South West Illinois News

City of Columbia City Council met June 16.

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 6:30 PM.

B. Roll Call

Present: Aldermen Holtkamp, Riddle, Khoury, Lawlor, Nobbe, Hitzemann, and Mayer. Absent: Alderman Huch.

Quorum present.

Administrative Staff present:

City Clerk Derek Reichert City Attorney Terry Bruckert

Deputy City Clerk Kelly Mathews City Engineer Chris Smith

IT Director James Mitchell Director of Public Works Mike Sander EMS Chief Kim Lamprecht Chief of Police Jason Donjon Library Director Michelle Sawicki

C. Pledge of Allegiance

Those in attendance recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

D. Proclamations/Recognitions/Presentations

There were Proclamations/Recognitions/Presentations.

E. Public Input

There was no Public Input.

F. Comments & Announcements ‐ Mayor

Mayor Hill reported the Columbia High School Girls Varsity Soccer team won the state championship. Mayor Hill also encouraged the public to attend the BackStoppers Hot Rod for Heroes car show on June 22, 2025.

G. Comments & Announcements ‐ Aldermen

There were no Aldermen Comments & Announcements.

H. Comments & Announcements – Department Directors

EMS Chief Kim Lamprecht announced the new full-time paramedic, Jason Nonn, will start on July 4, 2025.

Police Chief Jason Donjon reported a few officers will be in the City Hall parking lot during the Hot Rods for Heroes car show to perform drone demonstrations.

I. Consent Agenda

City Clerk Reichert read the Consent Agenda.

1. Motion to Approve Minutes of the June 2, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting

2. Motion to Approve Closed Session Minutes of the June 2, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting

3. Motion to Approve Payment of Vouchers for the Period of May 29, 2025 through June 11, 2025 Totaling $448,509.37

4. Motion to Approve Statement of Funds for May 31, 2025

5. Motion to Approve Special Event Permit – C.R.O.W.N. July 4th Bike Parade (July 4, 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 Hitzemann, and seconded by Alderman Nobbe, to approve the Consent Agenda as read.

Motion Passed.

Roll Call Vote results:

6 Aye: Holtkamp, Riddle, Khoury, Nobbe, Hitzemann, and Mayer

0 Nay:

1 Absent: Huch 1 Abstain: Lawlor

J. Unfinished Business

1. Resolution No. 2025-09 Awarding a Grant Under the Building Façade Program (808 South Main Street and 816 South Main Street)

Motion:

It was moved by Alderman Khoury, and seconded by Alderman Holtkamp, to Approve Resolution No. 2025-09, a Resolution Awarding a Grant Under the Building Façade Program (808 South Main Street and 816 South Main Street)

Motion Passed.

Roll Call Vote results:

7 Aye: Holtkamp, Riddle, Khoury, Lawlor, Nobbe, Hitzemann, and Mayer

0 Nay:

1 Absent: Huch

0 Abstain:

K. New Business

1. Discussion of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 8.28 of the City of Columbia Municipal Code Regarding Weeds

Mr. Bruckert reviewed a draft ordinance amending Chapter 8.28 of the Municipal Code. Mr. Bruckert explained there are nuisance weeds/grass habitual offenders within the City. It is being proposed that the Code be amended to eliminate the notice period prior to abatement after the third such occurrence. Mr. Bruckert also explained this amendment includes an escalation in the fee assessed on such owner or occupant for each subsequent offense. This amendment is intended to expedite the time it takes to abate these situations, and increase the financial penalty assessed on the responsible party.

The ordinance will be presented at the July 7, 2025 Council meeting for consideration.

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)(1) Appointment, Employment, Compensation, Discipline, Performance, or Dismissal of Specific Employees of the Public Body, 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2) Collective Bargaining, 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5) Purchase or Lease of Real Property for the Use of the Public Body, and 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11) Pending, Probable, or Imminent Litigation.

Motion:

It was moved by Alderman Lawlor, and seconded by Alderman Nobbe, to direct the Mayor to go into Closed Session at 6:45 PM to discuss 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) Appointment, Employment, Compensation, Discipline, Performance, or Dismissal of Specific Employees of the Public Body, 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2) Collective Bargaining and 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5) Purchase or Lease of Real Property for the Use of the Public Body, and 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11) Pending, Probable, or Imminent Litigation.

Motion Passed.

Roll Call Vote results:

7 Aye: Holtkamp, Riddle, Khoury, Lawlor, Nobbe and Hitzemann, and Mayer

0 Nay:

1 Absent: Huch

0 Abstain:

Mayor Hill called the Regular Session of the City Council back to order at 7:12 PM. Upon return to Regular Session, Aldermen Holtkamp, Riddle, Khoury, Lawlor, Nobbe, Hitzemann, and Mayer were present.

M. Announcements

There were no Announcements.

N. Adjournment

Motion:

It was moved by Alderman Lawlor, and seconded by Alderman Khoury to adjourn the Regular City Council meeting held Monday, June 16, 2025 at 7:13 PM.

Motion Passed.

Roll Call Vote results:

7 Aye: Holtkamp, Riddle, Khoury, Lawlor, Nobbe, Hitzemann, and Mayer

0 Nay:

1 Absent: Huch

0 Abstain:

https://www.columbiail.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07072025-407