[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6804704,"mediaKeyId","5550829-56a35cb6a1f3ff44cd82c6754db6eb77","parentId",5550829,"title","City approves $13.77 million contract for Rosewood water‑main upgrade","audioSeconds",194,"startMs",2265150,"endMs",2460010,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5550829-56a35cb6a1f3ff44cd82c6754db6eb77&start=2265&end=2460","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5550829-56a35cb6a1f3ff44cd82c6754db6eb77/thumbnail_2265150.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6804704/Columbia-City/Richland-County/South-Carolina/City-approves-1377-million-contract-for-Rosewood-watermain-upgrade","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6804704-2e727bc7972e96235435804c35b685da/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206182&Signature=Z2ZFruovVr10w-Z1NZhT3ozhYhLzTIu9E4gjVSVbWnakotOv7tXElNAr9s9RP-oe27uC0qSjliqWAyOUP23FT1IB1sVnWy0T9ABMbSZUWr51vXDsmlXXbAxDMnDD~KRvPW3XsYeGW7IbGLmgUiRBAwzeD0xY0fQQSHfjIOkU0MAmZg25a7junLHMy180ZTGVoNYfTAdNeeAS3t6rIqsMMAiiWp9Jxdcs9LbEp4wLgazgZoFEbhGn6ZfxjNjHBov7A2BbfiARzSiYslpZfu1a2v7wUa~cjYmt1vQeyYLvUVJKNy~nY4xk0vTxzerUXfKxUMewRF3dvfBGTpLVPvRvWA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Columbia","date","2025-08-06T09:30:13Z","article","Columbia City Council voted to award a construction contract for the Rosewood water‑main upgrade (project WM‑3925), approving a recommended award to Williams Infrastructure LLC for an amount not to exceed $13,771,221.25, including contingency.

City staff described the work as phase 2 of a three‑phase drinking‑water renewal for the Rosewood area that will replace aging mains and improve water quality and fire flow. Staff said phase 1 cost about $12 million, phase 2 is budgeted at roughly $13.77 million, and phase 3 is expected to cost about $13 million — representing nearly $40 million in total investment into the neighborhood across the three phases. The project includes pipeline work, road paving, and related improvements in the Rosewood Drive/South Holly/South Odd corridor.

A councilmember who moved the item called it a \"huge infrastructure investment in a very cherished District 3 neighborhood,\" and council voted to approve the contract by roll call. City staff said a local contractor will serve as a mentor and a local subcontractor as a protege on the work.

What happens next: The contract takes effect upon issuance of the notice to proceed; staff said they are ready to start once funding and notices are final.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting | August 5, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council approved a construction contract for the Rosewood water‑main upgrade (WM‑3925) awarding Williams Infrastructure LLC up to $13,771,221.25 for phase 2 of multi‑phase work that council said will renovate roughly 35,000 linear feet of water infrastructure across three phases.","taxTitle","Columbia City, Richland County, South Carolina","taxId",3706,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6804708,"Columbia council advances short‑term rental enforcement changes after hours of public comment",2214,507050,2721825,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5550829-56a35cb6a1f3ff44cd82c6754db6eb77&start=507&end=2721","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5550829-56a35cb6a1f3ff44cd82c6754db6eb77/thumbnail_507050.jpg","/articles/6804708/Columbia-City/Richland-County/South-Carolina/Columbia-council-advances-shortterm-rental-enforcement-changes-after-hours-of-public-comment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6804708-7723760c675198c71ce8f31db86fa180/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206182&Signature=iejAbzpM9Z9yvKIsrLKGACZK9KZgJGglKeRGaRkydEuHwhjpJwoz40Z5SEXmh~t1IEsUsLMib8P8a6vkFCtPZ1SfVTjtZ8McNylepV-atyYnDWuS0GUZJLMH6Bjfp-Zz8XaEtnjT49EKB08rLpDisSVxiky5njfXUm1CYUi4y63fRFCDB6aUluCte6G8q7Gt3dj2~uFCtAdkczr27~Qvb0S~12~OyVBDXAaou~9FMoaYM9gTvmfBXEladqn4tSQWvGzgmQO0kqcN0EgorJwdkrsIFMpgtw1oG0pCvLA66ILHMn~VizfyNmSrbmalqzE17mHdlke~m2ZpCs4qmJ-3jw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Columbia City Council on July 15 approved first reading of an amendment to the city’s short‑term rental regulations, moving forward an enforcement‑focused package after nearly an hour of public comment from residents and rental operators.

The ordinance (item 30, docketed as 2025‑064) would amend chapter 5, article 9 of the code to strengthen enforcement tools and registration processes; councilmembers emphasized the change is the first step and that the existing moratorium on STR approvals remains in place. Mayor Rickman said the council intends to \"enhance enforcement as step 1\" and use the public feedback to refine the ordinance before second reading.

