South West Illinois News

City of Columbia City Council met Oct. 16.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Columbia, Illinois Held Monday, October 16, 2023 in the Council Room of City Hall.

A. Call Meetine 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, Riddle, Garmer, Khoury, Lawlor, and Nobbe.

Absent: None

Quorum present.

Administrative Staff present:

City Clerk Andrew Hitzemann

City Attorney Terry Bruckert

Chief of Police Jason Donjon

City Treasurer Linda Sharp

City Engineer Chris Smith

City Administrator Douglas Brimm

Director of Public Works Mike Sander

Building Official Justin Osterhage

Deputy City Clerk Kelly Mathews

C. Pledge of Allegiance

Those in attendance recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

D. Proclamations/Reco2fiitions/Presentations

1. Presentation of Check to Dustin Row from Songs 4 Soldiers

Mayor Hill awarded Songs4Soldiers, NFP a local tourism grant and thanked Dustin Row and the organization and its volunteers.

2. Recognition of Mayor George Eckert

Mayor Hill recognized the passing of former Columbia Mayor George Eckert. Mayor Eckert's service to the City spanned five decades. He will forever be remembered by the citizens of Columbia and his dedication, vision, and hard work will leave a lasting impact.

3. Presentation of Fiscal Year 2023 Audit

City Auditor Jim Schmersahl reviewed the Fiscal Year 2023 Audit report with the Council. Mr. Schmersahl reported the City is within compliance and it was a clean audit.

E. Public Input

There was no Public Input.

F. Comments & Announcements - Mayor

Mayor Hill congratulated the ICS Boys Cross Country team for finishing first in State and the ICS Girls Cross Country team for finishing third in State.

G. Comments & Announcements - Aldermen

Alderman Nobbe announced she completed the dog park grant submission and the final ists will be announced on October 31.

H. Comments & Announcements - Department Directors

There were no Department Director Comments & Announcements.

I. Consent Aeenda

City Clerk Hitzemann read the Consent Agenda .

1. Motion to Approve Minutes of the October 2, 2023 Regular City Council Meeting

2. Motion to Approve Closed Session Minutes of the October 2, 2023 Regular City Council Meeting

3. Motion to Approve Payment of Vouchers for the Period of September 29, 2023 through October 11, 2023 totaling $432,175.97

4. Motion to Accept the Fiscal Year 2023 Audit as Presented

Mayor Hill inquired if the Council wished to remove any items prior to a motion. There were none.

Motion:

It was moved by Alderman Lawlor, and seconded by Alderman Nobbe, to approve the Consent Agenda as read .

Motion Passed .

Roll Call Vote results:

8 Aye: Niemietz, Huch, Holtkamp, Riddle, Garmer, Khoury, Lawlor, and Nobbe

0 Nay:

0 Absent:

0 Abstain :

J. Unfinished Business

1. Resolution No. 2023-24 Approving a Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Columbia and the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council (Telecommunicators)

Mr. Brimm explained this Memorandum implements a lateral hire program for the bargaining unit.

Motion:

It was moved by Alderman Huch and seconded by Alderman Niemietz, to pass and approve the Resolution No. 2023-24 Approving a Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Columbia and the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council (Telecommunicators)

Motion Passed .

Roll Call Vote results:

8 Aye: Niemietz, Huch, Holtkamp, Riddle, Garmer, Khoury, Lawlor, and Nobbe

0 Nay:

0 Absent:

0 Abstain:

2. Opening, Review, and Discussion of Bids Received for the Sale of 140 South Main Street

Mr. Brimm stated that there were no bids received for the sale of 140 South Main Street. Mr. Brimm explained since no bids were received, the City could list the property on the City's website, list with a realtor, or hold an auction.

K. New Business

1. Discussion of 2024 Illinois Municipal League Risk Management Association Insurance Renewal

Mr. Brimm announced IMLRMA has provided the City with a proposal for continuing participation in its Min-Max program with an increase in premium of 5.24% for 2024. Mr. Brimm explained the 2 options available to the City include continued participation in the Min/Max program, or a 100% contribution. Mr. Brimm reported The Min-Max rate is $187,404 to $254,945 and the 100% contribution rate is $209,918.00.

A resolution will be presented at the November 6 Council Meeting for consideration to continue participation in the IMLRMA Mid-Max program.

2. Discussion of a Community Unit Plan Type A Overlay District to Allow a Residential Condominium Development at 1712 Ghent Road, Parcel No. 04-09-301-003-000

Mayor Hill announced this agenda item will be postponed until the November 6 Council Meeting.

L. Closed Session

There was no business addressed in Closed Session.

M. Announcements

There were no announcements.

N. Adjournment

Motion:

It was moved by Alderman Niemietz, and seconded by Alderman Khoury, to adjourn the Regular City Council meeting held Monday, October 16, 2023 at 7:55 PM.

Motion Passed.

Roll Call Vote results:

8 Aye: Niemietz, Huch, Holtkamp, Riddle, Garmer, Khoury, Lawlor, and Nobbe

0 Nay:

0 Absent:

https://www.columbiaillinois.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10162023-303