City of Columbia City Council met Feb. 21.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
A. Call Meeting to Order
Mayor Hill called the City Council of Columbia, Illinois to order at 7:00 PM.
B. Roll Call
Present: Aldermen Niemietz, Huch, Holtkamp, Martens, Riddle, Garmer, Khoury, and Lawlor.
Absent: None.
Quorum present.
Administrative Staff present:
City Clerk Andrew Hitzemann
City Attorney Terry Bruckert
City Administrator Douglas Brimm
City Treasurer Linda Sharp
City Engineer Chris Smith
C. Pledge of Allegiance
Dir. Of Community Dev. Scott Dunakey
Dir. of IT James Mitchell
Library Director Annette Bland
Director of Public Works Mike Sander
Those in attendance recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
D. Proclamations /Recognitions /Presentations
1. NPDES Permit for Storm Water Discharges from Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) City Engineer Chris Smith provided an overview of the NPDES Permit.
E. Public Input
Gerry Siekerka
Mr. Siekerka addressed the Council regarding the waste water treatment plant. He is concerned about the smell and the amount of electricity being used for the plant.
Ron Deedrick
Mr. Deedrick expressed concerns regarding a mailer which was sent to Columbia residents regarding Home Rule.
F. Comments & Announcements - Mayor
Mayor Hill thanked everyone who attended the Home Rule Town Hall.
G. Comments & Announcements - Aldermen
There were no Aldermen Comments & Announcements.
H. Comments & Announcements - Department Directors
There were no Department Directors Comments & Announcements.
I. Consent Agenda
City Clerk Hitzemann read the Consent Agenda .
1. Motion to Approve Minutes of the February 6, 2023 Regular City Council Meeting
2. Motion to Approve Closed Session Minutes of the February 6, 2023 Regular City Council Meeting
3. Motion to Approve Payment of Vouchers for the Period of February 2, 2023 through February 15, 2023 totaling $571,778.98
4. Motion to Approve Statement of Funds for January 31, 2023
Mayor Hill inquired if the Council wished to remove any items prior to a motion. There were none.
Motion:
It was moved by Alderman Niemietz, and seconded by Alderman Martens, to approve the Consent Agenda as read.
Motion Passed.
Roll Call Vote results:
8 Aye: Niemietz, Huch, Holtkamp, Martens, Riddle, Garmer, Khoury, and Lawlor
0 Nay:
0 Absent:
0 Abstain:
J. Unfinished Business
1. Ordinance No. 3636 Adopting Zoning Text Amendments Establishing Solar Energy System Regulations for the City of Columbia
Director of Community Development Scott Dunakey discussed an increase in requests for information regarding solar energy installations due to the rising cost of electricity. Mr. Dunakey provided the Council with an overview of the proposed amendments. Mr. Dunakey stated the Plan Commission recommended approval of the regulations as submitted.
After discussion, Mr. Brimm recommended the Council table Ordinance No. 3636 to provide more opportunity to address concerns brought forth.
Motion:
It was moved by Alderman Holtkamp, and seconded by Alderman Huch, to Table Ordinance No. 3636 Adopting Zoning Text Amendments Establishing Solar Energy
System Regulations for the City of Columbia until the March 6, 2023 City Council Meeting
Motion Passed.
Roll Call Vote results:
8 Aye: Niemietz, Huch, Holtkamp, Martens, Riddle, Garmer, Khoury, and Lawlor 0 Nay:
0 Absent:
0 Abstain:
2. Motion to Approve an Architectural Variance Allowing Pre-Finished Fiber Cement Board Siding in Combination with Required Exterior Wall Materials for a Proposed Restaurant at 977 Eleven South
Mr. Dunakey stated the applicant at 977 Eleven South is seeking a variance to use pre finished fiber cement board siding for the proposed restaurant. Mr. Dunakey stated the Plan Commission recommended approval of the request as submitted.
Motion:
It was moved by Alderman Lawlor, and seconded by Alderman Khoury, to pass and approve the Motion to Approve an Architectural Variance Allowing Pre-Finished Fiber Cement Board Siding in Combination with Required Exterior Wall Materials for a Proposed Restaurant at 977 Eleven South
Motion Passed.