Speakers at the podium presented contrasting views. Gus Bueno, an Elmwood Park resident and STR operator, told council he supports STRs but objected to a proposed minimum‑age requirement: \"At age of 18, you can drive, you can vote ... you can go to war and die for your country. You cannot rent a short term rental. I don't think that's right.\" Several neighborhood residents, including Jim Prater and Denise Wellman, urged stronger neighborhood notifications and more neighborhood engagement, with Prater asking that approved permits and active rental notifications be forwarded to neighborhood associations so code enforcement can track activity. Kit Smith warned the council against immediately revoking licenses without a due‑process hearing, saying \"the Fourteenth Amendment says you can't deny somebody property without due process\" and suggesting temporary suspension pending a hearing.

Council discussion centered on enforcement and compliance. Councilmember Brown said the priority should be getting noncompliant operators into the permitting system first; Brown recorded the lone 'No' vote on first reading. Other members, including Miss Herbert, said the ordinance is imperfect but necessary to begin addressing enforcement gaps and pledged to incorporate public comments prior to second reading.

What happens next: the ordinance passed first reading with a roll call recorded in the meeting; council members said they will incorporate public input and legal concerns before the second reading. The moratorium on new STR approvals was explicitly left in place while council works through enforcement and zoning changes.","After extended public comment from neighbors and operators, Columbia City Council approved first reading of a short‑term rental ordinance focused on stepped‑up enforcement and registration changes; the moratorium remains in place and council members said zoning and other refinements will come before second reading.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6804689,"Civil‑rights notice and community groups press council on charging practices and violence prevention",691,3407469,4098830,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5550829-56a35cb6a1f3ff44cd82c6754db6eb77&start=3407&end=4098","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5550829-56a35cb6a1f3ff44cd82c6754db6eb77/thumbnail_3407469.jpg","/articles/6804689/Columbia-City/Richland-County/South-Carolina/Civilrights-notice-and-community-groups-press-council-on-charging-practices-and-violence-prevention","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6804689-695c9187708c956c797e6cfbf49998de/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206182&Signature=U6-JbnXjuYOKDEb3DEXOiX1zWvoMLUhuGa46FRgPvZ5mDYgXERPQTS-7Iis~g956VT0jPZArXSx15ugzLejMM0KtGR4Y5zwy7Bbosl1T~LMar6Fcn~PbJEU4hzM70agaXuAQ4FsjGSvMzbfI9BkeeFF6QAQG~-HbA90M0pSL2z6dL5gbH68kYbSJPfPY1EY2IyGKXF8mYam5erv46MpCcAx7AGFfRcQIJ5v-MMLnn7DmKCp~DY906Y3TjiPPlPV4O4u~~fFDlHAYO5xN0D66h7W-LKoGPj2t71FiVRj3iPBy1RseNk~67~xUlMD1UF0kp4-tElVUG5YqeHc-3gYb3Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several public commenters used the council meeting to press the city on criminal‑justice and public‑safety issues.

Jessica Saxon, a civil‑rights advocate from Washington, D.C., and Tannewa Downing, a civil‑rights litigator, presented a notice contending that South Carolina’s practice of allowing criminal charging by 'information' rather than indictment conflicts with the U.S. Constitution. Downing cited federal statutes (Title 18) — including claims involving 18 U.S.C. §242 (deprivation of rights under color of law) and §241 (conspiracy to deprive rights) — and said he has affidavits from people across the state. He asked council to direct local officers to act in accordance with constitutional obligations and said litigation at higher courts is anticipated if practices are not corrected.

Separately, Nasir Ashanti of Gangs and Peace, a Columbia nonprofit working with at‑risk youth, asked for city funding and partnership to scale mentorship, violence‑intervention and safe‑zone work, citing program outcomes (mentored more than 250 youth; de‑escalated more than 100 incidents in two years).

Felicia Jones urged that settlement funds from a state suit against Scout Motors be used for a high‑speed rail corridor and made broad claims about public‑health links to violence; city officials responded that state litigation funds and settlements are not city‑controlled.

