The Columbus City Council is back in action next week, though will begin its regular meeting at a new time.
The Council is set to meet at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 7th, 2023, in the Chamber on the third floor of the Columbus Community Building, 2500 14th St. The idea to move the meetings up one hour first came about in June 2023 during a Committee of the Whole meeting and was subsequently approved by Council to take effect in August.
There will be a public hearing regarding an application to the Nebraska Department of Economic Development for a Community Development Block Grant in the amount of $435,000 for commercial rehabilitation, general administration, and construction management in conjunction with the Downtown Revitalization Project.
The Council will also consider an application from The Friedhof Building for a special designated liquor license on 27th Avenue from 13th Street to the alley from 5:30 p.m.-midnight Aug. 25th, 2023, for a street festival.
Council members will review and consider resolutions to approve Columbus Fire Department’s backup rescue plan, an addendum to lease Hangar Aircraft with Sky Roamers LLC to relocate Hangar No. 1508-3, to continue Columbus/Platte County enhanced 911 service surcharge of $1 per month on each local exchange access line physically terminating in the 911 service area, and to approve a permanent drainage easement agreement with Juliann Nosal.
The City of Columbus in early July relocated into the new City Hall back and the City Council hosted its first-ever meeting in its new Chamber July 5th on the third level of the Columbus Community Building. Monday’s meeting will not be livestreamed on YouTube as work continues to install the proper technology to do so and staff will then have to train to put it to good use.
That said, council members have continued to encourage residents to come to the meetings to watch and participate during public comment.
“One thing I love about Council is the ability people have to come and sit, whether there’s an item on the agenda they want to discuss or not,” Council member Katherine Lopez said. “It’s just a good way to connect with your council members and the representatives from your ward. … I would love to see more people.”
To see the full meeting agenda, click here.