South West Illinois News

City of Columbia City Council met Sept. 2.

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 Huch, Holtkamp, Riddle, Khoury, Lawlor, and Hitzemann.

Absent: Aldermen Nobbe and Mayer.

Quorum present.

Administrative Staff present:

City Administrator Douglas Brimm City Clerk Derek Reichert

City Attorney Terry Bruckert City Engineer Chris Smith

City Treasurer Emily Voellinger Deputy Chief of Police Karla Heine

Library Director Michelle Sawicki Land Use & Planning Coordinator John Brancaglione EMS Chief Kim Lamprecht Director of Public Works Mike Sander IT Support Analyst Courtney Konarcik

C. Pledge of Allegiance

Those in attendance recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

D. Proclamations/Recognitions/Presentations

There were no Proclamations/Recognitions/Presentations.

E. Public Input

Paul Meyers and Brandon Shikles with STL Bartenders To Go addressed the Council explaining they wish to open a business in Columbia. However, the business they wish to open would require an amendment to the municipal liquor code. Mr. Bruckert reviewed what the code amendment would entail.

F. Comments & Announcements - Mayor

Mayor Hill reported the 12th Annual Songs4Soliders Benefit Concert will be September 5-6, 2025 at Bolm-Schuhkraft Park.

Mayor Hill also announced the final Music at Metter concert for 2025 will be September 14, 2025 at Metter Park.

G. Comments & Announcements - Aldermen

There were no Aldermen Comments & Announcements.

H. Comments & Announcements – Department Directors

There were no Department Directors Comments & Announcements.

I. Consent Agenda

1. Motion to Approve Minutes of the August 18, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting

2. Motion to Approve Closed Session Minutes of the August 18, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting

3. Motion to Approve Payment of Vouchers for the Period of August 14, 2025 through August 28, 2025 totaling $271,669.64

4. Motion to Approve Knights of Columbus Donation Drive Request (September 19-20, 2025)

5. Motion to Approve Special Event Permit – Columbia High School Homecoming Parade (September 28, 2025)

6. Motion to Approve Special Event Permit – Blue Jay Football Association Meat Shoot (November 1, 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 Holtkamp, to approve the Consent Agenda as read.

Motion Passed.

Roll Call Vote results:

6 Aye: Huch, Holtkamp, Riddle, Khoury, Lawlor, and Hitzemann

0 Nay:

2 Absent: Nobbe and Mayer

0 Abstain:

J. Unfinished Business

1. Update on Recodification of Columbia Municipal Code

Mr. Brimm reviewed a timeline of the recodification of the municipal code and explained it is expected to be presented by the end of October for final review.

Mr. Brancaglione explained the recodification will include a reorganization structuring the code into three sections to include combining the zoning, subdivision, and building codes into a unified development section.

K. New Business

1. Discussion of Upcoming Development Initiatives

Mr. Brimm explained City Staff is currently working with the developer of Country Crossing II on options involving an existing sewer recoupment agreement.

Mr. Brimm also provided a brief update on Valmeyer Road and the approach the City intends to follow to complete the required repairs.

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 and 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11) Pending, Probable, or Imminent Litigation.

Motion:

It was moved by Alderman Hitzemann, and seconded by Alderman Riddle, to direct the Mayor to go into Closed Session at 7:07 PM to 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:

6 Aye: Huch, Holtkamp, Riddle, Khoury, Lawlor, and Hitzemann

0 Nay:

2 Absent: Nobbe and Mayer

0 Abstain:

Mayor Hill called the Regular Session of the City Council back to order at 7:50 PM. Upon return to Regular Session, Aldermen Huch, Holtkamp, Riddle, Khoury, Lawlor, and Hitzemann were present.

M. Announcements

There were no Announcements.

N. Adjournment

Motion:

It was moved by Alderman Huch, and seconded by Alderman Holtkamp to adjourn the Regular City Council meeting held Tuesday, September 02, 2025 at 8:22PM.

Motion Passed.

Roll Call Vote results:

6 Aye: Huch, Holtkamp, Riddle, Khoury, Lawlor, and Hitzemann

0 Nay:

2 Absent: Nobbe and Mayer

0 Abstain:

https://www.columbiail.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09152025-419