City of Columbia, Missouri

Meeting Minutes

City Council

City Hall

Monday, February 17, 2025

7:00 PM

Regular

Council Chamber

701 E. Broadway

Columbia, MO

I. INTRODUCTORY ITEMS

The City Council of the City of Columbia, Missouri met for a regular meeting at 7:00 p.m.

on Monday, February 17, 2025, in the Council Chamber of the City of Columbia, Missouri.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and the roll was taken with the following results:

Council Member DON WATERMAN, Council Member BETSY PETERS, Mayor

BARBARA BUFFALOE, Council Member VALERIE CARROLL, Council Member LISA

E.A. MEYER, Council Member ROY LOVELADY, and Council Member NICK FOSTER

were present. City Manager De’Carlon Seewood, City Counselor Nancy Thompson, City

Clerk Sheela Amin, and various Department Heads and staff members were also present.

The minutes of the regular meeting of February 3, 2025 were approved unanimously by

voice vote on a motion by Mayor Buffaloe and a second by Council Member Lovelady.

The agenda, including the consent agenda, was approved unanimously by voice vote on a

motion by Mayor Buffaloe and a second by Council Member Foster.

II. SPECIAL ITEMS

None.

III. APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS

BC2-25

Board and Commission Applicants.

Upon receiving the majority vote of the Council, the following individuals were appointed to

the following Boards and Commissions.

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION CODES COMMISSION

Prevo, Paul, Boone County, Term to expire August 1, 2027

COLUMBIA SPORTS COMMISSION

Wilkinson, Neal, Ward 5, Term to expire December 31, 2026

COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS

Lubbering, Paige, Ward 6, Term to expire March 1, 2028

Sood, Meera, Ward 4, Term to expire March 1, 2028

FOOD COUNCIL

Meyer, Anna, Ward 1, Term to expire February 28, 2028

Molitor, Katie, Ward 1, Term to expire February 28, 2028

Weir Vera, Gabriela, Ward 2, Term to expire February 28, 2028

MAYOR’S COUNCIL ON PHYSICAL FITNESS AND HEALTH

DeSha, Leslie, Ward 6, Term to expire November 30, 2026

PARKING ADVISORY COMMISSION

Lowe, Shane, Ward 6, Term to expire February 1, 2026

PUBLIC TRANSIT ADVISORY COMMISSION

Brumbaugh, William, Ward 5, Term to expire March 1, 2028

TAX INCREMENT FINANCING COMMISSION

Bindbeutel, Duncan, Pittsburgh, PA (now) and Ward 4 (on/after May 5), Term to expire

September 1, 2028

IV. SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENT

SPC5-25

Deborah Kness - Gans Creek Park Recreation Area.

Deborah Kness did not speak.

SPC6-25

Ruth Williamson - Supporting Community Health Through Forest Bathing.

Ruth Williamson provided a handout and suggested that instead of mountain bike trails,

the City should create a space at the Gans Creek Recreational Area for forest bathing,

which was the art or practice of slowly walking through the forest with the intention of

experiencing nature with all of five senses as it would help people reduce stress and

anxiety while also improving the immune system and increasing anti-cancer cells.

SPC7-25

Jim Windsor - What is in the Public Good for critical issues related to the

water and electric utilities?

Jim Windsor, 200 Manor Drive, suggested the City move forward with the transmission

line along Nifong Boulevard as it was the least expensive and best fit the needs of the

system now and in the future, stated he did not agree with those that felt the City needed

to move to 100 percent renewables as it was an intermittent resource that could not

replace fossil fuels and would put the City in a very dangerous place financially, felt the

Council was lied to in 2019 when it was told annexing the water plant would not have a

fiscal impact as it caused water utility customers to pay an additional $400,000-plus to

the general fund, and suggested the tax rate calculation be reviewed, specifically for the

water utility.

V. PUBLIC HEARINGS

PH6-25

Proposed construction of renovations to the existing structure located at

1020 S. El Chaparral Avenue to provide office and interim fire crew spaces

associated with the design and construction of Fire Station #10.

The public hearing was read by the City Clerk.

Public Works Director Shane Creech provided a staff report.

Mayor Buffaloe opened the public hearing.

Eugene Elkin, 3406 Range Line Street, asked if this was the former Methodist Church

location.

Renee Carter, a Second Ward resident, asked if this location was close to a Boone

County Fire District station and for the reason if that was the case.

