South West Illinois News

City of Columbia City Council met Nov. 6.

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, Riddle, Garmer, Khoury, Lawlor, and Nobbe.

Absent: None.

Quorum present.

Administrative Staff present:

City Clerk Andrew Hitzemann

City Attorney Terry Bruckert

City Administrator Douglas Brimm

Chief of Police Jason Donjon

IT Director James Mitchell

City Engineer Chris Smith

Director of Public Works Mike Sander

Building Official Justin Osterhage

Deputy City Clerk Kelly Mathews

EMS Chief Kim Lamprecht

C. Pledge of Allegiance

Those in attendance recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

D. Proclamations/Recognitions/Presentations

1. Immaculate Conception School Cross Country State Finals

Mayor Hill recognized the ICS Girls Cross Country Team for placing 3rd place in State. Mayor Hill also recognized the ICS Boys Cross Country Team for placing 1st place in State.

2. Columbia High School Boys Soccer Team

Mayor Hill recognized the Columbia High School Boys Soccer Team for getting 3rd place in State.

3. Columbia Blue Jays Varsity Team

Mayor Hill recognized the Columbia Blue Jays Varsity Team for winning the Southwestern Illinois Youth Conference Championship.

E. Public Input

There was no public input.

F. Comments & Announcements - Mayor

Mayor Hill thanked everyone for the amazing turnout at the Halloween Hijinks and the Veterans Day Parade.

Mayor Hill announcing the following upcoming events:

Small Business Saturday - November 25 at 9:00 AM

Christmas Tree lighting Ceremony - November 25 at 6:00 PM

Can Food Drive - November 25 at the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Bright Night Christmas Parade - December 2 at 5:00 PM

G. Comments & Announcements - Aldermen

Alderman Nobbe announced Columbia was selected as a finalist for the PetSafe Dog Park Contest.

H. Comments & Announcements - Department Directors

There were no Department Director Comments & Announcements.

I. Consent Agenda

City Clerk Hitzemann read the Consent Agenda.

1. Motion to Approve Minutes of the October 16, 2023 Regular City Council Meeting

2. Motion to Approve Payment of Vouchers for the Period of October 12, 2023 through November 1, 2023 totaling $304,846.71

3. Motion to Approve Statement of Funds for September 30, 2023

4. Motion to Approve Special Event Permit - Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony (November 26, 2023)

5. Motion to Approve Special Event Permit - Bright Night Christmas Parade (December 2, 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 Khoury, 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. 2023-25 Authorizing the Execution of the Illinois Municipal League Risk Management Association Minimum/Maximum Contribution Agreement

Motion:

It was moved by Alderman Holtkamp and seconded by Alderman Lawlor, to pass and approve the Resolution No. 2023-25 Authorizing the Execution of the Illinois Municipal League Risk Management Association Minimum/Maximum Contribution Agreement

Motion Passed.

Roll Call Vote results:

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

0 Nay:

0 Absent:

0 Abstain:

K. New Business

1. 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

Mr. Brimm reviewed the proposed condominium development with a maximum of 41 one- family dwelling units located at 1712 Ghent Road. Mr. Brimm stated the Plan Commission conducted a public hearing on October 10, 2023 and recommends the City Council approve the development at 1712 Ghent Road as submitted.

A brief discussion was had regarding the smaller setbacks, the narrower streets, parking and sidewalks.

Building Official Justin Osterhage confirmed the development would consist of up to 41 one- family dwelling units on one common parcel with yard areas of less than 40 ft., there would be sidewalks within the development, and the street width would be less than 36ft.

An ordinance to approve 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 will be presented at the November 20, 2023 Council meeting for consideration.

2. Discussion of the Illinois Paid Leave for All Workers Act for the City of Columbia

Mr. Brimm discussed that effective January 1, 2024 the All Workers Act requires employers in Illinois to provide paid time off for all employees. Mr. Bimm explained in the act, school districts and park districts are exempt; but municipalities are not. Mr. Brimm stated it is recommended municipalities exercise a provision found in Section 15(p) of the Act, which exempts employers subject to an ordinance in effect prior to January 1, 2024 requiring paid leave for employees.

Mr. Brimm stated an ordinance will be presented at the November 20, 2023 Council meeting for consideration.

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)(21) Discussion of Minutes of Meetings Lawfully Closed Under the Act

Motion:

It was moved by Alderman Huch, and seconded by Alderman Riddle, to direct the Mayor to go into Closed Session at 8:05 PM pursuant to 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, Riddle, Garmer, Khoury, Lawlor, and Nobbe

0 Nay:

0 Absent:

0 Abstain:

Mayor Hill called the Regular Session of the City Council back to order at 8:11 PM. Upon return to Regular Session, Aldermen Niemietz, Huch, Holtkamp, Riddle, Garmer, Khoury, Lawlor, Nobbe, and Mayor Hill were present.

M. Announcements

There were no announcements.

N. Adjournment

Motion:

It was moved by Alderman Niemietz, and seconded by Alderman Nobbe, to adjourn the Regular City Council meeting held Monday, November 06, 2023 at 8:12 PM.

Motion Passed.

Roll Call Vote results:

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

0 Nay:

0 Absent:

0 Abstain:

https://www.columbiaillinois.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_11062023-305