South West Illinois News

City of Columbia City Council met Oct. 6.

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, October 06, 2025 in the Council Room of City Hall. 

A. Call Meeting to order 

Mayor Hill called the city council of Columbia, Illinois to order at 6:30 PM. 

8. Rollcall 

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

Absent: None. 

Quorum present. 

Administrative Staff present: 

City Administrator Douglas Brimm 

City Attorney Terry Bruckert 

Deputy City Clerk Kelly Mathews 

Library Director Michelle Sawicki 

Chief of Police Jason Donjon 

C. Pledge of Allegiance 

City clerk Derek Reichert 

City Engineer Chris Smith 

City Treasurer Emily Voellinger 

Land Use & planning Coordinator John Brancaglione 

Director of Public Works Mike Sander 

Those-in attendance recited the Pledge of AIIegiance. 

D. Proclamations/Recognitions/Presentations 

1. Domestic Violence Awareness Month proclamation 

Mayor Hill proclaimed the month of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Kay Clements reported The Violence Prevention Center of Southwestern Illinois has placed purple ribbons throughout the City in an effort to Paint the Town Purple to raise awareness about domestic violence. New this year, each ribbon features a QR code that directs residents to the Violence Prevention Center of Southwestern lIIinois's website 

2. Outstanding citizen Award-Julie Binder 

Mayor Hill presented Julie Binder with an Outstanding Citizen Award in recognition of her outstanding dedication and consistent effort in keeping Columbia clean and beautiful. Ms. Binder has been picking up litter along Route 3 for the past 15 years. 

E. Public Input 

Susan Barker addressed the Council regarding the need of smaller homes for senior citizens within the City. 

Kenny Goleaner, Kelly Bujnak, and Patty Whaley addressed the Council regarding the 5th Addition to Pioneer Ridge Subdivision. 

F. Business prior to public Input 

1. Public Hearing on proposed Right-of-Wav vacation (Adjacent to Monroe county parcel lD "-i54Ooun2rooo) 

i. Motion to Open public Hearing 

Motion: 

It was moved by Alderman Riddle, and seconded by Alderman Nobbe, to Open the Proposed Right-of-Way Vacation (Adjacent to Monroe County Parcel ID #04-15400- 002-000) Public Hearing at 6:41 PM. 

Motion Passed. 

Roll Call Vote results: 

8 Aye: Huch, Holtkamp, Riddle, Khoury, Lawlor, Nobbe, Hitzemann, and Mayer 

0 Nay: 

0 Absent: 

0 Abstain: 

ii. Staff Report 

Mr. Brancaglione presented the Staff Report. 

iii. Public Input 

There was no Public Input. 

iv. Motion to Adjourn public Hearing 

Motion: 

It was moved by Alderman Riddle, and seconded by Alderman Khoury, to Close the Proposed Right-of-Way Vacation (Adjacent to Monroe County Parcel lD #04-15400- 002-000) Public Hearing at 6:45 PM. 

Motion Passed. 

Roll Call Vote results: 

8 Aye: Huch, Holtkamp, Riddle, Khoury, Lawlor, Nobbe, Hitzemann, and Mayer 0 Nay: 

0 Absent: 

0 Abstain: 

G. Comments & Announcements -Mayor 

There were no Mayor Comments & Announcements. 

H. Comments & Announcements -Aldermen 

There were no Aldermen Comments & Announcements. 

I. Comments & Announcements -Department Directors 

There were no Department Directors Comments & Announcements. 

I. Consent Agenda 

City clerk Reichert read the Consent Agenda. 

1. Motion to Approve Minutes of the September 15, 2025 Regular city council Meeting 2. Motion to Approve closed session Minutes of the September 15, 2025 Regular city Council Meeting 

3. Motion to Approve payment of vouchers for the period of September 16, 2025 through October 2, 2025 totaling $784,820.93 

4. Resolution No. 2025-19 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, 2025 and Ending April 30, 2026 

5. Resolution No. 2025-20 Regarding the Destruction of closed Session Recordings 

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 Riddle, to approve the Consent Agenda as read. 

Motion Passed. 

Roll Call Vote results: 

8 Aye: Huch, Holtkamp, Riddle, Khoury, Lawlor, Nobbe, Hitzemann, and Mayer 

0 Nay: 

0 Absent: 

0 Abstain: 

K. Unfinished Business 

1. Resolution No. 2025-21 Approving a Development Agreement between City of Columbia and A&B Land, Inc. and Pioneer Ridge, Inc. 

