In this episode of the COMO Vanguard Podcast, Nick Knoth and David Lile sit down with Shane Creech, Director of Public Works for the City of Columbia, for the inaugural episode of a new series focused on the people behind city government.

Creech discusses his nearly 18 years with the City, his path from civil engineering into public-sector management, and what it’s like overseeing a department responsible for everything from streets and traffic to parking, transit, facilities, and the city’s vehicle fleet.

The conversation digs into some of Columbia’s biggest infrastructure challenges, including aging parking technology, road maintenance, the realities of the city’s 10-year capital improvement sales tax, major projects like Forum Boulevard and Sinclair Road, upcoming roundabouts, coordination with MoDOT, and why major infrastructure projects can take years before construction even begins.

It’s a behind-the-scenes look at one of the City’s largest departments—and at the complicated process of keeping a growing, university-centered city moving forward.

Learn more, submit questions, and support the show at www.comovanguard.com

• Approved: P&Z unanimously approved the rezoning and preliminary plat for a 10-home single-family development on two-acre lots off Route K. As is common with development proposals like these, nearby residents raised concerns about traffic and the need for road improvements. [See Case #211-2026 and #210-2026 respectively]

• Approved: A 10-acre property near Scott Boulevard and Highway KK received approval for split zoning, with 8 acres designated for multifamily (R-MF) and 2 acres for neighborhood mixed-use (M-N). The 6-1 vote, with Commissioner Kate Stockton as the lone dissenter, came despite neighborhood opposition focused on increased density, including concerns that multifamily housing would bring crime, as well as traffic and the loss of undeveloped greenspace. [See Case #208-2026]

Call to Order

7:00pm

Attendance

Commission Present: Shane Lowe, David Brodsky, Cody Darr, Anthony Stanton, Kate Stockton, Les Gray, Robert Walters

Commission Absent: Andrew Grabau

Staff Present: Pat Zenner, Jesse Craig, David Kunz

Approval and Adjustment of Agenda

Roll call, agenda as submitted: Approved.

Approval of Minutes

Roll call: Approved.

Public Hearings and Subdivisions

Case # 211-2026: A request by A Civil Group (agent), on behalf of Carleton B Spotts and Sylvia K Spotts Family Trust (owners) and Girard Homes LLC (contract purchaser), for approval to rezone 26.91 acres of land, located on the north side of Route K approximately 700 feet east of Old Village Road, from the A (Agricultural) district to the R-1 (One-family Dwelling) district to facilitate development of the property with 10 single-family homes.

Staff Report to Planning and Zoning Commission

Locator Maps

Zoning Graphic

David Kunz, City Planner, provides an overview of the subject property. Staff believe R-1 zoning to be appropriate and consistent for the, and recommend approval of the rezoning request.

Stanton opens public hearing 7:06pm

Jay Gebhardt, with A Civil Group and on behalf of the applicant, is there to answer questions.

Darr notes that the property appears to be heavily wooded and asks how much of that is going to remain. Gebhardt states that the aerial photos are a bit deceiving as to the extent of trees, but that they have incorporated several tree reservation areas.

Dave Spotts, one of the trustees for the subject property, expresses support for the request on behalf of himself and his brother.

Dee Dokken, local activist, is opposed to R-1 in any type of annexation or rezoning and doesn’t believe this is in alignment with the Comprehensive Plan despite staff assertions.

Gray asks if there are any policies in the Comprehensive Plan that are in opposition to this development. Dokken says “contact growth.”

Tom Mendenhall, representing the Bonn Tam(?) Neighborhood Association, offers their support, but notes that some road improvements would be great.

Beverly Higginhoff, neighbor to the subject property, is opposed to the development until road improvements can be made as they already have difficulty getting on and off the road safely.

Julie Smith, neighbor to the subject property, is opposed to the development until road improvements can be made as they already have difficulty getting on and off the road safely.

Stanton closes public hearing 7:18pm

Brodsky believes this is a straightforward request and supports the request.

Gray notes that this is another development in recent months that has sewer being serviced by the County rather than the City. Pat Zenner, Development Services Manager, shares that the territories for what property is serviced by which provider is set and those agreements go back further than any individual development.

Roll Call: Approved, 7-0.

Case # 210-2026: A request by A Civil Group (agent), on behalf of Carleton B Spotts and Sylvia K Spotts Family Trust (owners) and Girard Homes LLC (contract purchaser), for approval of a 12-lot preliminary plat of A (Agricultural) zoned property, to be known as Remington Estates. A concurrent rezoning request (Case # 211-2026) has also been submitted seeking approval to rezone the subject site from A (Agriculture) to R-1 (One-family Dwelling) which appears under separate cover on the August 20 Commission agenda as Case # 211-2026. The 26.91-acre subject site is located on the north side of Route K approximately 700 feet east of Old Village Road.

Staff Report to Planning and Zoning Commission

Locator Maps

Preliminary Plat

David Kunz, City Planner, provides an overview of the same property as before, but this time for the preliminary plat. He notes that the lots are large, but not inconsistent with neighboring properties, and that the topography of the land likely inhibits a higher density development. Staff recommend approval, subject to technical corrections.

Gray asks if private streets have to align with street standards outlined in the UDC. Zenner confirms that they do not have to meet those standards, but notes that the width of the streets in this proposed development do meet UDC standards.

Brodsky asks what would trigger the need for the creation of a right-hand turn lane into the development. Zenner elaborates on all the things that would be needed to trigger any mandatory road improvements, and how this has none of those.

Stanton opens public hearing 7:50pm

Jay Gebhardt, with A Civil Group and on behalf of the applicant, shares that several people approached his team about doing a higher density development on this property, and that they just could not make it feasible without completely gutting the whole thing and resettling it. He also notes that the entry/exit for the development has over 880ft of sight distance, beyond the minimum standard.

Darr asks what is done to address stormwater management. Gebhardt notes that there is a lake adjacent to the property owned by the developers that will be used for retention.

Darr asks how often the gate for the community will be closed. Gebhardt says it will only be closed at night.

Brodsky asks for confirmation of what percentage of trees will be saved. Gebhardt notes that they are required to leave at least 25% of trees, but there will be far more than that left over due to the attraction of it to buyers.

Beverly Higginhoff, neighbor to the subject property, remains opposed due to the lack of road improvements and high speed nature of drivers. She is also confused about the sewer system setup.

Joel Bader, neighbor to the property, asks for clarity around the stormwater retention improvements that will be made. Gebhardt provides clarity off-mic.

Stanton closes public hearing 8:17pm

Stockton appreciates the challenge of increasing density on this site and supports the request.

Roll Call: Approved, 7-0.

Public Hearings

Case # 208-2026: A request by A Civil Group (agent), on behalf of MBK Investments LLC (owner), for approval to permanently zone approximately 10 acres of property from County A-1 zoning to City R-MF (Multiple-Family Dwelling) and M-N (Mixed Use - Neighborhood) districts upon annexation into the city limits. The applicant is requesting 8 acres be zoned R-MF and the remaining 2 acres be zoned M-N. The subject site is located southeast of the intersection of Scott Boulevard and State Highway KK, and includes the address 6000 Scott Boulevard.

Staff Report to Planning and Zoning Commission

Locator Maps

Zoning Graphic

David Kunz, City Planner, provides an overview of the zoning request. Currently zoned County A, seeking a mix of R-MF and M-N zoning. Project does require a sewer main extension on the east side prior to building permits being issued; City sewer is provider. Water served by Consolidated Water, electric by Boone Electric. Traffic Impact Study may be required depending on what type of development is ultimately proposed.

Staff recommend approval subject to annexation.

Gray asks City Attorney Jesse Craig if there is any guidance on handling a split-zoning request. Craig says it is “frowned upon” typically, but staff greenlit this particular request.

Stanton opens public hearing at 8:54pm

Jay Gebhardt, with A Civil Group and on behalf of the applicant, says the approach is a chicken-and-egg scenario and they chose to take the conservative approach. He also preempts comments to come regarding traffic and speed concerns on Scott Blvd, noting that the speed concerns are more an enforcement issue and larger than the responsibility of one development project.

Chris Light, neighbor to the property, is opposed to the development because it is not R-1 zoning - he doesn’t want multi-family housing nearby as he equates it with crime. He also believes it is sprawl.

Steve Morris, neighbor to the property, shares a long history of disagreement with every development that has been proposed to-date on this location and opposes this development as well.

Travis Harvey, neighbor to the property, opposes the development due to traffic concerns and the fact that they would lose their view of an undeveloped greenspace.

Gary Mitchell, owns property next to the development, expresses traffic concerns.

Kurt Branson, neighbor to the property, opposes the higher density zoning.

Linda Coats, neighbor to the property, opposes the higher density zoning.

Stanton closes public hearing at 9:22pm

Gray believes this fits well with the Comprehensive Plan, has adequate infrastructure, and supports the request.

Walters notes that the developers for this property have a good reputation for building quality multi-family housing.

Roll Call: Approved, 6-1. Stockton opposed.

General Comments by Public, Staff, and Commissioners

Public

9:32pm

Chris Light, concerned citizen, returns to ask how often the Commissioners do not take the recommendation of staff. Stanton says more often than they think, but notes that staff are the professionals in planning and should be trusted.

Dee Dokken, local activist, would like to see “cluster development.”

