OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Columbia City Council Regular Meeting – June 1, 2026

Video Archive — Monday, June 1, 2026
BodyColumbia, Missouri
SessionVideo Archive
DateMonday, June 1, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 3:11:04

Transcript — Verbatim
0:10

Good evening.

0:10

I'm gonna go ahead and call the Monday, June 1st, 2026 Columbia City Council meeting to order.

0:18

I invite all those who are able to please rise and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance.

0:31

One nation under God, indivisible, with liberal.

0:36

For all.

0:38

G Louie, please call roll.

0:40

Ms.

0:40

Selwyn?

0:41

Here.

0:41

Ms.

0:42

Sample?

0:42

Here.

0:43

Mr.

0:43

Foster.

0:44

Ms.

0:45

Hartman.

0:45

Here.

0:46

Miss Peters?

0:47

Here.

0:47

Miss Buffalo?

0:48

Here.

0:49

Miss Carroll.

0:50

Here.

0:51

All right.

0:52

So just as a quick note, we're trying something out new where we rotate seats every time.

0:56

So in case you're wondering why the numbers are not in numerical order anymore, we're trying this out.

1:01

So a quick overview of Columbia City Council agendas for those of this is your first meeting.

1:08

There are multiple opportunities for people to speak.

1:11

You can speak under old business, new business.

1:18

At the end of the meeting, there's general comments.

1:20

You can talk for three minutes about whatever you want to talk about.

1:22

We do ask that people keep their remarks kind of to either the legislation being discussed or at least in polite company.

1:32

So you can discuss and be maybe forceful on issues, but not on people, and that includes city staff.

1:38

And then just for those who are new, items under the consent agenda normally don't have items or presentations or staff presentations, and there is no public comment on that.

1:48

But anyone can request before the meeting to remove something from consent.

1:52

All right, so going on, I do ask uh that we when I'm talking about disruptions that will be addressed with a warning and if necessary, removal and recess, but I don't expect that for this evening.

2:03

Um so moving on for our agenda, we've got uh the minutes for the May 4th, 2026 regular meeting.

2:09

So I'll make a motion to approve the May 4th meetings.

2:12

Do I have a second?

2:13

Second.

2:13

Second from Vera.

2:14

All those in favor say aye.

2:16

Aye, aye.

2:17

Any opposed?

2:17

And I believe May 18th is still being worked on.

2:20

Um for a adjustment to the agenda.

2:23

Staff has asked for Bill 1332 to be removed from the agenda completely.

2:29

Um are there any other changes to the agenda?

2:32

Seeing none, I'll make a motion uh to approve the agenda with Bill 1332 being removed from the agenda completely.

2:39

Do I have a second?

2:40

Second.

2:40

Second by Nick Foster.

2:41

All those in favor say aye.

2:42

Aye.

2:45

All right.

2:45

So the first thing we have, uh, we have two special items this evening.

2:49

And our first one uh is recognition of council member Nick Foster, who is relocating with his family to Georgia, and we'll miss them very much.

2:58

So Nick, I'm gonna ask you and De Carlin to come join me down in front of the daisy.

3:22

I was telling Nick I didn't wear my waterproof mascara, and I regret that decision.

3:27

You're right, that's a good one.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Historic Preservation██████████████████18%
Procedural███████████11%
Affordable Housing███████████11%
Public Engagement██████████10%
Community Engagement████████8%
Public Safety███████7%
Personnel Matters██████6%
Engineering And Infrastructure██████6%
Transportation Safety██████6%
Summary of Proceedings

Columbia City Council Regular Meeting – June 1, 2026

The Columbia City Council met on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chamber at City Hall. The meeting lasted until 10:12 PM and included special recognitions, public hearings, old and new business, consent agenda approvals, and several reports. Key actions included the approval of funding for affordable housing projects, creation of an Airport Department, a $9.4 million budget amendment, and directions to form a task force for a historic preservation overlay along the African American Heritage Trail.

