 Good afternoon. Good afternoon, Madam Clerk. Would you please call the roll? Yes, sir. Mr. Vernon. Present. Mr. Rickerman. Here. Mr. McDowell. Yes. Mr. Duvall. Present. Mr. Vines. Here. Mr. Davis. Here. Mayor Benjamin. Here. Madam McDowell, would you give us a word please? Thank you. Eternal God for all that you've done for us today for life, health, strength. We ask now that you might be with us as we discuss, deliberate. And expand the vision of our city. What we've asked that you would touch us individually and yet collectively. Allow the Linton season to become a real part of us. Thank you. Lord, we ask it. We claim it in your name. Amen. Amen. Thank you so much for it, McDowell. I am going to move adoption of the agenda. But there's no objection. I'm actually going to move that we take up all the event resolutions after executive session. So those items 14 through 19. Thank you. We also need to amend item 29 with a Scribner's era is March 12. Instead of March 2nd of 2021 is the correct date. That's a Scribner's era. I don't think it needs. Thank you. Thank you so much. With those amendments. Is there a second to the motion? Second. All right, discussion. Yes. Hi. Yes. Hi. Hi. Hi. Hi. All right. As a motion to approve the minutes of the March 2nd 2021. Second. Second. All right. Well, thank you. There's Hammond and Mr. Alice for the work on that. We'll move the previous question. You're welcome sir. Mr. Brennan. Yes. Mr. Rickman. Mr. McDowell. Yes. Mr. Duvall. Hi. Mr. Davis. Hi. Mayor Benjamin. Hi. Thank you. Thank you mayor and council. From my understanding, Mr. Binder, you still want to take a moment of personal privilege to make a recognition. Yes. She was unable to join us. So I will, I will make it so it's public. But we will send. Send it to her. But I just wanted to recognize one of our own. The city of Columbia. And I'm sorry. I was going to read the resolution, but I can't find it. But we, I've asked staff and they prepared on behalf of the mayor and members of city council. A proclamation. Recognizing. I'm sorry. Yeah, I was looking for her bio, but Karen Mack. I'm not going to read the bio. I'll share it with you guys. So everyone has a copy of the resolution. But we will mail it to her. We have a frame proclamation. Karen Mack, a Colombian native. And actually niece of former CPD officer, Mike Myers. She left here in 10th grade and went out to LA to pursue her dream of dancing. And she has done a lot. She's been at Debbie Allen academy. But last week, if you all have had an opportunity to see it, unfortunately, I haven't yet, but I will this weekend. Coming to America too came out and she was. One of the choreographers for. Coming to America too. And talking to Kara and in detail. She credits all of her drive and everything from her upbringing here in Columbia, Columbia is still home. Her family is still here. And I just think that we make sure that we're always shouting out and recognizing our Columbia talent as they go on and excel nationally and internationally. So I did want to take that point of personal privilege. And we will be shipping a proclamation to her. On behalf of the mayor and members of city council, recognizing her achievements and encouraging her to keep shining. Awesome. Awesome. Thank you, Mr. Vine. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Vine. And Mayor Benjamin. I also wanted to just take a quick moment to. I guess that thank you all really on behalf of senior resources and make sure that you are aware that the council and the city was presented an award by senior resources, the emergency response partnership award. And this is in recognition for the significant support that you all provided to our seniors, your leadership and support through a resilient Columbia development stability plan for the emergency senior nutrition program as COVID. The pandemic was first. Apparent to our community and it became necessary to really support these seniors. And so we thank senior resources for that recognition. I'm not sure if we have a picture of the award to show you, but it is beautiful and hopefully you will see it soon. No, we're very proud of not only the support that we collectively gave them, but the way in which they execute so very well on behalf of new seniors all across the midlands. So we're thankful to see just for your leadership. I think Mr. Davis has a comment, Mayor. That's it. Yeah, I meant to pile on, but I've been asked over the weekend to present from the city a probably going to be a proclamation of recognition from Miss Mary Myers. Mayor, I think you may remember her. She was one of our foot soldiers in North Columbia, especially with the challenges we've had with Gable Oaks and informed that she's at home now with stage four cancer. Time is limited. So we're going to be doing it out of sight out of mind with maybe a few people, but it's an appreciation for what she's been doing to help us in law enforcement over the years. She's been amazing. Let's move post haste with that. Yeah, I'm trying to get it out this week. But anyway, that's, you won't probably want to hear about it, but that's what we'll be doing on behalf of the city. But thank you, Sam. Thank you. Manager. Yes, sir. At this time, item two on your agenda is an emergency ordinance ordinance number two thousand twenty one zero one two and emergency ordinance extending and amending certain emergency ordinances. Emotion. I move that option. There's a second. I heard, I heard two motions. I'll take one as a second. The. Move the previous question. I'm sorry, Daniel. See a finger, I think. Yeah, I did. I wanted to, to put a second motion that we extended only for a 30 day period. Do it in 30 day increments. As we can see, if we look at the data, we've had tremendous drop. We're not out of there yet. We still need to get some vaccine. So forth. But I've not, I would prefer that we look at it in 30 day increments instead of 60 day increments. At this point. Mayor. Yes, sir. Mr. Duvall. I'd just like to point out that even if we extend it for the 60 days that are allowed by law, we can change that anytime the council has four votes to do it. So it can be a two week increment instead of a 30 day increment. But I would prefer that we go ahead and do the 60 days. And then if the will of the council and the data supports it, we can remove the. The mass ordinance about. I think it's more efficient for the staff to go ahead and do it for 60 days. And if in two meetings, we want to change it, we can do that. Move the previous question. Right. Yes. Mr. Mr. Duke, Mr. McDowell. I'm trying to figure out what do, what do we, what do we vote in on? Are we doing a 30 day or. Mr. Mr. Mr. Rick, was that a motion? Amendment. Amendment. Is that a second to that? The motion fails for lack of a second. So we're voting on a 60 day. I understand. We, we, we need to make sure we continue to follow the data and I'm looking forward to the update from Harry. If things keep going in the, in the direction we're going in, we will have, we do maintain the lab to do this at any point. I think it's important to look at the, at the, but the mass ordinance is not something that's meant to be punitive, but something again, that the tool we use to continue to drive sound public health policies. But hopefully hope for the data will put us in a position where we'll be revealing this much sooner. Rather than later. But the, they must have developed with the previous question. Her call. Mr. Yes. I support it. If we truly are going to look at, at it again in 30 days. Mr. Mcdowell. Yes. Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr. One question to miss Wilson, could you please have staff give a summary of any mass ordinances and timelines for surrounding counties and municipalities just to share with, with, with council, please. Yes, sir. Thank you. You're welcome. Okay. Thank you. Miss. Thank you. Thank you. All right. Yes, sir. All right, please. Go ahead, Mayor. If you have any comments. To make in regards to our normal COVID. Let's dive right in. No. We've been, we've been, I think all very encouraged with the data trends. Deceleration and the number of, of, of infections. And hopefully we watch those. Those numbers in you. The tick down. We see the number of, of, of efforts. To stand up. Vaccination. Both public and private. Mr. McDonald's been doing some work. Ms. I got, I got some direction on the Prisma folks and outreach you've been doing. I know there's some great stuff going on with Columbia. So we got to make sure we continue to do play our role in pushing folks towards, towards vaccination, but we're seeing an uptick in vaccine acceptance rates as well. So that's, that's very encouraging. These trends keep going in the right direction. Obviously I've talked to the city manager and I know there's been some communications internally about how we handle things as a city. Certainly the city. Operations at large. And certainly when and if the appropriate time. May come for us to start meeting again sometime soon. And I know she's been very clear that if we do. That it does not need to be at city hall. And I know she's been very clear. That it does not need to be at city hall. It probably needs to be at the Busby. Busby street or somewhere else along those lines. And then certainly looking at. At our parks and rec and other operations. Those, all those decisions will be forthcoming. Let's spend some time. We were not, we were a hasty when it was time to be hasty. And making important public health decisions. Let's be thoughtful and deliberative. As we go forward and the data keeps coming up. We've finally seen some of the numbers that we were, we were looking for. About a year ago. And now that we're starting to see them. And also. Keeping our eyes. On some of the variants. Of the virus. Let's just be, let's be thoughtful. And. But. Teresa, thank you to you and the whole team. For your. Internal management of our operations at the city. We still got, we still got some ground to cover. So let's just be thoughtful. But as we, as we traverse this, let's, I know you got plans. I know you always got plans. So let's, let's be prepared to, to consider those at the appropriate time. Mr. Duvall. Then Mr. Ricken. And. But. Teresa, thank you to you and the whole team. For your internal management of our operations at the city. We still got, we still got some ground to cover. So let's just be thoughtful. Mr. Ricken. And may I just want to say a word of praise for. The director. Tinsley. For the information he sent out this morning. I thought that was one of the best. Condensed versions of where we are with the. With this virus and how it's impacting Richmond County in the city of Columbia. That I have seen. And that's the type of information. That we can use. To make our educated decisions on. Things like the mayor's coordinates and others. I couldn't agree more. Mr. Ricken. I just, I was curious what our timeline is. In person because I think clearly we're in a position. That today. And I think buzz. It's probably a great alternative. You know, convention center is too. Because obviously not a lot of conventions happening right now, but we're going into the budget season. I think we would do ourselves a great disservice. If we weren't in the same room. And clearly, you know, based on recent events and everything else, we all are comfortable enough to do that. With the social distancing. So I'd really like us to, to put that on the calendar is, is get a date and. Really towards get focused towards being able to do. Budget together. With our staff. Thank you. Other. Let's go ahead and get director tensley. Pulled up. And. Mayor Benjamin as Harry as we're transitioning director tensley. I know you and all of you have been following the mayor, American rescue. And the fact that. In this plan. Local governments, including our city have direct allocations for funding. And so I just wanted to reassure you that our team is working with our. Federal and state partners. Our lobbyists to make sure we are being very thoughtful. As you said about the opportunities there. And knowing what is eligible and what is not. And we'll have some recommendations for you. I've already gotten some recommendations from each one of you. And I just wanted to make sure that you know how you would like to see that funding utilized. So I just wanted to reassure you that we'll repay. Very close attention to that. Significant win for American cities and local governments. And I'll say this and so. We're excited about that. Mr. Mayor, can I follow up on that? Please. Please. I just wanted to say. I just wanted to make sure that we have all the recommendations. I just wanted to make sure that we have all the recommendations. And I just wanted to make sure that we have all the recommendations. Our, our team on Friday. And I would just encourage everybody. If they have any specific questions. Ralph and Deborah was still reading through it. When Howard and I met with them, but I know that there's so much in it. And if there's specific questions that probably. We'll be illuminating. If folks send those questions. I just wanted to say that we have a direct allocation. So I did want to publicly raise our team. As you, they're amazing as usual. And right on top of it. The other thing, this Wilson, I just wanted to say one of the things that is just really been on my mind about this is that we have a direct, they have allocation. The county has a direct allocation. Although it sounds like a lot of money. But we have to maximize the money and make sure that it really hits all the needs internal and external. Or as many of the needs internal and external as it can. I don't know where the county is on, on their stuff. But, and I don't want to slow up anything, but if we could maybe have some conversations with them, like what are some of their priorities? One of the things that I think Mr. DeVall pointed out, and we tend to say a lot, but this direct allocation is based on population, which includes the citizens of the city of Columbia who live in Richland County. And so we want to, you know, of course encourage that maybe as much as we can work together to make sure that money that goes external to meet the needs of our, our joint citizens that we do that. So we're not overlapping efforts or even missing huge gaps where there are needs. Yes, ma'am. Absolutely. All right. Thank you. All right. Let's go. Yes, sir. Harry. Hi, can you hear me? We can. You can or can't? We can. Yes. Breaking up breaking up there for a minute. Good afternoon. Mr. Mayor, members of council. Madam city manager again. Thank you for your time. There's some additional information in your inbox. On the post out today. So far worldwide, we're over 120 million global cases of COVID-19. Unfortunately, we're north of 2.6 million deaths globally due to COVID-19 CDC report as of March 15. In the US we have over 29 million cases confirmed and over 500 and 32,000 deaths from COVID. As far as today, today's report out numbers in our state here in South Carolina, our confirmed case count stands at 455,495. There have been over 6.3 million tests to date. And a little bit of good news is a case report for today is 383. So it still continues to trend down our state positivity rate for that test sample was 4.8%. There were two new confirmed deaths at the report out today. That brings our state total confirmed deaths of COVID-19 to 7,851. Here in Richland County case count stands at 36,629. With 32 new cases as a report out today, 18 probable. And I just stand in Richland County at 466. So over the last 14 days. What's the recovery? What's the recovery rate for Richland County? The state recovery rate is 97.4% at the last report. And the 14 day report period from March 1 to March 14. So that's the recovery rate for Richland County. And that's the recovery rate for Richland County. So the recovery rate for Richland County has had 1,122 new cases. That's down from our last meeting, which was over 2,300. So now we're at Richland County is now averaging around 80 new cases each day over that reporting cycle. For the reporting period, that same reporting period, three zip codes had over 100 cases, 29203 with 123, 29223 with 105. As of March 10th, Richland County's 14 day recent disease activity incidence rate is low. It's been downgraded at our last meeting. I believe it was a medium. So the number now is 192.1 per 100,000 with a 3.9% positivity rate. And that's a that's a good sign. So as I just said, the state where recovery rate is estimated at 97.4. The state case fatality rate is estimated at 1.71%. So cases still continue to decline in our state when you're still seeing that downward trend. It is anticipated that those cases will continue, but we'll start to slowly decline and begin to plateau over the next few weeks. And say why the hospitalizations continue to trend downward also, the bed utilization rate is 73%. And the ICU bed utilization rate is 68%. Currently, as of today, there are 590 patients hospitalized due to COVID-19. And as far as vaccines, DX continues to pull out their vaccine plan. There's been over 1.9 million total doses received in and one over 1.4 million people have been vaccinated at the last reporting. In Richland County, there's 110,505 doses. And as you are aware, DX began the phase one B in March 8th and our frontline workers have been given the opportunity to receive the vaccine as defined by DX criteria. And as far as the question regarding the municipalities and counties of masks ordinance, there, as of the March 9th, the March 16th report out nine counties and 59 municipalities have mask ordinance as I will send you everybody a link. So you can see which ones those are. I don't have them off the top of my head right now. But if you have any questions, that's a complete report. Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you. Harry, if you would, those zip coded areas are those in priority form, I understand, right? Yes, sir. And that was two, nine, two, two, nine, two, nine, two, three. What was the other two, nine, two, two, nine. Yeah, I've got two ones with over. Yeah. Yeah. So that was over. And that was over 14 days. Questions for. Director Tinsley. All right. So just want to, again, no, Harry, thank you. The information data has been. Fantastic. Keep it coming. You know, it's a, it's a, it's a, it's a, it's a, it's a, it's a, it's a, it's a, it's a, it's a, it's a, it's a, it's a, it's a, it's a, it's a, it's a, it's a, it's a, it's a, so important for us to, again, recognize that, you know, this is a, how they contagious virus and that we fully expect by the end of this month, early April, that actually the, the, the, the variant that was first identified in the United Kingdom will be the dominant strain, how they contagious strain, dominant strain in the, in the US. And the same measures that have been used, the tamp down COVID-19 will be the same ones that, that help slow down the spread of the, of these variants. So we want to make sure we hold the line and, and hopefully it will be the dominant strain in the US, but hopefully we're able through our collective efforts to tamp that down as well. So we don't see a spike. So let's, let's make sure we do our part. Thank you, Harry for always good information. As, as Wilson. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you, Director Tinsley. We'll move into a period of several discussion items. Mayor Benjamin, the first being proposed revisions to the commercial non-discrimination and CDB utilization policy. Ms. Melissa Lynn learned the office of business opportunities director will take us through the slides and we're going to move on to the next slide. And this has been a labor of love for several departments and divisions. And so Melissa, you know, has helped lead this effort, but our engineering staff, our, as both assistant city managers, Shealy and Gentry have put a considerable amount of time into this as well as myself. So we're hoping that you all will understand why and why we are pushing some of our prime business entities in the city to do even more when it comes to building capacity in our city. Melissa. Thank you, Ms. Wilson. I hope everyone can see the screen. Yes, ma'am. Great. Thank you. As Ms. Wilson stated first and foremost, good afternoon to everyone, I have been with the mayor and mayor council members and city manager Wilson. This has been a collective effort and I just want to reiterate that because of the long hours that all of our departments, procurement, Columbia water and legal put into this as well as leadership, city manager, assistant city manager Gentry, Shealy and Peyton and making sure that this policy is not only meeting the needs of all the departments, but more importantly meeting the needs of the Tarry population that it's been developed for. Are Columbia disadvantaged businesses that reside here in Columbia and are surrounding eight counties? Melissa, while you're transitioning, thank you for correcting me because I don't know how I didn't mention Pailin and Sandra Wright and her team and legal because this is definitely involved. They're wonderful efforts. It has. And again, Miss Wilson, thank you for your guidance as well and your input to the last changes that were made to this policy to strengthen it. I do want to just state that the changes and the recommendations and the extension of this policy, it is number 29, the resolution on your agenda. But this policy was last, well, it was first enacted and last revised in November of 2016. So it was initially established to make sure that our DBEs as well as our other minority owned businesses have an opportunity to not only participate in our procurement process, but as a city, we established clear policy against discrimination in our city related business. So that was the initial purpose for this document, this policy. What we've done, one of the key revisions of this document, this policy is adding and incorporating the non-discrimination contracting policy as developed by the Office of Procurement, Department of Procurement and Contracts in collaboration with legal. So this actual policy, this contracting policy extends beyond just the city related business to look at the contractors overall operations and to make sure that we don't have any discrimination there with someone that we have, with a business or a contractor that we're doing business with. So this is very, very important to not only the city of Columbia as a whole, but very important to our CDBE program and their interaction, our contractors interactions with our subcontractors, more specifically our CDBEs. The last sentence of this policy states the contractor will, she'll incorporate the provisions of this non-discrimination and contracting policy and all subcontracts for service work. So again, I think this is not only strengthening our ability to make sure our DBEs participate in our procurement process, but also to make sure that our contractors are getting everyone an opportunity to be a part of the contracts that they have with the city of Columbia. Some key elements of the program that have not changed is the definition of a CDBE, that still you have to have a business in one of our eight combined statistical areas. And that is Richland County, Lexington County, Calhoun County, Kershaw County, Newberry, Orangeburg, Fairfield and Saluta. I always leave out a salute. I'm not sure why our Fairfield, but those are the eight counties. So that has not changed. And they have to be a certified DBE through one of our accredited certifying agencies that we work with. The definition of socially and or economically disadvantaged individuals that hasn't changed. The definition of socially and or economically disadvantaged business, that has not changed. The authority of the city manager to determine the CDBE participation on any prime contract estimated at $200,000 or more, that has not changed. And our city efforts to ensure that CDBEs have equitable opportunities to compete for contracts and subcontracts and the role of the GFE committee. So we still have a good faith efforts committee component here. But what you're gonna hear throughout this presentation is not only the importance of this committee, but how we between the office of legal, legal office and procurement and OBO, we've tried to develop more of a phased approach in working with our CDBE policy in an effort to actually strengthen our policy as a whole. So the meeting the good faith efforts. Again, this is probably the key changes of this policy. It's one that we hope will strengthen our policy, but also hold our contractors more accountable and make sure that they're actually taking an active role in trying to make sure they're reaching out to our DBE community, our CDBE Columbia Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, as well as our DBE community, our Disadvantaged Business Enterprise that are certified through accredited agencies. So this is one change, the maintenance of the GFE documentation and records for each CDBE project that they participate in for a minimum of three years, and that will make more sense to you as I go through the presentation. The inclusion of more of digital or print advertisements and meeting the CDBE utilization goal placed on projects. This is important because we wanted to update our good faith efforts documentation and good faith efforts work that the contractors do to be more reflective of the now in terms of digital access, online access, online marketing tools that they can use, social media to make it a little bit easier for them to not only reach possible DBEs, but also to simplify the process and reduce the costs of some outreach efforts that some of our contractors are heading to incur. The introduction of a tier approach to meet or exceed the CDBE utilization goal placed on the project. This is new. This was done in an effort to again, expand the pool of both CDBEs and DBEs that a contractor can actually utilize in meeting the goal. So the first tier would be the utilization of CDBEs within the Columbia, Orangeburg, Newberry combined statistical area. If they can't meet it through that tier, then they would be able to move to tier two, which is the utilization of certified DBEs within the Columbia, Orangeburg, Newberry, CSA. And the third tier would be the utilization of certified DBEs within the state of South Carolina. The second tier we're hoping that it would actually be a way for us to increase our pool of DBEs as well. If they're not certified as Columbia Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, but they're located within the combined statistical areas, our eight, our three, I'm sorry, our eight counties, combined statistical area, then we can actually help them become a CDBE within the city of Columbia. And then the audit of GFE paperwork at any time for those offerors that repeatedly failed to meet the specified CDBE utilization goal placed on a project, they will be audited. This is a part of the CDBE procurement process. We have again, laid it out, so we have separated the compliance period, making sure that they're meeting the good faith efforts from the actual procurement process, the invitation for bid to bid. And then of course, stage three is the bid opening. And I'm gonna take you through the different stages now. Stage one, determining compliance for a specified bid and meeting the GFE requirement of the CDBE policy. That's during the stage, this is new. We have not done this before. Offerors must submit the areas for which CDBE participation will be archived. I'm sorry, it will be achieved at bid opening. The information should include the specific CDBE participation, percentage of services and all materials to be provided. And this is something again, that's new, but it's part of the CSP process. They must include a letter of CDBE commitment as part of their CSP package to the Department of Procurements and Contracts. To talk a little bit about what this letter of CDBE commitment will entail, it must list whether the offeror will meet or exceed the CDBE project goal at bid opening. It also, if that's not the case, the offeror's CDBE percentage must be stated that there will be at least 50% or more the specified CDBE project goal at bid opening, or the offeror's CDBE percentage will be below 50% of the specified CDBE project goal at bid opening. So for those offerors who will meet or exceed the CDBE project goal at bid opening, they are not required to submit their GFE documentation as part of their CSP package. For those offerors that will be at least 50% or more of the specified CDBE project goal at bid opening, they also will not be required to submit their GFE documentation as part of their CSP. But for those offerors that will be below 50% of the specified CDBE project goal at bid opening, they will be required to submit all of their GFE documentation, their good faith efforts documentation and records as part of their CSP. The GFE committee, the good faith efforts committee will convene to review the GFE documentation submitted by that group that fails to be at least 50% or more of the CDBE project goal, fail to meet that goal. They will review the offeror's information and the submittals will be deemed either compliant or non-compliant based on the recommendations by the GFE committee by the Office of Business Opportunities. Offerors deemed non-compliant will be notified by the Department of Procurement and Contracts prior to the release of the invitation for bid. The CDBE appeals process and Journal Administration Review Committee is something that's new, but this provides a way for any contractor that has been deemed non-compliant to demonstrate that they would like to have their bid package reviewed again or their CSP package reviewed again for further review. And that committee will compose of leadership within the city of Columbia. So an invitation for bid, so the CSP process is done, those offerors deemed compliant during the CSP process will receive an invitation bid from the Department of Procurement and Contracts. The CDBE percentages reflected in the final bid submittals must match or exceed the previous percentage certified in the letter of CDBE commitment submitted during the CSP by offeror prior to the bid opening. If the percentage contained in the bid submitted during the bid opening is less than the percentage contained in the letter, the bidder will be found non-responsive by the Department of Procurements and Contracts. So this is a way for us not only to hold them accountable to whatever percentage that they stated that they were gonna meet during bid opening during the first stage, the CSP stage. It has to be maintained here. They can use different DBEs and CDBEs in meeting that goal, but the percentage cannot change. Written documentation of the offeror's commitment to use the CDBEs, DBEs listed at the stated participation percentages. And also this is new, written confirmation of participation from each CDBE, DBE subcontractor listed at the stated percentages. So this also allows the CDBEs and DBEs to be more inclusive or more a part of this process, this whole procurement process, to not only know that they're gonna be participating in the project, but also so that we are aware of their participation. What we found was that in our previous CDBE policy, our CDBEs, DBEs that had submitted quotes to the contractors, they were not aware that their quotes were part of the bid package that was being submitted to the city of Columbia. So this, by us making sure that they have a written confirmation of their participation that submitted with the bid package, they now know that they're being included, but they also know what percentage of the project that they're being included at. List of all subcontractors, including CDBEs, DBE subcontractors that will be utilized on the project, specific participation percentages, services, and our materials to be provided by each subcontractor. This is part of their BIR form. So of course, stage three, once the bid opening has taken place, it's the award of the bid. It's the next stage. One additional rule in our, the extension of this policy is that we've added the city manager's right to review and or remove programmatic provisions, should it be found to be in the best interest of the city. This was not part of the initial policy, but it is here because we know that things are changing. This is new. And a lot of the changes that we're providing, we're trying to strengthen the policy, but of course there may be periods of adjustment that may be needed. So this gives her that authority to make those adjustments as she deems necessary. Another piece of this is removing the four year review and making sure that this policy is in place unless rescinded by council period. So it doesn't put a timeline or timeframe for how long this policy is in place. So that has also been part of what we have decided to take out of this policy, that four year review period. However, we will provide annual updates as usual regarding CDBE and our CDBE project, our program as well as our numbers and how it's going. That's something that is not new. That's something that's already in the policy. So I think that's it. I will open it up now if there are any questions from anyone. Thank you. Any questions for Ms. Linnla? Can we ask Melissa to do that again and leave out all the acronyms? I tried to make sure I didn't do the acronyms before I said them, but keeping in mind, CDBE is the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise. And I've been here now over three years and I'm still trying to get used to the acronyms, but ACM, assistant city manager, all those things. So I do appreciate the opportunity to present this to everyone today. Again, it was a collaborative effort on behalf of so many departments and leadership as well because we really want it to work. We think the timing is right. We think it's needed, but we think it's a great program. And one thing to keep in mind, when the disparity study consultants are filing on board, this certainly will be one of the programs that they will look at and make recommendations for. So this is not by any means probably final. It probably is a good start based on what other recommendations that they may have when the disparity study is completed that they may want to make with this policy. Melissa, thank you. You referenced that, because we're very excited about the disparity study getting underway and how all of our programs will be reviewed and strengthened through that process. I know you also regularly communicate with many of our contractors through some of the advisory boards as well. So we'll be updating them as we always do, seeking their feedback with any of these changes as well. Yes, ma'am. Mayor and Councilor McDonnell, Daniel? Yeah, Ms. Linnler, could you maybe give us a little insight, fairs against other cities out there? Are we being, how is this compared to what other cities are doing? I guess it's my question. That we have been very, this program in itself is not only unique, but it's innovative. And in comparison to other areas, I rarely see something like, I have not seen anything like what we're doing here in the city of Columbia. I think this is another program that others look at as a model to implement their program. So I'm very comfortable with our program. I think we're probably ahead of the game when it comes to developing different innovative ways to make sure our disadvantaged business enterprises, specifically our minority and women-owned businesses have access to our procurement process. So I think we're