Staff

9:36pm

Zenner notes that they are transitioning to having only one work session a month, starting after September so that staff can make progress on a number of issues. He also provides a glimpse of forthcoming public hearings.

Commissioners

N/A

Adjournment

9:42pm

Then, we turn our attention to The Loop — what it is, how it fits into Columbia’s economic and community development landscape, and what Carrie sees on the horizon. We talk about The Loop’s work, the challenges and opportunities facing Columbia, and what it means for the City’s continued growth.

Learn more, submit questions, and support the show at www.comovanguard.com

• FY27 Budget: Council continued work on the FY27 budget, with proposed staff amendments based on a combination of Council requests, improved financial clarity, and technical corrections reducing expenditures by more than $2 million. Council requested amendments would add $759,000 in General Fund expenditures: $5,000 for security systems for Council members, $554,000 for the purchase of street barriers, and $200,000 to increase the City’s contribution to the Utility Assistance Program. The street-barrier funding drew the most scrutiny, with Ward 6 Councilwoman Betsy Peters opposing the request until the availability of state funding is clarified and calling for a formal presentation on the need for the barriers. [See PH27-26 under Public Hearing and staff’s slide deck]

  • The newly approved 1% public safety sales tax was not included in the initial budget, but Council will amend the FY27 budget later on to account for that revenue collection which begins January 2027.

Read more

• Approved w/ Contention: A proposed 147-lot subdivision near Brown School and Creasy Springs Roads cleared the Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously despite numerous, yet predictable neighborhood concerns over traffic and infrastructure. Residents repeatedly argued that the existing county roads are already inadequate and questioned the traffic study, but Commissioners ultimately agreed those broader infrastructure issues are the responsibility of City Council and future public investment—not grounds to deny an otherwise compliant development. [See Case # 160-2026]

Read more

The conversation also dives into Proposition 1, the narrowly approved public safety sales tax, what the outcome means for the city, and what comes next. The episode concludes with two brief interviews featuring City Manager De’Carlon Seewood and Police Chief Jill Schlude, who share their reactions to the measure’s passage and what it means for Columbia moving forward.

Learn more and support the show at www.comovanguard.com

• Budget Introduced: Council’s FY27 budget priorities came into focus as staff presented a budget built on modest revenue growth—but one that still leaves difficult policy choices ahead. The proposed budget assumes roughly 1% revenue growth, relies heavily on use tax and marijuana tax revenue, and does not include any potential revenue from the proposed public safety sales tax. Utility assistance, community media funding, and transit funding all emerged as likely budget flashpoints before final adoption. [See SI14-26 under Special Items]

• Everything Costs More: Council approved or advanced a broad package of fee and utility rate increases, while delaying only a handful of proposals. Members approved increases affecting public health fees, parks fees, electric and water rates, solid waste rates, development fees, and special event permits. The proposed parking garage rate increases were tabled until August 17 after criticism that the Parking Advisory Commission had not reviewed the proposal, while sewer rates were postponed until September to satisfy public notice requirements. [See the respective links for more information]

• Approved: Affordable housing and growth policy continued to divide Council. Members approved a major student housing redevelopment at University and College Avenues after lengthy debate over sidewalks, setbacks, parking, and neighborhood impacts, while a separate annexation hearing prompted broader discussion about outward growth, infrastructure capacity, and traffic concerns. [See B177-26 under Old Business and PH23-26 under Public Hearings respectively]

• Utility Woes: The City acknowledged its utility assistance program is financially unsustainable under its current structure—largely because it had been propped up by temporary federal COVID relief dollars that are now gone. Staff reiterated that the FY26 allocation was exhausted within three months and warned that even proposed per-household caps would likely still deplete available funding during the first quarter of FY27. Ward 1 Councilwoman Valerie Carroll indicated she'll bring forward a budget amendment to restore funding to FY26 levels for the proposed FY27 budget. [See SI13-26 under Special Items]

• What’s Fare: The public transit fare debate could soon come to a head. After a lengthy, sometimes circular exchange, Council approved (6-0) forming an 18-month task force to resolve whether and when to reinstate bus fares—balancing the need for dedicated revenue against risk of losing federal funding if fares aren't reinstated, and against Ward 5 Councilwoman Christina Hartman's concerns about equity/access. [See B166-26 under Old Business]

• Send Help, or a Mirror: Council’s meeting structure again became a subject itself after the session stretched from 6:00pm until 1:23am, recessed overnight, and resumed the same/next morning from 9:00am until 10:41am—totaling a nine hour meeting. Multiple councilmembers acknowledged the need to reform meeting structure and scheduling to avoid marathon sessions, with discussions expected to continue in future meetings. [See Council comments at end of meeting]

Call to Order

6:00pm

Attendance

Council Present: Barbara Buffaloe, Valerie Carroll, Vera Elwood, Jacque Sample, Christina Hartman, Betsy Peters

Staff Present: De’Carlon Seewood, Nancy Thompson, and Sheela Amin

Approval of Minutes

Approved.

Approval and Adjustment of Agenda

B178 and 179 tabled to August 17, B177-26 and R145-26 pulled from Consent Agenda.

Roll call, agenda as amended: Approved.

Special Items

SI12-26 Recognition of Youth Civic Academy Participants.

A couple of the youth participants speak and share how the experience positively impacted them.

SI13-26: Utility Assistance Program Audit.

Council Memo

City of Columbia Utilities Assistance Report

Matthew Lue, Finance Director, provides a historical overview of the City’s utility assistance program. He notes that in FY26 $600,000 was allocated, but completely spent by December - just three months into the fiscal year.

Max Langmack, consultant with RubinBrown, runs through the process used to analyze the assistance program and the recommendations his team are making.

Vera Elwood asks what peer cities were utilized for comparison. Langmack states that Topeka, Des Moines, and Peoria, among others noted in the report were used.

Valerie Carroll asks if they considered poverty metrics for identifying peer cities for comparison. Langmack says they did not consider poverty metrics.

Christina Hartman inquires as to why the report did not audit controls and systems around the programming. Lue notes that it was not included in the scope of work for the RFP. David Warford, another consultant, adds that they were not utilized as external auditors in this instance.

Carroll posits several questions aimed at understanding if the consultants gamed out different scenarios for lowering the barrier to entry for the assistance program, adjusting qualifying criteria in general, and more. Rebecca Roesslet, Health Director, shares that the criteria in place is reflective of other assistance programs, like medicine.

Hartman asks if there were any other observations made or controls recommended. Warford and Longmack confirm that the observations offered are the sum of their work and opinion.

Buffaloe asks if what staff will be proposing for FY27 includes a cap of any kind. Lue states that staff is recommending a per recipient $500 cap for electric and $200 cap for non-electric. Roesslet shares that this assistance program originally relied only on donation dollars, until the influx of federal funds occurred post-covid, but that those dollars are gone now and the City needs to determine what it can afford.

Lue adds that they have already implemented a round-up program where utility customers can choose to round up their bills to help raise dollars for the assistance program.

Buffaloe asks what the intent of staff was knowing that the surge in utility assistance funding was spurred by temporary federal relief dollars, did they plan to continue it or what was the expectation. De’Carlon Seewood, City Manager, notes that this was a need identified by staff and Council at the time that CARES Act and ARPA dollars were being allocated and that it simply is time to make a decision on how to handle it long term now that those federal dollars are gone.

Carroll inquires as to whether or not the program collects data around whether or not utility customers in need are identified as renters or not so that the City can then engage the landlord on the energy efficiency of their property. Roesslet notes that she would be quite hesitant to utilize the data they collect to then engage landlords as it can have a ripple effect of unintended consequences and could lead to people in need choosing not to seek assistance if it means their landlord finds out.

Elwood asks if staff are proactively engaging citizens who are reaching out for assistance in other areas, like health with Roesslet’s department. Roesslet states that they do not because the assistance they can offer in any of these programs are quite limited so doing a lot of outreach would quickly lead to a lack of resources.

Hartman questions if staff have considered the impact of this proposed cap in the context of utility rates continuing to go up. Roesslet notes that it is always a consideration, but rates always go up and there is always a tug-of-war between providing enough assistance and maintaining City services.

Buffaloe asks if the cap is adopted, how far do they see the assistance going. Roesslet says she can almost guarantee that the funds will be exhausted within the first quarter.

Carroll asks if the capped assistance will still be meaningful to recipients. Roesslet shares that she cannot say for sure, but that some assistance is better than none and that by capping the monetary amount, they can ensure an equal number of people are served.

Hartman asks what controls can be implemented to prolong the lifespan of the funding so that it is not expended so quickly. Roesslet notes that the funds are distributed via a lottery system - they used to do it first come, first serve but that was horrific for both recipients in need and staff - and that staff has considered splitting the funding up by month, but that doesn’t change the number of people being helped, it just delays the expenditure.

6:53pm

SI14-26: Presentation for the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget.

Council Memo

FY 2027 City Manager's Proposed Budget

Presentation

Matthew Lue, Finance Director, provides a broad overview of the City’s budget structure and process. He notes that the budget as proposed does not incorporate the potential passage of Proposition 1, the public safety sales tax.

Lue shares that they are seeing approximately 1% increase in total revenue.

Lue adds that the passage and implementation of the Use Tax is what has kept the City’s revenue healthy. Another new revenue stream, the marijuana tax, will collect over $1,000,000 in revenue for the first time in FY26.

