South West Illinois News

City of Columbia City Council met Feb. 5.

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, February 05, 2024 in the Council Room of City Hall.

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

IT Director James Mitchell

City Engineer Chris Smith

C. Pledge of Allegiance

City Administrator Douglas Brimm

Director of Public Works Mike Sander

Deputy Chief of Police Karla Heine

Deputy City Clerk Kelly Mathews

Those in attendance recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

D. Proclamations/Recognitions/Presentations

There were no proclamations, recognitions, or presentations.

E. Business Prior to Public Input

1. Public Hearing Regarding the Proposed Route 3/1-255 Business District Plan

i. Motion to Open Public Hearing

Motion:

It was moved by Alderman Niemietz, and seconded by Alderman Lawlor, to open public hearing on the Proposed Route 3/1-255 Business District Plan at 7:01 PM

Motion Passed.

Roll Call Vote results:

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

0 Nay:

0 Absent:

0 Abstain

ii. Staff Report

John Brancaglione from PGAV Planners reviewed the proposed Business District Plan. Mr. Brancaglione explained the proposed Business District would help support infrastructure within the entity. It would allow a levy of additional sales tax and hotel tax within the Business District. It could only exist for 23 years and the flood plain areas are not included. The Business District would assist with improving roads, signals, and utilities within the district boundaries. The proposed sales tax would be 1% on standard businesses. Automobile sales is exempt while the purchase of parts would not be exempt.

iii. Public Input

1. Melissa Gregoire

Ms. Gregoire expressed concerns regarding eminent domain within the plan and if residents whose houses are within the Business District Plan would have to worry about relocating.

Attorney Terry Bruckert assured Mr. Gregoire and the residents the City has no intentions to utilize eminent domain.

2. Andrew Allen

Mr. Allen questioned why residential properties are included in the boundaries if there are no development plans and eminent domain isn't intended.

3. Mel Stuckmeyer

Mr. Stuckmeyer expressed concern about the amount of space associated with the proposed Business District and that he prefers green space and keeping the area as clean as possible.

4. Kurt Stumpf

Mr. Stumpf questioned the proposed boundaries and notified the Council of typos within the plan.

5. Les Pettet

Mr. Pettet expressed concerns regarding additional traffic and the intersection of Old Route 3 and Columbia Lakes subdivision.

6. David Waister

Mr. Waister, a representative of the Prairie DuPont Levee District, expressed concern regarding the Business District and potential issues with storm water.

7. Erica Schramm-Stitzel

Ms. Schramm-Stitzel expressed concern regarding the ecological impact this plan would have on the area.

8. Brett Cogo

Mr. Cogo questioned the amount of parcels available on Admiral Trost Parkway.

9. Lisa Braun

Ms. Braun from R&M Oil expressed concern the tax would add to the cost of oil, which would result in higher gas prices.

10. Tara Graves

Ms. Graves explained her neighbors were also worried about eminent domain and requested more communication.

11. Tim Wheeler

Mr. Wheeler questioned how the sales tax collected from the Business District could be used.

12. Chris Holston

Mr. Holston expressed he likes how Columbia has good schools and peace and quiet. He doesn't want anything to change and wants to make sure the Council is exploring all possible options to keep Columbia the way it is.

13. Jennifer Lovett

Ms. Lovett expressed concern regarding the questions other citizens had in the Public Hearing. The questions regarding eminent domain, property within the area, and storm water need to be answered before any implementation.

iv. Motion to Adjourn Public Hearing

Motion:

It was moved by Alderman Lawlor, and seconded by Alderman Niemietz, to adjourn public hearing on the Proposed Route 3/1-255 Business District Plan at 8:29 PM

Motion Passed.

Roll Call Vote results:

8 Aye: Niemietz, Huch, Holtkamp, Riddle, Garmer, Khoury, Lawlor, and Nobbe 0 Nay:

0 Absent:

0 Abstain

F. Public Input

1. Tiffany Lundholm

Ms. Lundholm addressed the Council regarding agenda item L.2. Ms. Lundholm expressed concern regarding the Historic Main Street Columbia Association's budget and the amount of money spent on salary.

