Columbia City Council Meeting Summary – April 6, 2026

The Columbia City Council met on Monday, April 6, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber. The agenda included scheduled public comments, six public hearings for Columbia Regional Airport improvements, a zoning text amendment for data centers, a downtown safety ambassador program, a TIF amendment, and several reports. All votes on the floor were unanimous except where noted. The meeting adjourned at 10:40 p.m.

Consent Calendar

• B63-26 – Conditional use permit for short-term rental at 1707 Nelwood Drive.
• B64-26 – Major amendment to the Lake Broadway PD Plan (southeast corner of Gary St. and Pershing Rd.).
• B65-26 – Renaming “State Farm Parkway” to “E. Green Meadows Road.”
• B72-26 – Construction of roadway, intersection, sidewalk, and bridge improvements along Forum Boulevard (Chapel Hill Rd. to Woodrail Ave.).
• B73-26 – Acquisition of easements for the Forum Boulevard improvements.
• B74-26 – Acquisition of easements for Capri Estates stormwater improvements.
• B75-26 – Expanded HIV testing program services agreement with Saline County Health Department.
• B76-26 – Amendment No. 2 to the fetal and infant mortality review program contract.
• B79-26 – Tennis court resurfacing grant application (Cosmo-Bethel Park) – appropriation of $212,235.
• R58-26 – Setting public hearing for storm drainage improvements on Braemore Rd., Highland Dr., Summit Rd., and Fairview Rd.
• R59-26 – CDBG subrecipient agreement with Woodhaven for low-income disabled housing renovations.
• R60-26 – First amendment to HOME agreement with Habitat for Humanity for an affordable housing unit at 3017 Milkweed Loop.
• R61-26 – Interconnection and net metering agreement with the Diocese of Jefferson City for solar panels at 602 Turner Ave.
• R62-26 – Professional engineering services for State Farm Parkway/Nifong Boulevard roundabout design.
• R63-26 – Tourism sponsorship agreement for the 2026 NXTPRO Hoops Basketball Tournament.
• R65-26 – Agreement with Central Missouri Foster Care & Adoption Association for respite events at the ARC.
• R66-26 – Agreement with Columbia Youth Basketball Association for use of parks and rec facilities.
• R67-26 – Reappointment of Andrew Briscoe as associate municipal judge.

All consent items were approved unanimously by voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Alex Gordon (scheduled public comment) – Expressed strong support for city funding for Vidwest Studios, describing it as an inclusive environment that provides resources, equipment, rehearsal space, and mentorship for creatives. She stated that Vidwest helped her find her path and that she now gives back through her own collective.
• Susan Renee Carter (scheduled public comment) – Argued that Columbia is not truly a progressive city for marginalized communities, citing persistent poverty rates, low wages, racial disparities in ticketing, and high unemployment. She recommended placing equity language in the city charter, setting specific measurable goals aligned with the budget, eliminating disparity-reinforcing ordinances, and engaging with the National Civic League’s Civic Index.

Public Hearings & Old Business

Columbia Regional Airport Improvements (PH8‑26 through PH13‑26)

Airport Manager Mike Parks presented six projects, all unanimously approved (7‑0 votes) after public hearings with limited comment:

1. North Parking Lot Improvements (B66‑26) – Paving of gravel lot and turf to add approximately 200 spaces (total 425) at a cost of $3,226,300. Phase 1 (191 spaces) will be completed before June for new Allegiant service; full completion by mid‑July. Funded by transportation sales tax. Public comment: Austin Bevins (3rd Ward) supported all airport improvements; Renee Carter (2nd Ward) wished the discussion had occurred at the time of airline expansion decisions.
2. Passenger Boarding Bridge (B67‑26) – Addition of a bridge at Gate 3 (sterile area) to accommodate increasing flights. Total cost $1,810,000; FAA reimburses 90% of construction, city pays design ($60,000) and 10% of construction. Construction timeline 18–24 months. No public testimony.
3. De‑icing Pad and Glycol Recovery System (B68‑26) – New pad and containment facility to capture de‑icing fluid currently flowing into the stormwater system. Total cost $4,714,650 (90% FAA reimbursable). Local match from transportation sales tax. Construction winter 2026‑spring 2027. Public comment: Carol Thompson (3rd Ward) expressed confusion about intentionally putting glycol into stormwater; staff clarified the system will capture and store glycol for proper disposal.
4. Terminal Building Loop Road (B69‑26) – Full‑depth reconstruction of 650 linear feet of failing road and sidewalk, plus extension of sidewalk to improve pedestrian safety. Cost $859,381 (90% FAA reimbursable). Construction planned summer 2026. No public testimony.
5. Terminal Building Production Kitchen (B70‑26) – Construction of a kitchen to support a restaurant in the terminal, allowing food service for both public and secure sides via a locker system. City‑funded cost $828,176; concessionaire (Jackson Brothers/Tailwinds) will provide kitchen equipment. Public testimony: Timothy Temple (2nd Ward, Jackson Brothers) supported the project, noting the company is local, veteran‑owned, and women‑owned, and that the kitchen will enable a more complete food and beverage experience.
6. Airport Drive Reconstruction (B71‑26) – Resurfacing and improvements to 1.3 miles of Airport Drive, including a new crosswalk and wayfinding signage design. Cost $1,705,000 from transportation sales tax. Public testimony: Renee Carter asked why the federal postal service could not help pay; staff explained the road serves multiple tenants beyond the terminal, making FAA funding ineligible. All six bills passed 7‑0 (Council Member Peters was absent for the vote on B69‑26).