Lue shares that the Business License Fee Study is ongoing and will be done in time for the next fiscal year - FY28 - budget.

Megan Montesinos, Budget Officer, steps in and continues the presentation, focusing on actual proposed budget.

Montesinos goes on to give an overview of all the fee and rate increases being proposed or requested.

Hartman asks what a loss of grants would mean to the Health Department’s budget.

Carroll asks if there is anything that can be done to reduce the expenditures related to credit card processing fees. Lue says not really, unless Council wants to pass along those costs to customers, which previous Councils chose not to due to the problems it caused.

7:30pm

Appointments to Boards and Commissions

N/A

Scheduled Public Comment

SPC36-26: Scott Stevenson - No mow areas in medians need to be groomed to remove random weeds.

Scheduled Public Comment Form

Stevenson is a no show.

SPC37-26: Elliott Cade - Future funding for a community media service contract.

Scheduled Public Comment Form

Cade joins the chorus of supporters asking Council to give money to Vidwest Studios.

SPC38-26: Rev. Marcus Richardson - July 25, 2026 incident on Walnut Street with CPD.

Scheduled Public Comment Form

Richardson shares his thoughts on the latest dust up downtown, wondering where the new Downtown Safety Ambassadors were, and his belief that the situation could have been avoided, instead of escalated.

SPC39-26: Traci Wilson-Kleekamp - Dismantling testimonial injustice with public policy rooted in equity and inclusion.

Scheduled Public Comment Form

Kleekamp tells a story and then launches into a diatribe about how the public safety tax proposal has been pushed. “The whip and the noose are the police stops.”

Public Hearings

PH23-26: Proposed annexation of property located on the southeast corner of Brown School Road and Creasy Springs Road (180 W. Brown School Road) (Case No. 199-2026).

Council Memo

Locator Maps

Zoning Exhibit

Proposed Preliminary Plat

Annexation Petition & Legal Description

Clint Smith, Community Development Director, provides an overview of the annexation request. No Council vote is needed tonight as this is just the public hearing.

Elwood notes that while the traffic study will come into play later in the process, she is concerned as Brown School Road and Creasy Springs Road are two she frequently hears complaints about. Smith confirms that a traffic study will and has occurred, but that staff have no reviewed it yet, and that the study will be available to Council and the Planning & Zoning Commission.

Hartman asks if this is in the area that they receive complaints about Creasy Springs Road flooding. Smith is unsure, but they will look into it.

Hartman asks how staff consider the impact of this annexation on the City’s ability to provide necessary services and infrastructure to it, believing that said resources are already stretched. Smith notes that these things are always considered by the relevant departments when an annexation request comes in and each department provides their own feedback to the planning staff.

Hartman proceeds to inquire about the fundamentals of annexation and related utility policy. Smith provides an overview.

Buffaloe opens public hearing at 7:58pm

Wes Bolton, with All State Consultants and on behalf of the applicant, is there to answer questions.

Buffaloe closes public hearing at 7:59pm

Carroll shares that she has a lot of concerns about the City continuing to grow outward in general, and notes that while it is rarely ever one single development that is problematic, it is the accumulation of them that can be.

Elwood expresses excitement at this land being developed for housing and looks forward to seeing the Traffic Impact Study.

8:02pm

Old Business

PR142-26: Repealing Policy Resolution No. PR 89-19A adopting the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan and adopting a new policy resolution reaffirming the sector goals and strategies for the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan.

Council Memo

CAAP 2026 Update Report

CAAP 2026 Update Appendix A-CAAP Implementation Summary

CAAP 2026 Update Appendix B-Focus Group & Interview Summary

CAAP 2026 Update Appendix C-Long-Term and Modified CAAP Actions

CAAP 2026 Update Appendix D-Original CAAP Action Implementation Matrix

CAAP 2026 Update Appendix E-Acronyms

CAAP 2026 Update BeHeard Comments

CAAP 2019

Policy Resolution

Eric Hempel, Sustainability Manager, provides an overview of the CAAP, its history, and what led to this technical update. There is no change to the Community or Municipal GHG reduction goals, and no change to the structure of the plan. He then goes on to give a detailed “update on the update.” Ultimately, this change gives the CAAP teams more flexibility in meeting goals and taking action.

Betsy Peters notes that she has heard concerns from the Building & Construction Codes Commission about the energy efficiency goals in the CAAP, as they do not wish to move beyond the 2018 International Building Codes due to its negative impact on housing affordability. Hempel acknowledges that this is a good example of a goal that requires a careful balance and the consideration of staff, external stakeholders, and ultimately the consideration of Council.

Buffaloe opens public comment at 8:25pm

Carolyn Amparan, Chair of the local Sierra Club, expresses her groups frustration with staff and Council, believing that they are not considering the CAAP a top priority.

Mark Hymen, representing Mid-Missouri Peaceworks, echoes similar feelings the previous speaker shared.

Peter Schneeberger, local activist, is concerned about the CAAP and the renewable energy ordinance being misaligned.

Teresa Wilson, with Neighbors for Safe and Healthy Environments, expresses concern about pesticides.

Jim Windsor, local utilities activist, didn’t plan to speak but shares that the City cannot waste more money on renewable energy without addressing other utility issues.

Buffaloe closes public comment at 8:41pm

Sample questions if the City can do anything about the energy inefficiency of

Elwood asks why the CAAP and renewable energy updates were not brought forth together. Hempel notes that they want the updated CAAP on hand to influence the discussion around the renewable energy updates.

Hempel shares that they are about to do a Request for Bid to do specific outreach and engagement for property managers and tenants around energy efficiency in rentals.

Hartman asks if the Environment & Climate Commission reviewed this. Lelande Rehard, Sustainability staffer, shares that Commission was involved and was considering a letter of support, but was not able to meet at their last regularly scheduled time.

Roll Call: Approved, 6-0.

8:55pm

B163-26: Amending Chapter 5 of the City Code as it relates to animal fees; amending Chapter 11 of the City Code as it relates to Public Health and Human Services Department fees.

Council Memo

Summary of Proposed Fee Scale

Ordinance

Rebecca Roesslet, Health Director, provides an overview of the fees her department are proposing to increase. The ordinance increases a range of public health and animal services fees, including annual swimming pool inspections, retail food establishment inspections, temporary event inspections, animal impoundment and boarding, dangerous and aggressive animal permits, and annual pet licensing. Most fee increases range from $5 to $75 and are intended to update the City’s fee schedule for regulatory and animal services provided by the Health Department.

Elwood asks what happens when someone cannot afford the fees to retrieve their animal. Roesslet shares that it doesn’t happen often, and that there are incentives they provide - like spay and neuter - which will waive the fee for the animal owner.

Buffaloe opens and closes public comment at 9:04pm

Roll Call: Approved, 6-0.

B164-26: Amending Chapter 14 of the City Code as it relates to hourly parking rates for municipal parking structures.

Amendment Sheet

Supplemental Council Memo

Supplemental - Communication from Downtown CID

Council Memo

Ordinance

Shane Creech, Public Works Director, provides an overview of the proposed parking rate increase. Parking garage rates would increase to $1 an hour, matching street meters, the one-hour of free parking would be reduced to 30-minutes, and Saturdays would no longer be free.

Hartman asks why its been almost 10 years since a parking rate study was done. Creech notes that part of it is due to the parking utility changes hands a couple times in the last few years in terms of what department is handling it.

Carroll asks if there is a timeline for License Plate Reader technology for the parking garages. Creech states that it wouldn’t occur until after the FY28 rate study is done.

Carroll would like to know what the financial impact would be if they did not start charging on Saturday as proposed. Jim McDonald, Asst. Finance Director, shares that about $93,000 - of the $350,000 in projected new revenue - would be lost.

Buffaloe opens public comment at 9:23pm

Nickie Davis, Executive Director of The District, expresses the opposition of her downtown business members against the idea of charging on Saturdays. They would also love for the Parking Commission to be involved in this discussion, a group The District has started welcoming to their own meetings.

Bill Moyes, member of the Parking Advisory Commission, wants to know if City staff communicated the proposal or solicited input from The District or the Parking Advisory Commission - he knows the answer, sounds like a no.

Buffaloe closes public comment at 9:30pm

Peters suggests tabling this until the Parking Advisory Commission has had an opportunity to review.

Buffaloe asks if the proposal was taken to the Parking Commission. Creech notes that there were conversations around the idea over the last year, but the ordinance as written was not discussed by the Commission due to them not having a meeting as a result of the construction at City Hall in June and July.

Roll Call, table until August 17: Approved, 6-0.

B165-26: Amending Chapter 17 of the City Code as it relates to Parks and Recreation fees.

Council Memo

FY 2027 Proposed Chapter 17 Supplemental Fees

Ordinance

Gabe Huffington, Parks & Rec Director, provides an overview of the proposed fee increases.

Buffaloe opens and closes public comment at 9:45pm

Roll Call: Approved, 6-0.

B166-26: Amending Chapter 22 of the City Code to suspend transportation fares for users of the GoCOMO Public Transit System for the period October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027.

Council Memo

Ordinance

Shane Creech, Public Works Director, provides an overview.

Buffaloe opens public comment at 9:48pm

Nickie Davis, Executive Director of The District, returns to inquire as to a timeline for moving toward a fared system for transit again.

