Columbus Council adopts easements, parking updates and multiple contracts; solid-waste rule gets first reading

The Columbus City Council on May 4 approved a series of committee recommendations and resolutions covering easements, parking rules and a set of quotes and contracts, and advanced an ordinance change on handling solid waste to first reading.

Key votes and approvals

- The council adopted resolution R26-63 to approve a permanent sidewalk easement at 33rd Avenue and 21st Street (committee recommendation adopted by motion and voice vote).

- The council adopted resolution R26-64 approving a drainage easement west of Greyhawk Place (Culdeac area).

- The council adopted resolution R26-65, which reestablishes and updates downtown parking restrictions: it keeps two-hour limits on specific streets, reverts avenues to 24-hour parking to create short- and long-term options, and adds street-sweeping/no-parking windows (Tuesdays, 2–5 a.m.; seasonally Nov. 1–Mar. 31 when snow is forecast). Staff and a police representative said enforcement of downtown parking is largely complaint-driven.

- The council adopted R26-66 (first amendment to the fire and EMS agreement with the Columbus Fire Rural Fire Protection District) and R26-67 (change order No. 1 to Wretchens Construction Inc., $17,854.85 for change proposals on CIP25-67).

- Council approved a professional-services agreement with HDR Engineering Inc. for $80,400 to conduct a water-treatment plant pilot study (R26-68) and authorized acceptance of a grant agreement with the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency not to exceed $142,500 or 75% of allowable costs for a Columbus-area regional flood-mitigation assessment (R26-69). Council clarified this work is for flood mitigation study and planning, not floodplain designation.

Procurements, appointments and other approvals

- Appointment: Margaret ("Peg") Lazarski was appointed to the Civil Service Commission to fill an unexpired term through April 2029.

- Liquor license: Council recommended approval to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission for a secondary catering license for 23rd West LLC (Bose West Sports Bar) at 3720 23rd Street.

- Contracts/quotes accepted: a Wimhof Refrigeration quote of $17,383.72 (Quail Run Pro Shop AC, reallocated CIP funds); a CDW Government quote for Microsoft 365 mailbox licenses was accepted (amount listed in the meeting materials; transcript lists the figure with unclear formatting); and HydroClean LLC was approved for storm-sewer cleaning ($42,515.93).

Ordinance first reading

Council presented ordinance 26-08 (first reading) to amend city code section 50.35 to add regulations requiring periodic removal of solid waste on private property, either by property owners or licensed haulers. Tara (city staff) said the rule targets properties creating nuisances and noted that many residents already receive regular trash service. Councilmembers discussed whether the ordinance should require weekly removal or allow biweekly pickup; one councilmember said they opposed requiring weekly removal. The ordinance was read for the first time; no vote is required for first reading.

Why it matters: The parking changes and solid-waste regulation alter day-to-day life in downtown and neighborhoods — affecting business customers, long-term parkers and properties that have not historically had regular trash removal. The flood-mitigation grant and water-treatment pilot study could lead to future capital projects that affect infrastructure and budgets.

Next steps: The solid-waste amendment will proceed through the ordinance process; council will oversee implementation of adopted resolutions and listed contract work will move to procurement/contract administration.