Local Government

The Columbia City Council is scheduled to hear public input and vote on both proposals during it's regular meeting on Monday night. 

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has put its review of the city road project on hold, saying that homes slated for demolition may have historic value and that the city provided an inadequate report on its plans.

The Regional Economic Development Inc. board members have voted to speak out against a proposed staff reduction at Columbia's mail processing center, citing the loss of jobs and reduced postal service.

Bob McDavid, Karl Skala and Ian Thomas took their oaths of office Monday to begin their new terms as mayor and Third and Fourth wards councilmen, respectively.

The mid-February snow reduced the number of passengers, so American Airlines did not meet the minimum revenue promised in the fund agreement. The airline withdrew more than $22,000 from the city's revenue guaranteed fund as compensation.

Residents can boost city efficiency by reporting potholes online or by phone.

The survey will inquire about the Columbia Regional Airport, public health services, communication preferences and customer services.

The new tag line is accompanied by a colorful new logo, print ads and a television commercial.

The federal health insurance program expanding coverage will take effect in January.

Many local leaders agree that Tuesday's elections could shift the council's policies. The victors in Tuesday's City Council elections, Karl Skala and Ian Thomas, tend to  be more cautious about the public costs of development.

Columbia Mayor Bob McDavid was re-elected to a second term Tuesday, but challengers Karl Skala and Ian Thomas defeated incumbents to win seats on the City Council.

Ian Thomas, former director of the PedNet Coalition, defeated incumbent Daryl Dudley and Bill Weitkemper with more than 47 percent of the vote.

Bob McDavid won with 60.9 percent of the votes and plans to focus a lot of attention on the growth of the business community.

Challenger Karl Skala defeated incumbent Gary Kespohl with 54.2 percent to take back a seat on the Columbia City Council.

The three-eighths-cent tax takes effect Oct. 1. Boone County officials said they'll start working toward upgrades as soon as this week.

The ballot measure passed by 70 percent to 30 percent. The final vote tally was 8,950 in favor to 3,851 against.

In Columbia, three seats on the City Council are up for grabs. Voters also cast ballots for mayor and for a Boone County amendment that would increase sales tax to pay for an overhaul of the 911 and emergency management operations.

The council agreed to the use of about $227,000 in local revenue and police forfeiture funds to purchase the vehicle for the Columbia Police Department.

The public is invited to discuss ideas for the center during a meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The proposed construction of a convenience store at Grindstone Parkway and Rock Quarry Road is unpopular among some neighbors but was approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission. The armored personnel carrier would cost more than $200,000.