Buffaloe closes public comment at 9:49pm

Peters asks if staff have any idea what the revenue would look like if they started charging bus fare again. Creech notes that it is hard to say since it has been years since they suspended fares during covid.

Sample would like to know what it would take to move this conversation forward around resuming bus fares. Seewood notes that it would be best addressed through a work session.

Roll Call: Approved, 6-0.

9:53pm

B167-26: Amending Chapter 22 of the City Code as it relates to solid waste rates and services.

Amendment Sheet

Supplemental Council Memo

Council Memo

Solid Waste Utility Fee Study

Ordinance

Erin Keys, Utilities Director, goes over the fee increases for solid waste collection. There is an amendment sheet to freeze rates for the Downtown CID until after the rate study is complete.

Roll Call, amendment: Approved, 6-0.

Buffaloe opens public comment at 10:01pm

Jim Windsor, utilities activist, would like all utility rate changes held until the study is done.

Eugene Elkin, city hall gadfly, spoke.

Buffaloe closes public comment at 10:05pm

Roll Call: Approved, 6-0.

B168-26: Amending Chapter 24 of the City Code as it relates to special event permit fees.

Council Memo

Ordinance

Amy Schneider, CVB Director, provides an overview of the special event fees, noting that they have not been evaluated or adjusted since 2016. The goal of the proposed adjustment is to capture the cost of administration.

Buffaloe opens and closes public comment at 10:17pm

Schneider shares that they will be back in October with more information on Special Events.

Hartman moves to table until November 2 because she wants more information. No one seconds so her request dies.

Roll Call: Approved, 5-1.

B169-26: Amending Chapter 27 of the City Code as it relates to electric utility rates.

Supplemental - Communication from WLAB

Council Memo

Ordinance

Erin Keys, Utilities Director, provides an overview of the proposed electric rate increases.

Buffaloe opens public comment at 10:26pm

Diana Coats, with Good Day Farms Dispensary, expresses concern about how this would increase costs for her business.

Jim Windsor, utilities activist, shares his thoughts on Power Cost Adjustments.

Thomas Jensen, member of the Water & Light Advisory Board, shares that this adjustment is more than the regular 3% increase they would like to do, but it is necessary due to the market conditions for power generation and power purchasing.

Tim Thomas, representing a business (Solventum?), expresses frustration with another rate increase and says that he has to find that money somewhere, including potentially cutting staff. He would like more notice on these kind of changes so it can be budgeted for.

Buffaloe closes public comment at 10:37pm

Buffaloe asks staff to clarify the communication that was done to large industrial accounts and when. Keys says that account segment has a dedicated staff that handled outreach and that it was not done until July when it was brought to Council.

General discussion occurs around best practices and timing for engaging large industrial customers earlier in the process. Staff express the difficult act of balancing early outreach with staff waiting for clarity from Council prior to engaging key accounts. REDI is discussed as an option for engaging.

Roll Call: Approved, 4-2. Hartman and Carroll opposed.

B170-26: Amending Chapter 27 of the City Code as it relates to water utility rates.

Supplemental - Communication from WLAB

Supplemental - Water Cost of Service Study Final Draft Report

Council Memo

Ordinance

Erin Keys, Utilities Director, provides an overview of the proposed water rate increases. She notes that last year’s adjustments actually resulted in a lower of average bills and that this increase still keeps that average charge lower than two years ago.

Buffaloe opens public comment at 10:52pm

Thomas Jensen, member of the Water & Light Advisory Board, returns to share ideas for better communication with industrial accounts and between the board and Council.

Jim Windsor, utilities activist, approves of this rate increase.

David Switzer, member of the Water & Light Advisory Board, passionately expresses that the cost of service study from last year was high quality and increased costs on those who cost the system the most. He states that if they don’t raise rates now, whether for water or electric, the next rate increase will just be more to make up for that.

Buffaloe closes public comment at 10:58pm

Roll Call: Approved, 6-0.

B171-26: Amending Chapter 29 of the City Code as it relates to the Unified Development Code (UDC) schedule of fees (Case No. 198-2026).

Amendment Sheet

Supplemental Council Memo

Council Memo

Ordinance

Clint Smith, Community Development Director, provides an overview of UDC fee increases.

Buffaloe opens and closes public comment at 11:02pm

Roll Call, technical amendment sheet: Approved, 6-0.

Roll Call, as amended: Approved, 6-0.

B172-26: Amending Chapter 13 of the City Code as it relates to hauled liquid waste rates; amending Chapter 22 of the City Code as it relates to sanitary sewer utility rates.

Amendment Sheet

Supplemental Council Memo

Council Memo

Sanitary Sewer Utility Rate Study

Ordinance

Erin Keys, Utilities Director, provides the overview. This will be tabled until September 8 to accommodate state mandated 30 days notice for public comment.

Buffaloe opens and closes public comment at 11:10pm

Roll Call, technical amendment: Approved, 6-0.

Roll Call, table as amended until Sept 8: Approved, 6-0.

B178-26: Approving a major amendment and the PD Plan for “Columbia Senior Living Community” located on the southeast corner of Scott Boulevard and Vawter School Road, inclusive of requested design exceptions; approving a revised statement of intent; approving a first amendment to the development agreement with Capital Land Investment LLC; directing the City Clerk to record the development agreement (Case No. 122-2026).

Council Memo

Staff Report to the Planning and Zoning Commission

Locator Maps

PD Plan

Architectural Renderings

Excerpts from Minutes

Public Correspondence

Ordinance

Attachment A to Ordinance

Attachment B to Ordinance

Tabled until August 17.

B179-26: Approving the Final Plat of “Columbia Senior Living Plat 1” located on the southeast corner of Vawter School Road and Scott Boulevard (4190 W. Vawter School Road); authorizing a performance contract (Case No. 123-2026).

Council Memo

Locator Maps

Final Plat

PD Plan

Ordinance

Exhibit A to Ordinance

Tabled until August 17.

B182-26: Granting the issuance of a conditional use permit to BJEM Properties LLC to allow the operation of a short-term rental on property located at 1505 Richardson Street; providing a severability clause (Case No. 169-2026).

Council Memo

Staff Report to Planning and Zoning Commission

Locator Maps

STR Application

Supplemental Conditional Accessory - Conditional Use Questions

Excerpt from Minutes

Public Correspondence

Ordinance

Exhibit A to Ordinance

Clint Smith, Community Development Director, provides an overview of the subject property. It previously operated illegally as a STR and was fined as a result. Two neighbors at the P&Z hearing opposed the request due to parking and history of illegal operation. The P&Z Commission had a tied vote, meaning it failed.

Hartman shares that she believes it is still operating illegally after finding it on VRBO.

Buffaloe opens public comment at 11:16pm

Jessica Foot, the applicant, says the property is not available for rent as a STR despite what might be seen online. She says she was unaware when she started the process that the tandem parking would be inadequate.

Peter Norgard, neighbor to the property, opposes the STR permit due to its history of illegally operating.

Buffaloe closes public comment at 11:22pm

Carroll asks of Neighborhood Services had any other complaints regarding this property, other than the fact it was operating illegally. Bill Rataj, Neighborhood Services Director, confirms that it was just the illegal nature of the operation.

Discussion ensues around the timing of the illegal operation in relation to being fined and then being in court.

Roll Call: Denied, 6-0.

B177-26: Rezoning property located on the northwest corner of University Avenue and College Avenue (1205 University Avenue) from District R-MF (Multiple-family Dwelling) to District PD (Planned Development); approving the PD Planned Development of “Theory Sterling,” inclusive of requested design exceptions; approving the statement of intent (Case No. 162-2026).

Council Memo

Staff Report to Planning and Zoning Commission

Locator Maps

PD Development Plan

Traffic Impact Study

Parking Analysis

Shadow Study

Tree Preservation Plan

Architectural Rendering

Excerpts from Minutes

Ordinance

Exhibit A to Ordinance

Pulled from Consent Agenda

Clint Smith, Community Development Director, provides a detailed overview of the rezoning request and associated development project.

Buffaloe opens public comment at 12:00am

Tim Crockett, Crockett Engineering and on behalf of the applicant, provides his own overview of the project.

Sydney Nagel(?), on behalf of the East Campus Neighborhood Association, expresses various concerns with the project.

Peter Norgard returns to share thoughts on the area.

Debbie Oder, lives nearby the project, would like dedicated loading and unloading zones.

Clyde Bentley, lives in East Campus, doesn’t believe this project is worthy of the location.

Janet Hamond, East Campus neighbor, doesn’t like the project.

Caleb Colbert, Haden & Colbert and on behalf of the applicant, provides his own overview of the project and attempts to address any concerns around parking and setbacks.

Buffaloe closes public comment at 12:30am

Peters inquires as to the actual setbacks from the street on College Avenue. Crockett shares that that the entire property has a 10ft perimeter setback, which is from the right-of-way line, not from the curb. He notes that most of the sidewalks and greenspace depicted are in the public right of way - which varies depending on the street with this property. For example, College Avenue has over a 50ft wide right-of-way.

Discussion ensues on understanding the spacing between where the proposed new building will sit, relative to the existing structure and roadways. Crockett does his best to explain that the result will be greater space between the new building and roadways.

Carroll asks if there is room for a 12ft sidewalk. Crockett says that it is possible, but they have to be careful with the ADA requirements for the incline/decline around their driveway entries.

