By Sharon Burton
Adair County Community Voice Editor
The Columbia city council met for its regular monthly meeting Monday night. During the meeting the council approved $12,000 for the Columbia-Adair County Airport. The request came from the airport board, whose members volunteer their time for the upkeep of the facility and grounds.
The city council accepted a bid for black aluminum fencing around a new splash pad being constructed at the city park from DGS Fence Co. for $13,896. The council approved an earlier bid but voted to rebid after making a change to the specifications as recommended by DGS Fence.
The city council approved a bid for phase 2 for Citizens Park, which is property located on Burkesville St. The bid includes a dog park, gravel for a roadway, and removing old buildings on the property. Luxury Lawn and Landscape had the low bid of $29,136. The council voted to accept the low bid.
Councilman Robert Flowers said he has received a lot of calls about phase 1 not being completed, which includes a walking trail. Phase 1 was approved several months ago. Following discussion, the council voted to notify the contractor they have 30 days to complete the project.
The council appointed Lisa Coop to the board of adjustments and Amy Walker to the Board of Assessment Appeals.
The council gave first reading on a budget amendment for the current fiscal year, which ends June 30, and first reading for a budget for the 2023-24 fiscal year. Mayor Pam Hoots said the proposed budget includes a 5 percent pay increase for employees, pays firefighters an extra $5 per run within the city limits, and allocates funding for three fire hydrants, two in the major shopping area on Burkesville St. and one on West Page St.
Mayor Hoots received approval to apply for a grant to install charging stations for electric vehicles. If approved, fast-charging stations would be installed.
Mayor Hoots gave the council an update on several properties in the city limits where owners were cited under the city’s nuisance ordinance. The owners of five properties are in the process of cleaning them and have been given 30 days to complete the cleanup, Hoots said.
Council members Rhonda Loy, Sharon Payne, Mark Harris, Robert Flowers and Dr. Ronald Rogers attended the meeting. Hannah Peck was absent.