There being no further comment, Mayor Buffaloe closed the public hearing.

The Council asked questions and made comments.

Mayor Buffaloe made a motion authorizing staff to proceed with the construction

of renovations to the existing building at the site of the future Fire Station #10

located at 1020 S. El Chaparral Avenue. The motion was seconded by Council

Member Peters and approved unanimously by voice vote.

VI. OLD BUSINESS

None.

VII. CONSENT AGENDA

The following bills were given second reading and the resolutions were read by the City

Clerk.

B15-25

B16-25

Amending Chapter 2 of the City Code as it relates to membership terms

for the Parking Advisory Commission.

Approving the Planned Development of “The Cottages at Bristol Lake”

located on the northwest corner of Bristol Lake Parkway and Gans Road;

approving a revised statement of intent (Case No. 48-2025).

B17-25

B18-25

Authorizing the acquisition of easements associated with the construction

of a roundabout at the intersection of Veterans United Drive and MU

Healthcare Drive/Veterans United Middle Drive.

Authorizing an off-system bridge program agreement with the Missouri

Highways and Transportation Commission associated with the Old Plank

Road culvert structure replacement project; amending the FY 2025 Annual

Budget by appropriating funds.

B19-25

B20-25

Authorizing construction of storm water improvements on Bernadette Drive;

calling for bids through the Purchasing Division or authorizing a contract for

the work using a term and supply contractor.

Accepting a conveyance for underground electric utility purposes;

accepting a Stormwater Management/BMP Facilities Covenant; directing

the City Clerk to have the conveyances recorded.

B21-25

B22-25

Authorizing a contract with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior

Services for high impact HIV prevention and surveillance program services.

Authorizing a participation agreement with the Missouri Department of

Health and Senior Services for site inspection services associated with the

summer food service program and at-risk afterschool program.

B23-25

R19-25

Authorizing an agreement with Boone County, Missouri for 2025 animal

control services.

Setting a public hearing: proposed annexation of property located on the

north side of Highway KK and west of Villa Wood Court (5961 S. Highway

KK) (Case No. 96-2025).

R20-25

R21-25

Authorizing submittal of a Recreational Trails Program grant application for

the replacement or renovation of Bridges #9 and #10 on the MKT Trail.

Authorizing a sidewalk renovation cost share agreement with Forest Ridge

Homeowners Association for reconstruction of sidewalk adjacent to

property located at 4904 and 5200 Aspen Ridge Drive.

The bills were given third reading and the resolutions were read by the City

Clerk with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: WATERMAN, PETERS,

BUFFALOE, CARROLL, MEYER, LOVELADY, FOSTER. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Bills

declared enacted and resolutions declared adopted, reading as follows:

VIII. NEW BUSINESS

None.

IX. INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING

The following bills were introduced by the Mayor unless otherwise indicated, and all were

given first reading.

B24-25

B25-25

B26-25

B27-25

B28-25

B29-25

Rezoning property located on the northeast corner of North Cedar Lake

Drive and John Garry Drive from District M-N (Mixed-use Neighborhood) to

District R-MF (Multi-family Dwelling) (Case No. 64-2025).

Granting a design adjustment relating to the proposed Final Plat of

Tuscany Ridge, Plat No. 4 located west of Ravello Drive and Brown Station

Road to waive a utility easement dedication (Case No. 198-2024).

Approving the Final Plat of “Tuscany Ridge, Plat No. 4” located west of

Ravello Drive and Brown Station Road; authorizing a performance contract

(Case No. 198-2024).

Approving the Final Plat of “Lake Broadway, Plat No. 2A” located on the

southeast corner of Gary Street and Pershing Road; authorizing a

performance contract (Case No. 156-2024).

Approving the Final Plat of “Boone Prairie Village, Plat No. 2” located on

the northeast corner of Brown Station Road and Blue Ridge Road;

authorizing a performance contract (Case No. 224-2024).

Approving a major amendment to the “Fresh Karma” PD Plan located on

the west side of Cinnamon Hill Lane and east of U.S. Highway 63 (1407

Cinnamon Hill Lane); approving a revised statement of intent (Case No.

62-2025).

B30-25

B31-25

B32-25

Authorizing construction of renovations to the existing structure located at

1020 S. El Chaparral Avenue to provide office and interim fire crew spaces

associated with the design and construction of Fire Station #10; calling for

bids through the Purchasing Division.