Hartman asks about doing a right-in-right-out for the College Avenue entryway. Crockett shares that they engaged MoDOT on what would be best, but they did not want such a setup.

Carroll asks if there is a dedicated loading area in the garage. Crockett says there is not.

Elwood notes that while she’s supportive of the parking ratio proposed, she is concerned about that parking becoming inadequate if and when the property transitions from student housing to general purpose housing.

Carroll asks when they will have opportunities to engage with MoDOT to make requests and recommendations around College Avenue. Creech shares that the project in question won’t begin until next year so MoDOT is in the public engagement period and has already begun soliciting public input, including from the adjacent neighborhood groups.

Carroll would like a letter written by Council to MoDOT providing input on the College Avenue project and request a meeting. She would also like to see a 12ft sidewalk on College Avenue included in the PD plan.

Discussion returns to the right-of-way and setback layout without any change in outcome.

Buffaloe supports having a 8ft sidewalk, rather than 12ft so as to maintain greenspace. Carroll stands by her desire for 12ft, even if it means no greenspace as she sees the area as downtown/metropolitan. Peters notes that this area is rather residential and if you look across College Avenue, everything is setback to enable greenspace. This discussion continues in a circular fashion.

Buffaloe motions that the sidewalks on University Avenue and College Avenue are to be 8ft instead of 6ft wide. Carroll seconds.

Roll Call, sidewalk amendment: Approved, 6-0.

Peters and Sample express concern about whether or not there is enough parking, and the potential for spillover onto surrounding streets.

Roll Call, as amended: Approved, 5-1. Elwood opposed.

1:16am

Consent Agenda

All Consent Agenda items approved unanimously.

[Editor’s Note: In an effort to keep these emails shorter and give more space to items that are actively discussed at meetings, we only include items from the Consent Agenda deemed noteworthy.]

R143-26: Setting a public hearing: setting property tax rates for 2026 for the City of Columbia.

Council Memo

Resolution

New Business

R145-26: Setting a public hearing: proposed voluntary annexation of property located on the south side of I-70 Drive Southeast and east of Easter Lane (7208 I-70 Drive Southeast) (Case No. 175-2026).

Council Memo

Locator Maps

Consent to Serve

Annexation Petition

Resolution

Pulled from Consent Agenda to address technical error

Buffaloe opens and closes public comment at 1:22am

Roll Call, amendment sheet technical correction: Approved, 6-0.

Roll Call, as amended: Approved, 6-0.

R154-26: Authorizing the offering for sale of approximately $39,765,000.00 principal amount of Special Obligation Bonds, Series 2026, of the City of Columbia, Missouri associated with improvements to the electric and water metering infrastructure.

Council Memo

Supplemental Information-Ameresco AMI Investment Grade Audit

Resolution

Exhibit A to Resolution

Exhibit B to Resolution

Matthew Lue, Finance Director, says the resolution would authorize advertising the sale of the bonds at $39 million even though the project is $42 million. This will be possible, because the bonds will be sold with a premium.

Erin Keys, Utilities Director, says the bonds would be used to implement an automated metering project. She clarifies that the resolution only allows for advertising the sale of bonds and that Council would vote on implementation later. Keys says the City wants to move forward quickly, because prices will increase as soon as October first.

Buffaloe asks Keys to remind Council why the project is not done through capital improvement or enterprise revenue. Keys says the project would ideally be paid with enterprise revenue, but with additional power purchases and trying to build cash in the water account, the City will be taking the bond approach.

Hartman says that Council was previously told there was going to be a return on investment within one year. Keys says that there will be savings within the first year due to increased revenue, but it won’t be enough to cover costs upfront.

Hartman asks when the full return on investment will be reached. Keys says full return on investment could be seen by year three after full implementation.

Buffaloe opens and closes pubic comment at 9:08am

Lue says that the bonds would be available Wednesday, September 23rd at 10:00am after approval from Council on September 21st.

Roll Call: Approved, 6-0.

Introduction and First Reading: All Items Introduced as Submitted for First Read. Asterisk items are intended for future Consent Agenda.

[Editor’s Note: In an effort to keep these emails shorter and give more space to items that are actively discussed at meetings, we only include items from the Intro & First Read deemed noteworthy.]

B208-26 Setting property tax rates for 2026; directing the City Clerk and Finance Director to give notice of the property tax rate.

Council Memo

Ordinance

Exhibit A to Ordinance

B209-26: Adopting a budget for the City of Columbia, Missouri for the fiscal year October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027 (FY 2027); providing that certain amounts shown in the budget document are appropriated for the various departments specified in said budget.

Council Memo

Letter - Commission on Cultural Affairs

Letter - Housing and Community Development Commission

Letter - Human Services Commission

Letter - Convention and Visitors Advisory Board

Letter - Columbia Sports Commission

Letter - Finance Advisory & Audit Committee (FAAC)

Ordinance

Exhibit A to Ordinance

Reports

REP41-26: Request for UDC text changes to Secs. 29-4.2 and 29-6.5 (Case # 215-2026).

Council Memo

Applicant Correspondence

9:11am

Clint Smith, Community Development Director, shares that the Broadway Diner is needing a new home - the building itself - and that existing regulations would prohibit it from moving to pretty much anywhere else downtown. Given the history of the diner, staff explored options for what could be done to facilitate enabling a property to host the diner. This request for text change to the UDC is a result of this situation. He notes that any proposed text change developed by staff would have to go through the Planning & Zoning Commission process.

Buffaloe asks for a reminder as to why Council itself cannot just greenlight the text change itself. Smith notes that per the City charter, all such changes have to go through the P&Z process.

Buffaloe asks what the timeline will be for accomplishing this. Smith says that they will do what they can to accommodate the applicants timeline, but they do have other work that still needs done.

Caleb Colbert, with Haden & Colbert and representing Dave Johnson of Broadway Diner, shares that they would like this text change buttoned up by end of the calendar year.

Hartman takes issue with the staff memo stating that there is no short or long term impact, since it takes staff time and therefore costs money. Smith is not sure how to answer that. Buffaloe says it is the cost of doing business, i.e. the department’s budget. Hartman responds to Buffaloe saying it is a question for staff (not Buffaloe). De’Carlon Seewood, City Manager, says that they do not usually look at staff time in the way that Hartman portrays it.

Carroll is supportive of the request, but doesn’t like the choice pathway of changing the text.

Roll Call: Approved, 5-1. Hartman opposes.

REP42-26: Pedestrian Safety Ordinance Education Report.

Education Report

Jill Schlude, Police Chief, provides an overview of all the public engagement and press work that was done over three months leading up to the effective date of the pedestrian safety ordinance. As of July 23, officers have issued four citations for violations of the ordinance, all of which were issued on the date it went into effect - July 1.

Hartman asks how much resources are being expended on ensuring compliance with the ordinance. Schlude notes that it is handled like any other call coming into emergency communications and does not currently have it’s own specific coding so they cannot necessarily track it; she offers that anecdotally her officers have said there have been less issues since the ordinance went into effect.

Elwood asks what the training was for officers to handle and interpret the aspect of the ordinance concerning the number of crossing cycles before someone is violating the ordinance. Schlude shares that one of her leadership team members was tasked with training officers on the ordinance overall and they have yet to have issues.

Buffaloe asks if Council will continue to receive updates on this ordinance in terms of impact and consequences. Schlude says she can report back at whatever frequency Council desires, but thought every six months was adequate.

REP43-26: Downtown Community Improvement District (CID) - FY 2027 Annual Budget.

Council Memo

Downtown CID FY 2027 Budget and Related Documents

9:36am

Informational only.

REP44-26: Finance Advisory and Audit Committee Annual Report.

Council Memo

FAAC 2025-2026 Annual Report

Matthew Lue, Finance Director, notes that this is the committee’s first ever annual report.

Hartman asks whether or not staff have met the July 31 deadline for implementing audit recommendations. Lue confirms that everything has been adopted and is in place.

REP45-26: Monthly Finance Report.

Council Memo

FY26 Q3 Cash Breakdown Narrative

FY26 Q3 Pooled Cash Investment Overview

9:39am

Matthew Lue, Finance Director, provides a reminder of the fundamentals of City finances. Jim McDonald, Asst. Finance Director, then provides an update on the City’s current financial state.

Buffaloe asks if the City is on pace to expend all ARPA funds by the federal deadline. Rebecca Roesslet, Health Director, shares that all expenditures and contracts are on track and staff are confident the ARPA dollars will be spent in time.

General Comments by Public, Council, and Staff

Public

9:50am

Matt Schacht, Founder of Vidwest Studios, asserts that the proposed budget is the first one in 18 years to “terminate funding for community media.” He is disappointed that despite a yearslong protest by him and his comrades that the staff and Council have not held a public input session on the topic.

Council

9:53pm

Carroll thinks there is much work to be done around the structure of Council meetings to address meetings going too long.

Carroll intends to bring forward a budget amendment to return funding to the utility assistance fund.

Elwood echoes Carroll’s comment about Council meeting length and structure.

Sample wants to look into the budgets allocated to boards and commissions that are not utilizing them. She also wants Council to consider funding stipends for security purposes for Council members.

