[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6155954,"mediaKeyId","5472930-47e5ebc0bad9fae246f343b0e87380ad","parentId",5472930,"title","Columbia approves Strong Park Phase 3 improvements ahead of PDGA amateur world championships","audioSeconds",520,"startMs",3206000,"endMs",3726000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5472930-47e5ebc0bad9fae246f343b0e87380ad&start=3206&end=3726","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5472930-47e5ebc0bad9fae246f343b0e87380ad/thumbnail_3206000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6155954/Columbia/Boone-County/Missouri/Columbia-approves-Strong-Park-Phase-3-improvements-ahead-of-PDGA-amateur-world-championships","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6155954-76a52014d33048f070f86635bf8f3665/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171824&Signature=L0XrxU3gZ2IFEumnOP1ZMRy5SbL8GZ0p59Ezz7hbPMTlGOgofFwAHYcLn~SZY9WXsio4gyI9jrvvndgU38g6OTlmjsupjd2hFQ7Bxx0lPZefZFjtyUT3NOW8BwMrYtsBE5N4WJjQ6vFeo3mqF5Dwp24VxsUfJSjjGaxqYlo5zQLiC3Vf-vU4oYZtRvN8DhQ-Kl~SCs7LEOECIiI3YRKoorRmTFzbn2VQCxKb~zUzQajMKbRANy2-t-LoJ0S99-pweJ9zO43dEq2c8mcEtfVUyWavSXcZhI99WG2wQ~0vh9o7ZZHDjekh3b1uwuZCCVHTPGKiNoU3-yE7Clq5nazwtA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","MO / City of Columbia","date","2025-05-19T00:00:00Z","article","The City Council approved construction of Phase 3 improvements at Strong Park, including four low‑water creek crossings, stream bank restoration, erosion control on Hole 8 and other maintenance and accessibility upgrades aimed in part at making the course usable for more days of the year and ready for the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) Amateur World Championships in August.

Gabe Huffington, parks and recreation director, told the council the project budget totals $250,000 in park sales tax funding, with a mid‑year FY2025 appropriation of $150,000 and the remaining $100,000 planned for FY2026. “Our improvements include low water crossings on two of the holes, stream bank restoration, some T pad work … and erosion control improvements,” Huffington said.

The crossings are engineered as steel‑beam, open‑panel structures providing roughly 30–36 inches of clearance so water can flow through while allowing safer passage for players, staff and volunteers. Huffington said the design was reviewed by engineering consultants and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and that doing the work in June–July minimizes rain delays because the park’s Harmony Benz course floods seasonally.

Why it matters: Strong Park’s Harmony Benz course is a high‑use amenity that draws out‑of‑state visitors; speakers said the improvements will increase accessibility for participants with limited mobility, reduce maintenance demands, and support economic activity tied to major events. Adam Morrison, president of the Columbia Disc Golf Club, provided usage statistics from UDisc and said the course is “the seventh most played course in Missouri” on that platform; other speakers described out‑of‑state license plates and visitors who travel to play the course.

Public comment was uniformly supportive. Ken Rice, a Bellwood subdivision resident and HOA vice president, urged the city to coordinate a pedestrian connector from Bellwood to Strong Park. Several members of the disc golf community emphasized the tournament and economic benefits: Justin Jackson said the event could generate enough local spending to recoup the project cost during the championship week.

Formal action: Council Bill 125, an ordinance determining the project is in the public interest, approving plans and authorizing appropriations and prevailing‑wage compliance, passed on second reading; roll call recorded unanimous support. Council members noted accessibility gains and the opportunity to host national events.