Motion: 

It was moved by Alderman Lawlor, and seconded by Alderman Nobbe, to Pass and 

Approve Resolution No. 2025-21, a Resolution Approving a Development Agreement between City of Columbia and A&B Land, Inc. and Pioneer Ridge, Inc. 

Motion Passed. 

Roll Call Vote results: 

8 Aye: Huch, Holtkamp, Riddle, Khoury, Lawlor, Nobbe, Hitzemann, and Mayer 

0 Nay: 

0 Absent: 

0 Abstain: 

2. Ordinance No. 3706 Authorizing the Execution of an Annexation Agreement between the City of Columbia, Illinois and A&B Land, Inc. for the Annexation and Zoning of a 6,528 Square Foot Portion of a Tract of Real Estate Located North of Centerville Road, 

Monroe County Parcel ID Number 04-15403ro23-000, for the Future Development of Fifth Addition to Pioneer Ridge Subdivision 

Motion: 

It was moved by Alderman Khoury, and seconded by Alderman Huch, to Pass and Approve Ordinance No. 3706, an Ordinance Authorizing the Execution of an Annexation Agreement between the City of Columbia, Illinois and A&B Land, lnc. for the Annexation and Zoning of a 6,528 Square Foot Portion of a Tract of Real Estate Located North of Centerville Road, Monroe County Parcel ID Number 04-15-403ro23-000, for the Future Development of Fifth Addition to Pioneer Ridge Subdivision 

Motion Passed. 

Roll Call Vote results: 

8 Aye: Huch, Holtkamp, Riddle, Khoury, Lawlor, Nobbe, Hitzemann, and Mayer 

0 Nay: 

0 Absent: 

0 Abstain: 

3. Ordinance No. 3707 Approving a Zoning Map Amendment to Rezone Parcels #04-15- 400-002-000, 04-15-403-020-000, 04-15-403-023-000, 04-15-403-013-000, 04-15-403- 014-000 and 04-15-403-019-000 from A-1 Agricultural District, R-3 One-Family Dwelling District and R-6 One-Family Dwelling District to R-4 One-Family Dwelling District and R-5 One-Family Dwelling District Located East of Breidecker Street between East Wood Drive and Centerville Road 

Motion: 

It was moved by Alderman Lawlor, and seconded by Alderman Khoury, to Pass and Approve Ordinance No. 3707, an Ordinance Approving a Zoning Map Amendment to Rezone Parcels #04-15-400-002-000, 04-15-403-020-000, 04-15-403-023-000, 04-15- 403-013-000, 04-15-403-014-000 and 04-15-403-019-000 from A-1 Agricultural District, R-3 One-Family Dwelling District and R-6 One-Family Dwelling District to R-4 One-Family Dwelling District and R-5 One-Family Dwelling District Located East of Breidecker Street between East Wood Drive and Centerville Road 

Motion Passed. 

Roll Call Vote results: 

8 Aye: Huch, Holtkamp, Riddle, Khoury, Lawlor, Nobbe, Hitzemann, and Mayer 

0 Nay: 

0 Absent: 

0 Abstain: 

4. Ordinance No. 3708 Approving the Preliminary Subdivision Plat of the Fifth Addition to Pioneer Ridge Subdivision 

Motion: 

It was moved by Alderman Mayer, and seconded by Alderman Huch, to pass and Approve Ordinance No. 3708, an Ordinance Approving the Preliminary Subdivision Plat of the Fifth Addition to Pioneer Ridge Subdivision 

Motion Passed. 

Roll Call Vote results: 

8 Aye: Huch, Holtkamp, Riddle, Khoury, Lawlor, Nobbe, Hitzemann, and Mayer 0 Nay: 

0 Absent: 

0 Abstain: 

5. Ordinance No. 3709 Approving a Vacation of Right-of-Way Located Southeast of High Ridge Drive and Pioneer Ridge Drive, Monroe County Parcel ID Number 04-15-400-002- 000 

Motion: 

It was moved by Alderman Hitzemann, and seconded by Alderman Holtkamp, to Pass and Approve Ordinance No. 3709, an Ordinance Approving a Vacation of Right-of-Way Located Southeast of High Ridge Drive and Pioneer Ridge Drive, Monroe County Parcel lD Number 04-15-400-002-000 

Motion Passed. 