Sample requests a work session to begin the discussion and process for resuming bus fares on public transit. Carroll feels that Council has already given staff direction on this subject as part of the Transportation Strategic Plan. Sample says they have discussed it, but not made a decision as to when things will change.

Buffaloe asks staff to remind Council where they are on public transit planning.

Shane Creech, Public Works Director, shares that the main outcome from all Council and staff discussions financially speaking has been the agreement that a dedicated revenue source is necessary to build and maintain the public transit system. Staff believes establishing a dedicated funding source without fares being part of the solution.

Sample says that is where her frustration is, that they all know what needs to happen, but nothing has actually occurred to realize those findings.

Seewood supports moving the discussion forward and acknowledges there are several variables to the subject - including the potential to lose federal funding if they do not start charging a fare.

Sample wants Council to define when free fares will end, that is her base goal.

Hartman would like to discuss it further because she believes free fare is important and doesn’t understand why the City would starting charging. Sample states that they cannot invest in public transit without revenue, and that charging a fare is part of the revenue that can be invested.

Carroll does not believe charging a fare is worth it as it would be a minor revenue generator. Peters agrees with Carroll but reiterates Seewood’s point that they risk losing federal dollars which would be very impactful.

Seewood notes that the City will not achieve the public transit system desired without revenue streams to fund it, and that it should probably include charging a fare.

Buffaloe supports Sample’s desire to establish a feasibility and funding task force to tackle this issue.

Elwood asks if staff need further direction to move forward or if they already have what they need. Creech reiterates that without increased revenue, the system cannot really change.

Hartman supports having a work session discussion.

Carroll is hesitant to support a task force as she agrees with Sample that Council needs to make a decision.

Peters supports the task force idea so that they can propose an actual action plan for Council to decide on.

Buffaloe motions for staff to bring back a proposed task force framework, restricting it to a 18 month timeframe. Peters seconds.

Roll Call for the task force: Approved, 6-0.

Hartman would like an update on the work the Office of Violence Prevention and CPD is doing around data and releasing information to external partners. Schlude notes that CPD does not have authority to release certain information and has to coordinate with the Missouri State Highway Patrol which is taking a long term, this is out of their control. D’Markus Brown, Administrator for OVP, provides his own overview of the process at hand and agrees that it is time consuming and largely out of their hands.

Hartman asks what Brown is most proud of with what they have been able to accomplish. Brown notes that the NOCAP - Neighborhood Opportunity and Community Accountability Proconsul - group has been impactful in bringing together people and addressing foundational issues at the neighborhood level.

Buffaloe makes a motion for staff to bring forth legislation to limit the number of special event permits to five per year per business entity to help address what she sees as businesses making a routine habit of encroaching on public spaces by extending their business operations beyond what should be consider “special.” Sample seconds.

Staff

N/A

Adjournment

10:41am

The delay is not due to our team. We ended our coverage at 1:00 a.m. with the meeting still underway and no clear end in sight. That’s after a 6:00 p.m. start—an hour earlier than the Council’s traditional meeting time in what was intended to help the meeting conclude at a reasonable hour.

Council recessed the meeting shortly before 1:30 a.m. and will reconvene at 9:00 a.m. this morning to complete the remaining agenda.

We will publish a complete City Council Report as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience.

Learn more and submit questions for the show at www.comovanguard.com

• The Commission approved R-1 zoning for three separate rezoning cases along Brown School Road and Rock Quarry Road, including one tied to a future 147-lot subdivision, despite questions over whether traffic and sight-distance studies actually back up the city’s “ample access” claims for Brown School Road. [See Cases 159-2026, 170-2026, 171-2026]

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• Approved: Council greenlights Water and Light’s 2026 Renewable Energy Plan as the City continues to fall just shy of their 25% renewable energy goal, hitting just 23.5% for 2026. [See PH21-26 under Public Hearings]

• Approved: The FY27 Capital Improvement Project Plan will move forward with unanimous support by Council. The multi-year plan orchestrates capital investments for the City’s infrastructure, facilities, and equipment. [See PH22-26 under Public Hearings & staff’s slide deck here]

• Contention: Out of concern for pollutants entering local waterways, and at the request of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to help protect the City’s stormwater permit, the Council approved amendments to the City’s stormwater waste disposal prohibitions by a 4-2 vote. City staff noted that Columbia is currently operating under an expired stormwater permit while awaiting renewal, making compliance with DNR requirements especially prudent. The measure drew opposition from Ward 5 Councilwoman Christina Hartman and Ward 1 Councilwoman Valerie Carroll, who viewed it as disproportionately affecting the homeless population. [See B153-26 under Old Business]

• Coming Soon: The Council will soon consider a series of proposed rate increases across multiple City services, including hauled liquid waste fees, sanitary sewer utility rates, solid waste rates, electric utility rates, water utility rates, and the Unified Development Code (UDC) fee schedule. [See R125-26 under Consent Agenda, as well as B167-26, B169-26, B170-26, and B171-26 under Intro & First Read]

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Hosts David Lile and Nick Knoth sit down with Police Chief Jill Schlude and Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer, followed by Matt Nichols, President of the Columbia Police Officers Association, and Zach Privette, President of Columbia Professional Firefighters Local 1055. The episode concludes with City Manager De’Carlon Seewood and Finance Director Matthew Lue.

Across three conversations, guests discuss the need for the proposed tax, the challenges facing Columbia’s police and fire departments, how the measure would work, and what it could mean for the City’s future. Whether you’re still deciding how to vote or simply want a deeper understanding of the proposal, this episode offers direct, in-depth conversations with many of the key voices behind the measure.

Visit⁠ www.comovanguard.com⁠ to learn more

Columbia’s public safety picture shows measurable progress in the last couple of years and, in the same breath, persistent strain that numbers alone don’t fully capture.

According to Missouri State Highway Patrol data, violent crime has declined from its 2021 peak of 652 reported incidents, falling to 477 in 2024 and holding at that level through 2025. As of the time of publishing this report, 174 incidents have been reported so far this year.

Speaking with COMO Vanguard, officials, officers, and community leaders described gains that have not yet translated into consistent on-the-ground capacity. According to most of them, there is a disconnect between what the data show and the day-to-day realities of working in the city’s public safety departments.

“The single greatest limitation right now is capacity,” said Jill Schlude, Columbia’s Chief of Police. “Demand for service, expectations from the community, and the complexity of modern policing continue to increase.”

From the perspective of rank-and-file officers, that gap is often visible in almost every shift.

“We are literally running call to call day and night,” said Matthew Nichols, President of the Columbia Police Officers Association. “There are calls that have to wait because we just don’t have enough personnel.”

That kind of sustained pressure, Nichols said, leaves little room for the proactive, relationship-based policing that most experts consider essential to preventing crime before it occurs.

A department under pressure

Since its founding in 1899, the Columbia Police Department had never been led by a woman. That changed in December 2023, when Jill Schlude — who joined the department in 2005 and rose through the ranks from Patrol Officer to Sergeant to Deputy and Assistant Chief — was sworn in as Police Chief, becoming the first woman to hold the position in the department’s history.

The overall reaction to her appointment, she said, was supportive, though she has been deliberate about not letting its historic nature define her tenure.

“I’ve tried not to focus on the ‘first female chief’ aspect and instead stay centered on the responsibility of the role,” she said, “by visibly leading the department, supporting staff, and working to ensure fair and effective public safety services throughout the community.”

She inherited a department facing significant challenges, including staffing shortages, rising concerns about violent crime, an aging headquarters building, and a community somewhat hesitant to place its faith in the city’s public safety ecosystem.

In her conversation with COMO Vanguard for this report, Schlude described staffing as the department’s most challenging issue to address, because it directly affects everything else.

When she took office, she said the department had roughly 40 vacant sworn officer positions out of an authorized force of roughly 185. This translates to a vacancy rate of approximately 21 percent — or about one in five positions unfilled.

As of spring 2026, Schlude said that the number has fallen to one sergeant and 11 officers, a roughly 6.5 percent vacancy rate. She credited improved recruitment and the launch of CPD’s first-ever in-house police academy in 2024, which marked the first time in the department’s history that recruits were trained locally rather than at an outside facility.

“It teaches Columbia-specific policing values from day one,” she said of the academy, describing it as a pivotal step in shaping the department’s long-term culture.

But vacancy figures on paper don’t fully reflect what staffing looks like in practice.

“We currently have eight recruits in the police academy, 14 officers in field training, and six officers who are injured or on military leave,” Schlude said. “When you account for those factors, the practical impact on staffing feels closer to having roughly 40 unavailable positions — effectively more than 20% of our workforce.”

It also takes roughly 10 to 12 months from hire to full deployment for a new officer, she noted, meaning even consistent hiring creates a significant lag before it translates into operational capacity on the streets.

The retention problem

Nichols, whose union has tracked officer departures for more than a decade, said the staffing challenge in Columbia is not simply about hiring, but it is also about who leaves and why.

Read more

Visit www.comovanguard.com to submit questions and support the show.

• Denied: Council rejected a controversial short-term rental permit request for a home on Valley View Road. The proposed STR failed in a 2-4 vote, with Ward 1 Councilwoman Valerie Carroll and Ward 2 Councilwoman Vera Elwood supporting, after strong neighborhood opposition. [See B101-26 under Old Business]

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• The City is planning to invest in a new Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system through a proposed contract with Ameresco, replacing or retrofitting more than 53,000 electric and water meters. The upgrade would automate meter readings, improve leak and outage detection, increase data transparency, enhance customer service, and generate operational savings while providing more accurate billing and utility data.