unique. I think we're ahead of the game. And again, I think this is just one way for the city of Columbia to again connect with our minority and women-owned businesses. So I think we're, yes, sir. One follow-up. So as the disparity studies, do you know what the timeline on all of this, where they'll, because obviously they'll take this into consideration. So how is this gonna coordinate with that? And when do you think this will be something that'll be more crafted for policy? When we did have a conversation with the perspective consulted about this policy specifically, and what they wanna do is actually, they wanna have a chance to look at all of our data and do their research and have their meetings and outreach with our community before they make any solid recommendations. So the study may be from 18 to 24 months. It just depends on how much time they're gonna need. They may try to expedite it. If once they get in, they see that they can do that. But that disparity study is gonna be based on a number of things that they have to look at. And that one thing is the availability of data and the data that we have on hand. And if there's additional data that maybe we don't have on hand, they may have to actually manually pull that data. So all that is time consuming, but hopefully once this in place, the committee, I'm sorry, the disparity study consulted. And I'm very sure that the one that we may be using is very capable of doing it. And even expediting it, but not expediting it to the point where it may discredit any of the findings or the information and the research may be at some point not usable to us. So they're gonna take their time and make sure the information is right and make sure we have all the data in place. They're gonna look at our program, compare it to their findings and see what recommendations can be made. So it depends on the disparity study consultant when the research and the analysis has been complete when they start to reflect on our program. But I think this is a good start and keep in mind if we need to make the necessary adjustments as we always do, we can do that. And they hopefully will be on board soon. So some of those adjustments maybe they can help us with initially without giving us too much information. Great, thank you. Thank you, sir. Thank you. Mayor, the question is Mr. Davis. Well, I think this is a, but there's more clarity in the intent of the program than we've had moving forward. One of the things that I'm constantly confronted about is I guess the term is opportunity. And I know over the years, one of the challenges or responses have been for the kinds of contracts we put on the street. Locally, the response has been that we don't, we can't find entities with the necessary skills. So I'm always trying to see where there's a educational component either through the city or in conjunction with some other entities that would provide opportunities for people who wanting to go into the water and sewer business as an example. Where do they get the training if they're not an apprentice somewhere? Are we looking at that? Yes, sir, we are actually Columbia Water as we work very closely with Clint and his team, Dana, Joey and all of them to look at ways, not only that ways that we can have more access points for our disadvantaged businesses to just enter the arena of water and sewer. So that is something that Clint and I and also some other possible consultants are looking at. Last year we did a contractor readiness program and that's something that we may actually extend upon later this year. But we're looking at trying to do some other innovative things to providing more hands on experience through an apprenticeship program. So we're looking at opportunities, not only with our CDDEs, but also even with our NPP program to bring in more minority vendors and to talk a little bit about the pool. This is also giving them that tiered approach that three tiered approach is giving them different ways to increase their outreach and to make sure they're not only just looking within the city of Columbia, but they're looking at not only our CDDEs within our eight county CSA, but that they're looking at DBEs within our eight county CSA. And then if they still can't get there, we're also giving them an opportunity, first local, of course, but we're giving them an opportunity to look within the state. But again, for DBEs, but again, keep in mind, this is something that we're making sure is solid in our guidelines that they have taken the necessary steps to get to that point. So they're gonna have to be able to demonstrate that first they looked at CDDEs within the county, within our eight county CSA, and then tier two and then tier three. So one, this is gonna be a way to increase the pool for them, which also makes it harder for them to say that they can't find anyone. Yeah, I remember the document I was reading about a week or so ago. Teresa, did I send you something on that? Yes, sir, you did. Okay, that's, I think, I'm sorry. Yes, sir, I could not have been reviewing that. Okay, I think that's not an end all not necessarily the most appropriate model, but I think some of the elements in there in terms of how you build that skilled pool locally is a way to look at and consider or see it can be modified to meet our needs. So I'm looking forward to that. But this is a pretty good roadmap. I think that's one of the approach that could help us to assess what our skills pool is in our service area. Yes, sir. And also working with our technical schools as well. There's a construction program at Denmark that we're looking at too. So not only looking at the area that we're the water sewer industry period, but just areas where our minority and women have less representation in. And those are some things that we would like to to make sure that we're addressing. Okay, Mr. Mayor. Yes, Mr. Mayor. Report. Mr. Mayor. Yes, sir, Mr. Dowell. Thank you. Ms. Linda, let me just say a word of thanks to you for this report. One of the things that I would ask just personally, if I could just get a hard copy of what your presentation. The second thing, of course, for those who are listening, the various acronyms, folk need to know what that means to them and what that means to the program itself. The thing that I think that I probably like most about what you, the program, of course, is that the inclusive piece and the collaborative piece. Most impressive. And I think it would really do, it would really do those persons who are listening, given them an opportunity to know what all the acronyms, what they are and what they mean. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you, Reverend McDowell. Of course, and what we would like to do is once this is finalized is to provide some webinars about the policy updates and extend that to our eight-county area to do some mass media, social media type of advertising to let them know not only is this something that the city of Columbia has, but you can participate in it. So a lot of people are still not aware all the things that we have, especially when it comes to the inclusion of minority and women-owned businesses. This is the information, if anyone listening would like more information about our program and how to become a CDBE, Columbia Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, they can call this number 803-545-39050, or they can send an email to obo at columbiasc.gov and we can get them more information about becoming a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise or just information in general about what other great programs the city of Columbia has to help them expand and grow their business. But thank you very much, sir. Thank you. Thank you, ma'am. Melissa, I wanna say thank you as well. ROBO has always had a reputation of being aggressive of being innovative, being iterative. We won't give everything right, but we'll never fail for lack of trying. And we've watched the office develop. Tony was aggressive. Tina worked hard to put a lot of rules and plays in just the constant process of partnership building that you guys have had over the years. I mean, wonderful partnership with Diane Sumter and this MVDC. If in fact we're going to be the city that we aspire to be, we've gotta have good strong partnerships with small business, with locally owned businesses, with minority owned businesses and we've aggressively endeavored to do that, not just under Teresa's leadership, but even prior to that, if we believe in free enterprise and we believe in opportunity, as Mr. Davis said, and we believe in inclusion, then we've gotta make sure that we use our leverage as a municipal corporation to ensure that we do business with people who share the values of our city and live with the values of our city. So we've gotta use this leverage as much as we can, as often as we can. And I'd love to see when you opened up, you talked about all the different moving parts inside the city and how it requires everyone working together to make this happen. That's how we gotta get it done. So just keep pressing forward, don't slow down. Let's make sure we cross T's and dot eyes and block and tackle and we get this very steady done and get moving forward, post-A, so we can do it right. But Teresa and Melissa, you all also have to keep moving and we're very encouraged by this work. So thank you for your leadership. Thank you, Senator. Thank you for the council's relative energy around this to help us. And Melissa, thank you and your team, you did a good job and stuck to the time limit and everything because we have several presentations. Thank you so much. Another wonderful staff member, Ms. Krista Hampton, our director of planning and development services and Ms. Rachel Bailey, our zoning administrator to give you all an update as we move forward with proposed changes to the new zoning map, Mayor Benjamin and council. And I know you all have also been so helpful to us with our citizens and their understanding of these changes. And we thank you for that. And I know Krista and Rachel will give you a little timeline. So everybody's clear on where we're going from here. Almost. Most certainly. Good afternoon, city council and city manager. Yes, I'm here with Rachel Bailey and we are here to move to the next step in the process of adopting the uniform development ordinance and the associated new zoning map. So where it would all go through is a quick reminder of the schedule. We'll show you what the current status and then we'll proceed with the task at hand today, which is to review with you proposed changes to the draft zoning map. Here is the schedule. So we had our public hearing on January 19th. Today we are reviewing in a discussion format, proposed changes. And later on today, you will have an ordinance to amend the effective date of the ordinance and the map to August 30th. On April 6th, we will bring back to you a first reading of the entire new zoning map. So that is what you had a public hearing on on January 19th. These changes that we're discussing with you today, they would proceed to planning commission on May 3rd. So this is a small subset of the entire map that would proceed to them on May 3rd. On June 6th, you would have the second reading of the overall zoning map, noting that that will not be effective until August 30th. So these changes would be able to come along behind prior to the effective date. July 20th, you would actually have the public hearing of any of the revisions, these changes that we're discussing today. A second reading on August 3rd, both the ordinance and the map, as revised, would become effective on August 30th. The current status, after the 19th public hearing, the first reading was held in order to allow additional time for public review and input. Staff has attended neighborhood meetings and had additional one-on-one telephone calls and teleconferences to present information and answer questions. The map, we've proposed some revisions to that map based on staff review and on some of the public input. And so what we're doing today is we're presenting these changes to you to get some feedback prior to going to a formal planning commission in May and the July public hearing to hopefully minimize some of that feedback loop. So we have 19 slides with these changes based on the time they are. I'm going to go through them briefly. But if any council member wants to stop for additional information or if at the end you want to go back, we're happy to do so. Just a reminder of our basic zoning districts, we have residential, mixed-use, institutional, and industrial. So the first three changes are those that were properties that had been rezoned and it was not reflected in the proposal. So this is one over on St. Phillips. It's near Middleburg. It had been rezoned to allow for an assisted care facility from residential to a commercial zone. So we would propose putting this to the mixed-use zoning, which is the purple adjacent to continue to facilitate that development. Here is a property on Duncan Street. They had received a rezoning to an RS2 in previous years. We had a telephone call with these folks as well. So we will take this back to the analogous RSF2 from the RS, I mean, pardon me, RSF3 from the RS2. This in the neighboring properties, this is a property on Canterbury, spoke with a property owner. It also went for a rezoning to go to the RS2 and it had been mapped in our proposed map as a RS1. So it and the adjacent properties will go back to that RS2. The next set of properties are based on some discussions and input we had with stakeholders or property owners. You may remember at your public hearing from a gentleman about Rochelle Heights. So this property, these properties would go from the RSF1, which is a large lot, to the RSF2, which is more of the medium or smaller lot, but it's still the single family. Here in the Shandon neighborhood, the Hand Middle School would be rezoned. We had that rezoned as a general residential, which allow us multiple dwelling units. That would go to a single family. And the properties along Wilmot and Duncan would mirror those that are surrounding them and be changed from a proposed mixed residential to a two-family residential. This is Chestnut Hills. The majority of the properties, the individual parcels, are all staying the same. What the proposed revision is based on a resident discussing with the homeowners association is their common area and instead of a large lot reserve, it's going to the conservation. That's, as you know, there's been times when golf courses have been zoned to allow for residential. So the idea is that the neighborhood would like to keep it in a conservation zone. And there were a couple of parcels that do not belong to the homeowners association. And those would be zoned to either the single family residential or the large lot reserve, as is the development pattern currently. But the individual residential lots, those proposed are staying the same. And I will turn it over to Rachel. I believe I've got one more done, Rachel. Pardon me. Yes, so the Bible Way Atlas Road, PUD. This may be coming. You may see this for a rezoning within our current code prior to this actually becoming effective, but we're trying to kill two birds with one stone. Make sure this gets passed. And so it was a PUD, a PD. We are requesting that that be changed to reflect the development patterns they are looking for right now, which is a mixed residential and then a long shop road, pardon me, bluff road to go to a commercial zone. Finally, Klein, they had been a PUD in discussions with them right before the pandemic. We had talked about rezoning to a base zoning district to facilitate some revised development plans. In further discussions with them, they have asked to keep it in the current PUD, so we will keep that zoning as is. Now we proceed over to Elmwood Park. This is kind of a transitional one, and then Rachel will take you to a separate grouping. Yes, this one is a mix. Some of it is from neighborhood feedback, and some of it is just from taking another look at it and cleaning up. So instead of having the mixed use or the MU-2 right around Park Street going into the residential, we've lessened that to MU-1. This still allows the residential and some general office uses. And then along the railroad right away, just cleaning it up to match the MU-2 that's already there. This is the Gregg Park neighborhood over off of Forest Drive. So it's currently in a planned unit development. It's a single use PUD, so we had rezoned it to be mixed residential just based on some of the lot sizes out there. After some neighborhood feedback, it just made more sense to make it a single family district. So we are changing it over to the RSF-1. The next few are areas where some neighborhoods have been already zoned single family. Some got switched over to the mixed residential. We are reverting them back to match how they are currently. So they're currently single family. They will remain single family. So over here, some had turned RM. We are bringing those back to the RSF single family district. And this is at Brennan and Brock Wall, right off of Trenum. Yes. So this is over in the Shirley and Bratton area. And again, it's the same. These blocks were turned into RM-1. They will go back to the single family districts that they currently are. So they will go back to single family and remain as is. And this is the Adger-Devereux area and some on Maiden Lane as well. Again, they were zoned RM, the mixed residential. They will go back to the single family that they currently are zoned. And these are some that were just mapping errors. So we pulled in a parcel by accident. This is the zoo. We accidentally split zone the zoo. So we are cleaning that up so that the zoo is all the INS zoo district. And this is over