to all of the City’s social media accounts and a live twitter feed. On January 29, 2015, the City celebrated a social media landmark by having 13.4K tweets and followers at the same time. A special notification was sent to the City Email Network sharing our appreciation for helping us reach this Twitter milestone.

Enhanced Website Features

During FY 14/15, new features were added to the City’s website to enhance and expand services. These upgrades included an Events Calendar, which allows users to track important meetings and events; one-click access to City publications where users can view weekly and monthly publications online and sign up for the City Email Network; City TV videos, which allows viewers to see shows that air on City TV (Time Warner Cable Ch. 2) or our YouTube channel (City of Columbia Government), such as City Talk, City View and Council meetings; and the Council Special Projects Page, a page dedicated to providing updates on City projects that have a significant impact on the community at-large.

Public Works Department The Public Works Department consists of six divisions. Each division provides essential services for to the citizens of Columbia. Highlights from each division are included in the next few pages.

Animal Control The Animal Services Division is responsible for enforcing the City's animal control ordinance, which mandates that all citizens license their animals. The first Trails and Tails Dog Walk was held with intentions to become an annual event. The Palmetto Conservation, along with Palmetto Trail in Fort Jackson, partnered with the Columbia Animal Shelter for this event. Multiple volunteers assisted in transporting more than a dozen adoption dogs to the site so they could enjoy some exercise. Experiencing continued success with reduction of intakes and increasing adoptions.

15000

Intake Euthanasia Live Release Rate

12000

9000

6000

3000

2008/2009 2009/2010 2010/2011 2011/2012 2012/2013 2013/2014 2014/2015

Animal Shelter Yearly Comparison 28

Forestry and Beautification The City of Columbia’s Forestry and Beautification Division maintains City trees, gateways and landscaped medians to ensure safety and to increase the quality of life for residents and visitors. The second phase of the public/private partnership took place with the installation of rubber mulch tree cut outs in Five Points. The rubber mulch is a sustainable approach to maintain a safe pedestrian surface, while not allowing mulch to wash into the storm drain system during heavy rains. Forestry has been a Tree City for 36 years.

Streets The City only maintains about 30 percent of the streets within the City limits. The remaining streets are maintained by the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT). Completed paving projects utilizing County Transportation Committee Funds in the amount of $697,666.96. Received a $250,000 grant from Community Development allowing for the re-paving of various targeted streets.

Solid Waste The Solid Waste and Recycling Division provides collection and disposal, within the corporate city limits, along with special events such as the St. Patrick’s Day Celebration in Five Points, Veteran’s Day Parade, Famously Hot New Year and special neighborhood clean-ups. Received a $50,000 grant from SCDHEC for the conversion of recycling bins to roll carts. Received a $300,000 grant from Curbside Value Partnership for the conversion of recycling bins to roll carts.

Sustainability Sustainability has emerged as a result of significant concerns about the unintended social, environmental, and economic consequences of rapid population growth, economic growth and consumption of our natural resources. It is based on a simple principle: Everything needed for survival and well-being depends, either directly or indirectly, on the natural environment. The Green is Good for Business Conference held its 8th conference reaching out to 400 conference participants. The City participated in the 2014 Earth Hour, which inspires millions of people around the world to switch off lights for an hour.

Traffic Engineering The Traffic Engineering Division uses engineering techniques to ensure that traffic can operate in a safe and efficient manner. Installed Sharrow Arrows on Main Street between Laurel and Gervais Streets Installed Sharrow Arrows on Lady between Assembly and Pulaski Streets Accepted Maintenance of traffic signals for Harden, Calhoun, and Read Streets

Utilities and Engineering Department The Department of Utilities & Engineering maintains the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drinking water supply, collects and treats the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wastewater, designs and oversees construction of many City construction projects, manages the Customer Care Center, and performs other related duties.

Projects Shandon Low Impact Development Storm Drainage For less than $600,000, the City piloted a new approach to handling storm drainage issues. Sections of asphalt in the Shandon area were replaced with a pervious surface that drains into wells installed underneath the road surface.

North Harden & Read Streets Significant upgrades to the water, sewer and stormwater utilities along North Harden and Read Streets was recently completed. This $13.7M investment that began in December 2012 also included streetscaping to improve the aesthetics of the area and tie it into nearby Five Points and similar efforts on North Main St.

Virginia Pack School Demolition The demolition of this old, abandoned school provided a unique opportunity for City departments to collaborate. Prior to demolishing the school, the Construction Management staff coordinated with the Columbia Fire Department to give firefighters an opportunity to practice entering buildings of this type from roofs and windows. Firefighters were able to gain valuable experience, turning this run-down building into a temporary training resource before it was removed.

Shandon Storm Drainage

North Harden & Read Streets

School Demolition

Operator Training Program: During 2014, the Drinking Water Plants, Metro Wastewater Plant and Wastewater Collections Divisions instituted a systematic mentoring process for all operators. Through this program, operators can earn US Department of Labor certificates at a series of levels that demonstrate increased proficiency and understanding of stringent regulatory requirements. Staff in all three programs has continued to show a dedication to increasing their professional skills by advancing through this program.