Authorizing construction of the Richmond Avenue Private Common

Collector Elimination (PCCE) #35 sanitary sewer improvement project;

calling for bids through the Purchasing Division or authorizing a contract for

the work using a term and supply contractor.

Authorizing an amendment to the development agreement with Jack and

Kay Wax to establish public infrastructure obligations relating to the

extension of a sanitary sewer to property located at 709 Russell Boulevard

and 1811 Rollins Road and associated future construction of City’s

Oakwood Court Private Common Collector Elimination (PCCE) #31

sanitary sewer improvement project; directing the City Clerk to record the

amendment to the development agreement.

B33-25

B34-25

B35-25

Authorizing agreements with Mid-Missouri Radio Control Association and

Boone County, Missouri relating to licensure and operation of recreational

remote-control aircraft in designated areas.

Authorizing a real estate contract with the Columbia Housing Authority for

the acquisition of property located on Eighth Street to be incorporated into

the Cullimore Cottages development project.

Authorizing an agreement with Boone County, Missouri for 2025 public

health services.

X. REPORTS

REP10-25

REP11-25

Water and Light Advisory Board FY 2024 – Annual Report.

Utilities Director David Sorrell responded to Council questions and comments.

Winter Weather Events Report.

Public Works Director Shane Creech, City Manager De’Carlon Seewood, and Engineering

and Operations Manager Richard Stone responded to Council questions and comments.

REP12-25

Monthly Finance Report.

Finance Director Matthew Lue and Assistant Director Jim McDonald provided a staff

report, and they and City Manager De’Carlon Seewood responded to Council questions

and comments.

XI. GENERAL COMMENTS BY PUBLIC, COUNCIL AND STAFF

Eugene Elkin, 3406 Range Line Street, asked why Columbia was supplying electricity to

Fulton, indicated he was grateful for what the City has done for the homeless, and stated

cold milled flax seed could provide protein in place of eggs.

Jacque Sample, a Third Ward resident, asked the Council to consider sending a letter to

the Missouri Attorney General indicating it was not in the best interest of Columbia

citizens to be a part of the Texas versus Becerra lawsuit as it would repeal Section 504,

which would impact children living with disabilities, adults that were in supportive living

and relied on Section 504 funds, and businesses and employees in businesses who

might lose the protections of equity and access to work with a disability.

Sutu Forte thanked the Council for being at tonight’s meeting in light of the weather.

Demetria Stephens, a Third Ward resident, asked the Council to consider naming the

Douglass Park basketball courts after Scotty Williams, Tracy Edwards, and Rufus

Broadus, who were men that had worked countless hours in that park.

Erika Buford,

Third Ward resident, felt BeHeard and the 2023 Douglass Park

Juneteenth events were not the appropriate platforms to obtain feedback regarding this

project as foot traffic, mailings, phone calls, and the Cosmo Park Juneteenth event would

have been more productive, and suggested the City involve more than one or two

community members in discussions with Veterans United, Mizzou, etc. regarding this

project before moving forward.

Kimberly Jordan stated she was

a product of the work of Scotty Williams, Tracy

Edwards, and Rufus Broadus as a member of their basketball teams and appreciated

what they had done to bring positive energy into the community, and asked the Council

to reconsider some of the improvements to the Douglass Park basketball courts.

Traci Wilson-Kleekamp,

a representative of Race Matters, Friends, stated concerns

regarding whether the right people had been at the table for the Douglass Park

improvement project along with concerns about extensive corporate branding in public

spaces, especially since the University of Missouri had done away with diversity, equity,

and inclusion (DEI) goals, recruitment, etc., and suggested the need for structural

investments and interventions that addressed the root causes of inequity. She also

suggested meeting minutes be posted to the website so the public did not have to watch

the video for vote results, and for City staff to review the history of the Douglass Park

area.

Scotty Williams indicated he had worked for the Parks and Recreation Department for

over 30 years, felt the basketball court needed to be renovated, appreciated the

donations, understood if one court had to be named after Mr. Cox even though they did

not know him, and suggested at least one court be named in homage to Moonlight

Hoops.

Rufus “Doc” Broadus stated he had worked for the Parks and Recreation Department for

a number of years, agreed with Scotty Williams in that it was not about the names on the

court but rather the program, which had been established in conjunction with the Police

Department to give kids something to do and to keep a finger on the pulse of the

community, and the renovations that had been promised 20 years ago along with a

transparent process for those renovations.