G. Comments & Announcements - Mayor

Mayor Hill congratulated the Columbia High School Cheerleaders for 8th Place in State.

Mayor Hill also thanked the Police and EMS personnel who provided lifesaving measurements to a middle school student who was choking.

H. Comments & Announcements - Aldermen

There were no Aldermen Comments & Announcements.

I. Comments & Announcements - Department Directors

There were no Department Director Comments & Announcements.

J. Consent Agenda

City Clerk Hitzemann read the Consent Agenda .

1. Motion to Approve Minutes of the January 16, 2024 Regular City Council Meeting

2. Motion to Approve Payment of Vouchers for the Period of January 12, 2024 through January 31, 2024 Totaling $324,163.37

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 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:

K. Unfinished Business

1. Resolution No. 2024-04 Approving an Agreement Between the City of Columbia and Blue Jay Football Association

Motion:

It was moved by Alderman Nobbe, and seconded by Alderman Khoury, to pass and approve Resolution No. 2024-04, a Resolution Approving an Agreement Between the City of Columbia and Blue Jay Football Association

Motion Passed.

Roll Call Vote results:

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

0 Nay:

0 Absent:

0 Abstain

2. Motion to Approve Land Transfer Between Monroe County Parcel No. 04-22-120-012- 000 and Parcel No. 04-22-120-013-000 Located in the City of Columbia

Motion:

It was moved by Alderman Holtkamp, and seconded by Alderman Niemietz, to Approve Land Transfer Between Monroe County Parcel No. 04-22-120-012-000 and Parcel No. 04-22-120-013-000 Located in the City of Columbia

Motion Passed.

Roll Call Vote results:

8 Aye: Niemietz, Huch, Holtkamp, Riddle, Garmer, Khoury, Lawlor, and Nobbe 0 Nay:

0 Absent:

0 Abstain

L. New Business

1. Motion to Approve Land Transfer Between Monroe County Parcel No. 04-21-400-001- 000 and Parcel No. 04-21-300-003-000 Located in and Contiguous to the City of Columbia

Motion:

It was moved by Alderman Holtkamp, and seconded by Alderman Riddle, to Approve Land Transfer Between Monroe County Parcel No. 04-21-400-001-000 and Parcel No. 04-21-300-003-000 Located in and Contiguous to the City of Columbia

Motion Passed.

Roll Call Vote results:

8 Aye: Niemietz, Huch, Holtkamp, Riddle, Garmer, Khoury, Lawlor, and Nobbe 0 Nay:

0 Absent:

0 Abstain

2. Discussion of Historic Main Street Columbia Association Proposed Successor Agreement for Services

Mr. Brimm reported Historic Main Street Columbia Association has been providing events supporting our Main Street businesses for many years. In the past, they have implemented a Fa~ade Grant Program, with the financial assistance from the City. He reported he met with representatives of the Historic Main Street Columbia Association to discuss a proposed successor agreement for services. In an attempt to continue implementation of the Main Street District Plan, the City had proposed HMSCA serve as the administrator of a fa~ade grant program. The City proposed contributing $15,000.00 to this program, intended to serve as an incentive for improvements. At this meeting, HMSCA representatives countered with $25,000.00, as they felt $15,000.00 would not fully cover their expenses, and meet the requirements set forth regarding fa~ade program.

Representatives from HMSCA reviewed their annual events and their current budget.

After a brief discussion, Mayor Hill expressed concern regarding their expenses and how much of the requested money could be used for the fa~ade program. He questioned if they could also focus on other things on Main Street. Mayor Hill stated there should be continued discussion on this matter before a Council decision is made.

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)(l) Appointment, Employment, Compensation, Discipline, Performance, or Dism issal of Specific Employees of the Public Body

Motion:

It was moved by Alderman Ga rmer, and seconded by Alderman Niemietz, to direct the Mayor to go into Closed Session at 9:26 PM pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(l) Appointment, Employment, Compensation, Discipl ine, 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 9:31 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 Niemietz, and seconded by Alderman Khoury, to adjourn the Regular City Council meeting held Monday, February 05, 2024 at 9:31 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/_02052024-318