Next steps and implementation: Staff will complete design and coordinate any required trail connections with adjacent subdivisions, including neighborhood outreach with Bellwood and Bowood residents. The parks department also plans additional stream bank restoration work along Harmony Creek as funding allows.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Columbia City Council Regular Meeting May 19, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Columbia City Council approved Phase 3 improvements at Strong Park — including low‑water creek crossings, erosion control and accessibility upgrades — funded with $250,000 in park sales tax proceeds to ready the Harmony Benz course for the PDGA Amateur World Championships.","taxTitle","Columbia, Boone County, Missouri","taxId",2593,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6155959,"Columbia Council OKs final design work for Henderson Branch sewer extension, sets connection fee plan",1618,1525000,3143000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5472930-47e5ebc0bad9fae246f343b0e87380ad&start=1525&end=3143","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5472930-47e5ebc0bad9fae246f343b0e87380ad/thumbnail_1525000.jpg","/articles/6155959/Columbia/Boone-County/Missouri/Columbia-Council-OKs-final-design-work-for-Henderson-Branch-sewer-extension-sets-connection-fee-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6155959-aca617878794f3ecfe63ebc44f4df704/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171824&Signature=ZrOAbVKpxWwinre0KKa4il2oYC7W~ZRoxhBn3ea2VQBiVd1VYsoUX82L9XheF2yL857J8BfErfQ0VlRIldCpYH2L~OPgCzGWgr-j6XTBAI9VTRUtQxaR9ZhNWEVkqp9oUm3Dhs5BFqvzq6NPTIFFIdQGtJSO7HJQs0C9NzK9q-rw7ntvLMSAnCoBTwt-0mrvyng0cE1jbeP1V2qsK3thT4541194q8ku~sNU6Pl7WXxCk3lz-Qkby6vRggtG9TamzrnuGlNPUQlHKvmFirwC6yt0nsmoph8wDjKnQDCjxsxGTHfPt-wp0CxI3qCbb2A8nZOBE9c01kTHXJ62J6KtMg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Columbia City Council voted to authorize staff to proceed with final design and to establish a special connection fee for a proposed sanitary sewer extension to serve the Henderson Branch watershed, a city staff public hearing and discussion showed on May 19.

Erin Keyes, interim utilities director, told the council this project would construct roughly 10,000 linear feet of 15- to 21-inch sewer pipe and serve about 14–15 acres around the I‑70/Highway 40 Midway area. “The estimated work for the project is $5,400,000 to be paid from sewer utility funds with reimbursement of these costs through special connection fees charged to the properties as they connect to the sewer,” Keyes said during her staff report.

The proposal includes a mechanism for property-specific special connection fees so current ratepayers do not bear the full cost if some properties decline to connect. Keyes said property owners would pay the special connection fee only if they choose to annex to the city and connect; staff will also coordinate with Boone County Regional Sewer District and MoDOT as the plan is finalized.

Why it matters: Council and staff said the sewer extension would reduce discharges to local waterways by removing at least two non‑city treatment facilities that together discharge about 17,500 gallons per day into Henderson Branch, which flows to Perchey Creek. The extension was identified in prior sewer master plans and in the voter‑approved 2013 sewer bond ballot initiative. Supporters said sewer service also enables economic activity and housing options in the area.

Council members pressed staff on costs, floodplain impacts and whether the project would reduce money available for ongoing sewer rehabilitation work. Keyes said the sewer utility has been spending at least $2.7 million per year on rehabilitation since 2015 and that staff believes the rehabilitation program can continue if this extension moves forward, noting the city has significant cash reserves and unsold bond authority that could also fund construction if needed.

Public comment at the hearing included property owners and business operators in the Midway area. Joe Bechtold, owner of the Midway Truck Stop, said, “I think in my opinion … property owners out there are very positive about this extension.” Tim Rost, owner of Midway Golf and Games, said the extension could unlock commercial development and “a lot of revenue for the City of Columbia.”

Council concerns and conditions: Councilmember Valerie (first name used in the meeting) emphasized floodplain issues and said annexation of properties within the floodplain is a key concern. Keyes replied the design raises the pipe elevation to meet DNR standards and that annexation would be required for property connections in the area where the pipe is extended.

Formal action: Mayor Buffalo moved to authorize staff to proceed with final design and to establish a special connection fee; the motion was seconded by Councilmember Betsy (first name used in the meeting) and carried on a voice/roll call vote (recorded tally: 10 in favor). The motion directs staff to finalize design, pursue easements and coordinate with Boone County Regional Sewer District and MoDOT, while recovering costs through special connection fees as properties annex and connect.

