Local Government

The three candidates were required to file new reports eight days before next Tuesday's special election.

Candidates for the Fifth Ward City Council seat say the community must be involved in fighting crime and that Police Chief Ken Burton must be held accountable for fixing morale in his department.

Fifth Ward council candidates say they will be careful using public money to promote economic development.

Columbia's Historic Preservation Commission will hold a public hearing Thursday to seek alternative solutions to a road construction project in the Grasslands that would demolish eight homes.

The Columbia Parks and Recreation Department will hold a public meeting on Jan. 31 to discuss a proposed master plan for the Waters-Moss Wildlife Nature Area on Old 63.

The developer proposed building 53 homes and 11 villa-style duplexes on the property, which is immediately north of Rock Bridge Memorial State Park.

The council voted 3-3 on the moratorium for new downtown demolition permits. The tie means the measure is defeated. The moratorium can be reintroduced with the support of four council members. 

The Columbia City Council discussed various options for the Grindstone Trail at a work session before its regular meeting.

The three-eighths-of-a-cent sales tax would generate more than $9 million per year and would finance a new building and other improvements for the 911 and emergency management center.

An investigation of 2002 campaign finance violations prompted the Missouri Ethics Commission to fine Jones $2,500.

The revised plat shows fewer lots and a buffer between homes and Rock Bridge Memorial State Park.

The decision came after the Downtown Community Improvement District voted to oppose the proposed six-month moratorium.

Residents contributed more than 50,000 hours of service in fiscal 2012, according to a city report.

The three candidates address crime, snow removal and airport issues at third forum of special election campaign season.

The address for the incumbent mayor's website was leased by an anonymous entity and redirected on Saturday.

Columbia mayoral candidate Sam Allison established city residency and filed to run for office on the same day. City Clerk Sheela Amin said the city's charter and ordinances establish no minimum residency requirements for City Council candidates.

Campaign finance reports filed with the Missouri Ethics Commission show breadth of candidates' networks.

Downtown and citywide planning and the city bus system were among the topics discussed during the luncheon.

Developers are talking with neighbors about amendments to plans for a subdivision adjacent to Rock Bridge Memorial State Park.

A St. Louis development firm wants to purchase the circa 1837 building, considered Columbia’s oldest, and raze it to use the site for 15 stories of apartments. Opposition comes from the Historic Preservation Commission and others.