off of Montague Road. A parcel got pulled into the general commercial that's along Garner's Ferry. It'll go back to being the single family residential. And this parcel is currently split zone. This is the Rosewood Church property at Rosewood and Sloan. The parcel that is highlighted at the very back, the sliver that goes back into the residential, that is currently zoned residential. Kind of serves as a buffer in the proposed map. It didn't come through a split zone. So we are cleaning it up to make sure that that piece that cuts into the residential remains residential. Kind of just sort of as a buffer. And this is a parcel off of Fairfield Road. It got pulled into residential. It is a commercial use. It'll go back to being the commercial that it currently is. We'll go from RSF to CAC. And these are over off of South, or off of, yes, Holly Street. We had zoned them off as an institutional. The uses there fit better into the CAC, which is along Divine Street. So we are just changing it over to accommodate the uses that are currently there so that we are not creating any non-conformities. And this is on Barnwell. Some commercial uses were accidentally zoned residentially. They will go back to being commercial. And again, just to highlight the next steps. So we're bringing you the proposed changes today to receive some input. The maps as a whole will come back to you in April for first reading while the revisions will head through beginning commission in May. Second reading of the map as a whole will be in June while the revisions will come to you in July and early August so that everything is complete by the new effective date of August 30th. And of course, y'all can email us or call us anytime. And this is for the public as well to reach out to us. We have resources, of course, when we plan together.org slash Columbia review as well as our main zoning page at colombiasc.gov slash zoning. We have a lot of our videos from over this past year to going through some frequently asked questions as well as some other links. So, Rachel? Yes. So basically all of the work done today was more so cleaning up the project. Yes. Yes. Okay, all right. No changes, just cleaning it up so that it putting in the corrected status and that sort of thing. Is that right? There have been some changes but the changes were cleanup. Yes. All right. Just wanted to make sure that. All right. Thank you. Other questions for Rachel? Crystal? Mr. Mr. Davis? Just following up on ads. Comments. For example, you were at Hyatt Park last night. Couldn't make that. When you, when we look at the corridors, say North Maine, kind of know what, where we are up to Fairfield, that's the MX-1 hybrid, right? Yes, sir. Yes, we have it. There to I-20 based on any, whatever feedback you got. Are there any changes, significant changes when it comes to reclassification? No, sir. We've not received any input to the contrary of what's being proposed in those areas. What about Farrell from Beltline to I-20? We've not received any input on those either. So if there is some, we're more than happy to look into it. I think what you'll find is that the proposed zoning is going to be a far better facilitator of development. As it is mixed use, for instance, I know that Dr. Lin is eager to have this new code adopted because it facilitates his mixed use development. So you'll have some additional entitlements that are available. Okay, so unless there's any significant changes then once this is adopted, we'd have to kind of go with consider requests as they come in. Yes, sir. So we fully anticipate and just as was for the previous matter you discussed, that it will be an iterative process that we will identify areas that we need to change. So we may be bringing those to you quarterly or by annually for a while, both in the text and in the map. And it will be just a similar process as you have now, which is going to Planning Commission and then coming to you as city council. There's Devine. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Kristen, Rachel, I know that you've made several presentations. Can you tell us about how many neighborhoods have requested the presentations so far? We've had about six and we've had some repeats. We're actually are going back to Shandon next week, next Monday, we're going to five points tomorrow. And then we had a number of one-on-one meetings as well. We're still happy because I think what we, for instance, when we were at Hyatt Park last night, it was beneficial because we didn't just talk about the specifics of the map, but we also talked about just the code overall and what it can mean to their community. So we're happy to continue doing that and meeting with folks. So if you want to direct people to us, we'd love to be invited. I know we have been, there may be a few neighborhoods either nudge. I just keep hearing people being concerned, but I'm not sure that they've requested presentations. So I would just ask all of us continue to encourage the neighborhoods to do so. Because what I don't want to do is that we get to August and then we have people then not saying they had an opportunity. So we might need to remind people now that neighborhoods are meeting on a more regular basis. Yeah, and that same email that was sent to you recently, Ms. Clark sent that out to all of the CCN contacts as well and hopes to make sure they're still aware. Thank you. In August, we won't have 10,000 signs out there saying we're having a zoning change. They'll all be covered up by political signs. Mr. Brick. Yeah, Rachel, I really appreciate everything you've done in District 3 and meeting with neighborhood associations. Very informative sessions. I've sat through a couple. So again, thank you so much. For those neighborhoods that are looking to do them in the next three weeks or so, you know, you tweet some certain parcels, getting feedback from certain neighborhoods, moving forward, if you go to a neighborhood that has some tweaks after this April, early April timeline for the first reading, is that going to push back the August deadline? Is it going to have to restart the whole session? Yes, sir, it would. If we, once we go to the planning commission, the map is at that point in time is set for what it will be August 30th. But as I mentioned before, the map is never set in stone. So City Council can always continue to amend that map as we proceed. But for neighborhoods, it's in their best interest to get input and any edits, changes before that April 6th initial deadline. Is that my understanding? We would really need them prior to that. The planning commission, that advertisement goes out earlier than that. So we would need to know about those probably in the next couple of weeks. We had actually advertised that that input was going to go through the beginning of March. So we've extended it a little bit. But in order for us to be able to process anything and get that into a review for planning commission, we need that fairly quickly. And it really depends on the type of change it is as well. I mean, most of the ones we've been doing, we feel comfortable that a great deal of additional public input isn't necessary. But if there's a certain threshold that's met, we may need to engage other people. But we'll work with the neighborhoods to see what we can do. OK, great. Thanks again, y'all. Certainly. I think that's all I want to say in my hands, Teresa. All right. Thank you. Thanks to both of you for a great job and also for patience and sharing a very inclusive process by just constantly reaching out, including some neighborhoods, again and again, and it will continue. So thank you. MSA manager? Yes, sir. Thank you, Chris and Rachel. So we are excited to hopefully, again, the budget process may have been in council and even completed in a timely manner, more timely than normal is my hope. And so Jeff and Missy and I have taught through a couple of alternatives. There's a proposal Missy's about to show you of a schedule that I would suggest. And then there's an alternate. Either one is fine. My preference is the one that she's going to propose first. And then we want to just give you a brief update and overview of the discussions as we hope to move them forward with you over the next few several council meetings as we develop the budget. But I will say this, going into the budget we're currently in and also this one that we'll be proposing to you obviously has been different. And I just really appreciate the opportunity you gave us to sort of step out on faith quite honestly with a lot of unknowns due to the pandemic. Jeff and Missy have been so vigilant in giving me information and we've continued to try to make the best thoughtful decisions that we can in the interests of our community and also our employees. And I'm very thankful at this stage of where we are that we did not have to do anything to in any way jeopardize the livelihoods of our employees who mean so much to me and to you. And we've been thankful actually with what we're seeing so far as we try to turn the corner financially in our community at large but also internally to the city. You will hear me talk about some things we've accomplished even through this very challenging period, some things that are on our horizon that we want to get back to. And we are always appreciative of the confidence placing us to make recommendations for you and we don't take that lightly at all. So with that we will get started and show you why I do think we can hopefully get you a budget by the end of May versus the end of June which also gives us time to out the gate with an extra month start looking at hopeful revenue projections and the ability to make adjustments over the next several months after that. Missy? Good afternoon. Thank you, Ms. Wilson. As Ms. Wilson mentioned we will highlight a few things and hopefully go through these conversations and see if you have any specific questions with regards to where we are with our budget process. The first area we want to talk about is the schedule that Ms. Wilson mentioned that would allow us to bring you a proposed budget starting, of course, our overview of the budget beginning in April and then we will move into budget public hearing in May. We'll talk about that a little bit and then also too, give you an update on the current year budget as it paints a backdrop really for where we are proposing to go forward as we move into the next fiscal year and then overview of our current budget drivers that we're looking at as we shape the proposed 21, FY21-22 budget. Missy, I think- Missy, I'm sorry. I'm going to bring in Council's attention, the information that was sent to them through their normal package. So hopefully they have it. Erica can send the memos and there are two memos. One from Missy, one from Jeff, that I want to pay special attention to, but Missy will pretty much cover that here through this presentation. Yeah, that's right. Thank you very much, Ms. Wilson. I appreciate you mentioning so we follow along presentation is pretty much covered in the memo as well. So the schedule calls for us to bring you the budget starting April 6th and April 20th and bringing you different funds for discussion. The schedule that's being proposed would ask that we advertise for April 26th. That would put us in a May 11th for public hearing and first reading. It would require a special call meeting in order to meet that schedule. And then that would put us for May 18th for the second reading and final adoption. Of course, the fiscal year starts July 1st with budget anticipation. We obviously, we have a few weeks still for these discussions. But if the alternative schedule would put us back on our regular, would the budget public hearing on the May 18th agenda and then first, second reading would be June 1st. So with our current year budget, again, we wanna talk about where we are and where we were a year ago this time as we are preparing for the FY 2021 budget. And what we ultimately ended up doing in terms of presenting a budget that was approved for this fiscal year. Last year this time, we had a lot of unknowns as the pandemic was really starting to unfold. And while we had a lot of information that we didn't have a year ago, there's still many unknowns and some areas of uncertainty. The budget that we're in now, it was based on FY 18, 19 actuals. That was the most current year of information that we had available to us. So the most budget, most department budgets were based on those actuals. We focused on continuing our operations as what Ms. Wilson has outlined. We continued to provide services and trying to do this course in the excellent day-to-day service to our community. We also wanted to make sure we were meeting our financial obligations, meeting our debt service and our other financial commitments. So those were the areas that really shaped our budget that we're in. Of course, we had no rate increases, no property tax increases, no water and sewer rate increases and the cause of a stormwater increase. Just to give an example of certain things that we suspended as we adopted the budget, we had to suspend various programs to include our city-wide security camera upgrades, suspension of our capital replacement program, which is our mechanism for replacement of our rolling stock and our IT operations. This is really related to the general fund. And then of course, we also suspended or decreased some of our capital projects to include our water and sewer capital projects, but also our capital outlays. Departments were asked to suspend purchasing of capital that wasn't already part of our lease schedules or other already identified funding mechanisms. We also wanted to talk a little bit about where we were in terms of, as the budget is being developed, it's being shaped by priorities set by city council and the city manager, but also to what goes in, once those are set or those are writing the budget development, the revenues that we generate, the revenue projections is what also shapes what we can, basically what we can afford in the upcoming budget. And we wanted to talk about those revenue streams that the city has and how COVID we anticipate would be impacting those and give you a little bit of an update as to where we are with those projections. We're starting with the general fund, some of the primary sources of revenues that we felt would have the most anticipated impact from COVID. It was under our property tax included our local option sales tax. We anticipated that to be high because of the reliance on consumer spending with sales tax. So far it has seemed to be a no worry low impact, which means that those, really that translates to hopefully no need to change the rebate that our property is on our property tax bills. And so far that is looking good those collections coming monthly. And depending upon how they're coming next few months go, and we don't anticipate that to change from where we are today, especially if things open back up. Real estate or real property, so far the impact has been low and unknown to low to unknown again, those are collected annually. We received those revenues primarily in our second quarter. So far again, making budget there. Property taxes from personal, which is the vehicles again, looking at those being more moderate as we look at where our consumer spending would be. Those are coming monthly so far they're tracking with that initial projections. Business license we anticipated to be high, especially since business licenses that will be coming in this coming April are based on revenues that the businesses generated during 2020. We don't know yet how we are doing on business licenses, but that also includes our franchise fees, which we do have some concerns about meeting budget there. So we are being very conservative and concerned about being able to meet the budget projected for business license. And then building permits actually has had no impact at this time. And in fact, we're tracking above revenues at this point in time, which is a very good sign, of course. So just sort of wrap up the general fund. Again, it's a good news, bad news. We're meeting budget on some areas and then in some areas, we're concerned about making budget. Moving into special revenues, our hospitality tax. Of course, we anticipated the hospitality tax would be highly impacted. And that is remaining true, although we are making budget there and we'll talk about that a little bit as we go along. Of course, an accommodation tax and then our tourism development fee as we continue to monitor those and see those impacting those current fiscal year and to next fiscal year. Parking fund, our parking fund is where we're seeing the most significant impact. Our garage and monthly parkers are coming in as anticipated and the impact is moderate. But the on-street parking has been pretty heavily hit as traffic is reduced. And then also the fines are moderately impacted but special events. The one area that's not listed on here is our water and sewer rate. And of course, we are seeing some reductions with collections of our water and sewer. We'll start to watch those a little bit closer as we shift back to our normal operations with our water and sewer collection. I did highlight in a minute to everyone just to sort of demonstrate where we are actually are with revenue collection. And again, general fund is on target right now to make budget projections. And we're actually through December where in line with where we had collected the previous year, but then the majority of the general funds revenues come in over these next few months. So while we've collected almost 28 million through December, we've got a hundred million more in collections to go. And this again is just our revenues. So we're still watching where we are in terms of total budget. So