What remains: Staff estimated the design work and easement acquisition could be finalized after coordination with MoDOT and a more final interchange plan is anticipated in December; staff said not all project costs are expected to be recovered if some properties never annex and connect. Key details — including which properties ultimately connect and the pace of annexations — remain to be determined.","The City Council authorized staff to complete final design for a sewer extension to serve the Henderson Branch watershed, with staff estimating about $5.4 million in construction paid from the sewer utility and reimbursed through special connection fees if properties connect; annexation will be required to connect.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6155944,"Council affirms compliance with federal assurances, votes to indemnify officials filing federal certifications amid public questions",834,4593000,5427000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5472930-47e5ebc0bad9fae246f343b0e87380ad&start=4593&end=5427","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5472930-47e5ebc0bad9fae246f343b0e87380ad/thumbnail_4593000.jpg","/articles/6155944/Columbia/Boone-County/Missouri/Council-affirms-compliance-with-federal-assurances-votes-to-indemnify-officials-filing-federal-certifications-amid-public-questions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6155944-bc2b4e59b39bc31bb388ee6e7d69eac2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171825&Signature=evZwcWcGE1MHXgfFDthWuWyT2Bkna8OQJdae86I8GBIqCBANj1uoZYsj3Ltio8Hfo~KTVrjaCbIklhtumYnnLIwJA~MeQCtx1pGsGEWqmEDqv9Ek2OBL4l6OLoTvDYEzBmpfhOsegi~3Lnh9F8lXI5GZt9F5iFaoogatD3HhpUwHM6btrGNhYfy9MauQwoPFpss63-x1DOBPVLGshWd0XSYJXKtEVRanJGWHS07KZbUPWAjkgvnraYRDy1W0PDHK0thrdmITq7XLgiI3uuBUAqxRYu-pFcnlV4LFa2ybvrx53BKJ4ph0oFbKKj7JLOSgftBYXtEzk3yE1nvqPGUaKA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Columbia City Council adopted Resolution 76‑25 on May 19, a measure staff described as protecting city officials who file required federal assurances and certifications when the city is party to federal grants or contracts.

“City officials are required to file what are known as assurances and certifications whenever the city is party to any federal contract or grant,” a staff representative said in presenting the measure, describing recent federal communications and a letter from the U.S. secretary of transportation as background. “This resolution would protect the city manager or the city manager’s designees from personal liability for engaging in official duties related to filing those financial assurances and certifications.”

Why it matters: Staff told council that federal financial assistance awards now commonly include standard terms and conditions and that some federal agencies have signaled a more aggressive enforcement posture; the resolution also reaffirms the city’s commitment to nondiscrimination and merit‑based personnel policies.

Public comment: Several members of the public asked for more detail and questioned the need and scope of the resolution. Althea Hightower, a Second Ward resident, said she reviewed the materials and asked why the False Claims Act was not referenced and whether the resolution’s language properly described the risk of prosecution or its applicability to non‑manager employees. “I would like to know how that specifically applies to the city manager,” Hightower said, and asked for sources showing the resolution is necessary.

Ken Rice, a resident, likewise asked why extra protection was needed if the city is complying with federal law. “If we're following the law like we're supposed to, what's the need for protection on here?” Rice asked in public comment.

Council discussion: Councilmembers said the item responds to recent federal guidance and is intended to protect staff executing duties on behalf of council. Councilmember Valerie (first name used in the meeting) asked staff to clarify whether calling out specific programs or executive orders was necessary; staff responded that the resolution language reflects legal advice and staff’s judgment about what should be adopted.

Formal action: The council adopted Resolution 76‑25 on a roll call vote (recorded as unanimous in the meeting record). The resolution states that the city will defend, indemnify and hold harmless city officials who in good faith perform duties related to filing federal assurances and certifications and reaffirms the city will not engage in unlawful discriminatory practices.

