Columbia residents can expect downtown construction on Broadway to continue through at least May 1.
Labor issues and supply chain problems that started in late 2022 and have since been resolved caused construction delays at 1000 E. Broadway, according to a city staff report. The building under construction at that location is slated to have retail space on the ground floor with five floors of apartments above it, according to previous Missourian reporting.
The Columbia City Council on Monday will hear a resolution to extend the temporary closure of parking lanes and an alley near Broadway because of the construction. The closure began in October 2022, according to a council resolution. The council voted to extend the initial closure twice.
The closures include parking lanes and some sidewalks along the south side of East Broadway between South Tenth Street and Hitt Street, along the east side of South Tenth Street between East Broadway and Cherry Street and portions of the alley behind 1000 E. Broadway.
Improve I-70
Another City Council item will be introduced authorizing the city to enter into an agreement with the Missouri Department of Transportation regarding improvements to the Interstate 70 corridor from just east of Route B to just east of Route 54 in Kingdom City and to the I-70/U.S. 63 connector interchange.
According to previous Missourian reporting, MoDOT is pursuing a project dubbed Improve I-70, which includes adding a new lane on each side of I-70 across the state. A portion of I-70 between Columbia and Kingdom City is scheduled for the first segment of the project to be completed, with an expected completion date of late 2027.
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Business fees
The council also will consider an amendment to Chapter 13 of the city code relating to occupational business license fees. Staff is looking into increasing the maximum annual fee a business license can cost.
In September of last year, the city approved an amendment increasing the fee from $750 to $3,000. Monday’s amendment will consider raising that limit to a maximum of $50,000 over the next five fiscal years.
Other possible action
Also on the council agenda:
- Consideration of an ordinance that, if approved, would appropriate $38,280 to planning for 2024 Juneteenth celebrations, according to a council memo. The funding comes from a Missouri Division of Tourism grant.
- A proposed ordinance to amend the city code to establish a food council. The food council would advise the city on matters pertaining to equitable and sustainable food systems, according to a council memo.
- Receipt of a letter from the Commission on Human Rights. The letter requests that the city adopt the proposed LGBTQ+ sanctuary city ordinance in a “timely fashion.”
- Possible authorization of improvements to the Gans Creek Recreation Area. The budget for the project is $380,000 and will include a playground for children ages 5-12, two metal shelters and a 7-mile trail for hiking and biking. The budget includes $225,000 in sales tax revenue from Columbia’s Parks and Recreation Department and $155,000 from donations. The city will issue a bid for the project, anticipated to be completed by October.
- A proposed amendment to Chapter 19 of the city code to add a paid family and medical leave benefit for city workers. The benefit will provide permanent employees up to six weeks of paid leave per year and will take effect Jan. 7.
- A report requesting to add a secondary street sign honoring the Sharp End historic business district at four intersections. The signs will read “Historic Sharp End” and will be attached to the existing primary street name signs. If approved, the signs will be placed at the intersections of Fifth and Walnut streets, Sixth and Walnut streets, Fifth and Ash streets, and Sixth and Ash streets.