Roll Call Vote results: 

8 Aye: Huch, Holtkamp, Riddle, Khoury, Lawlor, Nobbe, Hitzemann, and Mayer 

0 Nay: 

0 Absent: 

0 Abstain: 

6. Ordinance No. 3710 Repealing and Replacing Chapter 15.44, ``Sign Code'', of the City of Columbia, Illinois Municipal Code 

Motion: 

It was moved by Alderman Hitzemann, and seconded by Alderman Huch, to Pass and Approve Ordinance No. 3710, an Ordinance Repealing and Replacing Chapter 15.44, "Sign Code", of the City of Columbia, Illinois Municipal Code 

Motion Passed. 

Roll Call Vote results: 

8 Aye: Huch, Holtkamp, Riddle, Khoury, Lawlor, Nobbe, Hitzemann, and Mayer 

0 Nay: 

0 Absent: 

0 Abstain: 

7. Resolution No. 2025-22 to Levy a Tax Up to .02% of the Value of the Taxable Property in the City of Columbia, Illinois for Columbia Public Library Building and Equipment Purposes 

Motion: 

It was moved by Alderman Mayer, and seconded by Alderman Huch, to Pass and Approve Resolution No. 2025-22, a Resolution to Levy a Tax Up to .02% of the Value of the Taxable Property in the City of Columbia, Illinois for Columbia Public Library Building and Equipment Purposes 

Motion Passed. 

Roll Call Vote results: 

8 Aye: Huch, Holtkamp, Riddle, Khoury, Lawlor, Nobbe, Hitzemann, and Mayer 

0 Nay: 

0 Absent: 

0 Abstain: 

8. Consideration of Revised Site Development plan for Phasing and Sign Package for the St. Louis Steamers First Community Sports Complex (480 DD Road) 

Motion: 

It was moved by Alderman Nobbe, and seconded by Alderman Lawlor, to Approve of the of Revised Site Development Plan for Phasing and Sign Package for the St. Louis Steamers First Community Sports Complex (480 DD Road) 

Motion Passed. 

Roll Call Vote results: 

8 Aye: Huch, Holtkamp, Riddle, Khoury, Lawlor, Nobbe, Hitzemann, and Mayer 0 Nay: 

0 Absent: 

0 Abstain: 

L. New Business 

1. Discussion of status of Refuse/Recycling collection contract 

Mr. Brimm reported the contract with Reliable Sanitation expires November 30, 2025. Mr. Brimm is currently in negotiations with Reliable Sanitation. Mr. Brimm explained the City is considering allowing 95 gallon carts at each residence. A resolution will be presented at a future Council meeting for consideration of renewing the contract with Reliable Sanitation. 

2. Discussion of Facade Grant  Application (208 N. Main st.) 

Alderman Nobbe stated the Facade Grant Committee received an application from Joy Schlemmer to install wrought iron railing across the back sidewalk of her building located at 208 N. Main Street. Alderman Nobbe explained upon consideration, the Facade Grant Committee recommended approval of the request as submitted. 

M. 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 Use of the Public Body, 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(6) Setting a Price for the Sale or Lease of Property Owned by the Public Body, 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11) Pending, Probable, or Imminent Litigation, and 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(21) Discussion of Minutes of Meetings Lawfully Closed Under the Act. 

Motion: 

It was moved by Alderman Lawlor, and seconded by Alderman Riddle, to direct the Mayor to 

go into Closed Session at 7:22 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, 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5) Purchase or Lease of Real Property for Use of the Public Body, 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(6) Setting a Price for the Sale or Lease of Property Owned by the Public Body, 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11) Pending, Probable, or Imminent Litigation, and 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(21) Discussion of Minutes of Meetings Lawfully Closed Under the Act. 

Motion Passed. 

Roll Call Vote results: 

8 Aye: Huch, Holtkamp, Riddle, Khoury, Lawlor, Nobbe, Hitzemann, and Mayer 0 Nay: 

0 Absent: 

0 Abstain: 

Mayor Hill called the Regular Session of the City Council back to order at 7:59 PM. Upon return to Regular Session, Aldermen Huch, Holtkamp, Riddle, Khoury, Lawlor, Nobbe, Hitzemann, and Mayer were present. 

N. Announcements 

Alderman Nobbe thanked City staff for all the work put into FestiFall. 

Mayor Hill announced Witches Night Out will be October 9, 2025. 

0. Adjournment 

Motion: 

It was moved by Alderman Hitzemann, and seconded by Alderman Khoury to adjourn the Regular City Council meeting held Monday, October 06, 2025 at 8:01 PM. 

Motion Passed. 

Roll Call Vote results: 

8 Aye: Huch, Holtkamp, Riddle, Khoury, Lawlor, Nobbe, Hitzemann, and Mayer 

0 Nay: 

0 Absent: 

0 Abstain:

https://www.columbiail.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10062025-422