City of Columbia, Missouri
Meeting Minutes
City Council
REVISED LOCATION
Council Chambers
Columbia City Hall
701 E. Broadway
Monday, June 13, 2022
5:00 PM
Work Session
I. CALL TO ORDER
Meeting was called to order at approximately 5:06 p.m.
Mayor Buffaloe mentioned that a Council member is unable to attend today’s meeting.
Mayor Buffaloe asked whether this member could attend via zoom or what the rules or
process is regarding this, specifically voting at work sessions. City Councilor Nancy
Thompson indicated it is not normal to vote at a work session and it would take an action
by the council to waive the vote to do that. Thompson mentioned that it was indicated to
the Council member it would take an action by the full Council to take a vote to waive the
rule.
Council member Foster asked if this determination is by rule or ordinance. Thompson
said by rule but the difficulty with these kinds of requests is normally for a vote to occur
you're going to have an agenda item that's been published in advance. This is in order to
have public awareness of that under the Sunshine Law, however if it is something the
Council would like to address and modify the rules, they can certainly do so, however it is
not advised as it isn’t best practice.
Mayor Buffaloe asked if anyone would like to make a motion to allow zoom attendance
for the June 13, 2022 work session only.
Voting Yes: Council Members Waner, Peters and Foster
Voting No: Council Members Skala, Pitzer and Buffaloe
Waner made a motion to allow zoom attendance for the June 13, 2022 work
session only, Peters seconded; motion failed.
6 - Peters, Skala, PItzer, Waner, Buffaloe, and Foster
Present:
Absent:
1 - Fowler
Water Rates Model Discussion
Finance Director, Matthew Lue presented the Council with a Water Rates Model
presentation. The Finance department in conjunction with the Water and Light
Department has put together this model. They looked at all of the different rates included
in the rate structure. Assistant Finance Director, Jim McDonald said the presentation will
show the Council the effects of or how the current rate is affecting our ability to potentially
get bonds and solutions to that issue.
Lue indicated that the water department is in a critical position and it needs to be
determined if bonds will be offered or not. If not, the water department couldn’t potentially
go negative.