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Columbus City council approves two police appointments, waives waiting period, and adopts four resolutions including Loop River Levy contracts
Summary
Council voted to appoint Moses Snider and Luis Roachcha as police officers (waiving the two-week waiting period) and unanimously adopted resolutions approving a farm lease at the municipal airport, an MCC practicum agreement, and two JO Consulting Group contracts for Loop River Levy assessment ($49,750) and erosion repairs ($11,750).
The Columbus City Council approved two police‑officer appointments and adopted four resolutions at the meeting.
The mayor submitted Moses Snider for appointment as a police officer to take effect at the March 2, 2026 meeting, subject to successful completion of required tests and training. The council moved, seconded and approved the appointment by voice vote and waived the usual two‑week waiting period. Moses Snider, who later introduced himself to the council, said he goes by “Hanky,” described five years as a news reporter and said he hopes to use his communication skills to connect with residents and be a trusted presence as an officer. “I’ve been a news reporter for good fiveish years and … when the chance and opportunity came available to be a police officer, it’s something I’ve thought about for a very long time,” Snider said.
The council also approved the appointment of Luis Roachcha, a Columbus resident and a seven‑year Army National Guard veteran. The civil service commission certified both candidates at its December 16, 2025 meeting. Roachcha introduced himself briefly after the vote and said, “Hopefully I’m able to make this town a better place.” Both appointments were described as budgeted positions; each appointee will attend the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center and complete the Columbus Police Department’s field training program.
On resolutions, the council adopted R26‑37 approving a farm lease with Wilkkey Cattle Company for farm ground at the Columbus Municipal Airport; R26‑38 authorizing an agreement with Metropolitan Community College to provide practicum experience for Columbus Fire Department EMT and paramedic students; R26‑39 approving a professional services agreement with JO Consulting Group Inc. for a Loop River Levy piping assessment and GIS development not to exceed $49,750 (CIP22‑23); and R26‑40 approving JO Consulting Group Inc. for Loop River Levy erosion repairs 2026 not to exceed $11,750 (CIP26‑10). A council member noted that inspection and assessment work on the levy is a recurring requirement tied to FEMA and federal agencies.
All motions were adopted by voice vote; no roll-call tallies were recorded in the transcript. Council members said they would invite Mr. Snider to a future meeting so he could be introduced formally to the public. The clerk noted that both appointments are subject to completion of training and certification requirements.
