Columbia council approves public-safety project amendment, property acquisition and community allocations

The Columbia City Council on Tuesday approved several contracts, ordinances and budget allocations, including a guaranteed maximum price amendment for the cityPublic Safety Complex and purchases intended to reduce local flooding.

Key actions taken by the council (roll-call votes recorded) included:

- Approval of AIA guaranteed maximum price amendment No. 1 for the City of Columbia Public Safety Complex at 400 Laurel Street. The motion to approve was made and seconded; the clerk recorded unanimous affirmative votes from Councilmembers Bailey, Brown, Herbert, Bustles, Brennan, McDowell and Mayor Daniel J. Rickman. The council discussion described the new facility as a "great asset for the city."

- Approval on first reading of Ordinance No. 2025040, consenting to inclusion of specified property in a multijurisdictional industrial business park (listed as 604 Hughey LLC and 617 Divine Street Associates LLC in Richland County). The ordinance was referred from the economic development committee and passed first reading by recorded vote.

- Adoption of Resolution R2025018 authorizing acquisition of a 0.03-acre portion of 2409 Santee Avenue (Richland County TMS number as outlined) for a detention pond related to stormwater projects serving the Waverly and Five Points area. The council said the acquisition is part of ongoing investments to reduce flooding.

- Approval of allocations to community organizations: $30,000 to South Carolina Black Pages USA for the organization's 28th annual Black Expo, and $25,000 to Soda City Football Club to support the club's women's program and a semi-professional women's schedule at Memorial Stadium. Councilmembers highlighted the local benefits of sports events and downtown activation.

- Approval of consent agenda items 7 through 21 (bundle approved by roll call).

- Motion passed to enter executive session to receive legal advice on pending litigation and to discuss proposed location/expansion of businesses (Project Catalyst, Project Sparrow, Project QG); the motion carried by recorded roll call.

All votes on the actions above were recorded by the city clerk and the transcript shows unanimous affirmative votes for each recorded item. No recorded votes in the transcript were negative, abstentions or recusals.

The council meeting also included presentations and proclamations (ceremonial items) and an extended public-comment period on other subjects.

The GMP amendment and property acquisition move forward as staff continue procurement and property-transfer steps; the council did not record additional conditions or contingency language on the floor during the roll-call votes documented in the transcript.