May 5 council meeting recap
The following actions were taken at the Common Council's May 5 meeting:
Approved the consent agenda, including:
- Minutes of the Common Council meeting held on April 8, 2026
- Minutes of the Committee of the Whole, Common Council, and Council Workshop held on April 21, 2026
- Minutes of the Common Council meeting held on April 28, 2026
Adopted Ordinance 814-26, to repeal and recreate Section 2-31 of the City of Columbus Code of Ordinances concerning composition of the City Council. This ordinance establishes the process for filling City Council vacancies.
Adopted Ordinance 815-26, to amend Section 2-41(b) and to create Section 102-58(h) of the City of Columbus Code of Ordinances. This ordinance directs Public Works related matters to the Utility Commission.
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Approved mayoral appointments of Council members to the following boards, committees, commissions, and other bodies:
- Trina Reid to the Library Board and Police & Fire Commission
- Molly Finkler to the Utility Commission and Plan Commission
- Amy Roelke to the Columbus Area Aquatic Center Advisory Board and Tourism Commission
- Michael Lawson to the Community Development Authority and Public Spaces Committee
- Ryan Rostad to the Hillside Cemetery Association and Recreation Committee
- Mayor Joe Hammer to the following:
- Historic Landmarks Preservation Commission
- Columbus Area Aquatic Center Advisory Board
- Utility Commission
- Board of Review
- Tourism Commission
- Eastern Columbia County Municipal Court Board
Mayor Hammer announced the council vacancy for District 1, where interested individuals who are eligible to vote and reside in Alder District 1 are encouraged to complete the online interest form. The council intends to interview qualified individuals and may appoint a replacement at its May 19 meeting.
The council took the following actions:
- Approved "Public Works and Utilities Department" as the official name of the combined Public Works and Utilities Departments.
- Approved the Recreation Department's Support Fund Policy.
- Reduced the Pavilion deposit requirements for non-profit organizations.
- Denied an application for local historic designation of Fireman's Park. The Fireman's Park Complex with its contributing structures consisting of the Pavilion, Rest Haven, and the Pavilion Wall are currently listed on the State and National Register of Historic Places.
- Approved a tourism grant for the Columbus Chamber Choir in the amount of $2,008.66.
- Approved merit pay for staff as discussed in closed session.
- Approved Resolution 11-26 authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute any documents related to the sale of parcel 1114.1, located on Tower Drive. The council authorized the sale on February 17, 2026, and approved a development agreement with Lamps Landing LLC on April 21, 2026. This resolution allows completion of the sale as part of the closing process.
- Approved payment of claims through April 24, 2026, totaling $429,015.03.
May 7 council meeting recap
The City's Common Council took the following action at its May 7 meeting:
Approved the purchase of a 2026 HV507 SFA International front plow truck and wing with spreader in an amount not to exceed $259,524.71.
Additional community information
The following community information highlights upcoming city meetings and community events.
Upcoming city meetings
- May 11, 2026
- 6:00 p.m.: Public Spaces Committee
- 6:30 p.m.: Recreation Committee
- May 12, 2026
- 6:00 p.m.: Police & Fire Commission
- May 14, 2026
- 6:30 p.m.: Plan Commission
- May 19, 2026
- 5:00 p.m.: Library Board
- 5:15 p.m.: Joint Plan Commission - City Council Workshop
- 6:30 p.m.: Common Council