What happens next: Council acknowledged receipt of the legal notice and said staff will consult city attorneys; community groups were invited to coordinate with the city’s community engagement office about potential funding or partnership opportunities.","Attorneys delivered a public notice alleging unconstitutional charging practices in South Carolina and warned of possible litigation; community groups also asked the council for funding and partnership for violence‑prevention programs.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6804694,"Council defers $30,000 funding request for Sally R. Brasley Foundation pending paperwork",342,2921150,3263160,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5550829-56a35cb6a1f3ff44cd82c6754db6eb77&start=2921&end=3263","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5550829-56a35cb6a1f3ff44cd82c6754db6eb77/thumbnail_2921150.jpg","/articles/6804694/Columbia-City/Richland-County/South-Carolina/Council-defers-30000-funding-request-for-Sally-R-Brasley-Foundation-pending-paperwork","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6804694-8f83cf7f8488c9bf4843cc50e8f22603/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206182&Signature=V6pMwH09NXrQfLhoemNrDxo6HijIY-fvub-5k2Ck6bmktWLqdOjj2Z9TeS2KpICfLZqpKzTkbIMZX7-zPRf1qms05wDr2UkTi97Wj5tesllThgcXISx4Cj~Szsq-BAvPJ2k1sy7rt8Y0TL5uAxVnC4pUSHgzsPZxC3gfVK17rf-ruED0CzsOymdmmRE0GoSmHtMWFm4BVxBjXwzVswA0LVqJIzpH~XkPBtOV8joOfjEQ7YdrC2xVshJvN8njeOmOrwLvB8GngRjP19fvYbm7qUOMoVyt2uxvnqBLA8RkLoo3-SzgIk-nlfBF7tESM~DaOs9ePQMSIxIM3exv~3IaEw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Council considered a $30,000 funding request from the Sally R. Brasley Foundation for a Novafest/NOFA‑related project but chose to defer action until the foundation provides additional documentation about prior allocations.

Councilmembers said they had been told a letter addressing missing documentation would be provided and that prudence suggested deferral rather than approving without the records. The motion to defer was approved by roll call; council instructed staff to place the item on the next agenda once the documentation is received.

What happens next: the foundation is expected to provide a letter/documentation before the next council meeting; council will reconsider the request when those materials are on file.","Council voted to defer a $30,000 funding request for the Sally R. Brasley Foundation (Novafest/NOFA‑related), asking the applicant to submit documentation from prior funding before the item returns to the agenda.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6804699,"Council approves multiple encroachments, community resolutions and event permits",459,2460950,2920775,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5550829-56a35cb6a1f3ff44cd82c6754db6eb77&start=2460&end=2920","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5550829-56a35cb6a1f3ff44cd82c6754db6eb77/thumbnail_2460950.jpg","/articles/6804699/Columbia-City/Richland-County/South-Carolina/Council-approves-multiple-encroachments-community-resolutions-and-event-permits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6804699-7d22fe710a117408034f0e296726fe68/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206182&Signature=QR2HNfaEQ1UO77EiCcPzkaX8I~0aXoJgWfFzYaIOIfGMVuhFL258aRHLO-U4JE-Tlrab6DiD7aq8HL488-QZMxFIA5x0jS0CE61k3Bnb9t4J9j2kCT9WZLYN~C7t7YXS8lUdD4moINQI5SV0husLLvsRk~XQlTSBRb6SgBEypImI6Q6ajCtKEcnMwMudWIWVB7rX1WXQ8ERezhrIcQtbZQCwkjxDJr5CM9zAbCOpR9YcplwAhbfOfpgLDfksMGmWbWFen4Nj8YifRurAHdl-FgDlcua2I7B1v2TMcjmIctFWsYMFHDUvcEgsQom4sel2bfMjaLxGDAyBhx4evNTGGA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Columbia City Council on July 15 approved a set of encroachments, resolutions and event permits during its regular meeting.

Council granted an encroachment for sidewalks adjacent to 7620 Garner's Ferry Road (ordinance 2025‑061) and separately approved an encroachment to Benedict College for right‑of‑way uses on Oak Street (ordinance 2025‑069) covering brick columns, fencing, pavement, curb and landscaping. Council also approved a resolution designating Columbia as a Be a City USA affiliate (R‑2025‑050) and authorized the city manager to execute a memorandum of agreement with Stars and Stripes 3T LLC for the Arabella Springs off‑site water main expansion (R‑2025‑054).

Event resolutions 34–39 were approved as a group after council removed the 1500 block of Main Street from the permit area for one festival; a city manager staff member clarified that items 34–39 were event resolutions and that the published agenda reflected item 30 as the STR first reading.

All items were approved by roll call during the meeting; recorded votes showed council support for the encroachments and resolutions.","Council approved encroachment ordinances for Garner's Ferry sidewalks and Benedict College campus work, adopted a Be a City USA designation, authorized a memorandum of agreement for Arabella Springs water work, and approved event resolutions (items 34–39) after a change to the permitted block for one festival.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City approves $13.77 million contract for Rosewood water‑main upgrade

Columbia council advances short‑term rental enforcement changes after hours of public comment

Civil‑rights notice and community groups press council on charging practices and violence prevention

Council defers $30,000 funding request for Sally R. Brasley Foundation pending paperwork

Council approves multiple encroachments, community resolutions and event permits