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City of Columbia to Host 2nd Annual Career Fair on April 25th
WHO: City of Columbia Departments
WHAT: The City of Columbia will be hosting our second annual career fair to promote openings within various departments. City departments with current vacancies will be on-site to talk with job seekers about the opportunities they have available and provide information on the scope of work their department performs on a daily basis. On the spot interviews will be held during the career fair and offers may be provided to candidates. Here's some great benefits to working at the city:
- Build a career, not a job
- Flexible schedule
- Great/competitive health benefits
- Room for advancement
- Various/multiple career opportunities
- Work for a top-notch organization
WHEN: Tuesday, April 25, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
WHERE: Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln Street, Columbia SC 29201.
To register for the 2023 Career Fair, please visit https://hr.columbiasc.gov/employment/13189-2/
For more information about the careers available, visit https://ColumbiaSC.gov and click on ‘Job Opportunities’ on the homepage.
View Sharon Nelson, City of Columbia HR/Talent Acquisition Manager, promote the career fair on Soda City Live:
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City to Hold National Youth Violence Prevention Week Event
The City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Department is holding a special event for National Youth Violence Prevention Week.
The event will feature a 1-hour presentation called “Ending the Silence” where teens will learn about warning signs of mental health conditions that typically appear in teens/early adulthood, warning signs of suicide and what to do about both. The presentation will be presented by Kaitlyn Hunter, ETS Program Coordinator of NAMI of South Carolina, NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Health.
The event will also feature a skit that teaches teens and young adults how to deal with their different emotions. The skit will be presented by Dr. Germon Miller, Program Coordinator for the City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Department. Breakout sessions facilitated by local school counselors and social workers will follow the skit to provide the opportunity for the attendees to learn methods of conflict resolution and coping mechanisms.
At the conclusion, refreshment will be served to those who attend.
“The mental health and psychological well-being of our youth is more critical now than ever. Just recently an incident occurred in our community, which resulted in one sibling fatally injuring another. That tragedy was devastating and unfortunately there are other violent acts committed by youth that occur too frequently. We must take a stand as a village and it starts with open dialogue with our children,” said Mayor Pro Tem Ed McDowell.
The full event schedule is as follows:
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm – “Ending the Silence” Presentation presented by Kaitlyn Hunter, ETS Program Coordinator, NAMI of South Carolina
7:00 pm – 7:20 pm – “The X Factor” presented by Dr. Germon Miller, City of Columbia Parks and Recreation
7:20 pm – 7:40 pm- Breakout Sessions with local school counselors and social workers
7:40 pm – 8:00 pm – Refreshments served
This event will take place Hyatt Park, 950 Jackson Avenue from 6:00 pm -8:00 pm. on Thursday, April 27, 2023.
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“Columbia Clean-Up” Focuses on District 3 This Week
The final week of the City of Columbia’s month long clean-up initiative, “Columbia Clean-Up,” focuses on District III until Thursday evening, April 27, 2023. The City of Columbia’s Solid Waste division has placed dumpsters throughout the district, so citizens across the districts have access to a dumpster near their community.
The City of Columbia encourages neighborhoods and districts to help beautify their communities and protect our environment by disposing yard debris, bulky items and unwanted materials from the streets and lots throughout the area.
“Cleaning up Columbia one neighborhood at a time, one street at a time, puts pride back in our neighborhoods,” Mayor Daniel J. Rickenmann said. “We get 15 million visitors in Columbia and they ride throughout all our communities and every gateway. We want them to see who we truly are, the shining star in the middle of the state that is our capital city.”
The fourth week of collections started on Friday, April 21st and lasts until Thursday, April 27th. Below are the approved locations of dumpsters for the following week:
- MLK Park | 2300 Greene St.
- Rosewood Park | 915 Elm St.
- Edisto Discovery Park | 1912 Wiley St.
- Columbia Tennis Center | 815 Whaley St.
- Sims Park | 3500 Duncan St.
- Valencia Park | 3744 Montgomery St.
Items that belong in the dumpsters include yard waste (grass trimmings, limbs, shrubbery, leaves, etc.), furniture, clothes that can’t be donated, children’s toy (plastic bikes, slides, etc.), Styrofoam and litter pick-up bags. Please refrain from putting trash, electronic or hazardous materials into the dumpsters. If you have any questions on what materials are accepted in the dumpsters or other general information about Columbia Clean-Up, please contact Solid Waste at (803) 545-3800 or e-mail Sanitation@ColumbiaSC.gov.
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Dominion Energy to Continue Performing Tree Trimming Activities as Scheduled for 2023
Dominion Energy will continue performing tree trimming activities along overhead utility lines in the following neighborhoods this week:
Distribution Line Tree Trimming:
Granby Hill Alliance
Olympia Residents Coalition
University of South Carolina
Vista Neighborhood Association
Whaley Street Neighborhood
Community Improvement Coop Council
Downtown Neighborhood Association
Eva p. Trezevant Neighborhood
Historic Waverly Neigh. Assoc.
