Columbia City Council Regular Meeting - May 18, 2026

This regular meeting of the Columbia City Council on Monday, May 18, 2026, began at 7:00 PM and adjourned at 12:12 AM. The council approved a special election for a 1% public safety sales tax, enacted a one-year moratorium on data center applications, and approved conditional use permits for short-term rentals. Six members were present (Carroll, Elwood, Sample, Hartman, Peters, and Mayor Buffaloe); Council Member Foster was absent. City Manager De'Carlon Seewood, Deputy City Counselor Becky Thompson, City Clerk Sheela Amin, and various department heads also attended.

Consent Calendar

• B124-26 – Designating a portion of Business Loop 70 within The Business Loop Community Improvement District as “Historic Hwy 40.”
• B125-26 – Authorizing a right-of-use permit with The Curators of the University of Missouri for utilities within Sixth Street right-of-way.
• B126-26 – Authorizing an easement agreement with Ameren Missouri for rerouting an electric transmission line.
• B128-26 – Amending the FY 2026 budget by appropriating $167,641.69 for transmission repair of an aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle.
• B129-26 – Amending the FY 2026 budget to add and eliminate positions in the Police Department; adding a classification.
• B130-26 – Amending the FY 2026 budget and Classification and Pay Plan to designate union representation for the Columbia Police Civilians Association.
• B131-26 – Authorizing an agreement with Columbia Community Land Trust, Inc. to transfer City-owned real estate at 1107 N. Eighth Street and 1109 N. Eighth Street for owner-occupied affordable housing.
• R97-26 – Setting a public hearing for construction of Fire Station #10 at 1020 S. El Chaparral Avenue.
• R98-26 – Authorizing an agency partner agreement with the Institute for Community Alliances for access to the homeless management information system.
• R99-26 – Authorizing a fixed base operator agreement with AMS of Missouri, LLC for aircraft fuel sales at Columbia Regional Airport.
• R100-26 – Authorizing agreements for the display of artwork in North Village Park through the “Sculpture on the Move” program.
• R101-26 – Authorizing an artist's commission agreement with Matthew Moyer for the Flat Branch Park public art project.
• R102-26 – Authorizing a short-term license agreement with Boone Hospital Center for parking for the 2026 Fourth of July “Fire in the Sky” event.
• R103-26 – Expressing support for the Historic Survey of the Benton-Stephens Neighborhood Phase III; authorizing submission of a grant application.

All consent agenda items were approved unanimously by voice vote (6-0, Foster absent).

