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Feb.2017
i n this issue >>> City Manager Teresa Wilson Announces
Utility Operations, Engineering andCustomer Care Reorganization Update
Columbia City Council AdoptsComprehensive Vending Food Service Policy
Clean Water 2020 Video Features CityManager Teresa Wilson
Spotlight City Manager’s
The City Manager’s Spotlight provides details about what is happening in the City in an effort to keep citizens informed about City operations.
Office of the City Manager
P.O. Box 147, Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-545-3026
Fax: 803-545-3051
Teresa Wilson Columbia City Manager
and more >>>
City Manager Teresa Wilson Announces Utility Operations, Engineering and Customer Care
Reorganization Update
City Manager Teresa Wilson announces that organizational changes have been moving forward for the City of Columbia’s Department of Utility Operations, Department of Engineering and the Customer Care and Field Services Division. During December 2016, Wilson shared with City Council and City staff that an assessment of all operations was underway and she would continue to work internally to identify various ways to improve service delivery and departmental efficiencies and also initiate best practices. Effective January 1, 2017, a new organizational structure became official on a citywide basis, which included changes in the Department of Utility Operations, the Department of Engineering and the Customer Care and Field Services Division.
With the launch of Envision Columbia, the City’s 2036 Vision Statement, City Council and City staff committed to lead the way in innovative and high quality municipal services. This is one of the seven focus areas of the new vision and the internal work plan. Improvement efforts that began with the wastewater system through the Clean Water 2020 program are expanding to the City’s drinking water, engineering, customer service and other utility support groups.
“We have started the process, but our work will continue. I am proud of the teamwork displayed internally and I am humbled by the commitment of our staff to work diligently on improving our operations. The provision of water and sewer services is an integral part of the future growth and development of our city. Specifically, water quality is a primary focus for all of our customers. By working together, we will elevate our services and operations in order to prepare our community for future expansion and an enhanced quality of life,” Wilson stated.
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City Manager Teresa Wilson Announces Utility Operations, Engineering and Customer Care
Reorganization Update (Cont'd)
Below are highlights of some of the improvement efforts that will impact water and sewer customers. While some improvements are still in the development phase, other changes have already taken place that are improving our systems and services. As this plan moves forward, City staff will continue to focus on providing high quality municipal services, efficiently, effectively, and responsively.
Customer Response:
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Meter Reading Auditing Measures:
City Manager Teresa Wilson Announces Utility Operations, Engineering and Customer Care
Reorganization Update (Cont'd)
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City Manager Teresa Wilson Announces Utility Operations, Engineering and Customer Care
Reorganization Update (Cont'd) Departmental Reorganization:
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City of Columbia's Black History ExtravaganzaThe Honorable James E. Clyburn, South Carolina 6th Congressional District, served as the keynote speaker at the City of Columbia’s Black History Extravaganza on Monday, February 20 at Greenview Park. During the program Councilman Sam Davis gave attendees a warm welcome and Sr. Assistant City Manager S. Allison Baker introduced the keynote speaker. The Black History Extravaganza kicked off with the exhibitor fair and featured live entertainment.
Clean Water 2020 Video Features City Manager Teresa Wilson
City Manager Teresa Wilson will be featured in a video that focuses on the continued success of the City's Clean Water 2020 initiative. The Clean Water 2020 Program is designed to protect the safety and health of citizens by focusing on wastewater system assessment, infrastructure renewal and upgrades and operational improvements. It also provides the City and its customers with a sustainable, well-maintained, and reliable wastewater system that fully complies with regulatory requirements.
During her interview City Manager Teresa Wilson discusses how she sees the importance and value of "Smart Infrastructure" and the confidence that she has in the "asset management" practices being put in place as a result of Clean Water 2020 efforts.
She also discusses the City's new vision statement and how Clean Water 2020 is helping the City move towards the goals related to Envision Columbia, specifically in the areas of Economic Prosperity and Innovative and High Quality Municipal Services.
The City of Columbia is taking a comprehensive approach to vending and food service at its facilities, meetings and events to improve the quality of health for its employees and all citizens.Columbia City Council unanimously approved a new policy designed to increase healthy food options in the City at a regular meeting on Tuesday, February 7.
“We know how important it is to have healthy lifestyles, and the food we put into our bodies is, of course, a major component of that,” said Mayor Steve Benjamin. “I’m excited that our city will be making changes that help our residents collectively and individually.”
The Healthy Vending and Food Service Policy expands the City’s existing vending machine policy to include food and beverages purchased, sold, served or otherwise provided by the City for its employees as well as guests of any program, event or meeting.
“We know that approximately 32 percent of residents in South Carolina are obese and obesity costs the state $8.5 billion each year in health care costs,” Councilwoman Tameika Isaac Devine said. “This policy will help reduce those numbers, and provide a stronger nutritional standard when it comes to our vending machines as well as the food and drinks that are served at our events, programs and meetings.”
Councilwoman Devine said the policy helps support Council’s new vision for Columbia, specifically the Empowering Our Residents focus area.
In January, City Council revealed its Envision Columbia Vision Statement, which is Council’s new strategic plan to improve the overall quality of life in the City.
“This policy falls right in line with our goal of changing the culture of health here in Columbia and we can do that by empowering our citizens with the tools they need to be successful,” Councilwoman Tameika Isaac Devine said.
The consumption of unhealthy foods and beverages contributes to the development of preventable diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Improving the healthy options for the City’s 2,300 employees as well as those who visit City facilities and public events will have a positive impact on one’s eating behaviors.