Read more

Visit ⁠www.comovanguard.com⁠ to submit questions and support the show.

• Postponed: The Commission tabled a request that would rezone 32.7 acres of agricultural property for “The Retreat at Columbia,” a 194-unit multifamily development. The postponement to June 11 was approved after a revised traffic memo was submitted in late May. City staff have not yet had an opportunity to review the updated memo or prepare a report on its findings. [See Case # 124-2026]

• Approved: An 18-lot preliminary plat of R-2 zoned property, to be known as, “Old Plank Cottages” was unanimously approved. [See Case # 149-2026]

• Approved: 1804 Juniper Drive was approved to operate a 210-night, maximum six-guest short-term rental. [See Case # 157-2026]

Call to Order

7:09pm

Attendance

Commission Present: Sharon Geuea Jones, David Brodsky, Cody Darr, Les Gray, Robert Walters, Andrew Grabau

Commission Absent: Anthony Stanton

Staff Present: Pat Zenner, Jesse Craig,

Approval and Adjustment of Agenda

Roll call, agenda as submitted: Approved.

Approval of Minutes

Roll call: Approved.

Tabling Requests

Case # 124-2026: A request by Crockett Engineering (agent), on behalf of Grindstone Acres, LLC (owner), for approval to rezone the property from A (Agricultural) to PD (Planned Development) and for approval of an associated statement of intent and planned development plan known as “The Retreat at Columbia”, which would permit development of a 194-unit multifamily development on the site. The approximately 32.7-acre subject site is located around 350 feet north of the terminus of Gray Oak Drive, and is presently unaddressed. (This case was tabled at the May 7, 2026 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting.)

Staff Report to Planning and Zoning Commission

Pat Zenner, Development Services Manager, requests that Case #124-2026 be delayed till June 11th so that staff may review a revised traffic memo and provide an updated staff report.

Roll Call, tabling: Approved, 6-0.

Subdivisions

Case # 149-2026: A request by Crockett Engineering (agent), on behalf of Lake Bradley, LLC (owner), for approval of an 18-lot preliminary plat of R-2 (Two-family Dwelling) zoned property, to be known as, “Old Plank Cottages, Plat No. 1.” The 3.68-acre subject site is located at 301 Old Plank Road.

Staff Report to Planning and Zoning Commission

Locator Maps

Preliminary Plat

Rusty Palmer, City Planner, explains the proposal includes 17 single family cottage lots. Cottage standards would allow for 40 ft lot widths, with lot sizes ranging from 5,600 to 12,000 sq ft. The proposed street that would run through the plat would be compliant with street standards. The proposed preliminary plat provides for all necessary infrastructure and related easements.

Jones asks how cottage lots affect lot widths. Palmer explains that the cottage standards allow for a minimum width of 30 ft compared to the standard residential lot size of 60 ft.

Jones opens public comment at 7:24pm

Tim Crockett, Crockett Engineering, describes how the location is ideal for cottage developments with its proximity to Bethel Park and public schools: Rockbridge Elementary School, Gentry Middle School, and Rockbridge High School.

Jones closes public comment at 7:26pm

Role Call: Approved, 6-0, with the name of the plat still pending approval.

Public Hearings

Case # 157-2026: A request by Tyler and Krystle Lorigan (owners) to allow property addressed as 1804 Juniper Drive to operate a 210-night, maximum six-guest short-term rental pursuant to Sec. 29-3.3(vv) and Sec. 29-6.4(m)(2) of the Unified Development Code. The unit sought for licensure is the eastern half of a duplex, addressed 1804 Juniper, and there is sufficient parking on-site. The 0.24-acre subject site is located at the southeast corner of Rock Quarry Road and Juniper Drive.

Staff Report to Planning and Zoning Commission

Locator Maps

STR Application Redacted

Conditional Accessory - Supplemental Conditional Use Questions

David Kunz, City Planner, provides an overview of the STR request. The property is zoned R-2 and is a side-by-side duplex. According to records, the property was previously an illegally operated STR as of December 23rd, 2025. Gray clarifies that the property changed ownership on April 13th, 2026.

Tyler Lorigan, the applicant, introduces himself and his property manager, Ryan Krueger.

Darr asks how long it would take for the property manager, Krueger, to get to the property and whether Lorigan has previously operated STRs. Lorigan says he has never owned a STR, and that Krueger would take 5-10 minutes to arrive at the property.

Lorigan says he was unaware of any previous ordinance violations and that since he purchased the property in April, he has spent $15,000 on landscaping improvements.

Ryan Krueger says he primarily manages long-term rentals and has only managed short-term rentals prior to the STR ordinance.

Roll Call: Approved, 6-0.

General Comments by Public, Staff, and Commissioners

Public

N/A

Staff

Zenner reminds the Commission that they will be meeting next week on June 11th, not on June 18th. He provides an overview of future cases. Zenner introduces Steve Roth, who has been hired as a Senior Planner and has over 20 years of planning experience.

Commissioners

Jones introduces Andrew Grabau, their newest Commissioner.

Adjournment

7:49pm

• ARPA & CHA: Columbia Housing Authority CEO Randy Cole presented an update on how his organization has invested over $13,000,000 in ARPA funds, resulting in 165 affordable housing units, among other outcomes. [See his slide deck here]

• Airport+: Council approved the formation of a standalone Airport Department following years of growth, including outpacing 2019 numbers, and increased complexity. [See B140-26 under Old Business and staff’s slide deck here]

  

• Coming Soon: Exploration of a Historic Preservation Overlay for the African American Heritage Trail, and an advisory task force, was proposed by Ward 1 Councilwoman Valerie Carroll and supported by Council. [See discussion under Council Comments at end of meeting & draft language here]

• Sine Die: This was the last regular Council meeting for outgoing Ward 4 Councilman & Mayor Pro Tem Nick Foster. His last day is June 12.

• Q&A: Submit questions and comments for the COMO Vanguard podcast by clicking here. Our next guest is Mayor Barbara Buffaloe.

Call to Order

7:01pm

Attendance

Council Present: Barbara Buffaloe, Valerie Carroll, Vera Elwood, Jacque Sample, Nick Foster, Christina Hartman, Betsy Peters

Staff Present: De’Carlon Seewood, Nancy Thompson, and Sheela Amin

Approval of Minutes

Approved.

Approval and Adjustment of Agenda

Staff request that B133-26 be withdrawn from the agenda.

Roll call, agenda as amended: Approved.

Special Items

SI7-26: Recognition of Council Member Nick Foster.

Buffaloe reads and provides the Council Resolution recognizing Foster’s service to the City of Columbia; she also gives him a commemorative silver plate as a sign of appreciation for serving as her Mayor Pro Tem.

De’Carlon Seewood, City Manager, presents a gift from City staff.

Foster thanks his family, voters of Ward 4, and City staff for their support and accountability during his service. Foster states that he wants to assure citizens that staff are “capable and dedicated” to the betterment of Columbia.

SI8-26: Columbia Housing Authority American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Update.

Randy Cole, CEO of the Columbia Housing Authority, gives a detailed overview of the wide range of work and projects that CHA has been able to accomplish with ARPA funds - totaling more than $13,000,000 in investment. See his slide deck here.

Appointments to Boards and Commissions

N/A

Scheduled Public Comment

SPC26-26: Joseph Waner - How Vidwest has supported me as a media professional in mid-Missouri.

Scheduled Public Comment Form

Joe Waner, Columbia College alum (and husband to former Ward 2 Councilwoman Andrea Waner), shares how impactful the resources at Vidwest have been on his personal and professional life. He urges Council to continue funding the organization to ensure access to such resources for all Columbians.

Public Hearings

PH19-26: Proposed construction of Fire Station #10 located at 1020 S. El Chaparral Avenue.

Council Memo

Site Plan

Floor Plan

BeHeard Report

Shane Creech, Public Works Director, provides an overview of the Fire Station #10 construction project.

Peters asks what the timeline is for completion. Creech says it’ll take about a year.

Buffaloe opens public hearing at 7:36pm

Renee Carter, local activist, expresses concern about the entryway/exits of the station.

Buffaloe closes public hearing at 7:37pm

Buffaloe asks if there are any planned improvements for MoDOT’s roads which surround the station. Creech says there are projects on the radar, but not in the near future.

Brian Schaeffer, Fire Chief, notes that the amount of traffic is no different than stations 4 and 5, something they are quite used to - that’s what the sirens are for.

Roll call: Approved, 7-0.

Old Business

B139-26: Authorizing a subordination agreement with Providence Walkway Housing Development Group, LP, UMB Bank, N.A., and The Central Trust Bank associated with the Providence Walkway development project; authorizing a deed of release, a fourth deed of trust, and promissory note with Providence Walkway Development Group, LP; authorizing a fourth amendment to the 2024 affordable housing funding agreement, a first amendment to the CDBG grant funding agreement, and a first amendment to the HOME investment partnerships program funding agreement with the Housing Authority of the City of Columbia, Missouri and Providence Walkway Housing Development Group, LP; authorizing a full deed of release to Columbia Community Housing Trust; directing the City Clerk to record certain documents.