Special Items

• SI5-26 – Police Chief Jill Schlude recognized officers for their response to a January 4, 2026 active shooter incident at the 4800 block of Clark Lane and a January 29, 2026 shooting near McKee Street and Alan Lane. Officer Quittin Brown and Officer Katherine Guise each received a Certificate of Commendable Performance; Officer Nathan Harrell received a Certificate of Commendation for Meritorious Service; Officer Nicholas Howard, Officer Devin Jens, and Detective Malique Dameron each received a Certificate of Life Saving Commendation.
• SI6-26 – Council Member Sample and Mayor Buffaloe recognized graduating seniors of the Youth Advisory Council (YAC): Grace Harris, Ahlam Alamin, Xi Kang, Mira Tosh, John Yu, and Alex Hiles, along with staff liaison Lacey Salazar.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Colin Skinner (lifelong Columbia resident) expressed strong support for continued City funding of Vidwest Studios, stating it provides creative community, technical skills, and a reason for residents to stay in Columbia rather than move to larger cities. He noted his first sketch comedy production is in final edits and his next short film is in pre-production.
• Jim Windsor (200 Manor Drive) commented on utility cost transparency, asserting that base charges (including PILOT and sales tax) mean most residents pay about $75 before using any water, electricity, or sewer. He noted the consultant recommended rate increases for sewer, solid waste, and water, plus a 6% electric rate increase, while the Water and Light Advisory Board recommended increasing the power cost adjustment from 15% to 25%, which he called “extremely detrimental” to large industrial customers. He argued the water utility is paying an extra $400,000/year in property tax equivalent due to annexation, which could increase with plant improvements, and claimed the sewer and solid waste utilities started paying gross receipts tax without Council authorization, adding roughly $2 million each in fixed costs.
• Grace Harris (Chair, Youth Advisory Council) presented YAC's annual report, noting 15 council members, 10 meetings, a honeysuckle removal event, a Youth Summit at Earth Day, an Instagram takeover generating over 40,000 views, and an official letter of support to the Missouri General Assembly for two safety/security bills. Recommendations included ensuring every high school has representation (currently lacking Battle High School members), a youth conference for internships and resources, another social media takeover, and dedicated future liaisons.
• Dani Perez spoke at four public hearings: supporting Armory improvements, questioning the timing of the CDBG/HOME vote relative to the comment period, expressing concern that the proposed public safety sales tax is actually a police and fire tax and questioning equity in training and outreach to black voices, and supporting the data center moratorium.
• Tyler Travers (Ward 4 resident) spoke at three public hearings: supporting the electronic gaming machine ordinance and noting Darin Pries (Central Missouri Community Action) also supported it; supporting the data center moratorium and urging conditional use requirements for renewable energy and consumer protections; and (later in General Comments) supporting the ordinance.
• Eugene Elkin (Ward 2 resident) spoke at three public hearings and in General Comments: opposing the sales tax as hurting seniors, low-income persons, and the homeless; expressing concern that data centers consume excessive energy and water; and urging the Council to remember where they came from and to reduce spending.
• Traci Wilson-Kleekamp (Race Matters, Friends) spoke on the CDBG/HOME plan and the sales tax: she agreed with Perez on transparency concerns; she stated police and fire have been neglected but so has the general public, and questioned whether the city is “practicing or performing equity,” vowing not to vote for the sales tax unless a more viable, equitable, and sustainable alternative is offered.
• Susan Maze (Ward 1 resident) spoke on the sales tax and on the Sixth Street short-term rental: she argued the sales tax is regressive and that the city relies on a regressive system, noting few places in Columbia have a sales tax below 10 cents on the dollar; she stated she did not receive notification about the short-term rental hearing and asserted there is no way to register a complaint with Housing and Neighborhood Services without a police report.
• Brenda Campbell (Ward 2 resident) opposed the sales tax, stating the financial presentation was misleading because it did not define low-, middle-, and high-income in dollar amounts, and noting her household income rarely increases while costs for groceries and gas rise; she questioned whether money would just sit if police positions remain unfilled.
• David Bell (son of property owner at 2211 Concordia Drive) opposed the short-term rental at 2208 Concordia Drive, citing concerns about traffic, noise, police ability to arrest repeat offenders, safety of children, and lack of ownership by transient guests.
• Stan Campbell (Ward 2 resident, speaking for his mother-in-law Barbara Bell) opposed the short-term rental, stating most neighbors spoken with did not want it, and argued it would impact quality of life and neighborhood character beyond technical compatibility.
• Kent Cook (owner with wife Lori of 2208 Concordia Drive) supported the short-term rental, explaining they plan to use it only for gap periods between long-term leases and have agreed to fewer nights per year; they have been responsive landlords.
• Aylya Marzolf (owner of 802 N. Sixth Street) supported her application, explaining she and her husband bought the home planning to live there, but a job offer in Los Angeles forced them to use it as a short-term rental for two years; she stated notices were sent to the wrong address, and she takes care in vetting guests.
• Pat Fowler (resident of Sixth Street) read a statement from neighbor Mara Aruguete opposing the short-term rental at 802 N. Sixth Street, citing disruption of community stability, negative impact on affordable housing, and lack of property maintenance (overgrown lawn). Fowler noted this would be the eighth licensed short-term rental in the North Central neighborhood.