Anthony Johnson, who was born and raised in Columbia, reiterated a group of men, which

included Rufus and Scotty, meant a lot to the community, felt this had been a learning

experience for everyone, and believed they should move forward now with a better

process that involved everyone.

James Gray, 1525 Affirm Drive, commented that many people made Douglass Park what

it was today, including Tracy Edwards who was a First Ward Ambassador and assisted

with various issues at all times, and suggested Midnight Hoops be started up again with

a better facility in the future to continue that work.

Alphia Hightower, a representative of Fun City Youth Academy, indicated that what

struck her about the Douglass Park basketball court improvements was the feeling of

disrespect or dismissal by many for not being a part of the process, believed everything

had been done correctly but the process had still missed a lot of people due to

communication issues, felt naming things specific to Douglass Park and areas rooted in

heritage, history, and legacy needed better processes, understood this was not a closed

deal as the Parks and Recreation Department staff and the donors were open to

conversations and engagement, and noted she looked forward to seeing this project get

the engagement it deserved.

D’Markus Thomas-Brown, a representative of the Columbia Chapter of the Southern

Christian Leadership Conference, read a statement indicating they understood many in

the historic black community of Columbia felt unheard and disregarded, feared results

similar to those that had taken place through urban renewal decades ago, believed the

University of Missouri had not built an adequate bridge to the historic black community,

and suggested the Parks and Recreation Department, the University of Missouri, and the

Veterans United Foundation reach out to those that had put their blood, sweat, and tears

in the Douglass Park community to remedy this disconnect.

Ruth Williamson stated her support to the opposition to the 504 lawsuit as it was

important to her and her friends.

The Council and staff discussed various topics to include concerns with the process

associated with the Douglass Park improvement project involving the basketball courts.

Council Member Carroll made

a motion for staff to reengage with the project

donors on the topic of the currently unnamed court and to report back to the

Council with a plan for reengaging with the public. The motion was seconded by

Council Member Meyer. After discussion, the motion was approved unanimously

by roll call vote with Council Member Waterman, Council Member Peters, Mayor

Buffaloe, Council Member Carroll, Council Member Meyer, Council Member

Lovelady, and Council Member Foster voting yes.

The Council and staff continued to discuss various topics including public restrooms in

the downtown area, appreciation for the comment of Anthony Johnson indicating the

Douglass Park improvement project had been a learning process for everyone, ensuring

the renovations to Douglass Park were not delayed, clarifying the pause on the electric

transmission line project was to obtain updated cost estimates, appreciation for Fire

Station #10 moving forward, thanking staff for being decisive and notifying the public in

advance about not picking up recycling due to the cold weather, thanking staff for all that

they did to help the City run, looking forward to Midnight Hoops returning to Douglass

Park, congratulations to the Columbia Police Department for making arrests associated

with shootings on February 12 on Madison Street, thanking those that came to the

meeting to speak about the Douglass Park improvements, the need for the public to learn

how City government works, i.e., its processes and procedures, as well as the need for

the City to develop creative and innovative ways to engage with the public, especially with

regard to the black and brown communities, appreciation for the investments in

communications in the past year in terms of outreach and engagement, the need to

continue with that effort, the fact the City was hosting a budget priorities town hall

meeting next Tuesday along with a Sixth Ward Let’s Talk Local event next Thursday at 6

p.m. at New Haven Elementary School, and a request for everyone to be patient during

this next snow event and to shovel their sidewalks.

Council Member Foster made

determine costs, address

motion for staff to identify possible locations,

maintenance and cleaning, and engage with

stakeholders for input with regard to public restrooms in the downtown area, and

report back to the Council. The motion was seconded by Council Member Carroll.

After discussion, the motion was approved unanimously by roll call vote with

Council Member Waterman, Council Member Peters, Mayor Buffaloe, Council

Member Carroll, Council Member Meyer, Council Member Lovelady, and Council

Member Foster voting yes.

The Council and staff continued to discuss various topics including the benefits of

participating in ridealongs with police officers, Council Member Foster encouraging other

Council Members to visit the police academy, the fact there was training within the policy

academy regarding how to deal with trauma as a police officer in order to help police

officers be healthy mentally, and participation at the First Responder Gala, which

supported first responders in addressing issues related to trauma and the impact it had

on them.

XII. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned without objection at 8:51 p.m.