Council Memo

Ordinance

Bill Rataj, Housing & Neighborhood Services Director, provides an overview of the Columbia Housing Authority’s redevelopment project. This project and funding was previously approved by the Council, and no additional funding is being requested. It is a complex project with multiple funders, developers, and regulatory bodies - featuring weekly due diligence calls with over a dozen groups.

Carroll asks Randy Cole, CHA CEO, to speak to efforts his organization has made to relocate residents during renovation and redevelopment. Cole shares that they are mandated to handle relocation, including packing and physically moving residents - both in vacating a unit and in coming back, and that CHA has 365 days to move residents back to their housing. They have not had issues to-date.

Buffaloe opens public comment at 7:49pm

Mary Ratliff, former Columbia NAACP President, expresses concern about African American CHA residents being displaced and possibly not returning.

Buffaloe closes public comment at 7:51pm

Randy Cole, CHA CEO, notes that 98% of the residents who lived in the preexisting units have or are returning.

Roll call: Approved, 7-0.

B140-26: Amending Chapter 2 of the City Code to create an Airport Department; amending Chapter 19 of the City Code as it relates to unclassified service; amending the FY 2026 Annual Budget Appendix - Authorized Full Time Equivalent (FTE) position identification summary; amending the FY 2026 Classification and Pay Plan by adding, reassigning, and retitling classifications.

Council Memo

Correspondence from the Chair of the Airport Advisory Board

Correspondence from Mead & Hunt

Summary of Classification and Pay Plan Amendments

Ordinance

De’Carlon Seewood, City Manager, shares that the airport has grown so significantly due to it’s success that it is time for it to be a standalone department due to the level of complexity and staffing required.

Mike Parks, Airport Manager, provides an overview of all the improvements that have occurred at the airport and of those to come, as well as the incredible growth they have experienced. See his full slide deck here.

Kathy Baker, HR Director, explains the staff changes being proposed, which would result in a single net new FTE role.

Sample asks if there is a reason this proposal did not go to the citizen Finance & Audit Committee and if there is typically a thing. Seewood notes that this type of change does not typically go to that committee.

Buffaloe opens public comment at 8:04pm

Randa Rawlins, Chair of the Airport Advisory Board, expresses the board’s complete support for this proposed change.

Buffaloe closes public comment at 8:05pm

Peters shares her support for the change and her appreciation for Mike Parks’ service.

Roll call: Approved, 7-0.

B141-26: Amending the FY 2026 Annual Budget in the total amount of $9,398,731.56 for third quarter appropriation of funds.

Council Memo

Ordinance

Exhibit A to Ordinance

Matthew Lue, Finance Director, notes that this really just moving funds between funds to keep projects moving forward. De’Carlon Seewood, City Manager, says this has usually been via the Consent Agenda, but since this includes utilization of the Asset Forfeture Funds, he wanted it to come to Council for discussion and public comment.

Elwood asks about CPD’s rebranding and uniform change initiative, and what triggered it. Jill Schlude, Police Chief, shares that this originated from a committee she assembled - one of many she setup upon becoming Chief - that made several suggestions about modernizing uniform standards and related policies. Their goal is to be frugal and slowly rotate in changes.

Sample asks about the purchase of the Kirklin Home. Gabe Huffington, Parks & Rec Director, shares the historic nature of Henry Kirklin’s home - a renowned horticulturist and the first African American instructor at the University of Missouri.

Buffaloe opens and closes public comment at 8:27pm

Roll call: Approved, 7-0.

Consent Agenda

All Consent Agenda items approved unanimously.

[Editor’s Note: In an effort to keep these emails shorter and give more space to items that are actively discussed at meetings, we only include items from the Consent Agenda deemed noteworthy.]

N/A

New Business

R112-26: Authorizing the temporary closure of portions of parking lanes and sidewalks on Locust Street, Seventh Street, and Eighth Street, and the alleyway north of Eighth Street, to facilitate building restoration of the District Flats apartment complex located at 127 S. Eighth Street.

Council Memo

Resolution

Exhibit A to Resolution

Shane Creech, Public Works Director, provides an overview of the request for temporary closure of parking and sidewalks during maintenance and improvements at 127 S. Eighth Street.

Carroll inquires as to whether or not staff have engaged with impacted businesses and The District about the pending closures. Creech notes that they have not, as such outreach would occur after approval by Council.

Peters asks if the applicant is paying inconvenience fees. Creech says yes.

Buffaloe opens and closes public comment at 8:32pm

Roll Call: Approved, 7-0.

R113-26: Approving the Preliminary Plat of “Cambridge Place Phase 2” located on the south side of Scarborough Drive and east of Rock Quarry Road (Case No. 121-2026).

Council Memo

Staff Report to Planning and Zoning Commission

Locator Maps

Preliminary Plat

Excerpts from Minutes

Public Correspondence

Resolution

Clint Smith, Community Development Director, provides an overview of the plat proposal that would create five single family plots via infill development. One letter of opposition was received. The P&Z Commission unanimously approved the request. Staff recommend approval.

Buffaloe opens and closes public comment at 8:41pm

Roll call: Approved, 7-0.

Introduction and First Reading: All Items Introduced as Submitted for First Read. Asterisk items are intended for future Consent Agenda.

[Editor’s Note: In an effort to keep these emails shorter and give more space to items that are actively discussed at meetings, we only include items from the Intro & First Read deemed noteworthy.]

N/A

Reports

REP25-26 2026 Community Summit Report. (Tabled at the May 18, 2026 Council Meeting.)

Supplemental Council Memo - June 1, 2026

Supplemental Council Memo - May 18, 2026

Council Memo

2026 Community Summit Report

Stacey Weidemann, Asst. to the City Manager, delivers the Community Summit Report. Based off attendee feedback, the top priority was Reliable & Sustainable Infrastructure, followed by Safe Community. See the slide deck here.

Councilmembers take turns expressing their appreciation for the event and continuously improving it.

REP30-26: Consideration for the Addition of a Short-Term Rental Representative to the Convention and Visitors Advisory Board.

Council Memo

Amy Schneider, CVB Director, provides an overview of the request, noting that the citizen CVB Board approved this request.

Carroll finds this to be a natural step to take since STR operators are paying the lodging tax.

Council supports an ordinance to make this change.

REP31-26: Proposed Artwork Installation at the Columbia Regional Airport.

Council Memo

Amy Schneider, CVB Director, shares the report, noting that Columbia artist Adrienne Luther will paint the mural and the cost will be split between the Columbia CVB and Jefferson City CVB.

REP32-26: Communication from the Finance Advisory and Audit Committee.

Council Memo

Letter from FAAC

Matthew Lue, Finance Director, shares that the Committee voted to further clarify the duties and expectations of the body.

Council supports an ordinance to make this change.

REP33-26: Monthly Finance Report.

Council Memo

Quarterly Report 2nd Qtr 2026

Matthew Lue, Finance Director, provides the report.

General Comments by Public, Council, and Staff

Public

9:13pm

Marcus Richardson, representing the Columbia chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, expresses appreciation and thanks to outgoing Ward 4 Councilman Nick Foster.

Pam Hardin, President of the Columbia NAACP, expresses concerns about how the City will contract out utilization of the McAllister House and how the African American community was not engaged on the subject. They would like the lease with Love Columbia terminated and the public input process restarted.

Mary Ratliff, former President of the Columbia NAACP, echoes and continues Hardin’s concerns regarding the McAllister House.

Eugene Elkin, city hall gadfly, shares a story about an interaction he had with a homeless individual and his belief that Columbia needs another nondenominational church.

Renee Carter, President of Race Matters Friends, is disappointed that the City has not invested as much money into public transit as it has the airport.

Council

9:33pm

Elwood is excited about the transit system returning to 45-minute routes.

Sample thanks Foster for his service and sage advice over the years.

Hartman encourages citizens to apply for the board and commission openings.

Peters expresses appreciation for Foster’s service. Carroll echoes this.

Carroll motions for the exploration of a Historic Preservation Overlay for the African American Heritage Trail to be established to protect properties from demolition, as well as for the formation of a nine member task force to serve in an advisory capacity on the subject. This is a result of the concerns around how the McAllister House was handled. See draft language here.

Peters asks what the timeline for completing something like this. Clint Smith, Community Development Director, says “it depends.” De’Carlon Seewood, City Manager, adds that this is something that staff has already been working on, so there is potential for that work to be folded into this proposal.

General discussion ensues on what exactly this overlay would look like and impact. Staff request a “hot minute” to review the request, and suggest starting off with just the task force portion to help formulate the broader idea.

Smith adds that the existing Historic Preservation Commission could be well suited to this work since it tackles these subjects and properties already, albeit individually and one at a time. Carroll emphasizes the importance of the proposed task force working in tandem with both the Historic Preservation Commission and the Planning & Zoning Commission.

Roll call, both overlay/task force: Approved, 7-0.

Buffaloe notes that Council received a report from staff on the history of funding for and the relationship between Vidwest Studios and the City; she motions for that to come back as a formal report on a Council Agenda.

Roll call: Approved, 7-0.

Foster shares his deep, and genuine appreciation for staff, as well as a reiteration of his earlier comments of gratitude for having had the privilege of serving.

Staff

10:10pm

Seewood shares that as part of the Strategic Plan update, there are a series of public input sessions going on and encourages the public to engage.

Adjournment

10:12pm