Martin Luther King Neighborhood
Robert Mills Historic Neighborhood
University Hills
Historic Trenholm-Buchanan Neighborhood Association
Citizens with specific questions or concerns should contact Forestry and Beautification at 803-545-3860 or Dominion Energy at 1-800-562-9308 to meet and discuss in advance of the work being completed.
The trimming will be completed by Dominion Energy’s contractors and work will be closely monitored by the City’s Certified Arborists from the Forestry and Beautification Division.
The purpose of the trimming activities is to increase safety and reliability of the electric service. Dominion Energy reports an 89% improvement in reliability in vegetation related outages in areas where trimming is completed compared to a year ago. The trimming guidelines include removing vegetation within 8-12 feet below and beside the power lines and up to 20 feet above the power lines.
Dominion Energy and their contractors trim in accordance with International Society of Arboriculture guidelines, using ANSI A300 pruning methods leaving good cuts that will generate new growth.
Dominion Energy’s re-conductor work includes pole replacements and new wire in select locations. The goal of re-conductor work is to improve reliability.
For more information about Dominion Energy’s tree trimming efforts, including helpful tips and suggestions regarding the planting of trees and other vegetation, visit www.dominionenergysc.com/treetrimming.
You can also contact Dominion Energy’s 24-hour Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-800-562-9308.
For continued updates from the city of Columbia follow us on Twitter @cityofcolumbia or “like” the City of Columbia on Facebook.
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CRFD Continuing to Take Applications
For Firefighting Positions
Next Round of Candidates Will Be Tested April 28th & 29th
The Columbia-Richland Fire Department is continuing to accept and review applications for open firefighting positions. Select applicants will be invited to test for CRFD’s Fire Academy on Friday April 28, 2023 and Saturday April 29, 2023.
“We are seeking driven, motived applicants who have a passion for serving others,” said Columbia-Richland Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins, “Furthermore CRFD continues to offer two tracks to becoming a firefighter with us. Those candidates that possess the necessary firefighting experience and certifications are eligible for our Direct Hire Program.”
Prospective applicants can visit the City of Columbia’s career portal to submit an application as a ‘Certified Firefighter’ or ‘Non-Certified Firefighter.’ The non-certified position is for applicants that are new to the firefighting profession.
All applicants with prior firefighting experience and Firefighter I and II certification through IFSAC and or Pro-Board will be eligible for CRFD’s Direct Hire Program. The program features an abridged training academy that enables hires to reach active service with the department in fewer weeks. Those who qualify can apply with the city as a ‘Certified Firefighter.’
At this time CRFD’s base starting pay for a firefighter is $34,174 with incentive pay available to candidates who possess higher ed degrees (Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s) or EMT, Rescue and/or HAZMAT certifications. All firefighters are also eligible for extra pay through overtime opportunities!!
Other benefits of being a firefighter with CRFD include:
- Low cost healthcare for employees and their families under SC PEBA (group health, group dental and group eye insurance plans)
- Paid holidays and vacation time
- Entry in the SC PEBA State Retirement Program
- Opportunities to enroll in the SC Deferred Compensation Program (401K/ 457)
- FREE annual gym membership and access to city gym
- Automatic enrollment and access to benefits with the SC State Firefighter’s Association
- Paid class time
- Flexible spending accounts
- And much more!!
CRFD Pay Scale
(upon completion of recruit schools)
Firefighter Annual Earnings
High School Diploma
$34,174
Associates Degree
$34,686
Bachelor’s Degree
$35,711
Master’s Degree
$36,480
CRFD Incentive Pay Scale
(upon completion of recruit schools)
*Number of Positions is Based on Funding
EMT
$2,600 per year
HAZMAT or Rescue Technician
$2,600 per year
HAZMAT or Rescue Support
$1,300 per year
Prospective applicants with questions are encouraged to contact CRFD Interim Staffing Chief James Bostic by calling 803-545-3331 or sending an email to james.bostic@columbiasc.gov
DON’T DELAY!! APPLY TODAY to be considered for testing April 28th and 29th.
| City Talk with Columbia-Richland Fire | Watch public information officer for CRFD Mike DeSumma and Battalion Chief Thomas Niles on Soda City Live: | |
Parking Services & American Heart Association Announce Sponsors of Heart Health Awareness Initiative | |
The City of Columbia Parking Services and the American Heart Association are proud to announce the 9 sponsors of the Heart Health Awareness Initiative:
• Halls Chop House
• The Hilton of Columbia
• Garvin Design Group
• USC Pastides Alumni Center
• Pull - A - Part Auto Parts
• The Marriott of Columbia
• Saluda's Restaurant
• PAG Marketing
• Southern Press Printing
Each of these sponsors has specially decorated a parking meter to bring awareness to heart health. These great companies and organizations were excited to get involved in this creative way to give back to the communities they serve. They each saw this opportunity as a fun and unique way to come together to boost awareness of heart disease and prevention.
