City of Columbia City Council met Dec. 18.
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 Administrator Douglas Brimm
City Attorney Terry Bruckert
Director of Public Works Mike Sander
Chief of Police Jason Donjon
City Treasurer Linda Sharp
City Engineer Chris Smith
C. Pledge of Allegiance
Deputy Chief of Police Karla Heine Deputy City Clerk Kelly Mathews EMS Chief Kim Lamprecht
Those in attendance recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
D. Proclamations/Recognitions/Presentations
1. John Brancaglione, PGAV Planners
Mr. Brancaglione provided an overview of the draft of the Route 3/I-255 Business District Plan. Mr. Brancaglione explained roads within the proposed Business District would need to be upgraded. The new Business District could attract additional hotels, auto dealerships, restaurants, and a sports complex. The City would need to get a list of existing businesses within the district to see if certain sales taxes would be applicable. Mr. Brancaglione reported the flood plain areas were avoided.
E. Public Input
There was no public input.
F. Comments & Announcements ‐ Mayor
Mayor Hill thanked the community for a great event and turnout at the Winter Wonderland at Main Street Abbey. He also reminded everyone about the Christmas Light Display Contest.
G. Comments & Announcements ‐ Aldermen
There were no Aldermen Comments & Announcements.
H. Comments & Announcements – Department Directors
There were no Department Director Comments & Announcements.
Regular Meeting - December 18, 2023 Page 1 of 4
I. Consent Agenda
City Clerk Hitzemann read the Consent Agenda.
1. Motion to Approve Minutes of the December 4, 2023 Regular City Council Meeting
2. Motion to Approve Closed Minutes of the December 4, 2023 Regular City Council Meeting
3. Motion to Approve Payment of Vouchers for the Period of November 30, 2023 through December 13, 2023 Totaling $685,894.81
4. Motion to Approve Statement of Funds for November 30, 2023
5. Motion to Release Performance Guarantee Irrevocable Letter of Credit #21-05 for Walnut Ridge Estates Phase I Development
Mayor Hill inquired if the Council wished to remove any items prior to a motion. There were none.
Motion:
It was moved by Alderman Holtkamp, 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. Closed Session
Mayor Hill informed the Council there was no need to go into Closed Session at this time.
K. Unfinished Business
1. Ordinance No. 3660 Amending the Established Salary/Remuneration of Appointed City Officers and Employees of the City of Columbia, Illinois for the Fiscal Year of the City Commencing May 1, 2023 and Ending April 30, 2024
Ordinance No. 3660 was pulled from the Agenda.
2. Discussion of Setting Committee of the Whole Meetings for the Purpose of Reviewing Proposed Recodification of the Columbia Municipal Code
Mayor Hill reviewed with the Council that he would like to convene Committee of the Whole meetings to begin reviewing the proposed recodification. It was consensus of the Council to meet every 2nd Monday of the Month at 6:00pm starting on January 8.
L. New Business
1. Motion to Approve Purchase of (2) Dodge Durango Police Vehicles, Including Upfitting, from Lou Fusz and VIP Commercial Upfits for a Total of $134,509.46
City Administrator Douglas Brimm reported for Fiscal year 2024, the Police Department is budgeted to purchase two replacement Chevrolet Tahoes. City staff tried to purchase these through the State’s joint purchasing program but they were no longer on the state procurement listing. Other utility vehicles were explored but they are not currently accepting orders. Other joint purchasing vendors were explored but were also unsuccessful. Local vehicle dealers in Columbia and Waterloo also didn’t have any inventory. Two Dodge Durango vehicles were found at Lou Fusz. Since at this time no purchase can be made utilizing a joint/cooperative purchasing program, staff is seeking approval to purchase these vehicles from Lou Fusz.
Motion:
It was moved by Alderman Niemietz, and seconded by Alderman Garmer, to pass and approve a Motion to Approve Purchase of (2) Dodge Durango Police Vehicles, Including Upfitting, from Lou Fusz and VIP Commercial Upfits for a Total of $134,509.46
Motion Passed. Roll Call Vote results:
8 Aye: Niemietz, Huch, Holtkamp, Riddle, Garmer, Khoury, Lawlor, and Nobbe
0 Nay:
0 Absent:
0 Abstain
2. Illinois American Rate Increase 9.9%
This agenda item was added by Mayor Hill after Closed Session concluded. The City was informed during the meeting that Illinois American is increasing the rate for City Water by 9.9%.
Mr. Brimm stated he will work with staff to see how this affects current projections and address the Council at the next meeting.
M. 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)(1) Appointment, Employment, Compensation, Discipline, Performance, or Dismissal of Specific Employees of the Public Body
Motion:
It was moved by Alderman Niemietz, and seconded by Alderman Nobbe, to direct the Mayor to go into Closed Session at 7:45 PM pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) Appointment, Employment, Compensation, Discipline, Performance, or Dismissal of Specific Employees of the Public Body
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 7:55 PM. Upon return to Regular Session, Aldermen Niemietz, Huch, Holtkamp, Riddle, Garmer, Khoury, Lawlor, Nobbe, and Mayor Hill were present.
N. Announcements
There were no announcements.
O. Adjournment
Motion:
It was moved by Alderman Riddle, and seconded by Alderman Huch, to adjourn the Regular City Council meeting held Monday, December 18, 2023 at 7:58 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/Agenda/_01162024-316
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