The Columbia City Council used its Dec. 12 meeting to complete several personnel actions and ceremonial recognitions.

Council approved item 6.2 to authorize the mayor to execute a contract for legal services with Jake Hubbell; the mayor described Hubbell as helping provide continuity after the departure of long-serving City Attorney Tim Tischer. The vote to approve the contract passed on a voice vote after the mayor framed Hubbell's experience as municipal-court judge and recent assistance to the city.

At item 6.3 the council appointed Richard Matthews, a longtime city prosecutor, to serve as city judge; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

Council also approved retirement benefits and gave presentations for three long-serving employees: Police Captain Nicole Fall (recognized for approximately 28 years, 10 months of service), Donna Osman (senior administrative assistant, Public Works; recognized for 20 years, two months of service) and James Pennington (equipment operator II, Streets Department; recognized for approximately 27 years). Capt. Fall and Osman addressed the council; the chief and department leaders offered remarks and thanked the employees for their service.

In other ceremonial business, the council honored outgoing City Attorney Tim Tischer for more than two decades in the city attorney role (cited as 23 years in that position and nearly 30 years total public-service tenure). Tischer spoke briefly and thanked colleagues and staff. Plaques and a photo opportunity were held in the well.

Councilmembers Tony Green (10 years of service, Ward 3) and Danny Coleman (four years, Ward 5) were recognized during the meeting for their years of service; both received remarks from colleagues and offered responses. Mayor Mulder also thanked outgoing councilmember Debbie Wiles (not present) for her service after stepping into the role following the passing of her husband.

These personnel and ceremonial items were presented and approved during the Dec. 12 council meeting; council scheduled plaque presentations and a group photograph in the well before adjournment.