When you are out in the City of Columbia, drop some change into the specially decorated meters to show your support. All money collected at these special meters in the month of April will go directly to the American Heart Association. Pull-A-Part Auto Parts, Saluda's Restaurant and Southern Press Printing’s meters are located in Five Points on Saluda Street. The Hilton of Columbia, Garvin Design Group and PAG Marketing’s meters are located on Lincoln Street in the Vista. The Marriott of Columbia, Halls Chop House and USC Pastides Alumni Center’s meters are located on Main Street.
Each sponsor will also have American Heart Association change receptacles at their place of business for citizens to drop change into.
Your CHANGE can create CHANGE.
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USC Pastides Alumni Center | |
Pull - A - Part Auto Parts | |
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Health, Social and Environmental Affairs Committee
Council Standing Committee
Tuesday, April 25, 2023 11:00 AM
1737 Main Street - 2nd Floor, Columbia, SC 29201
Download PDF Agenda | View Web Agenda
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Administrative Policy Committee
Council Standing Committee
Tuesday, April 25, 2023 1:00 PM
1737 Main Street - 2nd Floor, Columbia, SC 29201
Download PDF Agenda | View Web Agenda
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City Officials Discuss Major Columbia Projects with Congressional Leaders
Mayor Daniel Rickenmann, City Manager Teresa Wilson, Assistant City Manager Clint Shealy and Chanique Belton, Legislative Chief of Staff, met with various leaders in Washington, D.C. last week to discuss some of the largest City of Columbia projects.
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Day 1: Mayor Rickenmann, City Manager Wilson and City Staff meet with South Carolina Representative Ralph Norman | |
Day 2: Mayor Daniel Rickenmann, City Manager Teresa Wilson and City Staff meet with South Carolina Congressmen James Clyburn and Joe Wilson as well as other members of the Congressional Delegation. | |
Everyone was all smiles after meeting with Steve Benjamin, Senior Advisor and Director of the Office of Public Engagement of the White House. It is great to see our Mayor Daniel Rickenmann, City Manager Teresa Wilson and our former mayor working together! | |
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City Council Highlights | April 18, 2023
During the City Council Meeting, City Council approved the honorary naming of the 800 and 900 blocks of Washington Street, “Joe E. Taylor, Jr. Way” in memory of the former council member.
During the presentation portion of the City Council Meeting, Mayor Daniel Rickenmann presented the Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation. The month of April is a time to recognize the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse. He also presented the Military Child Month Proclamation in honor of our military youth and family members who care for them.
Mayor Daniel Rickenmann also presented a $20,000 check to the Prisma Health Foundation, for the Mayor’s Campaign Against Breast Cancer, which is twice the amount of last year’s donation. For over 20 years, this campaign has hosted the Isabel Law Breakfast to bring awareness to the fight against breast cancer and to help those facing this life-changing diagnosis. Fundraising for the campaign allows men, women and children from an array of backgrounds to come together for a common cause. Proceeds will help fund the purchase of a Hologic Prone Stereotactic Unit for the Prisma Health Breast Center. This biopsy technology helps access and visualize lesions with a 360-degree view of the breast. The result is less procedure and breast compression time, leading to a better experience for patients. The City is planning to have even greater impact with the 2023 campaign.
Later in the meeting, City Council approved several items on the consent agenda that allow the City to continue to invest in equipment, technology, training, and opportunities that can provide better service, including upgrades and modernization of the billing software the City uses. These improvements will provide a more reliable, cloud based billing platform and an improved interface for our customers.
Mayor Daniel J. Rickenmann also shared a brief video recap of some of the items discussed at the City Council meeting. View the recap here: https://youtu.be/LXqcU9jGZ4A
For more information about upcoming City Council meetings or general information about the City of Columbia, please visit www.ColumbiaSC.gov.
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Mayor Daniel proclaimed April as Military Child Month. The City of Columbia recognizes military children with support in education, ensuring safety and resources to help them succeed. | |  |
Mayor Daniel Rickenmann proclaimed April as Child Abuse Prevention Month alongside council members and members of Children's Trust of South Carolina. | | |
Mayor Daniel Rickenmann presented a $20,000 check to the Prisma Health Foundation, for the Mayor’s Campaign Against Breast Cancer, which is twice the amount of last year’s donation. For over 20 years, this campaign has hosted the Isabel Law Breakfast to bring awareness to the fight against breast cancer and to help those facing this life-changing diagnosis. | |
Councilwoman Aditi Bussells Joins Techwise Celebration | |
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Councilwoman Aditi Bussells joined California Congressman Ro Khanna and South Carolina Congressman Jim Clyburn and Benedict College leaders to celebrate the first cohort of the Techwise program at Benedict College last Friday.