Consent Calendar

  • B134-26: Second amendment to tower agreement with Verizon Wireless for lease at 1313 Lakeview Avenue (Grissum Building).
  • B135-26: Reconstruction of Fire Station #5 on Hector Place; calls for bids.
  • B137-26: Intergovernmental agreement with Boone County for Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program FY 2025.
  • B138-26: Amendment to agreement with The Business Loop Community Improvement District for a shared commercial kitchen program and scholarship assistance.
  • R105-26: Services agreement with Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation for a long-term operating model for the proposed Boone County One Health Clinic.
  • R106-26: FY 2025 CDBG grant agreement with Connections to Success for vocational training.
  • R107-26: FY 2025 CDBG grant agreement with Services for Independent Living for home accessibility modifications.
  • R108-26: FY 2025 CDBG grant agreement with Woodhaven Learning Center for renovations to Workforce Development Center.
  • R109-26: Software as a service agreement with ParkLync for downtown employee parking permit program.
  • R110-26: Special event operations agreement with STL Taco Fest for the 2026 Taco King Taco Fest.
  • R111-26: Authorization for The Boyles Family Revocable Trust to access sanitary sewer services through an annexation agreement at 1404 S. Cedar Grove Boulevard.

All consent items were approved unanimously by a vote of 7–0.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Joseph Waner (scheduled public comment) expressed strong support for Vidwest, describing how it provided hands-on media experience, equipment access, and lowered barriers for students, freelancers, nonprofits, and small businesses. He urged continued investment in Vidwest as a public good.
  • Renee Carter (Second Ward) voiced concern during the Fire Station #10 public hearing about traffic congestion on El Chaparral Avenue, especially during I-70 construction, and asked about emergency access.
  • Mary Ratliff (during B139-26) asked about the percentage of African American residents returning to public housing after renovations and the process for determining who returns, noting an apparent decrease in African American presence.
  • Marcus Richardson (Southern Christian Leadership Conference) thanked outgoing Council Member Nick Foster for his service and raised concerns about community involvement in decisions affecting historic African American properties, specifically the McAllister house lease to Love Columbia. He requested oversight and a preservation overlay for the African American Heritage Trail.
  • Pamela Hardin (President, Columbia NAACP) recounted the history of black business and property loss due to urban renewal and stressed the need to protect remaining historic sites like the McAllister house (200 N. Garth Avenue). She called for a public process before such properties are leased or sold.
  • Mary Ratliff (continued) echoed the call to honor the McAllister house and emphasized the need for communication with the African American community.
  • Eugene Elkin (Second Ward) noted the closure of Wilkes United Methodist Church and suggested a non-denominational chapel at the new Room at the Inn location to provide hope for the homeless.
  • Renee Carter (Race Matters Friends) expressed disappointment that the city invests in the airport but not in walkable, livable streets and requested more effort to improve pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure.
  • Andy Boyles (Boone County resident) provided a handout regarding an annexation agreement request that had been approved on the consent agenda.

