City of Columbia, Missouri  
Meeting Minutes - Final  
City Council  
City Hall  
Conference Room  
1A/1B  
Monday, December 15, 2025  
5:00 PM  
Pre-Council  
701 E. Broadway  
Columbia, MO  
I. CALL TO ORDER  
The Mayor called the meeting to order at approximately 5 p.m.  
7 - Buffaloe, Foster, Waterman, Peters, Carroll, Sample, and Elwood  
Present:  
Chapter 5 Discussion  
Attachments: Board of Health Recommended Edits  
Presentation  
Rebecca Roesslett, Public Health Director, shared information on the cause for this  
review and some background. The proposed revisions have been reviewed and  
recommended by the Board of Health. The changes were grouped into the following  
categories: changes to feral cat ordinance, vicious dog hearings, tethering requirements,  
and number of dogs/cats allowed in any household.  
Rebecca reviewed some of the proposed changes to definitions, including changes to the  
definition of a feral cat colony.  
Kevin Meyers, Animal Control Supervisor, shared information on changes to animal bite  
cases, specifically related to impounding a pet at home if the animal was current on their  
rabies vaccine and a current city license obtained within three business days. Kevin  
noted that for animals impounded at home, it was an honor system to ensure any  
required quarantine was adhered to.  
The proposed changes to the animal neglect section to clearly define “adequate care” to  
include food, water, shelter, and health care. The changes would also require protection  
during severe weather.  
There were a number of suggested changes to the dangerous or aggressive animals  
section. The changes would establish a clear and consistent process that would align  
with similar processes in Boone county. Council member Nick Foster asked about the  
differences between City and County animal control enforcement. The Mayor noted that it  
may not be possible to use a County appointed advisory commission.  
The current city ordinance allows for 4 pets, with the exception of puppies under 6  
months. The Board thoroughly discussed what changes would work in Columbia.  
Rebecca noted that animal control is a complaint-driven model - they get involved if a  
neighbor complains about sound, order, dogs outside all hours of the night, etc. The  
Board proposed clear parameters if an individual exceeded the limit, including ensuring  
the animal was sterilized, up to date on vaccinations, licensed with the City, and have  
permission with the property owner of their residence, if renting. This would allow  
flexibility where appropriate, while maintaining neighborhood standards and animal  
welfare. It would also add an annual permit fee of $50 per additional animal over 4 pets.  
Rebecca noted that this would still be complaint driven. Kevin noted that some  
households may have five dogs and are able to give proper care to all five. He added that,  
absent this change, it would be challenging for households such as that to determine  
which dog would be rehomed. Council member Vera Elwood asked if community  
members could proactively go through the permit process if they knew they would be  
taking in a parent’s or child’s pets. Rebecca said that it would be appropriate for that,  
though she thought it would more often be reactive. She added that the neighborhood  
standards would need to be maintained. She also emphasized that staff relies heavily on  
the expertise of animal control staff and their recommendations. Council member Don  
Waterman asked how often animal control finds a home with a household exceeding the  
pet limit. Rebecca noted that if animal control gets involved then it’s typically a situation  
where the animals aren’t well taken care of.  
The proposed changes to feral cat colonies would lower barriers for participation. Kevin  
noted that the current requirements could be cost prohibitive. It would remove the annual  
testing requirements, but it would require at least one rabies shot. This would remove the  
microchip requirement as well. Kevin provided some information on what feral cat colonies  
look like and why it is important to spay/neuter the cats. Kevin noted that there is only  
one official feral cat colony, but that there were likely more due to the number of calls  
about people feeding cats.  
Council member Betsy Peters asked when it may come to Council for consideration.  
Rebecca asked if there was anything Council needed more information on - the Mayor  
asked about the makeup of the commission. Council member Valerie Carroll asked about  
the public engagement process. Rebecca noted that they broke up the sections of the  
ordinance by subject matter, as well as shared information on BeHeard. Rebecca said  
they would use similar platforms, such as social media and BeHeard, to engage with the  
public. Dr. Tom Rose, Board of Health, shared some information on the comment periods  
during their meetings. Waterman asked about a general education plan, as he did know  
how well known the pet limit or feral cat colonies were. Rebecca noted that, if changed,  
staff would work on communication strategies, such as sharing information with new  
residents when they open utility accounts. Kevin noted that they start with education on  
everything before enforcement. Rebecca noted that the shelters are full, so it is not the  
goal to put more animals in the shelters.  
The Mayor noted that an updated ordinance would come to Council, and requested  
information in the memo on engagement and education. She expressed appreciation for  
the thoroughness of the review.  
II. ANY OTHER ITEMS COUNCIL MAY WISH TO DISCUSS  
The Mayor shared the three items that were planned to be pulled from Consent on the  
Council's agenda.  
III. ADJOURNMENT  
The meeting adjourned at approximately 5:58 p.m.