Offered by TalentSprint and supported by Google, TechWise is a diversity, equity, and inclusion 18-month program that identifies and empowers capable students from underrepresented groups in select U.S. colleges and helps them prepare for high-growth tech careers.
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Councilman Will Brennan Attends Mixed Use Housing Dev | |
Councilman Will Brennan participated in the Groundbreaking Ceremony, held by the USC Development Foundation, for a future 12-story mixed use building that will include student housing, retail spaces, and a garage. | |
Sweet GG'S Ribbon Cutting | |
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On April 21, Mayor Daniel Rickenmann attended Sweet GG's Bakery Grand Re-Opening held at 631-B Harden Street.
After relocating from the Fort Jackson area, Sweet GG's is eager to serve their community their sweet treats, including cakes, cookies and much more!
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Parks and Recreation Summer Camps
Registration Open for City’s 2023 Summer Camps Program Art, Sports & Weekly Camps Offered for Children Register for the Columbia Parks and Recreation Department’s Summer Camps Program, which includes weekly camps and a variety of specialty camps, for children ages 5 and up. Weekly summer camps will be held from Monday, June 12 through Friday, August 4, 2022. The Summer Camp program focuses on education through recreation, team building and leadership, creativity and self-expression, physical fitness and decision-making. Camps are open to both city residents and non-city residents.
For more information about City’s 2023 Summer Camps Program, visit https://parksandrec.columbiasc.gov/programs-activities/summer-camp/
View Christy Wright, Assistant Recreation Superintendent, talk about the summer camps on Soda City Live:
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First Citizens Bank to No Longer Accept Payments from Columbia Water Customers | |
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Welcome Seven New CPD Officers
Deputy Chief Kelly welcomed seven new CPD officers (BCS Class 65-23) and their family and friends at the Municipal Court.
Chief Judge J. Mangum administered the oath of office. CPD’s Basic Candidate School is a 12-week, mandatory training session that prepares police officer candidates with the law enforcement skills to be successful before attending the SC Criminal Justice Academy (CJA). The officers report to the CJA on April 30, 2023.
Officers Pictured from left to right:
Caleb Hickman-Payne
Trey Felton
Kaeshawn Shuler
(DC Kelly)
Kevin Adcock
Darian Davis
Justin Wiley
Ni’Jah Swett
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Office of Business Opportunities 10th Annual Small Business Week Conference
WHO: City of Columbia’s Office of Business Opportunities
WHAT: City of Columbia’s Office of Business Opportunities to host the 10th Annual Small Business Week Conference for Building Bridges to New Opportunities and Innovation. Motivational Speaker and Author, Chris Singleton will be the keynote speaker. There will be informative breakout sessions tailored to growing and sustaining your small business. Also, the U.S. Small Business Administration will have an awards ceremony and matchmaking sessions for small businesses. Click the Eventbrite link to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/city-of-columbias-10th-annual-small-business-week-conference-tickets-588586115917
WHEN: Friday, May 5, 2023 from 9:00 a.m – 3:30 p.m.
WHERE: Medallion Conference Center, 7309 Garners Ferry Road
City Talk With OBO
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View OBO Director Ayesha Driggers and Program Compliance Specialist Kalenna Ginyard on Soda City Live: | |
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Public Works Compost Giveaway
Public Works is hosting a free compost giveaway. The compost site is at 123 Humane Ln. On May 6 and 13, the resident-only event will begin at 8 a.m. and end at 12 p.m. This free event is for residents only. Public Works will assist with loading material onto the vehicles residents choose to bring.
Who: Public Works Solid Waste Division
What: Compost giveaway
When: May 6 & May 13, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Where: 123 Humane Ln.
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City of Columbia Solid Waste Division to Offer Expedited Collection Services During the Months of May, June and July
The City of Columbia Solid Waste Division is offering expedited collection services for move out piles during the months of May, June and July.
Residents can call the Solid Waste main office at 803-545-3800 to report a pile for collection. Solid Waste will collect the pile on the same day. Items in these piles can include:
· Clothing
· Dishes, kitchen tools, and utensils
· Furniture
· Bedding
· Storage bins
· Artwork or wall hangings
· Mops, brooms, or other cleaning tools
· Bulky plastics (i.e. coolers, buckets, or bathroom garbage pails)
Residents are first and foremost encouraged to rethink their waste. Before tossing items to the curb, assess the quality of the items. Items listed above that are in good condition can have a new life and stay out of the landfill by donating these to a local nonprofit in need.
*This is for residential homes only. Students and residents living in apartment complexes are encouraged to donate unwanted items.
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