Discussion Items

  • Recognition of Council Member Nick Foster (SI7-26): Mayor Buffaloe and City Manager Seewood presented a resolution of appreciation, a silver tray for Mayor Pro Tem service, a certificate for a heritage tree, stained-glass artwork, and artwork from the Jenny McGee Burr Oak Collage Collection. Foster gave thanks and reflected on kindness and community.
  • Columbia Housing Authority ARPA Update (SI8-26): CEO Randy Cole provided an update on five ARPA-funded projects (Kinney Point, Park Avenue, Providence Walkway, Blind Boone, Bear Creek) impacting about 165 affordable housing units. $13.5 million in ARPA funds leveraged $44 million total. Kinney Point is complete; Providence Walkway received early demolition start; all projects on track except ongoing attention to Providence Walkway.
  • Fire Station #10 Public Hearing (PH19-26): Public Works Director Shane Creech presented plans for a new fire station at 1020 S. El Chaparral Avenue, estimated cost $5 million from 2025 capital improvement sales tax. Construction expected to take about a year after bidding. Public comment raised traffic concerns. Council proceeded unanimously.
  • B139-26 – Providence Walkway Housing Project: Complex financing documents including subordination, deed release, promissory note, and amendments to funding agreements. Staff explained added 10 years to maturity (now 30 years) to align with affordability period. Approved 7–0.
  • B140-26 – Creation of Airport Department: Approved transitioning the airport from a division to a full department, adding an Airport Director, Deputy Airport Director, and Maintenance Supervisor (net gain of 1 FTE). The Airport Advisory Board expressed support. Approved 7–0.
  • B141-26 – Third Quarter Budget Amendment ($9,398,731.56): Included transfers for projects, police rebranding/uniform initiative (funded by federal asset forfeiture), Kirkland House restoration, and electric utility transformer replacement. Discussion included enhancing detail in future quarterly reports. Approved 7–0.
  • New Business – R112-26 (District Flats Restoration): Authorized temporary closure of parking lanes and sidewalks for building restoration of the District Flats apartment complex at 127 S. Eighth Street. Approved 7–0.
  • New Business – R113-26 (Cambridge Place Phase 2 Preliminary Plat): Approved a 7-lot single-family subdivision on Scarborough Drive. Planning and Zoning Commission approved 8–0. Council noted the need for HOA maintenance language for private access. Approved 7–0.
  • Reports:
    • 2026 Community Summit Report (REP25-26): Over 200 attendees; top priority for investment was reliable and sustainable infrastructure, followed by safe community. Used for strategic plan update.
    • Short-Term Rental Representative to CVB Board (REP30-26): Council directed staff to bring an ordinance adding a short-term rental owner/operator member to the Convention and Visitors Advisory Board. Unanimous voice vote.
    • Airport Artwork Installation (REP31-26): Approved a $10,000 mural (split with Jefferson City CVB) by local artist Adrian Luther. Unanimous voice vote.
    • FAAC Communication (REP32-26): Council approved a motion to bring forward an ordinance incorporating FAAC recommendations, including adding an annual report requirement. Unanimous voice vote.
    • Monthly Finance Report (REP33-26): Quarterly revenue report showed $759,000 surplus compared to same period last year. No vote required.
  • General Comments and Additional Motions:
    • Council Member Carroll moved to create a historic preservation overlay for the African American Heritage Trail area and a task force to advise on boundaries, features, and community engagement. Approved unanimously.
    • Council Member Elwood moved to request a report on the history of PEG channel fees, CAT-TV and Vidwest funding, and deliverables in the Vidwest contract. Approved unanimously.
    • Council Member Buffaloe moved to request a report on potential freeze or phased approach for the water utility PILOT contribution due to plant value increase. Approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

  • Votes: All votes were unanimous (7–0) where recorded, including B139-26, B140-26, B141-26, consent agenda, R112-26, R113-26.
  • Directives: Staff directed to draft ordinances for CVB board expansion, FAAC duties, and historic preservation overlay task force; to provide reports on Vidwest/PEG funding history and water utility PILOT options; to resend list of city-owned properties with historical significance.
  • Task Force Formed: A task force to create a historic preservation overlay for the African American Heritage Trail will be established, with duties including surveys, community input, and work sessions with the Historic Preservation Commission and Planning and Zoning Commission.
  • Upcoming Forums: Strategic plan community forums announced for June 3, 4, 6, and 9, 2026.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening. I'm gonna go ahead and call the Monday, June 1st, 2026 Columbia City Council meeting to order. I invite all those who are able to please rise and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberal. For all. G Louie, please call roll. Ms. Selwyn? Here. Ms. Sample? Here. Mr. Foster. Ms. Hartman. Here. Miss Peters? Here. Miss Buffalo? Here. Miss Carroll. Here. All right. So just as a quick note, we're trying something out new where we rotate seats every time. So in case you're wondering why the numbers are not in numerical order anymore, we're trying this out. So a quick overview of Columbia City Council agendas for those of this is your first meeting. There are multiple opportunities for people to speak. You can speak under old business, new business. At the end of the meeting, there's general comments. You can talk for three minutes about whatever you want to talk about. We do ask that people keep their remarks kind of to either the legislation being discussed or at least in polite company. So you can discuss and be maybe forceful on issues, but not on people, and that includes city staff. And then just for those who are new, items under the consent agenda normally don't have items or presentations or staff presentations, and there is no public comment on that. But anyone can request before the meeting to remove something from consent. All right, so going on, I do ask uh that we when I'm talking about disruptions that will be addressed with a warning and if necessary, removal and recess, but I don't expect that for this evening. Um so moving on for our agenda, we've got uh the minutes for the May 4th, 2026 regular meeting. So I'll make a motion to approve the May 4th meetings. Do I have a second? Second. Second from Vera. All those in favor say aye. Aye, aye. Any opposed? And I believe May 18th is still being worked on. Um for a adjustment to the agenda. Staff has asked for Bill 1332 to be removed from the agenda completely. Um are there any other changes to the agenda? Seeing none, I'll make a motion uh to approve the agenda with Bill 1332 being removed from the agenda completely. Do I have a second?

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