Roll Call Vote results:
8 Aye: Niemietz, Huch, Holtkamp, Martens, Riddle, Garmer, Khoury, and Lawlor 0 Nay:
0 Absent:
0 Abstain:
K. New Business
1. Motion to Approve Master Services Agreement with Volkert, Inc. and Work Order #1- Traffic Study Illinois Route 3 and Veteran's Parkway
Motion:
It was moved by Alderman Niemietz, and seconded by Alderman Riddle, to pass and approve the Motion to Approve Master Services Agreement with Volkert, Inc. and Work Order #1-Traffic Study Illinois Route 3 and Veteran's Parkway
Motion Passed.
Roll Call Vote results:
8 Aye: Niemietz, Huch, Holtkamp, Martens, Riddle, Garmer, Khoury, and Lawlor
0 Nay:
0 Absent:
0 Abstain:
2. Discussion of Architectural Review for the Four Buildings proposed for the Top Quality Holding Development in the Southport Subdivision at 302-314 Southport Drive
Mr. Dunakey explained the applicant is seeking authorization to use either pre-finished fiber cement board siding or pre-finished engineered wood lap siding. The property is in the Commercial Park Zoning District. Mr. Dunakey stated the Plan Commission recommended approval of the request as submitted.
3. Discussion of Architectural Review for the Proposed "The Barn" Tavern/Video Gaming Establishment Located at 318 N. Main Street (Accessory structure on former Gillan's Graphics site)
Mr. Dunakey explained the applicant at 318 North Main Street is seeking authorization to use the SmartSide Diamond Kate product. The building in question is the secondary structure at this location. The applicant wants to convert this structure into a Tavern and Video Gaming Establishment. Mr. Dunakey stated the Plan Commission recommended approval of the request as submitted.
4. Discussion of an Amendment to Brockland Sales Tax Rebate Agreement
Mr. Brimm explained the City was approached by Bob Brockland Buick GMC to discuss the terms of a sales tax rebate approved by the City in 2013. Bob Brockland Buick GMC is requesting the City to remove the 10 year time limit. The rebate is set to expire in 2025.
L. Closed Session
Mayor Hill informed the Council that he would entertain a motion to go into Closed Session pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(S) Purchase or Lease of Real Property, 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(ll) Pending or Probable Litigation, and 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(21) Discussion of Minutes of Meetings Lawfully Closed Under the Act
Motion:
It was moved by Alderman Niemietz, and seconded by Alderman Holtkamp, to direct the Mayor to go into Closed Session at 8:09 PM pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(S) Purchase or Lease of Real Property, 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(ll) Pending or Probable Litigation, and 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(21) Discussion of Minutes of Meetings Lawfully Closed Under the Act
Motion Passed.
Roll Call Vote results:
8 Aye: Niemietz, Huch, Holtkamp, Martens, Riddle, Garmer, Khoury, and Lawlor
0 Nay:
0 Absent:
0 Abstain:
Mayor Hill called the Regular Session of the City Council back to order at 8:53 PM . Upon return to Regular Session, Aldermen Niemietz, Huch, Holtkamp, Martens, Riddle, Garmer, Khoury, Lawlor, and Mayor Hill were present.
M. Announcements
Mayor Hill announced road construction on Route 3 will begin on February 27, 2023.
Alderman Holtkamp questioned the Home Rule mailer that was sent out. City Attorney Terry Bruckert stated the City didn't put the mailer out and no public funds were used.
N. Adjournment
Motion:
It was moved by Alderman Niemietz, and seconded by Alderman Huch, to adjourn the Regular City Council meeting held Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at 8:56 PM.
Motion Passed.
Roll Call Vote results:
8 Aye: Niemietz, Huch, Holtkamp, Martens, Riddle, Garmer, Khoury, and Lawlor
0 Nay:
0 Absent:
0 Abstain:
https://www.columbiaillinois.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02212023-264
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