that general fund point looks good. Water and sewer is tracking lower than was it like. We had to see again that kick up and improve here over the next few months. Stormwater is in the same category. Park and sign again is the lowest of those and then hospitality tax is also highlighted here. Again, while we are making hospitality tax budget, it's important to note that the revenue projections for hospitality tax were significantly lower than prior years. So we're still tracking about a $1.5 million lower than we would have collected the year before. So again, it's good news, bad news in the sense that we're making budget. It's just the also the underlying factor of that is that keeping in mind that budgets are lower than where they should be outside of this pandemic. So we're pleased that we're making budgets where we are projections was and that is a good sign and indication. One of the things that we wanted to point out to you was where we were with regards to, let me back up, I got a little too trigger happy here with the slides. So last year in February, we had started budget discussions before we were moving into where we are today. And we talked about various budget drivers and various discussion topics. In particular, we had been wrapping up various conversations with city council about revenue generation, specifically for the general fund, highlighting some of our basic services, our areas of need, and then also to some priority projects and major initiatives and moving forward with those. Today, we wanted to again highlight just highlight where we are with those and report out, as Ms. Wilson mentioned, some good news in terms of continuing the movement and activity on those projects, even though we've been in the pandemic, we're happy that we are able to talk about continued progress and meeting these objectives. The revenue generation that was completed, of course, last fall, fire hydrant fees, that was approved in September of 2019, business license enhanced enforcement is continued to be underway and ensuring good progress in terms of meeting the objectives of it. Negotiations with certain entities, that was really paused because of that is impacting conversation. The COVID situation is impacting that situation there. So we were paused on that one front today. Next in the basic services areas, internal services that kind of we've booked here with regards to roads, which would include both our road resurfacing, our road rebuilds and our sidewalk. City facilities would include our park buildings and our city primary city offices, but also our water and sewer infrastructure and I've colored that a little bit with this kind of yellow or green, this lime colored here because on our roads and rebuilds, we do have some needs there that don't have to be addressed. With city facilities, we'll talk a little bit about and you should have received the information about the installment revenue, installment purchase revenue bonds and what's included there with regards to our facilities and of course, water and sewer as we continue to go ongoing, we'll bring the water and sewer proposed DIP in the coming months. For public safety, that's an ongoing area. We have addressed a couple of areas of need with regards to the police department with regards to recruitment and retention. Those areas were addressed some last year and several over the coming years, calling out specifically the citywide security camera system refresh. We're pleased to announce that that actually is proceeding. We are moving forward with that project. And we'll be addressing the input, the hopefully bringing a contract to city council for approval in coming months, funding for that again, coming from the IPRB for the first year startup and for the startup in the first year operation. There are other technology programs that are coming forward with regards to police department that's actually one on your agenda today that will help with our evidence area. Fire facilities, the Olympia fire station which has been discussed for some time is included in the CBBG community development block grant mitigation grant. That project is included there. So that fire station will be replaced hopefully here in the coming next, that project will start in the next few months. Then the capital replacement program, as we move forward with our capital replacement for our rolling stock and our IT, we have, as we have finished out the last year that we issued the lease was in 2019 to 2020 fiscal year as we generated, we've had savings from that year as in several, in some of the prior years. So you will see coming on your agenda in the next few weeks, hopefully some items that we're able to purchase with savings from that lease. And then in the proposed, in the budget coming up we'll talk about proposed future lease and be able to restore and resume, resume that program for our much needed rolling stock. That program includes our police cars, our fire trucks, our solid waste, garbage trucks, our park facilities. So these are critical, critical needs in terms of operations of our department. Next is the priority projects and major initiatives and this is definitely an area of excitement as these are some pretty major initiatives that are poised to move forward. Bull Street is also included in the IPRB bond as mentioned, Philly Park rehabilitation. It is paused as we continue to monitor the hospitality tax funding. So that one, we hope to be able to get that one back on track here in the coming year. Municipal complex has been purchased, including the IPRB, the convention center expansion. Mr. Palin has shared with the city council some conversations with regards to just how that's ongoing with conversations with the developer but otherwise the city is really at it is just engaged in this conversation. The canal repair and the secondary water source, we are very excited about where we are with FEMA in terms of approving the obligation or agreement in terms of the cost to repair the canal. We also have submitted a grant to FEMA for a national competition grant. Previously it was called the pre-disaster mitigation. It's now called the BRIC grant, Building Resilient Infrastructure grant. That's a $32 million grant for secondary water source work now. We're very excited we're able to submit that grant. We're looking forward to in June to hearing about that one. We hear a lot of good feedback about our proposal and about this project. So we're real excited that we'll start to see the movement on the canal here soon. As far as the canal repair and the canal embankment repair in the FEMA project, the environmental review that's underway and you will see in the coming months there'll be a public input session for the repairs as we move forward for the repairs. So we're really excited to be able to bring those conversations moving forward to you soon. The community development block grant disaster recovery and mitigation, it is also underway and back on track. And then of course the emergency operations are up there. It's near completion. There's just a few minor or not minor, but a few other details that are included in it. IPIV is about ready for operation. So we're excited to move forward as well. I'm just going to recap. Ms. Yevonette, the brain counts as attention again to this list. It's pretty significant in that none of these items, their status is not ingredient. And that's the way we want to keep it. They're either in a light green or green, hopefully green is where we want to get all of them, but they're either if they're not in green, they're in a light green or a yellow status. And we're just really thankful that we can show that to you because these are the priority items and drivers of the budget prior to the pandemic starting. So we've just tried to at least keep things moving forward as best we could. And we appreciate you all's always encouragement of doing that. So thank you, Kelly. Theresa, that's the sound of a healthy city and region, good management and stewardship. So thank you. Thank you, sir. Thank you, Ms. Wolfen. We, besides here are just recapping pretty much what we were talking about with regards to our financial status. So I'll skip past there and go straight to what's driving our budget conversations for next fiscal year, the FY21-22 budget. As we're preparing budgets, we are looking really to know changes from the current year. And in part, because at this point, even though we have more information than we do a year ago, than we did a year ago, we still know we have various areas of uncertainty. Like we mentioned, the general funds revenue stream, the majority of those revenues come in between now and June 30th. So that's still a lot of areas of uncertainty. Departments are asked to prepare their budgets using their current year request. We'd point out that since that was based on fiscal year FY18-19 actuals, that departments will be preparing budgets using actuals that will be two to three years ago. So that's going to be pretty a challenge we know. We've asked for holding a certain current service level. We are still reviewing those budget requests in anticipation of bringing the proposed budget to you beginning in April. Ms. Wolfen has expressed certainly a compressed, but our focus is on the budget process. She's asked that we make sure we identify at where we have potential efficiencies from our current work arrangements and how we're able to continue to deliver services, knowing that we've been able to gain some efficiencies as we've adapted and flexed. We also want to make sure we capture those shortfalls and gaps in services so that we can make sure that they are prioritized as we identify our internal operational needs so that we can continue to provide the services to our citizens and to the public that are expected and needed. We also want to make sure that we focus on those priorities and maintaining our service delivery. We know those are important areas as we move forward in this coming year. With that being said, we know we will be monitoring our ongoing budgets as we are today. Our stance will be likely that we anticipate amending the budget again later in the year as we get more information. We do not really do that this year as information still is not really wanted that we do so. We do feel like there's some information coming forward. We'll likely lend that to us and moving into that, we want to talk a little bit about some of the other factors that are shaping our budget conversations. One of which is our recovery SC funds, which as you all know, the city has been approved for recovery SC funds. This is in essence a loan. We would be using it to replace loss or reduced revenues. So since it is a loan that while is available to us as a protection if we needed to budget it to make our budget, we would be required to pay it back. And as Ms. Wilson mentioned, the American Rescue Plan as we're receiving more information about the city's allocation from there, but we most have received about 25.93 million. I don't think that's a finalized number, but I don't have any indication that will change from that. Our understanding is that we would receive half of those funds this year and another half in the following year. Those uses are primarily around responding to, but also the impacts resulting from COVID-19. And that's a pretty wide use at this point. We know that also in addition to the city receiving allocations, there are other allocations that direct agencies are receiving to address certain areas. So we would want to make sure that funding that we receive is put to its best use to avoid duplication of efforts. But also we want to make sure that we have a plan in terms of how those funds are going to be used, but also as we administer these funds, the city is at a pretty unprecedented level of grants right now. And so we understand what it takes to administer funds and what it takes to make sure that we're doing what we need to do to stay in compliance with those funds. So we're going to continue to seek our information in terms of whether there's any specific uses or specific functions that we were expected to perform with these funds. And then of course, how we're going to administer these funds going forward and make sure we're compliant and using them to the best use. With that, if there's any questions or comments, I know that was kind of a breeze through. So I'm trying to keep us on track and schedule, but if you have any questions or comments, please. Any questions? Miss. Miss Kaufman, can you? So of course this is going to be a tight year like last year, but I know that you guys have been working with the equity tool in the budgeting process. So can you explain like how that will work in you guys preparing something for us to consider over the next several weeks? I'm glad you asked that. Absolutely. Yes, we have, we are, the city is moving forward. The city is involved with a city budgeting for equity and recovery. The approach that we submitted an action plan and now we have a specific goal that we are, we'll be addressing. There will be conversations coming up with city council and staff and some other stakeholders as we move forward with the action plan. The project itself is just now being initiated so it's still very early, but we will have more conversations as we move along. So I guess my question is, is that input going to be in the budget that you present to us this year or is this kind of an ongoing process that we'll really see full extent in years to come? I think it's, I would definitely say it's an ongoing process. It's meant to help shape not just a one-time issue but also shaping us as we move along, applying the equity lens to our budgeting process and our service delivery. So it's an ongoing process. This project, the schedule really calls for us to roll this out over the next several months. So I would say it's probably gonna shape more of what we look at as we move into the fiscal year. We'll have more to report out closer to the late spring early summer. Mr. Byn, I would add and I'll encourage Missy to spend a lot of time with the Bloomberg Foundation and others who have just been phenomenal about recognizing where cities are in this unprecedented time and providing the type of guidance and seeking information from us too as they work with all types of cities off the sidelines and looking to the administrators and some of our perspective. For me, and I think what Missy referred to as a goal, but we can share that at the next budget discussion, Missy with a slide to maybe give some context. But for me, the first step is to acknowledge that equity, the equity lens can be a tool when you are budgeting. And I think that has to happen first as a different way as we reimagine how we do our budgets. But getting our department heads, you will have policy makers to even think about the concept of it. And so obviously, the budget is here like your turnout. So I would answer your question more directly to say I foresee the upcoming budget cycles probably having more meat to it when it comes to the equity lens as we have had this year to first introduce the concept to our department heads and establish it as a concept that will be utilizing in a tool and then moving forward. I think you'll probably see, it realized even more in depth with the department heads because this year, honestly, the budgets are very flat. And so I think conceptually, it's something that Missy's working on with our staff to understand the why and then we'll implement more of that of those concepts next budget cycle. Thank you. Hello, Missy. Missy, yes. Let me just ask a clarifying question. On the Olympia fire station, did I hear you say we were going forward with that? I didn't know whether or not it was light green or dark green. It's green in that, yes or it is included. That project is included in the CDBG, our CDBG mitigation grant program. So the funding has been identified for the project. So now there will have to be, we start to get through building design, solicitations, but the project is now poised and ready to start from that perspective. Okay, okay. Let me ask you a question. It's just maybe just totally out. What about firefighters' equipment? That was some conversation some months ago, perhaps a year ago, about the fire fighters having the ability of the, the stations having the ability for firefighters to change out uniform for medical and health reasons. Was that a part of that CDBG money? So that, I believe that may be referring to a program. We actually, there was a, that's actually a staff position that's being proposed for that. It was suspended when we, in the current budget because of, well, where we were budget-wise, but I know there's conversations going forward. It's not so much equipment, as much as it is a program using some staff, but the Olympia fire station does include equipment in that grant, if that was the specific station that you're referring to. All right. Yeah. I'm sorry, Reverend Downey. I know over the years we've talked a lot about a second set of gear for firefighters. I think that may be what Reverend McDowell's referring to. Missy, because we've had that conversation as well as, with a lot of the legislation at the state and some of the health concerns of firefighters across the state and making sure that they have a second set of gear to help prevent some of those health challenges as well. So I know Chief Jenkins is working with the county as well on his budget proposal on that side and I'm going to work with him with the county administrator to see what opportunities there are in that regard. But Missy, did you, I don't know if you have any other numbers on hand but Reverend McDowell, we can look back at those numbers if you're interested in what that cost was. Yes, would you please? Yes, sir. Thank you. Yes, ma'am. Thank you. Ma'am. All right. Mr. Duvall. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Ms. Duvall mentioned a few minutes ago that she and I sat in on a Zoom call with Ralph and Deborah from Washington about the American Rescue Plan. And besides the $26 million that is going to be a direct allocation to the city of Columbia, there are many, many other avenues of funds coming into local governments and available for us. And I would hope that the city manager will make sure that we have adequate staff that can manage these funds and look at them to fill some of the needs that we have. For instance, the conversation that Ed just had about there's a specific bucket in there that deal with firefighters health equipment. And it could be that we will be able to get the second set of turnout here there. I would also like for us to look at using some of the funds that we have coming to us in the $26 million and maybe from other parts to do things like take the post office debt off of the city and pay for that and maybe the Divine Street property also. Those are two prime pieces of property that we could use some of our new funds to help us reduce debt. But the basic thing here is that this American Rescue Plan is huge. And if we have to get additional support staff in to either release Missy to do some of this work or to come in and help in other ways, we needed to have adequate staff to make sure that we look at every one of these pots of money and do everything we can to draw it down to the city of Columbia. Yes, sir. Good. We agree, Mr. DuVall, we can only do, but so much with so many people no matter how talented they are. So I couldn't agree more. And Missy's presentation and Mr. DuVall and Miss Devine mentioned there's significant resources for so many different priorities identified even a few million for homelessness outside of the $27 million or so dollars. So let's make sure we're being aggressive in pursuing every single opportunity to leverage on behalf of the people of Columbia in the midlands. I couldn't agree more. But I remember Missy and Theresa both mentioned the incredible work that our staff has done as lifelong learners and true professionals with Bloomberg Philanthropies knows of the last, well, all year or more and focusing on building a truly inclusive budget process. And they have been impressive. I mean, I'm not talking about Bloomberg, I'm talking about our team. Bloomberg's been impressive, but our team has really represented us well in the various teams of public sector and private sector partners that have been involved in this process. Our folks outside of the budgeting process with economic development, all the chamber, the ingenuity and the county, it's been a really good ecosystem that it's worked to bring the region much more together. But our folks showed really well in the budgeting process. So thank you all, Missy, Theresa, Jeff and everyone for your leadership there, Jan as well. So any other questions for Missy, that Theresa had? Well, you're on mute still. Yeah, Missy real quick, the recovered SC funds when will staff make a judgment call on whether to pursue that low interest loan? And can you tell us kind of the parameters for what those funds look like? Jeff, do you want to take that one? Good, Jeff. That's good. Even more than Missy and I have. And I think Mr. DeVal explained about, you know what, we want to get our arms around the American Rescue Plan funds and present something worthwhile that may change the approach as far as even utilizing the recovered SC funds, Mr. Brennan, but I'll let you know. I'm sorry, was someone else going to say something? I was hoping Jeff was in the room. Oh, okay. I'm sorry. I was hobbling to the speaker. I've heard my back. Sorry. I'm a little behind. I am. Man to get old. I know. OLD to disease. So initially our goal for the recover SC funds was kind of our insurance policy for lost revenues. You know, in fact, loss was one of the local options. Sales tax was one of the main purposes of it because we didn't know how sales tax would come in. We wanted to have kind of a backstop. So we didn't have to change that formula this year because that would have been kind of an indirect tax increase for all of our citizens and businesses. So we were looking for that potentially lost revenues to the parking system, potentially lost revenues to anything that could pop up. If it was anything COVID related, we would have the ability to replenish those funds. Now with the ARP, we believe we can utilize those funds to cover those same losses and that will actually be a, we may be able to return the funds from a cover SC and then we won't have nine and a half more years of repayment of principal and interest hitting the general fund. But all of that, we're working through, you know, everything was just announced last week. So we'll be working through all of that over the next month. I'm sorry, over the next couple of weeks so that we can bring that back to y'all with a plan. So have we, have we not a recovered SC fund loan? Did he ask? Did you have, have we utilized any? Have we used like a recovered fund? Yeah, so the total amount was 10 million of the loan. So there was issuance costs of about 400,000 and then we have made one interest payment of, I think it's about 360,000. But other than that, we've used nothing. And ideally, we may be able to use the ARP funds to recoup our interest carrying costs along with issuance costs and return the entire funds. And then there'll be no future effect over the next nine and a half, 10 years on the general fund. So that will probably be the ideal situation. So, Jeff, you may wanna remind the council that it would have been on their agenda, which it was to authorize us to move down that path. The funding is there. We're trying to not dip into it, you don't have. Understood, thank you. Yes, sir. Well, thank you. Thank you for being nimble. It's good, all right. And Mayor, I would just encourage council, if you have any questions, you've course already approved the IPRB bond issuance, but that memo you have lays out the various projects and we're pretty excited about getting some of those things done. And a lot of needs. Sure, and as everyone kind of digs into all the different opportunities that might exist in the American Rescue Plan, I wouldn't rule out the possibility that you all would need of a transportation or infrastructure bill, also being in the wings. So let's remain vigilant on being prepared for any opportunities that might exist there as well. We're gonna continue moving forward with all the other efforts. And as I told Waze and me and subcommittee last week, where we see this as a repatriation of funds, where we're not going to DC asking for resources, we're asking for resources to come back to the people who send it up to DC every April 15. And we're unashamed of asking for it. So, but thanks for the solid public administration. Appreciate it. Yes, sir. And I hope you all are comfortable with the proposed budget schedule. Obviously the alternate can work as well, but if we can wrap it up in May, is that okay? I think that's a good thing. We're not to say grace over. So that's good. Thank you, sir. With that, we can move to your consent agenda item seven through 13 and asking for your consideration. Any motion? I move. Second. Second. Discussion? Ms. Devon. I just wondered, I know we had previously talked about number eight. You were going to see whether or not there was a role for Optus Bank, was that, have we been able to look at that? Yeah, I'm not sure if I connected with that there or if some of our staff did or not. It's been so long, Tamika, but believe me, I must speak to Dom almost a few times every week. They got enough to say grace over right now. They're doing excellent work with these and others on PPP and so many other things. But I can't remember, quite frankly, the answer to that. So I apologize. That was it. And I would just say, for the record, I am very supportive of eight and I'm glad to vote for it. I do think that this is just a step in the right direction as far as financial empowerment and economic mobility, not just for our staff, but for our citizens. So I would love to see how we do this program and how we can model this for others. Amen. With the previous question, Clark, call the roll. Mr. Vernon. Yes. Mr. Rickerman. Aye. Mr. McBowell. No, you can mute that. Yes. Mr. Duvall. Aye. Mr. Vine. Aye. Mr. Davis. Aye. Mayor Benjamin. Aye, thank you. At this time, Mayor Benjamin, I think we're going to hold the event resolutions items 14 through the answer and move into our public hearing and first reading for zoning and planning matters and Ms. Hampton will assist. Good evening again, Councilman City Manager. Fairly short agenda this evening. The first item on your agenda is to allow the public to know how to comment for the zoning public hearings. So in addition to viewing the meeting at the city's website, the public may listen to audio and participate in the meeting via telephone by calling 855-925-2801. When prompted, you can enter the meeting code of 9978. At that point, you press star one to listen and you stay on the line until your case is announced. When your case is called, you have two options. You can press star two to leave a voice message and it will be played back in the meeting or star three and be placed in the speaker queue to speak live and city staff will unmute callers during the comment period for each case. Callers are limited to three minutes and if participating by phone, we ask that you remember to turn off any audio on other devices before you speak to avoid feedback. So your first case is an annexation with a future land use map and zoning map amendments at 0.418 acres on the south side of Mayburn Road. It's a request to annex, assign an interim land use classification of urban edge residential large lot and an interim zoning of single family residential. Say small donut hole. Do we have anyone here to speak in favor of or oppose all on this matter at all? Madam Clerk. There's no one in the queue at this time. Okay, well, thank you. Seeing none. Is there a motion? Move approval of item 20. Is there a second? Second. All right, move by Mr. Duvall, second by Mr. Davis. Is there any discussion? If you have discussion in these matters, I'm gonna urge you to speak up since I can't see everyone at the same time on my device. I'll move the previous question for a call. Mayor, as we're closing out this matter, a caller did join the queue. Duvall, bear with me while I add that individual to the meeting. Thank you so much. Thank you. People are listening to Ms. Hampton. I like that. Hello? Hello. Hey, yes, I think I jumped ahead. I'm actually item number 21 on the agenda. All right, well, we'll sit tight. We'll be with you in a second. All right. All right, thank you. All right, well, it's on item 20. Let's move the previous question on part Colorado. Thank you. Mr. Vernon. Yes. Mr. Rickerman. Hi. Mr. McDowell. Yes. Mr. Duvall. Hi. Mr. Vine. Hi. Mr. Davis. Hi. Mayor Benjamin. Hi. Thank you. Item 21 is an annexation future land use map amendment and zoning map amendment for 1307 Mason Road. This is a request to annex the property assigned to land use classification of urban edge multi-family and a zoning classification of general residential district at the time of annexation. This property is out north maybe near 20. So we have at least one caller in the queue. Do you want to go ahead and add him in? Madam clerk. Yes, sir. The caller whose number ends in 6925. You have three minutes to adjust the council. Good evening. Hi, this is Anthony Lawrence. Can everyone hear me? Yeah. Yeah. Okay, excellent. Yes. I just wanted to provide any additional information about the project. It's a multi-family workforce housing development with 288 units. We did meet extensively with the community to get their input on the aesthetic. So the project, we did meet with the community. We did meet with the community. We did meet with the community. Siting on the buildings and some other amenities that will be added. Staff is very helpful and supportive with us in that effort. And we did provide a written letter to the joint neighborhood and citizens to let them know that everything that we had discussed and agreed upon during our public input sessions, we did meet with the community to get their input on the project. And I'm also, if there's any other questions, I'm going to hear that. Answer any questions. Thank you. So Lawrence. Are there any questions of Mr. Lawrence? I've got a question. Okay. Sorry, Mr. Mayor. I was just going to ask, Mr. Lawrence, if you could get me a copy of that letter, I have received a couple calls from neighbors about this. Um, particular issue. I've not been able to talk with them today or yesterday to confirm that their concerns have been resolved. And I'll, I'll attempt to do that between first and second reading, but if you could send me what you have, that would be helpful. Yes, ma'am. And the letter was sent to the neighborhood association president. Thank you. Thank you. Mr. Lawrence, the thank you for your, for your workforce initiative. What, what, how, how, how are you making sure that it's geared towards workforce housing? The project is being priced. This is also a project that is done in conjunction with state housing. And so there's specific stipulations in terms of income requirements and which begins to set the, the price point for the units. Wonderful. Appreciate it. To make certain that you, to make certain, to make certain that you're, you're, you're providing proper housing for individuals who fall within that criteria. Percentage of income. Yeah, absolutely. Thanks so much. So the, so the. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. So the AMI. The AMI. But this piece of profit. And. For the 288 units. Is what. I don't have that number directly in front of me now, but I can, I can get it to you. I'm sorry. Who asked the question? Mr. McDowell. Okay. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. I can provide that information for you. I don't have it. I don't have really in front of me. Thank you, sir. Yes, sir. All right. I apologize. I'm in transit. I mean, I'm in transit right now in my car. And so I don't have those documents. Immediately available. Okay. Thank you. You know, the questions from Mr. Lawrence. First reading before us. Any, any other. Callers Madam Clark. No, sir. Not at this time. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. It's the achievement in and of itself, Mr. Mr Lawrence. I worked there. Yeah. Moved. I'll move approval. Is there a second? Second. For discussion. We'll move the previous question. Mr. Vernon. Yes. Mr. Rickman. Hi. Mr. McDowell. Yes. Mr. Duvall. Hi. Mr. David. Hi. You're Benjamin. Hi. Thank you. Welcome. Item 22 is a comprehensive plan future land use amendment for 446 Clemson road and 446 Clemson road extension. It's a request to amend the plan to modify the land use from urban edge multifamily to urban edge regional activity center. It's a request to amend the plan for 446 Clemson road extension. It's a request to amend the plan for 446 Clemson road extension. East of Clemson road and urban edge mixed residential west of Clemson road. And as we were evaluating the next case at number 23, which is a rezoning request. We identified that the current land use. Did not match up with both the rezoning and the conditions on the ground. So we propose to. It's changed to align with that. Do we have any calls in the queue? Second. Second. Any discussion? We'll move the previous question. Call her all. Mr. Vernon. Yes. The recommend. I. The Mcdowell. Yes. The Duvall. Hi. Hi. Hi. Mr. Davis. Hi. Benjamin. Hi. A portion of that property, the property at 446 Clemson road extension. Is being proposed for a map amendment to rezone the parcel from office and institutional and general residential and general commercial. To all general commercial. Anyone who's called in. Speak to this. All right. Is there a motion here? Mr. Rickman seconded by Mr. Mcdowell. Any discussion amongst counties. We've been watching next door and light up all about this property. Sometimes you're probably going to have a little more feedback. When we move the previous question. Mr. Vernon. Yes. Mr. Rickman. Hi. Mr. Mcdowell. Yes. Mr. Duvall. Hi. Mr. David. Hi. Mayor Benjamin. Hi. Thank you. Items number 24 and 25 are related. If it pleases council, you can take them together. The first portion of it is a future land. Use map amendment. To affirm the land use classification of. Urban core community activity center. The second part of it is to affirm the zoning classification of this recently annexed land at C3. At 1.43 acres portion of 40 30 West Beltline Boulevard. Thank you. Has anyone called in on this item? Any written comment? No. All right. Move. Second. Second. Discussion. Seeing none. We'll move the previous question. Call her all. Mr. Vernon. Yes. Mr. Davis. Hi. If you would mind going back one. Back to that picture. I just think it's pretty cool looking at that. In roof. And the adaptively reused. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. Mr. Davis. And then second and last one. Back to that picture. I just think it's pretty cool looking at that thing. And they add actively, reuse property there. Amazing work that. Our team did in. And executing. Actually the other. One. The other that was even better. You can give a better mental look at what happened at the. Yes. Do some dealership. Amazing. Lead. Certified building. It was, it's impressive, I'll leave it at that. So thanks to our team for executing so well. Let's go on. Thank you. Similarly, 26 and 27 may be taken together if you choose. 