Drinking Water Drinking Water Operators are required to complete their training by earning A-level certification within 36 months. Four operators completed their apprenticeship in FY 14-15. Plans are currently underway to extend the apprenticeship program to Drinking Water Distribution in FY 15-16.

Wastewater At the Metro Wastewater Treatment Plant, eighteen plant and collections operators earned a total of 23 advancements, several advancing twice in a single year. In Wastewater Collections, the number of operators who have completed the training and earned A-level certification has almost doubled in FY 14-15, going from 15 to 27.

Drinking Water: Ma jor Projects Chapin Drinking Water Pump Station This $2.7 million dollar project added a clean water pumping station off of Broad River Road. It is part of an effort to provide a redundant source of water to the town of Chapin which is currently served by a single water line.

Tank Maintenance Program The City reinstituted its water storage tank maintenance program in 2014. This program included washing out 9 tanks, visually inspecting the other 14 tanks, and installing a tank mixing system in the Lower Richland area. This insures that the water in the storage tanks is of the highest quality while it is stored for immediate needs.

Wastewater: Ma jor Projects Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades Efforts to improve the Metro Wastewater Treatment Plant continued in FY14-15 with projects to renovate the aeration basins, install flow meters that sense the amount of solids going to the clarifiers, and clean-up of the old digesters. The flow meter installation builds on efforts to incorporate remote sensing and improve process automation at the plant. The City anticipates bidding the estimated $25M construction project to rehabilitate the existing digesters to optimize and improve reliability and efficiency in the upcoming fiscal year.

Pump Station Improvements In FY14-15, the City completed upgrades to the West Columbia and North Columbia pump stations. This combined $12.6M investment represents the completion of a series of upgrades to the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s five largest pump stations. The West Columbia pump station was especially notable as its controls and power supply are elevated above the 100 year flood.

Pump Station

With completion of the last two major pump station upgrades, the City completed all of the early action projects required in the Consent Decree. Additionally, all 7 of the first year deliverable deadlines were met, and the City is on track for meeting future deadlines.

CD Milestones With completion of the last two major pump station upgrades, the City completed all of the early action projects required in the Consent Decree. Additionally, all 7 of the first year deliverable deadlines were met, and the City is on track for meeting future deadlines. The City is also moving forward with the Supplemental Environmental Projects, having gone through the initial steps of working with key stakeholders to identify the specific projects that will be undertaken.

Technological Improvements Work Order Workflow Improvements

Staff is now equipped with technology that allows them to take Geographic Information System data into the field to better locate utility lines. This saves staff time as they can more quickly find the pipe they need to work on. Efforts are also underway to bring Cityworks, the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work order tracking program, into the field to allow faster response times to work order tickets and improve reporting.

Wastewater System Assessment Wastewater staff is using new technology to improve their ability to assess the system. SMART Manhole covers have been installed in known problem areas. These covers provide remote, advanced notification of rising levels to allow more immediate response to Sanitary Sewer Overflows during storm events. The data collected is also stored for immediate or long term analysis. Staff is also using a Sewer Line Rapid Assessment Tool which uses sound waves to identify blockages or partial blockages in lines between manholes. This allows staff to quickly assess lines and identify those in need of repair or replacement.

Notable Metrics Reduced Sanitary Sewer Overflows The City saw a 24% reduction in the total number of SSOs from the previous fiscal year and a 17.9% reduction in volume. The Metro Plant also only had 2 SSOs due to mechanical failure this year. This is a 67% reduction from the previous year.

Meeting or Exceeding Regulatory Requirements 99.92% of the Metro Plantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2,655 regulatory parameters for FY 14-15 were at or better than regulatory requirements.

Collection System Improvements 262 miles of pipe were inspected (18% of the total system) and 226 miles of pipe were cleaned (17% of the total system) between July 1 and May 31 of this fiscal year .

Department Awards SCDHEC Area Wide Optimization (AWOP) Award: S.C. DHEC awards this honor when a plant consistently produces drinking water at a level 60% more stringent than required. Both the Lake Murray and Canal water treatment plants received this award. 3rd Place in the SC Environmental Convention Best Tasting Water Contest: The Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 6th year to place, more than any other utility in South Carolina.

Summary The Report to the Community for fiscal year 2014 – 2015 is provided to citizens for information purposes in order to share accomplishments and highlights related to the City of Columbia’s operations from July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015. Please note that due to the volume of daily activities required to run, grow and transform our city, this report does not encompass all relevant outcomes during this period of time however, it provides various snapshots from departments across the City of Columbia’s organizational structure. The Report to the Community for Fiscal Year 2014 - 2015 is a publication from the City of Columbia Public and Media Relations Department.

City Leaders Mayor

Stephen K. Benjamin

City Council

Sam Davis, District 1 Tameika Isaac Devine, At Large Leona K. Plaugh, District 4 Brian DeQuincey Newman, District 2 Cameron Runyan, At Large Moe Baddourah, District 3

City Manager Teresa Wilson

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