City council approves consent agenda, easements and rezoning first-reading; fills Ward 1 vacancy

The City of Columbia Council on Aug. 14 took a series of routine and land-use actions, accepted a resignation, and filled a Ward 1 vacancy.

Key outcomes

- Acceptance of resignation: The council accepted the letter of resignation from Ward 1 Council Member Davida Hardison (item 6.2). Mayor Mulder moved to accept the resignation; the motion was seconded and approved by roll call (members voting in the affirmative included Mister Huffman, Mister Marshall, Mister McKelvey, Miss Seacrest, Vice Mayor McBroom and Mayor Mulder).

- Appointment to fill Ward 1 vacancy (item 11.1): The council nominated and approved Carl McCullough to fill the Ward 1 seat for the remainder of the term; he will be sworn in at the September meeting and will face a special election in November 2026. The nomination was moved by Charlie Huffman and seconded by Mister McKelvey; the motion passed on voice/roll call.

- Consent agenda (items 7.1–7.16): The council approved the consent agenda, which included June disbursements; renewals of property and workers’ compensation insurance with TML Public Entity Partners; contracts with Bidnet Direct, Loews Design, Compass Media, True Omni; purchase approvals (including a flushing trailer and seven Dodge police pursuit vehicles); a no-cost 16-month contract with the Tennessee…