To do so, the City has partnered with Eat Smart Move More SC and the American Heart Association in implementing the policy.“The City of Columbia has been a leader in our state and nation in ensuring employees and residents have access to healthy, affordable foods and safe places to be active,” Eat Smart Move More South Carolina Executive Director Beth Franco said. “This policy builds upon the great work the City is already doing by providing healthier food and beverages choices in City parks, recreation centers, office buildings, and at City-sponsored meetings and events.”
“Eat Smart Move More SC is excited to work with the City to support successful implementation of this policy, and we hope other municipalities in South Carolina follow Columbia's lead.”
Dr. Anil Yallapragada, Mid-Atlantic Affiliate board member with the American Heart Association, said the association supports the City in its efforts to lead by example and applauds the significant attention and importance placed on community wellness and health.
Click here to view the full City Vending Food Service Policy
Columbia City Council Adopts Comprehensive Vending Food Service Policy
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Several Save Lives at the 7th Annual "Hoop It Up" Blood Drive
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Hospitals and patients depend on the generosity of volunteer blood donors. The entire donation process takes only about an hour and in that short time, blood donors can score a potentially lifesaving three-pointer: Each donation can help save the lives of up to three patients.
The City of Columbia once again teamed up with the American Red Cross to save thousands of lives at the annual ‘Hoop It Up’ Blood Drive on Friday, February 24th. The community was invited to join the lifesaving team at the blood drive that was held at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln St.
All presenting donors received a Red Cross T-shirt and were entered to win a $5 Amazon. com gift card via email.
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Over the course of 2016, City Council members worked diligently to come up with a strategic plan to improve the overall quality of life in the city. That strategic plan, known as City Council’s Vision Statement, describes what their ideal state for citizens, businesses, students and tourists will be in the future. It poses as a detailed road map that has distinct directions from one destination to the next. It is a complete layout of new ideas and goals for Columbia to reach its full potential.
The Vision Statement consists of seven different focus areas and a set of five goals as desired future states that City Council hopes to achieve by 2036. Each Council member has endorsed one of the focus areas and will act as a lead spokesperson that will work on communicating/implementing the objectives of that area. New projects and initiatives will be created to incorporate the goals of the statement. Council agenda items that involve vision statement projects will be recognized and updated to notify the public of the progression that City Council has made.
The internal process will be led by City Manager Teresa Wilson to monitor the benchmarks and accomplishments as it relates to the goals and operations of the City departments.
Focus areas are listed below as the desired future states Council hopes to achieve by 2036:
1. Attracting and Retaining Talent2. Planning Together3. Connecting our Community4. Empowering our Residents Columbia5. Economic Prosperity-Endless Possibilities6. Enhancing Columbia’s Neighborhoods7. Leading the Way in Innovative and High Quality Municipal Services
Goals to Achieve the City Council 2036 Vision: GOAL 1 - Grow opportunities for entrepreneurship, business development and a skilled workforce to achieve a healthy economy GOAL 2 – Connect the City’s neighborhoods and business districts through cohesive land use, infrastructure development, and transportation planning GOAL 3 – Foster a healthy quality of life focusing on safety, culture, and recreation GOAL 4 – Collaborate and partner with entities within the Midlands region to become the state’s prime destination for residents, visitors, and businesses GOAL 5 – Provide high quality municipal services, efficiently, effectively, and responsively
To view the full City Council Vision Statement, please go to http://www.columbiasc.gov/vision.
City Council’s Vision for Columbia#EnvisionColumbia
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Recent Funding Approved by Columbia City Council
On Tuesday, February 21, the #EnvisionColumbia car made its debut at City Hall , just in time for City Council's work session! The car features the City Council Vision Statement, complete with the 7 focus areas, logo, goals and the official vision statement graphic.
#EnvisionColumbia Car Makes Its Debut at City Hall
On February 7th, City Council approved several internal City General Capital Projects as recommended by the City Manager and staff. The projects are as follows:
1) $79,830 for the Vista Greenway Phase II2) $90,000 for Finlay Park playground equipment3) Completion of the funding for the Parks and Recreation Arts Center in the amount of $450,0004) Funding to complete repairs on the Finlay Park fountain in the amount of $100,0005) Funding to complete the HVAC repairs and renovation needed at the United Way building to utilize the second floor and entrance to the building6) The City's required local funding match for the partnership with SCDOT to enhance transit within the Assembly Street corridor through the 2005 Appropriation Act Next Generation High Speed Rail earmark of $595,2007) Funding to build the needed Busby Street Community Center and law enforcement annex in the amount of$2,500,000. This funding will cover the entire project to include site preparation, furnishings and landscaping.
Finding An Agent That’s Right For You
About Teresa Wilson
Please do not hesitate to contact me with your concerns, suggestions and hopes for our City.
I take pleasure in my service to each of you!
All my best,
Teresa Wilson is the City Manager for the City of Columbia, SC. For more details on the
City Manager, visit ColumbiaSC.net/City-Manager. For more information about the City
of Columbia, visit ColumbiaSC.net.
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#EnvisionColumbia Princesses
On Tuesday, February 7, City Manager Teresa Wilson welcomed the City's two new #EnvisionColumbia Princesses to City Hall. Maeghan Serenity Daniels & Rilynn Avy Fanning (pictured above) appeared in the Envision Columbia video and were invited to lead the Pledge of Allegiance at the City Council meeting .
