DEI, infrastructure, and public safety projects on Columbia City Council agenda
Marie Moyer
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
More than 30 items are on the agenda for Monday’s Columbia City Council meeting, ranging from million-dollar infrastructure projects to DEI initiatives.
The items are under the “consent agenda” section of the meeting, meaning that the City Council members will not discuss the items and instead either vote on them or move them to a later date for discussion.
According to meeting memos, the majority of the projects fall under infrastructure and public works. The most expensive project being considered Monday is the Henderson Branch extension, a $5.4 million construction plan to add a sewer line west of town. While expensive, supporters argue that it would help with future expansion.
The City is also considering constructing another salt dome on the south side of town. The project costs $4.7 million and plans to help with snow-clearing in the winter by giving salt trucks a second location on the other side of town to refill. Construction would be complete for the 2026-27 winter season, if approved.
A cost-share agreement with MoDOT is also up for vote. If passed, the little over $1 million plan will add pedestrian safety features like sidewalks and signals around the Interstate 70 and Route 63 connector.
Two paid studies are also on the table, one with Black & Veatch for $133 thousand to review costs for a South Side power line project. The review will be used for plans to improve the power line system to prevent blackouts.
The second study would come out of federal grant funding and hires Great Rivers Engineering for $500 thousand to review Business Loop 70 for transportation needs and opportunities.
Also on the docket is an item that would assure that whenever a federal grant is accepted, the City would file “assurances and certifications.” This means the City complies with government-wide requirements. While the bill does mention age, race, and disability, and sex discrimination, critics worry that modern DEI practices will be pushed aside.
Another notable item would make the city a Blue Shield City, an initiative launched by Gov. Kehoe in March that would give state grants to cities for law enforcement training and equipment.
The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday at Columbia’s City Hall.