26 is a comprehensive map amendment for recently annexed property at 1215 shop road to affirm the land use classification of industrial. And 27 is to confirm the zoning of light industrial for the property. All right. So anyone ma'am called and speak on this matter? No, sir, not at this time. Is that second? Second. There's any discussion? Seeing none, we'll move the previous question of our car roll. Mr. Burnett. Yeah, sir, recommend. Hi, Al. Good. Mr. Ball. Hi. Mr. Vine. Hi. Mr. Davis. Hi. Mayor Benjamin. Hi. Yeah. Saving the best for last is a text amendment to amend the code of ordinances revising the effective date from March 30th, 2021 to August 30th of 2021. Has anyone called and speak in favor of or against? No, sir, not at this time. Mr. McDowell has moved approval. Is that second? Second. All right. Moving second. Any discussion? Any further discussion? All right, we'll move the previous question. And again, thanks to staff for their hard work and patience and focus and inclusion. We'll move the previous question for our car roll. Mr. Burnett. Yes. Mr. Rickerman. Hi. Mr. McDowell. Yes. Mr. Duvall. Hi. Mr. Vine. Hi. Mr. Davis. Hi. Mayor Benjamin. Hi. Thank you. That concludes your zoning public hearing. Super. Thank you. Madam City Manager, you're on mute. Yes, sir. Sorry about that. Moving into a period of resolutions, item 29, resolution number R-20009, amending the commercial nondiscrimination and Columbia Disadvantaged Business Enterprise CDBE utilization policy into the City of Columbia procurement regulations. Move approval. Is there a second? Any discussion? Thanks to staff for their hard work on this. Move the previous question. Clark-Paul Rowe. Mayor, I'd just like to note that the last revised date of this resolution is being changed on March 12, 2021. Thank you. You're welcome. Mr. Brennan. Yes. Mr. Rickerman. Hi. Mr. McDowell. Yes. Mr. Duvall. Hi. Mr. Vine. Hi. Mr. Davis. Hi. Mayor Benjamin. Hi. Thank you. Thank you. Item third resolution number R-20001019, approving the issuance by the Housing Authority of the City of Columbia, South Carolina, of it's not to exceed $7,600,000 of multifamily housing revenue bonds before the Palmetto Terrorist Apartments Project and one or more series pursuant to section 147F of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as amended, providing certain other matters and connection there with and providing an effective date. And this is a pass-through approval that you all. Is there a motion? Move approval. Is there a second? Second. All right. Second, Mr. McDowell. Any discussion? Ms. Duvall. I think there's a lot of confusion regarding what, why we issue these bonds and then what's going to happen as far as the improvements to Palmetto Terrorist. I will read out to Ms. Matthews, but I've been talking to a few folks in the community and I think they're just, they don't quite understand. And so I just want to make sure that we have an opportunity to connect the residents because this is a resolution. So once we pass it, it's done, right? There's no, and we are not issuing the bonds. It comes through state housing, but we do the resolution. Once we pass the resolution, we're out of this. Is that, that's correct? Yes. Right. So I just, I do know there's just been some concerns. I'm not sure if Councilman McDowell has received the same calls I have, but I think that is a comment upon us to make sure that the community is, is aware of the process. So that they don't feel like this is a city responsibility and therefore the city has obligations to do the rehab or monitor the rehab. No, ma'am, we do not. And ACM Gentry and Director Said have worked with the attorneys for the developer. Missy, did you all have any other clarification? Because I know they had asked us actually to sign some additional documentation, which we declined doing that because it really wasn't necessary with the resolution. But right. Miss Wilson, I'll just say in the packet there, there is information from the housing authority as to the nature of the project and the project budget. But as you said, this is not the city issuing any bonds. This is the housing authority and by virtue of the project being located within the city of Columbia limits, we are required to show support before they can issue the bonds there. The, there was a public hearing held by the housing authority on March 4th, at which time the public had an opportunity to speak to the project. So that is included as it visit eight of the resolution being passed. This is very unique. I know of a few occasions where we've done this, I will tell you, it seems to the housing authorities current management are looking to partner the product developers more frequently than we've seen in the past. So this is likely the first of many projects that will be coming through this process. Thank you, Missy. Well, I think it's just a matter of clarifying what we, what the CHA is going to do and what the, where the dollars are coming from. We've got, as Miss divine said, we've got the same number of calls to come in. Asking about that project. So I think we're on target in terms of making sure we get that information. Thank you. Is there anything else that either of you need from from me or the staff, Miss divine, Reverend down, or you will, or you will address the questions to miss Matthews. Yeah. I'm sorry, go ahead. I'm sorry, go ahead. I was just going to say, yeah, I think it's best to direct them to miss Matthews and, and make sure that our role is perceived as being a facilitator but limited. I just wanted to raise that because I know is latest. Yesterday I received something on this and I just not have an opportunity to respond to the person who called me yesterday but I wanted to make sure since we were passing it today, that the concern was at least placed on the record. Yes, ma'am. Thank you. Thank you. All right. And so several appointments near Benjamin. Did we vote by the way. I'm sorry, Mr. It's okay. With the previous question part. Mr. Brennan. Yes. To recommend. I Yes, ma'am. Yes. Mr. Duvall. Hi. Mr. Vine. Hi. Mr. Davis. May no longer be a part of the meeting. Mayor Benjamin. Hi. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Excuse myself for about 10 minutes to handle something. All possible. I'll hold on to 32 and 33 till I return. If at all possible. Sounds good. We will. Thank you. Thanks and someone. Sam. Mr. Davis is here. All right. Thank you. Okay, Mayor Benjamin. I'm sure Ms. Jenkins is on. I think this might be her last meeting as Ms. Jenkins. Yeah. It is. We're excited and wishing you the best. Ashley. Thank you. About your wedding date. Okay. So we're going to actually, if you could assist the council and hold off on the board of zoning appeals and the, was it the central villains? Mr. Mayor that. It's 32 and 33 the cog and the Bosa. All right. So. We pack. Absolutely. So currently their membership is. And they have. They only have 10 individuals serving. And so council is able to appoint up to seven. Appointees from the list of applicants. If they so choose. Ashley, can I ask you, looking at this, I also saw that you had, you still have part walriff on there. I received an email from him saying that he was going to be resigning. Did anyone else receive that? That's correct. Okay. Well, the number of, so I'll make sure to mark him out, but that does not change the number of vacancies listed because I received the number of vacancies from. Rachel and also. Christa. I believe Rachel regarding. He pack. I think she's the person that's over be back. So the numbers, the number. Yes, ma'am, I will make that update. But the vacancy number is correct because they've sent me several emails. Letting me know. How many people have resigning quite a different people resigning. At the, at the same time. So I will make that change. All right. Do we have. We have some nominations. I had, and I'm not sure how we wanted to do this, Mr. Mayor, since there's seven. I know looking at the makeup. There were two that I was interested in appointing. They are both. Residents of district one. I would like to move the appointment of a Mary Scott. Chancey. And Jennifer Lee part. The other nominations. Well, I'd like to nominate Miss. Gilbert. So. Well, come on. Thank you. All right. Any other. If not, we don't have to celebrate all of them today. So. Have those three nominations. I'll second all three nominations. I can add if there's. If no one else has. Nominations. I do know there's none from district four. So, Mr. There are a couple. I see one. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. Okay. Okay, Mr. There are a couple. I see one. I think I see two applicants from district four. I don't know if we want to wait for Mr. Rick I'm in, but that's someone. But I do see no diversity. I forgot Carmen Lattimer. And I would like to see her appointed as well. Mr. Mayor. I'm very intrigued that there is an assistant traffic design engineer from SCDOT that is interested in being on this side. I would love to nominate Mr. Douglas to you. Humanity. Office in District 2. I'm in District 3. Actually, Douglas has emailed us before I missed that one. He wouldn't be great. So those five nominations have an advance. So no one wants to wait. Mr. Rick doesn't want us to rate. Can we do. Mr. Zach Kavanaugh and Derek Davis. Those are both residents of District 4. Good. All right. From zero to seven real fast. Second those nominations and move the previous question. Mr. Brennan. Yes. Yes. Mr. Davis. Mr. Davis. Hi. Thank you, ma'am. Okay. Since we were holding the next two items, the next item would be Columbia prepares advisory committee and counsel has asked her point up to seven appointees. We currently do not have. Up to seven. So. The contenders that we have are listed on your memo. And this is the new committee that spearheaded by director Syed. And her team. And it pertains to how. The implementation of the CDBG MIT funds are used in those individual. Individuals would help with that process. And so currently I see three applicants. Is that right? Yes, sir. Currently. It was in all three currently live outside city limits. It looks like it. Yes, sir. Can we, can we, can we do a little more outreach? A little more outreach. Before we move on. There's some time requirements. I'm sorry. Let's miss the ball. You have a recommendation. No, I just had a question. I was away from the computer when you. Skip though. Item 33 for the central midlands. And I had a nomination for central middle. Daniel asked if we'd hold those two until he came back. So, so what do we have? We did not act on the 32 or 33. Okay. So hopefully he gets back post hasten. What we'll take those up. Can we move to defer that until. Until we have some other applicants. Mr. Mayor. On number 34. Number 34. Yes. So we've been advertising these vacancies for about a month or two. And miss. I need hopes. Director. I need hopes to have things in place by the end of the month by the 31st. So we can continue to advertise it and send it to additional organizations as well. Like we have been. We would also like to do a little bit of outreach. And then we can send it to additional organizations as well. Like we have been. But it would also like recommendations. As well. If you all have any. Yeah. Yeah. We'll have to step up a little bit more aggressively there. This is of course a relatively new endeavor as well. And get Gloria some names. I'll commit. I'll commit to getting some, some names. Ashley. Let's just put it on the next agenda, but let's put it back out for another week at least. Yeah. So. Give us some time to get you some more names. Okay. Yes, sir. Thank you. So we're deferring 34. It's going back to. To 32. To Bosa. So is that one that we're postponed for Daniel? He's back. He's back. Oh. Oh shoot. Didn't see him over in the corner. So we have the board of zoning appeals. There is a vacancy. It was formally held by a district one representative at the top. So the extra line at the bottom of essentially me moving that to the top, there's only one book. Bosa vacancy. And it was formally held by a district one. And the applicants listed and the crate, the correct district representation of those applicants is also listed on the memo. Mr. Duval. There are three. In the city of Columbia. One of them is Bosa. DDRC and the planning commission. And I don't think we should allow people. Who are on Bosa or DDRC. To live outside the city limits that those two organizations. Commissions do not get. Appeal to the city council. We can correct something like the planning commission. We can correct the list of people that we have as applicants for the Bosa people. There's only one that I think either. Doesn't live in this. Lives in the city. Or doesn't have a conflict of interest. We have the lobbyists for the homebills association. Trying to get on Bosa. We were three of us were on a zoom call. We were all on a zoom call that we had on Sunday. And this. Senator from our city. Criticize the. City for pointing people to these key commissions that are obviously biased towards development. And the only one that I can see on the applicant's ears. Mr. James. Who lives on Yale Avenue and works for the assistive as an apartment and you rent it out in your back house you're okay but you're not okay if you if you're in the business of what we're asking for I guess I'm confused of what the accusation is. Accusation is they're in the pockets of developers and builders and they're not they don't have any appreciation for protecting the neighborhoods and I think all of us when we get on the campaign trail go in there and say the city of Columbia is a city of neighborhoods and then we don't back that up by giving them support on these key commissions. Bozer and DDRC in particular. All right Mr. Davis says Hannah. I may have missed something. Who are we talking with Ashley? No no we just we just broadly the board is going to be the first with it. The vacancy. Is there another presentation on the board? I don't have that paper before me I'm sorry. Currently there's right there one, two reps from district two, one outside of limits barely so. Two from district four and one from district three. I'm sorry three from just two from district three yeah so it's it's it's actually one of the ones that's geographically spread out. There's a vacancy and if we could assign from district one. So can we maybe have that privilege next at next meeting? Yes sir. Okay appreciate it. I'm fine with that. Yeah I think we were waiting on Mr. Davis to help try to fill that with a district one so that we had balance across the city. Okay that has been one of the issues we've tried to keep in balance and I think Sam you're right on target and I didn't find whomever that person is. Sam when we go to the coalition of neighborhoods on Friday by a Zoom put it out to them to get us somebody because they're one of the big groups that keeps saying you need to get some neighborhood-friendly people's on these commissions and they ought to help us come up with that. That's one of two people that have expressed an interest. Okay the EDRC has a specific formula of who's there so unless they want to unless we want to change the law I think it's pretty set in stone as for I think you've got to have a balance on planning and zoning between the two and so whittles have to work better together to provide we can't include one group and another group like that doesn't work I agree needs to be a balance you know and maybe to we need to make sure we have some folks who have either some some degree of subject matter expertise as prescribed by the code and ordinances as relates DDRC or planning commission but when it comes to BOSA and some of the incredibly important decisions that they're making well they may not be prescribed as to the fields they come from the extraordinary and I say this is a person who speaks unabashedly about regionalism. We've had some situations just very recently where if these decisions are not appealed to city council then we've got to at least make sure that the decisions are made by those who live in the in the four corners of the city. So I will agree with Mr. Duvall on that point. I would add go ahead. I'm sorry I didn't mean to cut you off. Please go ahead. Now just to add you know along that we also need the folks who have the ability to go to court and not use diplomatic immunity or legislative immunity to delay things to go forward because it is very important for our city to have have things moving forward and not a reputation to delay everything to keep people from moving forward on projects. Okay. Other than that relates to the membership on the commissions but but I understand what you're saying. The okay. Thank you. Mr. Davis we'll look forward to for names that you that you could put on Rosa. Thank you. Item 33. Next we have Central Midlands Council of Governments and there are two citizen appointments available on CMCOG. Why and those are addition to the two current members or yes. Okay. All right. Yes, there's an appointment. Yes, Mr. Duvall you you indicated you had I would like to nominate Amadeo Gary. So I'll second that. All right. The any other nominations for the cog. Can we repeat the last name. I'm sorry. G E E R E. Got it. Okay. I see it. Okay. I thought you were saying the first name was Gary. Okay. Thank you. Yeah. If you don't have another appointment readily available. One of the things I would like us to consider we've been the cog is represented on the affordable house on Task Force. We've talked to them a lot. Oh, come on. What about Catherine Myers? I would nominate Catherine Myers. I'll check it. All right. You I was just gonna add I think somebody that has an understanding affordable housing would be a good appointee, but I did apologize. I miss Catherine's application. So I would move her approval. Move the nomination to be closed. Thank you. Both. We'll move the previous question. Call roll. Yeah. Hi. Yes. Good to be all. Hi. Mr. Vine. Hi. Mr. Davis. Hi. Yeah, Benjamin. Hi. Thank you. Columbia Tree and Appearance Commission. Yes. Councils asked to appoint one appointee to Columbia Tree and Appearance Commission. I'd like to nominate John Estle. Thank you. Was that a second, Mr. Brennan? Yes, sir. Mr. John Holbrook Estle has been nominated and probably second in discussion. Move the previous question. The first call roll. Mr. Brennan. Yes. Mr. Rickerman. Hi. Mr. Mcdowell. Yes. Good to be all. Hi. Mr. David. Mr. David. Hi. Mr. Benjamin. I think Mr. Estle serves as a perfect example of someone who has subject matter expertise, but not any conflicts in what the service city. So let's always be clear as we make those appointments with a qualified applicant. All right. Thank you. Madam Miss Jenkins. I'm going to say this many times like this. I won't get to say it too often. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Next we have the Midlands Authority for Convention, Sports and Tourism. There is one vacancy and several applicants and councils asked to appoint one member to MACST. Who do we lose there? Yeah. Oh, let me see. I talked with Bill. Do you have a name? I would. I'm sorry. I would need to go back to the old. Okay. Yeah, I'm looking at you. Actually, it's on. Let's see. Her name you got from Bill. It's just it would be the slot. It would be the slot that Bill wants. Right. She should have the name also. I would have to go back to the old menu to find out who rolled on because I know that I can look. Is it okay if we defer this one as well to next week? Next week? Next meeting? Let's move. All right. Thank you. All right. Thank you, Ashley. Thank you. I think that's everything. All right. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you so much, dear. Ashley, so when's the wedding date? It's March 28th. So get out of here. I think that's like 12 days. Big talk. All right. Yeah, I'm excited. I was telling you all your. What did you say, Mr. Teresa? Not that I'm just laughing every time you've been sharing your news. Oh, I'm sorry. You started it, Teresa. I did. I did. I did. I didn't say that I did. She's happy. So tell the world, please. That's a secret. So we're getting married on March 28th at a local venue here in Columbia. The wedding and reception will be there. We're so excited. Everyone's excited. Everyone listens to Friday's, right? Yeah. No, not quite. We'll have to talk to my parents about that. But we're excited and I've known him since I was nine years old. So that's a fun fact. Wow. I thought everybody was invited. I think we both went from her dad's a good list, a bad list that fast. I know, right? You're welcome to donate to the wedding gallery. Exactly. We're happy for you, Ashley. Absolutely. Thank you all so much. Thank you. All right. Thank you. Good deal. Okay. Well, thank you. And with that, we have several committee referrals, Mayor Benj... Well, reports actually, Mayor Benjamin, maybe some referrals. Okay. Mr. McDowell, Administrative Policy Committee. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Madam City Manager, the Administrative Policy Committee met February 25th. And of course, during that meeting, of course, Sam Davis, Howard DuBau and myself, in addition to Robert Hughes and Chandler Cox representing the Hughes, the Hughes Development Co-op, we had a lively conversation about renaming the Park at Bull Street. As you know, Dr. Donaldson and Robin Waits has done an extensive job in putting together a list of names somewhere between 15 and 17 names African Americans who contributed greatly to the Bull Street to Bull Street. And of course, out of that came some real conversation about what were the next steps. Of course, we mutually agreed that Dr. Donaldson and Robin would look at the 15 to 17 names and out of that, we've met three persons or three names. And of course, have had conversation with Robert about perhaps the possibility of looking at three names, identifying just those names that have been vetted. And of course, coming up with three names to do a deeper dive into those three names. And of course, perhaps taking the additional names and putting them into the park that would represent naming places, streets and that sort of thing. We're waiting for them to do that. Henry Simon has been very helpful. And of course, making this reality come alive. And to making this park come alive. We had to distinguish in our conversation, whether we were looking at a park, a public park, or a developer's park, we sort of agreed upon that this was a developer, I'm sorry, a public park that would do a name that would describe the African American contributions within the city. We have not set a meeting date, another meeting date yet. But of course, we'll get with Dr. Donaldson, if that has not already started, and we will bring this to councils, bring it to council for a decision. Awesome. That's what we are. Thank you, Mr. McDowell. Thank you for that report. Thank you and thank you and all on the committee and everyone else and certainly Henry working with everyone to get us up this far. All right. The four of our housing task force is Devon. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. My report out won't be long just that we did meet our March meeting was March 9. We had a very productive conversation about all of our committees presented the work that they are working on. And we've got several kind of interim recommendations or things for council to consider. I just want to have one more meeting and have the task force look at all of that. And then if appropriate, I know we're trying to keep presentations and everything to a minimum. But if appropriate, I would like the committee to make an interim presentation to council maybe sometime in April just so everyone knows the work that they're doing and some of these considerations, particularly as far as financing affordable housing options. There were several that were presented that I think are interesting for us to at least consider as we move forward with our goals. Super. Thank you, Mr. All right. Mr. Rickerman. My report's real brief. We had we met two Mondays ago. We had a great meeting. Howard DeBall suggested that we each come up with an economist and hopefully our next we'll have a next meeting here in the next couple weeks. Well, each of us will submit a economist to a neutral background to help kind of facilitate and put together the streamline for our committee working forward. But we are working on it and it was a great conversation. And I think some of the names that were floated are outstanding. And hopefully we'll be able to get all of them committed here in the near future. And we'll be back to council as a whole when we've done that. Okay. All right. Good job. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Daniel. All right. Are there any other referrals or reports from committees standing on ad hoc? Seeing none, let's let's let interested parties know that after public input, we'll go into executive session and have the executive session. We're going to return hopefully briefly to take up items 14 through 19 event resolutions. Do we have Madam Clark any, any citizens or even non citizens who called in to make public input? Yes, sir, we have one voicemail left from a Mr. David Vaughn that I would like to play in the record into the record. As I'm doing that, we do have two callers on the line and public input. And I'll ask the callers that if they wish to speak to the city council that they press star three to join the speaker queue. All right. Now, you're welcome. I'll play that message now. Thank you. Hello. Hey, yes, I think I'm this is David Vaughn. And I live in Colombia. And I was going to speak to David, I think I can just do the same by making this voice message to you. Just wanted to let you know, as far as the COVID part of your meeting and mass mandate that I am at a group called freedom from mask would and there's quite a few people from the Columbia area, I'd say three, 300 to 500 that are against max mask mandates. And I would continue to urge council to lift those mandates as soon as possible. And I was watching part of the meeting today, it looks like you're headed to that direction. So I like to commend you on that. And would also ask council in your COVID research that you're doing to also include some doctors who who are against mask mandates into your input, I think that would be good instead of just having the heck and the CDC, because sometimes their figures are not accurate, quite frankly. So and in your future deliberations on the mass mandates, I would recommend that you the only thing I would be concerned with. And our group two is to give us the choice to wear a mask or not. That's that this thing should not be mandated particularly when the governor has lifted the mandates for the state. And we're not in an emergency situation. So thank you for your concerns and your work. We appreciate your your efforts. And I'm signing off. Thank you, David Vaughan. Okay, at this time, no other callers have joined the queue. Super. Thank you very much. And thank you, Mr. Vaughan. The Mr. Duvall. Mr. Mayor, I'm a I'm making location. We're going to executive session for receipt of legal advice related to matters covered by attorney client privilege pursuant to SEC 30 dash forward as 78 to COVID-19 receipt of legal advice related to a pending threat and a potential claim pursuant to 30 dash forward as 78. Judith Mayor versus city of Columbia, American scrap iron and metal LLC, discussion of negotiations and proposed contractual arrangements pursuant to 30 dash forward as 78 to Owensfield Park and Park and stormwater fees, Columbia Richland 911 communications. Thank you. Is there a second? Discussion? We'll move the previous question. Clerk Carl roll. Mr. Vernon. Yes, Mr. Medow. Do we not include the 14 to 19? No, we're going to talk about that. They would be thanks for clarifying that those would be covered under COVID on the cover. All right. Thank you. Thank you, sir. Thank you for the clarification. Yeah. Mr. Rifferman. Hi. Mr. McDowell. Yes. Mr. DeWall. Hi. Divine. Hi. Hi. Mr. Davis. Hi. Mayor Benjamin. Hi. Thank you, ma'am. And thank you, everyone who's joined us for today's meeting. We're going to take up items, resolutions 14. 14. 14 now. 14 are 19. Resolution R 2021 dash 12, authorizing consumption, BNY only, and artistic vista, crafty feasts on Sunday, April 18, 2021. Is there a motion? Move. Is there a second? Second. Any discussion? Seeing none, we'll move the previous question. Clerk Carl roll. Mr. Vernon. Yes. Mr. Rifferman. Hi. Mr. McDowell. No. Mr. DeWall. Yes. Mr. Vines. Mr. Davis. No. Mayor Benjamin. Hi. Thank you. All right. Resolution R 2021 dash 13, authorizing consumption, BNY only at Dervay Street, Bridgetown on Sunday, May 2nd, 2021. Let's ensure that that this resolution marries up with the West Columbia resolution. There's a motion. Is there a second? Second. Move and second. Discussion, Mr. DeWall. Mr. Mayor, as I've said previously on this Zoom meeting, I think that there are two events on our resolutions here that are too large and too soon for us to allow them to occur. The Dervay Street Bridge Dinner is one of them. It's normally held in October. And I think that by October, I would be perfectly comfortable authorizing this dinner. But at the present time, I cannot support having a dinner of 1,000 people on the Dervay Street Bridge with probably another 1,000 people supporting them. So I intend to vote no. Thank you. Mr. DeWall, I'm Mr. Rickenman. I just just want to duly note, I appreciate everybody's opinion, but we have allowed Soda City to have thousands of people throughout this summer and through the fall of this pandemic. The Bridge Dinner is a limited seated event and tend to fully and supported. All right. Any other discussion, Ms. DeVall? I would just add, you know, I'm a little torn. I agree with Howard on the number of people, but what I would say is that, and we've said this from the beginning, that even as people start getting vaccinated, as we start coming out of this thing, we're going to have to continue with smart precautions, social distancing, masks, things like that. And, you know, I think that there are some people who still feel like there's going to be this automatic switch that's flipped at one point and everything's back to normal. I don't see everything getting back to normal. And so I think that we need to start encouraging, as events happen, encourage events like the event planners here on having safety precautions in place so that people can get used to as I go out, whether it's Soda City, Bridge Dinner in the parks or wherever, that they continue to wear masks. Even if there's no mask mandate, I think there should still be wearing a mask and social distancing. So, you know, I'm knowing the organizers and knowing the precautions they're going to be putting in the place. I'm reluctant to approve this number, but I do think that if we are going to start moving forward with events, this is one that people can start getting used to having events and getting used to these additional precautions. So I'm going to vote for it reluctantly, but I do think that we need to continue to encourage people, even when restrictions are not in place, to follow the guidelines and be responsible as they're planning a bit. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Vine. Yeah, as my friend, Emily DeFelice, will tell you a key role in both Soda City and the Dervis Street Bridge Dinner, they have become important cultural events for the Midlands. I share the concerns articulated by Mr. Duvall and have been shared with me. Reiterating Ms. Vine's concerns, we work closely to our first responders in our city administration to make sure that these pandemic safety and social distancing protocols and plans are in place. Let's make sure that the organizers of the event, both events, Mr. Duvall raised our crystal clear that they'll be enforced and that we expect everyone to help us with this close to being out of the weeds on the pandemic. We need to keep moving hard and fast while at the same time trusting people to be responsible adults and to do their part. There are at least several different legitimate positions here and we got to continue to save lives and save lives at the same time. I think we're not going to have unanimity on this one or maybe any of them, but let's just make sure we're doing our part to make sure we help folks follow the rules. There's no more discussion. I'm going to move the previous question a little bit more quickly. Mr. Brennan? Yes. Mr. Rickerman? Hi. Mr. McDowell? No. Mr. Duvall? No. Mr. Vines? Hi. Mr. Davis? Oh. Mayor Benjamin. Dolly. I'm not used to breaking ties. I'll vote in the affirmative. Thank you, ma'am. Item number 16 is a resolution 2021-16 authorizing consumption of barren wine only and with Plaza adjacent to the Art Museum for the CMA Art Blossoms opening event on April 14, 2021. A subsequent event on April 15, 2021 and subsequent event on April 16, 2021 and Sunday, April 18, 2021. Is there a motion? Is there a motion? Is there a second? Second. Is there any discussion? All previous positions effectively and clearly and passionately articulated. We'll move the previous question to card call roll. Mr. Brennan? Mr. Brennan? Yes. Mr. Rickerman? Hi. Mr. McDowell? No. Mr. Duvall? Yes. Mr. Vines? Hi. Mr. Davis? No. Mayor Benjamin. Since I'm not the tiebreaker, I'm almost tempted to vote in the negative. Thank you. All right. You want me to keep going, Teresa? I don't mind, but I'll take it from here for you, Mayor. Item 17, resolution number R, 2021-08, authorizing consumption of barren wine only at live on Lincoln fundraiser for the Arts on Sunday, April 18, 2021 with a rain contingency date of Sunday, April 25, 2021. Is there a motion? So moved. Is there a second? Second. Discussion? We'll move the previous question or call the roll. Mr. Brennan? Yes. Mr. Rickerman? Hi. Mr. McDowell? No. Mr. Duvall? No. Mr. Vines? Hi. Mr. Davis? No. Mayor Benjamin? Mobile eye. Thank you. Item 18, resolution number R, 2021-020, authorizing consumption of beer and wine only with envoyed plaza adjacent to the Columbia Museum of Art for the labyrinth on void plaza on Thursday, April 29. Approval? Is there a second? Second. Any discussion? We'll move the previous question or call the roll. Mr. Brennan? Yes. Mr. Rickerman? Hi. Mr. McDowell? No. Mr. Duvall? Hi. Mr. Vines? Hi. Mr. Davis? No. Mayor Benjamin? Hi. Item 19, resolution number R, 2021-021, authorizing consumption of beer and wine only with envoyed plaza adjacent to the Columbia Museum of Art for the Columbia Design League presents Derby by Design on Saturday, May 1, 2021. Is there a second? Any discussion? Move the previous question or call the roll. Mr. Brennan? Yes. Mr. Rickerman? Hi. Mr. McDowell? No. Mr. Duvall? Hi. Mr. Vines? Hi. Mr. Davis? No. Mayor Benjamin? Hi. Thank you so much and thanks to everyone for the patience and counsel for their passionate articulation of strongly held views. We're going to, again, let me say to the manager, you and your team keep doing a great job you've been doing and making it clear to then organize is what we fully expect of them and we're going to of course empower our first responders to do their job to keep the rules enforced. I believe maybe we all the items in the executive session have been previously articulated by Mr. Duvall. Mr. Duvall, do you want to? I move we go back into executive session. All right. It's a item previously mentioned. All right. Is there a second? Second. Any discussion? Move the previous question or call the roll. Mr. Vernon? Yes. Mr. Rickerman? Hi. Mr. McAul? Yes. Mr. Duvall? Hi. Mr. Vines? Hi. Mr. Davis? Hi. Air Benjamin? Hi.