Discussion Items

• Removal of Tracts from North 763 Community Improvement District (B120-26) – Deputy City Counselor Thompson explained the request to remove property owned by Burrell, Inc. and Edenton Ridge Apartments, LP from the CID boundary because the properties generate no sales tax revenue. The Council approved removal unanimously.
• Armory HVAC and Lighting Improvements (PH17-26) – Sustainability Manager Eric Hempel and Ameresco representative Dana Dunn presented a $2 million energy performance contract for LED lighting and HVAC upgrades at the Armory (built 1939, HVAC unchanged since 2000). The project is expected to save $165,000 annually and achieve Energy Star certification. Dani Perez expressed support for preserving public space. The Council approved the motion to proceed.
• FY 2026 CDBG/HOME Annual Action Plan (R104-26) – Housing Director Bill Rataj reported that the plan, covering $1,000,000 in CDBG and $488,000 in HOME funds (both a 5.6% reduction from FY25), was developed through a public survey, Housing and Community Development Commission review, and funding recommendations approved by Council in August 2025. HUD announced allocation amounts on April 3, 2026; the plan must be submitted by June 3, 2026. Council discussion centered on the timing conflict: the public comment period closes May 26, but the vote occurred May 18. Staff noted that if the plan is not approved, the city risks losing the funding. The resolution was adopted (6-0).
• Electronic Gaming Machines Ordinance (B37-26) – Deputy City Counselor Thompson and Police Chief Schlude reported that the Missouri Attorney General declared video lottery terminals (VLTs) illegal and that enforcement actions have removed all known machines from Columbia, except some present but not turned on at one location. Tyler Travers and Darin Pries supported the ordinance. The ordinance was enacted (6-0).
• Public Safety Sales Tax (B119-26A) – Police Chief Schlude, Fire Chief Schaeffer, Finance Director Lue, and Assistant Finance Director McDonald presented a detailed proposal for a 1% sales tax (generating an estimated $38 million annually) to fund 50 new police officers over four years, 42 new firefighters over four years, a new police precinct, renovation of three fire stations and construction of two new ones, a technology plan, and pension stabilization. The tax would be placed on the August 4, 2026 ballot. Council discussion included questions about the impact on the general fund (initial relief of $6 million), prevention vs. response, recruitment challenges, and equity. Multiple public speakers opposed the tax as regressive. The ordinance was enacted (6-0).
• Data Center Moratorium (B121-26) – Community Development Director Smith presented a one-year administrative delay on processing data center applications, extended from the initially proposed six months. Public speakers supported the moratorium, urging protections for renewable energy and consumer costs. The ordinance was enacted (6-0).
• Short-Term Rental – 2208 Concordia Drive (B122-26) – Staff reported that the applicant agreed to reduce the rental from 210 to 120 nights per year and from 8 to 6 guests (to match on-site parking). Planning and Zoning Commission voted 6-0 to recommend approval. Public speakers opposed, citing traffic, noise, safety, and neighborhood character. The Council passed the conditional use permit (6-0).
• Allegiant Air Service Agreement (B127-26) – Airport Manager Parks reported a two-year, $1 million agreement (8 quarterly payments of $125,000 plus waived fees and marketing) for Allegiant to operate five weekly departures to Orlando and Destin, Florida, starting June 3, 2026. Flights are expected to add 70,000 passengers annually. The ordinance was enacted (6-0).
• North Village Park Development (B132-26) – Parks Director Huffington presented a $1,425,000 appropriation to complete construction of the park at 210 Orr Street, including sidewalks, underground electric utilities, green infrastructure (silva cells for street trees), stormwater improvements, and relocation of water lines and fire hydrants. The goal is completion by December 31, 2026. Nickie Davis (Downtown CID) and Tootie Burns (North Village Arts District Board) expressed strong support. The ordinance was enacted (6-0).
• Short-Term Rental – 802 N. Sixth Street (B123-26) – Staff reported the applicant reduced occupancy from 6 to 4 guests to avoid needing additional impervious parking. The property had operated as an unlicensed short-term rental for about two years; the applicant stated notices were sent to the wrong address. Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4-2 to approve. Public speakers opposed, citing loss of affordable housing and property neglect. The Council voted 4-2 to enact the conditional use permit (Elwood, Sample, Peters, Buffaloe in favor; Carroll and Hartman opposed).

Key Outcomes

• Approved consent agenda items – All 14 bills and resolutions passed unanimously (6-0) without discussion.
• B120-26 – Removed property from North 763 CID. Passed 6-0.
• Armory improvements – Motion to proceed with performance contract passed by voice vote (unanimous).
• R104-26 – Adopted FY 2026 CDBG/HOME Action Plan. Passed 6-0.
• B37-26 – Enacted electronic gaming machine ordinance. Passed 6-0.
• B119-26A – Called August 4, 2026 special election on 1% public safety sales tax. Passed 6-0.
• B121-26 – Enacted one-year moratorium on data center applications. Passed 6-0.
• B122-26 – Granted conditional use permit for short-term rental at 2208 Concordia Drive. Passed 6-0.
• B127-26 – Authorized Allegiant Air service agreement. Passed 6-0.
• B132-26 – Appropriated $1,425,000 for North Village Park. Passed 6-0.
• B123-26 – Granted conditional use permit for short-term rental at 802 N. Sixth Street. Passed 4-2 (Elwood, Sample, Peters, Buffaloe aye; Carroll, Hartman nay).
• REP25-26 – Community Summit Report tabled to June 1, 2026 meeting (approved by voice vote; Peters not present).
• Motion for after-action report on 911 outage – Approved unanimously by voice vote.
• Motion for report on internal audit function – Approved by voice vote (Mayor Buffaloe voted no).
• Appointments – The following individuals were appointed to boards and commissions:
  • Columbia Housing Authority Board: Rigel Oliveri (Ward 4, term to expire May 31, 2030)
  • Convention and Visitors Advisory Board: Don Waterman (Ward 5, term to expire September 30, 2027)
  • Finance Advisory and Audit Committee: Garlandra King (Ward 4, term to expire December 31, 2026)
  • Parks and Recreation Commission: Stephen Lewandowski (Ward 4) and Ellen Young (Ward 4), both terms to expire May 31, 2029
  • Planning and Zoning Commission: Andrew Grabau (Ward 4) and Anthony Stanton (Ward 1), both terms to expire May 31, 2030
  • Youth Advisory Council: Gavin Bach and Emily Crumbliss (terms to expire June 1, 2027); William Beucke, Niva Bhandari, Jack McRae, Shawmikh Shah, and Melissa Tahan (all terms to expire June 1, 2029)
• The City Clerk corrected the YAC term for Gavin Bach and Emily Crumbliss to 2027 (updated from 2029).