Data Center Zoning Definition (B62‑26) – Passed 7‑0

Community Development Director Clint Smith presented the first of two steps to regulate data centers: creating a definition and making data centers a conditional use in the IG (Industrial General) district. Staff noted that a second phase will develop use‑specific standards. Public testimony:

• James Gordon (Missouri Rural Crisis Center) – Supported the proposal but called for a temporary moratorium until safeguards (e.g., restrictions on power generation, water protections, taxpayer protections) are in place.
• Tyler Travers (Renew Missouri) – Supported the definition, recommended renewable energy requirements and consumer protections, and also supported a temporary moratorium.
• Kevin Hull (3rd Ward property owner) – Asked if his certified data‑center site would be grandfathered; he agreed concerns should be addressed and suggested a meeting with staff.
• Eugene Elkin (2nd Ward) – Opposed data centers entirely, citing cancer risks and low job creation. After passage, Mayor Buffaloe made a motion to direct staff to bring back an ordinance imposing a six‑month administrative delay on processing conditional use and building permits for data centers while specific use standards are developed. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote.

Block by Block Ambassador Program (B77‑26) – Passed 7‑0

Police Chief Jill Schlude presented a memorandum of understanding among the city, University of Missouri, and Downtown Community Improvement District to fund a safety ambassador program. The program will deploy six uniformed ambassadors Thursday–Sunday, 5 p.m.–3 a.m., plus one full‑time outreach ambassador. Each partner pays one‑third of the annual cost; the first year’s appropriation of $168,130.01 comes from general fund reserves. Public testimony:

• Lara Piper (Downtown CID Board Chair) – Expressed strong support, noting the program will address small issues before they escalate and allow police to focus on enforcement.
• Mat Gass (Columbia Chamber of Commerce) – Supported the program as a best practice, citing a firsthand visit to Columbia, South Carolina.

Broadway Hotel Phase Two TIF Amendment (B78‑26) – Passed 7‑0

Assistant Finance Director Jim McDonald explained that the amendment allows the developer to issue tax increment revenue notes to finance/refinance project costs originally approved in 2018. The developer did not request the notes earlier; the city incurs no taxpayer cost. Council Member Sample expressed concern about the timing of interest accrual; staff noted future TIF agreements can be structured with periodic payouts.

Earth Day Festival Resolution (R64‑26) – Passed as amended

The resolution was moved from the consent agenda due to a typographical error (incorrectly naming a different entity as the organizer). Mayor Buffaloe moved to amend by replacing “FPC Live, LLC” with “Mid‑Missouri Peaceworks.” The amendment and the resolution passed unanimously.

Reports

• Business Loop CID Annual Membership – Council consented to the reappointment of Daryle Bascom, Michele Batye, and Mary Grupe to the CID Board of Directors for three‑year terms.
• Rental Inspection Frequency (REP19‑26) – Housing and Neighborhood Services Director Bill Rataj reported community feedback on a proposed tiered inspection system. A public meeting and online survey (143 total responses) found 61% support for a tiered system; 53% of landlords/property managers supported it. Council Member Carroll moved to direct staff to draft ordinance changes to Chapter 22 (Rental Conservation Law). The motion passed 6‑1 (Council Member Waterman dissenting).
• Outsourcing Comparison (REP20‑26) – Deputy City Manager Matt Unrein, Utilities Director Erin Keys, and City Manager De’Carlon Seewood answered questions about contracts for mowing, concrete work, fleet maintenance, and temporary staffing. Staff noted efforts to bring some work in‑house as hiring improves.
• Monthly Finance Report (REP21‑26) – Assistant Finance Director Jim McDonald reported first‑quarter FY2026 revenues and expenditures. Sales tax revenues in April were up 2.7%, on track to match FY2024 levels.

General Comments (Public, Council, Staff)

• Eugene Elkin – Raised concerns about the Oats bus lacking A/C and heat, the potential loss of Wilkes Boulevard Church, lack of public transit to the airport, and rising costs for rent and gas.
• Shannon Glasgow – Stated he was wrongfully arrested and is suing the state and others; he provided documentation and asked to tell his story.
• Council Member Sample – Requested that the Finance Advisory and Audit Committee review the budget before it comes to council; asked staff to reach out to Earth Day organizers about temporary business license fee impacts; and requested B81‑26 (temporary business license fees) be moved to old business at the next meeting for discussion.
• Council Member Elwood – Requested that four commissions (Disabilities, Human Rights, Board of Health, Substance Use Prevention) review the potential need for a mental health commission.
• Council Member Foster – Noted the passing of Leigh Lockhart, founder of Main Squeeze; announced upcoming events (Unbound Book Festival, Fair Housing event, MERS Goodwill Excel Center).
• Airport Manager Mike Parks – Announced completion and FAA approval of the Airport Master Plan (first since 2009), to be discussed at the April 13 work session.

Key Outcomes

• Six airport improvement bills (B66‑26 to B71‑26) all passed 7‑0.
• B62‑26 (data center definition and conditional use) passed 7‑0; a separate motion to direct staff to bring a six‑month administrative delay ordinance passed unanimously by voice vote.
• B77‑26 (Block by Block MOU and budget appropriation) passed 7‑0.
• B78‑26 (Broadway Hotel TIF amendment) passed 7‑0.
• Consent agenda with 19 items approved unanimously.
• R64‑26 (Earth Day Festival) amended and passed 7‑0.
• Motion to proceed with rental inspection ordinance changes passed 6‑1 (Waterman opposed).
• Council consented to Business Loop CID board reappointments.
• Council directed staff to refer a mental health commission feasibility request to four commissions.
• Council requested staff to engage Earth Day organizers about fee impacts and moved B81‑26 to old business.