South West Illinois News

City of Columbia City Council met Nov. 4.

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, Holtkamp, Riddle, Khoury, Lawlor, and Nobbe. Absent: Huch and Hitzemann.

Quorum present.

Administrative Staff present:

City Clerk Derek Reichert

City Administrator Douglas Brimm

City Attorney Terry Bruckert

IT Director James Mitchell

City Engineer Chris Smith

EMS Chief Kim Lamprecht

Deputy City Clerk Kelly Mathews

Director of Public Works Mike Sander

C. Pledge of Allegiance

Those in attendance recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

D. Proclamations/Recognitions/Presentations

1. Presentation of FY24 Audit – Jim Schmersahl, Schmersahl Treloar & Co.

Motion:

It was moved by Alderman Riddle, and seconded by Alderman Nobbe, to accept the audit results as presented

Motion Passed.

Roll Call Vote results:

6 Aye: Niemietz, Holtkamp, Riddle, Khoury, Lawlor, and Nobbe

0 Nay:

2 Absent: Huch and Hitzemann

0 Abstain:

E. Public Input

Mr. Lynn Rives addressed the council regarding concerns over the lack of communication from the City and Public Works Department

F. Comments & Announcements - Mayor

Mayor Hill congratulated the High School Volleyball and Football teams along with the Columbia Blue Jay football program on a great season. Mayor Hill also reminded everyone to get out and vote on Tuesday 11/5.

G. Comments & Announcements - Aldermen

There were no Aldermen Comments & Announcements.

Regular Meeting - November 4, 2024 Page 1 of 4

H. Comments & Announcements – Department Directors

City Engineer Chris Smith provided an update on the Valmeyer Road project.

I. Consent Agenda

City Clerk Reichert read the Consent Agenda.

1. Motion to Approve Minutes of the October 21, 2024 Regular City Council Meeting

2. Motion to Approve Closed Session Minutes of the October 21, 2024 Regular City Council Meeting

3. Motion to Approve Payment of Vouchers for the Period of October 17, 2024 through October 29, 2024 totaling $665,300.54

4. Ordinance No. 3684 Authorizing the Sale of Surplus Personal Property

5. Resolution No. 2024-23 Providing for the Appointment of Members of Certain Boards, Commissions, and Committees of the City of Columbia, Illinois for the Fiscal Year of the City Commencing May 1, 2024 and Ending April 30, 2025

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

Motion:

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

Motion Passed.

Roll Call Vote results:

6 Aye: Niemietz, Holtkamp, Riddle, Khoury, Lawlor, and Nobbe

0 Nay:

2 Absent: Huch and Hitzemann

0 Abstain:

J. Unfinished Business

1. Ordinance No. 3685 Approving a Special Use Permit to Allow a Short-Term Rental at 124 West Washington in the C-2 General Business District

Mr. Brimm informed the Council there has been no changes or amendments since the original presentation. Plan Commission recommends that the request be approved.

Motion:

It was moved by Alderman Lawlor, and seconded by Alderman Khoury, to approve Ordinance No. 3685 Approving a Special Use Permit to Allow a Short-Term Rental at 124 West Washington in the C-2 General Business District

Motion Passed.

Roll Call Vote results:

6 Aye: Niemietz, Holtkamp, Riddle, Khoury, Lawlor, and Nobbe

0 Nay:

2 Absent: Huch and Hitzemann

0 Abstain:

2. Resolution No. 2024-24 Authorizing the Execution of the Illinois Municipal League Risk Management Association Minimum/Maximum Contribution Agreement

Mr. Brimm updated the council about the city general liability property and workers compensation insurance. IML is proposing a 3% premium increase over the expiring term for the 2025 policy year. Staff is recommending continue participation in the min/max program.

Motion:

It was moved by Alderman Niemietz, and seconded by Alderman Holtkamp, to approve Resolution No. 2024-24 Authorizing the Execution of the Illinois Municipal League Risk Management Association Minimum/Maximum Contribution Agreement

Motion Passed.

Roll Call Vote results:

6 Aye: Niemietz, Holtkamp, Riddle, Khoury, Lawlor, and Nobbe

0 Nay:

2 Absent: Huch and Hitzemann

0 Abstain:

K. New Business

1. Discussion of 2025 Employee Benefits Renewal

Mr. Brimm reviewed Sonus Benefits recommendation to maintain status quo with the City’s current vendors for the 2025 benefit year, with Cigna continuing as carrier for medical benefits and SunLife for dental and vision benefits. The 6% increase is below the national average.

L. Closed Session

Mayor Hill informed the Council that he would entertain a motion to go into Closed Session to discuss 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5) Purchase or Lease of Real Property for the Use of the Public Body.

Motion:

It was moved by Alderman Niemietz, and seconded by Alderman Riddle, to direct the Mayor to go into Closed Session at 7:38 PM to discuss 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5) Purchase or Lease of Real Property for the Use of the Public Body.

Motion Passed.

Roll Call Vote results:

6 Aye: Niemietz, Holtkamp, Riddle, Khoury, Lawlor, and Nobbe

0 Nay:

2 Absent: Huch and Hitzemann

0 Abstain:

Mayor Hill called the Regular Session of the City Council back to order at 9:07 PM. Upon return to Regular Session, Aldermen Niemietz, Holtkamp, Riddle, Khoury, Lawlor, and Nobbe were present.

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, November 04, 2024 at 9:08 PM.

Motion Passed.

Roll Call Vote results:

6 Aye: Niemietz, Holtkamp, Riddle, Khoury, Lawlor, and Nobbe

0 Nay:

2 Absent: Huch and Hitzemann

0 Abstain:

https://www.columbiail.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11182024-372