Follow-up: The council indicated related policy work would continue; staff said a separate policy resolution had been tabled earlier and will return for further council consideration. Several public commenters asked for fuller documentation and legal justification; staff offered to share the complete application packet prepared for related federal programs.","The council adopted Resolution 76‑25 to reaffirm compliance with federal assurances and to protect the city manager and staff from personal liability when filing federal assurances and certifications for federal grants and contracts; the measure drew public questions about scope and necessity.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6155949,"Council fills multiple boards and commissions vacancies, several seats decided after multiple ballots",482,211000,693000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5472930-47e5ebc0bad9fae246f343b0e87380ad&start=211&end=693","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5472930-47e5ebc0bad9fae246f343b0e87380ad/thumbnail_211000.jpg","/articles/6155949/Columbia/Boone-County/Missouri/Council-fills-multiple-boards-and-commissions-vacancies-several-seats-decided-after-multiple-ballots","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6155949-5af3fabd6b716cb6f6000d5fa7a998fa/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171825&Signature=UweKrkESGJspSixF2ZeFclnlkWozES3PDGFW-9xC54NH4i-waZdYHnJbmT3v0FqA97hkR-VsnNRJGgLGzhdHUzI7fkbiASkvf7zO7xSkrnLZjCOdq-y15tURGDE2u5uUJl4XjD9UPptZ0lsPL3Mun-8vUH~1arrMRRyZIpraH2Hfg6NvLXABHlfYQPshD0Fjb~pixsdtHft-DX9zQFjthHWmrOz4hIUyqY7i02CpBe7TjVhdy57KMYXA1vzJP89wfQ9X74Ek-j08V-EdmjSuYy5IMYrjfU3xv8-MZ2wyMIvYNLR9Lw1kKxFFhewXdGkWZWy-THuHgTM6rmUQkGrs8Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Columbia City Council appointed candidates to several boards and commissions during the May 19 meeting, filling resident and at‑large vacancies in bodies that advise the city on housing, disabilities, human services, parks and planning.

Mayor Buffalo announced appointments to the Columbia Housing Authority: Anthony Allen was appointed to the CHA resident seat and Steven Smith to an at‑large seat (term ending May 31, 2029). The council also filled multiple seats on the Disability Commission; after council roll calls Joseph Facto was selected for a knowledge‑of‑interest vacancy (Facto received five votes) and Richard Perkins and Alexis Zimmerman were elected to significant‑disability vacancies (Zimmerman received six votes). Multiple round voting was required for some seats.

Megan Gilligan received six votes and was appointed to the Human Services Commission vacancy; Chad Henry (Ward 2) and Paul Morrison (Ward 3) were placed on the Parks and Recreation Committee without objection. Planning and Zoning Commission slots required repeated ballots: Kate Stockton, Cody Darr and Les Gray were among those who ultimately secured seats after several rounds of voting. For the Youth Advisory Council, Kate Carocchi was appointed to a term through 2028.

Why it matters: Boards and commissions shape city advisory work ranging from housing policy and disability access to land‑use review. Several seats required multiple ballots before achieving the required number of votes, demonstrating the council’s deliberative selection process. Council members reminded the public vacancies are posted and encouraged citizens to apply.

Process notes: Sheila (city clerk) called roll for each ballot; several rounds of voting were recorded on the public record for Planning & Zoning seats, reflecting that no candidate initially achieved the four‑vote threshold in those contests. The transcript includes inconsistent spellings for a few names across ballots; the city clerk’s official appointment records will provide final, authoritative spellings and term dates.

Implementation: Appointed members will begin their service as stipulate by their respective commission rules; the council noted the vacancy posting schedule and encouraged additional applications for future openings.","The council made numerous appointments to boards and commissions, including Columbia Housing Authority resident seat, Disability Commission, Human Services Commission, Parks and Recreation Committee and Planning & Zoning Commission; some positions required multiple roll‑call ballots to reach the required vote threshold.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Columbia approves Strong Park Phase 3 improvements ahead of PDGA amateur world championships

Columbia Council OKs final design work for Henderson Branch sewer extension, sets connection fee plan

Council affirms compliance with federal assurances, votes to indemnify officials filing federal certifications amid public questions

Council fills multiple boards and commissions vacancies, several seats decided after multiple ballots